EP 285 Unlocking Fulfillment: Somatic Healing, Success, and Embodied Leadership with Angel Howard

Welcome to an eye-opening episode of the "Stuck In My Mind Podcast," hosted by Wize El Jefe, featuring a profound conversation with the multi-faceted Angel Howard—professional dancer, corporate executive, somatic movement therapist, and founder of Wild Heart Expressive and the Chakra Mental Method. This episode, rich with authentic reflection and practical wisdom, is a heartfelt exploration into the power of embodiment, the challenges of high achievement, and the essential role of communication in well-being and leadership. The Body Never Lies: A Journey from Burnout to Alignment The episode begins with Wize El Jefe reflecting on his own journey to meaning through podcasting, setting the stage for Angel Howard's transformative story. Angel Howard candidly shares her corporate beginnings in the high-pressure world of 1980s business culture. She describes the physical and emotional toll of burnout—“the day I couldn’t get off the couch”—and how this was a wake-up call to attend not just to outward success, but to inner fulfillment. Through firsthand anecdotes, she illustrates how the relentless pursuit of “more” is often empty, driving individuals away from their true needs and into exhaustion. What makes Angel Howard’s narrative compelling is her recognition that the body holds and expresses our deepest stories, even when words fail us. She unpacks the dynamics of corporate posturing, the “peacocking” of success, and how the disconnect between words and bodily signals breeds mistrust. The somatic awareness she brings is not only insightful but actionable, offering listeners a lens to examine their own lived experiences of stress, ambition, and authenticity. Cross-Cultural Discoveries & Reclaiming Joy A pivotal moment in Angel Howard’s journey was her time studying and living in Europe, where she discovered cultures that prize communal meals, relaxation, and appreciation for life beyond work. The contrast between European and American work cultures highlights the importance of self-care and the integration of play and rest into daily life. Wize El Jefe resonates with this, contemplating how fear and lack of courage can hold people back from living more joyfully and authentically. The episode finds its emotional center when Angel Howard asks Wize El Jefe what feeds his soul—a question that opens up a vulnerable, honest discussion about finding purpose through podcasting, self-growth, and spiritual practice. Both speakers share how intentional reflection, affirmations, and connecting to a higher purpose have brought them greater alignment and joy. The Healing Power of Movement Angel Howard delves deeper into how movement became her lifeline during personal crisis, notably in the aftermath of a traumatic marriage experience. She recounts lying in fetal position, paralyzed by grief, and discovering that simply moving her body—even a finger—helped her process pain and reclaim her sense of self. This raw story exemplifies the essence of somatic healing: expressing and releasing emotions through embodied practices. She explains the foundations of her work with Wild Heart Expressive and the Chakra Mental Method, integrating yogic principles, elements like fire and water, and the understanding of how emotional states manifest physically. Her approach helps individuals locate sensations in the body, connect them with emotions and stories, and begin the process of conscious, embodied leadership. Success, High Achievement, and Why “More” is Never Enough The conversation turns to why high achievers—especially those shaped by achievement-oriented families and demanding career environments—often feel unfulfilled despite their visible success. Angel Howard shares her personal struggle with always feeling she must do better, never being “enough,” and how this internalized pressure can become like an addiction to achievement itself. Crucially, she encourages listeners to celebrate every milestone and practice gratitude, rather than relentlessly chasing external validation. The pair discuss the pernicious effects of social comparison, particularly in the era of social media, and how true fulfillment requires shifting focus from external accomplishments to internal motivations. Angel Howard suggests practical self-inquiry questions for listeners who sense something missing beneath their success: Why do you feel unfulfilled? Are your motivations driven by genuine internal desires or by societal expectations and comparison? Communication: The Foundation of All Relationships One of the most powerful themes of the episode is communication—both internal (with oneself) and external (with others). Angel Howard reveals that 93% of communication is nonverbal, consisting of body language, eye contact, and gestures. This insight becomes crucial in the realm of leadership, where congruence between words and embodied presence breeds trust and inspires teams. As she prepares for her next ...