The Michelle Chalfant Show — Life from the Adult Chair

In this episode, I'm joined by Adult Chair® Certified Coach Michelle Wootten for a practical, real-life conversation about the "how-to" of healing and staying grounded when life gets messy. We talk about generational trauma, setting boundaries with toxic family members, navigating grief when relationships change, and using the Adult Chair tools to strengthen communication in marriage. Michelle shares her personal story of hitting a breaking point, how her body signaled it was time to stop, and what helped her begin healing from the inside out. You'll also hear honest insights about going no-contact with an adult child, holding grief and joy at the same time, and why trigger work is one of the most powerful paths to transformation. In this episode, you'll learn: What it really means to live in your Adult Chair How chronic stress and emotional suppression can build over time and eventually show up in the body What it can look like to set boundaries with a toxic adult child, including the grief that can come with it Why healing isn't linear and how to hold both grief and joy at the same time How trigger work can help heal generational patterns and create change for future generations How Adult Chair tools helped Michelle strengthen her marriage, especially around attachment styles and communication Resources from this Episode: Connect with Michelle Wootten on her website: https://www.michellewootten.com/ Get the Relationship Reset Course here. Listen to all of Michelle Chalfant's meditations & Inner Child work on YouTube! MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

In this episode, I'm joined by my dear friend Dr. Liz Burkholder, a holistic nurse practitioner and the founder of Go Within Institute. Liz opens up about her cancer diagnosis and shares the very conscious, guided approach she's taken, rooted in deep inner work, intuition, and mind-body healing. We explore what Liz calls "the consciousness of cancer," how the body can hold repressed emotions, and why healing requires both practical support and emotional release. Liz also shares jaw-dropping updates from her imaging, including lesions disappearing and a primary lesion shrinking significantly, even without conventional treatment. In this episode, you'll hear: What it means to meet the "consciousness" of an illness, and why Liz sees cancer as information, not just pathology Why trusting your intuition can be one of the most important factors in healing The 10 common factors behind unexpected healing The role of repressed emotions How boundaries and nervous system support matter when other people's fear is loud Resources from this Episode: GoWithin Institute | Heal Yourself Dr. Kelly Turner's books: Radical Remission and Radical Hope Listen to #43: Living Through Cancer in The Adult Chair MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Bradley Nelson, creator of The Emotion Code and The Body Code, to talk about his newer work, The Heart Code and the powerful concept of the "heart wall." We explore how trapped emotions form, how they can impact the body and mind (including anxiety, depression, disconnection, and low self-worth), and what it can look like to clear them so you can feel more love, joy, and belonging in your life. Dr. Brad also walks me through a real, live heart wall clearing, so you can hear what the process sounds like in real time. In this episode, you'll learn: What a "heart wall" is, and why Dr. Brad believes most people have one How trapped emotions form (and why they sometimes get "stuck") The surprising link between emotional baggage and physical pain How inherited and absorbed emotions can become part of your emotional reality Why clearing emotional energy can unlock love, creativity, connection, and belonging What to expect after a heart wall release, including how the integration period can feel Resources from this Episode: Visit Dr. Bradley's website here. The Emotion Code by Dr. Bradley Nelson The Body Code by Dr. Bradley Nelson The Heart Code by Dr. Bradley Nelson MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Today's episode is a special one as we celebrate the 500th episode of the show and over 11 million downloads worldwide. I'm joined by Jess Giacobbe from my team, who turns the microphone around and asks me the questions listeners have always wanted to ask about my journey, my work, and what I've learned along the way. We talk about how this podcast began, the real behind-the-scenes moments that challenged me, the times I almost quit, and how learning to trust my intuition changed everything. I also share what "downloads" actually feel like, how triggers reveal unconscious beliefs, and why real change can happen faster than you think when you shift your response. *Congratulations to the winners of our 500th Episode Giveaway - Heather R. & Joellen G. Thank you to everyone who shared the podcast or left a review!* In this episode, you'll learn: How the podcast began and why I almost didn't start it What intuition and "downloads" actually feel like in real life The biggest lessons I learned from setbacks and rebuilding my business Why triggers reveal old beliefs and how to use them for growth How to stay grounded in your Adult Chair even during life's hardest moments Resources from this Episode: Get your free trigger kit here! In case you haven't already, get your copy of The Adult Chair book now MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Today, I'm joined by scientist, nutritionist, and emotional eating and self-sabotage coach Matty Lansdown for a real conversation about health and weight that goes way deeper than food rules. Matty shares why most of us already know what to do, but still feel stuck, and how the real shift happens when you understand the patterns underneath your choices. We talk about emotional eating, trauma and self-protection, dopamine loops, and the unsexy truth that sustainable change usually comes from building awareness first, then making small tweaks consistently, without triggering rebellion. In this episode, we explore: Why it's "not about calories or kale," it's mindset and behavior change Two common roots behind emotional eating: trauma and dopamine-driven self-soothing A simple awareness practice: track what you eat, where you eat, and what you feel "One tweak a week" and why slow change is often the only change that sticks How rebellion gets triggered by rigid plans, and how self-guided empowerment helps Why naming the emotion can quiet a craving (Michelle shares her own "potato chips" moment) Fermented foods, gut health, and how the microbiome can influence your body's set Obesogens, plastics, and common chemicals that may disrupt metabolism and hormones Resources from this Episode: Connect with Matty Lansdown: Visit Matty's website Matty's Podcast: The Real Weight Loss Coach Matty on Instagram: @the.real.weight.loss.coach MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Today, I'm joined by Sonia Flores, someone I've known and worked with for years, and after a team meeting where she dropped a phrase that stopped us all in our tracks, I knew we had to bring it to the podcast. The term is "Mantourage Dating," and it's a powerful way to date from self-worth, boundaries, and grounded confidence. This conversation is about dating, but it's also about so much more. If you're not dating, don't skip this episode. What Sonia shares applies to long-term partnerships, marriages, and every relationship you have, because the real shift happens when you stop making it about them and start making it about you. In this episode, we explore: How "Mantourage Dating" works and why it helps you stay grounded Why dating gets easier when you stop chasing outcomes and focus on your own experience The mindset shift that changed everything for Sonia How to date with clear standards, boundaries, and self-respect Why having a list of what you want (places, experiences, energy) keeps you out of people-pleasing How self-worth changes what you tolerate, what you attract, and what you choose Why this concept applies even if you're already in a committed relationship Resources from this Episode: Learn more about Sonia: Website: https://www.bluechakrastudio.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluechakrastudio Podcast: https://apple.co/3G50aQC MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Today's episode is a true "sneak attack" mini-session I recorded on the spot because the shift happened so fast, I wanted you to hear it in real time. At first, I introduced my guest "JoJo" as a code name. Then we reveal the big moment: "JoJo" is actually my mom, Nancy Brindisi, and this is her first-ever time on the podcast! My mom is in that brave space of considering dating again after years, and the negative self-talk started spiraling. So I walked her through one simple practice that stopped the mental loop within minutes, and the calm that followed was unmistakable. In this episode, I share: Why negative self-talk often spikes when you're stepping into something new, especially dating again How I work with "parts" as energetic parts work (working with the energy of the judging, doubting part) A practical way to borrow supportive energy when you can't access your Adult Chair in the moment How this practice can come through as words, images, or a felt sense, and why your way is the right way MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Today, I'm joined by Emmy-winning journalist and menopause advocate Tamsen Fadal, whose own unexpected journey through perimenopause and menopause led her to create a global movement of education, support, and empowerment for women. After years of brain fog, exhaustion, misdiagnosis, and silence from the medical system, Tamsen began using her voice and platform to help women understand what is happening in their bodies and how to advocate for real care. In this episode, we talk honestly about symptoms, hormones, relationships, sex, confidence, and why so many women feel blindsided by this transition. Tamsen brings clarity, humor, and compassion to a life stage that has been ignored for far too long, and she offers real guidance for women who want to feel informed, supported, and empowered. In this episode, we explore: The symptoms most women miss in early perimenopause Why brain fog and sleep issues are among the most debilitating changes The impact of hormonal shifts on mood, libido, skin, hair, and body composition Misconceptions about estrogen, the WHI study, and hormone therapy The role of testosterone and why it is often a missing piece How to communicate with your partner about what you are experiencing Why advocating for yourself and finding an educated provider is essential Resources from this Episode: Learn more about Tamsen Fadal: https://tamsenfadal.com Menopause Society Provider Finder: https://menopausesociety.org Get Tamsen's book, "How to Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life, and Feel Even Better than Before" MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Today, I'm joined by Debra Martin, a certified research medium whose three near death experiences completely transformed her life. Each experience opened her to the reality of the soul, the presence of divine love, and a deeper understanding of why we are here. Debra shares how these moments awakened her spiritual gifts, led her into unexpected healing abilities, and helped her remember who we truly are beneath the human experience. Her stories offer hope, validation, and a powerful reminder that we are never alone. In this episode, we explore: What Debra experienced during her three near death experiences and how they changed her life The role of spiritual surgeons, divine intervention, and soul contracts in healing Why emotional patterns, childhood wounds, and unprocessed pain often sit beneath illness How Debra facilitates remote healing sessions and the profound results she has witnessed Why love, presence, and connection to your divine essence are essential parts of healing Resources from this Episode: Learn more about Debra Martin: https://debramartinhealer.com/ MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

What does it really mean to live a soul aligned life, and why does it often feel so hard, even when I know it leads to more peace, joy, and freedom? In this episode, I break down what a soul aligned life actually is (beyond spiritual buzzwords), why it can feel like everything is "falling apart" when you are actually waking up, and how to start consciously partnering with the part of you that is 99.99% Source instead of the 0.01% that is ego. I share practical, grounded tools for navigating big life transitions, sitting with uncomfortable emotions without getting swallowed by them, and working with your triggers so they become portals to growth instead of proof that you are broken. In this episode, you'll learn: What a soul aligned life really is How to shift from "life happens to me" to "life happens for me" How challenges and transitions can deepen your alignment Simple practices to sit with emotions and use presence to calm anxiety How your outer life mirrors your beliefs and how trigger work realigns you MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant