What happens when a former mob attorney discovers the transformative power of meditation?

In this transformative episode of Breathwork Magic, Amanda Russo sits down with Bob Martin, a former mob attorney turned certified meditation teacher, to explore the incredible shifts that can come from mindfulness, breathwork, and a commitment to personal growth. Bob shares his fascinating journey—from the high-stakes world of Miami's legal system during the "Cocaine Cowboy" era to studying Taoist philosophy and eventually becoming a meditation coach.

Discover how breathwork and mindfulness helped Bob transform his life, find inner peace, and cultivate compassion—skills that now guide his students. This episode is full of wisdom, actionable practices, and stories that will inspire you to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Whether you're new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, this conversation will leave you with plenty to reflect on.

Episode Highlights
[1:22] – Amanda introduces Bob Martin, his unexpected career path, and his journey from being a mob lawyer to embracing meditation.
[4:17] – Bob recalls his time as a prosecutor in Miami during the chaotic "Cocaine Cowboy" era.
[6:32] – A life-changing moment with a therapist leads Bob to discover Taoism and its transformative practices.
[9:31] – Bob explains the Taoist philosophy of going with the flow and aligning with the natural rhythms of life.
[15:33] – How breathwork and Tai Chi taught Bob to find balance, both in his personal and professional life.
[22:12] – Why meditation is about noticing, not emptying your mind—and how this shift can change your relationship with your thoughts.
[50:40] – Bob shares the practice of Tonglen, a meditation technique that cultivates compassion and emotional resilience.
[1:02:43] – The importance of a consistent meditation practice and how Bob uses Duke University's meditation tools to coach his students effectively.

To Connect with Amanda Russo:
~ linktree.com/thebreathinggoddess
~ Instagram: @thebreathinggoddess

To Connect with Bob:
~ Visit Bob Martin's website: A Wise and Happy Life
~ Download Bob's FREE Meditation E-Book HERE

Closing Reminder
Thank you for tuning into Breathwork Magic! If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or give us a five-star rating. Let’s spread the power of breathwork and mindfulness far and wide! Remember, every breath is an opportunity to begin again.

From CrossFit enthusiast to an advocate for emotional healing, Amanda Curry’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Through her personal inner child healing process during the challenges of the pandemic, Amanda discovered the transformative power of Breathwork. This practice became a powerful tool for unlocking deep-seated emotions, navigating the demands of motherhood, and stepping into a more aligned and empowered version of herself. In this inspiring conversation, Amanda shares how Breathwork has enriched her work as a physical therapist in pediatric oncology and how she uses it to support her clients, patients, and even her own family.

Imagine breaking through emotional barriers with the same determination it takes to open a stubborn jar of peanut butter. Amanda's unique and relatable analogies bring clarity to how breathwork helps us navigate resistance, emotional blockages, and life’s everyday challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned breathwork practitioner, a healthcare professional, or someone curious about starting this practice, this episode is filled with actionable insights and heart-centered inspiration.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• [2:17] How Amanda discovered breathwork during her inner child healing journey and unlocked suppressed emotions.
• [7:15] How breathwork bypasses mental resistance to release grief, frustration, and anger.
• [12:47] Amanda’s powerful "peanut butter jar" analogy to explain resistance and how breathwork helps you move through it.
• [17:42] Why reconnecting with the breath is crucial for healing and reclaiming your body.
• [24:56] Amanda’s approach to gently introducing breathwork to beginners, making it accessible for everyone.
• [34:02] How breathwork helped Amanda process "mom rage" and years of suppressed anger—and transformed her parenting approach.
• [40:52] The impact of teaching emotional regulation to children and an adorable moment when Amanda’s daughter used breathwork to self-soothe.
• [45:05] Amanda’s inspiring final wisdom: “Your want is enough,” and why breathwork is a powerful tool for lasting change.

To Connect with Amanda Russo:
~ linktree.com/thebreathinggoddess
~ Instagram: @thebreathinggoddess

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Connect with Amanda Curry on Instagram: @theSomaticDPT
• Book Recommendation: The Five Personality Patterns by Stephen Kessler

Until next time, keep breathing, keep shifting, and keep embracing the magic within you. You’ve got this!

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend! Your support helps more people discover the life-changing power of breathwork.

This episode of Breathwork Magic explores the transformative potential of breathwork with Elijah, a facilitator with over 35 years of experience. The conversation traverses various breathwork techniques, from expressive methods used in performing arts to structured practices like holotropic and rebirthing. The Effigy technique, a method created by Elijah, is introduced, highlighting its focus on the facilitator-breather relationship and the power of mouth breathing.

The discussion sheds light on how breathwork addresses vulnerabilities, offering a direct gateway to healing and transformation. Broader implications of breathwork are explored, including its revolutionary capacity to transcend societal norms and personal traumas, its integration with other healing practices, and the delicate balance of guiding individuals through unique challenges. Additional topics include parenting dynamics and a comparison of breathwork with plant medicine, providing a comprehensive exploration of breathwork’s potential for personal growth and empowerment.

Key Points:

• [1:22] – Elijah’s journey into breathwork and reflections on cross-generational wisdom.
• [2:40] – The origins of the Effigy technique and its emphasis on mouth breathing and the facilitator-breather relationship.
• [7:56] – Insights into how breathwork confronts resistance and promotes healing.
• [13:38] – The integration of breathwork with other healing practices and its role in addressing personal trauma.
• [19:51] – The revolutionary capacity of breathwork to break free from societal conditioning and norms.
• [45:21] – Parenting challenges and how breathwork can inform personal dynamics.
• [53:10] – A comparison between breathwork and plant medicine, emphasizing the importance of agency during healing practices.

To Connect with Manders:
~ linktree.com/thebreathinggoddess
~ Instagram: @thebreathinggoddess

To Connect with Elijah:

~ Website: Effigy Breathwork
Access free guided breathwork resources and learn more about upcoming workshops and trainings.
~ Book: The Trauma Code by Elijah – A concise exploration of the healing potential of Breathwork.