E54 Soul Centered Strength: Finding Balance with TRE and Strength Training ft. Andrew Ragan

Red Beard Embodiment Podcast

What if your greatest strength could also be your greatest weakness? In this episode, Alex talks with Andrew Ragan, founder of Soul Centered Strength, about his journey from physical strength to emotional and spiritual healing. Andrew shares his moving story about the birth of his son, which led him to discover deep, buried emotions that he had hidden with too much strength training. This episode shows how personal growth can bring new insights and life changes.

Andrew Ragan is a skilled personal trainer with a degree in Psychology. Over the past 15 years, he has changed his practice from just strength training to also include yoga, breath work, and TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises). Andrew talks about his idea of “working in and working out,” which blends physical and emotional exercises to create a balanced life. He also shares his experiences working with local police departments, where he teaches TRE and breath work to help officers deal with stress and trauma.

In this episode, Andrew gives useful tips on how to add TRE and breath work into daily routines for better emotional and physical health. He explains the importance of a whole-body approach to strength training that includes the mind and emotions. Andrew's story and advice offer inspiration for listeners to explore new ways of personal growth and healing. Don’t miss this conversation that mixes personal stories with practical tips, perfect for anyone wanting to improve their overall well-being.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Andrew Ragan and Soul Centered Strength
• 02:15 - The Birth of Andrew’s Son and Personal Transformation
• 05:45 - From Physical Strength to Emotional Healing
• 09:30 - Rebranding the Business: Soul Centered Strength
• 12:50 - Integrating Yoga, Breath Work, and TRE
• 16:00 - Working In and Working Out Explained
• 19:20 - Andrew’s Work with Local Police Departments
• 23:45 - Benefits of TRE and Breath Work for Stress Management
• 27:30 - Practical Tips for Daily Emotional and Physical Health
• 31:15 - The Importance of a Holistic Approach to Strength Training
• 35:00 - Inspiring Stories of Personal Growth and Healing

Links and Resources:

• Soul Centered Strength Website: https://www.soulcenteredstrength.com
• Integrative Breathwork: https://www.integrativebreathwork.com
• Rhythmia Life Advancement Center: https://www.rhythmia.com
• TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises): https://traumaprevention.com