On this episode of Pleasure Principles, host Avik Chakraborty speaks with Angel Howard—founder of Wild Heart Expressive, host of Upshift, and author of Issues in Your Tissues. We unpack a direct, practical approach to embodiment: why the body “stores the story,” how breath, sound, and movement unblock stuck emotions, and what this means for real-world leadership, communication, and retention. Angel explains her chakra-and-elements framework (fire, metal, etc.) in plain language leaders can apply without the “woo.” We also cover the distinction between pleasure vs. joy, simple self-care practices that reset your nervous system, and how embodied awareness translates into clearer decisions, healthier relationships, and confident teams. If you’ve been operating from the neck up—logic, data, strategy—this conversation shows you how to drop back into your body and lead with presence.   About the guest   Angel Howard is a somatic movement therapist, executive coach, retreat leader, and former corporate executive. She created a practical chakra-elements method for nervous system regulation and leadership clarity. Angel’s new work-in-progress, What’s Messing With Your Messages, centers on communication as the real currency of retention.   Key takeaways   The body “stores stories”: early messages and experiences imprint somatically and shape adult behavior and leadership. Movement is medicine: breath, sound, shaking, and dance restore flow and release tension before it becomes disease. Simple first step: put on your favorite song, close your eyes, let feelings arise, and move—privately is fine. From “pleasure” to joy: pursue steady, self-generated joy at work (not quick hits); joy signals calm confidence. Practical, not “woo”: Angel’s elements (e.g., metal for focus) give leaders a concrete way to regain clarity. Communication = retention: embodied leaders read the room, time hard conversations, and earn real buy-in. Micro-rituals for presence: deep breathing, a focused point-A-to-B walk, or a quiet, screen-free meal can reset the day. Leadership upgrade: embodiment improves self-regulation, boundary-setting, creativity, and team trust—measurably.   How to connect with the guest   Website & newsletter: angelhoward.coWork with Angel: retreats, keynote speaking, 15-min discovery calls via websiteBooks: Issues in Your Tissues (Amazon); watch for What’s Messing With Your Messages     Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik   Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.       Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on: • Mental Health & Emotional Well-being• Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth• Holistic Healing & Conscious Living• Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment With over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Contact💼 Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™📧 Email: join@healthymindbyavik.com | podcast@healthymindbyavik.com🌐 Website: www.healthymindbyavik.com📍 Based in: India & USA 🎙️ Open to collaborations