How Somatic Practices Set Authors (and Everyone Else) Free with Melanie Smithson {ep. 225}

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What does accounting, dance class, and an epiphany on the dance floor have in common? For Melanie Smithson, they're all stops on the winding path that led her to become a licensed somatic psychotherapist, certified spiritual integration hypnotherapist, and award-winning author of two books—with a third on the way. In this episode, Melanie and Alexa explore the science and soul behind somatic practices, why emotions are designed to move (not be stuffed), and how the body holds wisdom we routinely ignore. Melanie unpacks the core themes of her newest book, Shake Yourself Free: 81 Somatic Practices to Let Go of Limitation—covering everything from anger and grief to procrastination and goals—and offers practical, specific somatic tips for writers who spend too long hunched over a screen. They also get into the surprising benefits of going on dozens of podcasts as a book marketing strategy, the freedom of releasing attachment to outcomes, and why mini books might just be the future of publishing for thought leaders.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:

Emotions are energy in motion. The word "emotion" literally means energy in motion — feelings are designed to move through us, not be stored. When we suppress them, they get held in the body and can create illness over time.
Where the body goes, the mind will follow. Sitting hunched over a screen all day can actually mimic the physical posture of depression. A simple practice of throwing your arms up, spreading open, or shaking it out can shift your entire mental state.
Writers, your inspiration lives in your body — not your head. When you're blocked, don't try to think your way out. Go to the museum, take a walk, move — and let the inspiration ride in on that wave.
Fiction writers: try embodying your characters. If you're stuck on what a character feels or does next, physically and mentally step into their experience. You'll access information you can't reach from the page alone.
Podcasts do more than you think. Melanie has gotten newsletter signups, clients, and listeners from countries she's never done business in — all from podcast appearances. Beyond reach, podcasting has sharpened her message in ways nothing else has.
Mini books are a legitimate publishing strategy. More books published per year means more algorithmic support from Amazon. A short, focused book (even 20–40 pages) still counts — and may actually reach more readers in an overwhelmed content landscape.
Let go of what you've accumulated, not who you are. We don't let go of our essence — we let go of the beliefs, feelings, and upsets we've taken on. That reframe makes letting go feel safe rather than threatening.
Marketing works best when it matches your personality. Melanie's approach — throw it at the wall, don't track everything, focus on connection — works for her because she stays consistent. Find your version of that.

REFERENCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

Melanie Smithson's website: smithsonclinic.com
Blog post - tips for writers = https://www.smithsonclinic.com/post/somatic-tips-for-writing-professionals
Melanie on Facebook: Melanie Beth Smithson
Melanie on Instagram and LinkedIn: search Melanie Smithson
Shake Yourself Free: 81 Somatic Practices to Let Go of Limitation by Melanie Smithson (aff link)
Melanie's self-development book club — July 2026 will feature Shake Yourself Free: [womeninpublishingsummit.com/shake]
Podmatch.com — podcast guest matching platform Melanie recommends
Molecules of Emotion by Candace Pert — foundational research on emotions stored in the body
A Course in Miracles — referenced in discussion of spiritual integration
WIP Business Bootcamp, August 20–21, 2026 — https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/hub

Melanie Smithson is a licensed somatic psychotherapist, business owner, certified spiritual integration hypnotherapist, and award-winning author with nearly 20 years of clinical experience. She holds a degree in dance movement therapy from Naropa University and has built her practice at the intersection of movement, emotion, and transformation. She is the author of Stress-Free in 30 Seconds and Shake Yourself Free: 81 Somatic Practices to Let Go of Limitation, with a third book — Make Some Noise: The Power of Conscious Groaning — releasing imminently. Melanie is also an active member of the Women in Publishing Summit community, where she has contributed somatic exercises and workshops. Find her at smithsonclinic.com.