Coaching Through The Lens Of Empowerment Self-Defense With Michelle Trudel

Shownotes For Podcast Episode 13: Coaching Through The Lens Of Empowerment Self-Defense With Michelle Trudel 

In this episode of the Health and Wellness Coach Journal Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh interviews Michelle Trudel, NBC-HWC—a dynamic coach whose practice is rooted in the philosophy of empowerment self-defense as a lifestyle. Michelle brings a rich tapestry of expertise as a certified Empowerment Self-Defense instructor, boxing fitness trainer, Yoga Alliance-certified meditation teacher, and a dedicated student of herbalism under the renowned Rosemary Gladstar. She also brings her experience as a Radical Remission workshop leader to her transformative coaching practice.

Michelle's Journey Into Coaching 

Michelle shares her unique journey, which began with her passion for empowerment self-defense (ESD). Over time, she recognized the synergy between the skills taught in ESD—such as setting strong boundaries, cultivating self-awareness, and overcoming fear—and the principles of coaching. Through this lens, Michelle has developed a coaching practice that not only helps her clients overcome obstacles but also encourages them to reclaim their power in all areas of life.

Coaching Can Help Bridge Gaps In Health Care 

Coaching Through The Lens Of Empowerment Self-Defense 

In this conversation, Michelle explains how ESD offers practical strategies to address life's challenges—without requiring physical martial arts training. Whether in a 90-minute workshop or a coaching session, clients learn to recognize the tools they already have at their disposal, gaining confidence and resilience to face life’s unpredictability.

This approach mirrors coaching in many ways, as both fields emphasize presence, listening, and meeting clients where they are. Michelle highlights the importance of boundaries—not just for safety, but as a skill essential to navigating life.

Coaching With Trauma Awareness 

Dr. Singh and Michelle discuss the critical role of trauma awareness in coaching and empowerment work, highlighting the importance of creating brave spaces where clients feel psychologically safe to explore their challenges without pressure. Through acknowledgment, permission, and unconditional support, coaches can cultivate trust and help clients heal, grow, and thrive.

Takeaways 

"Coaches are social justice warriors," Michelle Trudel.

This episode serves as a reminder that coaching is not just a profession—it’s a powerful way to foster resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. By merging coaching and empowerment self-defense, Michelle and Dr. Singh discuss how coaching can bring profound change to individuals, communities, organizations, and to the health care system at large.

Books Mentioned In This Episode

1. Snortland, Ellen. Beauty bites beast: Awakening the warrior within women and girls. B3 Books, 1998.

2. Tesley, Nadia and Lauren Taylor. Get Empowered: A Practical Guide To Thrive, Heal, And Embrace Your Confidence In A Sexist World. TarcherPerigee, 2023.

3. De Becker, Gavin. The Gift Of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us From Violence. Back Bay Books, 1st Edition, March 2021.

• Visit Michelle's website by clicking here

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction

1:23 - Michelle's Journey To Becoming A Coach

3:20 - Michelle's Holistic Alignment With Coaching As A Means Of Self-Defense 

7:39 - Coaching Has The Potential To Bridge Gaps In Health Inequity

10:46 - Coaching Helps Support Patients To Navigate The Health Care System 

12:48 - Coaching Calls For A Shift In The Health Care Paradigm

18:10 - Coaching Through The Lens Of Empowerment Self-Defense

21:35 - Finding Your Coaching Niche

26:24 - The Importance Of Coaching With Trauma Awareness

29:41 - Resources

31:38 - Takeaways