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Reality HubAuthor: Rob & Steve Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Mental Health, Religion & Spirituality, Spirituality Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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80 Battlefield to Bodywork: Confessions of a Neuromuscular Therapist - Leon Botello
Episode 80
Tuesday, 12 August, 2025
In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, we welcome one of New Zealand’s foremost neuromuscular therapists, Leon, whose decades of hands-on healing work have changed lives and surprised even seasoned medical professionals. Born in the US and shaped by a diverse and challenging upbringing, Leon’s journey spans growing up in a multicultural but segregated environment, serving as a medic in the US Army, studying advanced bodywork techniques, and teaching across New Zealand. From confronting racism and bullying to unlocking trauma stored in the body’s fascia, Leon shares extraordinary real-life stories—from veterans reliving battlefield moments to mothers releasing long-held post-cesarean pain. We also explore his philosophy on self-healing, mindset, and the innate intelligence of the human body. This is part biography, part masterclass in holistic therapy, and part celebration of a life lived on purpose. Topics Covered Early Life in the US Multicultural upbringing without initial racial divisions Impact of enforced integration and the emergence of racism Growing up Native American–Mexican in a society that encouraged cultural camouflage Early lessons in self-defence and protecting others from bullies Military Service Joining the US Army during the Cold War and serving as a medic Specialized skills: medical trauma care, weapons maintenance, vehicle operation Life in Germany during the fall of the Berlin Wall Lessons from basic training and camaraderie among soldiers Path to Neuromuscular Therapy Personal injury led to the discovery of massage therapy Training in advanced modalities, including trigger point therapy and myofascial release Influence of Dr. Janet Travell & Dr. David Simons’ work on referred pain patterns Healing Stories & Case Studies Veteran reliving battlefield trauma during fascia release Post-cesarean patients completing “unfinished” birth processes Restoring fertility through fascial unwinding Emotional releases linked to stored trauma in abdominal tissue Supporting athletes to improve performance through iliopsoas work Mindset, Healing, and Self-Responsibility The role of belief systems in recovery How cultural programming and language shape health outcomes Importance of diet, hydration, movement, and supportive relationships Advice for questioning authority and seeking multiple opinions Life Beyond the Clinic Teaching and travelling extensively in New Zealand Work with high-profile clients, from professional athletes to celebrities Experiences in Hawaii, Houston, and luxury wellness settings Philosophy of living naturally and embracing opportunities Want to connect with Leon for bodywork sessions or teaching inquiries? You can reach him at scubaman@hotmail.com or on his New Zealand mobile +64 21 080 84448. Connect with Rob and Steve: Our instagram handle is @realityhub.love YouTube is http://www.youtube.com/@realityhub-love TikTok is @real8yhub, and naturally enough, our website is www.realityhub.love
