Dr. Jenn Rapkin: The Feeling Muscle
Tue Feb 03 2026
A conversation about emotions as embodied experiences, Dr. Jenn Rapkin invites us to reconnect with our inner felt sense and reclaim our capacity to feel fully.
In this episode, Dr. Jenn Rapkin—naturopathic physician, bodyworker, former dancer, and self-described Frequent Feeler—joins the podcast to discuss her new book, The Feeling Muscle. Drawing from more than 25 years of experience in mind-body and body-centered therapies, Dr. Jenn explores why learning to feel emotions in the body is essential for true processing, healing, and release.
Through both personal reflection and clinical insight, Dr. Jenn shares her transformation from physician to what she calls a shepherd of feelings. In her practice, the bodywork table becomes a sacred space where emotions are held, validated, and given voice—allowing patients to access deeper layers of awareness and healing.
Her journey weaves together rich life experiences—from growing up on Nantucket Island, go-go dancing at the Guggenheim Museum, and living as an expat in Barcelona, to raising two deeply soulful children in Connecticut—all of which inform her compassionate, embodied approach to emotional health.
Key Takeaways
Why emotions must be felt in the body to be truly processed and released What "the feeling muscle" is and how to strengthen it The role of body-centered therapies in emotional healing How holding space for felt emotion supports deeper transformation Integrating embodiment into daily life and clinical practice
About Dr. Jenn Rapkin
Dr. Jenn Rapkin is a naturopathic physician, bodyworker, author, and educator with over 25 years of experience in mind-body medicine and body-centered therapies. A former dancer and lifelong seeker, she blends clinical expertise with embodied wisdom to help individuals reconnect with their emotional and physical selves. Her work centers on creating safe, validating spaces where emotions can be felt, expressed, and integrated.
Connect With Dr. Jenn Rapkin
Website: https://drjennrapkin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennrapkin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575991456912 Email: drjennrapkin@gmail.com
For more from Dr. Brayton:
If you'd like to learn more about my virtual functional medicine practice, go to https://drlaurabrayton.com/virtual-functional-medicine/ and schedule a complimentary 15 minute discovery call with me.
Help more people find our show - leave a rating and review by simply clicking on http://ratethispodcast.com/welladjustedmama.
Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes!
© 2014 - 2026 Dr. Laura Brayton
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A conversation about emotions as embodied experiences, Dr. Jenn Rapkin invites us to reconnect with our inner felt sense and reclaim our capacity to feel fully. In this episode, Dr. Jenn Rapkin—naturopathic physician, bodyworker, former dancer, and self-described Frequent Feeler—joins the podcast to discuss her new book, The Feeling Muscle. Drawing from more than 25 years of experience in mind-body and body-centered therapies, Dr. Jenn explores why learning to feel emotions in the body is essential for true processing, healing, and release. Through both personal reflection and clinical insight, Dr. Jenn shares her transformation from physician to what she calls a shepherd of feelings. In her practice, the bodywork table becomes a sacred space where emotions are held, validated, and given voice—allowing patients to access deeper layers of awareness and healing. Her journey weaves together rich life experiences—from growing up on Nantucket Island, go-go dancing at the Guggenheim Museum, and living as an expat in Barcelona, to raising two deeply soulful children in Connecticut—all of which inform her compassionate, embodied approach to emotional health. Key Takeaways Why emotions must be felt in the body to be truly processed and released What "the feeling muscle" is and how to strengthen it The role of body-centered therapies in emotional healing How holding space for felt emotion supports deeper transformation Integrating embodiment into daily life and clinical practice About Dr. Jenn Rapkin Dr. Jenn Rapkin is a naturopathic physician, bodyworker, author, and educator with over 25 years of experience in mind-body medicine and body-centered therapies. A former dancer and lifelong seeker, she blends clinical expertise with embodied wisdom to help individuals reconnect with their emotional and physical selves. Her work centers on creating safe, validating spaces where emotions can be felt, expressed, and integrated. Connect With Dr. Jenn Rapkin Website: https://drjennrapkin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennrapkin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575991456912 Email: drjennrapkin@gmail.com For more from Dr. Brayton: If you'd like to learn more about my virtual functional medicine practice, go to https://drlaurabrayton.com/virtual-functional-medicine/ and schedule a complimentary 15 minute discovery call with me. Help more people find our show - leave a rating and review by simply clicking on http://ratethispodcast.com/welladjustedmama. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes! © 2014 - 2026 Dr. Laura Brayton