Elemental Health

by Michael Murray

Season 2

S2 E3 The Cuddle Economy: Interview with Cuddle Professional Sage

In Part Two of our exploration into the world of professional cuddling, we sit down with Sage — a seasoned professional cuddler — for one of the most candid, warm, and genuinely moving conversations in Elemental Health history. Sage pulls back the curtain on every dimension of this widely misunderstood profession. She talks openly about her own path into the work, the wide range of clients she serves, the emotional weight she carries between sessions, and the rigorous safety practices she has built to protect both herself and the people who come to her. Nothing is off the table — from grief and trauma, to emotional releases mid-session, to the very real business realities of building a sustainable practice around consensual, non-sexual human touch. Throughout the conversation, Sage walks us through what a first session really looks like from her perspective, how she handles nervous or vulnerable clients, the screening and what she calls the "Safety Buddy" she relies on for personal safety, and how she navigates the rare but real moments when a client crosses a line. She also gets personal — reflecting on how this work has quietly changed her, how it has shaped the way she both gives and receives touch in her own life, and what she believes the public still fundamentally misunderstands about what she does. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or somewhere in between — whether you're quietly wondering if this kind of connection might be exactly what you have been missing — or if this line of work sounds like this is something you may enjoy — this episode was made for you. If you haven't yet listened to Part One — titled "The Cuddle Economy: A Deep Dive into the World of Professional Cuddling and Cuddle Therapy" — we highly recommend starting there. It covers the neuroscience of touch, skin hunger, what a typical session looks like, the certification debate, safety protocols, and the deeply human reasons people seek this kind of connection. It lays the foundation for everything Sage shares today. Links to Contact Sage: Email Sage.Cuddle413@gmail.com CuddleComfort.com MeltMyWay CuddleCompanions.org sage1986losangeles Hashtags: #CuddleTherapy #ProfessionalCuddler #CuddleSanctuary #Cuddlist #CuddleComfort #CuddleCompanions #PlatonicTouch #TouchDeprivation #SkinHunger #LonelinessEpidemic #OxytocinEffect #TherapeuticTouch #ConsentCulture #ProfessionalCuddling #WellnessPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast #TouchTherapy #HumanConnection #CuddleEconomy

S2 · E3

Jul 8, 2026

52:55

S2E2 The Cuddle Economy: A Deep Dive into the World of Professional Cuddling and Cuddle Therapy

Explicit

Is paying someone to hold you weird — or is it one of the most deeply human things a person can do? In this comprehensive deep dive, we explore the world of professional cuddling and cuddle therapy from every angle: the science of touch and why skin hunger is a real physiological crisis, the growing list of people who seek out a professional cuddler and why, and a full look at the major online platforms in the space. We walk through a complete cuddle session from the client's perspective; from the intake conversation all the way to the emotional afterglow. We unpack the certification debate who offers it, what it costs, and how much it really matters, discuss what training, insurance, and screening you should look for in a practitioner, and explain how to find a cuddler near you. We cover the rates that are usually charged, incall vs. outcall, public cuddling, and the fascinating world of event companions and travel cuddlers. We also go to the places cuddle conversations usually avoid — the clients who push the envelope and what happens when they do, and the extensive safety protocols that serious practitioners use to protect themselves when meeting strangers for intimate platonic sessions. Plus: a tease of our companion interview with Sage, a professional cuddler with years of experience in the field. Whether you're lonely, curious, considering becoming a cuddler yourself, or just fascinated by the human need for touch — this episode is for you. List of links from the episode: Cuddlist.com CuddleCompanions.org CuddleSanctuary.com CuddleComfort.com Cuddle-Professionals.co.uk TangeWellness.com SchoolofConsent.org Hashtags: #CuddleTherapy #ProfessionalCuddler #CuddleSanctuary #Cuddlist #CuddleComfort #CuddleCompanions #PlatonicTouch #TouchDeprivation #SkinHunger #LonelinessEpidemic #OxytocinEffect #TherapeuticTouch #ConsentCulture #ProfessionalCuddling #WellnessPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast #TouchTherapy #HumanConnection #CuddleEconomy

S2 · E2

Jul 3, 2026

1:15:30

S2E1 The Therapeutic Touch: Demystifying Massage Therapy

"The Therapeutic Touch: Demystifying Massage Therapy" Have you ever wondered what massage therapy is really all about — or felt nervous about trying it for the first time? In this episode of Elemental Health, Dr. Michael Murray, DC, CMT — chiropractor, certified massage therapist, and Reiki practitioner with over 20 years of clinical experience — pulls back the curtain on one of the world's oldest healing arts. Dr. Murray takes you on a fascinating journey from the ancient healing traditions of Egypt, China, Greece, and Rome all the way to the modern science of neurochemistry and cellular biology — and everything in between, including the surprising and complicated chapter in massage therapy's 20th century American history that still shapes the profession today. Whether you're a first-timer who doesn't know what to expect, a regular client who wants to deepen your understanding, or someone simply curious about holistic health — this episode is packed with practical, honest, and genuinely useful information. Dr. Murray covers: • The physical benefits of massage — from chronic muscle tension and fascia release to circulation, lymphatic drainage, and pain management • The mental benefits — including how massage reduces cortisol levels by up to 31% and anxiety by up to 50% • The emotional side of massage therapy — including the phenomenon of emotional release and why your body truly does keep the score • A complete first-timer's guide — what happens when you walk in, why your medication list matters, how undressing and draping work, heated tables, spa music, and what to expect when the session ends • How to find the right therapist — day spas, private practice, referrals, online reviews, app-based services, and whether it's safe to have a therapist come to your home • The money talk — what massage should cost in a major metro vs. smaller markets, franchise chains vs. private practice, tipping etiquette (yes, really), and an honest breakdown of add-ons like deep tissue, hot stones, aromatherapy, and CBD oil • What the peer-reviewed research actually says — including findings from the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami and landmark studies on pain, inflammation, and athletic recovery Dr. Murray also shares personal stories from two decades of clinical practice — including the veteran clients whose sleep and anxiety improved dramatically, the tax consultant whose stress response transformed, and the client who unexpectedly burst into tears on the table and why that was exactly right. Grab your tea, your fuzzy blanket, and your bunny slippers. This one's worth settling in for. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe, leave a five-star review, and visit us at MCMElementalHealth.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more holistic health content. Hashtags: #MassageTherapy #ElementalHealth #HolisticHealth #TherapeuticMassage #WellnessPodcast #MindBodyConnection #SelfCare #ChiropracticCare #NaturalHealing #MassageTherapist #StressRelief #ChronicPain #HolisticWellness #ReikiHealing #BodyWork #MentalHealthMatters #ComplementaryMedicine #DrMichaelMurray #LosAngelesWellness #MCMElementalHealth

S2 · E1

Mar 4, 2026

56:37

Season 1

S1E6 Fire Evacuation Preparedness

In this special edition of Elemental Health, host Dr. Michael Murray shifts from holistic wellness to life-saving fire evacuation preparedness. Recorded in the wake of the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires that destroyed nearly 16,000 structures and displaced 250,000 people, this comprehensive episode provides essential guidance for protecting your home and family during fire emergencies. Dr. Murray, a chiropractor, Reiki practitioner, and survival strategist, shares hard-earned insights from living through multiple simultaneous wildfires that threatened his Los Angeles neighborhood. Drawing from real evacuation stories, including Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr.'s harrowing three-minute escape, this episode delivers actionable strategies that could save your life and possessions. Learn how to make your home ember-resistant through proper vent covering, fire-rated caulking, and exterior sealing. Discover the Red Folder Evacuation System for organizing critical documents, and get a complete checklist covering everything from digital backups to pet supplies, medications, camping equipment, and security considerations. This episode goes beyond basic evacuation lists to address the "why" behind each item and the logistics of fitting everything into your vehicle. Whether you're in a fire-prone area or preparing for any disaster scenario, this episode provides the comprehensive preparation framework you need. Because when evacuation orders come, you won't have time to think—only time to act. #FireEvacuation #WildfirePreparedness #EmergencyPreparedness #DisasterPreparedness #EvacuationPlan #FireSafety #HomeSafety #SurvivalStrategy #LosAngelesWildfires #PalisadesFire #EmberResistant #FireStorm #EvacuationChecklist #EmergencyKit #DisasterPlanning #Prepper #SurvivalPodcast #EmergencyManagement #FirePrevention #HomeProtection #FamilySafety #PetEvacuation #EmergencyDocuments #DisasterRecovery #WildfireSeason #CaliforniaFires #ElementalHealth #FireHurricane #EvacuationDrill #BePrepared

S1 · E6

Dec 22, 2025

43:27

S1E5 Understanding Chiropractic Adjustments: A Deep Dive into Safety, Science, Education, and Cost

Dr. Murray explains complex concepts in an accessible way, addressing common concerns and misconceptions about chiropractic care. He emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making and the potential benefits of chiropractic as part of a holistic approach to health and wellness. #ChiropracticCare #SpinalHealth #HolisticHealth #AlternativeMedicine #BackPain #NeckPain #Headaches #SciaticPain #FrozenShoulder #TennisElbow #KneePain #AnkleSprain #PlanterFasciitis #WellnessJourney #PainRelief #NaturalHealing #HealthyLiving #ChiropracticAdjustment #SpinalManipulation #BodyAlignment #NonInvasiveTreatment #PreventativeCare #ChronicPainManagement #SportsInjury #PostureCorrection #NervousSystemHealth #MuscleRelaxation #JointMobility #StressRelief #OverallWellness

S1 · E5

Nov 6, 2025

39:19

Elemental Health

S2 E3 The Cuddle Economy: Interview with Cuddle Professional Sage

S2E2 The Cuddle Economy: A Deep Dive into the World of Professional Cuddling and Cuddle Therapy

S2E1 The Therapeutic Touch: Demystifying Massage Therapy

S1E6 Fire Evacuation Preparedness

S1E5 Understanding Chiropractic Adjustments: A Deep Dive into Safety, Science, Education, and Cost

S1E4 Reiki Demystified

S1E3 Therapeutic Cupping Demystified

Restful Rhythms ~ The Importance of Sleep

S1E1 Sound Balancing (with Singing Bowls and Tuning Forks)