Creative Bodywork & Collective Healing with Marilyn Glinka
In this deeply nourishing episode of The Wellness Wonderland Podcast, we’re joined by the gifted and intuitive Marilyn Glinka—a medical massage therapist whose approach to bodywork goes far beyond the table. Through creativity, embodiment, and healing touch, Marilyn invites us into a world where bodywork becomes not only therapeutic but profoundly transformative.
Whether you're a wellness seeker, healer, or simply craving deeper connection and embodiment, this conversation is packed with wisdom, soulful storytelling, and accessible practices you can integrate into your own self-care journey.
🎧 Listen now on all major streaming platforms
🔗 Click here to tune in
📲 Connect with Marilyn: @archesbodywork | @the_bump_collective | www.archesbodywork.com
From Art to Healing: Marilyn’s Unexpected Journey into Massage Therapy
Before she ever stepped into the world of massage therapy, Marilyn was an artist—earning her bachelor’s degree in photography and painting, and spending nearly a decade in Brooklyn, where she launched a small book-binding studio and met her husband. Life was full of creativity, movement, and the ever-evolving dance of making art.
But everything changed when her husband suffered a serious rock climbing accident, and Marilyn suddenly found herself on the sidelines of a long recovery journey. Watching someone she loved endure physical pain sparked a fire in her—a desire to offer real, tangible relief. Inspired by an incredible massage therapist, Marilyn shifted paths and found her calling.
In 2015, she enrolled in a massage therapy program rooted in neuromuscular therapy, continuing her education with certifications in orthopedic techniques, stretch therapy, and medical massage. Her work today is a beautiful blend of science, intuition, and artistry.
Throughout the episode, Marilyn shares how her creative background informs her bodywork, seeing each session as a collaborative, intuitive experience. She’s been told her approach helps clients not only relax but achieve deep, long-lasting relief by working with the body rather than against it.
She also offers simple, heartfelt self-care practices to extend your treatment beyond the table—whether that’s how you move through your day, how you breathe, or how you speak to your body.
“Touch is one of our oldest forms of communication,” Marilyn says. “It’s not just physical—it’s energetic, emotional, spiritual.”
Collective Healing Through Community
Marilyn is also the co-creator of @the_bump_collective, a community space for new and expectant mothers seeking connection, education, and holistic care. She believes in the power of collective healing, and this episode explores how being in safe, supportive spaces can amplify our capacity to heal, soften, and transform.
From her hands-on work in @archesbodywork to her community efforts with The Bump Collective, Marilyn’s mission is clear: to hold space for others through compassionate, creative, and intuitive care.
One of the most inspiring parts of this episode? Marilyn’s honest reflection on how life’s unexpected—and often chaotic—moments have led her to a deeper purpose.
“Sometimes healing doesn’t look like what you thought. Sometimes it’s messy. But that mess? That’s where the magic happens.”
If you’ve ever been through a season of struggle, burnout, or uncertainty, this episode is a gentle reminder that your path doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
Tune In to Receive the Wisdom
This episode of The Wellness Wonderland Podcast is a true gift. It’s for anyone who’s ever:
Craved a deeper connection with their body, explored creativity as a pathway to healing, wanted to feel supported in motherhood or community care, and believes in the power of gentle, transformative touch
🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 Click to explore the full episode
Connect with Marilyn:
To learn more about Marilyn’s offerings, workshops, and hands-on work, connect with her here:
Instagram: @archesbodywork
Community: @the_bump_collective
Website: www.archesbodywork.com