Who doesn’t love a story of embracing change and seeing where it will take you? In this conversation between Chara and long-time yoga teacher, trainer and mentor Julie Smerdon, we hear the story of how Julie came to yoga, or how yoga came to her. It’s one of the more colorful and beautiful stories of how yoga can genuinely change lives and it’s full of harrowing moments and profound wisdom. Resources: Julie Smerdon’s website - https://juliesmerdon.com/ Follow Julie Smerdon on Instagram - @juliesmerdon ..read more

What are the most important synergies between yoga and psychology? Chara speaks with Dr. Lauren Tober about her evolution as a yoga teacher and psychologist and how that has been informed by the ways that yoga and modern-day psychology have slowly moved toward each other over the course of the last couple of decades. We explore why and how yoga is an important context for yoga teachers and students to become more aware of and how to live and practice in a world where nearly everyone is touched by trauma of some kind. We also hear about Lauren’s upcoming Mental Health Aware Yoga course! Resourc ..read more

The honest, fresh and activating energy of Reggie Hubbard shines through as he speaks with Chara about his passion for yoga, politics and activism. They dive into his background, ambitions and what motivates him. Reggie started Active Peace Yoga with a mission to make the practice of yoga and living the yogic lifestyle more accessible to all - regardless of race, gender, body type or practice level - to form peace of mind and general well being as a foundation, not as an afterthought. Buckle up and enjoy, as you are in for an enlightening & fun conversation. Resources: Active Peace Yoga ..read more

Bronnie Ware shares with Chara some beautiful and inspiring lessons she has experienced. She has walked through life with her eyes and heart wide open and has generously shared the lessons of living and dying in her books, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, Your Year for Change, and Bloom. Dig into this episode and embrace the richness found in living that fills the gaps in our understanding of who we are and why we’re here. Resources: Bronnie Ware’s books - https://bronnieware.com/books ..read more

Chara speaks with David Charlton and Ranju Roy to dig into some deep questions about life. They look at the many fibers that make up who we are in this moment and what the process looks like in getting to know yourself. They discuss the struggles and pitfalls that come up and the overall beauty within the gift of knowing yourself.  Resources Embodying the Yoga Sutra: Patanjali for the 21st Century workshop - https://www.sadhanamalayogatraining.com/patanjaliforthe21stcentury ..read more

A diving off point for a deeper inquiry into the practice of Living Like You Love Yourself.  What are the life challenges that keep us from holding ourselves in more sacred, informed and loving ways?  What is our relationship with the concept of self love and how does that bleed into our actions with ourselves and the world?  In this episode we explore a view on the elements of "living like we love ourselves" that provide a context for this season of conversations and sharing.  “One of the best guides to how to be self-loving is to give ourselves the love we are often dream ..read more

A deep dive into the nature of consciousness, supported by the yoga sutras and our experience of everyday life!  Michael de Manincor returns to the podcast to share wisdom and insights into the most challenging questions of our existence.  In this brilliant conversation we wonder about unanswerable questions and how asking them can change who and how we are forever! Resources: The Yoga Institute - https://yogainstitute.com.au ..read more

Lucy and Chara are joined by Maya Breuer, to talk about the shape and future of yoga as a tool for connection across and within cultures.  Maya shares the story of the creation of the retreat for women of color and how she sees yoga alliance expanding its focus and reach to better include and support  its diverse membership and ever-broadening reach. Maya Breuer, Yoga Alliance Vice President of Cross-Cultural Advancement, supports diversity, inclusion, and cross-cultural competency across all Yoga Alliance activities. In doing so, she builds relationships with community leaders and l ..read more

Chara and Lucy connect with Jana Long, the founder and executive director of Black Yoga Teachers Alliance, in an exploration of the stories that define who we are and provide a foundation for who we can be.  We get a look into a life touched by 50 years of yoga practice and we get a sense for why Yoga Journal named Jana one of it’s Game Changers!  Resources & Mentions: Black Yoga Teachers Alliance (BYTA) - https://blackyogateachersalliance.org/ Facebook Page - Black Yoga Teachers Alliance - https://www.facebook.com/blackyogateachersalliance Power of One Yoga Center - https ..read more

What is pain and how can the tools of yoga and yoga therapy best acknowledge, manage and heal the complex experience of those living with it on a daily basis? Lucy and Chara speak with Yoga therapist, researcher and author Marlysa Sullivan about her work in Yoga therapy and pain management and how yoga provides a holistic lens for understanding and alleviating the root causes of pain. Marlysa's Bio: Dr. Marlysa Sullivan is a physiotherapist and yoga therapist with over 15 years of experience. Marlysa balances clinical research and practice with education, speaking and writing. She is the Phy ..read more