YogaScussion: This, is a Yoga Podcast

A Yoga podcast from Podmasana Media

YogaScussion is a yoga podcast for modern yoga and wellness practitioners exploring yoga culture, yoga philosophy, yoga practice, embodied living, and wellness. Hosts Gina Clingerman and Brendon Orr talk yoga's past, present, and future through authentic conversations with diverse yoga teachers, practitioners, meditation guides, wisdom keepers, authors, and conscious entrepreneurs. Episodes dive into yoga culture, its evolution, its teachings, its health applications, and its tools for stress relief and personal growth in modern life. Whether you’re a certified yoga instructor, a daily meditation practitioner, or simply curious about bringing mindfulness off the mat, you’ll find grounded insights that honor tradition while embracing contemporary practice. New episodes drop every other Wednesday, with short preview episodes in between. ✨ Join the YogaScussion Circle for early access, ad-free listening, exclusive bonus content, and live recording invites: https://yogascussion.podmasana.com/support. Thank you for practicing, listening, and exploring the depths of yoga with us. This, is YogaScussion.

  1. Overcoming Body Shame Through Yoga | Briiohn Covert | YogaScussion Preview

    1d ago

    Overcoming Body Shame Through Yoga | Briiohn Covert | YogaScussion Preview

    In the next YogaScussion, yoga teacher Briiohn Covert shares her transformative journey from managing scoliosis, back pain, and endometriosis to finding healing through body awareness yoga and mindful movement. Discover how yoga for chronic pain management, breath work for anxiety relief, and overcoming body shame through yoga practice can support your wellness journey. Briiohn reveals how the mind-body connection in yoga helps release disconnection from physical sensations, while her teaching philosophy emphasizes showing up as you are—because if you're breathing, you can do yoga. Learn practical breath work for anxiety relief through nostril breathing, yoga for women with endometriosis, and how finding your authentic yoga teaching voice creates safer spaces for students navigating chronic pain, comparison culture, or seeking embodied presence on and off the mat. Key Topics Briiohn's journey from accounting career to yoga teaching through personal healing with back pain, scoliosis, and endometriosis Body awareness and mind-body connection as pathway to managing chronic pain and releasing disconnection from physical sensations Teaching philosophy using "bright stars" metaphor to guide students from easy concepts to deeper yogic understanding with autonomy Overcoming body shame and comparison culture through present-moment awareness and non-judgmental practice on the mat Breath work practices for anxiety relief and nervous system regulation through nostril breathing and balancing brain activity Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get access to ad-free episodes five days early and attend live show recordings, join the YogaScussion Circle! About YogaScussion: YogaScussion is a dynamic podcast that goes far beyond the yoga mat. Each episode brings together passionate practitioners, teachers, experts, and thought leaders from various backgrounds to dive deep into the rich, nuanced world of yoga. Hosted by Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman, the show explores yoga’s intersection with philosophy, wellness, culture, personal growth, and social issues. Expect authentic, thought-provoking discussions, personal stories, and insights that challenge and expand your understanding of what yoga has meant in the past and what it means today. In each episode of YogaScussion, Gina and Brendon are joined by guests and paid member listeners to share in a collective discussion about what yoga is, what it’s not, what it was, what it wasn’t, what it is becoming, and what it can be. Support the show: > Join the YogaScussion Circle! for extra benefits, to attend live show recordings and participate in the YogaScussion > Donate to the Show > Shop the YogaScussion Collection on the Podmasana Store Connect With Podmasana: > Website: Chapters (00:00:00) - No Right or Wrong In Class(00:01:23) - Body Shaming in Yoga(00:03:39) - How yoga helped me stop comparing myself to others

    6 min
  2. Walking Meditation | Michael McColly | YogaScussion | Ep. 16

    Jun 17

    Walking Meditation | Michael McColly | YogaScussion | Ep. 16

    In this YogaScussion, author and former Northwestern professor Michael McColly shares how yoga became his anchor after an HIV diagnosis, transforming his practice into a path of care, embodiment, and connection. He discusses teaching yoga to people living with HIV across continents, weaving mindful movement with creative writing to help students feel their words in their bodies. Michael explores walking meditation as urban pilgrimage through his latest book, Walking Chicago's Coast, a 63-mile journey from his doorstep to the Indiana Dunes that blends memoir, environmental witness, and place-based awareness. Discover how walking cultivates perception, sensing history in the land, and developing empathy for body and others. Learn about yoga as care, the power of intention in practice, and how simple acts of walking can become moving asana that connects us to place, community, and the sacredness of everyday life. Key Topics Michael's journey from HIV diagnosis to finding yoga as agency, community, and spiritual practice Teaching yoga to people living with HIV across Africa, Asia, and the U.S. as an act of care and empowerment Weaving yoga with creative writing to help students cultivate embodied, sensory-rich prose through body awareness Walking Chicago's Coast: a 63-mile urban pilgrimage blending memoir, environmental witness, and walking meditation How walking cultivates perception, empathy, and connection to place as an extension of yoga practice Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get access to ad-free episodes five days early and attend live show recordings, join the YogaScussion Circle! About YogaScussion: YogaScussion is a dynamic podcast that goes far beyond the yoga mat. Each episode brings together passionate practitioners, teachers, experts, and thought leaders from various backgrounds to dive deep into the rich, nuanced world of yoga. Hosted by Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman, the show explores yoga’s intersection with philosophy, wellness, culture, personal growth, and social issues. Expect authentic, thought-provoking discussions, personal stories, and insights that challenge and expand your understanding of what yoga has meant in the past and what it means today. In each episode of YogaScussion, Gina and Brendon are joined by guests and paid member listeners to share in a collective discussion about what yoga is, what it’s not, what it was, what it wasn’t, what it is becoming, and what it can be. Support the show: > Join the YogaScussion Circle! for extra benefits, to attend live show recordings and participate in the YogaScussion > Donate to the Show > Shop the YogaScussion Collection on the Podmasana Store Connect With Podmasana: Chapters (00:00:05) - Yoga is stillness, awareness(00:00:45) - Michael McCauley On Walking Chicago's Coast(00:02:18) - How Yoga Changed My Life(00:11:36) - In the Elevator With Yoga(00:13:52) - In the Body as Poet(00:19:07) - The Walk Around Lake Michigan(00:24:40) - What Could a Walking Practice Teach Us?(00:29:07) - You're Bringing Honor to the Land(00:35:20) - The Yoga Walk Through Chicago(00:43:17) - A Lesson on Yoga(00:47:40) - Yoga Discussion

    50 min
  3. Yoga in South Africa - A Transforming Journey | Michael McColly | YogaScussion Preview

    Jun 10

    Yoga in South Africa - A Transforming Journey | Michael McColly | YogaScussion Preview

    In the next episode of YogaScussion, Michael McColly shares his 63-mile urban pilgrimage along Chicago's coast, teaching yoga to people with HIV across Africa and Asia, embodied writing practice at Northwestern, and walking as meditation. Lambda Award-winning author of The After-Death Room, Michael discusses how yoga sustained him through HIV diagnosis, caring for degraded landscapes as spiritual practice, integrating yoga with creative writing teaching, environmental witness, bringing honor to forgotten communities, and why his three words for yoga are simply "care." Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get access to ad-free episodes five days early and attend live show recordings, join the YogaScussion Circle! About YogaScussion: YogaScussion is a dynamic podcast that goes far beyond the yoga mat. Each episode brings together passionate practitioners, teachers, experts, and thought leaders from various backgrounds to dive deep into the rich, nuanced world of yoga. Hosted by Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman, the show explores yoga’s intersection with philosophy, wellness, culture, personal growth, and social issues. Expect authentic, thought-provoking discussions, personal stories, and insights that challenge and expand your understanding of what yoga has meant in the past and what it means today. In each episode of YogaScussion, Gina and Brendon are joined by guests and paid member listeners to share in a collective discussion about what yoga is, what it’s not, what it was, what it wasn’t, what it is becoming, and what it can be. Support the show: > Join the YogaScussion Circle! for extra benefits, to attend live show recordings and participate in the YogaScussion > Donate to the Show > Shop the YogaScussion Collection on the Podmasana Store Connect With Podmasana: > Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com > Email: yogascussion@podmasana.com > Support the Show: yogascussion.podmasana.com/support > Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram Chapters (00:00:00) - In the Elevator With HIV

    5 min
  4. Yoga of Responsibility & Leadership | Christy Lynn Hicks | YogaScussion Ep. 15

    Jun 3

    Yoga of Responsibility & Leadership | Christy Lynn Hicks | YogaScussion Ep. 15

    In this YogaScussion, yoga studio ownership, yoga teacher training, and yoga philosophy guide Christy Lynn Hicks' journey. Discover yoga for stress management, yoga and embodiment, conscious living yoga, and yoga responsibility practices. Learn how to practice yoga responsibility, yoga for burnout recovery, yoga for corporate leaders, integrating yoga into daily life, and yoga attention practice for sustainable wellbeing on and off the mat. Key Topics Christy's journey from high-stress corporate career to yoga teacher and studio owner in Los Angeles The "yoga of responsibility" framework: taking ownership of thoughts, words, and actions for conscious living Yoga philosophy as practical tool for leadership, business ethics, and sustainable success without self-awareness Nature connection and one-pointed focus as essential practices for nervous system regulation and embodimen Attention, responsibility, and integration as the three pillars of yoga practice for holistic wellbeing Audio Disclaimer: there were some echoing sounds in this recording that we couldn't entirely get rid of. Apologies, but otherwise, we think this is another great YogaScussion! Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get access to ad-free episodes five days early and attend live show recordings, join the YogaScussion Circle! About YogaScussion: YogaScussion is a dynamic podcast that goes far beyond the yoga mat. Each episode brings together passionate practitioners, teachers, experts, and thought leaders from various backgrounds to dive deep into the rich, nuanced world of yoga. Hosted by Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman, the show explores yoga’s intersection with philosophy, wellness, culture, personal growth, and social issues. Expect authentic, thought-provoking discussions, personal stories, and insights that challenge and expand your understanding of what yoga has meant in the past and what it means today. In each episode of YogaScussion, Gina and Brendon are joined by guests and paid member listeners to share in a collective discussion about what yoga is, what it’s not, what it was, what it wasn’t, what it is becoming, and what it can be. Support the show: > Join the YogaScussion Circle! for extra benefits, to attend live show recordings and participate in the YogaScussion > Donate to the Show > Shop the YogaScussion Collection on the Podmasana Store Connect With Podmasana: > Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com > Email: yogascussion@podmasana.com Chapters (00:00:05) - Yoga Scussion(00:00:46) - Kristy Lynn Hicks on Yoga Scuttion(00:01:57) - Teaching yoga to the masses(00:09:14) - The End of Southern Teaching(00:09:44) - Warren on Yoga and His Own Experience(00:14:19) - How Yoga Shaped My Life(00:19:23) - How to Lead with Yoga(00:23:40) - Christy on Taking Responsibility for Her Life(00:31:16) - In the Elevator With Leaders(00:39:15) - There's a Corporate Squ squeeze(00:42:58) - What we don't need in modern times is more information(00:50:32) - Time in Nature(00:54:29) - The Importance of Yoga(00:59:10) - What Is Yoga?

    1h 1m
  5. Yoga: Beyond Religion and Fitness | Christy Lynn Hicks | YogaScussion Preview

    May 27

    Yoga: Beyond Religion and Fitness | Christy Lynn Hicks | YogaScussion Preview

    In the next episode of YogaScussion, Christy Lynn Hicks shares the Yoga of Responsibility framework: directed attention, radical ownership, and regulated leadership for entrepreneurs and business owners. From satellite engineer to 15-year LA studio owner, Christy discusses pandemic closure and depression, bringing yoga philosophy to corporate boardrooms, slowing down versus productivity culture, and why mindfulness practice and nature connection are non-negotiables. She explains why yoga isn't religion or fitness performance, but a tool-based system for integration, embodiment, and conscious living in business and daily life. Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get access to ad-free episodes five days early and attend live show recordings, join the YogaScussion Circle! About YogaScussion: YogaScussion is a dynamic podcast that goes far beyond the yoga mat. Each episode brings together passionate practitioners, teachers, experts, and thought leaders from various backgrounds to dive deep into the rich, nuanced world of yoga. Hosted by Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman, the show explores yoga’s intersection with philosophy, wellness, culture, personal growth, and social issues. Expect authentic, thought-provoking discussions, personal stories, and insights that challenge and expand your understanding of what yoga has meant in the past and what it means today. In each episode of YogaScussion, Gina and Brendon are joined by guests and paid member listeners to share in a collective discussion about what yoga is, what it’s not, what it was, what it wasn’t, what it is becoming, and what it can be. Support the show: > Join the YogaScussion Circle! for extra benefits, to attend live show recordings and participate in the YogaScussion > Donate to the Show > Shop the YogaScussion Collection on the Podmasana Store Connect With Podmasana: > Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com > Email: yogascussion@podmasana.com > Support the Show: yogascussion.podmasana.com/support > Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram Chapters (00:00:00) - The Importance of Yoga

    4 min
  6. Prana, Breath & the Mystery of Being Alive | Bernie Clark | YogaScussion | Ep. 14

    May 20

    Prana, Breath & the Mystery of Being Alive | Bernie Clark | YogaScussion | Ep. 14

    In this YogaScussion, Bernie Clark explores Prana: One Breath, Many Worlds as the vital life force connecting ancient yoga wisdom with modern scientific research. Discover how breath physiology influences the nervous system, why fascia research matters for yin yoga practitioners, and practical applications of yoga anatomy for teachers. Bernie shares insights on mindfulness practice, the yoga forest metaphor, and how understanding life force energy can deepen your practice. Whether you're exploring what is prana in yoga, how breath work affects stress relief, or yin yoga for connective tissue health, this conversation bridges Eastern philosophy and Western science. Perfect for yoga anatomy for teachers, understanding yoga philosophy, and fascia and yoga practice applications.  Recording date: April 16, 2026 Key Topics: Bernie Clark defines prana as communication energy connecting ancient wisdom with modern science Fascia research reveals how connective tissue relates to traditional meridian maps Breath physiology shows how slow breathing improves nervous system regulation and baroreflex Skeletal variation explains why one-size-fits-all alignment cues don't work for every body The yoga forest metaphor illustrates diverse philosophical paths within the broader tradition Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get access to ad-free episodes five days early and attend live show recordings, join the YogaScussion Circle! About YogaScussion: YogaScussion is a dynamic podcast that goes far beyond the yoga mat. Each episode brings together passionate practitioners, teachers, experts, and thought leaders from various backgrounds to dive deep into the rich, nuanced world of yoga. Hosted by Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman, the show explores yoga’s intersection with philosophy, wellness, culture, personal growth, and social issues. Expect authentic, thought-provoking discussions, personal stories, and insights that challenge and expand your understanding of what yoga has meant in the past and what it means today. In each episode of YogaScussion, Gina and Brendon are joined by guests and paid member listeners to share in a collective discussion about what yoga is, what it’s not, what it was, what it wasn’t, what it is becoming, and what it can be. Support the show: > Join the YogaScussion Circle! for extra benefits, to attend live show recordings and participate in the YogaScussion > Donate to the Show > Shop the YogaScussion Collection on the Podmasana... Chapters (00:00:05) - Yoga is stillness(00:00:45) - Bernie Clark on Yin Yoga(00:03:14) - In the Elevator With Yoga and Zen(00:05:19) - Preface to Prana(00:06:38) - From The Gita To The Grail(00:12:46) - Understanding Prana Through the Breath(00:18:00) - Understanding the practice of yoga(00:18:14) - The Difference Between Spirit and Soul(00:21:47) - On Dualism and Non-Dualism(00:22:28) - Maps and the Real World(00:27:02) - "The Spark of Life": Science and Yoga(00:32:48) - The Body's Connective Tissue(00:33:17) - How does the fascia generate electricity?(00:36:57) - The Boundaries between Eastern and Western Science(00:39:07) - Questions That Can't Be Answered(00:41:48) - In the Elevator With Prana(00:46:28) - The oldest known tattoos are also the oldest known evidence of acupuncture(00:51:05) - Pushing the Proto-Indo language(00:55:04) - The Evolution of God(00:58:39) - Pranayama: Truth and Performance(01:02:57) - Pana: A Short Study(01:05:49) - Jonny Yoga on His New Website(01:06:28) - What Does Yoga Mean to You?(01:07:27) - Welcome to the Yoga Discussion

    1h 9m
  7. Unraveling Prana: A Journey Through Time | Bernie Clark | YogaScussion Preview

    May 13

    Unraveling Prana: A Journey Through Time | Bernie Clark | YogaScussion Preview

    In the next episode of YogaScussion, Gina and Brendon chat with Bernie Clark about his book Prana. Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get access to ad-free episodes five days early and attend live show recordings, join the YogaScussion Circle! About YogaScussion: YogaScussion is a dynamic podcast that goes far beyond the yoga mat. Each episode brings together passionate practitioners, teachers, experts, and thought leaders from various backgrounds to dive deep into the rich, nuanced world of yoga. Hosted by Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman, the show explores yoga’s intersection with philosophy, wellness, culture, personal growth, and social issues. Expect authentic, thought-provoking discussions, personal stories, and insights that challenge and expand your understanding of what yoga has meant in the past and what it means today. In each episode of YogaScussion, Gina and Brendon are joined by guests and paid member listeners to share in a collective discussion about what yoga is, what it’s not, what it was, what it wasn’t, what it is becoming, and what it can be. Support the show: > Join the YogaScussion Circle! for extra benefits, to attend live show recordings and participate in the YogaScussion > Donate to the Show > Shop the YogaScussion Collection on the Podmasana Store Connect With Podmasana: > Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com > Email: yogascussion@podmasana.com > Support the Show: yogascussion.podmasana.com/support > Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram Current Release Schedule: New episodes every other Wednesday with preview episodes releasing the following Wednesday Early access for YogaScussion Circle members (5 days before public) Follow and subscribe now so you don't miss an episode. Leave a review and share the show with others who might be interested. Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro: Building East-West bridge through prana mythology(00:00:45) - Personal history: Prana Yoga Center, Shakti Mai, historical evolution(00:01:20) - Etymology of prana: "To bring forth" + breath/movement/volition(00:01:50) - Prana as God: Indra's declaration in the Upanishads(00:02:16) - Research process: 1990s notebooks, teacher quotes, evolving science(00:02:41) - Caution in quoting: Teaching evolves, snapshots in time(00:03:15) - Modern science view: Prana as cellular communication energy(00:03:45) - Cells in community: Stress, EM fields, chemical signals, light

    5 min
  8. From PTSD to Peace: Meditation for Everyone | Mark Blacknell | YogaScussion | Ep. 13

    May 6

    From PTSD to Peace: Meditation for Everyone | Mark Blacknell | YogaScussion | Ep. 13

    In this YogaScussion, marine veteran and Zen meditation guide Mark Blacknell shares his raw, honest journey from working-class Philadelphia to finding stability through simple zazen practice. Trained in Soto Zen instruction, Mark now guides seniors, inmates, and youth with a no-jargon, trauma-informed approach: balanced posture, staring at a wall, and raw acceptance. Discover why "balance, balance, balance" is his three-word definition of yoga, how meditation becomes a teacher without expectations, and why trusting the practice—not the teacher—is the key to nervous system regulation and sustainable wellbeing. Key Topics Mark's journey: Delco, Philadelphia → Marines (Gulf War) → PTSD → meditation Simple zazen: balanced posture, cosmic mudra, staring at a wall "Trust the practice, not the teacher, book, or theory" Raw acceptance: working with the palette you have Meditation as "Netflix for the mind": watching inner voices without analysis Working with marginalized communities: death row, seniors, youth Teacher as practitioner first: emphasizing humanness over perfection The 5-minute prerequisite: building discipline without pressure "Balance, balance, balance" as yoga's essence Why less spiritual jargon = more accessibility for conservative communities Suffering as teacher: turning symptoms into awareness opportunities Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get access to ad-free episodes five days early and attend live show recordings, join the YogaScussion Circle! About YogaScussion: YogaScussion is a dynamic podcast that goes far beyond the yoga mat. Each episode brings together passionate practitioners, teachers, experts, and thought leaders from various backgrounds to dive deep into the rich, nuanced world of yoga. Hosted by Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman, the show explores yoga’s intersection with philosophy, wellness, culture, personal growth, and social issues. Expect authentic, thought-provoking discussions, personal stories, and insights that challenge and expand your understanding of what yoga has meant in the past and what it means today. In each episode of YogaScussion, Gina and Brendon are joined by guests and paid member listeners to share in a collective discussion about what yoga is, what it’s not, what it was, what it wasn’t, what it is becoming, and what it can be. Support the show: > Join the YogaScussion Circle! for extra benefits, to attend live show recordings and participat...

    1 hr

About

YogaScussion is a yoga podcast for modern yoga and wellness practitioners exploring yoga culture, yoga philosophy, yoga practice, embodied living, and wellness. Hosts Gina Clingerman and Brendon Orr talk yoga's past, present, and future through authentic conversations with diverse yoga teachers, practitioners, meditation guides, wisdom keepers, authors, and conscious entrepreneurs. Episodes dive into yoga culture, its evolution, its teachings, its health applications, and its tools for stress relief and personal growth in modern life. Whether you’re a certified yoga instructor, a daily meditation practitioner, or simply curious about bringing mindfulness off the mat, you’ll find grounded insights that honor tradition while embracing contemporary practice. New episodes drop every other Wednesday, with short preview episodes in between. ✨ Join the YogaScussion Circle for early access, ad-free listening, exclusive bonus content, and live recording invites: https://yogascussion.podmasana.com/support. Thank you for practicing, listening, and exploring the depths of yoga with us. This, is YogaScussion.