Off The Mat

Christie Knight Yoga

I’m Christie, and this is Off the Mat - a podcast about the deeper, often unseen layers of Yoga. Every week I sit down with people working within this world to talk about Yoga not just as movement, but as a way of living. Because the physical shapes are just one part of the practice, Yoga is also a path to emotional clarity, inner connection, and purpose. Let’s explore how this ancient practise can support modern life, and help us navigate both the daily stresses and the bigger questions - off the mat.

Episodes

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Off The Mat with Helen Russell-Clark: Exploring Yoga, Psychoanalysis, and Personal Growth

    🎙️ Episode Description In this episode of the Off the Mat Podcast, I chat to Helen Russell-Clark, a dedicated yoga teacher and yoga teacher trainer. We discuss her yoga journey, from her initial experiences with the practice, to where she now finds herself in her career. Helen shares insights on integrating the principles of yoga into daily life and the influence of her background in psychoanalysis on her teaching approach. We also touch on the challenge and beauty of meditation, the importance of somatic practices, and the profound impact yoga can have on one's life. Hope you enjoy this weeks conversation. 📚 Resources Mentioned 📚 📖 Books "Eastern Body, Western Mind" by Anodea Judith - About chakra systems and psychotherapy"The Poetry Pharmacy" by William Sieghart - Anthology prescribing poems for particular feelings"An A-Z of Pasta" by Rachel Roddy - Pasta cookbook✨ Other Resources Ezra Klein podcast interview with Mark Epstein about meditation and Freudian paradigmRachel Roddy - food writer👇 Connect with @helenrussellclarkhelenrussellclarkyoga.comOnline classes⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️ 00:00 Introduction 01:06 Guided Meditation 06:59 Drink + Snack Ritual 08:30 Helen's Journey into Yoga 11:26 From Yoga Practice to Teaching 19:51 The Impact of Psychoanalysis on Yoga 22:26 Balancing Yoga and Life 28:53 Advice for Beginners in Meditation 29:24 Understanding and Managing Intrusive Thoughts 30:17 The Role of Somatic Practices in Meditation 31:40 Personal Practice and Changes During Lockdown 32:43 The Impact of Teaching on Personal Practice 38:47 The Concept of a Container in Yoga Practice 44:06 Final Flow

    52 min

  2. 31 MAR

    Off the Mat with Ellie Hann: Life-Changing Surgery, Gratitude and Healing Through Yoga

    🎙️ Episode Description In this episode of Off the Mat Podcast, we delve into the inspiring story of Eleanor Hann. Eleanor shares how her yoga practice guided her through a life-changing kidney donation surgery and how her practice evolved post-surgery. I'm obsessed with how Ellie finds strength through practising gratitude, a simple practice we so often forget to sit with. This episode also touches on the importance of finding the right yoga community, and how that can be a therapeutic tool in navigating life's challenges. Join us for an enriching conversation filled with insights, motivation, and beautiful words from Ellie. 📚 Resources Mentioned 📚 📖 Books “The Buddha in Me, The Buddha in You” by David Hare - Introduction to Nichiren Buddhism“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero👇 Connect with That Girl Yoga - Ellie's yoga brand with her best friend Becca (workshops, retreats, day events)@eleanorgracehann⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️ 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:46 Gratitude Grounding Meditation 04:00 The Power of Gratitude in Daily Life 07:06 Snack + Drink Ritual 09:02 Journey into Yoga 11:53 Becoming a Yoga Teacher 16:33 Life Changing Surgery with my Mum 22:59 Antibiotic Reactions and Health Struggles 24:26 Support System 25:13 Mental Health and Recovery Practices 26:46 Returning to Work and Yoga 27:23 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth 28:54 Yoga Philosophy and Teaching Approach 34:41 Final Reflections 41:01 Final Flow

    44 min

  3. 24 MAR

    Off The Mat with Katarina Rayburn: Exploring Dharma, Building Community + Living Yoga

    🎙️ Episode Description Welcome back to Off the Mat Podcast! In this episode, I chat with Katarina Rayburn, owner of Kindred Yoga Studio in Southeast London. We spoke all about Kat's inspiring journey from acting to becoming the incredible yogi she now is - starting a studio, teaching teachers, filling multiple international retreats and more. We explore deep themes like finding your dharma or purpose, the ultimate goal of yoga, and how to integrate yoga practices into daily life. This episode also dives into the practical aspects of yoga teacher training, retreats, and creating a vibrant yoga community. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this conversation is filled with insights and motivation. 📚 Resources Mentioned 📚 Yoga Journal podcast - specifically episodes about philosophyThe Bhagavad GitaPatanjali’s Yoga Sutra’s👇 Connect with Kat @kindredyogalife @katarinarayburnyoga www.katarinarayburnyoga.com (retreats, workshops, teacher trainings) ⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️ 00:00 Introduction 00:13 Guest Introduction: Katarina Rayburn 01:34 Guided Meditation with Kat 07:32 Kat's Journey into Yoga 08:25 From Acting to Yoga Teaching 15:50 Starting Kindred Yoga Studio 22:51 The Concept of Dharma 26:55 Reflecting on Personal Growth Through Journalling 29:06 Exploring the Deeper Meaning of Yoga 33:30 Understanding Ancient Yogic Concepts 38:04 Integrating Yoga into Daily Life 41:43 The Essence of Yoga Retreats 47:00 Final Flow

    50 min

  4. 17 MAR

    Off The Mat with The Breathwork Breddah: Exploring The Power of Breathwork

    🎙️ Episode Description In today’s episode of Off The Mat, join me as we delve into the transformative world of breathwork with Danny Cunningham, aka The Breathwork Breddah. From powerful personal experiences to actionable techniques, Danny shares how breathwork has not only shifted his life but can also help YOU navigate stress, enhance mindfulness, and foster a deeper connection with yourself. Explore the balance between discipline and spontaneity, the art of coherence breathing, and the journey of self-discovery through the simple act of breathing. Tune in for an uplifting conversation that left me feeling both full and inspired with just how incredible our natural systems are, and how we can intentionally use them to live better. 📚 Resources Mentioned 📚 📖 Books "Breath" by James Nestor"Atomic Habits" by James Clear"How to Build a Body That Lasts" by Adam Richardson“The Wim Hof Method” - Wim HofOther Resources The Hunchman Trust - Suicide prevention charity (Danny ran two marathons in two days for this cause)"Sila" by Kareem RaihaniYoke Studio👇 Connect with Danny @thebreathworkbreddah ⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️ 00:00 Introduction 00:49 Guided Practice - Coherence Breathing 07:38 Benefits of Coherence Breathing 09:28 The Power of Chanting and Breath Synchronisation 10:43 Danny's Daily Breathwork Routine 11:56 The Role of Discipline in Wellness 16:58 Discovering Breathwork: Danny's Journey 22:08 Understanding Breathwork and Its Impact 28:04 Navigating Societal Expectations 28:14 The Unexplainable Experience of Breathwork 28:56 Emotional Release Through Breathwork 30:06 The Importance of Guided Practice 31:16 Personal Journey with Breathwork 37:59 The Science Behind Breathwork 41:40 Practical Tips for Everyday Breathing 42:48 Marathon Challenges and Breathwork 46:10 Final Flow 49:25 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

    52 min

  5. 10 MAR

    Off the Mat with Isabella Verrico: Founder of London's MICA Yoga Studio

    🎙️ Episode Description This week on the Off the Mat I dive deep with Isabella Verrico, co-founder of MICA Yoga studio in South London. In this heartfelt and honest discussion, Bella + I talk about everything from meditation and starting a business to the importance of listening to your own advice. She shares insights into what it's actually like to start a yoga studio, the transformative power of sound healing, and tips for incorporating yoga into your daily life. Learn about the philosophy behind MICA Yoga, the significance of practicing non-judgment and compassion, and how to find balance in a busy life. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, I hope this episode can offer you some valuable wisdom and inspiration to explore what yoga truly means to you, off the mat too! 📚 Resources Mentioned 📚 📖 Books Solve for Happy by Mo GawdatThink Like a Monk by Jay ShettyQuantum Healing by Deepak Chopra✨ Meditation Resources Deepak Chopra's 21 Days of Meditation**Headspace** Meditation app🎵 Savasana Songs "Ra Haset" by Chantress Seba"Hakea" by Thrupence👇 Connect with MICA Yoga Nunhead@isabellaverrico⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️ 00:00 Introduction 00:21 Meet Isabella Verrico 01:03 Guided Meditation 06:47 The Journey of Starting MICA Yoga 09:09 The Essence of MICA Yoga Studio 14:34 Sound Healing and Its Impact 18:20 The Deeper Benefits of Yoga Practice 23:13 Finding Ease in Yoga Practice 25:35 Balancing Life and Yoga 28:15 Meditation and Daily Practices 32:26 The Power of Affirmations 33:49 Living a Truthful Life 36:24 Overcoming Yoga Class Intimidation 38:42 Recommended Resources for Deepening Yoga Practice 40:40 Final Flow

    45 min

  6. 3 MAR

    Off the Mat with Richard Knight: Exploring Yoga, Philosophy, Life and Transformation

    🎙️ Episode Description In the first episode of 'Off the Mat,' I interview Richard Knight, a yoga teacher and humanist celebrant based in Southeast London. We talked about the expansive nature of yoga beyond physical and into the emotional, mental and philosophical realms. Richard shares his journey from hospitality and charity work to becoming a yoga teacher and celebrant, sharing the synergy he has found between these fields. Each episode of this podcast will begin with a guided meditation, to offer an anchoring before you listen. Richard spoke about about handling life's transformations through the lens of yoga, the importance of self-practice, and the critical need for informed and sincere teaching. He also highlights so many great books and resources for those wanting to deepen their understanding of this practice. 📚 Resources Mentioned 📚 📖 Books Queer Dharma by Jacob BallardThe Truth of Yoga by Daniel SimpsonPatanjali’s Yoga Sutra’s (Edwin Bryant's translation/version)Practice and All is Coming by Matthew Remski (edited by Matri Pushka)Yoga and the Body by Edward Clark and Laurie Green💻 Online Resources Yogic Studies.com- Platform by Seth Powell with yoga philosophy courses🧘 Studios & Classes Yoga RiseOru Space in East Dulwich (Free chair yoga class every Wednesday at 3:00 PM)Monday Morning Guided Meditation (Richard's Zoom meditation class (£2)🫂 Organizations Saint Mungo's (Charity working to end homelessness in London + South England)👇 Connect with Richard Instagram: @peckhamismThe London Celebrant⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️ 00:00 Introduction to Off the Mat 00:43 Meet Richard Knight: Yoga Teacher and Humanist Celebrant 01:18 Starting with a Grounding Meditation 06:39 Drink + Snack Ritual 07:35 Richard's Yoga Journey: From Australia to London 10:46 Becoming a Yoga Teacher 15:27 Balancing Yoga Teaching and Celebrant Work 21:08 The Power of Yoga in Life's Transformations 25:10 Chair Yoga and Community Classes 27:26 Exploring Yoga Beyond the Physical 29:29 Yoga Practice and Artistic Expression 29:46 Jackson Pollock and Abstract Expressionism 30:52 Yoga as Art and Audience 31:29 The Kosha Model and Layers of the Self 32:47 Diverse Yoga Practices and Teaching Methods 33:33 The Power of Shared Yoga Experiences 34:21 Balancing Dynamic and Quiet Yoga Practices 36:54 Personal Yoga Practice and Teaching Balance 43:16 Recommended Yoga Books and Resources 49:37 Final Flow 52:07 Conclusion

    54 min

  7. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Off The Mat S1 Trailer

    Yoga has quietly shaped my entire life. From practising as a teenager, to carrying it with me through my twenties, to now teaching full-time and hosting retreats - this practice has profoundly transformed how I move through the world. But Yoga is more than what happens on the mat. It’s a philosophy. A framework. A way of seeing and understanding ourselves more deeply. With Off the Mat, I’m opening up conversations with inspiring teachers and facilitators to explore the heart of the practice - the parts we don’t always talk about in class. What really is Yoga?Who is it for?Why is it so transformational?And how can we begin to live it, not just practise it? I can’t wait to share these honest, insightful conversations with you - in the hope they support you, off the mat too. 🎙️ Trailer out now.

    1 min

Trailer

About

I’m Christie, and this is Off the Mat - a podcast about the deeper, often unseen layers of Yoga. Every week I sit down with people working within this world to talk about Yoga not just as movement, but as a way of living. Because the physical shapes are just one part of the practice, Yoga is also a path to emotional clarity, inner connection, and purpose. Let’s explore how this ancient practise can support modern life, and help us navigate both the daily stresses and the bigger questions - off the mat.

Information

  • Creator
    Christie Knight Yoga
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Christie Knight Yoga
  • Show Website
    Off The Mat

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