At The Heart of Yoga with Julie Smerdon Julie Smerdon

This was my first time ‘meeting’ Jivana Heyman. He’s the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an organisation dedicated to increasing access to yoga, and to supporting yoga teachers. I first heard Jivana on Daniel Simpson’s podcast “Ancient Futures, and what he was saying resonated so deeply with me that I immediately ordered his latest book, “The Teachers Guide to Accessible Yoga.” 
In this episode we chat about everything from his beginnings teaching yoga to AIDS patients during the peak of the epidemic in the 1990s, and how those students taught him that yoga, in the truest sense of what it is can happen in ANY body. His story is truly inspiring and his message is similar to mine: that by shifting cultural perception about yoga away from the perfect images we see on social media, we have a starting point for a yoga that can serve humanity. 
Find Jivana: 
Website: Accessible Yoga School
Book: The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga
Instagram: @jivanaheyman
Facebook: Jivana Heyman

In this episode, we dive into the world of a guest whose life story elevates us all - Lydia Lassila, Australia’s aerial skiing champion whose feats have not only carved her name in snow but also in the halls of resilience and determination.
Our paths crossed in Byron Bay, where I was guest teaching on a retreat that she was part of.  I had the honour of practising with Lydia after class one day, it was a humbling experience, her physical and mental discipline as an Olympic athlete was palpable, yet effortlessly blended with the calm, focused energy that yoga asks of us. We connected that day, and I’m proud to bring you her story.
Lydia's journey is not just about the leaps taken in the air but also about the grounding force of personal growth, the power of community, and the ability to overcome the challenges that life throws our way. Her story spans both the dizzying heights of Olympic victory and the quiet moments that define the spirit of a true champion.
Lydia has created a business that has beautiful, unique and sustainable wellness products and she has GIFTED MY LISTENERS A 20% DISCOUNT FOR HER PRODUCTS! USE THE CODE HEART20, link to the site below.

Find Lydia:
Website: https://www.zonebylydia.com/
Instagram: @lydialassila
Watch "The Will to Fly" a documentary of her journey: https://thewilltoflyfilm.com/

In this short, heartfelt episode titled I break my long silence on social media to share a deeply personal journey. Over the last three months, our lives have been consumed by Layne's ongoing health challenges. Up until last week, my days were a mix of hospital corridors, work, and the lovely chaos of daily life. Faced with numerous unknowns and the unpredictability of his treatment and recovery, both of us have been challenged to embody the very heart of yoga during a frightening time. This episode is a candid reflection on the trials we're facing, the lessons we are learning, and how this trying period has been a true test of living the values I write and teach about.  UPDATE:  At the time I recorded this, Layne was still in hospital, but he's home now with a PICC line and a nurse visiting daily ☺️

From homegrown Texas boy, to working actor in Los Angeles, to travelling the world teaching yoga, to marrying one of the world's premier dancer/choreographers, to being featured on Peleton, Ross Rayburn has lived quite a life!

Despite his extraordinary story, Ross is one of the kindest, most humble people I know, and one of my all-time favourite colleagues.  I loved having the chance to catch up with him, and to celebrate  his new book "Turning Inward."

Enjoy!

FIND ROSS
Instagram: @rossrayburnyoga
Facebook: @RossRayburnYoga
Peleton
Turning Inward: Pre-Order Here

Laura Marjorie Miller and I first crossed paths at an Anusara Workshop in Atlanta back in the early 2000’s. We became friends instantly. Laura is truly one of the most genuinely inquisitive, intelligent people I’ve ever met. From her work as the speechwriter for the chancellor of Vanderbilt University, to a successful career as a gonzo journalist, her adventurous spirit has taken her everywhere from free diving to an ayahuasca ceremony in Peru. I LOVED having this time to bring you her story.
Find Laura:
Website: https://www.obestbelovedanimalcommunication.com/
Instagram: @obestbelovedac

Me and Mama Ayahuasca Article - Utne Reader

James is a new friend and a mentor to me, and I’m really thrilled to bring you this conversation. He’s had a fascinating journey, from taking his first class to ‘impress’ someone, to unexpectedly finding a profound sense of connection and purpose which lead him on a path of self-discovery and ultimately, becoming a teacher. We talk about James' early teaching experiences, including working with influential figures such as Tipper Gore and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, to his close relationship with the late Maty Ezraty. James has so much wisdom to share… Enjoy!
Find James:
Instagram: @jamesbrownlive
Website:  https://jamesmatthewbrown.com/
Facebook:  James Matthew Brown