The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of Yoga

Rane Bowen, Jo Stewart
  • 4.7 (7)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Explore the diverse and accessible world of yoga, meditation, and movement with 'The Flow Artists Podcast,' hosted by Jo and Rane from Garden of Yoga. Each episode delves into the experiences and teachings of renowned instructors from Australia and beyond, emphasising the richness of diverse perspectives and the importance of accessibility in these practices. Our engaging conversations with toga teachers, activists, and inspirational figures go beyond traditional boundaries, uncovering stories that enlighten and experiences that empower. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your journey, our podcast offers insights for everyone, celebrating the inclusivity and transformative power of these disciplines.

  1. Jo and Rane Flow into 2026

    FEB 1

    Jo and Rane Flow into 2026

    We have exciting book news! Jo's upcoming book "Eight Limbs of Aerial Yoga" is now available for preorder! As Jo explains with palpable excitement, this book is "a compilation of my life's work in aerial yoga." Her book is structured around Patanjali's Eight Limbs, drawing from interviews with experts, evidence based research and lived experience in a way that honours both tradition and innovation. She candidly shares how "I'd really like my book to kind of help to address some of that lack of in-person community" within the aerial yoga world. For those planning ahead, Jo's Bali retreat is also on the horizon, promising another opportunity to experience her teaching in that magical setting. In this episode we reach out to our podcast community and have some insightful questions from past guests including Jivana Heyman, Cyrille Caille, Dr Esme Dark, Chloe Prendergast, Nada Todorovich, Claire Holloway and Sasha Sigel. One of the most touching aspects of this episode is how Jo reflects on her podcast journey and its unexpected connection to her book writing process. "I do feel like the podcast has really paid me back with the book," she shares, highlighting how the relationships and conversations from the show have enriched her writing in ways she never anticipated. The generosity of their podcast community shines through as they discuss how past guests have become genuine supporters, creating what they describe as "that network of sharing." Many past podcast guests feature in the book, including Jivana Heyman who wrote an beautiful foreword. The conversation takes on a more reflective tone when they explore the delicate balance between teaching and learning in yoga practice. Jo's honest admission that "if I've done a training and I don't teach the things that I've learned in the training, they do not stay in my brain" speaks to a truth many yoga teachers will recognise. This vulnerability around the learning process, combined with their discussion about maintaining humility while teaching, creates space for a really meaningful exploration of what it means to be both student and teacher simultaneously. Their approach feels refreshingly honest in a field that can sometimes feel pressured toward perfectionism. Perhaps the most powerful moment in the episode comes when they tackle the challenging question of how to maintain inner peace while responding to global crises. Rather than offering simple platitudes, they dive into the complexity of staying grounded while remaining engaged with the world's pain. As they put it, "having the tools to find your own inner peace... can help you have the time and space to respond in a way that's thoughtful and kind." This perspective offers a practical framework for anyone struggling to balance personal practice with social responsibility, suggesting that inner work and outer action can actually support each other rather than compete. The episode wraps up with a delightful exploration of their unique work-life setup, running a yoga studio connected to their home. Their discussion about creative freedom - "if it's your own space, you can do more things just for fun that don't necessarily need to be profitable" - reveals the joy they find in their unconventional arrangement. Throughout this entire Q&A, what emerges most clearly is not just their expertise or accomplishments, but their genuine care for their community and their commitment to showing up authentically, even when that means admitting they don't have all the answers. Links Bali Retreat: https://gardenofyoga.com.au/bali-retreat-2026/ Eight Limbs of Aerial Yoga Book: https://gardenofyoga.com.au/learn/eight-limbs-of-aerial-yoga/

    43 min
  2. Jivana Heyman - Meditation, Triathlon's, Australia & More!

    11/30/2025

    Jivana Heyman - Meditation, Triathlon's, Australia & More!

    Rane and Jo are thrilled to have Jivana Heyman return for his third visit, and what a fascinating conversation it turned out to be. This time around, Jivana surprised everyone by sharing his unexpected journey into the world of triathlons - a transformation that began during the pandemic when he was inspired by an elderly runner on the beach. What started as simple walks eventually led to running and completing his first triathlon, with Jivana reflecting that "nature heals everything and it just was like a balm to my soul." The conversation beautifully weaves through some deep philosophical territory as Jivana challenges many of our assumptions about yoga practice. He makes a compelling case against the Western tendency to over-medicalise and rigidly categorise yoga, reminding us that "yoga is not about fixing, it's about recognition of our true nature, that we are already full and whole and complete and perfect the way we are." His perspective on meditation is particularly refreshing - he argues that there's no hierarchy of "correct" meditation practices and that "if you're practicing yoga, you're meditating. They're really almost one and the same." One of the most powerful aspects of this episode is Jivana's discussion of trauma-informed yoga and social justice. He doesn't shy away from the tough conversations, acknowledging how yoga can sometimes inadvertently sustain oppressive systems while emphasising its potential for empowerment. His insight that "yoga can give us power... it's about building power and then giving it away" really captures the essence of using practice for service and collective transformation. For yoga teachers listening, there's some incredibly reassuring wisdom here too. Jivana addresses the all-too-common experience of imposter syndrome, offering the perspective that "the yoga teachers out there who feel insecure, who have imposter syndrome, they're probably the ones who actually need to be teaching." The episode concludes with a beautiful distillation of yoga's essence - "working with your own mind, becoming your own friend, your own ally... to remove your own suffering and the suffering of others" - reminding us why this ancient practice remains so relevant and transformative in our modern world. Links Join Jivana in Australia: Melbourne: https://www.accessibleyogaschool.com/a/2148191770/UMWeKpZ3 Byron Bay: https://www.accessibleyogaschool.com/a/2148191771/UMWeKpZ3

    1h 3m
  3. Anjali Rao - Yoga as Embodied Resistance

    11/02/2025

    Anjali Rao - Yoga as Embodied Resistance

    This fascinating conversation with Anjali Rao reveals yoga's complex and often untold stories, challenging us to think beyond the simplified narratives we usually hear. Rather than viewing yoga as a static, ancient practice, Anjali shows us how it has always been shaped by social, political, and cultural forces. Her book "Yoga as Embodied Resistance" uncovers the voices of women and marginalised communities throughout history who used yoga as a tool for liberation and resistance, even when dominant power structures tried to exclude them. One of the most compelling aspects of the discussion is how Anjali approaches her research. She describes it as "an embodied, intuitive process" - a non-linear journey of connecting stories and perspectives that might otherwise remain scattered. Through storytelling, she humanises history, making these forgotten narratives accessible and relatable. As she puts it, "Storytelling humanises. Everybody can relate to stories." This approach reveals remarkable individuals from different periods who challenged gender and caste norms, offering us alternative ways of understanding spirituality and personal transformation. The conversation also dives into the political dimensions of language, particularly Sanskrit, which has historically been a tool of power and exclusion. Anjali explains how "only dominant caste men were permitted to use Sanskrit," and how colonial scholarship further amplified these dynamics. Yet she also shows us how language has always been fluid and dynamic, with Sanskrit itself absorbing influences from regional languages across India. Perhaps most importantly, Anjali invites us to embrace complexity and reject binary thinking in our understanding of yoga and transformation. She emphasises the importance of "building capacity for ourselves and in our communities to hold multiplicities" - recognising that yoga's true power lies not in perfectionism or rigid adherence to tradition, but in its potential for ongoing personal and collective liberation. This perspective offers a refreshing alternative to the often commercialised and simplified version of yoga we encounter today.

    58 min
  4. Nada Todorovich - Creating Space for Community

    10/05/2025

    Nada Todorovich - Creating Space for Community

    Nada Todorovich's journey from feeling like the "weird and different" kid in central Victoria to becoming a passionate community builder is both heartwarming and inspiring. Growing up as the child of Bosnian immigrants, she experienced the challenge of straddling two cultures - from her mother's homemade crepes that she was initially embarrassed about to her father's eclectic collection of animals. This rich cultural foundation, though sometimes isolating in her Anglo community, would later become the cornerstone of her life's work. The tragic loss of her parents in a sudden accident became an unexpected catalyst for creating something meaningful. Nada channeled her grief into establishing Dragonfly, a cafe and social enterprise that honours her family's legacy of hospitality and connection. As she beautifully puts it, "My mum's love language is food," and this philosophy permeates every aspect of her business. What makes Dragonfly special is its role as a genuine community hub. From hosting political information sessions to offering traditional craft workshops like bobbin lace making and knitting groups, Nada has created something rare in today's world - a space for authentic dialogue and learning. She's particularly passionate about addressing social justice issues, believing that connection with each other is the antidote to the divisiveness we see rising in society. Nada's commitment to sustainability runs deep, reflecting her belief that "the planet is the most important thing" and that we should be better custodians of our environment. Through Dragonfly, she works with local suppliers who share her values, creating a network of like-minded businesses focused on reducing waste and supporting their community. Her vision extends beyond just running a sustainable business - she's actively planning tree-planting initiatives and continuing to use her platform to foster understanding and compassion in an increasingly complex world. Links Website: https://dragonfly-cafe.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedragonflycafedeli Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_dragonfly_cafe

    55 min
  5. Bali Retreat Reflections

    08/31/2025

    Bali Retreat Reflections

    This episode of the Flow Artist Podcast is a casual, conversational catch-up between Jo and Rane, primarily focused on Jo's recent yoga retreat in Bali. They discuss the retreat in great detail, sharing insights into its planning, challenges, highlights, and lessons learned. Beyond the retreat, the conversation touches on several other topics, including Jo's book editing progress, upcoming sound meditation workshops, a new plant wave device in their studio, and a brief tribute to the Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast after the announcement that they are ending. Links Bali Retreat: https://gardenofyoga.com.au/bali-retreat-2026/ Floating Sound Sessions: https://gardenofyoga.com.au/workshops/floating-sound-sessions/ Plantwave: https://plantwave.com/en-au The connected yoga teacher podcast: https://www.theconnectedyogateacher.com/

    40 min
  6. Sasha Sigel - Healing Arts & Social Justice

    08/03/2025

    Sasha Sigel - Healing Arts & Social Justice

    In this moving conversation, yoga teacher and activist Sasha Sigel shares her remarkable journey from theater student to dedicated advocate for reproductive rights and queer community building. Her story illustrates how a simple suggestion from a professor about feeling "ungrounded" led her to discover yoga's transformative power, ultimately shaping her life's mission of combining spiritual practice with social justice work. Through her work as an abortion doula and founder of Be Queer Now, Sasha demonstrates the profound impact of creating inclusive, accessible spaces for healing and community support. Her approach to reproductive healthcare is particularly touching, as she works tirelessly to destigmatize abortion care while providing compassionate support to those in need. As she powerfully states, "We have the potential to make this not a traumatic experience... the stigma is all being placed from the outside." Perhaps most inspiring is Sasha's candid discussion about navigating the emotional challenges of activism in today's political climate. She openly shares her struggles with feeling overwhelmed and sometimes numb in the face of constant attacks on reproductive rights and queer communities. Yet, through her daily meditation practice and by embracing emotions like anger as tools for change, she offers a powerful example of sustainable activism. Her perspective on anger is particularly enlightening, as she reminds us that "Anger can be incredibly helpful and useful, that it points to something is not right, something is being threatened that we care about." Links Sasha's Website: https://www.sashasigel.com/ Be Queer Now: https://www.bequeernowyoga.com/ The Turnaway Study: https://www.ansirh.org/research/ongoing/turnaway-study Repro legal healthline: https://reprolegalhelpline.org/ Abortion Finder: https://www.abortionfinder.org/

    1h 8m
  7. Claire Holloway - Homebirthing, Ethics & Activism

    07/07/2025

    Claire Holloway - Homebirthing, Ethics & Activism

    Rane and Jo welcome Claire Holloway back for her second appearance on the Flow Artist Podcast, where she shares her evolving journey as a yoga teacher and activist in Perth, Western Australia. Since her last visit, Claire has expanded her focus to include perinatal care, home birthing support, and community-based yoga programs. One of her notable achievements has been securing a local council grant to provide subsidised postpartum yoga, making her services more accessible to those who need them most. The conversation takes a powerful turn when Claire discusses her recent activism work, particularly her involvement in organising "Mothering During a Genocide," an event that amplified Palestinian and Indigenous voices. Her approach to activism is deeply intertwined with her role as a mother, viewing it as a nurturing, long-term commitment to social justice. As she puts it, "Start with a willingness to learn" - a philosophy that guides both her teaching and activism. The episode also delves into some sobering realities about birthing rights in Australia, with Claire sharing that "one in three people who birth in Australia are experiencing birth trauma." Her work in the home birth community and advocacy for birthing rights demonstrates her commitment to addressing these systemic issues. Throughout the conversation, Claire maintains a balance between acknowledging the gravity of social justice issues while offering hope and practical steps for creating change, emphasising that meaningful impact often starts with small, consistent actions rather than grand gestures. Links Website: https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/ Instagram https://instagram.com/yourbrightbeginning Yoga for Homebirth: https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/yoga-for-homebirth Homebirth Community Catchups: https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/homebirth From Mothering During a Genocide Shifa Project: https://shifaproject.org.au/ Perth Mums for Palestine: https://www.instagram.com/perthmumsforpalestine Louise O'Reilly: https://www.instagram.com/louise.oreilly.shieldandconch/ Dr Samah Jabr: https://www.instagram.com/jabrsamah

    1h 1m
  8. Amy Pickett-Williams - Shining a Light on Grief

    06/01/2025

    Amy Pickett-Williams - Shining a Light on Grief

    Grief, Healing, and Finding Light in the Darkness: A Conversation with Amy Pickett-Williams In this moving conversation, psychotherapist and yoga teacher Amy Pickett-Williams shares her remarkable journey through personal tragedy to creating meaningful change in the grief support community. With 26 years of experience in therapy work, Amy's path took an unexpected turn during the COVID-19 pandemic when she lost her father in a tragic accident. As she navigated her own grief while supporting her mother and children, a hiking accident led to the discovery of kidney cancer - a moment she poignantly describes as being saved twice by a juniper tree. Through her personal experiences of loss and healing, Amy founded the Light Movement, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting those experiencing grief and trauma. The organisation's name beautifully captures its essence - "Love in Grief held together." Amy's approach combines traditional therapy with somatic practices, emphasising that healing through movement isn't limited to yoga but includes activities like singing, walking, swimming, and even gardening. As she puts it, "There are no words when someone grieves," highlighting the importance of being present and offering practical support rather than trying to fix the unfixable. What makes Amy's work particularly impactful is her holistic approach to grief support. She emphasises the importance of community and practical assistance, suggesting simple yet meaningful ways to help those who are grieving, like providing meals or offering specific help rather than vague promises. The Light Movement has evolved to include innovative programs, including a unique 300-hour yoga teacher training focused on trauma and grief, creating a new generation of practitioners equipped to support others through their healing journeys. Through it all, Amy's message remains clear: healing from grief is a deeply personal journey that requires both individual attention and community support. Links Fundraiser Event - https://lightmvmt.com/summer-solstice-2025/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lightmvmt Website - https://lightmvmt.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lightmvmt

    54 min
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4.7
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Explore the diverse and accessible world of yoga, meditation, and movement with 'The Flow Artists Podcast,' hosted by Jo and Rane from Garden of Yoga. Each episode delves into the experiences and teachings of renowned instructors from Australia and beyond, emphasising the richness of diverse perspectives and the importance of accessibility in these practices. Our engaging conversations with toga teachers, activists, and inspirational figures go beyond traditional boundaries, uncovering stories that enlighten and experiences that empower. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your journey, our podcast offers insights for everyone, celebrating the inclusivity and transformative power of these disciplines.

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