YogaScussion: Yoga Culture, Practice, Philosophy & Therapy

Welcome to YogaScussion—the premier yoga podcast that goes beyond the mat. Hosted by Gina Clingerman and Brendon Orr, this show dives deep into yoga culture, practice, therapy, and philosophy with the teachers, healers, writers, and movers who are living it every day. This isn't a yoga podcast about perfect poses. It's a conversation about what the practice actually looks like in real life, and how ancient wisdom meets the evolving landscape of modern yoga culture. We explore how this wisdom translates off the mat, how a dedicated practice transforms our daily lives, and what it means to build community in a world that's forgotten how to connect. Each episode features honest, in-depth conversations with Gina, Brendon, and guests who bring diverse perspectives—from Ayurvedic physicians and somatic therapists to authors, yoga acharyas, studio owners, and practitioners. Whether it's a yoga conversation about the eight limbs, the yamas and niyamas, the business of yoga, or the neuroscience of stillness, we cover it all. Whether you're a yoga teacher looking for depth, a practitioner seeking community, or someone curious about what yoga really is beyond the Instagram aesthetic—YogaScussion is your seat. Follow, subscribe, and join the conversation. To get early access to ad-free episodes, a private chat group, live recordings, and more, join the YogaScussion Circle at https://yogascussion.podmasana.com/support.

  1. 1d ago

    Yoga, Acrobats & The Saffron Zone | Patrick McCartney

    In this deep-dive YogaScussion yoga podcast episode, cultural anthropologist Dr. Patrick McCartney joins Gina and Brendon for a fascinating yoga talk that peels back the layers of modern yoga culture. From his early days stretching for a teenage growth spurt to his academic journey into Sanskrit and sociolinguistics, Patrick shares how he navigated the cognitive dissonance of the ashram world and uncovered the hidden political threads woven into our yoga practice. Together, they explore the ancient, indigenous roots of the "Contortionist Turn"—how marginalized pole acrobats, wrestlers, and snake handlers shaped the physical postures of hahayoga. They also unpack the "Saffron Zone," examining how well-meaning global practitioners might unwittingly brush up against Hindu nationalist ideologies, and how the yoga industry has shifted from spiritual gurus to the "beauty myth" of the hyper-fit, modern body. Ultimately, this yoga philosophy conversation is about finding the gray areas, embracing nuance, and reclaiming yoga as a personal tool for empowerment, responsibility, and love. Recording Date: September 10, 2026 Key Topics: Patrick shares his personal journey from a teenage stretching routine to an academic career, highlighting the cognitive dissonance he experienced when learning Hindi and Sanskrit in Indian ashrams.The hosts explore the "Contortionist Turn" and how ancient, marginalized pole acrobats and wrestlers fundamentally influenced the physical postures of modern haṭhayoga.Patrick explains the "Saffron Zone" and how global yoga practitioners can unwittingly encounter and tacitly support Hindu nationalist ideologies through wellness tourism and institutional pledges.The conversation analyzes the changing face of the yoga industry, tracing the shift from Indian male gurus to the modern "beauty myth" of the thin, white, hyper-fit female body.The group discusses the importance of embracing the "gray areas" of yoga's complex history, ultimately reframing the practice as a personal tool for acquiring power, responsibility, and love. Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get early access to ad-free episodes, attend and participate in live show recordings and more, join the YogaScussion Circle! > Support the show with a one-time THANK YOU donation > Shop for YogaScussion Merch! > Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com > Email: yogascussion@podmasana.com > Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

    Yoga, Acrobats & The Saffron Zone | Patrick McCartney
  2. Oct 28

    Is Your Yoga Practice Baby Powder or a Landmine? | Patrick McCartney

    In this yoga podcast preview, researcher Patrick McCartney joins Gina and Brendon for a provocative yoga talk about the hidden systems behind our practice. We explore the complex intersection of yoga culture, capitalism, and global politics. Patrick introduces a mind-bending analogy: if a company makes baby powder but also supplies ingredients for landmines, does buying the powder mean you support the landmines? How does this apply to the yoga practice we love and the massive global industries it fuels? We also unpack the deep yoga philosophy of nostalgia—why we crave a "sacred" past, the search for meaning, and how the "no true Scotsman" fallacy plays out in modern wellness spaces. "Just because you don't know that there are connections doesn't mean that they're not there. And just because those connections are there doesn't mean that you support them." In This Episode: The "Baby Powder vs. Landmines" analogy for modern yogaNavigating the "No True Scotsman" fallacy in yoga cultureWhy we crave nostalgia and a "sacred" past in our practiceFinding meaning and purpose without falling for the hypeHow to practice yoga in a complex, capitalist world Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get early access to ad-free episodes, attend and participate in live show recordings and more, join the YogaScussion Circle! > Support the show with a one-time THANK YOU donation > Shop for YogaScussion Merch! > Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com > Email: yogascussion@podmasana.com > Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

    Is Your Yoga Practice Baby Powder or a Landmine? | Patrick McCartney
  3. Oct 21

    Blossom Yoga: Divine Timing & Sacred Space | Emily, Jess & Steph

    In this yoga podcast, hosts Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman talk yoga with Emily Brown, Jess Ryan, and Steph Hanson for a deeply personal YogaScussion on the origins of their beloved Blossom Yoga and Dharma teacher training in Laramie, Wyoming. This episode offers a refreshing lens on modern yoga culture by exploring the magic—and the messy reality—of mixing deep friendships with business ownership. The trio shares how divine timing brought them together to build a sacred community space, and how doing their own shadow work allowed them to hold space for their students' growth. Listeners will discover how a collaborative yoga practice and honest communication can transform a small-town studio into a life-changing experience. Whether you are a studio owner, a yoga teacher, or simply seeking deeper connections, this episode illuminates the power of authentic community. Hear Emily, Jess, and Steph explain why blending friendship and business wasn't just a risk, but the only way they could truly grow together—and how burning their deepest fears in the woods changed their lives forever. Recording Date: May 18, 2026 In This Episode: Navigating the complexities of mixing deep friendship with business ownershipHow "divine timing" and shadow work shaped their transformative teacher trainingThe reality of holding space for each other's parallel lives, grief, and growthWhy burning their deepest fears in the woods became a pivotal business exerciseTransitioning from a shared studio venture to individual paths while maintaining lifelong bonds Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get early access to ad-free episodes, attend and participate in live show recordings and more, join the YogaScussion Circle! > Support the show! > Give a one-time THANK YOU donation > Shop for YogaScussion Merch! > Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com > Feedback: yogascussion@podmasana.com > Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

    Blossom Yoga: Divine Timing & Sacred Space | Emily, Jess & Steph
  4. Oct 14

    Yoga Talk: We Had to Do It Together | Emily, Jess & Steph

    In this yoga podcast preview, hosts Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman talk yoga with Emily Brown, Jess Ryan, and Steph Hanson for a deeply personal YogaScussion on the origins of their beloved Blossom Yoga and Dharma teacher training in Laramie, Wyoming. This episode offers a refreshing lens on modern yoga culture by exploring the magic—and the messy reality—of mixing deep friendships with business ownership. The trio shares how divine timing brought them together to build a sacred community space, and how doing their own shadow work allowed them to hold space for their students' growth. Listeners will discover how a collaborative yoga practice and honest communication can transform a small-town studio into a life-changing experience for everyone involved. Hear Emily, Jess, and Steph explain why blending friendship and business wasn't just a risk, but the only way they could truly grow together. In This Episode Preview:  Blending deep friendship and business to build a thriving yoga studio Navigating the "divine timing" and challenges of opening a yoga space in a small town Holding space for each other's personal growth and shadow work as business partners How the ripple effects of a teacher training program impact a local community Transitioning from a shared business venture to individual paths while maintaining lifelong bonds Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get early access to ad-free episodes, attend and participate in live show recordings and more, join the YogaScussion Circle! > Support the show! > Give a one-time THANK YOU donation > Shop for YogaScussion Merch! > Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com > Feedback: yogascussion@podmasana.com > Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

    Yoga Talk: We Had to Do It Together | Emily, Jess & Steph
  5. Oct 7

    Yoga, Food, Breath & the Unborn Child | Dr. Vasundhara V.R.

    In this yoga podcast, hosts Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman talk yoga with naturopathy physician and yoga therapy specialist Dr. Vasundhara V.R. for a profound YogaScussion on the intersection of ancient healing and modern science. This episode offers a fascinating lens on modern yoga culture by exploring how a dedicated yoga practice acts as an integrative "switch" that enhances the efficiency of allopathic medicine and manages cortisol. Dr. Vasundhara shares groundbreaking research on the vibrational impact of OM chanting on fetal development, the science of circadian eating, and the transformative philosophy of "food as medicine." Whether you are curious about Ayurveda, nervous system regulation, or the future of integrative healthcare, this episode illuminates how ancient wisdom can profoundly impact our physical and spiritual well-being. Hear Dr. Vasundhara explain why she chose to be a healer rather than just a yoga teacher—and how a simple shift in your daily eating schedule can transform your gut health and energy levels. Recorded May 7, 2026. Key Topics: Transitioning from a standard yoga teacher to a dedicated yoga therapist and healerHow yoga acts as a "switch" to reduce cortisol and improve the efficiency of modern medicineGroundbreaking research on the vibrational impact of OM chanting on fetal developmentThe science of "food as medicine," circadian rhythms, and feeding the gut microbiomeIntegrating Ayurveda, naturopathy, and allopathy for a truly holistic approach to health Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get early access to ad-free episodes, attend and participate in live show recordings and more, join the YogaScussion Circle! > Support the show! > Give a one-time THANK YOU donation > Shop for YogaScussion Merch! > Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com > Feedback: yogascussion@podmasana.com > Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

    Yoga, Food, Breath & the Unborn Child | Dr. Vasundhara V.R.
  6. Sep 30

    Yoga Talk: Making Medicine Work Better | Dr. Vasundhara V.R.

    In this yoga podcast preview, hosts Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman sit down with Dr. Vasundhara V.R. for a profound yoga talk on the therapeutic power of ancient practice. This episode offers a fascinating lens on modern yoga culture by exploring how Dr. Vasundhara transitioned from teaching asanas to becoming a dedicated healer, discovering that the Patanjali Yoga Sutras hold all the answers for therapeutic application. Listeners will discover how a dedicated yoga practice acts as a "switch" that can be integrated into any medical system—from Ayurveda to allopathy—to reduce cortisol, manage stress, and improve the efficiency of medication. Whether you are curious about integrative medicine or seeking a deeper understanding of yoga's healing potential, this preview illuminates the cross-disciplinary future of holistic wellness. Hear Dr. Vasundhara explain why she chose to be a healer rather than just a yoga teacher—and how yoga improves the efficiency of modern medicine by managing the body's stress response. In This Episode Preview: Transitioning from a standard yoga teacher to a dedicated yoga therapist and healer. How yoga acts as a "switch" that can be integrated into any medical system. The role of yoga in reducing cortisol and improving the efficiency of modern medicine. Using the Patanjali Yoga Sutras as the foundational text for yoga therapy. Navigating cross-disciplinary healthcare by blending Ayurveda, naturopathy, and allopathy Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get early access to ad-free episodes, attend and participate in live show recordings and more, join the YogaScussion Circle! > Support the show! > Give a one-time THANK YOU donation > Shop for YogaScussion Merch! > Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com > Feedback: yogascussion@podmasana.com > Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

    Yoga Talk: Making Medicine Work Better | Dr. Vasundhara V.R.
  7. Sep 23

    Yoga, Rhythm & Coming Home to Self | Alyssa DeCaro

    In this yoga podcast, hosts Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman sit down with embodied leadership coach and musician Alyssa DeCaro for a vibrant yoga talk on the intersection of somatic movement, rhythm, and deep inner truth. This episode offers a refreshing lens on modern yoga culture by exploring how physical injuries and ego deaths can serve as direct doorways into radical presence and joy. Listeners will discover how Alyssa's unique "groovement" practice blends ancient traditions with expressive arts to uplift the spirit, and how a simple grounding technique can shift the nervous system from anxiety to flow. Whether you are navigating a major life transition or seeking to find your authentic voice, this episode illuminates how a dedicated yoga practice can help you come home to your core essence. Hear Alyssa explain why experiencing joy in chaotic times is "a form of protest"—and how a simple "ground core presence" practice can anchor you in the present moment in just one breath. Recording date: April 20, 2026 Key Topics: How physical injuries and "ego death" can become doorways into deep presenceBlending somatic movement, rhythm, and yoga to cultivate embodied joyOvercoming the fear of stillness and finding your "groove" in the present momentThe "Ground, Core, Presence" practice for shifting from anxiety to clarityHonoring ancient lineages while keeping the practice fresh, accessible, and fun Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get early access to ad-free episodes, attend and participate in live show recordings and more, join the YogaScussion Circle! > Support the show! > Give a one-time THANK YOU donation > Shop for YogaScussion Merch! > Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com > Feedback: yogascussion@podmasana.com > Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

    Yoga, Rhythm & Coming Home to Self | Alyssa DeCaro
  8. Sep 16

    Yoga Philosophy: Injuries, Acceptance & Presence | Alyssa DeCaro

    In this yoga podcast, hosts Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman sit down with embodied leadership coach Alyssa DeCaro for a profound yoga talk on navigating physical limitations, injuries, and the stories we tell ourselves. This episode offers a refreshing lens on modern yoga culture by reframing setbacks not as roadblocks, but as direct doorways into deep presence. Listeners will discover how a dedicated yoga practice teaches us the willingness to be with the truth of "what is" in any given moment, allowing us to grieve past versions of ourselves and embrace who we are actually showing up as today. Whether you are healing from a physical injury or navigating emotional pain, this conversation illuminates how to let go of the ideal self and find profound freedom in radical acceptance. Hear Alyssa explain why injury and emotional pain are actually doorways into presence—and how to stop fearing the person you are actually becoming. In This Episode: How physical injuries and emotional pain act as doorways into presence Navigating the grief of losing a past version of yourself Overcoming the fear of showing up authentically on the mat Why yoga is the willingness to be with the truth of the present moment Releasing the stories of who we thought we were supposed to be Recording date: April 20, 2026 Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get early access to ad-free episodes, attend and participate in live show recordings and more, join the YogaScussion Circle! > Support the show! > Give a one-time THANK YOU donation > Shop for YogaScussion Merch! > Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com > Feedback: yogascussion@podmasana.com > Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

    Yoga Philosophy: Injuries, Acceptance & Presence | Alyssa DeCaro

Trailers

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About

Welcome to YogaScussion—the premier yoga podcast that goes beyond the mat. Hosted by Gina Clingerman and Brendon Orr, this show dives deep into yoga culture, practice, therapy, and philosophy with the teachers, healers, writers, and movers who are living it every day. This isn't a yoga podcast about perfect poses. It's a conversation about what the practice actually looks like in real life, and how ancient wisdom meets the evolving landscape of modern yoga culture. We explore how this wisdom translates off the mat, how a dedicated practice transforms our daily lives, and what it means to build community in a world that's forgotten how to connect. Each episode features honest, in-depth conversations with Gina, Brendon, and guests who bring diverse perspectives—from Ayurvedic physicians and somatic therapists to authors, yoga acharyas, studio owners, and practitioners. Whether it's a yoga conversation about the eight limbs, the yamas and niyamas, the business of yoga, or the neuroscience of stillness, we cover it all. Whether you're a yoga teacher looking for depth, a practitioner seeking community, or someone curious about what yoga really is beyond the Instagram aesthetic—YogaScussion is your seat. Follow, subscribe, and join the conversation. To get early access to ad-free episodes, a private chat group, live recordings, and more, join the YogaScussion Circle at https://yogascussion.podmasana.com/support.

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