Episode 2: Why I Started This Podcast — Connected by Yoga Yoga has been part of my life for many years, long before I even realized it was guiding me. Like many people, I first entered the practice for the movement. As a former dancer, it felt like a natural transition: the shapes, the challenge, the grace, and especially the stillness at the end of class. But over time, I discovered something deeper. The most meaningful shifts weren’t happening on the mat — they were happening in my choices, my relationships, and in the way I met life’s challenges. That realization is what inspired me to create Connected by Yoga. Yoga is so much more than postures or the right outfit. It’s the way we live, respond, listen, and show up for ourselves and each other. It’s alive in our kitchens, in our conversations, in community, and in the moments no one else sees. The true practice begins after class ends. This podcast is my offering to explore those deeper layers. A space to share stories, wisdom, reflections, and real-life applications of yoga, the kind that evolves through devotion, curiosity, and everyday humanity. It’s also an extension of the community I love and serve: the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach. The roots of this studio are the roots of my own path, and it feels important to begin here. A Legacy of Love: The Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach South Florida’s original yoga studio, the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach, has been a sacred home for generations. Established in 1968 and incorporated in 1971, it was created by Madhu in memory of her daughter, Gail Teichmann — a devoted young yogini committed to service and compassion. Over the decades, a lineage of stewards — Dotty Zevin, Denise Springer, JoAnn Evans, and later Louise Goldberg — kept this space alive through devotion, teaching, and community care. In January 2025, I stepped into the role of owner and director, humbled by the teachers and students who carried this light before me. This studio has never been just a place to practice; it has always been a home. For more insights, subscribe to Connected by Yoga and follow me on socials: Instagram - @yogacenterdbFacebook - @yogacenterdbInstagram - @melissaderricoFacebook - @melissaderricoPodcast Intro/Outro Music by Kelly Dow! All content © 2025 Connected by YOGA
