A quick note before you listen: this episode was recorded in less-than-perfect audio conditions, so you may notice a few sound quality issues along the way. We appreciate your understanding and hope you'll stay with us, as the conversation contains valuable insights that we didn't want you to miss. Liz Albanis welcomes back Rebel Tucker for another insightful conversation. The wellness world loves big promises, but what happens when the very practices meant to help people are the ones doing harm? We dig into the uncomfortable edge of modern yoga and breathwork: quick certifications, charismatic authority, and emotionally intense techniques that can feel “cathartic” while leaving someone more destabilised than before. Our north star is discernment, learning when to trust, when to question, and how to keep your power in your own hands rather than handing it to a teacher, a brand, or a trend. unpack why not all breathwork is pranayama, why contraindications matter, and how teachers can accidentally step far outside their scope of practice. We talk about real risks in large-group “release” processes, the importance of agency and opt-outs, and why trauma-aware yoga is not the same as trauma therapy. We also get practical about professional standards: what ethical marketing looks like, why insurance may not cover you when you overreach, and what many Australian yoga teachers don’t realise about unregistered health practitioner codes of conduct. the rise of short online add-on certifications like yin yoga “teacher” trainings that may skip the foundations needed for safe cueing, anatomy basics, and real teaching skill. If you’re a student, a teacher, or someone returning to yoga after trauma or PTSD, you’ll leave with sharper questions to ask, clearer red flags to notice, and a more grounded way to seek support without chasing a quick fix. Key Topics: Discernment in yoga and breathwork, what ethical teaching looks like, and how to choose support that protects your agency and mental health. Power dynamics in yoga spaces and why “guru” culture can be risky Discernment (viveka) as a core yogic skill rather than blind trust Breathwork versus pranayama and why contraindications matter Real-world harm when emotionally intense practices remove choice Scope of practice, insurance limits, and why liability gets ignored Australia’s unregistered health practitioner codes and what teachers should know Quick certifications, yin yoga misunderstandings, and safety problems Why practical assessment beats quiz-based “certificate” models Trauma-aware teaching as agency, choice, and careful language About this episode's Guest: Rebel Tucker is a yoga therapist, naturopath. And senior yoga teacher with over 40 years of experience. She runs a yoga studio on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Where she specialises in helping individuals restore well-being through the energetic body. Traditional yoga practices, and evidence-based methods. As a board member of Yoga Australia. Rebel is dedicated to the professional growth of the yoga community. And making yoga accessible to everyone. https://yogarebel.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/yogireb/?hl=en Important disclaimer: about the words “healing,” “recovery” and “therapeutic”: These terms are used throughout this podcast and accompanying content in a general, educational and experiential sense. They are not intended to imply or guarantee that yoga, yoga therapy, somatic practices or any other practice will diagnose, treat, cure or prevent trauma, PTSD, anxiety or any other medical or mental health condition. Individual experiences and outcomes vary. This content is for general informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalised medical, psychological or other professional healthcare. Please seek advice from an appropriately qualified health professional regarding your individual circumstances. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Want to make video and audio editing quicker and simpler? Get 50% off the first 2 months of the Descript Creator Monthly Plan. Instagram: Youtube
