Hello, Friends with James Donegan

James Donegan
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Mental Health
  • Semimonthly

What helps us feel more connected—to ourselves, to each other, and to the lives we’re actually living? I’m James Donegan, a yoga teacher, actor and singer in New York City, and Hello, Friends is an invitation to get curious together. Join me for thoughtful, informal conversations about mindfulness, creativity, friendship and everyday life with people whose work opens up fresh ways of seeing the world. We’ll explore the practices that sustain us, the things we’re still figuring out, and the room we can make for joy, humor and a little more kindness along the way. Bring your questions and your curiosity. I’ll bring mine. From Daily Flow Yoga + Meditation. https://dailyflow.yoga

Episodes

  1. Nov 1 ·  Video

    Irene Bremis on Comedy, Boundaries, and Making Room for Joy

    What makes room for a yes you’re actually excited about? Comedian Irene Bremis, co-host of Woo Woo with Rachel Dratch, joins me for a funny, personal conversation about boundaries, being present, and giving ourselves permission to enjoy our lives. I first reached out to Irene as a fan. In this conversation, she shares how her Greek family helped shape her comedy, how a cancer diagnosis changed her priorities, and why she needed to step away from stand-up and keep her circle small during that time. We talk about caregiving, her mother’s advice to take care of herself, and the friendships that keep her laughing. We also explore what a comedy stage has in common with a yoga mat—or a sink full of dishes. Irene describes the connection she feels with an audience when she’s fully present, and we consider how joy can become part of daily life without turning into another thing we “should” be doing. Her closing reminder stayed with me: “You’re permanently strong, temporarily weak.” Irene discusses her personal cancer experience and care choices, including surgery. Her account is personal experience, not medical advice or evidence that a particular approach treats cancer. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Hello, Friends 01:17 Finding comedy in a Greek family 03:09 A cancer diagnosis and personal care choices 07:01 Movement, meditation, and her relationship with her body 10:04 Privacy, relationships, and protecting her energy 11:42 Returning to comedy and the joy of Woo Woo 13:06 Caregiving and making room for a meaningful yes 14:35 Finding joy outside work 16:43 Caring about the world and taking care of yourself 18:31 What does a peaceful day look like? 19:06 Mindfulness in making tea and washing dishes 20:18 Friendship and laughing with Rachel Dratch 21:02 Finding flow onstage 24:47 Protecting your attention 25:42 Positivity, pressure, and the word “should” 28:41 “Permanently strong, temporarily weak” 30:29 Stay connected CONNECT Irene’s website, comedy, and upcoming shows: https://www.irenebremis13.com/ Irene on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenebremis/ Explore Hello, Friends or share your story: https://dailyflow.yoga/hello-friends-podcast How has mindfulness shown up in your life in a way you didn’t expect? Visit the podcast page and click “Be a Guest.” If you enjoyed this conversation, follow or subscribe, leave a rating or review where available, and share it with a friend. Thank you for being here. Music: "Cinematic Fairy Tale Story" by Zakhar Valaha Music https://patreon.com/ZVM

    Irene Bremis on Comedy, Boundaries, and Making Room for Joy

  2. Oct 18 ·  Video

    Madipao on Music, Mindfulness, and Learning to Listen

    What becomes possible when we get quiet enough to listen? Yoga therapist and singer-songwriter Madipao—Madi—joins me for a conversation about music, mindfulness, and finding her way. Her spiritual search began in childhood and eventually led her from CrossFit to yoga, mantra, and creating music. We explore how she listens as she composes, her experiences with Himalayan singing bowls, and learning to balance a “go, go, go” approach to life with stillness. That practice shows up in everyday ways, including responding to her teenage daughters with more grace and using her work to raise funds for flood relief in Nepal. I loved where we landed: something we create can matter even if it helps just one person. Sometimes that person can be ourselves. Explore Hello, Friends and choose where to listen or watch: https://dailyflow.yoga/hello-friends-podcast Connect with Madipao: Website: https://madipao.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zLCugLifzAAvc8cPVkXwf?si=ojgJP6QqRbCK9b9SjAqbBA Nepal fundraiser: https://www.madipao.com/nepal-relief Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madipao Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Hello, Friends 00:52 What yoga therapy means 02:04 Madi’s spiritual search and first yoga class 07:48 Finding music and mantra 12:31 Her creative process 14:55 Singing bowls and memories 17:59 Her connection to Nepal 20:31 More grace in family life 20:58 How singing bowls are made 22:12 Making music as an act of listening 22:44 Balancing activity with stillness 25:28 What keeps Madi searching 28:16 Putting something good into the world 29:30 A question to take with you How does yoga, art, movement, or music show up in your life in ways you didn’t expect? I’d love to hear from you. Follow Hello, Friends with James Donegan for new conversations every two weeks, and leave a rating or review if you’re enjoying the show. Namaste. Music: "Cinematic Fairy Tale Story" by Zakhar Valaha Music https://patreon.com/ZVM

    Madipao on Music, Mindfulness, and Learning to Listen

  3. Oct 4 ·  Video

    Finding Happiness When Life Is Hard with Monique Rhodes

    What does happiness look like when life is difficult? Meditation teacher, musician, and happiness strategist Monique Rhodes joins me for a conversation about mindfulness, daily habits, and making room for everything we feel. Hello, friends. For this very first episode, I’m so glad to introduce you to Monique. We talk about the experiences that brought her to meditation, how her practice supported her through serious illness, and what it means to feel grounded while still experiencing anger, grief, and uncertainty. We also get into why playing a game with a friend might deserve a place on the calendar. And since we’re both singers, we talk about music, performing, and what happens when something you love becomes your job. There’s a little backgammon, a little boogie boarding, and a lot to think about. CHAPTERS 00:00 Meet Monique Rhodes 01:03 What brought Monique to meditation 04:50 How her practice changed her life 08:21 What does it mean to be happy? 10:40 Making room for difficult feelings 14:19 Happiness habits and lasting change 16:40 Making time for play and connection 20:19 Music, performing, and doing what you love 24:54 Monique’s parting thought 27:18 Stay connected HELLO, FRIENDS EPISODES https://dailyflow.yoga/hello-friends-podcast CONNECT WITH MONIQUE Explore Monique’s work and find the happiness quiz we discuss: https://moniquerhodes.com/ ABOUT HELLO, FRIENDS Hello, Friends with James Donegan is a place for conversations about mindfulness and the unexpected ways our practices show up in everyday life. I’m a yoga teacher, actor, and singer, and I’m curious about how we carry what we practice into the lives we actually have. Explore Daily Flow Yoga + Meditation: https://dailyflow.yoga/video Get periodic Daily Flow updates: https://mailchi.mp/dailyflow/join-us If this conversation speaks to you, I hope you’ll follow Hello, Friends wherever you’re watching or listening and share this episode with a friend. Thank you for spending this time with us. Namaste. Content note: This conversation includes discussion of childhood trauma, depression, a past suicide attempt, and serious illness. Music: "Cinematic Fairy Tale Story" by Zakhar Valaha Music https://patreon.com/ZVM

    Finding Happiness When Life Is Hard with Monique Rhodes

  4. Season 1 Trailer

    Welcome to Hello, Friends with James Donegan

    Hello, friends! I’m James Donegan—a yoga teacher, actor and singer—and I’d love to invite you into the conversation. In this brief introduction to Hello, Friends with James Donegan, I share what’s ahead: thoughtful, informal conversations about mindfulness, creativity, friendship, and finding meaning and connection in everyday life. We’ll explore what helps us, what challenges us, and what we’re still figuring out—with curiosity and room for a laugh. Follow the podcast to join me for upcoming conversations, or watch on the Daily Flow Yoga YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@dailyflowyoga From Daily Flow Yoga + Meditation. https://dailyflow.yoga Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 9OT3KMQK5FOLZYLP

  • 1 Trailer
    3 Episodes

Trailer

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out of 5
7 Ratings

About

What helps us feel more connected—to ourselves, to each other, and to the lives we’re actually living? I’m James Donegan, a yoga teacher, actor and singer in New York City, and Hello, Friends is an invitation to get curious together. Join me for thoughtful, informal conversations about mindfulness, creativity, friendship and everyday life with people whose work opens up fresh ways of seeing the world. We’ll explore the practices that sustain us, the things we’re still figuring out, and the room we can make for joy, humor and a little more kindness along the way. Bring your questions and your curiosity. I’ll bring mine. From Daily Flow Yoga + Meditation. https://dailyflow.yoga

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