This is Yoga Therapy

In this episode, I spoke with Jacoby Ballard, a social justice educator, yoga teacher, and author whose work is transforming how we approach inclusivity on and off the mat. Jacoby is known for his playfulness, heart-opening approach, and his commitment to change from the inside out.

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In this episode we welcomed back the amazing Dr. Katy Jane (The Intuitive Vedic Astrologer) to dive into her new book, Moon Signs for the Soul! We explore how the 27 Vedic Moon Signs (Nakshatras) offer a deeper, more accurate roadmap for aligning with your true purpose. Plus, get the scoop on her powerful planetary predictions for 'The Year of Miracles' in 2026 and how practitioners can use this spiritual wisdom.

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In this episode I interviewed with Dr. Carrie Demers. Dr. Carrie is a true pioneer, holding dual board certifications in both Internal Medicine and Integrative Medicine. She seamlessly blends modern science with traditional approaches like yoga, Ayurveda, nutrition, and herbal medicine. Carrie currently serves as the Medical Director of the Himalayan Institute's PureRejuv Wellness Center, and through the years has been a frequent contributor to Yoga International. 

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Michele Lawrence interviews Amadea Morningstar, a pioneer in Ayurvedic nourishment and self-care, about her journey and contributions to the field. Amadea, who has a BS in Nutrition and an MA in Counseling, founded the Ayurveda Polarity Therapy and Yoga Institute in Santa Fe. She discusses her books, including "Ayurvedic Cooking for Westerners" and "Easy Healing Drinks from the Wisdom of Ayurveda," and explains the principles of Ayurvedic nutrition, polarity therapy, and Marma therapy. Amadea emphasizes the importance of individualized care and the integration of ancient practices with modern health principles. She also shares her daily spiritual practices and commitment...

In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Ram Rao. Dr. Ram holds a PhD in Neuroscience and presently serves as a Principal Research Scientist at Apollo Health which uses a systems-based, integrative approach to prevent, treat, or reverse Alzheimer’s disease. Ram is also a Board-certified Ayurveda Practitioner (AP), and a Registered Yoga Teacher and teaches Ayurveda and Yoga at the California College of Ayurveda. He is the author of the bestselling book Good Living Practices: The Best from Ayurveda, Yoga and Modern Science for Achieving Optimal Health, Happiness and Longevity.

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Join us on the latest episode of This is Yoga Therapy for a conversation with the insightful Doug Keller. We explore the therapeutic wisdom of yoga and what it offers for those navigating chronic pain and health issues. Tune in to learn how this evolving field is set to become a vital part of the future of yoga!

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In this podcast episode, I spoke with Sarah Kruse. Sarah is an Ayurvedic Doctor and she assists clients in returning to their true nature through the principles applied in Ayurvedic Consultations and Ayurvedic Health Coaching programs. Sarah is a graduate of The Ayurvedic Institute, where she studied under Dr. Vasant Lad, and has traveled extensively throughout India, studying with renowned Ayurvedic doctors and scholars.  She is also a graduate of The Brenneke School of Massage in Seattle. Sarah has  been practicing Ayurveda since 1999 and massage since 2001.  In the podcast, we discussed how the ancient system of Ayurveda can support you...

In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Stephanie Minchin. Dr. Minchin, also known as The Yoga Psychologist, brings over 17 years of experience as a Clinical Psychologist, a Yoga Teacher, and a Yoga Therapist. With advanced training in breathwork, Internal Family Systems, and Somatic IFS, she founded House of Yoga Psychology, a spiritual sanctuary dedicated to supporting holistic wellbeing professionals and healing practitioners. 

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In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Jaime Stover Schmitt. Jaime began traditional yoga training at age six, continued it through high school, and started teaching yoga in 1974. She began offering her integrative approach to yoga therapy as Spanda® Yoga Movement Therapy in 1987. Her offerings are informed by not only ongoing classical yoga study, but by her training in myriad forms of bodywork, movement therapy, career as a professional dancer, and doctorate in Dance Education. For over three decades, Dr. Schmitt has mentored yoga therapists, trained teachers, and led workshops globally. During the podcast, we s...

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Deborah King. Deborah is a Certified Yoga Therapist and the insightful founder of ReGrowing Our Wings: Yoga Therapy for Survivors of Relational Violence. Beyond her dedicated private practice, she partners with The Dove Project, creating vital yoga therapy offerings for survivors of gender-based violence. She also holds the unique privilege of creating specialized practices for people navigating multiple sclerosis, cancer, and postnatal mental health challenges through Swedish Medical Centers. Her recent article, "When Safety is a Privilege, Not a Choice: Yoga Therapy with Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence," was...

In this episode, I’m joined by Keri Marino—a somatic yoga therapist with over 16 years experience supporting women through deep, meaningful growth & healing.

Keri works with women who’ve spent years doing the inner work. They’ve been to therapy, read the books and done the yoga. And while they’ve come a long way, something still feels off. They’re tired of pushing through, tired of holding it all together, and deep down, they’re longing for something more sustainable. More joyful and soul-nourishing.

Keri shares how yoga therapy, somatic practices, and inner work can suppo...

In this episode, I interviewed Courtney Brame. Courtney is a dedicated yoga teacher, a yoga therapist in training, and the insightful founder of Something Positive for Positive People (SPFPP). Courtney's work provides crucial guidance for individuals navigating the often isolating experience of stigma, a journey deeply informed by his own experiences. Courtney is also the host of the SPFPP podcast and is the co-author of the book, Fundamental Concepts and Critical Developments in Sex Education. We’re honored to have Courtney as a student in our Inner Peace Yoga Therapy certification program.

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In this episode, I spoke with Ann Swanson—author of the bestselling Science of Yoga, which has been translated into over 15 languages and sold over 1/2 a million copies worldwide. Overcoming chronic pain and anxiety led her to India to study yoga, to China to explore tai chi, into the cadaver lab to teach anatomy, to night school to become a licensed massage therapist, and, ultimately, to earn a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy. 

This is the third time we've had Ann on the podcast. In this episode, we caught up on what’s new for Ann, inclu...

In this episode, I interviewed Cheri Dostal Ryba. Cheri has devoted over 20 years to embodied inquiry & transformation as a movement educator, fitness trainer, dancer, C-IAYT yoga therapist, speaker and author. Her approach weaves the cyclical wisdom of nature with nervous system and polyvagal informed whole person pelvic care. Cheri published her first book in 2022, Pelvic Yoga Therapy for the Whole Woman: A Professional Guide. With abundant sound effects and heart-led facilitation, she helps women remember and trust their instincts and authentic expression.

Her book is now in it’s 3rd anniversary and she's been working on some ne...

In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Jonathan Rosenthal. Jonathan is a neurologist and a yoga student of Sri Dharma Mittra. Since 2014, he has been passionately sharing neuroscience and yoga. He aspires to help others learn the actual science on yoga to enhance their practice, customize their instruction, and support their advocacy with scientific evidence.

Jonathan is also the host of the Neuroscience and Yoga Conference, which is now in its 5th year, and will be taking place April 23-27 both in person and online. We spoke about his life, work, the conference and more in the podcast.<...

In this episode, I interviewed Julia Romano. Julia is Certified Yoga Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is a former faculty member with the Maryland University of Integrative Health's Masters of Science in Yoga Therapy program, and supervisor in its clinical program; she also worked as yoga therapist with patients in acute care of Howard County General Hospital. Julia is the author of Yoga Therapy for the Whole Mother: Developing Awareness in Service of Postpartum Healing, which was published by Singing Dragon last year.  We spoke about her book and her work on the podcast.

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In this episode of the podcast, Renee Rudolph interviewed Inner Peace Yoga Therapy Founder and Director, Michele Lawrence. The conversation focused on a new initiative they recently launched called the Yoga Therapy Collective. The Yoga Therapy Collective is a membership site designed to promote collaboration among and advancement for Yoga Therapists. Renee and Michele spoke more about the Collective, who it’s for, what it offers and more. 

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In this episode, I interviewed Philip Shepherd. Philip is the author of “New Self, New World: Recovering Our Senses in the Twenty-First Century.” He leads workshops internationally on the art of embodiment. 

During the podcast, we spoke about embodiment, the body’s three brains, and his workshops centered on reconnecting with one’s being.

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In this episode, I interviewed Jivana Heyman. Jivana  (he/him), C-IAYT, E-RYT500, is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings and supporting yoga teachers. He’s the author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body; Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion; and The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga: Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body.

Over the past 30 years of teaching yoga, Jivana has focused on welcoming all people to practice and celebrating our individuality and our differences. His work has...

In today’s episode, I was delighted to speak with Dr. Katy Jane. Dr. Katy is a Vedic scholar, Sanskrit expert, and spiritual facilitator who teaches yoga teachers and offers online Vedic astrology immersions. She earned her doctorate in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2001. She also studied Sanskrit, Hindi, and Bengali in Calcutta, India.  Dr. Katy taught at the University of Colorado and Naropa University in Boulder. She created Sanskrit for Yogis, a traditional method for learning the sacred language of yoga and is the author of Awakening with Sanskrit. She also writes for Emb...

In this episode, I interviewed Susi Hately. Susi is a yoga teacher, C-IAYT yoga therapist, teacher trainer, speaker, and author with a B.Sc. in Kinesiology. As the founder of Functional Synergy, she is transforming, inspiring, and setting a new standard in the global community of health through yoga therapy and functional movement therapy. Her 4-day online program, Power of Pure Movement: Strong and Supple Feet, has proven to improve the mobility and stability of her clients.

We spoke about her work and insights related to training the body for optimal health.

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In this episode, I interviewed Susi Amendola, author of “The Centered Heart: Evidence-Based Mind Body Practices to Stress Less and Improve Cardiac Health.” She an Internationally Certified Yoga Therapist who brings over 40 years of experience utilizing Yoga and lifestyle practices to help others heal. In 1983 she founded Yoga Now in Omaha, Nebraska where she currently teaches classes and directs the annual 200-Hour Yoga Certification program. Susi has developed yoga-based stress management programs for schools, businesses, and hospitals throughout the country.

Presently, Susi is a National Senior Trainer of Stress Management for the prestigious Ornish Lifestyle Medicine program for...

In this episode, I spoke with Natalie Buster. Natalie is a yoga therapist, an end of life navigator, a certified death doula, a grief reliever, an actor, a podcaster, a writer, and a mentor with a deep desire to help people.

She is the resident yoga therapist at Abode, a contemplative home for the dying in San Antonio, Texas.  Earlier this year, at Abode, she launched an End of Life Yoga Training Program, she also helps lead the Death Doula training program there which incorporates contemplative practices.

We spoke about her work, as well as w...

In this episode, I interviewed Joseph Le Page.  Joseph founded Integrative Yoga and Integrative Yoga Therapy in 1993 and is a pioneer in the field of Yoga therapy training programs. He began teaching yoga therapy in hospital settings in 1995 and continues up to the present as Director of The Healthy Heart Program, which conducts Yoga Therapy group programs in public health settings throughout Brazil.

During the podcast, we spoke more about the Healthy Heart Program and Joseph’s work teaching yoga therapy in hospital settings and healthcare systems. 

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In this episode I interviewed Rebecca Weisman. Rebecca is a devoted student and teacher of Iyengar Yoga, her classes are a dynamic mix of anatomical exploration and energetic experience, with a focus on bringing the mind to a deep and quiet state of absorption.   

Rebecca is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (Level III) a Certified Yoga Therapist, and the Director at the Iyengar Yoga Center of Vermont.  Rebecca also teaches prenatal and postpartum yoga and has a particular interest in therapeutic and medical applications of yogasana (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises). She has worked successfully with individuals in...

In this episode I interviewed Dr. Lauren Tober. Lauren is a Clinical Psychologist and Yoga and Meditation Teacher with a passion for health, healing, happiness and awakening.  She is the founder of the Yoga Psychology Institute, dedicated to navigating the challenges of being human through the lens of yoga and western psychology, offering trainings for mental health professionals interested in bringing yoga into their therapy work, and for yoga teachers who want to support their students experiencing mental health challenges through the global Mental Health Aware Yoga training. She also runs the Centre for Mind Body Wellness in Mullumbimby (A...

In this episode, I interviewed 3 current or former Inner Peace Yoga Therapy students: Whitney Pasch, Jordan Smith, and Lisa Haake. They each shared experiences during their yoga therapy training and gave insights about how they are working as yoga therapists today.

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In this episode, I had a conversation with one of my beloved teachers, Indu Arora. It had been a while since we had Indu on the podcast and we took the time to catch up.
We spoke about..

In this episode, I interviewed Sheridan Ruth. Sheridan is a yoga and trauma therapist specializing in supporting entrepreneurs to increase profit and decrease anxiety.  While there are a lot of 'trauma-informed' and 'body-based practitioner' coaches in the industry, none of them do it by merging body-based tools, the nervous system AND business strategy, except for Sheridan. 

During the podcast, Sheridan shared how she developed her approach and how she is helping entrepreneurs combine the nervous system with business strategy to increase profit and decrease anxiety - even when traditional methods haven’t worked. 

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In this episode, I interviewed Rachel Krentzman. At age 16, Rachel was diagnosed with scoliosis. At 32 she suffered a herniated disc and was told she would have to modify her activities for the rest of her life – instead, Rachel is now a walking testimonial for how yoga can be used therapeutically to heal your back pain. Rachel is a licensed physical therapist and yoga therapist. She offers international workshops and teacher training in Yoga for a Happy Back and Yoga Therapy. She has recently completed her Hakomi Psychotherapy Certification and is passionate about exploring the mind and emotional connection to ph...

In this episode, I interviewed Kimberly Archibald Russell. Kim is a yoga teacher, a yoga therapist and lives in Cleveland, OH. She is the founder of My Village Yoga.  My Village Yoga was founded on the idea that the benefits of yoga should be shared with everyone throughout the Cleveland community, regardless of age, gender, body type, race, religion, or socioeconomic level. We spoke about her mission and her work in the podcast. 

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In this episode, I interviewed 3 Inner Peace Yoga Therapy students or alumni: Sara Hall, Sarah Martin, and Julie Williams. They each have different backgrounds but have collaborated on various initiatives in the field of pain management and yoga therapy. We dove into some of the work they’ve done, including a recent paper published on the implementation of a clinic-based yoga program for chronic pain. We also discussed the distinction between pursuing a career as a yoga therapist within a medical setting with a formal degree, compared to establishing a yoga therapy practice without a medical qualification.

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In this episode, I interviewed Katlin Robinson. Katlin is a Yoga Therapist based in Ontario, Canada. She specializes in yoga and mindfulness for mental health, and women’s wellness. Katlin is also a graduate of our program, Inner Peace Yoga Therapy.

During the podcast, we explored the current work that she is doing at the intersections of yoga and mental health, specifically with a technique known as Emotion-Focused Therapy for complex trauma. Katlin has become increasingly interested in how yoga practices help facilitate emotional processing and resilience as a part of trauma healing.

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In this episode, I interviewed Brett Larkin. Brett is the founder of her award-winning YouTube channel, Uplifted™️ Online Yoga Teacher Trainings, a successful entrepreneur, and sought-after online business consultant. During the podcast, Brett shared more about herself and her book Yoga Life.

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In this episode, I interviewed 3 current or former Inner Peace Yoga Therapy students: Emily Anderson, Erin Alexander, and Rachel Kaplan. They each shared experiences during their yoga therapy training and gave insights about how they are working as yoga therapists today. 

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In this episode, I was joined by Marita Greenidge and Kelly Froio. Marita and Kelly both work with the IAYT, or International Association of Yoga Therapists, and we spoke  about this year’s Symposium on Yoga Therapy and Research (known as SYTAR) that is presented by the IAYT. This year's conference will be June 20–22 in Scottsdale, AZ and will include keynotes, workshops, roundtables networking opportunities, and many other sessions.

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In this episode, I interviewed Nyk Danu. Nyk is a Yoga Therapist who teaches Therapeutic Yoga to Misfits, Gen xers (and sometimes Y) who don’t feel at home in mainstream yoga circles: Alternative folks, punx, the rebels, underdogs, neurodiverse, introverts, geeks, and bookworms. Her specialty is helping people with Back Pain and Anxiety and she is also a Yin Yoga specialist and has a Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training. 

We touched upon all of these things in our conversation. 

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In this episode, I interviewed Natasha Aldridge. Natasha is the CEO and the “wearer of many hats” for the Yoga Therapy Library (YTL) — a new type of sequence builder that brings therapeutic focus and accessibility to the forefront.  We spoke about the origin of the Library, who it’s designed for, how it’s being used today, and the potential that it holds for listeners to our podcast.

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In this episode, I interviewed Ann Swanson. Ann  is a certified yoga therapist and author of the best-selling book SCIENCE OF YOGA, which has been translated into over 15 languages. Ann makes the tools of mindful movement and meditation non-intimidating and accessible world-wide, especially to people who feel like they can’t do yoga or their mind is too busy to meditate. She specializes in helping people safely and effectively manage stress and relieve chronic pain—like back pain or arthritis. She has a new book entitled “Meditation for the Real World, Finding Peace in Everyday Life,” which is launching on Feb 6...

In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Joe Tafur, MD, integrative Family Physician, curandero, author, and speaker. His acclaimed book, The Fellowship of the River, explores the role of spiritual healing in modern healthcare. Dr. Tafur currently offers integrative medical services virtually and in association with DayTryp Psychedelic Wellness Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He also provides telemedicine services to individuals in Arizona and California.

Generally, I speak on this podcast with individuals who work in the space of Yoga and healing. Today, we spoke more about plant medicine and healing. But the common denominator for both...

In this episode I interviewed Uma Dinsmore Tuli. Uma fell in love with yoga and yoga nidra at the age of four and has been practicing ever since. She has been teaching since 1994 and training yoga therapists since 1999. An eco-yoga therapist with special expertise in yoga therapy for empowering women’s health, she runs retreats internationally, training teachers, and yoga therapists in menstrual health, pre- and postnatal yoga, and in yoga for menopausal health. In 2011, she cofounded the post-lineage, nonhierarchical Yoga Nidra Network. Uma is the author of Yoni Shakti, a Women’s Guide to Power and Freedom through Yoga...

In this episode, I interviewed Lee Majewski. Lee  is a yoga therapist, an author, and founding director of Yoga for Health Institute , a non-profit organization located in Toronto, Canada. She is also a visiting Senior Yoga Therapist at Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute in India. Her own journey through cancer brought home the value of ancient Yogic methods and resulted in creating a unique healing, residential and online, retreat Beyond Cancer. As a result of program effectiveness and being the first of its kind, Beyond Cancer has received an influx of international recognition. Apart from India, the Beyond Cancer retreat is o...

In this episode I interviewed Brian James. Brian is  a yoga teacher, transformational coach and integration counselor. He works with individuals in person or online and regularly teaches classes, workshops and trainings.

Brian has been exploring the intersection of yoga, music, psychology and shamanism for over twenty-five years and has learned from master teachers and healers all over the world. Brian is also the author of Yoga + Plant Medicine, Integrating Yoga & Psychedelics for Your Healing, Growth & Transformation and we spoke about his book and more on the podcast. He lives in British Columbia, Canada.

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In this episode I interviewed Dr. Marc Halpern. Dr. Marc Halpern is the founder of the California College of Ayurveda and a classically trained Sivananda Yoga Teacher. He has been studying and practicing Ayurveda for more than 30 years. An expert in the field, he has written five textbooks as well as the popular book: Healing Your Life; Lessons on the Path of Ayurveda. Recently, he just published a textbook entitled Classical Yoga Therapy, the Integration of Yoga and Ayurveda, and we spoke about that and more on the podcast.

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In this episode I interviewed Petia Kolibova Burns. Petia is an abundance and light activation coach who guides women to intuitively connect with their inner vision so they can experience personal and professional magnetism and become unapologetically abundant.  Her mission is to empower visionaries who are on the path to embody their fullest self-expression to soulfully expand into a quantum leap in all dimensions of their lives.

While availability lasts, experience your exclusive complimentary… Abundance Activation Process with Petia here.

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In this episode I interviewed Joanna Sapir. Joanna is a business strategist for holistic practitioners, particularly those that integrate multiple modalities. Her special ability is in helping practitioners set up repeatable systems and processes in their businesses to serve their clients more powerfully, enroll committed long-term clients, and create steady income and cash flow.

She has been a teacher and trainer for more than twenty years, from the classroom to the gym floor and now to wellness practices across the world. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, she is a mother of two, a...

In this episode I interviewed Brian Hyman. Brian is  an accomplished and certified yoga instructor, meditation guide, dharma teacher, author, and father. He is also an addiction recovery activist. He has been clean and sober since 2009, and has been teaching yoga and meditation at Cliffside Malibu, a prominent treatment center in California, since 2012. His dedicated work in the field of addiction treatment and recovery combines yogic philosophy, Buddhist wisdom, Twelve Step principles, and timeless insights from various spiritual traditions. And his first book "Recovery with Yoga: Supportive Practices to Transcend Addiction" (Shambhala Publications) will be released in 2024. During the p...

In today’s episode I interviewed Artemis Emily Doyle and Bhairav Thomas English.

With over 35 years of combined experience, Artemis Emily Doyle and Bhairav Thomas English are students and practitioners of various mystic traditions. They are lineage holders in the tradition of Shivoham Tantra.  Together they are the authors of 'The Power of Tantra Meditation", the founders of the Anuttara Ashram, School, Teacher Trainings, & the Tantra & Yoga Podcast. 

They live in a simple home, off-grid in the sacred mountains of the Nisga’a people in northern British Columbia, Canada. Together they established Anuttara Ashram and the An...

In this episode I interviewed Joanne Spence.  Joanne is the author of Trauma-Informed Yoga: A Toolbox for Therapists: 47 Practices to Calm, Balance, and Restore the Nervous System and the new card deck, Trauma-Informed Yoga Card Deck: 52 Self-Guided Practices to Calm, Balance, and Restore the Nervous System. Joanne has taught yoga in prisons, hospitals, schools, churches, and sometimes street corners. Her sub-specialties are treating adults and children with chronic pain, trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and insomnia. She has over 30 years of clinical experience, ten of those years as the first yoga therapist at Western Psychiatric Hospital. Joanne’s poetry appears in...

In this episode I was joined by Marita Greenidge and Kelly Froio. Marita and Kelly both work with the IAYT, or International Association of Yoga Therapists, and we spoke about the upcoming annual Symposium on Yoga Therapy and Research that is presented by the IAYT. This year's conference will be June 15–17 in Reston, Virginia and promises inspiring keynotes, dynamic workshops, and many other sessions

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In this episode I interviewed three recently certified Yoga Therapists: Sara Augustin, Lisa Segar and Shari Schwarz. We spoke about their experience in our training program and the work they are doing today as professional Yoga Therapists.

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On this episode I interviewed Tracee Stanley. Tracee is the author of the bestselling book Radiant Rest: Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation and Awakened Clarity and the forthcoming The Luminous Self: Sacred Yogic Practices & Rituals to Remember Who You Are (October 10, 2023 by Shambhala Publications). 

She is the founder of Empowered Life Circle, a sacred community and portal of practices, rituals, and Tantric teachings inspired by more than 20 years of study in Sri Vidya Tantra and the teachings of the Himalayan Masters. As a post-lineage teacher, Tracee is devoted to sharing the wisdom of yoga nidra, rest, meditation, s...

In this episode, I interviewed Cindy Crace. Cindy is a yoga teacher, a yoga therapist, a friend, and she’s an alumni of Inner Peace Yoga Therapy. Cindy lives in Williamsburg, VA where she’s the director of Shanti Garudasana Yoga School and she also works as a yoga therapist at the College of William and Mary.  Cindy spoke about the different facets of the work she does in the world as a yoga therapist (she’s multifaceted!) and the people that she serves.

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In this episode, I interviewed Lacey Ramirez. Lacey is a yoga teacher, global health researcher, and writer based in St. Louis. Through her work, she seeks to make yoga accessible, inclusive, and equitable. I came across Lacey’s work after reading her article in Yoga U Online on the Research on the Benefits of Embodiment and Interoceptive Awareness. We spoke about this and more on the podcast. 

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In this episode, I interviewed Mahur-Nain Webster. Madhur-Nain is an author, Meditation Instructor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She prides herself in adapting different modalities of healing to her clients’ needs. We spoke about Meditation, Mental Health Tools and Psychotherapy and more on the podcast. 

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This episode is a recap of a recent Zoom panel we held with the following Inner Peace Yoga Therapy students and alumni:

In the panel, these individuals shared their experiences in our training, and spoke to what their yoga therapy work and path looks like today.

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In this episode I interviewed Kaitlyn Holsapple. Through the journey of healing her own PTSD, Kaitlyn channeled and created somatic yoga therapy, an integrative healing art form that gently and effectively alchemizes trauma into Soul Power, which she is most known for. We spoke about this and more on the podcast.

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In this episode I interviewed Heidi Crocker. Heidi is the Accreditation Manager for the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT).  We spoke about the evolution of the profession, Yoga Therapy Certification, Licensure and more.

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In this episode I interviewed Niya Bajaj. We spoke about her work as a yoga therapist and her presentation at the Lifestyle Medicine Summit.

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In this episode I interviewed a woman who needs little introduction. Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.d. and physical therapist, has taught yoga around the world since 1971. Judith offers numerous live events, digital courses, and has published 11 books, including her most recent, Yoga Myths, and Teaching Yoga with Intention. In the podcast we spoke about her life and her work, and about how Yoga itself is inherently therapeutic.

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In this episode I interviewed yoga teacher and activist Reggie Hubbard. Reggie teaches Members of Congress, Congressional Staff, leading progressive organizations and individuals, sharing techniques for growing peace and ease as a foundation, not an afterthought.  He also advises yoga communities, yoga studios, teachers and the broader wellness industry on the importance of diversity and inclusion, opening the practice to all and eliminating exclusionary cultures and habits.  

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In this episode, I interviewed Anjali Rao. Anjali (she/her) is a Yoga educator who offers a critical lens into the teachings of yoga in service to the challenges of the times we live in. Her work offers insight into the Yoga stories and histories that have been obscured by heteropatriarchy and colonization . She brings an intersectional lens in integrating yoga philosophy and history, with storytelling, imagery and poetry.  She is an Indian American immigrant, a cancer survivor and believes that a dedicated practice of yoga in all its expansiveness can alchemize and heal the world by creating ripples o...

In this episode I interviewed Jenna Csont. Jenna is a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT), having graduated from Inner Peace Yoga Therapy in 2020. Today she works as a yoga therapist at Skyway Behavioral Health in Skokie, IL, a specialized behavioral health center with an array of services built just for clients dealing with mood, anxiety, and traumatic stress disorders, complex mental health diagnoses, trauma, and eating disorders. We spoke on the podcast  about her role there and what she calls the “transformative power of collaborative care.”

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In this episode I interviewed Dr. Jennifer Kreatsoulas. Jennifer is a certified yoga therapist specializing in eating disorders and body image. She is a sought-after international speaker and former host of Real Body Talk, an online interview talk show. Through her virtual school, Yoga for Eating Disorders, Jennifer offers individual yoga therapy, groups, classes, and continuing education and mentoring for professionals. She is the author of Body Mindful Yoga, and The Courageous Path to Healing, and her writing has been featured widely in print, broadcast, and online media. We spoke with Jennifer about her life and work, focusing on...

In this episode I interviewed Dr. Arielle Schwartz. Dr. Schwartz has a private practice in Boulder, Colorado providing Psychotherapy, Supervision, and Consultation in Resilience Informed Therapy which applies research on trauma recovery, EMDR Therapy, and Somatic Psychology to form a strength-based, trauma treatment model.  She is also an author of several books on trauma, resilience and growth. We spoke about these subjects and more on the podcast.

Links & Resources:

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This episode is a recap of a recent Zoom panel we held with the following Inner Peace Yoga Therapy students and alumni:

In the panel, these individuals shared their experiences in our training, and spoke to what their yoga therapy work and path looks like today.

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In this episode I interviewed Rynn Burkett and Meg Hayden. Rynn and Meg are both current students in the Inner Peace Yoga Therapy Certification program. They are doing some amazing work in the world and we wanted to spotlight that a bit on the podcast. Specifically, and among other things, they are working with teenage boys in group homes or jails, some of whom are in recovery, and they are offering group yoga therapy.

To connect with Rynn: IG: @sb.musique FB: https://facebook.com/integrativeyogaamarillo
To connect with Meg: IG@haydenmeg

...

In this episode, I interviewed Durga Leela. Durga is a yoga therapist and yoga teacher, Ayurvedic practitioner and author of the new book entitled Yoga of Recovery: Integrating Yoga and Ayurveda with Modern Recovery Tools for Addiction. By offering an empowering personal program of self-care in recovery, the book provides guidance for everyone affected by widespread modern addictiveness. We spoke about this and more on the podcast.

To learn more about Durga and her work, visit yogaofrecovery.com

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In this episode I interviewed Joseph LePage. Joseph founded Integrative Yoga and Integrative Yoga Therapy in 1993, and is a pioneer in the field of Yoga therapy training programs. He began teaching yoga therapy in hospital settings in 1995 and continues up to the present as Director of The Healthy Heart Program, which conducts Yoga Therapy group programs in public health settings throughout Brazil.

Recently, Joseph became on the faculty of the Inner Peace Yoga Therapy program and today he is leading many of our students through a course in our 800 hr program entitled The Art & Science of Yoga...

In this episode I interviewed Libby Hinsley.  Libby lives in Asheville, NC and is a Doctor of Physical Therapy as well as a Certified Yoga Therapist. She draws most of her Yoga inspiration from the tradition of Desikachar, or the viniyoga lineage and she was fortunate to study at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in 2008 and has immersed herself in this tradition ever since.  Her treatment approach is to view the person as a forest. The body is one component of the human experience, and it is impacted by all the others. In the same way, effective treatment of the bo...

In this episode I interviewed Edda Rodriguez. Originally from Peru, Edda moved to Chicago in 2002.  She started practicing Yoga out of necessity in order to relieve back pain, but quickly realized that there was a lot more going on than just a physical practice. Today, Edda is a Certified Yoga Therapist, Reiki Master and teacher, and Somatic Experience Provider. Since 2013, she has been teaching trauma sensitive yoga to veterans at the Captain James A Lovell Federal Care Center in Chicago and she has facilitated more than 5000 hours at the Mental Health Unit,  PTSD unit,  Assisted Living Facility for Seniors Vet...

his episode is a recap of a recent Zoom panel we held with the following Inner Peace Yoga Therapy students and alumni:

In the panel, these individuals shared their experiences in our training, and spoke to what their yoga therapy work and path looks like today.

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In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Dawn Browning. Dawn is a holistic health expert, researcher, C-IAYT, and founder of HolSol Wellness. She helps driven women discover holistic tools using yoga, personal development, and essential oils so they can play an active role in their own healing.

Dawn has lived with Type 1 Diabetes for over 35 years, and she says that embodying the principles of yoga therapy has changed her relationship with diabetes. We spoke about this and more on the podcast.

To access a 9-page resource Dawn created to  offer simple ways to efficiently s...

In this episode I spoke with Lisa & Neil Pearson. Lisa and Neil are partners in life and in work and are the founders of Pain Care Aware, which offers certification programs and online trainings for yoga teachers and yoga therapists, as well as healthcare and fitness professionals working with people in pain. They reside in Canada and both have a long history of teaching and practicing yoga and yoga therapy. Neil is also a physiotherapist and author, Lisa additionally a swami and educator. They are both on the faculty with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy. In the podcast we discussed...

This episode is a recap of a recent Zoom panel we held with the following Inner Peace Yoga Therapy students and alumni:

 In the panel, these individuals shared their experiences in our training, and spoke to what their yoga therapy work and path looks like today.

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In this episode, I interviewed Soleil Hepner.  Soleil is a certified yoga therapist, educator, speaker and the former Program Director of the Phoenix Rising School of Yoga Therapy. Today she continues on as Emeritus Faculty and also works in private practice in San Diego where she offers individual, couples and group yoga therapy, along with coaching and online sessions.  

The topic of our conversation was “ambivalence.”  Soleil embraced the power of ambivalence herself when she announced the decision to retire from her position as Program Director with Phoenix Rising. She sensed that others wanted to know about the nex...

In this episode, I interviewed Robin Rothenberg. Robin is a Yoga Therapist and the Program Director of Essential Yoga Therapy Therapist Training. Since as early as summer 2020, her Long-COVID presentation at the Global Yoga Therapy Conference established her place as a thought-leader in the field. She was a co-organizer for the acclaimed Wellness After COVID Symposium in 2021, which brought together top researchers, medical professionals, and policy makers from around the world in support of the efficacy of therapeutic yoga post-COVID. Her four-part series for those living with Long-COVID has consistently been one of the most popular courses offered through...

In this episode, I interviewed Donna Brooks. Donna is a somatic movement therapist and educator, yoga therapist, and embodied meditator who has 35 years of experience teaching, counseling and coaching in movement and the healing arts.  Even with a lifetime of learning and experience, her biggest lesson was the sudden death of her 36 year old son. She says that when her son died, she actually felt she was at a fork in the road… she could either collapse into unending suffering or find the richness of life in the shadows. She chose the latter, and says that her daily embodiment pra...

In this episode I interviewed Candice Clark.  Cands is a licensed counsellor and yoga therapist that specializes in trauma and mental health. She has supported many individuals and group therapy programs focused on the recovery from psychological trauma, and the physical health challenges that appear to co-occur with post-traumatic stress. Cands is also completing her Masters thesis on trauma-sensitive yoga in the South African context and this was the topic of our conversation on the podcast.

Read more about Cands and her work here.

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In this episode I interviewed Dr. Shailla Vaidya. She is a physician and certified yoga therapist practicing Mind-Body Medicine in Toronto, Canada. She has worked for over 20 years on frontlines of healthcare with vulnerable and marginalized populations. In 2013, after experiencing burnout, she founded The Yoga MD, a trauma-informed practice where she integrates Eastern Mind-Body practices with Western Medicine to help foster stress resilience. With a focus on helping professionals, she developed a yoga-based program called the RnR Program for Burnout. After suffering a head injury, she developed another yoga-based program called the Reconnect Concussion Program. She is a “Compassion-it” chan...

In this episode I interviewed Anne Pitman. With over 35 years of experience, Anne has cultivated a practice of yoga therapy inquiry to help people return to their body and embody their life. She is the Director of the School of Embodied Yoga Therapy, in Ottawa, Canada; a 800 hr + school, marrying traditional wisdom and evidence based yoga practice, in service to life-altering events. She’s also recently come on board as a faulty member at Inner Peace Yoga Therapy.  We focused  our conversation on two areas of work that Anne specializes in: cancer and grief.

Related links: Duration: 00:39:53

In this episode we talked about equity and access programs, specifically at our school, Inner Peace Yoga Therapy. Joining Michele Lawrence on the podcast were four students in our program:  Erica Bentley, Fernie Tiflis, Wendolyne Omana and Olivia Roberson. Michele shared information about Inner Peace's scholarship and grant programs. Wendolyne and Olivia shared about the grants they received and the recent community yoga projects they have implemented or are working toward as a result.

For those who wish to support the projects mentioned on this podcast, you can do so by following these links.  

In this episode, I interviewed Beryl Bender.   Beryl has been a student and teacher of the classic eight-limbed path of ashtanga yoga since 1971. She is the founder and director  of The Hard & the Soft Yoga Institute, and she, alongside Rob Schware,  founded the Give Back Yoga Foundation in 2007.  We spoke about many things and had a  conversation  on Yoga & Longevity in anticipation of a new course on the subject in conjunction with Yoga International which will be available in November 2021.

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In this episode I interviewed Catherine Justice.  Catherine is a physical therapist, a yoga therapist and the Associate Editor International Journal of Yoga Therapy.  Dr. Justice is passionate about furthering the body of research supporting yoga therapy to advance the profession, improve quality of care, and increase access to the therapeutic benefits of yoga for historically unserved populations and everyone in need. On the podcast we delved into the subject of yoga research, what’s happening in the field and how to get involved.

Go here for details and registration on the Symposium on Yoga Research, where Cath...

In this episode, I interviewed Leanne Matullo. Leanne is a yoga teacher, yoga therapist in training, Birth Doula, Sleep Consultant, educator, writer and founder of Yoga Dear.  She is also a fierce advocate for women's health, maternal well-being, and child welfare. Leanne teaches an awareness of the body, mind, and soul as a continuum - each informing and intertwined with the other and that when we bring balance to each of these layers, we create lasting wellness.

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In this episode I interviewed Jessica Patterson. Jessica is a friend, fellow yoga teacher and the owner/director of Root Center for Yoga and Sacred Studies in CO Springs. She describes herself as a writer, teacher, and puller of threads.  In this podcast, we  pulled a few threads together. Specifically we spoke about the volume of loss we have experienced as a global society over the past 20 months and the quiet tolls these losses are taking on people.  We also spoke about some specific losses she has experienced, and what has helped her navigate those times. Finally, we talked a b...

In this episode, I interviewed Molly Lannon Kenny. Molly is a teacher, therapist, and writer who has dedicated her life to the collective reclamation and liberation of the human spirit.  Molly has been teaching radically inclusive yoga for over twenty years. She has been developing something she calls Bedside Yoga since 2003 and has worked extensively with people at end of life, including assisting and attending at scheduled deaths. We explored this topic a bit on the podcast today.  

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In this episode I interviewed Brandt Passalacqua. Brandt is the Founder, Director & Teacher at Breathing Deeply Yoga and Meditation School. He has been enjoying Yoga and the healing arts since 2001 after overcoming obesity and a life-threatening autoimmune illness. His personal journey serves as an inspiration to countless others and informs his compassionate, humorous, and down-to-earth teaching style.

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In this episode I interviewed Cindy Lewis. Cindy is a yoga teacher, yoga therapist, and founder of My Yoga Spring. Cindy began practicing yoga formally since 1999, informally since the 1980’s. Today she offers yoga therapy services tailored to individual needs and also specializes in yoga programs for “troubled breathers.” 

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In this episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Loren Fishman. Dr. Fishman is Medical Director of Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in New York City, author of 12 books, and more than 100 academic articles, and a world-recognized pioneer in the use of yoga in medical conditions, and the treatment of lower back pain and piriformis syndrome.

We spoke about how he got involved in bringing yoga to western medicine, particularly interventions for scoliosis and osteoperosis. He also shared his perspective on which yoga research project was the most exciting one he's worked on in his...

In this episode, I interviewed Sarah Wartell. Sarah is a Colorado-based yoga teacher and yoga therapist in training. Along with her yoga training, Sarah received Thai Yoga Bodywork certification and is a Reiki Master. Sarah says she was “destined to be a yoga teacher” and lives to share her favorite yoga life tools or hacks, as well as hold empathetic space and understanding of how challenging it can feel to be human. 

In January of 2021, Sarah was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Since then she’s undergone treatment, has experienced side effects and now is in recovery.  We talke...

In this episode, I had the opportunity to connect again with Indu Arora. Indu has been sharing simple, effective, practical, grounded ways of living life through Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Meditation and Ayurveda since 1999. While Indu is one of my teachers, she describes herself as a life long student as well. The topic for today’s conversation is self care. For many of our listeners, self care might be a familiar topic. It’s often seen as a hashtag, and it’s a commom buzzword. In the podcast, I explored this topic with Indu from the perspective of Yoga & Ayurveda.

S...

This episode is a recap of a recent Zoom panel we held with the following Inner Peace Yoga Therapy students and alumni:

 In the panel, these individuals shared their experiences in our training, and spoke to what their yoga therapy work and path looks like today.

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In this episode, I interviewed Julie Shannon Williams. Julie is a certified yoga therapist, who lives and works in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. She is the owner and founder of Santosha Yoga Therapy where she primarily works with people in areas such as: chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, functional yoga therapy, and mental health. She has also created a wellness program for women called The New Face of Aging, designed to support the pro-aging philosophy and revolution. It is a movement towards health and wellness that, at its core, is a “reset of the mindset” on ho...

In this episode I spoke with Mala Cunningham, Ph.D., C-IAYT,  leading speaker, educator, and trainer in the field of Lifestyle Medicine, Health Psychology, Neuroscience, and Medical Yoga.   We spoke about her her passion -- creating a bridge between medicine, psychology, neuroscience, yoga, and mindfulness.

Learn more about Mala at cardiacyoga.com.

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In this episode I interviewed Stephanie San German. Stephanie is a yoga teacher, yoga therapist in training and senior-specific fitness trainer. Stephanie helps seniors age gracefully with greater mobility through one-on-one and group functional fitness training sessions in which she incorporates yoga techniques.  We spoke about her own personal experiences that have led her to do the work that she does today.  We also talked about the bilingual yoga offerings she provides and the work she does with seniors, and how that was impacted by the COVID pandemic.  To learn more about Stephanie, visit functionallivingco.com.

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In this episode I interviewed Ann Marie Johnston, visionary behind Yoga for Better Health, which provides yoga therapy and therapeutic yoga wellness programs and services for healthcare organizations and the community. 

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In this episode I interviewed Jenny Williams, certified yoga therapist and an Australian registered nurse.  Jenny is the founder of Zmaaya — a software platform for Yoga Therapists and other holistic practitioners, partly out of necessity but mostly to support the evolving professional practice of yoga therapists.

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In this episode I had the opportunity to interview Chase Bossart. Chase is a Yoga Therapist and Director of the Yoga Well Institute. We spoke about his background and experience in yoga and yoga therapy, we delved into what is Viniyoga and some of the tenets or values of the Viniyoga lineage, and we discussed the role of breathing and meditation in Yoga Therapy.

Explore meditation and breathing with the Yoga Well Institute. Go to www.yogawell.com/free-month and sign up for free, today!

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In this episode I interviewed Mayuri Gonzalez, yoga teacher, yoga therapist -in -training and founder of Embodied Wisdom. We spoke about her background and introduction to yoga when she was a child,  the work that she does today with her organization Embodied Wisdom,  and the work she does with Little Flower Yoga -- bringing  yoga and mindfulness classes to school children, staff and educators at over 300 sites in the Greater New York City Area. 

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