At The Heart of Yoga with Julie Smerdon (Julie Smerdon)

My friend Scott Lewicki is not only a supremely gifted yoga teacher, he’s a rocket scientist who has worked in NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for most of his career. In this conversation, we talk about how a self-described ‘nerdy kid’ came to love yoga, his work with NASA’s JPL, and the beautiful balance he’s found having dual careers he’s equally passionate about.

Desiree and I first met back in the early 2000s when each of us was working our way through separate sets of life-altering circumstances. Her authenticity and determination to reclaim her joy during that time made a mark on me that I’ve never forgotten. She’s an author, an internationally acclaimed yoga teacher, a self-described ‘badass’, and I love her dearly. In this chat we talk about navigating the twists and turns of life, ageing well, the importance of investing in community and much more!

Find Desiree on her website: https://desireerumbaugh.com/

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desyoga/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desireerumbaughyoga

In the Intro I mentioned a GoFundMe for the flood victims in Northern New South Wales, you’ll find that here:  Creature Yoga GoFundMe

Chara Caruthers is a newer friend, and one I’m so excited for you to hear from! A former engineer turned yoga teacher & therapist, Chara is also an Ayurvedic practitioner and teacher, mother of twins, and a fellow American ex-pat married to an Aussie. This woman is a force, and a shining light in our community. Her intelligence, curiosity and open-hearted way of receiving the world is an inspiration to me, have a listen and enjoy!

Find Chara:

On her website:  https://www.blissbodyandsoul.com/

Her Podcast:  https://www.blissbodyandsoul.com/podcast/

On Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blissbodyandsoul/

On Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chara.caruthers

I first met Pete Longworth through a mutual friend here in Brisbane, and was immediately captivated by his story of how yoga had enhanced his ability to do what he did through his camera - “see the beauty.” Since that day, we’ve had more adventures than I can count. The beautiful photos you see on my website were captured on some of our adventurous collaborations. 

Pete is a self-described ‘visual poet’, who has worked with the likes of Simon Sinek and the Obamas. He’s not only a supremely gifted artist, he is one of the most enthusiastic and upbeat people I know. His ability to see the beauty through the lens of his camera has had a profound impact on me and countless others who have been lucky enough to work with him. Now he’s taken his years of experience to help others create content that matters, work that adds value to the digital conversation rather than just adding to the noise.

Find Pete:

Website: https://www.petelongworth.com/

Instagram: @petelongworth

Facebook: @PeteLongworthPhotography

I met Casey Conroy during my very first months living in Australia and was captivated by her bright spirit and intelligence. She was a bright-eyed university student at the time, and left Brisbane not long after we met, but I’ve followed her journey over the years and she has grown to be an accomplished and highly regarded practitioner in the wellness sphere.

I so appreciate her ‘No Bullshit’ approach to wellness, and her courage in calling out BS in our industry. Her passion for helping people reframe their relationship to food and their bodies through a focus on wellness rather than weight has helped countless people feel more comfortable in their own skin. Check out her blog and her podcast (available on her website)!

Find Casey:

Instagram:  @caseyaconroy  and  @funky.forest.health

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/casey.conroy.397

Website:  https://www.funkyforest.com.au/

Elana Robertson has had a remarkable journey that’s taken her from the insurance business to a week on Necker Island with Sir Richard Branson. In this episode, Elena shares her story,  how yoga was instrumental in her most pivotal career moments, and how it informs her work with female executives today. Elana is the founder of foundher, equipping leaders of change with a toolkit designed for modern living.

Find Elana Here:

Website:  https://www.foundher.co/

ResetYou Retreat: https://www.foundher.co/reset-you-retreat

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundher.community/

As mentioned in the intro, here is the link to my module in Elements Yoga Academy’s Training: 

https://elements-academy.com.au/100hr-ytt-advanced-sequencing/

I first met Claudia Perkins when she came to Brisbane to join one of the first yoga Immersions I taught in Australia.

Since we first met,  Claudia left a big job as an advisor to Julia Gillard, married her love Adam Bandt (head of the Greens party here in Australia), and gave birth to two daughters, in addition to teaching yoga in Melbourne. She’s now studying to be a nurse!

We have a  great discussion that covers everything from the changing face of yoga to life as a political wife, to the power of rest. She is articulate and intelligent and has a heart of quiet service that is deeply inspiring.  I’m so pleased to be able to share this talk with you!

Ohhh where to start…I first heard of Dr. Lisa Miller when a friend (thank you, Kate!) shared a podcast that Lisa was a guest on. Halfway through that podcast I went out and bought her book “The Awakened Brain, The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest For an Inspired Life” and read it…Twice. When I reached out to her over Instagram about being on my podcast, I held on very loosely to the hope that she would agree, and when she did agree I almost couldn’t believe it! I left this conversation feeling completely inspired. Lisa has worked with leaders in industry, the US Military, Schools and Universities, and more. 

She’s asked the question “What makes life worth living?” and found evidence-based answers. Please don’t miss this one!

Find Dr Lisa Miller

Website:  https://www.lisamillerphd.com/

On Instagram: @dr.lisamiller

Ted Talk

Mark Breadner first encountered yoga as a 5-year-old in his rumpus room, where his mum taught some of the first classes in Australia. From there, to working with athletes like Ian Thorpe and Mick Fanning, to Ashrams in India, Mark has become one of the longest-lived teachers in Australia. His work now, called YogaCoach, is based on the idea that yoga is the ultimate life coaching system. He works with teachers from all over the world, helping them hone their skills, and providing strategies for getting their work online.

Mark’s Website:  https://www.yogacoach.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mark.breadner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-breadner-yogacoach/

Mazana Abraham is hands down the most inspiring “Zoomer” (Gen Z human) I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Artist, life-lover, and sexual assault survivor; her story of how art, creativity, and courage saw her through the kind of dark times that most of us will never experience will leave you in awe, as it did me. Don’t miss this one!

Find Mazana:
Website:  https://www.flowaturestudios.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flowature
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowature/

I first met Jackson when he was animal crawling across the floor at a gym where I was training, and I asked him what he was doing. That was 8 years ago and I’ve been working with him off and on ever since, most recently doing an online coaching program with him that has been amazing. Jackson walks his talk. His approach to movement, and holistic wellness has informed my teaching, and he’s personally helped me through more than one injury! We talk about his journey, his approach, and how movement really is the best medicine.

Here's where to find Jackson:
Movement 4 Website 
Jackson's Instagram
Movement 4 Instagram

I first met Maggie Gardener when she came to try a class of mine before committing to my teacher training. I was immediately struck by her warmth, presence and intelligence. Maggie has gone on to open a studio of her own where the focus is on creating a safe space where students can show up exactly as they are without the fear of being judged or even worse, ignored.  We talk about the need for inclusivity in all areas of yoga, and how teachers can make students living in bigger bodies feel not just seen, but welcomed. We also touch on mental health, and how ‘brain heath’ is a much more positive name for an aspect of wellness that touches us all at one time or another. 

PS You’ll have to listen to learn about ‘Putting a Tutu on the Badger’

FIND MAGGIE:
Website: The Blissful Canary Yoga
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/movelovelaughgrow
Instagram: @the_blissful_canary

I can’t even remember the first time I met Elena Brower, presumably it was at an Anusara event way back in the day. But over the years we’ve become fast friends, sharing our love of family, yoga, and service. She’s one of the most accomplished women I know, and I’m so pleased to bring you this chat in honour of the release of her first book of poetry, Softening Time. 

Find Elena…

Website:  https://elenabrower.com/

Instagram: @elenabrower 

Facebook: @ElenaBrowerTruth

To order Softening Time: http://elenabrower.com/softeningtime

I honestly can't remember the first time I crossed paths with Noah Maze, but I do know that it was a very long time ago. Curious, open-minded, and with a dry wit that can take you by surprise, Noah has crafted his life with yoga woven through every fibre. From living in ashrams as a young man to having one of the most dedicated yoga practices I've ever seen, to tenderly raising his children, Noah is a yogi for the real world, and I so appreciate his wisdom and friendship. Enjoy!

Find Noah:
Website: https://themazemethod.com/
Australia Events: The Noah Maze Experience
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/noahmaze/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noah.maze

I'm so happy to welcome Pete Longworth back to the show! Tune in to hear how yoga teachers, fitness professionals and other independent small business owners can learn to harness the power of AI to get their message out into the world creatively and efficiently!  My listeners get a discounted rate - just mention the podcast when you book!

Find Pete:

Create Content That Matters Course: https://www.petelongworth.com/cctm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petelongworth/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/create.content.that.matters

James is a new friend and a mentor to me, and I’m really thrilled to bring you this conversation. He’s had a fascinating journey, from taking his first class to ‘impress’ someone, to unexpectedly finding a profound sense of connection and purpose which lead him on a path of self-discovery and ultimately, becoming a teacher. We talk about James' early teaching experiences, including working with influential figures such as Tipper Gore and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, to his close relationship with the late Maty Ezraty. James has so much wisdom to share… Enjoy!

Find James:

Instagram: @jamesbrownlive

Website:  https://jamesmatthewbrown.com/

Facebook:  James Matthew Brown

Laura Marjorie Miller and I first crossed paths at an Anusara Workshop in Atlanta back in the early 2000’s. We became friends instantly. Laura is truly one of the most genuinely inquisitive, intelligent people I’ve ever met. From her work as the speechwriter for the chancellor of Vanderbilt University, to a successful career as a gonzo journalist, her adventurous spirit has taken her everywhere from free diving to an ayahuasca ceremony in Peru. I LOVED having this time to bring you her story.

Find Laura:

Website: https://www.obestbelovedanimalcommunication.com/

Instagram: @obestbelovedac

Me and Mama Ayahuasca Article - Utne Reader

From homegrown Texas boy, to working actor in Los Angeles, to travelling the world teaching yoga, to marrying one of the world's premier dancer/choreographers, to being featured on Peleton, Ross Rayburn has lived quite a life!

Despite his extraordinary story, Ross is one of the kindest, most humble people I know, and one of my all-time favourite colleagues.  I loved having the chance to catch up with him, and to celebrate  his new book "Turning Inward."

Enjoy!

FIND ROSS
Instagram: @rossrayburnyoga
Facebook: @RossRayburnYoga
Peleton
Turning Inward: Pre-Order Here

In this short, heartfelt episode titled I break my long silence on social media to share a deeply personal journey. Over the last three months, our lives have been consumed by Layne's ongoing health challenges. Up until last week, my days were a mix of hospital corridors, work, and the lovely chaos of daily life. Faced with numerous unknowns and the unpredictability of his treatment and recovery, both of us have been challenged to embody the very heart of yoga during a frightening time. This episode is a candid reflection on the trials we're facing, the lessons we are learning, and how this trying period has been a true test of living the values I write and teach about.  UPDATE:  At the time I recorded this, Layne was still in hospital, but he's home now with a PICC line and a nurse visiting daily ☺️

In this episode, we dive into the world of a guest whose life story elevates us all - Lydia Lassila, Australia’s aerial skiing champion whose feats have not only carved her name in snow but also in the halls of resilience and determination.

Our paths crossed in Byron Bay, where I was guest teaching on a retreat that she was part of.  I had the honour of practising with Lydia after class one day, it was a humbling experience, her physical and mental discipline as an Olympic athlete was palpable, yet effortlessly blended with the calm, focused energy that yoga asks of us. We connected that day, and I’m proud to bring you her story.

Lydia's journey is not just about the leaps taken in the air but also about the grounding force of personal growth, the power of community, and the ability to overcome the challenges that life throws our way. Her story spans both the dizzying heights of Olympic victory and the quiet moments that define the spirit of a true champion.

Lydia has created a business that has beautiful, unique and sustainable wellness products and she has GIFTED MY LISTENERS A 20% DISCOUNT FOR HER PRODUCTS! USE THE CODE HEART20, link to the site below.

Find Lydia:

Website: https://www.zonebylydia.com/

Instagram: @lydialassila

Watch "The Will to Fly" a documentary of her journey: https://thewilltoflyfilm.com/

This was my first time ‘meeting’ Jivana Heyman. He’s the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an organisation dedicated to increasing access to yoga, and to supporting yoga teachers. I first heard Jivana on Daniel Simpson’s podcast “Ancient Futures, and what he was saying resonated so deeply with me that I immediately ordered his latest book, “The Teachers Guide to Accessible Yoga.” 

In this episode we chat about everything from his beginnings teaching yoga to AIDS patients during the peak of the epidemic in the 1990s, and how those students taught him that yoga, in the truest sense of what it is can happen in ANY body. His story is truly inspiring and his message is similar to mine: that by shifting cultural perception about yoga away from the perfect images we see on social media, we have a starting point for a yoga that can serve humanity. 

Find Jivana: 

Website: Accessible Yoga School

Book: The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga

Instagram: @jivanaheyman

Facebook: Jivana Heyman

There’s so much to say about Dr. Lauren! In addition to being a Clinical Psychologist, Life Coach, Author, and Yoga Teacher; she is the founder of The Yoga Psychology Institute, an organisation that offers programs that explore the intersection between yoga and psychology. Lauren and I first connected back when I had the studio, and we planned on offering her well-known course for yoga teachers “Mental Health Aware Yoga” in Brisbane in 2020, but then…COVID. 

This is Lauren’s second visit to the show, and this time we discuss her new book “Mental Health Aware Yoga, A Guide for Yoga ‘Teachers.” Lauren takes the premise (and I agree) that yoga teachers are often the first port of call on the Mental Health front, yet most of us have no training in the most basic aspects of Mental Health. I was touched to receive one of the first copies of her book and I can tell you that it is a down-to-earth, user-friendly guide to the basics of Mental Health, broken down into what she calls “The Six Pillars.” I highly recommend you grab a copy, it will be available here in Australia soon! You’ll find a link to pre-order below.

FIND LAUREN:

Pre-order her book: www.mentalhealthawareyoga.com/book

Website: https://www.laurentober.com/ & https://www.laurentober.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogapsychologyinstitute/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/drlaurentober

I first met Lizzie Lasater when she came to Brisbane to do a Restorative Yoga Teacher Training back in 2015. She has carved out a place for herself as a renowned yoga teacher, writer, and advocate for mindful living. Lizzie, daughter of the legendary Judith Hanson Lasater, carries forward a rich legacy of restorative yoga and therapeutic practices, which have become even more useful in the years following the birth of her twin boys! With insight and a holistic approach, Lizzie shares how restorative yoga can help people find balance, peace, and deeper self-awareness. In this episode, we dive into Lizzie's journey, her teachings, and the transformative power of restorative yoga. We even touch on one of my favourite topics of late - menopause!

Every human being has a story to tell, and I'm so excited to bring you some of the people and stories that have inspired me over the years.  Today's episode is just 11 minutes long, explaining a bit about my 'why' and about the journey that brought me to yoga, to Australia, and to podcasting. 

From the first time Cam Bancroft walked into my class in his late teens, I was impressed by his work ethic, his curiosity, and his desire to grow. Since then, as a test cricketer, Cam made a decision that nearly ended his promising young career, one that he has taken responsibility for and come to terms with. In the aftermath, he has dealt with an intensity of stress and media attention that most of us never have to endure, with grace, equanimity, and class.  He took a situation that would have destroyed a lesser man, and using yoga and meditation, turned it into a time of growth and positive change for himself.  

Earlier this year, I heard Daniel Simpson on J Brown's YogaTalks Podcast, and immediately ordered his book The Truth of Yoga: A Comprehensive Guide to Yoga's History, Texts, Philosophy, and Practices, and then completed his online course based on the book not long afterward.  From his days as a foreign correspondent for the New York Times to his current scholarly work, Daniel has been a fierce advocate for exposing the truth, both in journalism and in yoga. Daniel has a no-nonsense, fact-based approach to the history of yoga philosophy that I really appreciate.  In this episode, we chat about his background, his scholarly work, and the truth about what know about the origins of the way we practice today.

Daniel is offering some really high-calibre online courses at the moment - you can find more info on his website:  www.danielsimpson.info 

After having their first collaboration nominated for a Grammy in 2015, Dave Stringer and Madi Das are back at work, during a pandemic, while stuck on opposite sides of the world! We talk about their unique new project and the challenges for recording artists of all genres in the age of streaming. We touch on appropriation both in kirtan and in yoga, the neuroscience of singing together and so much more that I had to cut nearly 40 minutes out!

One I learned during our chat is how artists have to fund, produce and market their own records now, in addition to doing the creative work. Please consider donating to the production of their new album Bhakti Without Borders, by going to:

bhaktiwithoutborders.com

For more about Dave Stringer:

https://davestringer.com/
https://www.instagram.com/davestringer/

For more about Madi Das:
https://www.instagram.com/madidas_music/
https://www.facebook.com/bhaktiwithoutborders
http://www.kirtanshakti.org/

I first met Kylie Gates at a Sydney fitness convention where we were both presenting.  When she walked in to join my class I was a bit starstruck!  A life-long athlete, Kylie is one of the geniuses behind Les Mills Body Training Systems, one of the most popular fitness programs in the world. Kylie is not only a dynamo, she is grounded, wise and joyful.  Her discipline, focus, and deep understanding of her purpose from early on have been instrumental in Kylie’s success and longevity in an industry that worships youth. She has the unique ability to motivate and inspire athletes of all ages and levels of ability, all with a huge smile on her face.

In addition to being the Creative Director and Head Program Coach at Les Mills International, Kylie is also certified as a transformational coach.  You can find her on Instagram @kyliegatesfitness, or her website:  https://www.kyliegatescoaching.com/

I met Alison Potts back in 2012 when she joined my teacher training. Her journey with her self-described guardian angel, Multiple Sclerosis, has been an inspiration to me since the day I met her.  But more than that, she’s had an extraordinary life, from the halls of the iconic Broadcasting House at the BBC in London to her journey as a yoga and meditation teacher here in Australia, to her remarkable strategy for life with MS. We talk about the importance of really listening, both to our bodies and to our inner wisdom, playing with balance, and the importance of unearthing our core wounds and beliefs so that we can move forward whole, and in joy.

Find Alison via her website: http://www.innatebeing.com.au/, or click here to find her on Instagram and Facebook

If you're a Yogi, chances are you've heard of J Brown's Yoga Talks Podcast. Although we have tons of mutual friends, J and I never really connected until 2020, when J was set to come to Brisbane to teach a workshop that was interrupted by the Pandemic. I was a guest on his show last year, and when I finally started recording this podcast I knew he would be a wonderful guest, and he did not disappoint!  We talk about J's first experience of Inner Knowing, and how that experience helped guide his path to yoga and beyond. We talk about teaching during the Pandemic,  our experiences running yoga teacher trainings, and the importance of keeping the 'magic' of yoga alive and at the forefront of our teaching and practice.

J's Website:  https://www.jbrownyoga.com/

Terry Hansen is a comedian, top-rated breakfast radio host, devoted husband and father, and an all-around top bloke. His passion for looking for what IS possible in any situation is an inspiration. Underneath his jovial exterior lies a huge heart. Terry’s work with ‘Dad Bods’, a group of middle-aged men who get together regularly to stay healthy both physically and mentally, coupled with his openness about his love of his family on the air have led to his very important work with the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council, where he’s been part of a panel exploring the role of men in preventing Domestic Violence. We talk about yoga and movement as a way to create a neutral space for receptivity and creativity, about finding the opportunity and joy in any moment, and so much more.

Find Terry :

• On his website:  https://terryhansen.com.au/
• On 97.3fm in Brisbane weekday mornings from 5:30