53 - Writing a Book About Yoga!

Kat and Kyle are joined by yoga teacher, religious studies and kinesiology professor, and fellow science-enthusiast Colin Hall to discuss the importance of evidence-based research, the problem with pseudoscience in the yoga world, and more. Talking points include: Looking at yoga through a religious-studies lens. The value of "pirate yoga." Where does the science come in? What does it have to do with a traditional, often mystical practice like yoga? The importance of teaching from an evidence-based perspective (and what we mean by "evidence-based"). How can yoga teachers articulate something that they can't back up with scientific evidence but still think is important? Why we value fact-checking at YI. Teaching from experience but avoiding pronouncements and certainty (being clear and honest, not imposing our "truth" on other people). The unintended messages that yoga teachers can send. How scientific research can often seem inaccessible and superstition and pseudoscience can often feel more accessible (and more fun). Derren Brown's experiment and the similarities between savasana and hypnosis. The mystery and magic of reality. The ultimate question: How do we make evidence-based yoga sexy? Visit Colin's YI profile to read his articles and take his classes. Some of our favorite articles that Colin has written include: "Lost in Translation: Is Mulabandha Relevant for Modern Yogis?" (By Colin Hall and Sarah Garden) "Hot and Bothered: The Hype, History, and Science of Hot Yoga" "Let's Slow Our Yoga Down" Send your comments, questions, and future show ideas to: [email protected] Download mp3 (right click, select "Save link as") Listen to every episode on SoundCloud! Listen to recent episodes and review us on iTunes! Original score for this podcast is by Austin Joy.