Guys Talking Yoga

Frequent guest Johnny Gillespie revisits the show to reflect on the success of last year's men's yoga workshop at Kripalu, The Way of the Empowered Man, and share his plans for the follow up retreat in January. 

The discussion covers the integration of yoga and fitness, the importance of adjusting to participants' needs and the common challenges faced by men in health and wellness, and the unique benefits of yoga retreats for men where they can deepen their practice. Johnny and the guys emphasize the significance of community, breathing techniques, and mobility in achieving overall well-being. 

With a deeper understanding on the significance of biomechanics and movement, Johnny emphasizes the connection between the feet, legs, hips, and spine while highlighting the critical role of breathing mechanics in overall health, including the diaphragm and pelvic floor, and the ability to experience significant shifts in their neurological patterns. Johnny also shares insights about the building his business and community at his studio, Empowered Wellness, and celebrating over 25 years in the industry, along with reflections on personal and professional growth for 2025.

Connect with Johnny

⁠Sign up for The Way of the Empowered Man Yoga Retreat

Empowered Wellness Studio

Instagram

Johny's previous appearances on Guys Talking Yoga: 

Discovering Yoga with Johnny Gillespie and Neil Taylor

Awareness, Healing and Figuring Life Out Through the Whole-Body Experience

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In this conversation with Derek and Larry, renowned yoga instructor, author, and veteran, Rolf Gates shares his transformative journey from a troubled youth to a successful yoga teacher and author.

Gates discusses the pivotal moments in his life, including his experiences with sports, addiction, and the military, which shaped his understanding of discipline, self-regulation, and personal growth. Emphasizing the importance of exercise in his recovery from addiction, Gates touches on how yoga became a vital part of his life and spiritual awakening, as well as the evolving landscape of yoga, particularly regarding male participation in the practice. 

In addition to sharing various insights on the practice of yoga, the importance of letting go, finding balance, and trusting the process of life, Gates speaks to the writing of his best-selling book, 'Meditations from the Mat,' and the power of daily reflections and motivational quotes as tools for wisdom and personal growth.

Connect with Rolf Gates

⁠Website⁠

⁠Instagram⁠

Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates

Daily Reflections on Addiction, Yoga, and Getting Well by Rolf Gates

Meditations on Intention and Being: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga, Mindfulness, and Compassion by Rolf Gates

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In this conversation with power yoga pioneer Bryan Kest, Derek and Larry discuss the evolving perception of yoga among men, emphasizing its multifaceted benefits as a workout that addresses strength, flexibility, and mental well-being. 

Kest shares his insights on different styles of yoga, particularly Yin Yoga and Power Yoga, and on how a personal practice can transform over time, especially in relation to aging and injury. The discussion highlights the importance of adapting yoga practices to individual needs and the long-term health benefits of maintaining a consistent yoga routine. In addition, Kest challenges the conventional notions of strength and success, urging listeners to appreciate the simple joys of life and prioritize wellness over societal expectations.

Other topics include (1) the profound impact of yoga on personal growth; (2) the importance of quieting the mind; (3) breath as a focal point in a practice; (4) the balance between strength and calmness; (5) the cultural pressures that often lead to ego-driven behaviors; and (6) the need to find a personal practice that resonates with individual needs.

Connect with Bryan Kest

Website

Instagram

Autobiography of an American Yogi by Bryan Kest

Support and stay connected with the GTY

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In this episode of Guys Talking Yoga, hosts Derek and Larry discuss essential tips for men starting their yoga practice.

They emphasize:

Check out Larry's teaching videos at Yoga for Dudes:

https://www.youtube.com/@YogaForDudes

https://www.yogafordudes.com

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What’s stopping more guys from doing yoga? It often comes down to some common misconceptions and excuses.

In this episode of the Guys Talking Yoga, co-hosts Derek Vanderwarker and Larry Milburn share the many ways yoga practice has transformed their lives off the mat. Listen as they offer practical tips for men who are yoga-curious but a little hesitant to take the plunge.

Derek and Larry also talk about:

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Get ready for a new season of the Guys Talking Yoga podcast, where hosts Derek and Larry continue their mission to make yoga accessible to every man. Tune in THIS FALL for engaging conversations and expert insights to help you step on the mat and live a more balanced life practicing yoga.

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When Matt Giordano taught his first yoga class in his mom's Long Island basement, he had no idea he’d inspire a movement. He just wanted to share the practice that had transformed his life.

In this episode with guest host Larry Milburn, Matt reflects on his unlikely journey from touring musician to yoga teacher to influencer and entrepreneur. You’ll learn about how Matt discovered yoga, how its benefits radiated into every area of his life, and how his relationship with a mentor helped launch his own teaching career and attract a massive online following.

Matt also talks about:

Links:

Matt’s website, The Yogi Matt

Matt’s Instagram

Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman

Effortless Mastery Book

These days, yoga is a mainstream phenomenon practiced by many. But back in the 1970s, when actor and filmmaker Campbell Scott first discovered it, it was still a fringe practice associated with hippies and gurus.

In this episode with guest host Larry Millburn, Campbell shares how a yoga book by Richard Hittleman nourished him physically, mentally, and spiritually.

As a teenager struggling with anxiety and self-doubt, Campbell was drawn to yoga's promise of inner peace and resilience. Over the years, his practice became an anchor, and a way to stay grounded in the face of the challenges and uncertainties of life as a performing artist.

Campbell also talks about:

Links:

Campbell Scott's IMDb page

Richard Hittleman's Yoga book

Larry’s Yoga for Dudes website

Way of the Empowered Man Retreat GTY Episode

Back from a couple months off with a quick update on the summer season with guest host Larry Milburn, former host of Roadie Free Radio and the online site, Yoga for Dudes.

Derek and Larry share their initial thoughts from the Kripalu Yoga Center in Western Massachusetts where they just completed the Way of the Empowered Man led by frequent guest, Johnny Gillespie.

The guys talk about the intense core work of the weekend, the heat, the surprisingly high turnout from guys who are totally new to yoga that joined the retreat, and offer a quick preview for the fall.

Also, Derek is handing the mic to Larry as guest host for the summer as he takes paternity leave with his newborn daughter and wife.

So stay tuned right for Larry’s summer interviews with some great Connecticut-based guys with more stories and offerings, and future new content and programming GTY is developing for the fall.

Be sure to check out our fully redesigned website at https://www.gtypodcast.com/ for more episodes, resources and links to get your practice started.

Other resources mentioned this episode:

The Way of the Empowered Man retreat https://kripalu.org/presenters-programs/way-empowered-man

Why Yoga Retreats Matter & The Way of the Empowered Man Yoga with Johnny Gillespie https://open.spotify.com/episode/4i6nuKnLoN9EUWscfv4rNX

Larry’s website, Yoga for Dudes https://www.yogafordudes.com/

Ever wondered what it would be like to roll out a yoga mat on your lunch break and check in with your body? Today’s show was recorded at Triangle Manufacturing, a company that encourages just that.

My friend and former guest Larry Milburn was brought in to start a yoga program at this medical device manufacturing firm, and today he introduces us to two company leaders who made it happen: CEO Dax Strohmeyer and VP of Finance Jeff Simon.

In a way, Triangle is the perfect case study for yoga in the workplace because their team includes both people who are on their feet all day doing physical work, as well as people who work mostly seated at desks.

As you’ll learn in this episode, both types of employees crave movement. And both have experienced profound benefits from these twice-weekly sessions with Larry. Triangle’s yoga program contributes to a “culture of wellness,” and it’s a model other companies would be wise to consider.

The guys also talk about:

Links: