Life On Earth Podcast

By Nathalie CroixAlternative Health

Life On Earth Podcast episodes

May 06Vipassana Meditation, Discipline & Inner Work with Andrew Abaria
In this episode of Life On Earth, Nathalie reconnects with Andrew Abaria—actor, musician, and longtime yoga practitioner—for a conversation on meditation, discipline, and inner work.
Together, they explore the depth of Vipassana meditation, the evolution of a yoga practice over time, and the shift from external performance to internal awareness.
Andrew shares his experience attending multiple Vipassana retreats and offers insight into the structure, intensity, and transformative potential of this practice.
This conversation is an invitation to slow down, observe, and cultivate equanimity—both on and off the mat.
Key Topics
The evolution of a yoga practice over time
From vinyasa flow to slower, more intentional movement
The structure and discipline of Vipassana meditation retreats
What to expect during a 10-day silent retreat
Awareness of body sensations as a meditation practice
Equanimity: learning to observe without reacting
The connection between yoga and meditation
Training the mind to respond rather than react in daily life
Creativity, authenticity, and returning to the arts
Andrew's Quotes
“You fill your time with postures when you’re young. As you get older, you fill your postures with time.”
“Vipassana is about observing sensations in the body and learning not to react.”
“It’s not just meditation—it’s training for how you respond to life.”
“You begin to notice cravings and aversions—and stop feeding them.”

Highlights
Andrew’s journey from musician to actor, and back to inner practice
The distinction between modern meditation trends and traditional practices
How physical practices like yoga and Lagree can support mental focus
The role of discipline in both creative work and spiritual practice
Links
Andrew Abaria
andrewabaria.com
instagram.com/andrewabaria
andrewabaria.com/music
Vipassana Meditation
dhamma.org
Dhamma Vaddhana (Southern California)
vaddhana.dhamma.org

If you enjoyed this conversation, please rate, review, and subscribe to Life on Earth Podcast. Share this episode with a friend and your yoga community.
This episode is brought to you by Shanti Yoga Training School - offering both online and hybrid yoga certification programs.
Let’s keep spreading light and consciousness on our beloved planet Earth!
Stay Connected
@NathalieCroix
@ShantiYogaTrainingSchool
For guided meditations, nature sounds, and relaxation techniques follow us on YouTube @RelaxationNation111
Peace,
Nathalie Croix & Life On Earth Podcast Team
53 min
October 07, 2025 Sebastien Lagree on Pilates, Lagree Fitness & Transforming Physical Training into Spiritual Practice
Sébastien Lagree — inventor, founder & CEO of Lagree Fitness, creator of the Megaformer and over 100 patented fitness technologies

In this episode, Nathalie welcomes visionary fitness innovator Sébastien Lagree for a conversation that bridges movement science, spiritual awareness, and the future of wellness.
Sébastien shares his remarkable journey from his bodybuilding roots to developing the Lagree Method, a globally recognized high-intensity, low-impact training system licensed in more than 500 studios worldwide. Together, they explore how his passion for design and experimentation led to the invention of the Megaformer.
Nathalie and Sébastien dive into the often misunderstood distinction between Lagree Fitness and Pilates. While both share roots in mindful movement and spring-based equipment, their intentions differ. Pilates, developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s, was originally designed for healing, rehabilitation, and restoring balance in the body through alignment, control, and mindfulness. Lagree, on the other hand, merges strength training, cardio, and muscular endurance into one continuous, full-body workout. It applies bodybuilding principles such as time under tension and progressive overload, yet remains joint-safe and accessible through spring resistance. As Sébastien explains, Pilates aims to restore and heal, while Lagree was created to sculpt, strengthen, and transform—each method serving a unique purpose in supporting mind-body connection and overall vitality.
The discussion expands into deeper territory—how mindset, intention, and heart–brain coherence transform physical training into a spiritual practice.
Sébastien and Nathalie reflect on how fitness can be a path to self-mastery, clarity, and confidence when approached consciously.
Practical insights include how often to train, why 20–45 minute sessions can be highly effective, and the importance of honest nutrition habits for lasting results.
They also explore where fitness is headed next: from biohacking and R&D innovation to measuring wellness through energy, focus, and mental balance rather than calories burned.

This inspiring conversation reminds listeners that movement is both science and art—a gateway to deeper self-awareness, empowerment, and transformation.
Lagree Fitness website lagreefitness.com
Sebastien Lagree's website sebastienlagree.com
Lagree On Demand
Instagram
@LagreeFitness
@Sebastien.Lagree

This Episode Is Brought to You By:
Shanti Yoga Training School – explore our Yoga Alliance registered teacher training programs, retreats, and more at shantiyogatrainingschool.com

If you enjoyed this conversation, please rate, review, and subscribe to Life on Earth Podcast.
Share this episode with a friend and your yoga community.
Let’s keep spreading light and consciousness on our beloved planet Earth!
Stay Connected
@NathalieCroix
@ShantiYogaTrainingSchool
For guided meditations, nature sounds, and relaxation techniques follow us on YouTube @RelaxationNation111
Peace,
Nathalie Croix & Life On Earth Podcast Team

1 hr 15 min
July 23, 2025Annie Carpenter: Wisdom, Yoga and the Art of Letting Go
Welcome to Life on Earth Podcast! In this heartfelt and wisdom-filled episode, Nathalie welcomes back world-renowned yoga teacher and SmartFlow Yoga creator, Annie Carpenter, for a deep and illuminating conversation about yoga, aging, sequencing, spinal health, the nervous system, and the art of letting go.
Together, they explore how a lifelong yoga practice evolves with age and how being truly present on the mat mirrors the unfolding of life itself.
Annie shares practical insights on yoga sequencing, honoring the spine, supporting the nervous system, and living with grace through change.
Whether you're a yoga teacher, a devoted practitioner, or simply someone on a path of personal growth, this episode is a heartfelt invitation into timeless wisdom and inspired living—for those who seek to create a more conscious, compassionate world.
Topics Explored:
Letting go and finding new freedom in different stages of life
Yoga sequencing as a mirror for self-inquiry and inner growth
Tadasana (Mountain Pose) as the blueprint for all postures
The importance of spinal alignment and preserving the spine as we age
Supporting the nervous system through intentional class structure
Daily wakefulness and how posture influences mood and energy
The power of breath, meditation, and pranayama
Nutrition as a spiritual practice and honoring the Earth
The value of hobbies and joy outside the yoga space (birding!)
Links & Resources:
Annie Carpenter’s Website: smartflowyoga.com
Instagram: @anniecarpentersmartflow
Listen to...
Episode 72: Life & Yoga! Our First Conversation with Annie Carpenter on the Podcast
Mentioned in this episode:
Annie's Shoulders and Neck Therapeutic Yoga Class
Meditations with Sally Kempton on Glo.com
Moshe Feldenkrais
About Annie Carpenter
Annie is the creator of SmartFlow Yoga, a method rooted in alignment and inquiry. With over 45 years of yoga practice and decades of teaching experience, Annie is known for her intelligent sequencing, deep anatomical knowledge, and profound ability to weave philosophy into movement.
This Episode Is Brought to You By:
Shanti Yoga Training School – explore our Yoga Alliance registered teacher training programs, retreats, and more at shantiyogatrainingschool.com
Thank you for listening!

If you enjoyed this conversation, please rate, review, and subscribe to Life on Earth Podcast.
Share this episode with a friend and your yoga community.
Let’s keep spreading light and consciousness on our beloved planet Earth!
Stay Connected
@NathalieCroix
@ShantiYogaTrainingSchool
For guided meditations, nature sounds, and relaxation techniques follow us on YouTube @RelaxationNation111
Peace,
Nathalie Croix & Life On Earth Podcast Team
1 hr 12 min
July 13, 2025 Sacred Pause: Ten Minutes of Stillness & Clarity
Take a mindful ten-minute break today to pause, breathe deeply, and reconnect through meditation.
This 10-minute energizing meditation is designed to clear your mind and give your energy a refreshing boost.
Through a blend of mindfulness and focused breathing techniques, this short yet powerful practice supports stress relief, emotional balance, and mental clarity.
Find a quiet place to sit for 10 minutes without any distractions.
You can practice this meditation anytime, anywhere—at your desk, in your car, during a midday pause, or as a gentle way to start your morning.
Sit up tall if possible. You may sit on a chair, a bed, your meditation cushion and follow this guided meditation with breath awareness and a gentle body scan to release tension and reconnect with your inner calm.
Return to your day feeling centered, refreshed, and restored.
Release all tension and cultivate inner peace.
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This episode is brought to you by Shanti Yoga Training School, offering 200- and 300-hour teacher training programs. Learn more at ShantiYogaTrainingSchool.com
Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone you love!
Stay Connected
@NathalieCroix
@ShantiYogaTrainingSchool
For guided meditations, nature sounds, and relaxation techniques follow us on YouTube @RelaxationNation111
Peace,
Nathalie Croix & Life On Earth Podcast Team
13 min
March 21, 2025Breathwork, Light Therapy, and the Path to Healing with Andre Wilson
In this episode of Life on Earth Podcast, host Nathalie welcomes Andre Wilson, a graduate of Shanti Yoga Training School, breathwork educator, light therapist, and founder of the Inner Alchemy School of Breath.
Andre shares his powerful personal story of healing from a neurological condition through breathwork, alternative therapies, and light-based healing. We explore his journey, how he blends ancient wisdom with modern science, and practical tools you can use to enhance your own well-being.
Topics Covered:
Andre's path from performance injury to healing and teaching
The transformative effects of the Wim Hof Method
Breathwork techniques and their different impacts on the nervous system
How to choose the right breathwork style for your body and mind
The science behind nose breathing vs. mouth breathing
Light therapy, circadian health, and syncing with the sun
Why your lighting environment matters (especially at night)
Tips for improving sleep naturally
How breath and light work together for holistic healing
Here is a breath work guided practice gift from Andre:
Nadi Shodhana (Energy Channel Purification) | Alternate Nostril Breathing Full Guide & Practice
Resources & Links Mentioned:
Inner Alchemy School of Breath
Andre’s Instagram: @inner.alchemy.breath
My Circadian App – to track your sunlight exposure
Red Light Panel
Red Light Mat
Red Light Mini Mat
Blue Light Blocking Light Bulb
Low Blue Light Bulb
Blue Light Blocking Lamp
Blue Blocking Glasses (Night Time)
Living Tea – curated tea offerings by Colin Hudon
Thank you for listening to Life on Earth Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, leave a review, and share it with someone who would benefit from this inspiring conversation.
This episode is brought to you by Shanti Yoga Training School, offering 200- and 300-hour teacher training programs. Learn more at ShantiYogaTrainingSchool.com.

Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone you love!
Stay Connected on Social
@NathalieCroix
@ShantiYogaTrainingSchool
For guided meditations, nature sounds, and relaxation techniques follow us on YouTube @RelaxationNation111
Peace,
Nathalie Croix & Life On Earth Podcast Team
1 hr 18 min
January 28, 2025David Keil: Exploring the Science of Movement and the Art of Teaching Yoga
David Keil shares a wealth of knowledge about yoga anatomy, Ashtanga Yoga, and personalized teaching approaches. His insights inspire teachers and practitioners alike to deepen their understanding of the human body and explore the full spectrum of yoga practice, from physical postures to meditation and self-awareness. Whether you're a new student or a seasoned teacher, this episode offers valuable tools for growth both on and off the mat.
Highlights from the Episode:
David Keil’s Background and Journey:
Decades of experience in yoga teaching and kinesiology.
Trained at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in India with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.
Introduced to yoga through Tai Chi during high school, starting with Shivananda-style yoga.
Author of Functional Anatomy of Yoga and a global educator on yoga anatomy.
Key Insights and Discussions:
The importance of integrating anatomy into yoga teaching to improve practice safety and effectiveness.
Transitioning from focusing solely on physical postures to exploring the subtle body and meditative elements of yoga.
Observing students’ movement and adapting teaching methods to their individual needs.
A fresh perspective on Ashtanga Yoga:
Mysore-style as a personalized approach that allows students to grow at their own pace.
Debunking misconceptions about the rigidity of Ashtanga Yoga and emphasizing its adaptability.
The role of hands-on adjustments in yoga and how to apply them mindfully and effectively.
David’s Offerings:
Anatomy workshops and online courses designed for yoga practitioners and teachers.
Mysore-style yoga classes with a small, personalized group format (limited to 12 students per group).
Online teacher training programs focused on yoga anatomy for teacher certification schools.
Chronic Pain and Movement:
Insights into addressing chronic pain through yoga and understanding the body’s unique patterns.
Discussion on how mental states, posture, and lifestyle contribute to physical discomfort and how to approach healing.
Where to Find David Keil:
Website: yoganatomy.com
(Includes anatomy courses, workshops, and schedule of upcoming events.)
Instagram: @dkeil108
This episode is brought to you by Shanti Yoga Training School, offering 200- and 300-hour teacher training programs. Learn more at ShantiYogaTrainingSchool.com.

Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone you love!
Stay Connected on Social
@NathalieCroix
@ShantiYogaTrainingSchool
For guided meditations, nature sounds, and relaxation techniques follow us on YouTube @RelaxationNation111
Peace,
Nathalie Croix & Life On Earth Podcast Team
1 hr 9 min
January 16, 2025 Overwhelmed? How to Navigate Chaos and Find Inner Peace + Yoga Nidra
Our hearts are with everyone in Los Angeles and across the world who are navigating loss or instability during these difficult times. We hope this episode brings light, peace, and comfort to your life.
In this episode of Life on Earth Podcast, Nathalie shares her tools and perspectives for managing chaos and overwhelm, offering valuable insights to guide you in finding grounding amidst challenging circumstances.
As a special gift to our listeners, this episode features a deeply relaxing 20-minute Yoga Nidra practice to cultivate calm, recharge, and restore balance.
If you'd like to dive straight into the Yoga Nidra practice, it begins around the 20-minute mark of this episode.
Thank you for being part of our Life on Earth community. We hope this episode inspires peace, connection, and renewal in your life.
Stay Connected
@NathalieCroix
@ShantiYogaTrainingSchool
For guided meditations, nature sounds, and relaxation techniques follow us on YouTube @RelaxationNation111
Peace,
Nathalie Croix & Life On Earth Podcast Team
41 min
November 19, 2024Bryan Kest: Redefining Power Yoga
In this episode of Life On Earth Podcast, Nathalie Croix is joined by Bryan Kest, a pioneer in the yoga world and founder of Power Yoga.
Bryan has been teaching yoga since 1985 and he shares his journey from practicing Ashtanga Yoga as a teenager with David Williams to developing a more intuitive and empowering approach to yoga.
We dive into the evolution of yoga in the West, the transformative impact of Vipassana meditation, and the importance of adapting yoga to meet individual needs.
Bryan’s wisdom and perspective offer inspiration for anyone seeking a deeper connection to their practice, both on and off the mat.
Key Insights on Yoga and Meditation
The importance of adapting yoga to meet individual needs rather than rigidly adhering to a system.
Vipassana meditation as a transformative practice that complements physical yoga.
Yoga as a mental and spiritual discipline, not just physical postures.
Power Yoga is described as bringing meditation into movement, empowering practitioners through mindfulness.
Evolution of Yoga
Reflections on how yoga has grown and evolved in the U.S., particularly the emphasis on physical practice.
Discussion on the benefits of online yoga, including flexibility, convenience, and accessibility.
Encouragement for students to explore various teachers and styles to find what resonates with them.
Bryan’s Offerings
Online classes, workshops, and motivational blogs available at PowerYoga.com.
In-person teacher trainings, international retreats, and specialized programs like weight loss and wellness.
A diverse library of classes featuring many teachers and various styles, from Yin to Tai Chi.
Here are some episode resources
@bryankestpoweryoga

Facebook: Bryan Kest's Power Yoga

Vipassana Meditation Website

Bryan Kest's Book: Autobiography of an American Yogi

This episode is brought to you by Shanti Yoga Training School, offering comprehensive in-person and online yoga programs.
Discover more about our offerings at shantiyogatrainingschool.com

Stay Connected on Social
@NathalieCroix
@ShantiYogaTrainingSchool
For guided meditations, nature sounds, and relaxation techniques follow us on YouTube @RelaxationNation111
Peace,
Nathalie Croix & Life On Earth Podcast Team
1 hr 2 min
October 10, 2024The Healing Power of Yoga and Herbs with Emily Mills
In this episode, Nathalie welcomes Emily Mills, a 300-hour graduate of Shanti Yoga Training School, registered yoga teacher, and herbalist.
Together, they explore Emily’s unique journey in yoga, her teaching path, and her deep connection to herbalism.
Topics Covered:
Emily’s introduction to yoga, starting with Kundalini Yoga in Spain.
Her experience with multiple teacher trainings, including her 300-hour certification at Shanti Yoga Training School.
The healing power of yoga and its impact on mental health, including Emily's personal journey with overcoming depression.
The intersection of yoga and herbalism, and how they complement each other in holistic healing practices.
Emily’s philosophy of teaching yoga as a therapeutic practice and how her personal practice has evolved over the years.
Insights on the importance of community, personal growth, and patience in both yoga and life.
The role of nature and plants in Emily’s life and work as an herbalist.
Connect with Emily Mills via IG @redearthwellness

This episode is brought to you by Shanti Yoga Training School, offering comprehensive in-person and online yoga programs.
Discover more about our offerings at shantiyogatrainingschool.com
Stay Connected on Social
@NathalieCroix
@ShantiYogaTrainingSchool
For guided meditations, nature sounds, and relaxation techniques follow us on YouTube @RelaxationNation111
Peace,
Nathalie Croix & Life On Earth Podcast Team
47 min
August 28, 2024Lizzie Lasater on Yoga & Beyond
Welcome to Life On Earth Podcast!

Our awesome guest today is Lizzie Lasater.

Lizzie Lasater began teaching Vinyasa Yoga in 2005, before earning a Masters in Architecture from Columbia University.
She lives in Salzburg, where she chases after her four-year-old twin boys while producing online yoga courses with her Mama, Judith Hanson Lasater. Lizzie writes a weekly newsletter about making space for the pleasure of rest.

In this episode Lizzie and Nathalie talk about..
Their time in Los Angeles, practicing yoga with Maty Ezraty
Growing up in a yoga family
Cultivating a home practice
Yoga as a sacred practice
Incorporating various movement practices for health and wellness
Content creation
Yoga for menopause
Yoga for lower back
Restoratives yoga
Managing stress and anxiety
Their love for India
Here is a special gift for you from Lizzie Lasater:
"Lower Back Love Class with Lizzie and Judith Lasater."
So much great information here, hope you enjoy this special presentation on the lower back.
Stay in touch with Lizzie

website:
lizzielasater.com

weekly newsletter:
lizzielasater.substack.com

Here are the links to the courses we mentioned in this episode, where you may find Lizzie and Judith Lasater.
newsletter.lasater.yoga/lowerbacklove (free sessions on September 10th - 2024)
lasater.yoga/courses/love-your-lower-back (opens August 27th - 2024)
lasater.yoga/courses/somatic-woman
lasater.yoga/courses/office-hours
lasater.yoga/courses/somatic-strength

Stay Connected on Social
@Lizzie.Lasater
@NathalieCroix
@ShantiYogaTrainingSchool
For guided meditations, nature sounds, and relaxation techniques follow us on YouTube @RelaxationNation111
Much Love,
Nathalie Croix & Life On Earth Podcast Team
55 min

About Life On Earth Podcast

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