🎙️ Episode Description

In this episode of the Off the Mat Podcast, I chat to Helen Russell-Clark, a dedicated yoga teacher and yoga teacher trainer. We discuss her yoga journey, from her initial experiences with the practice, to where she now finds herself in her career. Helen shares insights on integrating the principles of yoga into daily life and the influence of her background in psychoanalysis on her teaching approach. We also touch on the challenge and beauty of meditation, the importance of somatic practices, and the profound impact yoga can have on one's life. Hope you enjoy this weeks conversation.

📚 Resources Mentioned 📚

📖 Books

• "Eastern Body, Western Mind" by Anodea Judith - About chakra systems and psychotherapy
• "The Poetry Pharmacy" by William Sieghart - Anthology prescribing poems for particular feelings
• "An A-Z of Pasta" by Rachel Roddy - Pasta cookbook

✨ Other Resources

• Ezra Klein podcast interview with Mark Epstein about meditation and Freudian paradigm
• Rachel Roddy - food writer

👇 Connect with

• @helenrussellclark
• helenrussellclarkyoga.com
• Online classes

⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️

00:00 Introduction

01:06 Guided Meditation

06:59 Drink + Snack Ritual

08:30 Helen's Journey into Yoga

11:26 From Yoga Practice to Teaching

19:51 The Impact of Psychoanalysis on Yoga

22:26 Balancing Yoga and Life

28:53 Advice for Beginners in Meditation

29:24 Understanding and Managing Intrusive Thoughts

30:17 The Role of Somatic Practices in Meditation

31:40 Personal Practice and Changes During Lockdown

32:43 The Impact of Teaching on Personal Practice

38:47 The Concept of a Container in Yoga Practice

44:06 Final Flow

🎙️ Episode Description

In this episode of Off the Mat Podcast, we delve into the inspiring story of Eleanor Hann. Eleanor shares how her yoga practice guided her through a life-changing kidney donation surgery and how her practice evolved post-surgery. I'm obsessed with how Ellie finds strength through practising gratitude, a simple practice we so often forget to sit with. This episode also touches on the importance of finding the right yoga community, and how that can be a therapeutic tool in navigating life's challenges. Join us for an enriching conversation filled with insights, motivation, and beautiful words from Ellie.

📚 Resources Mentioned 📚

📖 Books

• “The Buddha in Me, The Buddha in You” by David Hare - Introduction to Nichiren Buddhism
• “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero

👇 Connect with

• That Girl Yoga - Ellie's yoga brand with her best friend Becca (workshops, retreats, day events)
• @eleanorgracehann

⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:46 Gratitude Grounding Meditation

04:00 The Power of Gratitude in Daily Life

07:06 Snack + Drink Ritual

09:02 Journey into Yoga

11:53 Becoming a Yoga Teacher

16:33 Life Changing Surgery with my Mum

22:59 Antibiotic Reactions and Health Struggles

24:26 Support System

25:13 Mental Health and Recovery Practices

26:46 Returning to Work and Yoga

27:23 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth

28:54 Yoga Philosophy and Teaching Approach

34:41 Final Reflections

41:01 Final Flow

🎙️ Episode Description

Welcome back to Off the Mat Podcast! In this episode, I chat with Katarina Rayburn, owner of Kindred Yoga Studio in Southeast London. We spoke all about Kat's inspiring journey from acting to becoming the incredible yogi she now is - starting a studio, teaching teachers, filling multiple international retreats and more. We explore deep themes like finding your dharma or purpose, the ultimate goal of yoga, and how to integrate yoga practices into daily life. This episode also dives into the practical aspects of yoga teacher training, retreats, and creating a vibrant yoga community. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this conversation is filled with insights and motivation.

📚 Resources Mentioned 📚

• Yoga Journal podcast - specifically episodes about philosophy
• The Bhagavad Gita
• Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra’s

👇 Connect with Kat

@kindredyogalife

@katarinarayburnyoga

www.katarinarayburnyoga.com (retreats, workshops, teacher trainings)

⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️

00:00 Introduction

00:13 Guest Introduction: Katarina Rayburn

01:34 Guided Meditation with Kat

07:32 Kat's Journey into Yoga

08:25 From Acting to Yoga Teaching

15:50 Starting Kindred Yoga Studio

22:51 The Concept of Dharma

26:55 Reflecting on Personal Growth Through Journalling

29:06 Exploring the Deeper Meaning of Yoga

33:30 Understanding Ancient Yogic Concepts

38:04 Integrating Yoga into Daily Life

41:43 The Essence of Yoga Retreats

47:00 Final Flow

🎙️ Episode Description

In today’s episode of Off The Mat, join me as we delve into the transformative world of breathwork with Danny Cunningham, aka The Breathwork Breddah. From powerful personal experiences to actionable techniques, Danny shares how breathwork has not only shifted his life but can also help YOU navigate stress, enhance mindfulness, and foster a deeper connection with yourself. Explore the balance between discipline and spontaneity, the art of coherence breathing, and the journey of self-discovery through the simple act of breathing. Tune in for an uplifting conversation that left me feeling both full and inspired with just how incredible our natural systems are, and how we can intentionally use them to live better.

📚 Resources Mentioned 📚

📖 Books

• "Breath" by James Nestor
• "Atomic Habits" by James Clear
• "How to Build a Body That Lasts" by Adam Richardson
• “The Wim Hof Method” - Wim Hof

Other Resources

1. The Hunchman Trust - Suicide prevention charity (Danny ran two marathons in two days for this cause)
2. "Sila" by Kareem Raihani
3. Yoke Studio

👇 Connect with Danny

@thebreathworkbreddah

⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️

00:00 Introduction

00:49 Guided Practice - Coherence Breathing

07:38 Benefits of Coherence Breathing

09:28 The Power of Chanting and Breath Synchronisation

10:43 Danny's Daily Breathwork Routine

11:56 The Role of Discipline in Wellness

16:58 Discovering Breathwork: Danny's Journey

22:08 Understanding Breathwork and Its Impact

28:04 Navigating Societal Expectations

28:14 The Unexplainable Experience of Breathwork

28:56 Emotional Release Through Breathwork

30:06 The Importance of Guided Practice

31:16 Personal Journey with Breathwork

37:59 The Science Behind Breathwork

41:40 Practical Tips for Everyday Breathing

42:48 Marathon Challenges and Breathwork

46:10 Final Flow

49:25 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

🎙️ Episode Description

This week on the Off the Mat I dive deep with Isabella Verrico, co-founder of MICA Yoga studio in South London. In this heartfelt and honest discussion, Bella + I talk about everything from meditation and starting a business to the importance of listening to your own advice. She shares insights into what it's actually like to start a yoga studio, the transformative power of sound healing, and tips for incorporating yoga into your daily life. Learn about the philosophy behind MICA Yoga, the significance of practicing non-judgment and compassion, and how to find balance in a busy life. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, I hope this episode can offer you some valuable wisdom and inspiration to explore what yoga truly means to you, off the mat too!

📚 Resources Mentioned 📚

📖 Books

1. Solve for Happy by Mo Gawdat
2. Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
3. Quantum Healing by Deepak Chopra

✨ Meditation Resources

1. Deepak Chopra's 21 Days of Meditation
2. **Headspace** Meditation app

🎵 Savasana Songs

1. "Ra Haset" by Chantress Seba
2. "Hakea" by Thrupence

👇 Connect with

1. MICA Yoga Nunhead
2. @isabellaverrico

⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️

00:00 Introduction

00:21 Meet Isabella Verrico

01:03 Guided Meditation

06:47 The Journey of Starting MICA Yoga

09:09 The Essence of MICA Yoga Studio

14:34 Sound Healing and Its Impact

18:20 The Deeper Benefits of Yoga Practice

23:13 Finding Ease in Yoga Practice

25:35 Balancing Life and Yoga

28:15 Meditation and Daily Practices

32:26 The Power of Affirmations

33:49 Living a Truthful Life

36:24 Overcoming Yoga Class Intimidation

38:42 Recommended Resources for Deepening Yoga Practice

40:40 Final Flow

🎙️ Episode Description

In the first episode of 'Off the Mat,' I interview Richard Knight, a yoga teacher and humanist celebrant based in Southeast London. We talked about the expansive nature of yoga beyond physical and into the emotional, mental and philosophical realms. Richard shares his journey from hospitality and charity work to becoming a yoga teacher and celebrant, sharing the synergy he has found between these fields. Each episode of this podcast will begin with a guided meditation, to offer an anchoring before you listen. Richard spoke about about handling life's transformations through the lens of yoga, the importance of self-practice, and the critical need for informed and sincere teaching. He also highlights so many great books and resources for those wanting to deepen their understanding of this practice.

📚 Resources Mentioned 📚

📖 Books

1. Queer Dharma by Jacob Ballard
2. The Truth of Yoga by Daniel Simpson
3. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra’s (Edwin Bryant's translation/version)
4. Practice and All is Coming by Matthew Remski (edited by Matri Pushka)
5. Yoga and the Body by Edward Clark and Laurie Green

💻 Online Resources

1. Yogic Studies.com- Platform by Seth Powell with yoga philosophy courses

🧘 Studios & Classes

1. Yoga Rise
2. Oru Space in East Dulwich (Free chair yoga class every Wednesday at 3:00 PM)
3. Monday Morning Guided Meditation (Richard's Zoom meditation class (£2)

🫂 Organizations

1. Saint Mungo's (Charity working to end homelessness in London + South England)

👇 Connect with Richard

1. Instagram: @peckhamism
2. The London Celebrant

⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️

00:00 Introduction to Off the Mat

00:43 Meet Richard Knight: Yoga Teacher and Humanist Celebrant

01:18 Starting with a Grounding Meditation

06:39 Drink + Snack Ritual

07:35 Richard's Yoga Journey: From Australia to London

10:46 Becoming a Yoga Teacher

15:27 Balancing Yoga Teaching and Celebrant Work

21:08 The Power of Yoga in Life's Transformations

25:10 Chair Yoga and Community Classes

27:26 Exploring Yoga Beyond the Physical

29:29 Yoga Practice and Artistic Expression

29:46 Jackson Pollock and Abstract Expressionism

30:52 Yoga as Art and Audience

31:29 The Kosha Model and Layers of the Self

32:47 Diverse Yoga Practices and Teaching Methods

33:33 The Power of Shared Yoga Experiences

34:21 Balancing Dynamic and Quiet Yoga Practices

36:54 Personal Yoga Practice and Teaching Balance

43:16 Recommended Yoga Books and Resources

49:37 Final Flow

52:07 Conclusion

Yoga has quietly shaped my entire life.

From practising as a teenager, to carrying it with me through my twenties, to now teaching full-time and hosting retreats - this practice has profoundly transformed how I move through the world.

But Yoga is more than what happens on the mat.

It’s a philosophy. A framework. A way of seeing and understanding ourselves more deeply.

With Off the Mat, I’m opening up conversations with inspiring teachers and facilitators to explore the heart of the practice - the parts we don’t always talk about in class.

What really is Yoga?
Who is it for?
Why is it so transformational?
And how can we begin to live it, not just practise it?

I can’t wait to share these honest, insightful conversations with you - in the hope they support you, off the mat too.

🎙️ Trailer out now.