Rael Talk

Matt Giordano is a gifted yoga teacher and successful entrepreneur who shares his experience of becoming a teacher and building his personal brand and his business.

For yoga teachers, especially, I encourage you to take his advice to heart as we’re all adapting to the online environment and facing our insecurities and our challenges in teaching/showing up in new ways.

HIGHLIGHTS

-Redefining success from the “International Man of Yoga”

-How to shift from teaching in-person to teaching online?

-What does authentic leadership mean?

-The future of community & connection after COVID-19

-How to move through self-limiting beliefs

-Chromatic Yoga: Systematic Approach to Sound Teaching

Learn more about Matt and access his online classes & trainings at www.theyogimatt.com and be sure to follow him on IG at www.instagram.com/theyogimatt

---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rael-talk/support

Wes Sam-Bruce is a multi-practice artist, educator, poet, and designer. For the last decade, he has worked professionally creating large-scale, site-specific installations, exhibitions, and projects that are deeply engaging, exploratory in nature, wildly expansive in imagination and educational for humans of all ages.

Episode Highlights:

-The MAGIC behind Wes’s fully embodied, interactive installations.

-Why everything can be artwork and everyone can be an artist.

-The paradox of Transformation.

-How to be more curious.

-Connection in times of great disconnect.

-How to embrace your un-damageable self.

Learn more about his work and his story at www.livethecuriouslife.com and be sure to follow him on IG at www.instagram.com/wes_sam_bruce.

---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rael-talk/support

Kit Rich is a Pilates expert, celebrity fitness trainer, and published writer. She is well known for her online fitness videos that are genuinely uplifting, positive and challenging, and equally as well known for her authenticity and creativity.

This episode feels very timely considering the current stage of global events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and I feel it is relevant for listeners of all ages, walks of life, and especially for teachers, coaches or creatives who strive to help others to feel good and to feel capable.

Highlights:

-Kit's "Feel Good" fitness methodology

-Why you should be "cross-training" your creative practices

-Benefits and challenges of developing self-awareness

-Why daily meditation is vital to growth & wellbeing

-Death as a portal to expansion

-The importance of feeling connected and seen

-How to find and stay committed to your purpose

-Why Pilates is the unsung powerhouse of movement training

Follow Kit online at www.kitrich.com, on Instagram www.instagram.com/fitbykit or learn more about her amazing "on the go" workout product at www.kichgo.com.

---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rael-talk/support

Nam is an E-CYT 500 yoga teacher based in San Diego, CA who’s well known in the yoga community for his "Skillful, interdisciplinary approach to science-based yoga and mobility". His group classes are grounded in strength, anatomical detail and mindfulness. Nam provides detailed verbal cues and expert hands-on assists to help his students find a fuller experience in their yoga practice.

Nam has worked with professional athletes in the NFL, MLB, and NBA, his classes are regularly featured on Yoga International's online education platform, and he is considered by his community as a "Teacher’s Teacher" who enjoys helping other teachers further their study and understanding of yoga and movement.

-A simple approach to handling full-time class loads

-Why strategizing your class content can make you more successful

-How to address pain & injuries in group classes (Scope of Practice)

-Biomechanics, Functional Movement and how to apply these to yoga asana

-Helpful tips to improve giving AND receiving yoga adjustments!

-Considerations & qualities of physical touch

Learn more about Nam at www.yoganam.yoga or find his classes online at www.yogainternational.com. You can follow Nam on Instagram @yoganam

---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rael-talk/support

My guest on this episode is Mark Carter, a dear friend and one of my most trusted spiritual mentors. Mark co-owns and operates Zen Soul Balance, a holistic wellness company based in San Diego specializing in yoga, sound therapy, mindfulness, and meditation. He holds dual-graduate degrees in education and spirituality, and has several certifications in yoga and sound healing therapy. Mark has completed post-graduate work in the disciplines of spiritual formation and leadership and has served as a retreat leader for over 15 years. As an artist and yogi, his interests focus on the intersection of meditation, asana and sound therapy as a catalyst to inspire others to live wholehearted, healthy lives.

We have a very deep and personal conversation that I hope inspires you, wherever you are on your spiritual journey. I encourage you to take notes, to pause and reflect as much as necessary to engage with and really feel into these topics. Mark is an exceptionally articulate, brilliant and a compassionate teacher and it's a huge honor for me to be able to take in and share his insights through this platform.

HIGHLIGHTS:

-What does it mean to be spiritual? What is a contemplative life?

-Common truths & crossovers in global disciplines (Western faiths and Eastern practices)

-The power of mystery, prayer, and rituals

-The essence of being human—encountering infinite Love

-Chakra theory & how it influences spiritual maturity

-Embodied spirituality—Experiencing how everything is connected

-How to recognize & connect to that which is Sacred

-The benefits and future of sound healing and sound therapy

AND SO MUCH MORE!

Follow Mark and Zen Soul Balance on IG @zensoulbalance or @mcphoto_and_yoga or go to www.zensoulbalance.com for events and upcoming trainings.

Books and Authors for Reference:

James W. Fowler, American Theologian & Professor of Theology

Erik Erikson, German-American Psychologist (Theory of Psychosocial Development)

Henri Nouwen, Dutch Catholic priest, & theologian(Life of the Beloved)

Thomas Merton, American Trappist monk & mystic (Mystics and Zen Masters)

Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist monk

Julie Cameron, American teacher & writer (The Artists' Way)

Richard Rohr, American writer & Franciscan friar(Everything Belongs)

Joshua Leeds, American sound researcher & music producer (The Power of Sound: How to Be Healthy and Productive Using Music and Sound)

The Scripps Institute, The Shiley Fitness Center (www.scripps.org)

Mitchell Gaynor, American oncologist & w (The Healing Power of Sound: Recovery from Life-Threatening Illness Using Sound, Voice, and Music)

---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rael-talk/support

Learn some of the most important TOOLS for maintaining your sense of self, wellbeing and mindful suggestions to help you truly enJOY the season!

-Explore different ways to care for yourself and for others

-How to embrace autonomy during intense social times

-What does being GROUNDED mean and how to practice it?

-How to sustain the “patterns in progress” that support your personal/spiritual growth

-Why you should come on retreat with us in 2020!

Learn more about Carolyn Cohen at www.carolyncohen.org

or follow her on Instagram @acro_carolyn

Playa Viva Wellness Recharge Retreat:

January 16-20, 2020

@PlayaViva on Instagram or to register go to https://bit.ly/2E6ytre

---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rael-talk/support

Today’s guests, Sam Salwei and Raquel Hernandez-Cruz are the ring leaders of a super unique group called The YogaSlackers, comprised of 150 teachers globally bringing yoga poses not only to the slackline but finding yogic elements within other body-awareness practices, such as acrobatics and climbing.

Sam decided over a decade ago that the status quo simply was not for him. In 2004 he packed up his few possessions and began living on the road full time, traveling coast-to-coast in pursuit of a life that uniquely expressed his values for adventure and extreme living with awareness.

Raquel holds a Master's in marine biology but has studied in many traditions of yoga over the years. She’s an adventure athlete, Ashtanga yoga teacher and is the incredible mastermind behind the Yogaslackers’ growth.

Balance is a very dynamic state of being, and Sam and Raquel’s nomadic partnership provides an amazing example of how pursuing extremes can cultivate awareness and expand your threshold for experiencing balance, happiness and ease while becoming better humans in life.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

HOW to live life to your FULLEST potential.

HOW to create community and be authentic.

WHY non-violent communication is a key practice in successful relationships.

WHY it’s important to have examples of people doing things other ways.

WAYS to improve your teaching, relationships and mindset.

WAYS to increase your perception and depth in all ranges of practice & emotion.

Original Music provided by @JesseBlakeMusic

---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rael-talk/support

Jesse Blake is a music producer and DJ who’s been traveling the world amplifying and elevating the sound experience for yoga studios, gyms, festivals, music venues and even film and television. From corporate finance to corporate wellness, Jesse’s passion for percussion and music production have helped shape his unique path to success. He’s currently a resident DJ for Wanderlust Festivals worldwide, as well as the live DJ for BeachBody’s “morning meltdown 100” fitness program. He aims to co-create transformative environments, holding space for listeners to have their own deep experiences whether on the dance floor or in a class.

Topics we discuss:

-Why it's better NOT to “just hit play” in your yoga music

-The magic of collaborative creation

-The ins and outs of LIVE music in movement classes

-Philosophy of SILENT DISCO & the EGO of DJing

-How to stay present and stay stay in service

-The many hats of self-employment

-How to help yourself THRIVE as an artist in business

Enjoy!

All music in this podcast created and shared by Jesse Blake.

www.jesseblakemusic.com

www.instagram.com/jesseblakemusic

---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rael-talk/support

Debbie Steingesser is a Crossfit and MobilityWOD coach as well as the founder of YogiWOD. She teaches weekly Vinyasa yoga classes throughout the Bay Area and semi-annual retreats worldwide. Her classes and retreats feature energizing movement sequences, great music, supportive community, and an opportunity for deep relaxation.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

-Why Yogis Should CrossTrain

-How to Create Your Own Luck in Business

-Mindfulness Micro-dosing for the Masses

-Tips on Curating Your Music In Classes

-Functional Yoga for Athletes & Coaches

-How to Teach Yoga in Alternative Facilities

Contact Debbie @DebbieSteingesser on Instagram for a discount on her Functional Yoga For Athletes Program

www.yogiWOD.com

---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rael-talk/support

Today’s episode features Lora Heiner—Yoga Educator and Corrective Exercise Specialist who is championing change in the field of modern movement by challenging teachers and practitioners alike to ask “why are we doing what we’re doing?”

Ultimately for Lora, Yoga is a roadmap for living well, not solely a physical healing methodology.

Through that lens, we discuss her mission and approach to educating the public about the misalignments between the science and philosophies currently being taught and why we need to change the ways that these practices are being imparted both in person and through social media.

Highlights:

-Why agency is important in any practice

-The future of Yoga without Vinyasa

-How modern yoga serves movement dysfunctions

-Hypermobility Disorder driving the yoga community

-Unregulated yoga industry and teaching standards

-Can we teach yoga to “all populations”?

-Blending science and spirituality

You can follow Lora Heiner on Instagram @letsciencemoveyou and learn more about her teaching methodology and upcoming workshops or trainings.

If you enjoyed the topics we covered today, I’d love if you subscribe to the playlist on iTunes AND if you want to contribute to this conversation, please contact me at [email protected].

---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rael-talk/support