The Inner Practice-Stories of Healing from the Yoga mat into Life

In this episode, athletic therapist and yoga teacher Amanda Halls shares her powerful journey of navigating chronic illness and rediscovering her identity through yoga, Pranayama, and self-compassion.

Amanda first encountered yoga at fourteen, learning from a family who lived their yoga—teaching her early lessons about spirituality, connection, and embodied wisdom. Her path led her into Athletic Therapy, where she worked with high-performance athletes, Field Hockey Canada, box lacrosse teams, and spent 14 years at Sheridan College.

But when a chronic neurological disorder suddenly changed her ability to move, breathe, and speak, Amanda was forced into a profound transformation. What followed was a journey of loss, resilience, and rebuilding her relationship with her body.

Through breathwork, yoga philosophy, and learning to listen to her body,  Amanda found new ways to regulate her nervous system, reclaim her breath, and redefine what healing means.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• Early spiritual influences and what it means to live your yoga
• The realities of chronic illness and invisible disability
• How Pranayama can support breath regulation and diaphragm dysfunction
• Using yoga and breathwork to navigate grief, identity loss, and self-doubt
• Moving from helping others to learning how to heal yourself
• Finding resilience, meaning, and connection on the hardest days

Amanda’s story offers hope for anyone living with chronic pain, invisible illness, or the sense of losing who they once were. Her wisdom reminds us that healing isn’t returning to the past — it’s becoming who we’re meant to be, breath by breath.  

Amanda's wisdom shines through in this podcast asking important questions for herself, but also questions that we can reflect on.  

🌿 Recommended Books + Resources

When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön • 

Paths To God by Ram Dass • 

Women Who Run with Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés • 

The Alter Within by Juliet Diaz • 

All About Love by bell hooks • 

Knowing by Tanya Talaga • 

We Were Made for These Times by Kaira Jewel Lingo • 

Workbooks:

Sacred Powers by Davidji • 

The Desire Map by Danielle Laporte

To find out more information about Amanda:
 IG: @therebornalchemist
 therebornalchemist.ca

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

If you enjoyed this show, make sure you like, subscribe, follow and download the episode or simply leave a comment.  I would love to hear from you!  Please feel free to share your thoughts, episode ideas or simply to say "hello"!

This episode is sponsored by Jackie Vandertuin Therapy.  With over 30 years of practice as a Certified Athletic Therapist and professor of Athletic Therapy, coupled with her experience as a yoga therapist, Jackie Vandertuin MSc, CAT(C), will help guide you in the management and treatment of various disorders including:  low back pain, sprains, strains, anxiety and depression.  Reach out www.jackievandertuintherapy.com  for a free discovery call.

If would like to be a guest of this podcast, please reach out to jackie@jackievandertuintherapy with a short bio of your story and how yoga has helped you in your journey of healing.

If you are interested in sponsoring an episode or this podcast, reach out to Jackie Vandertuin at [email protected].

Stay in touch at:

Website:  https://www.jackievandertuintherapy.com

Instagram:  jackie_vandertuin_therapy

Facebook:  Jackie Vandertuin Therapy

To support the show, feel free to buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/theinnerpractice

In this trailer episode, Amanda shares the moment her body asked her to listen. After experiencing a significant health event marked by neurological symptoms, she was forced to slow down and seek support from her physician—something that didn’t come easily. Accustomed to pushing through and quietly declining help, even when colleagues offered it, Amanda continued to rely on grit and perseverance.

In this preview, she offers a glimpse into what’s to come: a deeply personal story of healing, where yogic principles became a quiet but powerful companion. Stay tuned as Amanda reflects on how her practice helped her find grace, peace, and a new relationship with listening to her body during recovery.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

If you enjoyed this show, make sure you like, subscribe, follow and download the episode or simply leave a comment.  I would love to hear from you!  Please feel free to share your thoughts, episode ideas or simply to say "hello"!

This episode is sponsored by Jackie Vandertuin Therapy.  With over 30 years of practice as a Certified Athletic Therapist and professor of Athletic Therapy, coupled with her experience as a yoga therapist, Jackie Vandertuin MSc, CAT(C), will help guide you in the management and treatment of various disorders including:  low back pain, sprains, strains, anxiety and depression.  Reach out www.jackievandertuintherapy.com  for a free discovery call.

If would like to be a guest of this podcast, please reach out to jackie@jackievandertuintherapy with a short bio of your story and how yoga has helped you in your journey of healing.

If you are interested in sponsoring an episode or this podcast, reach out to Jackie Vandertuin at [email protected].

Stay in touch at:

Website:  https://www.jackievandertuintherapy.com

Instagram:  jackie_vandertuin_therapy

Facebook:  Jackie Vandertuin Therapy

To support the show, feel free to buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/theinnerpractice

In this episode, Mel Grime shares a courageous and deeply personal story of growing up in England with an alcoholic father, navigating a culture of “stiff upper lip” expectations, and learning to survive by becoming the good, people-pleasing girl.

A move to Australia gave her room to breathe—to drop the mask, build a life with her husband, and reconnect with who she was beneath the conditioning. But a later move to Canada brought new challenges: losing her career role, lacking community, and experiencing the resurfacing of old insecurities and familiar inner voices.

Everything shifted during a quiet moment with her young son, who tenderly tried to comfort her. In that instant, Mel realized something profound: she needed to reclaim her life.

Listen as Mel opens up about how yoga became the tool that helped her peel back layers of perfectionism, heal childhood wounds, release people-pleasing beliefs, and reconnect with her authentic self. She now channels her experience into empowering other women on their own healing journeys through movement, mindfulness, and compassionate self-inquiry.

This episode explores:
 ✨ Growing up with alcoholism and emotional suppression
 ✨ People-pleasing, perfectionism & identity loss
 ✨ Motherhood as a mirror and catalyst for change
 ✨ Yoga as a path to self-worth, grounding & emotional healing
 ✨ Rebuilding community and belonging after relocation
 ✨ Supporting women through healing retreats and embodied practices

If you’re drawn to stories of resilience, women’s empowerment, inner child healing, authenticity, and yoga as a path home, this conversation will resonate deeply.

Learn more about Mel’s offerings and upcoming retreats at melaniegrimerhn.com or connect with her on Instagram @melaniegrimerhn.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

If you enjoyed this show, make sure you like, subscribe, follow and download the episode or simply leave a comment.  I would love to hear from you!  Please feel free to share your thoughts, episode ideas or simply to say "hello"!

This episode is sponsored by Jackie Vandertuin Therapy.  With over 30 years of practice as a Certified Athletic Therapist and professor of Athletic Therapy, coupled with her experience as a yoga therapist, Jackie Vandertuin MSc, CAT(C), will help guide you in the management and treatment of various disorders including:  low back pain, sprains, strains, anxiety and depression.  Reach out www.jackievandertuintherapy.com  for a free discovery call.

If would like to be a guest of this podcast, please reach out to jackie@jackievandertuintherapy with a short bio of your story and how yoga has helped you in your journey of healing.

If you are interested in sponsoring an episode or this podcast, reach out to Jackie Vandertuin at [email protected].

Stay in touch at:

Website:  https://www.jackievandertuintherapy.com

Instagram:  jackie_vandertuin_therapy

Facebook:  Jackie Vandertuin Therapy

To support the show, feel free to buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/theinnerpractice

In this trailer Mel, describes her experience of being still on the mat but hearing her mind.  Being still doesn't mean the mind is still.

Stay tuned for the full episode where Mel shares how growing up in England with the stoic attitude and an alcoholic father shaped her to strive for perfectionism and wear a mask.  Hear how she finds authenticity and self love that lead her create Her Space and place of healing for women.

You can find Mel Grime at her website https://www.melaniegrimerhn.com/

Instagram @melaniegrimerhn

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

If you enjoyed this show, make sure you like, subscribe, follow and download the episode or simply leave a comment.  I would love to hear from you!  Please feel free to share your thoughts, episode ideas or simply to say "hello"!

This episode is sponsored by Jackie Vandertuin Therapy.  With over 30 years of practice as a Certified Athletic Therapist and professor of Athletic Therapy, coupled with her experience as a yoga therapist, Jackie Vandertuin MSc, CAT(C), will help guide you in the management and treatment of various disorders including:  low back pain, sprains, strains, anxiety and depression.  Reach out www.jackievandertuintherapy.com  for a free discovery call.

If would like to be a guest of this podcast, please reach out to jackie@jackievandertuintherapy with a short bio of your story and how yoga has helped you in your journey of healing.

If you are interested in sponsoring an episode or this podcast, reach out to Jackie Vandertuin at [email protected].

Stay in touch at:

Website:  https://www.jackievandertuintherapy.com

Instagram:  jackie_vandertuin_therapy

Facebook:  Jackie Vandertuin Therapy

To support the show, feel free to buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/theinnerpractice

This episode was recorded on November 20, 2025, at the beautiful Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort in Nosara, Costa Rica, during a week immersed in practice, nature, and community.

Join Sabine and Michele as they share a heartfelt, honest conversation about life before yoga, life after yoga, and the transformational power of going on a yoga retreat. They explore how yoga shifted their outlook, their daily habits, and their ability to find calm and clarity in the middle of real-life challenges.

Together, we discuss:
 ✨ What life looked like before yoga entered their world
 ✨ How consistent practice reshaped their mindset, relationships, and wellbeing
 ✨ Why yoga retreats create deep personal transformation
 ✨ The impact of practicing in a place as healing as Nosara
 ✨ Lessons that continue to support them long after returning home

This episode blends retreat energy, personal insight, community, and mindfulness, offering inspiration for anyone curious about the impact of yoga off the mat—and why a retreat might be exactly what your mind and body are craving.

If you're interested in yoga retreats, personal growth, spiritual reset, or finding more presence in daily life, this conversation offers warmth, wisdom, and a sense of connection straight from the Costa Rican jungle.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

If you enjoyed this show, make sure you like, subscribe, follow and download the episode or simply leave a comment.  I would love to hear from you!  Please feel free to share your thoughts, episode ideas or simply to say "hello"!

This episode is sponsored by Jackie Vandertuin Therapy.  With over 30 years of practice as a Certified Athletic Therapist and professor of Athletic Therapy, coupled with her experience as a yoga therapist, Jackie Vandertuin MSc, CAT(C), will help guide you in the management and treatment of various disorders including:  low back pain, sprains, strains, anxiety and depression.  Reach out www.jackievandertuintherapy.com  for a free discovery call.

If would like to be a guest of this podcast, please reach out to jackie@jackievandertuintherapy with a short bio of your story and how yoga has helped you in your journey of healing.

If you are interested in sponsoring an episode or this podcast, reach out to Jackie Vandertuin at [email protected].

Stay in touch at:

Website:  https://www.jackievandertuintherapy.com

Instagram:  jackie_vandertuin_therapy

Facebook:  Jackie Vandertuin Therapy

To support the show, feel free to buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/theinnerpractice

Listen to this trailer as Sabine and Michele discuss if one is considering going to a yoga retreat what should they do.  This episode was recorded outside at the dining hall of the beautiful Bodhi Tree Yoga resort.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

If you enjoyed this show, make sure you like, subscribe, follow and download the episode or simply leave a comment.  I would love to hear from you!  Please feel free to share your thoughts, episode ideas or simply to say "hello"!

This episode is sponsored by Jackie Vandertuin Therapy.  With over 30 years of practice as a Certified Athletic Therapist and professor of Athletic Therapy, coupled with her experience as a yoga therapist, Jackie Vandertuin MSc, CAT(C), will help guide you in the management and treatment of various disorders including:  low back pain, sprains, strains, anxiety and depression.  Reach out www.jackievandertuintherapy.com  for a free discovery call.

If would like to be a guest of this podcast, please reach out to jackie@jackievandertuintherapy with a short bio of your story and how yoga has helped you in your journey of healing.

If you are interested in sponsoring an episode or this podcast, reach out to Jackie Vandertuin at [email protected].

Stay in touch at:

Website:  https://www.jackievandertuintherapy.com

Instagram:  jackie_vandertuin_therapy

Facebook:  Jackie Vandertuin Therapy

To support the show, feel free to buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/theinnerpractice

In this episode, I’m joined by Mark Macleod—CEO coach, musician, and devoted practitioner of Kundalini yoga. Mark offers a thoughtful and deeply philosophical conversation about how yoga influences both his personal life and his work coaching CEOs of multi-billion-dollar companies.

Mark shares how he first discovered yoga, how Kundalini practices transformed his worldview, and why learning to listen inward is one of the most powerful tools for leaders navigating high-pressure environments. This conversation beautifully weaves together business, music, spirituality, presence, mindfulness, and personal growth, revealing how ancient yogic wisdom can shape modern leadership.

We explore:
 ✨ How Kundalini yoga supports clarity, intuition, and emotional resilience
 ✨ Why inner listening is essential for CEOs and founders
 ✨ How Mark integrates spirituality into coaching top-level leaders
 ✨ The role of music, breathwork, and presence in both business and personal evolution

Whether you're a business leader, yoga practitioner, or simply curious about the connection between conscious leadership and spiritual practice, this episode offers grounded insight, inspiration, and practical wisdom.

Learn more about Mark:
Business + CEO Coaching: markmacleod.me
The Startup CEO Show podcast:  https://podcast.markmacleod.me/
Music: Mark Macleod on Spotify
Instagram: @radiantwithmark

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

If you enjoyed this show, make sure you like, subscribe, follow and download the episode or simply leave a comment.  I would love to hear from you!  Please feel free to share your thoughts, episode ideas or simply to say "hello"!

This episode is sponsored by Jackie Vandertuin Therapy.  With over 30 years of practice as a Certified Athletic Therapist and professor of Athletic Therapy, coupled with her experience as a yoga therapist, Jackie Vandertuin MSc, CAT(C), will help guide you in the management and treatment of various disorders including:  low back pain, sprains, strains, anxiety and depression.  Reach out www.jackievandertuintherapy.com  for a free discovery call.

If would like to be a guest of this podcast, please reach out to jackie@jackievandertuintherapy with a short bio of your story and how yoga has helped you in your journey of healing.

If you are interested in sponsoring an episode or this podcast, reach out to Jackie Vandertuin at [email protected].

Stay in touch at:

Website:  https://www.jackievandertuintherapy.com

Instagram:  jackie_vandertuin_therapy

Facebook:  Jackie Vandertuin Therapy

To support the show, feel free to buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/theinnerpractice

Kundalini yoga plays an integral part in Mark's life allowing him presence, achievement and so much more. Mark describes his initial hesitation to how his life was enhanced.

Tune in for the full episode to learn how Kundalini and the practice of yoga has woven its way through Mark's daily personal and professional life.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

If you enjoyed this show, make sure you like, subscribe, follow and download the episode or simply leave a comment.  I would love to hear from you!  Please feel free to share your thoughts, episode ideas or simply to say "hello"!

This episode is sponsored by Jackie Vandertuin Therapy.  With over 30 years of practice as a Certified Athletic Therapist and professor of Athletic Therapy, coupled with her experience as a yoga therapist, Jackie Vandertuin MSc, CAT(C), will help guide you in the management and treatment of various disorders including:  low back pain, sprains, strains, anxiety and depression.  Reach out www.jackievandertuintherapy.com  for a free discovery call.

If would like to be a guest of this podcast, please reach out to jackie@jackievandertuintherapy with a short bio of your story and how yoga has helped you in your journey of healing.

If you are interested in sponsoring an episode or this podcast, reach out to Jackie Vandertuin at [email protected].

Stay in touch at:

Website:  https://www.jackievandertuintherapy.com

Instagram:  jackie_vandertuin_therapy

Facebook:  Jackie Vandertuin Therapy

To support the show, feel free to buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/theinnerpractice

In this episode, I speak with Shelley Wishart—a lifelong entrepreneur, passionate mover, and the heart behind GoYoga. Shelley shares her inspiring journey through business ownership and the challenges that come with high-stakes decision-making.

We dive into how her meditation practice became a powerful tool for staying grounded during a potentially difficult business transaction, transforming stress and uncertainty into clarity, comfort, and calm. Shelley discusses how mindfulness supported her confidence, strengthened her intuition, and helped her manifest a positive outcome when the pressure was at its highest.

If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or wellness-curious business owner looking to cultivate a calmer mindset during big decisions, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration. Learn how meditation and mindful movement can support resilience, emotional balance, and empowered choices in your business journey.

Learn more about Shelley and GoYoga:
GoYoga: www.goyogaorangeville.com

Instagram: @shelley_wishart

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

If you enjoyed this show, make sure you like, subscribe, follow and download the episode or simply leave a comment.  I would love to hear from you!  Please feel free to share your thoughts, episode ideas or simply to say "hello"!

This episode is sponsored by Jackie Vandertuin Therapy.  With over 30 years of practice as a Certified Athletic Therapist and professor of Athletic Therapy, coupled with her experience as a yoga therapist, Jackie Vandertuin MSc, CAT(C), will help guide you in the management and treatment of various disorders including:  low back pain, sprains, strains, anxiety and depression.  Reach out www.jackievandertuintherapy.com  for a free discovery call.

If would like to be a guest of this podcast, please reach out to jackie@jackievandertuintherapy with a short bio of your story and how yoga has helped you in your journey of healing.

If you are interested in sponsoring an episode or this podcast, reach out to Jackie Vandertuin at [email protected].

Stay in touch at:

Website:  https://www.jackievandertuintherapy.com

Instagram:  jackie_vandertuin_therapy

Facebook:  Jackie Vandertuin Therapy

To support the show, feel free to buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/theinnerpractice

In this trailer, Shelley talks about the high stakes world of selling a business and the fear of the unknown.  However, what eased the fear was meditation.  Shelley manifested the success which created calm in what could have been chaos.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

If you enjoyed this show, make sure you like, subscribe, follow and download the episode or simply leave a comment.  I would love to hear from you!  Please feel free to share your thoughts, episode ideas or simply to say "hello"!

This episode is sponsored by Jackie Vandertuin Therapy.  With over 30 years of practice as a Certified Athletic Therapist and professor of Athletic Therapy, coupled with her experience as a yoga therapist, Jackie Vandertuin MSc, CAT(C), will help guide you in the management and treatment of various disorders including:  low back pain, sprains, strains, anxiety and depression.  Reach out www.jackievandertuintherapy.com  for a free discovery call.

If would like to be a guest of this podcast, please reach out to jackie@jackievandertuintherapy with a short bio of your story and how yoga has helped you in your journey of healing.

If you are interested in sponsoring an episode or this podcast, reach out to Jackie Vandertuin at [email protected].

Stay in touch at:

Website:  https://www.jackievandertuintherapy.com

Instagram:  jackie_vandertuin_therapy

Facebook:  Jackie Vandertuin Therapy

To support the show, feel free to buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/theinnerpractice