The Long Game with Julie Smerdon

I first met Lizzie Lasater when she came to Brisbane to do a Restorative Yoga Teacher Training back in 2015. She has carved out a place for herself as a renowned yoga teacher, writer, and advocate for mindful living. Lizzie, daughter of the legendary Judith Hanson Lasater, carries forward a rich legacy of restorative yoga and therapeutic practices, which have become even more useful in the years following the birth of her twin boys! With insight and a holistic approach, Lizzie shares how restorative yoga can help people find balance, peace, and deeper self-awareness. In this episode, we dive into Lizzie's journey, her teachings, and the transformative power of restorative yoga. We even touch on one of my favourite topics of late - menopause!

There’s so much to say about Dr. Lauren! In addition to being a Clinical Psychologist, Life Coach, Author, and Yoga Teacher; she is the founder of The Yoga Psychology Institute, an organisation that offers programs that explore the intersection between yoga and psychology. Lauren and I first connected back when I had the studio, and we planned on offering her well-known course for yoga teachers “Mental Health Aware Yoga” in Brisbane in 2020, but then…COVID. 

This is Lauren’s second visit to the show, and this time we discuss her new book “Mental Health Aware Yoga, A Guide for Yoga ‘Teachers.” Lauren takes the premise (and I agree) that yoga teachers are often the first port of call on the Mental Health front, yet most of us have no training in the most basic aspects of Mental Health. I was touched to receive one of the first copies of her book and I can tell you that it is a down-to-earth, user-friendly guide to the basics of Mental Health, broken down into what she calls “The Six Pillars.” I highly recommend you grab a copy, it will be available here in Australia soon! You’ll find a link to pre-order below.

FIND LAUREN:

Pre-order her book: www.mentalhealthawareyoga.com/book

Website: https://www.laurentober.com/ & https://www.laurentober.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogapsychologyinstitute/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/drlaurentober

This was my first time ‘meeting’ Jivana Heyman. He’s the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an organisation dedicated to increasing access to yoga, and to supporting yoga teachers. I first heard Jivana on Daniel Simpson’s podcast “Ancient Futures, and what he was saying resonated so deeply with me that I immediately ordered his latest book, “The Teachers Guide to Accessible Yoga.” 

In this episode we chat about everything from his beginnings teaching yoga to AIDS patients during the peak of the epidemic in the 1990s, and how those students taught him that yoga, in the truest sense of what it is can happen in ANY body. His story is truly inspiring and his message is similar to mine: that by shifting cultural perception about yoga away from the perfect images we see on social media, we have a starting point for a yoga that can serve humanity. 

Find Jivana: 

Website: Accessible Yoga School

Book: The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga

Instagram: @jivanaheyman

Facebook: Jivana Heyman

In this episode, we dive into the world of a guest whose life story elevates us all - Lydia Lassila, Australia’s aerial skiing champion whose feats have not only carved her name in snow but also in the halls of resilience and determination.

Our paths crossed in Byron Bay, where I was guest teaching on a retreat that she was part of.  I had the honour of practising with Lydia after class one day, it was a humbling experience, her physical and mental discipline as an Olympic athlete was palpable, yet effortlessly blended with the calm, focused energy that yoga asks of us. We connected that day, and I’m proud to bring you her story.

Lydia's journey is not just about the leaps taken in the air but also about the grounding force of personal growth, the power of community, and the ability to overcome the challenges that life throws our way. Her story spans both the dizzying heights of Olympic victory and the quiet moments that define the spirit of a true champion.

Lydia has created a business that has beautiful, unique and sustainable wellness products and she has GIFTED MY LISTENERS A 20% DISCOUNT FOR HER PRODUCTS! USE THE CODE HEART20, link to the site below.

Find Lydia:

Website: https://www.zonebylydia.com/

Instagram: @lydialassila

Watch "The Will to Fly" a documentary of her journey: https://thewilltoflyfilm.com/

In this short, heartfelt episode titled I break my long silence on social media to share a deeply personal journey. Over the last three months, our lives have been consumed by Layne's ongoing health challenges. Up until last week, my days were a mix of hospital corridors, work, and the lovely chaos of daily life. Faced with numerous unknowns and the unpredictability of his treatment and recovery, both of us have been challenged to embody the very heart of yoga during a frightening time. This episode is a candid reflection on the trials we're facing, the lessons we are learning, and how this trying period has been a true test of living the values I write and teach about.  UPDATE:  At the time I recorded this, Layne was still in hospital, but he's home now with a PICC line and a nurse visiting daily ☺️

From homegrown Texas boy, to working actor in Los Angeles, to travelling the world teaching yoga, to marrying one of the world's premier dancer/choreographers, to being featured on Peleton, Ross Rayburn has lived quite a life!

Despite his extraordinary story, Ross is one of the kindest, most humble people I know, and one of my all-time favourite colleagues.  I loved having the chance to catch up with him, and to celebrate  his new book "Turning Inward."

Enjoy!

FIND ROSS
Instagram: @rossrayburnyoga
Facebook: @RossRayburnYoga
Peleton
Turning Inward: Pre-Order Here

Laura Marjorie Miller and I first crossed paths at an Anusara Workshop in Atlanta back in the early 2000’s. We became friends instantly. Laura is truly one of the most genuinely inquisitive, intelligent people I’ve ever met. From her work as the speechwriter for the chancellor of Vanderbilt University, to a successful career as a gonzo journalist, her adventurous spirit has taken her everywhere from free diving to an ayahuasca ceremony in Peru. I LOVED having this time to bring you her story.

Find Laura:

Website: https://www.obestbelovedanimalcommunication.com/

Instagram: @obestbelovedac

Me and Mama Ayahuasca Article - Utne Reader

James is a new friend and a mentor to me, and I’m really thrilled to bring you this conversation. He’s had a fascinating journey, from taking his first class to ‘impress’ someone, to unexpectedly finding a profound sense of connection and purpose which lead him on a path of self-discovery and ultimately, becoming a teacher. We talk about James' early teaching experiences, including working with influential figures such as Tipper Gore and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, to his close relationship with the late Maty Ezraty. James has so much wisdom to share… Enjoy!

Find James:

Instagram: @jamesbrownlive

Website:  https://jamesmatthewbrown.com/

Facebook:  James Matthew Brown

I'm so happy to welcome Pete Longworth back to the show! Tune in to hear how yoga teachers, fitness professionals and other independent small business owners can learn to harness the power of AI to get their message out into the world creatively and efficiently!  My listeners get a discounted rate - just mention the podcast when you book!

Find Pete:

Create Content That Matters Course: https://www.petelongworth.com/cctm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petelongworth/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/create.content.that.matters

I honestly can't remember the first time I crossed paths with Noah Maze, but I do know that it was a very long time ago. Curious, open-minded, and with a dry wit that can take you by surprise, Noah has crafted his life with yoga woven through every fibre. From living in ashrams as a young man to having one of the most dedicated yoga practices I've ever seen, to tenderly raising his children, Noah is a yogi for the real world, and I so appreciate his wisdom and friendship. Enjoy!

Find Noah:
Website: https://themazemethod.com/
Australia Events: The Noah Maze Experience
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/noahmaze/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noah.maze