This is Yoga Therapy

In this soul-stirring conversation, I am joined by Mark Gardett, PhD, a yoga scholar, teacher, and author of the transformative new book, A Necessary Joy: Yoga and the Quest for Transformation.

Mark sits at the powerful intersection of trans identity and ancient yogic philosophy. Together, we explore the idea that "transness" is not just a destination, but a spiritual practice of expansion—one that mirrors the yogic journey toward the unchanging Self (Atman). Whether you are navigating a gender transition, a career shift, or the "identity injury" of trauma, this episode serves as a map for coming home to a self that cannot be lost.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Practice of Transforming: Why the act of becoming is more vital than the final destination.
• The Unchanging Core: How the concept of the "Atman" (the witness) provides a steady foundation during profound life shifts and gender transitions.
• Protecting the Inner Light: Strategies for staying open to a turbulent world while preserving your divine spark.
• Redefining Liberation: Is freedom an escape from the world, or a radical new way of being within it?
• Yoga in the Margins: Reclaiming yoga’s roots as a practice for those outside the "mainstream" centers of power.
• Sadhana as Foundation: Mark shares their personal daily practice and how it upholds their work as a coach and educator.

About Mark Gardett

Mark Gardett (they/them) is a transgender practitioner, scholar, and teacher of yoga with over 25 years of experience. They hold a PhD in English and specialize in therapeutic, trauma-informed yoga for individuals navigating PTSD and major life transitions. Mark is the founder of foundingqueers.com, where they coach LGBTQ+ business founders to operationalize their visions with integrity and joy.

Connect with Mark:

• Book: A Necessary Joy: Yoga and the Quest for Transformation (Available via Tehom Center Publishing)
• Coaching: foundingqueers.com

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What happens when the goal of yoga isn't to "fix" or "cure," but to navigate the complex reality of a chronic condition with grace, humor, and agency? In this episode, we are joined by bestselling author and health journalist Kayla Kurin.

Kayla shares her global journey of navigating 50+ countries while managing chronic health issues, offering a refreshing perspective on how storytelling, comedy, and travel can reshape our identity. We dive deep into the intersection of journalism and somatic health, exploring how to live an expansive life right now, exactly as you are.

We dive deep into:

• The Power of Narrative: How we can use storytelling to communicate complex therapeutic needs.
• Identity & Stigma: Moving past the "stigma" of illness to live a full, adventurous life.
• Global Wisdom: Practical advice for living expansively, even when your health feels restrictive.
• Sadhana in Action: Kayla’s personal daily practices for maintaining stability.

About Our Guest: Kayla Kurin

Kayla Kurin is a health and travel journalist, comedy writer, and storyteller from Canada. She is the bestselling author of the Yoga for Chronic Illness series. Her work has appeared in prestigious publications such as The Toronto Star, Yoga International, and Matador Network. Having lived and worked in over 50 countries, Kayla draws on a global perspective to communicate complex therapeutic concepts with humor and heart.

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In this  episode, Michele Lawrence sits down with wellness coach, author, and ecotherapy trailblazer Carrie Asby to explore the profound journey of remembering our connection to the wild. In an age dominated by digital noise and perfection burnout, Carrie invites us to move toward the power of presence by making nature a formal partner in our healing work.

We dive deep into how Ecotherapy serves as a clinical bridge for the nervous system, transforming routine movement into sacred ritual. Whether you are a yoga therapist looking for new somatic tools or a busy professional seeking a shift in perspective, this conversation offers a roadmap for anchoring your energy and reclaiming your Inner Peace through the natural world.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Journey of Remembering: How a single step home"can shift us from the pursuit of perfection to a state of being.
• Nature as Co-Therapist: The science of how green spaces regulate our nervous system, energy, and focus.
• Self-Love as Activism: Why healing our individual connection to the earth is a vital contribution to the collective health of our world.
• Leadership and the Wild: How green time alters the way we show up in clinics, boardrooms, and our most intimate relationships.
• Practical Rituals: A simple, accessible ecotherapy tool you can use today—even in an urban environment—to ground your energy and reduce burnout.

About Our Guest:

Carrie Asby is a wellness coach, retreat founder, and author dedicated to helping people reclaim their connection to the earth. Through her work in ecotherapy and somatic ritual, she guides individuals and groups through transformative shifts in perspective that foster resilience and wholeness.

Connect with Carrie:

• Website: https://carrieasby.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrieasby/

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In this episode, Michele Lawrence sits down with Radhika Mukhija, founder of Holistic Prana and author of the upcoming book Radiant Rituals (Shambhala/Penguin Random House).

Radhika shares her journey from corporate leadership to becoming a leading voice for professional women seeking sustainable well-being. This conversation bridges the gap between ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern neuroscience, offering yoga therapists practical frameworks for supporting clients through nervous system regulation and cyclical living.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Bridging the Worlds: How Radhika’s corporate background informed her practical frameworks for resilience and regulation.
• Radiant Rituals: A preview of her upcoming book and how it integrates ancient teachings with neuroscience to foster intuitive strength.
• The Science of Self-Regulation: Practical concepts from Yoga and neuroscience that are most effective for managing stress in real-time.
• The Power of Cyclical Living: How aligning with lunar, seasonal, and menstrual cycles contributes to systemic health and longevity.
• Habit vs. Ritual: Defining the difference and how to help clients establish mindful rituals that actually stick.
• Solving the "Balance" Pain Point: Addressing the most common struggles professional women face through the application of ancient principles.
• Personal Sadhana: Radhika shares the daily practices that keep her grounded while leading a community of over 17,000 women.

About Our Guest:

Radhika Mukhija is an author, women’s coach, and integrative wellness mentor whose work bridges Ayurvedic wisdom, yoga philosophy, and modern neuroscience to help women heal from emotional depletion and reconnect with their natural rhythm. Her forthcoming book, Radiant Rituals (Shambhala Publications / Penguin Random House, Fall 2026), explores how ancient wisdom and modern science come together to cultivate presence, intuitive awareness, and inner strength.

Before founding Holistic Prana, Radhika worked in executive search, supporting C-level teams in high-growth organizations—an experience that deepened her understanding of burnout and systemic stress among high-performing women. Today, she guides professionals, executives, and creatives through mentoring, seasonal wellness programs, and meditation practices.

Rooted in her upbringing in India, Radhika’s work is both intellectual and intuitive, inviting women to slow down, align with nature’s rhythms, and remember their innate wisdom. She lives in Colorado, where her daily rituals and connection to nature anchor her writing and teaching.

• Website: https://holisticprana.com/
• Pre-order: Radiant Rituals (Coming Fall 2026)

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In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy, Michele Lawrence sits down with Susanna Barkataki, C-IAYT—a #1 bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Ignite Institute. Together, they explore the intersection of ancient wisdom, social change, and the ethical responsibility of the modern yoga therapist.

Susanna shares her profound journey, from being ordained by Thich Nhat Hanh to her current PhD studies in yoga philosophy. They dive deep into how honoring yoga’s South Asian origins isn't just a matter of history—it is essential to the integrity and efficacy of therapeutic practice today.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Ethical Core of Yoga: Why the "roots" of yoga are the foundation for any healing work.
• From Embracing to Igniting: A look at Susanna’s new book, Ignite Your Yoga (2025), and its call for yogic leadership.
• Dharma in Healing: How the concept of dharma informs individualized treatment plans for chronic stress and illness.
• Integrity in the Digital Age: The story behind the Yoke Yoga app and how to translate ancient ethics into digital wellness.
• The Therapist as Social Agent: How yoga therapists can act as catalysts for positive social change within their communities.
• Personal Sadhana: Susanna shares the daily practices that sustain her leadership and her soul.

About Our Guest:

Susanna Barkataki is the author of Embrace Yoga’s Roots and Ignite Your Yoga. She is the founder of the Ignite Institute and is a globally recognized voice on yogic leadership and social change. She bridges the gap between traditional masters in India and the modern clinical needs of the West.

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In this episode, I sit down with a true pioneer in the integrative health space, Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP. As the creator of LifeSpa.com, Dr. Douillard has spent decades proving that the "preventative wisdom" of Ayurveda isn't just tradition—it’s cutting-edge biology.

We dive deep into:

• The Longevity Mirror: How modern research on telomeres and cellular health is finally catching up to Ayurvedic principles.
• The "Non-Negotiables": Dr. Douillard shares the one daily practice every modern professional needs to reset their nervous system.
• Integrative Frontiers: A look at the horizon of health, from microbiome research to the future of movement.
• Trust in the Digital Age: How to navigate a saturated wellness market and find authentic, evidence-based healing.

Dr. Douillard also pulls back the curtain on his personal sadhana, reminding us that to lead others toward health, we must first be rooted in our own practice.

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In this episode, I sat down with international educator Kali Basman to explore the profound terrain of inner coherence. Kali seamlessly bridges Yin Yoga, Buddhist psychology, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), teaching us how to meet our inner 'parts' on the mat. We discussed the power of somatic inquiry, nervous system regulation, and how this holistic approach guides students back to their natural rhythm of wholeness. 

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Have you ever wondered how yoga and social justice intertwine? In this video, we dive deep into the transformative power of Inclusive Yoga and its impact on communities. Join us as we explore the profound connections between these practices.


Our guest, Jacobe Ballard, shares insights on how queer and trans yoga can foster inclusivity and healing. Discover how yoga poses for trans and queer persons are tailored to support diverse needs and promote well-being.


Understanding Inclusive Yoga
In this section, we explore what makes Inclusive Yoga unique. Jacobe discusses the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their background or identity. This approach not only enhances personal growth but also strengthens community bonds.


What is the Difference Between Yoga and Yoga Therapy?
Many people ask, "What is the difference between yoga and yoga therapy?" Jacobe explains how yoga therapy is tailored to individual needs, offering personalized guidance and support. This distinction is crucial for those seeking specific therapeutic benefits.


The Role of Yoga and Social Justice
Jacobe shares how yoga and social justice intersect to create meaningful change. By prioritizing marginalized communities, Inclusive Yoga helps uplift everyone. This approach ensures that healing and empowerment are accessible to all.


Special Focus: Queer and Trans Yoga
Discover the unique benefits of queer and trans yoga. Jacobe highlights how these practices are designed to support and affirm diverse identities, offering a safe space for self-expression and healing.


Exploring Yoga Poses for Trans and Queer Persons
Learn about specific yoga poses for trans and queer persons that promote physical and emotional well-being. These poses are thoughtfully crafted to address the unique challenges faced by these communities.

Chapters
0:00
Exploring Yoga Therapy
3:00
Jacobe Ballard's Journey
8:00
Inclusivity in Yoga
14:00
Queer and Trans Yoga
20:00
Yoga in Diverse Environments
27:00
A Queer Dharma
33:00
DEI in Yoga Organizations

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In this episode we welcomed back the amazing Dr. Katy Jane (The Intuitive Vedic Astrologer) to dive into her new book, Moon Signs for the Soul! We explore how the 27 Vedic Moon Signs (Nakshatras) offer a deeper, more accurate roadmap for aligning with your true purpose. Plus, get the scoop on her powerful planetary predictions for 'The Year of Miracles' in 2026 and how practitioners can use this spiritual wisdom.

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In this episode I interviewed with Dr. Carrie Demers. Dr. Carrie is a true pioneer, holding dual board certifications in both Internal Medicine and Integrative Medicine. She seamlessly blends modern science with traditional approaches like yoga, Ayurveda, nutrition, and herbal medicine. Carrie currently serves as the Medical Director of the Himalayan Institute's PureRejuv Wellness Center, and through the years has been a frequent contributor to Yoga International. 

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