YogaScussion: Yoga Talk, Culture, Philosophy & Practice

In the next episode of YogaScussion, Gina and Brendon take a journey through time and chat with Bernie Clark about his book Prana.

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Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

In this YogaScussion, marine veteran and Zen meditation guide Mark Blacknell shares his raw, honest journey from working-class Philadelphia to finding stability through simple zazen practice. Trained in Soto Zen instruction, Mark now guides seniors, inmates, and youth with a no-jargon, trauma-informed approach: balanced posture, staring at a wall, and raw acceptance. Discover why "balance, balance, balance" is his three-word definition of yoga, how meditation becomes a teacher without expectations, and why trusting the practice—not the teacher—is the key to nervous system regulation and sustainable wellbeing.

Key Topics

Mark's journey: Delco, Philadelphia → Marines (Gulf War) → PTSD → meditation

Simple zazen: balanced posture, cosmic mudra, staring at a wall

"Trust the practice, not the teacher, book, or theory"

Raw acceptance: working with the palette you have

Meditation as "Netflix for the mind": watching inner voices without analysis

Working with marginalized communities: death row, seniors, youth

Teacher as practitioner first: emphasizing humanness over perfection

The 5-minute prerequisite: building discipline without pressure

"Balance, balance, balance" as yoga's essence

Why less spiritual jargon = more accessibility for conservative communities

Suffering as teacher: turning symptoms into awareness opportunities

Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get early access to ad-free episodes, attend and participate in live show recordings and more, join the YogaScussion Circle!

> Support the show!

> Give a one-time THANK YOU donation

> Shop for YogaScussion Merch!

> Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com

> Feedback: [email protected]

> Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram

Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

In the next episode of YogaScussoin, marine veteran and Zen meditation guide Mark Blacknell shares his raw, honest journey from working-class Philadelphia to finding stability through simple zazen practice. Trained in Soto Zen instruction, Mark now guides seniors, inmates, and youth with a no-jargon, trauma-informed approach: balanced posture, staring at a wall, and raw acceptance. Discover why "balance, balance, balance" is his three-word definition of yoga, how meditation becomes a teacher without expectations, and why trusting the practice—not the teacher—is the key to nervous system regulation and sustainable wellbeing.

Key Topics

Mark's journey: Delco, Philadelphia → Marines (Gulf War) → PTSD → meditation

Simple zazen: balanced posture, cosmic mudra, staring at a wall

"Trust the practice, not the teacher, book, or theory"

Raw acceptance: working with the palette you have

Meditation as "Netflix for the mind": watching inner voices without analysis

Working with marginalized communities: death row, seniors, youth

Teacher as practitioner first: emphasizing humanness over perfection

The 5-minute prerequisite: building discipline without pressure

"Balance, balance, balance" as yoga's essence

Why less spiritual jargon = more accessibility for conservative communities

Suffering as teacher: turning symptoms into awareness opportunities

Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get early access to ad-free episodes, attend and participate in live show recordings and more, join the YogaScussion Circle!

> Support the show!

> Give a one-time THANK YOU donation

> Shop for YogaScussion Merch!

> Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com

> Feedback: [email protected]

> Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram

Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

In this YogaScussion, hosts Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman engage with Rubina Chadha, a trauma-informed educator and mindfulness expert. Rubina shares her journey into yoga and mindfulness, discussing the importance of breathwork, the challenges faced in the creative industry, and the significance of creating safe spaces for emotional release. The conversation delves into the personal hurdles Rubina encountered while developing her business, Inner Design, and how her cultural background influenced her yoga practice. The episode emphasizes the need for awareness, the integration of yoga into daily life, and the transformative power of mindfulness.

Key takeaways:

Rubina's journey: commercial artist → educator → Inner Design founder

Yoga as removal, not addition: stripping back to reconnect with self

Creativity, burnout, and AI anxiety in the entertainment industry

Breathwork protocols: coherence breathing, box breathing, sighing for cortisol balance

Trauma-informed yoga teaching: teacher as practitioner first

Nervous system regulation: recognizing fight/flight/freeze without judgment

Awareness, pause, and dropping expectations

Yoga as ABC: Awareness, Breath, Connection

Integrating yoga principles off the mat: boardroom to home

Parenting and sharing mindfulness practices authentically

Running, movement, and breath as yoga

"Yoga is life living through me"

Sound Bites:

"Awareness is pause."

"Practice is never perfect."

"Yoga has become a blood sport."

Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get early access to ad-free episodes, attend and participate in live show recordings and more, join the YogaScussion Circle!

> Support the show!

> Give a one-time THANK YOU donation

> Shop for YogaScussion Merch!

> Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com

> Feedback: [email protected]

> Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram

Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

In the next episode of YogaScussion, hosts Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman engage with Rubina Chadha, a trauma-informed educator and mindfulness expert. Rubina shares her journey into yoga and mindfulness, discussing the importance of breathwork, the challenges faced in the creative industry, and the significance of creating safe spaces for emotional release. The conversation delves into the personal hurdles Rubina encountered while developing her business, Inner Design, and how her cultural background influenced her yoga practice. The episode emphasizes the need for awareness, the integration of yoga into daily life, and the transformative power of mindfulness.

Key takeaways:

Rubina's journey: commercial artist → educator → Inner Design founder

Yoga as removal, not addition: stripping back to reconnect with self

Creativity, burnout, and AI anxiety in the entertainment industry

Breathwork protocols: coherence breathing, box breathing, sighing for cortisol balance

Trauma-informed yoga teaching: teacher as practitioner first

Nervous system regulation: recognizing fight/flight/freeze without judgment

Awareness, pause, and dropping expectations

Yoga as ABC: Awareness, Breath, Connection

Integrating yoga principles off the mat: boardroom to home

Parenting and sharing mindfulness practices authentically

Running, movement, and breath as yoga

"Yoga is life living through me"

Sound Bites:

"Awareness is pause."

"Practice is never perfect."

"Yoga has become a blood sport."

About Yoga Scussion: Yoga Scussion is a dynamic podcast that goes far beyond the yoga mat. Each episode brings together passionate practitioners, teachers, experts, and thought leaders from various backgrounds to dive deep into the rich, nuanced world of yoga. Hosted by Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman, the show explores yoga’s intersection with philosophy, wellness, culture, personal growth, and social issues. Expect authentic, thought-provoking discussions, personal stories, and insights that challenge and expand your understanding of what yoga has meant in the past and what it means today. In each episode of Yoga Scussion, Gina and Brendon are joined by guests and paid member listeners to share in a collective discussion about what yoga is, what it’s not, what it was, what it wasn’t, what it is becoming, and what it can be.

Support the show:

Join the Yoga Scussion Circle! for extra benefits, to attend live show recordings and participate in the Yoga Scussion

Donate to the Show

Shop the Yoga Scussion Collection on the Podmasana Store

Connect With Podmasana:

Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com

Email: [email protected]

Support the Show: yogascussion.podmasana.com/support

Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram

Current Release Schedule:

New episodes every other Wednesday with preview episodes releasing the following Wednesday

Early access for Yoga Scussion Circle members (3 days before public)

Follow and subscribe now so you don't miss an episode. Leave a review and share the show with others who might be interested.

Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get early access to ad-free episodes, attend and participate in live show recordings and more, join the YogaScussion Circle!

> Support the show!

> Give a one-time THANK YOU donation

> Shop for YogaScussion Merch!

> Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com

> Feedback: [email protected]

> Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram

Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

In this YogaScussion, Sophie Malahieude shares her 28-year yoga journey from rejection by her first teacher to discovering home in embodied practice. A life coach for midlife women, she bridges yoga, Ayurveda, and emotional intelligence—teaching how to trust the body over intellect, rebalance through awareness, and transform emotions from obstacles into messengers. Sophie discusses her new book Beyond Emotions, inherited trauma, ego versus intellect, and why yoga is ultimately about coming back home.

Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get early access to ad-free episodes, attend and participate in live show recordings and more, join the YogaScussion Circle!

> Support the show!

> Give a one-time THANK YOU donation

> Shop for YogaScussion Merch!

> Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com

> Feedback: [email protected]

> Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram

Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

Sophie Malahieude shares her 28-year yoga journey from rejection by her first teacher to discovering home in embodied practice. A life coach for midlife women, she bridges yoga, Ayurveda, and emotional intelligence—teaching how to trust the body over intellect, rebalance through awareness, and transform emotions from obstacles into messengers. Sophie discusses her new book Beyond Emotions, inherited trauma, ego versus intellect, and why yoga is ultimately about coming back home.

Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get early access to ad-free episodes, attend and participate in live show recordings and more, join the YogaScussion Circle!

> Support the show!

> Give a one-time THANK YOU donation

> Shop for YogaScussion Merch!

> Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com

> Feedback: [email protected]

> Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram

Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

In this engaging YogaScussion, Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman explore the evolution of yoga, particularly focusing on Amplified Yoga with Donovan McGrath. They discuss Donovan's journey from traditional yoga practices to creating a unique blend of yoga and music, emphasizing the importance of community, joy, and spiritual connection. The dialogue also touches on the cultural context of yoga, the challenges of navigating personal beliefs, and the transformative power of Kundalini energy in today's world. In this conversation, Donovan McGrath explores the transformative power of Kundalini Yoga, emphasizing the importance of connection, love, and vulnerability in our lives. He discusses how modern distractions can numb our experiences and how yoga can help us reconnect with our divine essence. The dialogue delves into the science of consciousness, the nature of existence, and the significance of community and self-acceptance. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the need for compassion and the potential for personal and collective growth through mindful practices.

Takeaways

Donovan's yoga journey began in New York City at 19.

Kundalini yoga sparked a significant transformation in Donovan's life.

Amplified Yoga combines music festival energy with ancient yogic practices.

Community and joy are essential elements in modern yoga.

Many people seek a spiritual connection outside traditional religions.

Yoga can be a personal journey, adaptable to individual beliefs.

Kundalini energy can help individuals navigate modern challenges.

Music plays a crucial role in enhancing the yoga experience.

The evolution of yoga reflects broader cultural shifts.

Understanding yoga's roots can enrich personal practice. Our nervous systems aren't accustomed to the overwhelming information we receive.

Kundalini Yoga helps shift perspectives and reduce stress.

We have the power to choose where we put our attention.

Practicing Kundalini Yoga amplifies feelings of love and connection.

The body is a mechanism for experiencing divinity.

Consciousness operates on a cellular level, involving light transmission.

Vulnerability is essential for healing and connection.

Community support fosters vulnerability and acceptance.

Yoga principles can guide us in daily life interactions.

The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and essential for personal growth.

Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get early access to ad-free episodes, attend and participate in live show recordings and more, join the YogaScussion Circle!

> Support the show!

> Give a one-time THANK YOU donation

> Shop for YogaScussion Merch!

> Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com

> Feedback: [email protected]

> Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram

Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

In this engaging conversation, Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman explore the evolution of yoga, particularly focusing on Amplified Yoga with Donovan McGrath. They discuss Donovan's journey from traditional yoga practices to creating a unique blend of yoga and music, emphasizing the importance of community, joy, and spiritual connection. The dialogue also touches on the cultural context of yoga, the challenges of navigating personal beliefs, and the transformative power of Kundalini energy in today's world. In this conversation, Donovan McGrath explores the transformative power of Kundalini Yoga, emphasizing the importance of connection, love, and vulnerability in our lives. He discusses how modern distractions can numb our experiences and how yoga can help us reconnect with our divine essence. The dialogue delves into the science of consciousness, the nature of existence, and the significance of community and self-acceptance. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the need for compassion and the potential for personal and collective growth through mindful practices.

Takeaways

Donovan's yoga journey began in New York City at 19.

Kundalini yoga sparked a significant transformation in Donovan's life.

Amplified Yoga combines music festival energy with ancient yogic practices.

Community and joy are essential elements in modern yoga.

Many people seek a spiritual connection outside traditional religions.

Yoga can be a personal journey, adaptable to individual beliefs.

Kundalini energy can help individuals navigate modern challenges.

Music plays a crucial role in enhancing the yoga experience.

The evolution of yoga reflects broader cultural shifts.

Understanding yoga's roots can enrich personal practice. Our nervous systems aren't accustomed to the overwhelming information we receive.

Kundalini Yoga helps shift perspectives and reduce stress.

We have the power to choose where we put our attention.

Practicing Kundalini Yoga amplifies feelings of love and connection.

The body is a mechanism for experiencing divinity.

Consciousness operates on a cellular level, involving light transmission.

Vulnerability is essential for healing and connection.

Community support fosters vulnerability and acceptance.

Yoga principles can guide us in daily life interactions.

The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and essential for personal growth.

About Yoga Scussion: Yoga Scussion is a dynamic podcast that goes far beyond the yoga mat. Each episode brings together passionate practitioners, teachers, experts, and thought leaders from various backgrounds to dive deep into the rich, nuanced world of yoga. Hosted by Brendon Orr and Gina Clingerman, the show explores yoga’s intersection with philosophy, wellness, culture, personal growth, and social issues. Expect authentic, thought-provoking discussions, personal stories, and insights that challenge and expand your understanding of what yoga has meant in the past and what it means today. In each week’s Yoga Scussion, Gina and Brendon are joined by guests and paid member listeners to share in a collective discussion about what yoga is, what it’s not, what it was, what it wasn’t, what it is becoming, and what it can be.

Support the show:

Join the Yoga Scussion Circle! for extra benefits, to attend live show recordings and participate in the Yoga Scussion

Donate to the Show

Shop the Yoga Scussion Collection on the Podmasana Store

Connect With Podmasana:

Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com

Email: [email protected]

Support the Show: yogascussion.podmasana.com/support

Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram

Current Release Schedule:

New episodes every other Wednesday with preview episodes releasing the following Wednesday

Early access for Yoga Scussion Circle members (3 days before public)

Follow and subscribe now so you don't miss an episode. Leave a review and share the show with others who might be interested.

Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get early access to ad-free episodes, attend and participate in live show recordings and more, join the YogaScussion Circle!

> Support the show!

> Give a one-time THANK YOU donation

> Shop for YogaScussion Merch!

> Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com

> Feedback: [email protected]

> Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram

Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.

In this YogaScussion, Yogacharya Nilachal Padmasanti shares his journey into yoga, discussing its evolution as a profession in India, the integration of yoga therapy into medical settings, and the concept of Ayurgenomics for personalized yoga therapy. He addresses the challenges of cultural appropriation in yoga and reflects on the profound personal impact of yoga in his life. The discussion emphasizes the holistic nature of yoga, its role in health and wellness, and the importance of maintaining its traditional roots while adapting to modern practices. We also learn that yoga and Spider-Man may have something in common.

Takeaways:

Yoga is a way of living, not just a profession.

The scope of yoga in India has expanded significantly since the International Day of Yoga was established.

Yoga therapy is increasingly being integrated into medical settings in India.

Ayurgenomics offers a personalized approach to yoga therapy based on individual body compositions.

Cultural appropriation in yoga raises concerns about the loss of traditional practices and meanings.

Yoga is not just about physical postures; it encompasses a holistic approach to health and wellness.

The integration of yoga with modern medicine can enhance patient care and outcomes.

Personal experiences with yoga can lead to profound self-awareness and transformation.

Yoga teaches the importance of compassion and understanding in interpersonal relationships.

The future of yoga lies in balancing tradition with modern adaptations.

Sound Bites:

"Yoga is a way of living, not just a profession."

"Cultural appropriation in yoga raises concerns."

"Yoga is not just about physical postures."

Topics: Yoga, Yogacharya, Ayurveda, Therapy, Health, Research, Cultural Appropriation, Personal Growth, Integrative Medicine, Yoga Profession

Follow YogaScussion wherever you get your podcasts. To get early access to ad-free episodes, attend and participate in live show recordings and more, join the YogaScussion Circle!

> Support the show!

> Give a one-time THANK YOU donation

> Shop for YogaScussion Merch!

> Website: yogascussion.podmasana.com

> Feedback: [email protected]

> Social Media: YouTube | Bluesky | Mastodon | Instagram

Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! Feel free to also check out Podmasana Media’s other shows: Podmasana and My Mindful Moment.