The Global Yogi: Nino Mendes' Path to Self-Discovery episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 25, 2025 · 1H 1M

The Global Yogi: Nino Mendes' Path to Self-Discovery

from Prepare For Takeoff · host Terry L. Cyrus

In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, international yoga teacher and scholar Nino Mendes shares his inspiring journey of resilience, purpose and transformation. Growing up in a small French village as one of the only Black families, he faced challenges of isolation and racism that shaped his strength and vision. After moving to America to pursue acting, Nino discovered yoga, a practice that became his pathway to happiness and self-discovery. His journey led him to open his own yoga studio (Black Dragon Movement Studio) in China, teach in Bali and travel the world sharing wellness and mindfulness with diverse communities. As a lululemon brand ambassador, Nino connects yoga with culture and creativity, proving that authenticity is at the heart of true growth. He emphasizes that yoga is more than movement, it is a mindset accessible to everyone, anywhere. Drawing on his global experiences, he offers practical advice for personal growth, reminding us that desire fuels success, individuality enriches practice and listening to our inner voice reveals our true purpose. His story will inspire you to embrace your uniqueness, pursue happiness with intention and get ready to Prepare For Takeoff.Chapters00:00 - Journey from France to New York04:34 - Experiencing Racism and Cultural Dynamics08:27 - Discovering Yoga and Its Transformative Power12:15 - The Essence of Yoga: A Path to Self-Discovery17:35 - Life Changes: Fatherhood and New Directions21:18 - Journey Through Martial Arts and Yoga22:14 - From LA to China: A New Adventure24:18 - Cultural Insights and the Yoga Community25:34 - Finding Yoga Beyond Traditional Boundaries27:02 - The Essence of Yoga in Everyday Life31:57 - Bali: A Transformative Experience35:30 - Teaching Yoga to Thousands: A Record-Breaking Journey43:18 - Journey of Self-Discovery44:16 - The Essence of Yoga47:58 - Overcoming Barriers in Yoga51:24 - The Power of Mindfulness01:01:29 - Prepare For Takeoff ClosingThe future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial by clicking our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj⁠⁠.Start recording like a pro with Riverside, click our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started.

In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, international yoga teacher and scholar Nino Mendes shares his inspiring journey of resilience, purpose and transformation. Growing up in a small French village as one of the only Black families, he faced challenges of isolation and racism that shaped his strength and vision. After moving to America to pursue acting, Nino discovered yoga, a practice that became his pathway to happiness and self-discovery. His journey led him to open his own yoga studio (Black Dragon Movement Studio) in China, teach in Bali and travel the world sharing wellness and mindfulness with diverse communities. As a lululemon brand ambassador, Nino connects yoga with culture and creativity, proving that authenticity is at the heart of true growth. He emphasizes that yoga is more than movement, it is a mindset accessible to everyone, anywhere. Drawing on his global experiences, he offers practical advice for personal growth, reminding us that desire fuels success, individuality enriches practice and listening to our inner voice reveals our true purpose. His story will inspire you to embrace your uniqueness, pursue happiness with intention and get ready to Prepare For Takeoff.Chapters00:00 - Journey from France to New York04:34 - Experiencing Racism and Cultural Dynamics08:27 - Discovering Yoga and Its Transformative Power12:15 - The Essence of Yoga: A Path to Self-Discovery17:35 - Life Changes: Fatherhood and New Directions21:18 - Journey Through Martial Arts and Yoga22:14 - From LA to China: A New Adventure24:18 - Cultural Insights and the Yoga Community25:34 - Finding Yoga Beyond Traditional Boundaries27:02 - The Essence of Yoga in Everyday Life31:57 - Bali: A Transformative Experience35:30 - Teaching Yoga to Thousands: A Record-Breaking Journey43:18 - Journey of Self-Discovery44:16 - The Essence of Yoga47:58 - Overcoming Barriers in Yoga51:24 - The Power of Mindfulness01:01:29 - Prepare For Takeoff ClosingThe future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial by clicking our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj⁠⁠.Start recording like a pro with Riverside, click our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started.

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The Global Yogi: Nino Mendes' Path to Self-Discovery

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This episode was published on September 25, 2025.

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In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, international yoga teacher and scholar Nino Mendes shares his inspiring journey of resilience, purpose and transformation. Growing up in a small French village as one of the only Black families, he faced...

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