Off The Mat

🎙️ Episode DescriptionJoin me for this weeks episode of 'Off the Mat' as I chat to Alice Trow, a yoga teacher and recent first-time mother. We’ll talk about Alice's transition from an acting career to yoga, the impacts of yoga on her mental health through these transitional periods, and fascinatingly dive into the evolution of her practice through pregnancy and motherhood. We delve into the deeper aspects of the practice, beyond the physical asanas, and share personal stories on how yoga can help you foster a better relationship with oneself. If you’re interested in holistic well-being, motherhood, and personal growth, then this is one you don’t wanna miss!📚 Resources Mentioned 📚🧘 Studios & ClassesYoga Home (Stoke Newington) - where Alice teaches Friday mornings at 9:45 AMTrip Space (Hackney) - where Alice teaches Monday evenings at 6:45 PM👇 Connect with Alice@alicetrowyogaYouTube: [Alice Trow Yoga](http://www.youtube.com/@AliceTrowYoga](http://www.youtube.com/@AliceTrowYoga)) (many practice videos)www.alicetrowyoga.com⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️00:00 Introduction00:19 Guest Introduction: Alice Trow01:34 Guided Meditation05:59 Snack + Drink Ritual07:07 Alice's Journey into Yoga19:56 Yoga During Pregnancy23:00 Struggles with Maintaining a Yoga Practice23:58 Balancing Yoga and Motherhood24:59 Teaching Yoga and Personal Growth27:27 Emotional Regulation and Parenting30:05 The Deeper Layers of Yoga36:44 Contentment and Self-Acceptance39:00 Yoga Classes and Retreats40:06 Final Flow41:16 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

🎙️ Episode DescriptionIn this episode of Off the Mat, we delve into the depth and transformative power of yoga with special guest Miriam Brightbart. Miriam shares her journey from a reluctant teenage practitioner to a dedicated yoga teacher and sound facilitator. We spoke about the various ways yoga can begin to influence daily life, to spill off the mat into glimmering moments of self-awareness, as well as opening little doors to better understand your self. Miriam also shared how practices like shaking and dancing have become an important way for her to learn to release stored stress and emotions. I’m always fascinated by the myriad of ways people connect to their minds and bodies, and Miriam’s open sharing was truly filling to listen to. I loved her ideas on integrating ancient yoga philosophies into our fast-paced, modern world… honestly Miriam is so wise and I hope you enjoy listening to this chat as much as I enjoyed having it!📚 Resources Mentioned 📚📖 Books"Awake in the World" by Michael Stone"Yoga for a World Out of Balance" by Michael Stone - teachings on ethics and social action"When Things Fall Apart" by Pema Chödrön - Tibetan Buddhist wisdom"Start Where You Are" by Pema Chödrön - fostering inner compassion"The Body Keeps the Score" - Bessel Van Der Kolk✨ Other ResourcesTara Brach - accessible ****meditations and podcastOru Space - where miriam is head of wellnessOru El Saltador - new Spain retreat location Miriam is working on👇 Connect with Miriam@miriamsophieyoga⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️00:00 Introduction00:22 Meet Miriam Brightbart01:18 Guided Meditation Session03:59 Snack + Drink Ritual05:24 Miriam's Journey into Yoga08:32 The Depth of Yoga Practice12:31 The Path to Becoming a Yoga Teacher20:57 Yoga's Impact on Mental Health23:53 The Importance of Emotional Space24:55 Healing Through Yoga27:20 Yoga as a Life Practice28:58 Awareness and Empathy34:28 Balancing Ancient Wisdom with Modern Life36:54 Inspiration and Personal Practice39:31 Movement and Somatics47:00 Final Flow

🎙️ Episode DescriptionIn this week's episode of Off the Mat, I chatted with Sam Harman, a yoga teacher who transitioned from acting and bartending in London to completing a yoga teacher training course in Rishikesh, India. Sam shares his experiences with kirtan, chanting, and spirituality. He also discusses the importance of simplification in yoga practice and shares tips on how to incorporate yoga into daily life. The conversation covers Sam's early experiences with yoga, his journey through teacher training, and the impact of yoga on his life. Join us for an insightful discussion on the transformative power of yoga and how it can help you find a state of being where “nothing is missing”.📚 Resources Mentioned 📚📖 BooksThe Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle - Sam's top recommendation for anyone interested in yoga, meditation, and being present in the moment🧘 Studios & ClassesYoga to the People (New York) - Donation-based yoga studio where Sam practiced as a student👇 Connect with Sam@samyogabliss⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️00:00 Introduction00:42 Guided Meditation03:49 Sam's Journey into Yoga06:22 Yoga Practice and Philosophy09:12 Sam's Teacher Training Experience12:10 Integrating Yoga into Daily Life14:25 The Power of Kirtan and Chanting19:19 Understanding Spirituality and Vibrational Energy20:47 Gender Dynamics in Yoga23:19 Personal Growth Through Yoga25:08 Favourite Aspects of Teaching Yoga26:27 Recommended Resources28:56 Final Flow31:44 Conclusion

🎙️ Episode DescriptionIn this episode of the Off the Mat Podcast, I chat to Helen Russell-Clark, a dedicated yoga teacher and yoga teacher trainer. We discuss her yoga journey, from her initial experiences with the practice, to where she now finds herself in her career. Helen shares insights on integrating the principles of yoga into daily life and the influence of her background in psychoanalysis on her teaching approach. We also touch on the challenge and beauty of meditation, the importance of somatic practices, and the profound impact yoga can have on one's life. Hope you enjoy this weeks conversation.📚 Resources Mentioned 📚📖 Books"Eastern Body, Western Mind" by Anodea Judith - About chakra systems and psychotherapy"The Poetry Pharmacy" by William Sieghart - Anthology prescribing poems for particular feelings"An A-Z of Pasta" by Rachel Roddy - Pasta cookbook✨ Other ResourcesEzra Klein podcast interview with Mark Epstein about meditation and Freudian paradigmRachel Roddy - food writer👇 Connect [email protected] classes⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️00:00 Introduction01:06 Guided Meditation06:59 Drink + Snack Ritual08:30 Helen's Journey into Yoga11:26 From Yoga Practice to Teaching19:51 The Impact of Psychoanalysis on Yoga22:26 Balancing Yoga and Life28:53 Advice for Beginners in Meditation29:24 Understanding and Managing Intrusive Thoughts30:17 The Role of Somatic Practices in Meditation31:40 Personal Practice and Changes During Lockdown32:43 The Impact of Teaching on Personal Practice38:47 The Concept of a Container in Yoga Practice44:06 Final Flow

🎙️ Episode DescriptionIn this episode of Off the Mat Podcast, we delve into the inspiring story of Eleanor Hann. Eleanor shares how her yoga practice guided her through a life-changing kidney donation surgery and how her practice evolved post-surgery. I'm obsessed with how Ellie finds strength through practising gratitude, a simple practice we so often forget to sit with. This episode also touches on the importance of finding the right yoga community, and how that can be a therapeutic tool in navigating life's challenges. Join us for an enriching conversation filled with insights, motivation, and beautiful words from Ellie.📚 Resources Mentioned 📚📖 Books“The Buddha in Me, The Buddha in You” by David Hare - Introduction to Nichiren Buddhism“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero👇 Connect withThat Girl Yoga - Ellie's yoga brand with her best friend Becca (workshops, retreats, day events)@eleanorgracehann⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:46 Gratitude Grounding Meditation04:00 The Power of Gratitude in Daily Life07:06 Snack + Drink Ritual09:02 Journey into Yoga11:53 Becoming a Yoga Teacher16:33 Life Changing Surgery with my Mum22:59 Antibiotic Reactions and Health Struggles24:26 Support System25:13 Mental Health and Recovery Practices26:46 Returning to Work and Yoga27:23 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth28:54 Yoga Philosophy and Teaching Approach34:41 Final Reflections41:01 Final Flow

🎙️ Episode DescriptionWelcome back to Off the Mat Podcast! In this episode, I chat with Katarina Rayburn, owner of Kindred Yoga Studio in Southeast London. We spoke all about Kat's inspiring journey from acting to becoming the incredible yogi she now is - starting a studio, teaching teachers, filling multiple international retreats and more. We explore deep themes like finding your dharma or purpose, the ultimate goal of yoga, and how to integrate yoga practices into daily life. This episode also dives into the practical aspects of yoga teacher training, retreats, and creating a vibrant yoga community. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this conversation is filled with insights and motivation.📚 Resources Mentioned 📚Yoga Journal podcast - specifically episodes about philosophyThe Bhagavad GitaPatanjali’s Yoga Sutra’s👇 Connect with Kat@[email protected] (retreats, workshops, teacher trainings)⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️00:00 Introduction00:13 Guest Introduction: Katarina Rayburn01:34 Guided Meditation with Kat07:32 Kat's Journey into Yoga08:25 From Acting to Yoga Teaching15:50 Starting Kindred Yoga Studio22:51 The Concept of Dharma26:55 Reflecting on Personal Growth Through Journalling29:06 Exploring the Deeper Meaning of Yoga33:30 Understanding Ancient Yogic Concepts38:04 Integrating Yoga into Daily Life41:43 The Essence of Yoga Retreats47:00 Final Flow

🎙️ Episode DescriptionIn today’s episode of Off The Mat, join me as we delve into the transformative world of breathwork with Danny Cunningham, aka The Breathwork Breddah. From powerful personal experiences to actionable techniques, Danny shares how breathwork has not only shifted his life but can also help YOU navigate stress, enhance mindfulness, and foster a deeper connection with yourself. Explore the balance between discipline and spontaneity, the art of coherence breathing, and the journey of self-discovery through the simple act of breathing. Tune in for an uplifting conversation that left me feeling both full and inspired with just how incredible our natural systems are, and how we can intentionally use them to live better.📚 Resources Mentioned 📚📖 Books"Breath" by James Nestor"Atomic Habits" by James Clear"How to Build a Body That Lasts" by Adam Richardson“The Wim Hof Method” - Wim HofOther ResourcesThe Hunchman Trust - Suicide prevention charity (Danny ran two marathons in two days for this cause)"Sila" by Kareem RaihaniYoke Studio👇 Connect with Danny@thebreathworkbreddah⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️00:00 Introduction00:49 Guided Practice - Coherence Breathing07:38 Benefits of Coherence Breathing09:28 The Power of Chanting and Breath Synchronisation10:43 Danny's Daily Breathwork Routine11:56 The Role of Discipline in Wellness16:58 Discovering Breathwork: Danny's Journey22:08 Understanding Breathwork and Its Impact28:04 Navigating Societal Expectations28:14 The Unexplainable Experience of Breathwork28:56 Emotional Release Through Breathwork30:06 The Importance of Guided Practice31:16 Personal Journey with Breathwork37:59 The Science Behind Breathwork41:40 Practical Tips for Everyday Breathing42:48 Marathon Challenges and Breathwork46:10 Final Flow49:25 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

🎙️ Episode DescriptionThis week on the Off the Mat I dive deep with Isabella Verrico, co-founder of MICA Yoga studio in South London. In this heartfelt and honest discussion, Bella + I talk about everything from meditation and starting a business to the importance of listening to your own advice. She shares insights into what it's actually like to start a yoga studio, the transformative power of sound healing, and tips for incorporating yoga into your daily life. Learn about the philosophy behind MICA Yoga, the significance of practicing non-judgment and compassion, and how to find balance in a busy life. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, I hope this episode can offer you some valuable wisdom and inspiration to explore what yoga truly means to you, off the mat too!📚 Resources Mentioned 📚📖 BooksSolve for Happy by Mo GawdatThink Like a Monk by Jay ShettyQuantum Healing by Deepak Chopra✨ Meditation ResourcesDeepak Chopra's 21 Days of Meditation**Headspace** Meditation app🎵 Savasana Songs"Ra Haset" by Chantress Seba"Hakea" by Thrupence👇 Connect withMICA Yoga Nunhead@isabellaverrico⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️00:00 Introduction00:21 Meet Isabella Verrico01:03 Guided Meditation06:47 The Journey of Starting MICA Yoga09:09 The Essence of MICA Yoga Studio14:34 Sound Healing and Its Impact18:20 The Deeper Benefits of Yoga Practice23:13 Finding Ease in Yoga Practice25:35 Balancing Life and Yoga28:15 Meditation and Daily Practices32:26 The Power of Affirmations33:49 Living a Truthful Life36:24 Overcoming Yoga Class Intimidation38:42 Recommended Resources for Deepening Yoga Practice40:40 Final Flow

🎙️ Episode DescriptionIn the first episode of 'Off the Mat,' I interview Richard Knight, a yoga teacher and humanist celebrant based in Southeast London. We talked about the expansive nature of yoga beyond physical and into the emotional, mental and philosophical realms. Richard shares his journey from hospitality and charity work to becoming a yoga teacher and celebrant, sharing the synergy he has found between these fields. Each episode of this podcast will begin with a guided meditation, to offer an anchoring before you listen. Richard spoke about about handling life's transformations through the lens of yoga, the importance of self-practice, and the critical need for informed and sincere teaching. He also highlights so many great books and resources for those wanting to deepen their understanding of this practice.📚 Resources Mentioned 📚📖 BooksQueer Dharma by Jacob BallardThe Truth of Yoga by Daniel SimpsonPatanjali’s Yoga Sutra’s (Edwin Bryant's translation/version)Practice and All is Coming by Matthew Remski (edited by Matri Pushka)Yoga and the Body by Edward Clark and Laurie Green💻 Online ResourcesYogic Studies.com- Platform by Seth Powell with yoga philosophy courses🧘 Studios & ClassesYoga RiseOru Space in East Dulwich (Free chair yoga class every Wednesday at 3:00 PM)Monday Morning Guided Meditation (Richard's Zoom meditation class (£2)🫂 OrganizationsSaint Mungo's (Charity working to end homelessness in London + South England)👇 Connect with RichardInstagram: @peckhamismThe London Celebrant⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️00:00 Introduction to Off the Mat00:43 Meet Richard Knight: Yoga Teacher and Humanist Celebrant01:18 Starting with a Grounding Meditation06:39 Drink + Snack Ritual07:35 Richard's Yoga Journey: From Australia to London10:46 Becoming a Yoga Teacher15:27 Balancing Yoga Teaching and Celebrant Work21:08 The Power of Yoga in Life's Transformations25:10 Chair Yoga and Community Classes27:26 Exploring Yoga Beyond the Physical29:29 Yoga Practice and Artistic Expression29:46 Jackson Pollock and Abstract Expressionism30:52 Yoga as Art and Audience31:29 The Kosha Model and Layers of the Self32:47 Diverse Yoga Practices and Teaching Methods33:33 The Power of Shared Yoga Experiences34:21 Balancing Dynamic and Quiet Yoga Practices36:54 Personal Yoga Practice and Teaching Balance43:16 Recommended Yoga Books and Resources49:37 Final Flow52:07 Conclusion

Yoga has quietly shaped my entire life.From practising as a teenager, to carrying it with me through my twenties, to now teaching full-time and hosting retreats - this practice has profoundly transformed how I move through the world.But Yoga is more than what happens on the mat.It’s a philosophy. A framework. A way of seeing and understanding ourselves more deeply.With Off the Mat, I’m opening up conversations with inspiring teachers and facilitators to explore the heart of the practice - the parts we don’t always talk about in class.What really is Yoga?Who is it for?Why is it so transformational?And how can we begin to live it, not just practise it?I can’t wait to share these honest, insightful conversations with you - in the hope they support you, off the mat too.🎙️ Trailer out now.