Guys Talking Yoga

In today's episode, a special Father's Day edition, Kripalu CEO Robert Mulhall shares his unique journey into spirituality and yoga, which was significantly influenced by his unconventional education in Ireland, and his father's deep dedication to spirituality.The conversation touches on how Robert's upbringing shaped his understanding and practice, the complexities of father-son relationships, the value of vulnerability, and the challenges of nurturing a spiritually aware child in today's environment. Robert emphasized the crucial role of nature and mindfulness in reconnecting with spirituality, particularly for fathers guiding their children.Robert also discusses the profound connection between nature, leadership, and parenting, stressing the importance of community for men. He shares valuable insights on how engaging with nature through questions can lead to personal growth and self-awareness. We also touch upon the spiritual dimensions of parenting and the necessity for men to find supportive and vulnerable spaces.We're grateful to Robert for his role in Kripalu supporting men's journeys in yoga and spirituality and advocating for a move towards community-focused practices that encourage transformation and healing.Connect with Robert✩ Website: https://kripalu.org/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KripaluVideo✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wicklowcelt/✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.mulhall.5Support and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

Today's guest is Ray Raghunath Cappo, a hardcore punk singer and pioneer of the straight-edge movement in NYC during the ‘80s who is now a devoted Bhakti yoga practitioner. Touching on his story in his recently published memoir, Punk to Monk (2024), Ray shares his transformative journey from being a leader of the globally-recognized punk band Youth of Today to a spiritual leader, teacher, and advocate of yoga.In this conversation, Ray reflects on his journey as a monk, the importance of finding balance in life, and the concept of Seva – service – in spirituality. The discussion also highlights how yoga serves as a path to self-discovery and the significance of serving others as a means to connect with a higher purpose and why men should get into yoga.Check out Ray's book, on our website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/recs-books-gearConnect with Ray✩ From Punk to Monk by Ray Cappo: https://amzn.to/43hAYlz✩ Website: https://www.raghunath.yoga/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/raghunathyoga✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raghunathyogi/✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaghunathYogaSupport and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

As a complementary bonus to episode 76 (“Becoming Fearless with the Bhagavad Gita”), Hari shares his own path and story with devotional yoga beginning with his curiosity spark while watching The Adams Family as a kid and seeing Gomez performing headstand and other yoga poses. A decade-lius later, as a young New Yorker during the hey day of late 70s and early 80s, his spiritual awakening started to root while zig-zagging and chanting mantras on foot across Manhattan as courier – a foreshadowing of his true calling as one who delivers ancient philosophy packed in contemporary wisdom, and evolved into a bhakti practice, and his eventual discovery of a Hare Krishna temple.Connect with Hari✩ Website: https://hari-kirtana.com/✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hari.kirtana/✩ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Harikirtanadas✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harikirtana✩ Free Chapter of Journey Into the Bhagavad gita: https://bit.ly/3EqUNyt✩ Journey Into the Bhagavad-gita: A Guide to Exploring Timeless Principles of Transcendental Knowledge and Integrating Them Into Your Life by Hari-Kirtana Das: https://amzn.to/3QBcOwr✩ In Search of the Highest Truth: Adventures in Yoga Philosophy by Hari-Kirtana Das: https://amzn.to/3GrwQYrSupport and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

Hari-kirtana Das — yoga teacher, spiritual mentor, and author of two books on yoga philosophy — delves into yoga philosophy and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, and shares how such ancient wisdom still relates to the challenges of modern life. An eighteen chapter dialogue between Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, the Bhagavad Gita is a story about following your dharma and being fearless in the face of life's many challenges, by recognizing your essential nature and call to duty.Additionally, the conversation touches on how individuals can find their unique paths in yoga, especially during times of identity crisis, to become fearless in the face of uncertainty. The themes of masculinity, fearlessness, and the transformative power of yoga as illustrated in the Bhagavad Gita are the backbone of Hari's conversation with Derek and Larry.Connect with Hari✩ Website: https://hari-kirtana.com/✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hari.kirtana/✩ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Harikirtanadas✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harikirtana✩ Free Chapter of Journey Into the Bhagavad gita: https://bit.ly/3EqUNyt✩ Journey Into the Bhagavad-gita: A Guide to Exploring Timeless Principles of Transcendental Knowledge and Integrating Them Into Your Life by Hari-Kirtana Das: https://amzn.to/3QBcOwr✩ In Search of the Highest Truth: Adventures in Yoga Philosophy by Hari-Kirtana Das: https://amzn.to/3GrwQYrSupport and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

Known professionally as Amandi Music, “Mandi” is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer based in Boston. His transformative journey began while sitting at a gas station on the Mass Pike, en route to the Berkshires, debating whether to attend a yoga retreat at the Kripalu Center.At the time, Amandi tipped the scales at 400 pounds and was determined to break old patterns and prioritize his health. That weekend retreat became a turning point. Since then, the practice of yoga — and its ability to harmonize mind, body, and spirit — has completely transformed his life. He has become a source of energy and frequency to those around him.Amandi shares his story and insights into how yoga helped him lose weight, feel younger, move more freely, improve his fitness, shift his mindset, and ultimately, save his life.Connect with Mandi✩ C.R.A.W.L: https://www.dontwalkcrawl.com/✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dontwalkcrawl/✩ Mandi's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandimusic/✩ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmandiMusic✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandimusicSupport and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

In 2008, Mark Stefanowski sought a life change after a DUI charge on Christmas Day. He began watching VHS tapes of Bryan Kest's power yoga classes, which led him from a basement practice to the systematic and consistent practice of Bikram yoga. Eventually, he found his place—and later completed his training—at CorePower Yoga.Now a Harley-riding, charismatic, and thoughtful yoga instructor, Mark teaches online classes, in-person donation-based sessions at breweries, and maintains a regular schedule at CorePower Yoga in Colorado. Passionate about making yoga both accessible and challenging, he brings his signature Full Throttle style to the greater Boulder area, helping others embrace the practice as he has.Connect with Mark✩ Full Throttle Yoga: https://www.fullthrottleyoga.com/✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullthrottleyoga/✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ftyogamark✩ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/mstefa01Support and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

Repeat guest Dave Johnson returns following his 2022 GTY conversation to share his journey and practice with handstands. In this episode, Dave reflects on how handstands have taught him not only commitment to a goal but also the importance of patience and staying calm to release tension while balancing in one of the most challenging inversions. He also explores the benefits of incorporating handstands into a yoga practice, offering insights on preparation, building strength, and the essential role of recovery.Connect with Dave✩ SWEAT Yoga Studio: https://sweatyogastudio.com/✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogawithdave/✩ Guys Talking Yoga Episode 44: The Game of Becoming Aware with Dave Johnson: https://www.gtypodcast.com/podcast-episodes/44-dave-johnsonSupport and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

A teacher and lecturer in  Kinesiology, Religious Studies, and Sociology at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan, Colin Hall is also a yoga teacher and co-director of Bodhi Tree Yoga and Bodhi Tree Yoga College in Canada. Derek and Larry came across Colin's informative and entertaining Yoga History Podcast during the pandemic, and were blown away by his passion and knowledge of yoga history.The guys discuss Colin's path in yoga, the inspiration behind his Yoga History Podcast, his academic background in religious studies and kinesiology, and the philosophical aspects that have shaped his practice. They also explore the cultural differences between yoga practices in India and the West, highlighting the contributions of key figures like Vivekananda and Krishnamacharya in shaping modern yoga. Lastly, Colin emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the benefits of yoga for men, encouraging them to embrace the practice for both its physical and mental health advantages.Connect with Colin:✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colinyogin/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@YogaMatVirtuoso✩ Yoga History Podcast with Colin Hall: https://yogainternational.com/ecourse/the-yoga-history-podcast/✩ Bodhi Tree Yoga: https://www.bodhitreeyoga.com/✩ Bodhi Tree Yoga Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodhitreeregina/Support and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

Four years of service in the United States Marine Corps, extensive martial arts training, and a back injury sustained from snowboarding left Tim McDevitt's body broken, weak, and in pain. Tim sought out yoga simply to strengthen his core, back, arms, and legs, but his practice evolved into the exploration of a deeper path with the holistic powers of sound baths, chakras, and breath work. In addition to touching on the community and mission of the Empowered Wellness Studio, Tim shares his perspective on various aspects of fitness, teaching methods, and the historical significance of and working with Indian clubs.Connect with Tim✩ Empowered Wellness Studio:https://www.empoweredwellnessstudio.com/✩ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/timothycmcdevitt/✩ Soulistic Sound: https://soulisticsound.com/✩ Soulistic Sound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/soulisticsoundsllc/✩ Soulistic Sound Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554027992488&skSupport and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website:https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/⁠✩ Youtube:⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website:https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

In this conversation, Andrew Tanner, a longtime practitioner and founder of the Berkshire Yoga Festival, shares his journey into yoga and spirituality. He describes how witnessing the positive impact of alternative healing practices during his father's battle with cancer transformed him into a believer in the power of aligning the mind, body, and spirit. Covering a range of topics that reflect his deep background in yoga over the past two decades, Andrew discusses the healing of injuries through yoga, cultivating inner wisdom, letting go of the ego, speaking one's truth, making better choices, and connecting mind, body, and spirit. These practices, he believes, help men become better versions of themselves and discover their Dharma in life. Connect with Andrew ✩ Website: https://andrewtanner.com/ ✩ Berkshire Yoga Festival: https://www.berkshireyogafestival.com/ ✩ Dregs of Wisdom Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DregsofWisdom ✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewtanneryoga/ ✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndrewTannerYoga/ Support and stay connected with the GTY community ✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠ ✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/⁠ ✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠ ✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠ Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry ✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

In this conversation with the guys, Dr. Roger Jahnke shares his journey into the realms of yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong in the late 1960s. He reflects on how personal experiences as a young man in Ohio, along with a road trip across the country, shaped his spiritual growth. He recounts the ‘mesmerizing' experience of watching a young Chinese engineering student lead a small Tai Chi class in a park in Berkeley, and how that moment sparked his interest in Chinese medicine. Dr. Jahnke discusses how the Eastern arts influenced his career within "the medical industrial complex," ultimately leading him down a path toward alternative healing practices with the discovery of Tai Chi and Qigong. Dr. Jahnke also explores the historical roots and benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi, their similarities to the practice of yoga, and the importance of engaging with one's inner self. He emphasizes managing consciousness and embracing the physiological benefits of these mind-body practices, which foster discernment and personal empowerment, enabling individuals to experience life more fully. Connect with Dr. Jahnke The Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi Website: https://instituteofintegralqigongandtaichi.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjahnke/ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/user/iiqtc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerjahnke The Healer Within: Using Traditional Chinese Techniques To Release Your Body's Own Medicine, Movement, Massage, Meditation, Breathing by Dr. Roger Jahnke: https://amzn.to/4fQl3ij The Healing Promise of Qi by Dr. Roger Jahnke: https://amzn.to/4fSReO8 Healer Within: Medical Qigong by Dr. Roger Jahnke DVD: https://amzn.to/427gMnJ Support and stay connected with the GTY community Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/⁠ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠

Frequent guest Johnny Gillespie revisits the show to reflect on the success of last year's men's yoga workshop at Kripalu, The Way of the Empowered Man, and share his plans for the follow up retreat in January.  The discussion covers the integration of yoga and fitness, the importance of adjusting to participants' needs and the common challenges faced by men in health and wellness, and the unique benefits of yoga retreats for men where they can deepen their practice. Johnny and the guys emphasize the significance of community, breathing techniques, and mobility in achieving overall well-being.  With a deeper understanding on the significance of biomechanics and movement, Johnny emphasizes the connection between the feet, legs, hips, and spine while highlighting the critical role of breathing mechanics in overall health, including the diaphragm and pelvic floor, and the ability to experience significant shifts in their neurological patterns. Johnny also shares insights about the building his business and community at his studio, Empowered Wellness, and celebrating over 25 years in the industry, along with reflections on personal and professional growth for 2025. Connect with Johnny ⁠Sign up for The Way of the Empowered Man Yoga Retreat Empowered Wellness Studio Instagram Johny's previous appearances on Guys Talking Yoga:  Discovering Yoga with Johnny Gillespie and Neil Taylor Awareness, Healing and Figuring Life Out Through the Whole-Body Experience Support and stay connected with the GTY community Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/⁠ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠

In this conversation with Derek and Larry, renowned yoga instructor, author, and veteran, Rolf Gates shares his transformative journey from a troubled youth to a successful yoga teacher and author. Gates discusses the pivotal moments in his life, including his experiences with sports, addiction, and the military, which shaped his understanding of discipline, self-regulation, and personal growth. Emphasizing the importance of exercise in his recovery from addiction, Gates touches on how yoga became a vital part of his life and spiritual awakening, as well as the evolving landscape of yoga, particularly regarding male participation in the practice.  In addition to sharing various insights on the practice of yoga, the importance of letting go, finding balance, and trusting the process of life, Gates speaks to the writing of his best-selling book, 'Meditations from the Mat,' and the power of daily reflections and motivational quotes as tools for wisdom and personal growth. Connect with Rolf Gates ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates Daily Reflections on Addiction, Yoga, and Getting Well by Rolf Gates Meditations on Intention and Being: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga, Mindfulness, and Compassion by Rolf Gates Support and stay connected with the GTY community Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/⁠ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠

In this conversation with power yoga pioneer Bryan Kest, Derek and Larry discuss the evolving perception of yoga among men, emphasizing its multifaceted benefits as a workout that addresses strength, flexibility, and mental well-being.  Kest shares his insights on different styles of yoga, particularly Yin Yoga and Power Yoga, and on how a personal practice can transform over time, especially in relation to aging and injury. The discussion highlights the importance of adapting yoga practices to individual needs and the long-term health benefits of maintaining a consistent yoga routine. In addition, Kest challenges the conventional notions of strength and success, urging listeners to appreciate the simple joys of life and prioritize wellness over societal expectations. Other topics include (1) the profound impact of yoga on personal growth; (2) the importance of quieting the mind; (3) breath as a focal point in a practice; (4) the balance between strength and calmness; (5) the cultural pressures that often lead to ego-driven behaviors; and (6) the need to find a personal practice that resonates with individual needs. Connect with Bryan Kest Website Instagram Autobiography of an American Yogi by Bryan Kest Support and stay connected with the GTY Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga

In this episode of Guys Talking Yoga, hosts Derek and Larry discuss essential tips for men starting their yoga practice. They emphasize: The importance of setting intentions Choosing the right yoga mat Finding a suitable studio. What to expect during the first class and how to navigate the studio experience Essential tips for yoga practitioners, studio etiquette, class structure, and the importance of listening to one's body and breath. The need for respect in the yoga space, the significance of punctuality, and the human aspect of yoga teaching. Encouraging practitioners to connect with their breath And being mindful of their physical limits. Check out Larry's teaching videos at Yoga for Dudes: https://www.youtube.com/@YogaForDudes https://www.yogafordudes.com Support and stay connected with the GTY: https://www.gtypodcast.com/ https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/ https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast6274 https://www.facebook.com/people/Guys-Talking-Yoga/100069244525941/

What's stopping more guys from doing yoga? It often comes down to some common misconceptions and excuses. In this episode of the Guys Talking Yoga, co-hosts Derek Vanderwarker and Larry Milburn share the many ways yoga practice has transformed their lives off the mat. Listen as they offer practical tips for men who are yoga-curious but a little hesitant to take the plunge. Derek and Larry also talk about: How yoga builds strength and body awareness Yoga and breathwork for better performance How yoga helps with stress and anxiety The spiritual side of yoga and building community Yoga for midlife men Join the GTY Community: Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/ Email: info@gtypodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guys-talking-yoga-podcast

Get ready for a new season of the Guys Talking Yoga podcast, where hosts Derek and Larry continue their mission to make yoga accessible to every man. Tune in THIS FALL for engaging conversations and expert insights to help you step on the mat and live a more balanced life practicing yoga. Join the GTY Community: Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/ Email: info@gtypodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guys-talking-yoga-podcast

When Matt Giordano taught his first yoga class in his mom's Long Island basement, he had no idea he'd inspire a movement. He just wanted to share the practice that had transformed his life. In this episode with guest host Larry Milburn, Matt reflects on his unlikely journey from touring musician to yoga teacher to influencer and entrepreneur. You'll learn about how Matt discovered yoga, how its benefits radiated into every area of his life, and how his relationship with a mentor helped launch his own teaching career and attract a massive online following. Matt also talks about: How yoga has made him a much better (and less injury-prone) ice hockey player What he learned from his mentor, yoga legend Marco Rojas How he went from teaching informally to leading international trainings The barriers that prevent more men from trying yoga and how to overcome them Links: Matt's website, The Yogi Matt Matt's Instagram Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman Effortless Mastery Book

These days, yoga is a mainstream phenomenon practiced by many. But back in the 1970s, when actor and filmmaker Campbell Scott first discovered it, it was still a fringe practice associated with hippies and gurus. In this episode with guest host Larry Millburn, Campbell shares how a yoga book by Richard Hittleman nourished him physically, mentally, and spiritually. As a teenager struggling with anxiety and self-doubt, Campbell was drawn to yoga's promise of inner peace and resilience. Over the years, his practice became an anchor, and a way to stay grounded in the face of the challenges and uncertainties of life as a performing artist. Campbell also talks about: How yoga helped him quit smoking and manage the pressures of an acting career Getting over the discomfort of being a man in female-dominated yoga spaces How his practice has evolved over decades How yoga fosters a sense of presence and connection Why more men should give yoga a try Links: Campbell Scott's IMDb page https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001714/ Richard Hittleman's Yoga book https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Hittlemans-Yoga-Exercise-Plan/dp/0553277480 Larry's Yoga for Dudes website https://www.yogafordudes.com/ Way of the Empowered Man Retreat GTY Episode https://www.gtypodcast.com/podcast-episodes/52-johnny-gillespie

Back from a couple months off with a quick update on the summer season with guest host Larry Milburn, former host of Roadie Free Radio and the online site, Yoga for Dudes. Derek and Larry share their initial thoughts from the Kripalu Yoga Center in Western Massachusetts where they just completed the Way of the Empowered Man led by frequent guest, Johnny Gillespie. The guys talk about the intense core work of the weekend, the heat, the surprisingly high turnout from guys who are totally new to yoga that joined the retreat, and offer a quick preview for the fall. Also, Derek is handing the mic to Larry as guest host for the summer as he takes paternity leave with his newborn daughter and wife. So stay tuned right for Larry's summer interviews with some great Connecticut-based guys with more stories and offerings, and future new content and programming GTY is developing for the fall. Be sure to check out our fully redesigned website at https://www.gtypodcast.com/ for more episodes, resources and links to get your practice started. Other resources mentioned this episode: The Way of the Empowered Man retreat https://kripalu.org/presenters-programs/way-empowered-man Why Yoga Retreats Matter & The Way of the Empowered Man Yoga with Johnny Gillespie https://open.spotify.com/episode/4i6nuKnLoN9EUWscfv4rNX Larry's website, Yoga for Dudes https://www.yogafordudes.com/

Ever wondered what it would be like to roll out a yoga mat on your lunch break and check in with your body? Today's show was recorded at Triangle Manufacturing, a company that encourages just that. My friend and former guest Larry Milburn was brought in to start a yoga program at this medical device manufacturing firm, and today he introduces us to two company leaders who made it happen: CEO Dax Stohlmeyer and VP of Finance Jeff Simon. In a way, Triangle is the perfect case study for yoga in the workplace because their team includes both people who are on their feet all day doing physical work, as well as people who work mostly seated at desks. As you'll learn in this episode, both types of employees crave movement. And both have experienced profound benefits from these twice-weekly sessions with Larry. Triangle's yoga program contributes to a “culture of wellness,” and it's a model other companies would be wise to consider. The guys also talk about: How and why the company brought in Larry to teach yoga What yoga has done for workplace camaraderie Dax's experience with yoga as a former professional football player Jeff's experience as a newcomer to yoga How yoga and mindfulness make Dax a better leader Links:  Triangle Manufacturing: https://www.trianglemfg.com/ Larry's episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5MwCEEmXeWFMjEb5R35boY The Kula Collective, where Larry teaches: https://www.thekulacollective.org/ Dax's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dax-strohmeyer-6a5b171b5/ Jeff's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-simon-b077b350 All Guys Talking Yoga episodes: https://gtypodcast.com/

Casey McBride is a longtime yoga practitioner and teacher who specializes in working with men and young male athletes. She joins us to talk about how she found her way to that niche; common themes she sees among yoga-curious men; using props; and how yoga helps her athletes gain strength and avoid (and recover from) injuries. Casey also talks about: The “underground revolution” of young athletes using yoga to gain strength and mobility Her advice for guys just starting out with yoga Why your ego is the enemy of a great yoga practice Why physical therapy alone often doesn't do the job The meaning of her mantra “do just enough” and how that mindset helps her students stay healthy Links:  Casey's Instagram Kaia Yoga (Casey teaches at New Canaan and Darien)

Today we have a 3-man episode, with two friends of the show joining me to go beyond downward dog and dive into the more philosophical and contemplative side of yoga.  The subject is dharma: what it means to us, why it's so important, and how to pursue it alongside other guys who share similar values.  Put simply, dharma is about maintaining a practice or a program that grounds you in the present and keeps you focused on what's actually important to you. And in my experience, yoga is an extremely powerful tool do just that. Richard and Johnny also talk about: What brought them to yoga and mindfulness “Dharma bombs”: sudden moments of awareness Bringing yourself back to the moment when you're lost in thought Kinship and camaraderie among guys pursuing similar spiritual paths Links:  Episode 19 with Johnny Gillespie Episode 38 with Richard Driscoll Empowered Wellness Studio, Johnny's yoga studio

Ever wondered why I'm so motivated to spread the good word about the benefits of yoga to guys everywhere? This episode lays it all out. That's because today the mic is turned on me, as I'm interviewed by my good friend Larry Milburn, on his excellent podcast Roadie Free Radio.  I share how it all started with an injury to a muscle I barely knew existed, which led to a lot of physical and mental pain. That's when things got interesting… I also talk about: The injury that led me down a path of loss and growth Making the decision to take responsibility for my own recovery My early experiences with Bikram yoga How injuries from decades ago come back to haunt us guys Getting started with Iyengar yoga Training with Alison West at Yoga Union My advice for getting started with yoga The mat and props I recommend Links:  ⁠Jade Yoga mat⁠ ⁠Yoga Union⁠ ⁠Man Flow Yoga⁠ ⁠Yoga with Adriene⁠ ⁠⁠Dark Star - Live at the Fillmore by Grateful Dead⁠⁠ ⁠One Simple Thing: A New Look at the Science of Yoga and How It Can Transform Your Life⁠ by Eddie Stern ⁠Roadie Free Radio⁠, which is currently on pause – but I encourage you to check out Larry's previous episodes, which feature stories from the people working behind the scenes in the film and music industries.

Ed Harrold is a health and performance coach, yoga teacher, and the author of Life with Breath.  In this episode, he shares how he came to yoga and breathwork as a stressed-out, “broken” middle-aged guy battling physical and psychological demons; how those practices have completely transformed his health and fitness; and how you can start down the same path today. Ed also talks about: The science of breath and the dangers of shallow breathing The anatomy of the the psoas, diaphragm, lungs, and ribcage Where to start if you want to change the way you breathe How he gained flexibility strictly through breathing exercises Managing your energy throughout the day through mindful breathing Connect with Ed:  Website: www.edharrold.com Ed's book, Life with Breath: IQ + EQ = New You Ed's Breath AS Medicine Trainings (Use code “Stream” for 20% OFF): https://www.edharrold.com/breath-medicine-elearning-trainings  A Year Of Breathing (Same promo code): https://edharrold.inspire360.com/edharrold/a-year-of-breathing The Breath Source App: https://thebreathsource.app/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ed_harrold/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edharrold/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edharroldgobegreat/ Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmYrluRdfY_Tw52C9MqlQxA

We've heard from a lot of guys about how yoga has helped ease their back pain, work through stress, or improve their relationships. Today's episode has those elements, but it's also something else entirely: the story of Darnell “Moe” Washington, a former gang member who found yoga while serving a sentence of 35 years to life in prison. It's the third and final episode in our Prison Yoga Project series, and it's one of the most powerful conversations we've had on the show. You'll learn how Moe connected with former GTY guest James Fox while at San Quentin; the mental and physical capabilities he developed through his practice; and how yoga and mindfulness helped him gain his freedom and prepare for the rest of his life. Links:  Prison Yoga Project Donate to the Prison Yoga Project Listen to Part 1 of our Prison Yoga Series with James Fox here Bill Brown here

Bill Brown was 41 years old when he took his first yoga class, and the experience moved him to tears.  You'll hear why in this conversation, as well as how Bill wound up directing an organization that brings yoga to thousands of incarcerated men and women around the world. This is the second of three conversations in our Prison Yoga Project series; Bill expands on the group's work (discussed last episode with founder James Fox) as well as his own compelling personal story. Bill also talks about: How yoga can help people with trauma and dissociation Gaining trust when facilitating yoga classes in prisons and jails How stress builds in the body over time and how yoga can help guys work through that How yoga helped Bill deal with anger in a much healthier way Using the force of the ground in your yoga practice How Prison Yoga Project has scaled and has even begun working with corrections officers and other staff Links:  Prison Yoga Project Support PYP's work with a donation here

James Fox is the Founding Director of Prison Yoga Project, which he started in San Quentin and grew to 17 states and beyond. In part one of a three-part series on prison yoga, James tells Derek about the program's origins (he started in a single juvenile detention center); the unique challenges and opportunities involved; and the story of a participant whose rehabilitation and parole was inextricably linked with the yoga practice he learned while behind bars. James also talks about: How yoga helped him get over back pain from running How Prison Yoga Project scaled through word of mouth, teacher training, and their book How men and women in prison tend to react to first trying yoga The trauma-informed approach they've developed The role yoga played in a parole hearing for a participant serving a life sentence Links: Prison Yoga Project is doing their annual fundraising drive. You can donate to the program directly here: https://prisonyoga.kindful.com/ We'll be back with two more episodes focusing on yoga in prisons in the coming weeks.

Friend of the show Johnny Gillespie joins Derek to talk about the men's yoga retreat he's hosting in February, called "The Way of the Empowered Man." Johnny is a certified meditation and yoga teacher and the founder of Empowered Wellness Studio. He's also run about 30 retreats in his career. Johnny and Derek talk about: The value of retreats and why there aren't many yoga retreats for men The activities and schedule at a yoga retreat How yoga can complement weightlifting and other fitness regimens rather than replacing them The concept of the "Empowered Man" The Kripalu Yoga Center in Western Massachusetts, where Johnny's retreat will be held Sign up for The Way of the Empowered Man Yoga Retreat here: https://kripalu.org/presenters-programs/way-empowered-man Learn more about Johnny's studio, Empowered Wellness, here: https://www.empoweredwellnessstudio.com or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/empoweredwellnessstudio Johny's previous appearances on Guys Talking Yoga: Discovering Yoga with Johnny Gillespie and Neil Taylor Awareness, Healing and Figuring Life Out Through the Whole-Body Experience

In 2017 Derek sought out Alison West, one of the most recognized and respected yoga instructors in the industry, for his 200-hour teaching certification and his first step out of the pain, tension, and overall chronic imbalances that dogged him for over five years. It was Alison who helped introduce Derek to the infinite potential that yoga offers for developing agency and awareness in navigating the deep challenges with our twisted, asymmetrical, and complex bodies and tapping into the mind-body connection.  Alison West, Ph.D, E-RYT, C-IAYT is director of Yoga Union and the Yoga Union Backcare & Scoliosis Center, and has been teaching yoga for over thirty years. Prior to opening Yoga Union in 1996 she studied at the Sivananda center and at Jivamukti in New York, as well with Eddie Stern and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India. During her education and path she continued studying Iyengar Yoga for alignment, working in particular with Kevin Gardiner, the late Mary Dunn, and, later, Genny Kapuler. Alison has also traveled to Pune to study with the Iyengars. She furthered her meditation studies with TKV Desikachar at a retreat at Colgate University in 1993 and went on to the Shambhala trainings in NYC. Her spiritual teachers include Ramana Maharshi and Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj. She is currently writing her first Yoga book, Yoga for Backcare, which will be followed by Yoga for Scoliosis. Connect with Alison: https://www.yogaunion.com

In this episode, Derek talks yoga with two of the most impactful college lacrosse players to emerge from upstate New York in the 1990s: his former teammate and good friend, Todd Burnham – a two-time All-American and 1993 National Champion at Hobart College; and Casey Powell, a four-time All-American and 1995 National Champion at Syracuse University. Todd Burnham is an expert litigator, entrepreneur, author, and leadership coach who is a founding partner of Burnham Law – an elite litigation firm in Colorado with a team of top-rated experienced associates and paralegals focusing on family law, civil litigation, personal injury, and many other services for those in need in the states of Colorado and Wyoming. In 2022, Todd published his best-selling book Comeback: Epic Rebound Strategies for Business or Personal Adversity, a guide on transforming trauma into triumph through his breakthrough findings and unique insight into six easy-to-execute tactics that have helped countless individuals rebound from adversity more powerful than before. For more information: https://www.toddburnham.com. Casey Powell is considered one of the best to ever play the sport of lacrosse and has spent his professional career traveling the world playing, teaching, and helping spread the game. After Syracuse, Powell become a globally-recognized athlete, playing 15 seasons professionally in the MLL and NLL, and was selected to play on four US National Teams – captaining Team USA in 2006, 2011, and in 2015. He is a member of the Upstate Lacrosse (NY) and the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame and the owner/director of CP Lacrosse which runs camps, clinics, and tournaments nationally. Along with his brothers Ryan and Michael, Casey is a founding partner of Powell Lacrosse. For more information: https://caseypowell.com.

In this episode, Dean Pohlman, the founder of Man Flow Yoga, shares his path with yoga and the idea to launch an online yoga training program targeted to men who are new to the practice. In this informative discussion, Dean shares how he first stumbled into yoga as a senior in college, the physical benefits of yoga and how it complements any fitness program, and the impact on the lives of many guys. Since launching in 2013, his fitness-oriented, non-spiritual Man Flow Yoga program has sold numerous DVD and online subscriptions, and has amassed over 400,000 subscribers on YouTube where you can access many curated yoga programs to address a range of health and fitness objectives. In addition, Dean has sold over 35,000 copies worldwide of his 2018 book Yoga Fitness for Men: Build Strength, Improve Performance, and Increase Flexibility.  Man Flow Yoga has been featured in Muscle & Fitness Magazine, Men's Health, The Chicago Sun, New York Magazine, and many more major news media outlets. For more information check out www.manflowyoga.com or www.youtube.com/manflowyoga

Introduced to the basic principles of Hatha Yoga by his father while growing up in Little Italy, it wasn't until his mid-twenties that Frank Mauro began exploring asana postures and the philosophical underpinnings of the practice. In the 1990s, New York was in its heady day with studios opening across the city and giving birth to a new generation of conscious and creative yoga teachers, including a young Frank Mauro. His curiosity and interest in yoga ultimately led Frank to his first teacher training with the internationally recognized Sivananda Yoga Center and then eventually with many world-renowned teachers including Richard Freeman, Rodney Yee, Eric Schiffmann, Judith Lasater, and later in Manhattan with Cyndi Lee at the Om Yoga Center. Frank currently teaches at NY Loves Yoga Studio in the upper West Side of Manhattan. https://www.nylovesyoga.com.

We have invited back two of our most popular guests, Johnny Gillespie and Neil Taylor, to explore 'What is Yoga?' Johnny, Neil, and Derek discuss several themes around known aspects of the physical practice – including alignment and balance; however, the guys also hit on more subtle themes, such as skillfulness, connection, vulnerability, and wisdom that most probably don't consider when rolling out the mat. Neil Taylor is a bodyworker and a meditation and yoga teacher, in the Boston area, and Johnny is based in Wilmington, Delaware. He is the founder and owner of Empowered Wellness Studio and the creator of The Balanced Athlete, an online and studio-based functional fitness program that teaches people how to mindfully move their bodies.  https://neiltayloryoga.com https://www.empoweredwellnessstudio.com

In this special bonus episode, Larry Milburn shares several stories about his work teaching men Yoga. You can also listen to Larry's full episode, titled "Reckoning Poses and Working Out the Gunk with Filmmaker, Podcaster, Yoga Instructor Larry Millburn" for more of Larry's insights, advice, and stories.

In 1995 Larry Millburn wandered into the Center for Yoga in Los Angeles not knowing what he was looking for and the path ahead. Sensing he needed to find a healthier approach to balance out some bad habits he told the studio owner at the front desk that he looking to get “out of his body” to which she replied No, you need to get into your body. In this conversation, Larry shares his long path with yoga beginning in his early 20s as a young actor and musician, and how he later reconnected with the practice in 2005 when he need to fill a void in his life. Eventually, his curiosity, practice, and path lead him to become a deeply committed and passionate yoga teacher at Charym yoga studio in Connecticut. And when not on the mat in his reckoning pose, Larry can be found hosting his Roadie Free Radio podcast and leading yoga classes on Follow Your Drishti. https://www.charym.com http://www.roadiefreeradio.com https://followyourdrishti.libsyn.com

Highlights from over forty interviews, this episode is a great companion listen for any new or seasoned practitioner with offerings ranging from how yoga has helped overcome back issues to real break-through experiences on a deeper, personal level. If you have any doubts about your practice and looking for some reminders on why you found yoga pop this string of hard-earned wisdom on your favorite Bluetooth speaker and roll out the mat.

A top athlete all his life, participating in varsity sports, long-distance races, triathlons, crossfit and cycling, Dave Johnson first experienced yoga in 2013 while vacationing in Tulum, Mexico at an outdoor palapa at the beach and felt a connection and awareness in his body that he had never experienced before – and by the time that first savasana ended he was hooked. When he got home, he found free online classes on YouTube and started practicing in his garage. Not long afterward, Dave and his wife Marisa each completed the 500-hour teacher certification and eventually studio owners themselves in Albuquerque where they've cultivated a community around their hot yoga experience at SWEAT Yoga Studio. https://sweatyogastudio.com/

First introduced to Bikram yoga while working for Akamai Technologies in the early 2000s, Derek Vanderwarker was initially impressed by the physical experience of the ninety-minute, one hundred-degree studio practice: the heat and sweat made for a quick fix after a long weekend of unhealthy choices and helped keep the pounds off. But it wasn't until sixteen years later when he returned to yoga to untangle the leg, hip, and back injuries that had dogged him for nearly five years, that his practice began to have purpose. In 2021 he launched Guys Talking Yoga, a podcast designed to inspire men to consider the practice of yoga as a door into a better way of living by sharing the stories of other men and the benefits they have experienced along the way. Derek is a 500-hour certified yoga instructor who did his 200-hour training with Alison West and 300-hour training with Jason Crandell. He is the creator and host of the Guys Talking Yoga podcast. Book mentioned in this episode: One Simple Thing: A New Look at the Science of Yoga and How It Can Transform Your Life by Eddie Stern.

Retired Major Mark Volker (USMC) shares his path with yoga and how the practice has helped him develop the mind-body connection, learn to make better choices off the mat and be a teacher and leader for others in need. He's a certified yoga and meditation teacher, Warriors at Ease graduate and Level 1 instructor. Mark is also a team lead at Semper Fi Odyssey where he works with injured and combat-wounded U.S. Marines and other service members through their transition back to a life out of uniform but continued service to the country. SFO is a six-day, holistic transition-assistance program that provides injured and critically ill active-duty military service members and veterans an opportunity to not only gain valuable employment resources, but also life planning skills to assist with their re-entry into the civilian sector. Primarily focused on their career advancement, SFO also reinforces the significance of mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, and social well-being, to ensure long-term success for these individuals. https://www.outdoorodyssey.org/veteran-active-duty-programs.

Geoffrey Roniger has been leading yoga classes for over twenty years and is the founder of Freret Street Yoga in New Orleans and Yoga Unbound, a hybrid studio model offering online, studio, and private training classes and instruction. He has apprenticed with globally renowned teachers Richard Rosen and Rodney Yee and completed the advanced studies program at Piedmont Yoga Studio. During his teaching career, Roniger provided on-site instruction and developed corporate wellness programs for various companies including Salesforce.com, Amyris Biotechnologies, Beverly Prior Architects, Juice Design, and Urban Revision. After volunteering for the Urban Zen Foundation at both their V-Day and the Special Olympics events, in 2012 he was appointed to Urban Zen Foundation's faculty for the Integrative Therapy Program in New York. Geoffrey Roniger has been featured in Yoga Journal as well as in a Gaiam video, Yoga Now. https://www.yoga-unbound.com.

As a former athlete who was approaching his fortieth birthday and weighing two hundred and eighty pounds, Art Massolo never thought he would consider yoga. But when stuck in a rut, and recognizing psychotherapy and other western approaches weren't providing the tools and perspective he needed, Art began his yoga path by attending a two-week immersion program of “love, community, peace, and great health” – the things guys rarely permit themselves to access. In this conversation, Art shares his thoughts on the Yoga Sutras, keeping a regular mantra, shifting one's thoughts, dealing with stress, overcoming rejection, navigating various injuries and life itself through his evolving practice and perspective.

Leon Barnett was never a gym guy. After twenty-five years in the restaurant business, and being in recovery for seventeen, he knew he needed to make a change. But that change wasn't going to happen if he wasn't willing to make it. In this conversation, Leon shares his story about starting his path with yoga at the age of fifty-four and his experiences working through his first few classes. Along the way we get into the importance of focus while doing yoga postures, paying attention to your breath, and the notion of progress -- accepting where you are and not worrying about where you are not. Coach Leon teaches at the Empowered Wellness Studio in Wilmington, Delaware. https://www.empoweredwellnessstudio.com

In Southern California during the mid-1960s, most twelve-year old boys were focusing on Sandy Kofax, Don Drysdale and the Los Angeles Dodgers. However young Rich Driscoll was captivated by Autobiography of a Yogi, the best seller by Parmahansa Yogananda. Ever the seeker and student, Rich's path and interest in meditation took him to Yogananda's Self-Realization Fellowship as a curious teenager, absorbing Ram Dass' Be Here Now on his weekends, and later to the University of Colorado in Boulder – the epicenter of American Tibetan Buddhist movement in the 1970s, and eventually to Morocco with the Peace Corp. During a mid-life struggle with loss, his meditation practice become a grounding force and eventually strengthened and intertwined with hatha yoga through the guidance and support of two amazing women who kept him on his path.

Dr. Loren Fishman is a physiatrist with a private practice in Manhattan and he is also a professor at Columbia University Medical School where he teaches Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine. He discovered yoga in the 1970s while reading a copy of BKS Iyengar's Light on Yoga in India and was so inspired he traveled to meet the author who ultimately inspired him to learn and use yoga to help heal people. Since then Loren has become a world-recognized pioneer in the treatment of low back pain, piriformis syndrome, osteoporosis, rotator cuff tear, and other conditions. He has authored or edited over 96 academic articles and has written many books about yoga and medical conditions. But most importantly, in all his years of experience, research, and medical practice - he hasn't found anything that compares to the healing powers of yoga. For more information please check out https://www.manhattanphysicalmedicine.com and https://sciatica.org.

In 2012, seventeen-year-old Jan Andrysek was playing ice hockey in Prerov, a small town in the Czech Republic, when he was introduced to yoga by his coaches during his off-season training. Initially skeptical he quickly realized yoga helped with strength, mobility, injury prevention, stress management, breathwork – and just getting a good night's sleep. So in 2019, convinced that more hockey players like him would benefit other players, he and his business partner launched Yoga for Hockey – an online subscription-based training program with content and training specifically tailored to introduce hockey players of all ages to the practice of yoga. https://www.yogaforhockey.eu

Today's conversation is with twenty-year yoga practitioner Knight Kiplinger, an economic journalist who is Editor Emeritus of the Kiplinger financial media company in Washington, D.C., publishers of business forecasts and personal finance advice – known for the weekly Kiplinger Letter, monthly Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine and daily Kiplinger.com. Kiplinger was CEO and publisher until the sale of the company in 2019 to Dennis Publishing of London, England, and today he is CEO of Outlook, Inc., a family real estate investment company. He is one of America's most respected economic journalists and business forecasters. Over his long career, Knight was a guest on every major news network, including CNN, NPR, and C-SPAN, with appearances on The Today Show, Marketplace, CBS This Morning, Wall Street Week, and The Larry King Show. in his writings, speeches, and media appearances, he cuts through the complexity of financial subjects with clarity and foresight.

Kevin Geniza is a 2020 graduate of the University of Oregon where he was a leader on the golf team that won the PAC-12 conference title and was runner-up in the 2017 national championship. He was drawn to play for the Ducks because their coach, Casey Martin, incorporated yoga into the team's fitness program where they were instructed to work on their breath and explore who they are as student-athletes and individuals. In this conversation, Kevin shares how he was introduced to yoga at Oregon, the challenges and joys of being a professional golfer, and how yoga and breathwork have improved his range of motion as well as his awareness on the course and being the best version of himself. www.kevingeniza.com, www.thvmp.com

Today's guest is Robert Stern, an Assistant Professor of History & Legal Studies at Saint Thomas More University. While in his mid-thirties, Robert initially found yoga as a way to get through long winters as a graduate student. Yoga gave him physical benefits and also served as an outlet to deal with the stress of traveling to and from Cincinnati to Chicago while looking after his ailing father. Along the way, his appreciation for the physical practice grew into a focused interest in handstands. Robert found handstands sharpened his focus as the combination of mental and physical coordination forced him to be in the moment. In this episode, Robert shares more about how a handstand practice has helped him and how it might help you, too.

A veteran of the Iraq War and with 28 years of uniformed service, Dr. Vincent Arnold has supported and served nearly all the branches of the US military, including the Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corp., and the Navy before retiring with the rank of Chaplain in 2007. Upon his retirement from active military service, Dr. Arnold served as the first civilian Clinical Director and Department Head for the Deployment Health Center (DHC), becoming one of the largest in the Navy to include a comprehensive Post Deployment Health Reassessment screening program, creation of a PTSD multidisciplinary treatment team, and establishment of the Autonomic Neuropsychological Assessment Metric Program. He subsequently served as a Pastoral Counselor at Naval Medical Center, Camp Lejeune, where he worked directly with wounded warriors in the areas of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)and mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI). Specializing in holistic-oriented mindfulness-based pastoral counseling, Dr. Arnold offered individual, couple, and group sessions in Integrative Restoration Yoga Nidra (iRest) and Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR). He continues to offer non-fee-based pastoral counseling and workshops and retreats on ‘I Rest in Him.' In addition to his service as a board director with Warriors at Ease, Dr. Arnold is an ERYT 200 yoga instructor and Certified iRest®Yoga Nidra Teacher. Dr. Arnold received a BA in Religion from Emmanuel College, an MDiv from Duke University, a Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Renewal from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University.

In 2018 Brian retired from the Army with the rank of sergeant first class after nearly thirty years of service. And while his aunt introduced him to yoga way back in the 1980s, he didn't get really into the practice until he signed up for a 200-hour teacher training program to give him something to do during the lockdown. What he found was not only exposure to many physical modalities of yoga, but also a deeper understanding of the spiritual side of the practice which helped him navigate the mind-body challenges of post-traumatic stress after his service.