Heart of the Matter

Welcome to this fourth episode in the special 'Mothering' series. In this episode I chat with erica Hargaden of Babogue. Erica and I chat all about sleep, and it is such a refreshing and uplifting chat that definitely warmed my heart. We chat about different myths around infant sleep, specific needs at different ages and general tips to help new parents in their sleep journey with their child. If you enjoy this episode and find it worthwhile, do share and let us know:-) You can find out more about Erica @babogue_sleep Naomi** www.elementsyoga.ie

Welcome to this third episode in the special 'Mothering' series. In this episode, I chat with Elaine Barry. Elaine is a chartered physiotherapist and women's health specialist. In this chat we discuss what the pelvic floor is in our bodies, how to strengthen and heal this area during pregnancy and post birth. How to prevent issues of prolapse or incontinence and much more. If you are unsure of what your pelvic floor is, this is definitely a chat worth listening to. If you enjoy this episode, do share, and you can star and review on Apple podcasts. You can get in touch with me through instagram @naomi.sturdy and naomi@elementsyoga.ie You can find out more about Elaine and follow her on instagram @elainebarryphysio Enjoy listening:-)

Welcome to this second episode in the special 'Mothering' series. In this episode, I chat with Layla O' Mara. Layla is a mum of 3, an acupuncturist, doula and provides postpartum care for new Mothers through her business Nua Nua. In this episode, Layla and I dive into the concept of Matresence, how we can better support new mothers and how to bring more awareness to all of the needs women will have at this time. If you enjoy this episode, do share, and you can star and review on Apple podcasts. You can find out more about Layla and follow her on instagram @nuanuaonline Enjoy listening:-)

Welcome to this first episode in the special 'Mothering' series. In this episode, I speak with broadcaster and breastfeeding spokesperson Aoibhinn Ní Shúillebháin about the lactation supports needed for mothers, the world-wide marketing ploys from formula companies and the systemic changes that need to occur including funding and implementing the National Maternity Strategy and the National Breastfeeding Action Plan in Budget 2022. Aoibhinn Ní Shúillebháin is hosting a webinar on November 4th 'Feeding the Future' that is free to attend and can be accessed through https://www.nwci.ie/learn/event-detail/feeding_the_future_shared_responsibility You can find out more about Aoibhinn and follow her @aoibhinn_ni_s on Twitter Enjoy the episode:-)

In this episode I had the pleasure of chatting to Emer Harrington who is a Yoga teacher based in Cork. We had a great chat about transitioning to the online medium of teaching this year, and how she has adapted and thrived with her students to give them positive and beneficial experiences. It was great to delve into the nuts and bolts of the practicalities for many teachers this year and how to shape the experience in ways that will be of value for all. If you are a Yoga teacher, trainee or intrigued by the process behind business ‘pivoting' that has had to occur this year for so many, you will enjoy this chat:-) You can find this episode and all others on www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast

It was just a delight to get to chat with Cecily Milne of Yoga Detour for this episode. Cecily is a leader and teacher with integrity and expertise and has shifted the way many individuals not only practice on their mats but how they teach too. We dive into her feelings and processes around change, how she envisages leading change and her approaches to supporting others. We discuss the importance of staying open, keeping a sense of curiosity, critical thinking and how you can reserve the right to change your mind-something that I feel is pertinent to our times. I really enjoy Cecily's teaching and her insights and I hope you enjoy listening. You can find this episode and all others at www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast

It was a joy to chat with Melissa Curtis for this episode. She is a Dublin based Yoga teacher specialising in Yoga for women, from all stages of life and from fertility through to Menopause. Melissa's is also one of the founders and is the lead teacher in Ireland's most comprehensive and highly regarded Pregnancy Yoga Teacher Training at The Elbowroom, Dublin, that has seen women come from all over the country and from Europe to attend. She also runs the ‘Mum & Baby Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training,' the ‘Wise Woman Training' and the ‘Children's Yoga Teacher Training' at The Elbowroom. We had a great chat about her Yoga journey, her experience guiding women through pregnancy and how Yoga can be of such help for women. You can find this episode and all previous episodes on www.elementsyoga.ie Enjoy the episode:-)

It was a great pleasure and privilege to get to chat to Cyndi Lee for this episode. I took some fo my Yoga training with Cyndi a number of years ago and have been inspired and guided by her method of teaching in my own style, and how I understand Yoga teachings. Cyndi Lee is the first female Western yoga teacher to fully integrate yoga asana and Tibetan Buddhism in her practice and teaching. In 1998, she founded the OM yoga Center in NYC, which became a mecca for yogis worldwide. One of the most influential teachers in the U.S., Cyndi's teaching work is now focussed on yoga and meditation, and the resiliency that arises when we practice these methods in a sustainable manner. I hope you enjoy listening and you can find more details on this episode and all other episodes on www.elementsyoga.ie Naomi**

This is the first episode in a new series of the podcast for 2020 and it was just a delight to chat to Manasi. Manasi is a Yoga teacher based in Dublin, having traveled from India, through the states, the UK and the settling in Ireland. She has a rich experience of embracing change in her life, going through all of the up's and down's and maintaining an attitude of positivity and hope throughout it all. You can find this episode and all past episodes on www.elementsyoga.ie Enjoy, Naomi**

Dr. Ruth Allen is an Outdoor Therapist, Psychotherapist and Counsellor based in the Uk. In our current life adaptations with all things Corona Virus related, we chatted about how to support our mental wellbeing. This conversation was a sweet relief from news headlines, and I feel it will provide some great insights for you the listener and how we can navigate these times. Ruth is a wonderfully articulate and experienced therapist, and I am delighted we got to schedule this in admist these chaotic days. The episode notes and links can be accessed on www.elemenstyoga.ie Enjoy listening:-)

**Updated episode** This episode is a very special one. A collaboration with amazing women who very kindly shared their voices, answering the question ‘What advice or wisdom would you share with a young woman or girl today?' I am so grateful for all the women who took the time to be involved in this and so filled with joy, heart and hope for all of us women. Where ever you are listening to this, I hope you enjoy hearing these voices from many different walks of life and different countries. Happy International Women's Day A very special thank you to Sophie, Sarah, Sinead, Angie, Clare, Sarah, Kitty, Carole, Nora, Lucy and Claire for your wonderful words and to all of the women I know would have liked to contribute, had I been more prepared and given notice! Enjoy listening:-) Full episode and all others on www.elementsyoga.ie and if you enjoy this episode do share on social media and rate/review on Itunes.

Anthony is a Coru registered Physical Therapist & trained with ‘Anatomy in Motion' whose approach and practice is probably different from what you're used to. It was great to get to chat with Anthony about all things physical health and more… We chat about; Anthony's background and journey to working with people an their physicality What a physical therapist is traditionally seen as His curiosity and desire to learn not just want his handed down but through self inquiry and experience Anatomy in Motion and how that has shaped how he works now The body being the ultimate healer and empowering people to take ownership of their own health The necessity to improve our levels of interoception The importance of daily practices What is ‘movement' really? Enjoy the chat and don't forget to rate and review on Itunes:-) You can find this chat and all others on www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast

It was great to get to sit down with Lucy and talk about Yoga and health and particularly Women's health, in which Lucy is now focusing much of her work and study on. In this podcast episode, we chat about; -Her background and changing careers -Her interest in feminism and the feminist movement -Her views on women's health and how women can become more in tune and aware of their needs -Her experience with depression -Addressing causes for symptoms over ‘fixes' in the short term and much more. Enjoy:-) You can find this episode and all others on www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast

John Belton is a Dublin based business owner of his renowned training facility No.17 P/T. He has been working and involved in the business of fitness since 2004, and in that time seen a lot of changes personally and professionally. He is co-owner of ‘Flow State' and runs his own podcast ‘Success Stories'. I first met John in 2012, I have taught in his facilities, trained with him for a period of time, and he has spoken and coached on a number of events I've organised. He is someone I feel has a great deal of knowledge and insight to share and always comes across as very passionate and caring about the work he does. We sat down in January and chatted about; -HIs background and frustrations with the fitness industry -The bell curve for wellbeing and how health should be part of your life -Living to your true self in making business decisions -What is burnout and stress -John's personal experience with burnout and coming out the other side -Flow State and finding moments of potential -Self Awareness and lots more. Enjoy:-) You can find this episode and all others on www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast

Claire Walsh is a breath work practitioner, voice and movement coach and competitive freediver. When Claire is not under water or competing, she is based in Dublin offering workshops and talks. I met Claire in 2016 when we were attending aerial silks class and it has been so exciting to watch her progress and excel in the world of competitive freediving and her career. We had a great chat, about -Mental training -Performance -Getting scared and building resilience -Breathing -Body image and pressure of social media You can find the episode and links on www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast Enjoy:-)

This podcast has been such an adventure and learning experience this year and this episode features some of the highlights from all of the conversations. Featuring; Clare Mulvany Jody Kennedy Lou Horgan Kitty Maguire Eithne Kennedy Kathy Scott Thank you to everyone who has been tuning in and listening and if you want to access any of the episodes go to www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast Enjoy:-)

In this episode I sat down with creative director, event curator and Yoga teacher, Kathy Scott. This is a super episode and insightful on many levels. In this episode Kathy and I chat about; -Her interest in what it means to be Irish and the projects she has created asking this question. -Deep work and Burnout -Moon Medicine -Trauma -The waking feminists movement -Spirituality and the heroines journey -Practicing Yoga and embodiment practices in a feminine way -Holding Space and lots more…. I hope you enjoy this chat:-) You can access this episode and all others on www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast and rate/review on ITunes:-)

In this episode I sat down with James Higgins, an international Yoga teacher from San Francisco. I have been attending James immersion events in Dublin since 2016 and I can only describe the experiences as deeply transforming for me. When I first met James I felt connected to his ‘surfing' spirit and we managed to chat a little about surfing in this podcast:-) This is a great chat folks, about life, navigating our inner world, Yoga and much more. We cover aspects of; -James connection to Ireland -How Yoga began for him -Surfing -'Real' Yoga -Being inspired and not chasing a ‘carrot' -Vipassana -Taking time to do your practice You can access this episode and all others on www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast and if you can rate/review on Itunes:-) Enjoy:-)

In this episode I sat down with Mari Kennedy. Mari is based in Dublin and works as a Women's Leadership coach, an organisational and well being consultant, integral facilitator, Celtic wisdom holder and Yoga and Meditation teacher. It was a pleasure to chat with Mari and I hope you enjoy all the wisdom she shares. We chat about; -What is at the heart of the matter for Mari right now -The climate crisis and how we can hold space for hope -Her background in Yoga -Failure as disruption -Conflict -Reclaiming our feminine -Celtic Wisdom and what is has to offer in our modern lives You can access this episode and links on https://www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast and if you enjoy this chat, you can rate and review on Itunes and share on social media:-)

In this episode I got the great opportunity to speak with international Yoga teacher Rachel Land. It was so easy to chat with her about Yoga, anatomy, teaching and the passion she has for helping people in their lives. Rachel lives in Queenstown, New Zealand and travels to teach Yoga teacher trainings and workshops throughout the year. This chat will be of particular interest to any Yoga teachers or trainees:-) We chat about; -Her start and background in Yoga -How she began diving deeper into anatomical studies with Tiffany Cruikshank and Yoga Medicine -Her passion with helping people through Yoga for the rest of their lives off the mat -Common physical attributes she observes with Yoga students -Her writing -Her own practices for her physical and mental health -The concept of taking your time to find your voice as a Yoga teacher You can access this episode and links on https://www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast and if you enjoy this chat, go ahead and share it or rate and review on Itunes;-)

In this episode I sat down with the wonderful Liz Costigan Fleury. Liz is a Yoga teacher based in Dublin. Among many other offerings, she hosts retreats, teaches studio classes, and is a public speaker. It was an absolute pleasure chatting to Liz, she kindly slotted in some time for this chat into her busy day with her gorgeous twins. In the episode we chat about; -Her past life before becoming a Mother to her gorgeous twins -Her experience with being admitted to hospital at 23 weeks and having her babies at 28 weeks -How she quickly adapting to all the changes with Motherhood -the practices that supported her through some more difficult days You can access this episode and all links on https://www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast If you enjoy this chat, go ahead and share it or rate and review on Itunes:-)

A little snippet of some of the amazing conversations coming up in Series 3, stay tuned...Coming soon:-)

In this episode I sat down with the wonderful Katie Coldrick. Katie is a Yoga teacher, an amazing creative soul and fabulous chef. She offers Immersive Outdoor Experiences, including Surfing, Climbing, Yoga and yummy food. She also makes beautiful Pottery and runs creative workshops for individuals. It was an absolute pleasure chatting to Katie, she certainly exudes infectious enthusiasm and I hope you enjoy listening:-) In the episode we chat about; -Her interest and passion in Outdoor activities -Her physical experiences in her childhood and school -How her Outdoor experiences inform her Yoga -Nature and the concept of Interdependence and non separation -Repatterining Habitual responses -Leaning into resistance -Eating delicious food made with love -The importance of imitation allowing space for intuition To find out more about this episode and others you can visit https://www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast/ You can also rate and review the podcast on Itunes which would be an amazing thing to do today:-)

in this episode I sat down with the lovely Kitty Maguire. Kitty is a Yoga teacher specialising in Yin Yoga and Yoga for Women's bodies. She is the host of a range of special events annually for Women and she teaches weekly in studios in Dublin. It was an absolute pleasure chatting to Kitty, she oozes enthusiasm, warmth and passion. She is a true gem and I hope you enjoy listening:-) In the episode we chat about; -Her background and classical ballet training -Her first experiences with Yoga -Yoga as an invitation to community and connection -The repeal Referendum and her involvement in 2018 -Realisations of the importance of self support and self care -Yoga teachers NOT having it all together -Social media effects on Yoga teachers -Looking at emotions in a developmental way -Finding pleasure in the practice You can find out more about this episode and the podcast at https://www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast/

In this episode I sat down with Sarah Doyle. Sarah is a life coach based in Dublin and we talked about a lot. it was a real pleasure to chat with Sarah about work and life, she was extremely generous with her time and thoughts. In this episode we discuss; -What life coaching is -How her career as a life coach has evolved and changed -Self Compassion, how we cannot control everything -Miscarriage and loss -Allowing uncomfortable feelings -Setting boundaries and self care for carers -Becoming a mother -Self employment and what it takes -Facing setbacks Enjoy listening and to find out more you can visit https://www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast/ You can also review and rate this podcast on Itunes and that would be a great thing to do today!

In this episode I sat down with Andy in his studio in Terenure. Andy has been running the Movement Studio for 6 years now and continues to in his words organically grow and progress. We spoke about his background in Kickboxing, learning from injuries and experience informing how he coaches now. His passion for learning, creating a space for people to connect, to get what they want and need and creating community. His values in business, and how more is not always better, staying true to priorities. Andy has a heart of gold, and is driven by a true, genuine care for creating experiences for any individual coming into his studio. It was a pleasure chatting to him and I hope you enjoy our chat:-) To find out more visit https://www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast/ You can review and rate the podcast on Itunes and your review is greatly appreciated:-)

In this episode I sit down with Miriam Kerrins Hussey. We chat about her career change from pharmacy to a more holistic approach. She has a great perspective on moving from a sense of the ‘sick care system' to providing services and choices for people to heal and care for themselves in a preventative rather than treatment orientation. To find out more visit https://www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast/ You can review the podcast on Itunes and your review is greatly appreciated:-) Enjoy:-)

In this first episode of the second series, I sit down with Fiona O' Donnell. We talk about her experience to date with Mindfulness practices and Meditation. We discuss how these practices can help people in their everyday lives and she guides us through a short Gratitude practice in this episode. To find out more visit https://www.elementsyoga.ie/heartofthematterpodcast You can review the podcast on Itunes and your review is greatly appreciated:-)

In this bonus episode I sit down with Orla Mc Adam, a Yoga teacher and studio owner based in Blackrock, Co.Louth Orla and and I chat about; -Orla's path to Yoga practice from competing in Iron man's and healing from sports injuries. -Journeying from the concept of ‘no pain, no gain' to listening to your bodies needs. -Using other aspects of the teaching and practice of Yoga beyond the physical elements. -Having a well rounded movement practice -The positive elements of a competitive mindset -Bringing playfulness to the Yoga practice through Acro Yoga. -Knowing oneself and self care as an entrepreneur and business owner, finding balance. -The joy of running a studio in seeing the community expand and grow. -Moving through the curve balls and changes in life. -The Wim Hoff method asa tool to focus and create clarity. All links and notes on www.elemenstyoga.ie Enjoy:-)

In this episode I sit down with experienced Yoga teacher Lou Horgan Lou and I chat about; -Lou's teaching with a focus on women, areas of Yoga that are underdeveloped and under written. -The Red Tent in the past as the touchstone in the community. -Her journey with her own practice where she came to realise the lack of offering and awareness of what Women's bodies needed. -Women's lives constantly getting busier and a striving for perfection -Learning as Women to say No, moving into ‘Self 'Centered-ness' and power. -Pregnancy as an opportunity to become Embodied. -The practice of shedding, creating an intimacy with ‘The Big Letting Go' -Positive Birth Experiences -Women's sexual power All links and notes on www.elementsyoga.ie Enjoy:-)

In this episode I sit down with Michael Ryan, an experienced Yoga teacher in Dublin. Michael and I chat about; -The type or style of teaching Michael focuses on -Western ways of holding our bodies and Sympathetic nervous system responses -His experience with the Anusara method and the fall out following allegations against the founder John Friend -Practicing to support the process of accessing our own divine nature -Yoga is about change -Meditation practice -Meeting ourselves -Pain and discomfort -Teaching and Being of service All links and notes on www.elementsyoga.ie Enjoy:-)

In this episode I sit down with Eithne Kennedy who is a kinesiologist and Yoga teacher based in Dublin. Eithne and I chat about; -Her work as a Kinesiologist -Uncomfortable feelings in the body or mind as information -Acceptance in processes and steadiness with feelings that arise -Her first impressions of Yoga and journey to teaching -Using Yoga as a refuge -Her decision to leave her former career -Finding connection to ourselves, not just through work -Social media skewing our perspectives of life choices -How can we be of service? -How do you anything is how you do everything -Facilitating some process where we are a bit easier on ourselves All links and notes on www.elementsyoga.ie Enjoy:-)

In this episode I sit down with Dara O Boyle, he owns and runs a fitness and health facility in Dublin, Ireland. Dara and I chat about; -His priorities for his business, his reasons driving him and his sense of purpose. -His experience in Australia and being mentored by top coaches there. -Coaching and what makes a coach of value. -His love of the outdoors -The challenge he set for himself to run blindfold across the Wicklow hills, the moment of self belief he felt in that experience. -Surrendering to our experiences -The importance of the breath -The value of adversity and struggle in our lives. -Tuning in, self development and the role of introspection in coaching or teaching -Practices that Dara uses to ground or re-set. All links and notes on www.elementsyoga.ie Enjoy:-)

In this episode I sit down with Clare Mulvany. She is a writer, creative mentor, photographer and yoga teacher. Clare and I chat about; -Clare's perspective on social change -Concept of internal and external change -Soul Centric Growth -Yoga, Sea Swimming, relationship to ourselves and nature -How to inform change -The power of stories -Considering death as a daily practice -Crafting Narratives -The learning process -The wolf you choose to feed and much more. All links and notes on www.elementsyoga.ie Enjoy:-)

In this episode, I sit down with Jody Kennedy. He is a Personal trainer, ancestral health advocate, outdoor immersion and retreat leader. Jody and I chat about; -Ancestral Health -Individual Responsibility -Importance of Play -Performance has a price -Emotional constipation -Spirit Quest, his trip to Peru, the experience and the effects -Rites of Passage -The comfort levels of Modern Life -The importance of discipline -The hero's journey -Meditation and Breathwork All links and notes on www.elementsyoga.ie Enjoy:-)

An introduction from me Naomi. A little background on me and my intention with this first podcast Series. Enjoy listening and you can now Subscribe, rate and review on Itunes or where you are accessing the podcast:-)

A short trailer with a snippet of some of the conversations I have had for this podcast. This podcast will begin early 2019 with a first short series. I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with a selection of wonderful, interesting, creative and inspiring individuals. This first series includes discussions I had with people I have a great amount of respect and admiration for. The discussions meander and vary with these wisdom seekers and change makers from all walks of life and having carved their own unique paths and directions.