The Uplifted Yoga Podcast

What if your inner chaos is sacred? When I first pictured a yogi, I imagined someone always calm, serene… maybe even a little untouchable. But the more I've learned—through somatics, spirituality, and lived experience—the more I believe that true healing means feeling everything. Even rage. In this episode, we dive deep into:

Many students seek the unbroken lineage of yoga, and as someone who has extensively explored the origins and evolution of yoga I want to tell you… it's time to let that notion go. Yoga has a rich and diverse history that has been shaped through social and historical contexts. It has evolved from a spiritual endeavor to its modern physical interpretations with large impact from the industrial revolution. It's so important to understand the historical and cultural influences on yoga today, and how this practice has changed over time. So that's what I'll dive into in today's episode. Listen to learn:

If you're an Uplifted alumni you'll recognize today's guest from inside the training…Kristin Leal!!

We've talked about what the eight limbs of yoga are and where they came from (if you missed that episode just scroll a few back) but what is each limb's practical, energetic, and spiritual significance in modern life? From the ethical and personal observances of Yama and Niyama, respectively, to the physical aspects of Asana, the breath control of Pranayama, and the mental focus of Dharana. And of course how it all culminates in the exploration of Dhyana and Samadhi. The Eight Limbs are here to help you cut through the noise and come back to what really matters, this episode will explain how. Listen and learn:

I'm back with Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita! This is so dense I had to split it into two parts. Today we'll discuss verses 1-38. This chapter serves as a foundation for understanding the eternal nature of the soul (Atman) and the importance of non-attachment in the face of life's challenges. Let's look at Arjuna's emotional turmoil and Krishna's tough love approach, emphasizing the need for inner stability and the acceptance of life's transient nature. The emphasis on the immortality of the soul, the significance of understanding one's Dharma, and the win-win perspective in life. This chapter literally has all of Krishna's essential teachings. Making it a gold mine. Get ready to learn from the original life coach (Krishna):

Mother's day just passed and I thought this would be the perfect time to talk about something a lot of women deal with, especially after having kids: pelvic floor dysfunction. I invited Dr. Brianne Grogan, Physical Therapist and Pelvic Care Expert, to talk about the intricate relationship between trauma, stress, and pelvic floor health. I loved this conversation with Dr. Bri because she not only delves into practical techniques for pelvic floor release, sharing insights on effective cues for yoga teachers to enhance awareness and how to reconnect with the pelvic floor, but she also emphasizes the importance of understanding the pelvic area as a site of emotional storage and energetic power. Listen in as we explore how:

We're almost halfway through 2025, have you done a business check-in? The midpoint of the year is a great time to reflect on your business and your teaching. To self reflect and see if you are misdirecting your energy in your business or in your life. Today I'm going to give you my top five business tips to help you on your yoga teaching journey.  From embracing your unique content creation style to analyzing your numbers, and trusting there is enough for everyone - I hope this episode inspires you to do something helpful in your life or business today. Let's talk about:

We've all heard of the 8 Limbs of Yoga, but do you really know what they are? Today I'm going to explore the eight limbs of yoga, their origins, and their significance in spiritual practice. I'll look at each limb's purpose, giving a detailed examination, as well as the historical context of the Yoga Sutras. Get ready to finally gain a true understanding of: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.  I'll discuss:

Are you a newly certified yoga teacher struggling with the confidence to put yourself out there and teach? We've all been there, myself included. Whether you struggle with body-image like today's guest, imposter syndrome or money mindset, today's episode for you. Taylor Lorenz, my friend, colleague, and lead trainer of my Somatic Yoga Life Coaching program, shares her transformative journey from a full-time travel blogger to a confident yoga teacher and somatic coach. Let's discuss the insecurities many new yoga teachers face. Listen and learn:

When did we get disconnected from the body? Today I want to explore the historical context of body-based spirituality. We'll contrast traditional yoga's focus on enlightenment with somatic yoga's emphasis on healing and grounding. We'll analyze how Catholicism and Tantra might be viewed as more embodied spiritual practices, compared to Protestantism and The 8 Limbs of yoga. Let's nerd out on the significance of engaging the five senses in the healing process, the need for safe spaces in somatic practices, and the future potential of somatic work in personal healing and coaching. Listen and learn:

A lot of translators actually skip chapter one of the Bhagavad Gita, but I've found it to be one of my favorite chapters. This chapter sets the stage for the conflict and highlights the struggle between emotions and intellect. Something we all struggle with throughout our lives. Make sure to go back a couple of episodes and listen to my overview of the Bhagavad Gita, and get excited because chapter one is only the beginning of this amazing series! Let's explore:

Does YouTube intimidate or confuse you? Yeah, it confuses most of us. Recently one of my 300-hour graduates emailed in asking about all things YouTube. Rather than just respond to her email and answer her questions, I thought everyone could benefit from this conversation. Let's discuss the intricacies of building a successful YouTube channel and the importance of consistent content creation. Not only will I give you the inside scoop of how I use YouTube in my business, but I'll analyze my students channel and how she can optimize as well. If you have a YouTube channel you are not going to want to miss this one! Pull back the curtain on YouTube and discover:

Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Human Design expert and Master Coach, Emma Dunwoody. Emma shares her transformative journey from struggling with mental health issues to discovering both Human Design and the Gene Keys. She explains the intricate connections between these systems and how they can be used for self-discovery and personal growth. Emma emphasizes the importance of experimenting with your design and offers practical tips for yogis looking to explore this fascinating field. Tune in as Emma:

I have been wanting to do a deep dive on the Bhagavad Gita for years. This rich text is often called the “jewel” of the Mahabharata and can be kind of intimidating to talk about. There is so much to cover. That's why this podcast will be the first in a series about the Bhagavad Gita. We'll start with exploring the profound themes of this amazing text and contrasting it with the Yoga Sutras. We'll talk about how the dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna serves as a guide for navigating our own moral dilemmas. Listen and learn:

If your emotions are not being expressed, they're being repressed. And where do they go? Your body! You're probably not even aware of all of the emotions buried in your fascia right now. This can lead to a multitude of physical issues. That's why you want to move emotions through your body. We've all heard the phrase, “emotions are energy in motion.” But how do we deal with all of the feelings that arise throughout each day?  Listen and learn how to:

It seems we're all looking for the fountain of youth. Whether through the latest beauty products/treatments or botox and filler; techniques to maintain a youthful glow are increasingly popular. My guest today, Esther Moux, shares ancient beauty secrets rooted in Chinese Medicine. Esther gives us actionable tips for facial rejuvenation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of diet, lifestyle, and overall well-being. We also delve into the nuances of skincare, the importance of consistency in routines and the impact of genetics versus lifestyle on aging. Listen in to learn:

Get ready for part two of explaining the chakra yantras. If you didn't listen to part one, go back a few episodes and listen to that first. I previously discussed the geometric shapes associated with chakras 1, 2, & 3. Today I'm going to talk about the shapes that correspond to chakras 4 through 7. Let's go over the unique symbols, associated elements, and the energies represented in each. Visualize or draw your own yantra as you listen to:

Today I have the pleasure of talking to boss babe, Uplifted alumni & trainer, Carla Cline Thomas. Carla is a brilliant business strategist and one of the few business coaches I recommend to everyone. I love picking her brain on what trends she's seeing in the industry and the future of marketing; and today is no exception. Carla and I discuss what marketing yourself in the wellness industry will look like for 2025. SPOILER: It's not posting everyday. Take notes as Carla and I talk about:

In honor of Heart Chakra Day(a.k.a. Valentine's Day), I want to talk about gratitude. No matter where you're at in your wellness journey I'm sure you've heard all about the benefits of a gratitude practice. But where did gratitude practices originate? Let's look at how gratitude has shown up in texts like The Vedas and The Bhagavad Gita AND how you can approach your gratitude practice from a somatic lens. I'm going to answer questions like:

One of my dearest friends, and founder of Shakti School, Katie Silcox is back!! Today Katie and I are talking all things feminine. What is feminine energy? How does it appear and how do we embody it in yoga and ayurveda? Get all of these questions answered and learn more about feminine form kundalini, feminine ayurveda, and somatic movement. We're having a heart to heart about:

You know the chakra colors, and probably what poses to do to activate them. But do you know each one's yantra? Each chakra has a unique geometric symbol attached to it. Today I want to give you a detailed examination of the first three chakras yantras: the root chakra, sacral chakra, and solar plexus chakra and discuss their unique symbols, associated elements, and the energies they represent. Have some colorful pens and paper ready as we explore:

Today I have the pleasure of talking to Uplifted alum Corinne Maples. Corinne has taken ALL of the Uplifted training programs, from 200-hour to Embodied Yoga Life Coaching, and uses the skills she learned not only with her clients but in her everyday life. Corinne and I explore how to live your yoga through “kriya yoga.” We debunk self-care myths and explain how frivolous fun can lead to a more balanced life.  Tune in as we discuss:

It's a new year, and while making resolutions can be a great motivator to utilize this energy and create big shifts; it's easy to fall off the yoga bandwagon. I want to give you seven practical strategies to find a practice that you can rely on. Let's talk about the importance of not just lowering, but evolving expectations, embracing consistency over perfection, and finding personal anchor practices.  Listen and find out why you should… 

Today I chat with author, speaker, coach and modern ambassador for ancient magic, Mia Magik. Mia dives into the historical, cultural, and personal aspects of the witch wound, providing insights on how it affects expression, sexuality, creativity, and business. Mia also shares practical tips for overcoming the witch wound and embracing authenticity and leadership.   Tune in and learn:

Somatic practices are trending, but do you know where this mind-body practice originated? Today I want to explore the history and principles of somatic yoga. How it emphasizes the importance of the mind-body connection and the role of emotional release in your physical practice. From influential figures in the somatic space to common misconceptions.   Learn how to connect with your body on a deeper level as we look at how:

Do you ever feel like you're shaking with rage? Or do you tremble with anxiety? Because your body uses shaking as a means to release stress and trauma from the body! This is a normal response, but cultural conditioning has suppressed our natural inclination to shake off tension. It's important to care for our bodies, just as we would for pets, and learn to close the stress cycle. Somatic shaking can help.   Take a breath, give yourself a little shake, and let's talk about how:

Do you ever wonder how to discern your true intuitive voice from fear or habitual thoughts?    Today I talk to psychic medium Natalie Miles, who emphasizes there is no right or wrong way to receive intuitive messages. We talk about how intuition is tapping into your own inner power and knowing, and it communicates through the physical, emotional, and spiritual body; and the role of trust and the need to take action on intuitive messages. Natalie and I deep dive into how to cultivate a relationship with your intuition, tools to help harness your intuition and how to cultivate trust within yourself. Grab your oracle cards and get ready to nerd out with us on:

The season of giving is here, and you know what that means…it's time for your 2024 Yogi Holiday Gift Guide. If you're a yogi unsure what to ask for or a loved one trying to find the perfect gift for the yogi in your life, this episode has you covered. Get some paper and a pen ready to write down:

Today Natalie Valle, a multidisciplinary healer and leader in the wellness space, shares her journey into the world of yoga, sound healing, and Dharma coaching. She shares how yoga and meditation helped her find her purpose and led her to become a Nike mindfulness coach. Natalie also dishes on crucial pieces to finding your dharma and how using sound can help you manifest your desires. Listen in and discover:  

Back by popular demand; Guru Singh and I are together again. This time we are talking about the third eye and its significance in Kundalini. We talk about the anatomy of the third eye and the role it plays in receiving messages and then sending messages throughout the body. We also touch on the importance of balance in this powerful energy center. Grab some tea and deep dive with us on:  

Today I want to talk about something we all deal with, body image. I know this can be a complex topic, especially in relation to the yoga and wellness industry. There is still a need for more diverse role models in this space and when it comes to body image; embracing your unique body and self-acceptance is a journey that requires ongoing effort.  Let's talk about:  

A lot of us struggle with shame, self-sabotage, and setting boundaries. I know I used to! Andrea Owen, author and life coach, is here to tell you the hard truth. That shame is inevitable in life and it's not going away. BUT, self-compassion, empathy, and mindfulness are key components of building shame resilience. We also talk about how personal growth ebbs and flows and setting boundaries is essential. Yes it can be challenging, but it is important to prioritize your own needs and well-being. Listen in as Andrea explains:  

Do you ever catch yourself saying, “there's just not enough time in the day” or “I can't afford that right now”. These could be signs that you're living in a scarcity mindset. This is super common, especially amongst yoga practitioners, and can manifest itself in different ways. But you can break these negative belief patterns and foster a mindset of prosperity and trust in the universe. So refill your tea and let's talk about:  

Did you know that mantra activates the parasympathetic nervous system, and stimulates different parts of the body? Overall, mantra is seen as a vehicle for calming the mind, balancing the brain, activating the chakras, and connecting to universal consciousness. Today let's delve into the Sa Re Sa Sa mantra from the Kundalini tradition, its meaning and benefits:

Dissect the stages of Yoga Nidra with me and my friend, Caley Alyssa. Together, we'll dive into the emerging science behind deep yogic sleep. We'll also provide tons of practical tips (hello, heated blanket!) as two busy moms and yoga teachers who practice Yoga Nidra regularly. Discover: 

Have you ever fallen into this trap? I know you've heard me talk about how as healers we have a hard time charging for our services, but there is another trap we easily fall into similar to this: OVERGIVING. Meaning, you are offering way more than you're potentially charging for. This often comes from a place of insecurity, which is why showing up as your authentic self is so important.   Let's explore:

Today, Stephanie King, founder of My Essential Birth, shares her knowledge on natural childbirth and the importance of education and preparation. She emphasizes the need for knowledge and understanding of the birthing process, as well as hands-on techniques to align the body and prepare for contractions. Stephanie also discusses the significance of having a supportive birth provider and the role of visualization in creating a positive birth experience. All my expectant mamas out there you are not going to want to miss this one!   Tune in as she tells us all about:

Today I chat with master coach and spiritual psychologist, Christine Hassler. We talk about the impact your inner child can have on your everyday life and how the subconscious programming that is formed during childhood influences your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. She shares practical techniques for cultivating a relationship with your inner child, and emphasizes the significance of reparenting ourselves and meeting the unmet needs from our childhood. This conversation will give you valuable insights and tools for healing and personal growth.   Discover:  

Anger is a natural emotion that should be expressed and channeled in a healthy way. That's why today I want to discuss seven ways to release anger through your yoga practice. Expressing anger through movement is a powerful tool and surprise, you're probably more angry than you realize. There are various yoga poses and breathwork techniques that are well-suited for moving anger or grief and setting aside conscious time to grieve or rage is extremely therapeutic.   Listen in to learn:  

Monica Tschuggnall, a rapid transformational life coach and therapist, shares her journey of self-discovery and healing through yoga and hypnotherapy. She explains her methodology of using a multi-dimensional and holistic approach, including life coaching, hypnotherapy, breathwork, yoga, and meditation, to help her clients overcome limiting beliefs and create positive change. She also discusses the importance of self-care practices and daily rituals in maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life.   Monika teaches us: 

Today, let's explore the difference between traditional yoga and somatic yoga. While traditional yoga focuses on alignment, somatic yoga allows you to process and deeply feel your emotions. I will never tell you not to do a traditional yoga class, There is an incredible amount of value there and I have so much love for yogic tradition. But, I would like to encourage you to bring more somatic movement into your practice. Let's discuss:

Let's delve into the realm of the subconscious with my long lost friend, Allison Roman! Allison and I used to teach yoga together in San Francisco a decade ago, but reconnected on Instagram, and I got curious about her work as a Transformation Holistic Hypnotherapist who specializes in the subconscious. Your subconscious is making most of your major decisions. Even if you bring awareness of your patterning into the moment, it's often not enough and in some cases, can keep you stuck!  Nerd out with us on: 

After releasing The Origins of Kundalini episodes I started receiving even more questions about this profound practice and its traditions. So of course I called up Guru Singh and he was happy to come back to answer more of your burning questions.  Listen in to learn:

Today, Matilde Wergeland, Uplifted alum, holistic health expert, and founder of HEALTH BY M, shares her journey of building a successful business after yoga teacher training. She also shares insights on creating a membership site, focusing on quality over quantity and curating a unique experience for members. Matilde explains that if you JUST REACH OUT you'll be surprised at how many people want to work with you!! Listen in as we dish on how to:

Yoga teachers, this one's for you!!  Investing in a professional yoga photoshoot is worth it for yoga teachers looking to grow their business. It uplevels your energetic game and shows your commitment to your brand. Having beautiful photographs and a standout brand helps you grow faster and attract your ideal clients. I wish I had done more professional photoshoots at the beginning of my business. Now I do them regularly to keep my branding up to date and have the most variety I can to choose from. In this episode, I'll give you my best tips on planning the ultimate yoga photoshoot. I'll go over why you should:

Sex dreams don't mean what you think, nightmares are good for you, and the divine is fueling your transformation as you sleep. Welcome to my conversation with dream analyst and eastern/western archetypes expert, Kari Hohne. According to Kari, when we sleep, our highest self is communicating with us. Everything we see in dreams can fuel our personal evolution. Kari even interprets one of my dreams on the show – and the results are SO spot on. It's scary! Listen and learn: 

Emotional processing is essential for humans, but our society doesn't value or provide time for it. This is why when you finally have some space, like on a vacation perhaps, you may get hit with a trauma response seemingly out of nowhere. Just like it did for me on my recent trip to Paris. I'm not just talking about the ones we all know, fight, flight, and freeze. There are three more “F”s that belong to that system! Today I want to share with you the DENT(Dynamic Experiential Narrative Theory) model of trauma.  Let's discuss:

Yogi Bryan is arguably one of the most successful online yoga teachers. And today, he shares his journey of creating a niche brand as a yoga teacher and the success he has achieved on Instagram with me! It all started with a parody yoga Instagram account that led to actually falling in love with yoga, becoming a certified teacher and creating meditation audios and podcasts, which gained popularity and led to wild online growth. We're talking going from 100,000 to 700,000 followers in just two months

Let's continue the discussion with my Kundalini University partner Guru Singh on the origins of kundalini yoga and the Yogi Bhajan scandal. PAUSE!! If you haven't listened to Part 1 of this conversation, go back a few episodes and make sure you listen to that first.  No stone is left unturned in this juicy conversation. In part two we discuss:

As relaxing as your practice can be, it's also about building that strength and that willpower to keep coming back. But what gives you the motivation to be consistent? In this episode you'll discover: