Podcast appearances and mentions of holly skodis

As a corporate advisor for ethical start-ups, Margaux finds balance with her daily yoga and meditation practice. She is certified in holistic plant-based nutrition, with a focus on longevity, and has studied what the longest living people on earth have in common. Her upcoming virtual longevity summit will be a gift for mothers and families. In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Margaux Khoury talk about Margaux's upcoming summit, Rising Mothers. They also discuss the differences between being plant-based and vegan, unschooling and eating a healthy diet.Connect with Margaux:LinkedIn: @ Margaux KhouryWebsite: Rising Mothers Summit

Gayatri Sehgal is currently a graduate student at LMU's Yoga Studies program. They also create online content on Instagram and Youtube around intersectional anti-speciesism, Yoga philosophy, environmental justice, and their personal journey under the alias @goddessgaya. She is also on the board of the Compassion Consortium. Their spiritual practice consists of activism as an embodiment of dharma and yogic ethics, yogāsana and mindfulness, bhakti, mysticism, and of course, living the vegan lifestyle. She offers coaching for activists and aspiring vegans which can be found on the highest tier of their Patreon or by reaching out to their email: patreon.com/goddessgaya or gsehgal24@gmail.com .In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Gayatri Sehgal discuss the following:Bari Gratton, Meghan Maris, Courtney Ng, Gayatri Sehgal and Shuo Wang's Open letter to Yoga Alliance to Shape a Better Future for YogaVeganism and Caste Systems in India Brahmin Vegetarianism Yoga Inc. DocumentaryThe differences between Yoga, yoga and yogasanaModern Yoga Studies: Critical History, Anthropology and Methodology at Arihanta AcademyConnect with Gayatri Sehgal:Instagram: @goddessgayaPatreon:GoddessgayaYouTube: Goddess Gaya

Lauryn Glass is a vegan animal rights activists, licensed mental health therapist and a 200 hour trained yoga teacher. She has a plant-based nutrition certification from ECornell and is raising two young healthy vegan kids (9 & 3) with her husband in the Midwest. Lauryn uses social media to share information, tips & recipes in favor of the vegan lifestyle. She hopes to provoke thought in others that will help them recognize that the desire for life, love and freedom is the same in all living beings. Lauryn has been regularly practicing yoga since 2007 and found it to be extremely beneficial during many mental, physical & emotional personal life changes and experiences. This eventually led her to pursue her own teacher yoga training in 2018. As far as she can remember, during the years of practice in many states at many studios, with many teachers, veganism was mentioned one time - in teacher training briefly and that was it. In December of 2019 Lauryn & her family began to shift to vegetarian eating and one afternoon in January 2021, Lauryn learned the whole truth about how animals are used and made into products and overnight, the house was vegan. Her meat loving husband came home from work and she told him he could do what he wanted but she would never be buying, eating, cooking or touching another animal product again! He has been happily vegan ever since as well. Of course, Lauryn's own personal yoga practice was a huge part of her spiritual journey, evolution, unlearning speciesism and choice of new lifestyle, but it was not until reading the book "Yoga and Veganism," and really understanding the ins and outs of our food system, that Lauryn made the real connection that: YOGA IS VEGAN! She believes that it isn't just yoga though, it is everything that we say we are as people! We say we treat others how we want to be treated, we say we are kind, in favor of justice, equality, peace, freedom, love, a healthy planet, healthy minds, bodies & souls. Lauryn shares tips, truths & her self-taught vegan recipes on her social media pages @veganyogamomma on Instagram and TikTok. She posts her recipes on a blog: www.veganyogamomma.com. You can currently hear her on weekly podcast episodes as a cohost of: "Vegan Sunday School" on the Vegan of Course podcast. She loves to inspire others to break themselves from the societal conditioning and reunite with their own true & inherent compassion for all living beings on or off of the yoga mat. Lauryn & her family love exploring the growing vegan scene in their city & checking out all of the new vegan items on the shelves at the market every week! In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Lauryn Glass talk about her vegan/yoga journey and raising a family vegan in the midwest. Connect with Lauryn:Tik Tok: @veganyogamammaInstagram: @veganyogamommaWebsite: veganyogamamma.comPodcast: Vegan Of Course "Vegan Sunday School"

Sarah Salluzzo cofounded Lancaster Farm Sanctuary in 2017. She holds an MSW and MA in media studies and previously worked in substance abuse rehabilitation. She now works full-time at LFS as the Executive Director and is the board president.Jonina Turzi cofounded Lancaster Farm Sanctuary in 2017. She is passionate about advancing the well-being of humans and animals. She holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy as well as several certifications in healthcare and wellness. In addition to serving as Vice President on the board of LFS, she runs a private PT practice in Lancaster City.In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis, Sarah Salluzzo and Jonina Turzi discuss the following;Reproductive InjusticeFood InjustriceDairy farming practicesThe Egg industry and backyard chickensYIV Episode 29- Jonina Turzi: Social Transformation Through Yoga, Ahimsa and VeganismUniversal Declaration of Human RightsUniversal Declaration of Sentient Rights Connect with Lancaster Farm Sanctuary:Website: lancasterfarmsanctuary.org

Christopher Jain Miller is the VP of Academic Affairs and Professor of Jain and Yoga Studies at Arihanta Academy. He completed his Ph.D. in the study of Religion at the University of California, Davis, and his current research focuses on applied Jain dharma and the ways by which Jain principles can be lived in daily life. Christopher is the author of a number of articles and book chapters concerned with Jain dharma, Jain veganism, the history and practice of modern yoga, yoga and politics, and yoga philosophy and is a co-editor of the volume Beacons of Dharma: Spiritual Exemplars for the Modern Age (Lexington 2019). He lectures internationally on Jain and yoga topics and is a certified continuing education provider for the Yoga Alliance. He is the academic advisor for the global Jain Vegan Initiative to promote a vegan lifestyle in light of the Jain principles of non-violence, compassion, and karma.In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Christopher Jain Miller discuss the following:Ahimsa and its role in both Yoga and the Jain religion. History of contemporary JainismKarma and its relationship to samskarasHatha Yoga Pradipika Jain Vegan InitativeArihanta AcademyConnect with Christopher Jain Miller:Instagram: @theyogaprofessorFacebook: @ChristopherJainMillerWebsite: arihanta-academy.com Fall 2022 Classes:Ahimsa, Animal Advocacy, and Veganism with Hope BohanecBeyond Vegetarianism: Jain Veganism and the Promotion of Ahimsa - Nisha Mehta, Pratik Bhansali, Sunny Jain Modern Yoga Studies: Critical History, Anthropology and Methodology- Professor Christopher Jain Miller, PhD

Holly Skodis is the founder of Yoga is Vegan a project and podcast dedicated to helping Yogis embrace Veganism. Holly has been featured on Jane Unchained's Lunch Break Live, Vegan Health & Fitness Magazine, and Angelika Buettners, "I AM", a Quest to Empower Women, and Portray Ageless Beauty Coffee Table Book.

Legendary yoga teacher Sri Dharma Mittra first encountered yoga as a teenager before meeting his guru in 1964 and beginning his training in earnest. Sri Dharma founded one of the early independent schools of yoga in New York City in 1975 and has taught many tens of thousands the world over in the years since. Sri Dharma is the model and creator of The Master Yoga Chart of 908 Postures, the author of ASANAS: 608 Yoga Poses, the LOAY Teachers' Manual and Yoga Wisdom, has released two DVDs to date – Maha Sadhana Levels I and II, and recently captured classes are available for streaming via alomoves.com, YogaJournal.com and Vimeo On Demand. Sri Dharma continues to disseminate the complete traditional science of yoga through daily classes, international workshops and his Life of a Yogi Teacher Trainings at the Dharma Yoga New York Center. For more information on all things Dharma Yoga, please visit: www.dharmayogacenter.com.In this episode Holly Skodis interviews Sri Dharma Mittra about the role of the teacher, yogic practices and veganism for spiritual development. Topics discussed in this episode: Sri Dharma Mittra's Guru Sri Swami Kailashananda a.k.a. Yogi GuptaAhimsaThe Sattvic DietThe role of vegan foods in a spiritual practice The condition of the soulReincarnation and the meaning of lifeRaja YogaYoga Nidra Karma YogaMeditation Yoga Postures

Stefanie Ignoffo is a Plant Interventionist, Lifestyle Medicine Coach and Food For LIfe Instructor with the Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine. She is also the CEO & Founder of Plantspiration® NFP INC. After transitioning her family to plants in 2013, Stefanie lost 100 pounds. As a family, they lost a total of 250 pounds and reversed their chronic diseases. Stefanie has made it her mission to educate, motivate and inspire people all over the world to Eat Your Plants Off, prevent and reverse disease, lose weight and maintain this wonderful lifestyle. In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Stefanie Ignoffo discuss the following:Becoming a Food For Life Instructor through PCRMUnprocessed: How to achieve vibrant health and your idea weight by Chef AJTransitioning Your Family to a Whole Foods Plantbased Vegan DIetWeight loss and strugglesStefanie's reversal of diverticulitis Incorporating Yoga into the Plantspiration's Support GroupDr. Brooke Goldner's Smoothie Shred

Hate something? Change something!Born at the beginning of the 60s, Stewart experienced the hippy revolution, punk rock, new wave, two tone, reggae and much more in the diverse politicised atmosphere of Thatcherist Britain. Leading a wild, nihilistic, and hedonostic lifestyle led him to a multitude of years and experiences with hallucinogenics, shamanism and ethnobotany both recreationally and spiritually. The new age travellers and the second summer of love in the UK, where Rave and Ecstacy redefined alternative culture and reinvigorated the esoteric arts, which kindled an interest in buddhism and yoga in Stewart. Following a severe back injury Stewart experienced an amazing recovery through intensive Astanga Vinyasa Mysore yoga practice.Stewart's sadhana led him toward an extensive yoga education with teachers from around the world who have had a profound effect on his style of teaching.A devoted activist in a wide range of issues: the Arms trade and nuclear disarmament, human and animal rights, environmental and ecological issues, anti-racist/fascist, pro LGBTQ, anti capitalist and anti poverty. He spent 10 years as a youth worker and teacher within the voluntary sector before training as a Lawyer in inner city London. Stewart relates his radical traditionalist approach to Yoga to include these important modern issues and his experiences therein. With great respect to the founders for their activism in animal rights he qualified as a Jivamukti teacher in 2003 and since has taught extensively in London and worldwide with annual retreats workshops in India and Sri Lanka. Stewart is a Senior Registered Yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance. He founded East London School of Yoga and has been teaching Teacher Training for 8 years. He is currently studying at SOAS University toward an MA in Traditions of Yoga and Meditation with hopes of research toward a Phd. Stewart is eternally grateful to Hamish Hendry (Astanga London), Sabel Thaim, Jennifer Dale,Sri K Patthabi Jois, Sri Shreshadree (Mysore), and David Life and Sharon Gannon (Jivamukti Yoga) who all contributed greatly to change his life. He is also very sorry to everyone and everything who he harmed before yoga.In this episode Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Stewart Gilchrist discuss the following:Vegan Health and Fitness Magazine Yoga EditionKate Magic Nature's First Law: The Raw-Food Diet by Stephen Arlin, David Wolfe, Fouad Dini, R.C. Dini, Marc Wolfe and Ken SeaneStew's experience getting sick on a mono fruitarian diet in colder climatesOrthorexia Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li Shinrin-yoku Reclaim the StreetsExtinction RebellionGMOSThe Farm TennesseeSugar and bone charStew's experience getting CovidA Handbook for Yogasana Teachers by Mel Robin Hooked on Raw: Rejuvenate Your Body and Should With Nature's Living Foods by RhioRaw: The Uncook Book: New Vegetarian Food for Life by Juliano Brotman and Erika LenkertDr. Douglas N. GrahamConscious Eating by Gabriel Cousens M.D.

Bobbi Paidel is a Hatha Yogi & Sadhak who spends most of her days traveling or living in northern India studying meditation & the wisdom of the vedas. Bobbi grew up on a second generation cattle ranch in southern Alberta, Canada, had a promising career in the global fashion industry and was continually struggling with addiction & mental health issues. That all changed when Bobbi met her Guru in India, devoted her life to Yoga, sadhana & sobriety, became a compassionate, animal loving vegan, and left her fashion career to found a charity for children living with HIV+ in India. She accredits her transformation to the way of ahimsa as demonstrated by her Guru and the power behind a daily, personal practice. In this episode Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Bobbi Paidel discuss the following:The differences between Yoga in India and what's being taught to westernersYoga Alliance and it's disconnect with traditional Yoga Bobbi's Guru Swami ShyamThe role of sobriety within the Yoga practiceTribe of Lambs A charity co-founded by Bobbi that provides funding for children living with HIV in India.Connect with Bobbi:Instagram: @bobbipaidelPodcast: A Curious YogiWebsite: bobbipaidel.com

Alfredo Meschi, is a theatre teacher, an author and a contemporary artist. In 2016 he chose to become a total manifesto, a permanent performance, covering his whole body with 40,000 "X" tattoos, representing the animals killed worldwide every second, just to satisfy our palate. Nowadays his artivisim involves hundreds of thousands of people all over the world, spreading through both institutional and informal contemporary art spaces.In this episode Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Alfredo Meschi talk about Alfredo's artivism project In the Blink of An Eye. If you are unfamiliar with the term artivism, its the combination of the two words activism and artist where the body of work is decidedly linked to activism. We also talk about ahimsa and how it's directly related to this project.Connect with Alfredo:Website: intheblink.orgInstagram: @alfredomeschix

Danielle's passion for movement as medicine is firmly grounded in her personal struggle with scoliosis, and the lessons she has learned along the difficult path of living in a warped body. Through exploring various movement modalities over the past 20 years, Danielle has certified in various forms of yoga, aerial arts, Pilates, Gyrotonic ® Method, and her most recent interest has taken her down the path of Iyengar Yoga. Danielle seeks to change the way her students view their bodies, to inspire them to make positive lifestyle choices and to help guide the way toward total holistic health of mind and body. Called a ‘teacher's teacher, her classes are detail oriented and require presence and curiosity from all who attend. In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Danielle Lowy discuss the following:Developing a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Patanjali's Yoga sutra 2:26 and how it relates to veganismIyengar YogaDanielle's new pilates and Yoga Studio Alma.

Karo Tak is a vegan chef, food coach, yoga teacher and activist. She has traveled the world to teach yoga, talk about her activism, facilitate vegan cooking classes and compassionately spread the word for animals worldwide. She lives in Amsterdam where she facilitates yoga retreat catering and plant based food coaching/ consulting with my companyTHE PINK KITCHEN. She is currently studying in the UK to become an AYURVEDIC HEALTH COACH at DRU YOGA UK and she's doing a 500hr Yoga Teacher Training at EAST LONDON SCHOOL OF YOGA with her precious teacher, fellow activist and friend Stewart Gilchrist.Karo graciouslly returns once again for a special reset of the Yoga is Vegan Podcast. In episode 124 YIV's Holly Skodis and Karo talk about losing and regaining faith in humanity. They discuss the importance of taking breaks allowing space for creative projects. They also talk about the state of Yoga today and what we can do as Vegans and Yogis to move forward in today's world with compassion. Karo has previously been on the podcast on Ep 25- Food, Yoga & Activism and Ep 117- Karo Tak is in The Pink. Karo also wrote a beautiful piece as a Featured Yogi

Uma VaShi Devi Lescault devoted her life to Yoga, when she found her Gurus' at age 10. Sat Manav Yoga Ashram, where Uma resides with her gurus, Sri Bhagavan VaShi Baba and Sri Mirabai Ishwari, and fellow yogis, is a place dedicated to practicing, living and sharing the classical teachings of Yoga. Through practice and emanation, retreats, classes, monthly festivals, and many other offerings we illuminate the ultimate intention of Yoga, to embody our true purpose as human beings, so we can change the world! In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Uma VaShi Devi Lescault talk about what it's like to be part of an Ashram. We talk about the sattvic diet and how it's related to prana. We also discuss their sister studio Sat Manav Tatoos & Talismans and their artist Bhagavan Das Shyam.

nico is an activist and a scholar. They completed their M.A. in Animal Studies from New York University, and have led grassroots animal rights and environmental protection campaigns in Colombia, Colorado, New York, and California. They focus on activism and scholarship that address Big Meat's devastating harms with the urgency they demand, and is currently working on a book, Ban Meat? A Not-So-Radical Policy Proposal. You can learn more and connect with nico here.In this episode nico stubler and Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis discuss the following:nico's chapter in the newly released book, Vegan Entanglements: Dismantiling Racial and Carceral Capitalism by Z. Zane McNeill (editor)Durga Farms New ZealandEating Animals by Jonathan Safran FoerYoga philosophy and where it intersects with veganismJustin MarceauArturo Jose Garcia Yoga is Vegan Episode 105No More Factory Farmsnico's upcoming book Ban Meat Connect with nico:Instagram: @nico.stubler

Holly Skodis shares how the journey of redefining yoga, for herself, has helped her throughout life, how yoga helped her feel at home again in her body after giving birth, and how her combined passions have led to the Yoga is Vegan project.To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: lytyoga.com/blog/category/podcasts/Resources:hollyskodis.comyogaisvegan.comInstagram: @hollyskodisRedefining Yoga is a production of Crate Media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Andrew Sealy talk about activism and attractivism and how leading by example works to inspire others to go vegan. We talk about his recent trip to Egypt, And as per usual, we talk about Andrew's vegan and yoga journey. Andrew Sealy is a connection catalyst, a yoga artist, and a movement creator. He is internationally recognized for his yoga teachings and wellness leadership. Andrew's teachings of Compassionate Self Love and Infinite Positive Potential inspire practitioners of all walks of life worldwide. Through the unique practice of Yoga and Mindful Living, Andrew embodies progressive knowledge while positively empowering his students with the tools needed for sustainable growth. Andrew's teachings aim to answer the question: How can we adapt to create and evolve to sustain?Connect with Andrew:Website: andrew7sealy.comInstagram: @andrew7sealyVegan 24 Day Challenge: https://www.24dayveganchallenge.com/Glo Protein: https://gloveganprotein.com/Imiloa Retreat 2022, Costa Rica Feb 16-21https://imiloainstitute.com/retreat/empowered-embodiment/

In today's episode, Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Lara Heimann talk about how common it is that yoga teachers complete Yoga Teacher Trainings without understanding how the body works. We discuss incorporating veganism into Yoga and we talk about Lara's vegan journey.The seeds of Lara's fascination with the brain-body connection were planted at the tender age of 18 as she laced up her running shoes for a marathon she had not trained for. Hitting the wall at mile 20, Lara learned that she could overcome physical fatigue with mental strength and powered herself across the finish line and into a lifelong quest to learn about the physical-mental relationship. She went on to get a BA from Duke University in Biological Anthropology and Anatomy, an MS from Duke University in Physical Therapy, and a Neurodevelopmental Training Certification through Stanford University.In 1999, after several years of yoga practice and teaching, Lara took a 200-hour yoga teacher training and was shocked to learn that most yoga doesn't inform about body awareness and mechanics. In the years to follow, Lara created her LYT Yoga Method®, combining physiology, kinesiology, neurology, and functional movement patterns to yield a more cohesive philosophy.Lara Heimann is an international yoga pioneer and Physical Therapist focused on evolving the practice of yoga to empower movement and balance amidst a modern lifestyle of technology and sedentariness. She is redefining the modern practice of yoga through her comprehensive LYT Method®, emphasizing smart alignment, functional movement, and spiritual wellness. Lara has taught her methodology to thousands of students in more than 50 countries and has led workshops worldwide to speak about and explore consciousness, anatomy and purposeful movement. She is a regular contributor to Women Fitness, and has been featured in outlets like NBC News, Today Show, Inside Edition, Yahoo, Shape, Scientific American, MSN, Nylon, Pop Sugar, Elite Daily, Well+Good and so many more. She has also partnered with the New York City Department of Transportation to lead a city-wide yoga class to nearly 400 participants during its Summer Streets initiative. Through its holistic connection between body and mind, Lara's methodology is a clear and influential roadmap to ignite the spirit to operate at its highest potential. Coined a “yoga mama” by students across the globe, and a teacher of teachers, Lara is also a certified Natural Food Chef (Natural Kitchen Cooking School) and Holistic Health Coach (Institute of Integrative Nutrition) who champions healthy habits beyond the mat and advocates for the environment and all species of animals. In today's episode, Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Lara Heimann talk about how common it is that yoga teachers complete Yoga Teacher Trainings without understanding how the body works. We discuss incorporating veganism into Yoga and we talk about Lara's vegan journey.Connect with Lara:Website: lytyoga.com Instagram: @lara.heimannTo you want to support this show? If you enjoy the Yoga is Vegan podcast a great way to show your support is by leaving a review on the Apple Podcasts app. This helps other find the podcast and hopefully find the connection between Yoga and Veganism. Following the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts helps also.

Dean Ornish, M.D., is the founder and president of the nonprofit Preventive Medicine Research Institute, clinical professor of medicine at the UCSF, and the author of six books, all national bestsellers. He received the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award from the University of Texas, Austin, and the National Public Health Hero Award from the University of California, Berkeley. He was recognized as a “TIME 100 Innovator;” by Life magazine as “one of the 50 most influential members of his generation;” by People magazine as “one of the most interesting people of the year;” and by Forbes magazine as “one of the world's 7 most powerful teachers.”In this episode Dr. Dean Ornish & Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis discuss the following:•Swami Satchitananda's influence on Dr. Dean Ornish's life's work.•UNDO IT! How Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Reverse Most Chronic Diseases. By Dean Ornish, M.D. and Anne Ornish•Boosting our immune system•Bringing more love into our lives during the pandemic. Connect with Dr. Dean Ornish:Website: deanornish.com Instagram:@deanornishmdTwitter: @deanornishmd

Karo focuses on 3 things. FOOD, YOGA AND ACTIVISM. She is a vegan chef, Jivamukti Yoga teacher and activist. For years now she has been bringing these elements together, traveling the world to teach Jivamukti Yoga, talk about animal rights, teach cooking classes and compassionately spreads the word for animals worldwide. She dedicates herself to several causes and projects and a huge part of her activism is her podcast called GO FOR YOUR LIFE.She runs her own company called: IN THE PINK, with which she focuses on vegan cooking for workshops and retreats, food and life coaching and yoga teaching. She also runs the kitchen at a vegan lunchroom in Amsterdam called Lunchroom Bataat and is currently studying to become a vegan Ayurvedic health coach. Karo lives in Amsterdam with her sweet dog Sparky and her partner Miguel.In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Karo Tak discuss activism burnout, some of Karo's most meaningful activism moments, yoga, and veganizing Ayurveda. Links discussed in the intro:Yoga For All featured Yogi piece by Karo TakYIV podcast Episode 25- Karo Tak: Food, Yoga & ActivismThe Karo Special Edition Tank To be featured on the Yoga is Vegan IG and Websiteemail your story about why you went vegan and how it relates to your yoga practice. Please also include 2 nice images of you, preferably in a yoga pose or with an animal. Make sure to include your IG handle and your name and state or country you live in. Submissions entered before October 31st will be entered into a drawing. The randomly selected lucky winner will receive an available Yoga is Vegan tank top of their choosing. Connect with Karo:Website: karotak.comInstagram: @goforyourlife and @inthepinkPodcast: Go For Your Life

Dr. Sailesh Rao has over three decades of professional experience and is the Founder and Executive Director of Climate Healers, a non-profit dedicated towards healing the Earth's climate. A systems specialist with a Ph. D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, Dr. Rao worked on the internet communications infrastructure for twenty years after graduation. During this period, he blazed the trail for high speed signal processing chips and technologies for High Definition Television, real-time video communications and the transformation of early analog internet connections to more robust digital connections, while accelerating their speeds ten-fold. Today, over a billion internet connections deploy the communications protocol that he designed. He received five Exceptional Contribution Awards from AT&T Bell Laboratories between 1985 and 1991, a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff award in 1990, the Intel Principal Engineer Award in 2003, and the IIT Madras Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2013 for his technical contributions. He is the author of 22 peer-reviewed technical papers, 50 standards contributions, 10 US patents and 3 Canadian patents. He was the co-founder of Silicon Design Experts in 1991 which was acquired by Level One Communications in 1996 and which was later acquired by Intel Corporation in 1999 for $2.2 billion.In 2006, he switched careers and became deeply immersed, full time, in solving the environmental crises affecting humanity. Dr. Rao is the author of two books, Carbon Dharma: The Occupation of Butterflies and Carbon Yoga: The Vegan Metamorphosis, and an Executive Producer of four documentaries, The Human Experiment (2013), Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014), What The Health (2017), and A Prayer for Compassion (2019). Dr. Rao is a Human, Earth and Animal Liberation (HEAL) activist, husband, dad and since 2010, a star-struck grandfather. He has promised his granddaughter, Kimaya Rainy Rao, that the world will be largely Vegan before she turns 16 in 2026, so that people will stop eating her relatives, the animals. He has faith that humanity will transform to keep his pinky promise to Kimaya, not just for ethical reasons, but also out of sheer ecological necessity. Along with Kimaya, Dr. Rao was the co-recipient of the inaugural Homo Ahimsa award from the Interfaith Vegan Coalition in 2021. He has formally taken the Ubuntu pledge to become Homo Ahimsa.In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Climate Healers' Sailesh Rao discuss shifting towards a new phase of humanity (homo ahimsa) and becoming a Vegan World by 2026.Connect with Sailesh Rao:Website: climatehealers.org

Berenice Miles is a vegan yoga teacher and yoga therapist. After living eight years abroad, she loves to call south of France home. She discovered yoga several years ago and hated her first yoga class. Yet, she embarked on the yoga journey by chance. Today, sharing yoga and helping human beings to get better with yoga is her greatest source of joy and gratitude. Yoga has been, and still is, a stepping stone in her recovery from anxiety, PTSD and eating disorders.In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Berenice Miles discuss the following:Berenice's eating disorder and the role of veganismYoga therapy for people with eating disordersHow to pick a yoga teacherThe Wisdom of Trauma. Can our Deepest Pain be a Doorway to Healing? Featuring Dr. Gabor MatéWhen the Body Says No: Understanding the Stress Disease Connection by Gabor MatéConnect with Berenice:YouTube: Berenice MilesWebsite: berenicemiles.comFacebook: @bereniceMiles

Swamini Amma Niradhara is a Vedic Vegan, Agnihotri, Sannyasi, Spiritual Mother & Resident Managing Director of SwAr Ashram & its small grass-roots charity NGO located in an ancient heritage hermitage in rural India, along the banks of the most holy River Narmada. She is providing educational initiatives in English, Computers & Yoga, supporting girls with Moon Cycle educational Satsang as an integral part of monthly Yoga Camps, providing eco & bio-friendly cloth fem pads, empowering girls to attend school while caring for their sacred time of the month. Her breadth of experience as a Teacher bridges East & West, illuminating the deep waters that flow between culture, philosophy, lifestyle & ethics. E-RYT500 Experienced Yoga Teacher & CYT-300, Yoga Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, YACEP provider, Ordained Interfaith Minister (formerly a max security women's prison Minister).In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Amma Niradhara discuss the following:The Yamas and the Niyamas and how they relate to veganismThe Textbook of Yoga Psychology - The Definitive Translation and Interpretation of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras by Rammurti S. Mishra The traditional Indian vegetarian diet Ahimsa DairiesConnect with Niradhara:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/inneryajnyaWebsite: https://swarashram.comInstagram: @swarashramFacebook: @eyeSwArAsharam

Whitney Pérez-Wright (she/her) is cardiovascular/critical care RN who has served in COVID ICU and recently experienced the effects of the virus personally. She strives to employ the principles that she has learned from the ancient technology of yoga passed down to her by her teachers, to help her serve other people. She has a passion for helping the world come together and heal in every way. She currently resides in Colorado with her partner Sam along with her animal companions.In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Whitney Pérez-Wright discuss our duty as Yogis to practice what we preach, especially during COVID. Topics discussed:Spiritual bypassingMasksVaccinesFinding compassion for each otherHow to deal with COVID if you get itConnect with WhitneyPérez-WrightInstagram: @whitney__starkEmail: whitnery.koerper@gmail.com

Adriane Marie is an ethical consumerism advocate. She founded HEALabel, a website and app to help spread awareness about how our purchases impact health, the environment, animals and laborers. Adriane is also the author and illustrator of the kids book "The Roots Of Our Food". She enjoys studying and teaching all aspects of consumer mindfulness in order to help others in their lives in the name of personal and societal improvement and empowerment.In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Adriane Marie discuss the following:The EWG's Clean 15 and Dirty DozenPalm Oil DeforestationCoconuts and Monkey LaborWater consumption and food productionIndia and cotton production Subscribe & Listen: Listen & Subscribe on Spotify Connect with Adriane Marie:Website: app.healable.comFacebook: @HEALableInstagram: @HEALable

John Smrtic, JD, Advanced Certification Jivamukti Yoga, teaches yoga and meditation internationally and believes in love as the divine reality, holding the power to unify and fully awaken the soul, the eternal connection to Source, in this lifetime, through devotional, compassionate, yogic living. He innovatively shares yoga as the technology to spark this Divine Re-membering, more recently focusing on the power of silence, stillness and devotional surrender through meditation to actualize the indwelling spirit soul. John leads an annual pilgrimage to India and teaches at premiere festivals including Bhakti Fest. In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and John Smrtic discuss the following:Yoga is Vegan Podcast Episode 67 with BankaMichael Franti YogaJivamukti Yoga, Sharon Gannon and David LifeAnimal husbandry and the manipulation of the sacred feminine World Peace Diet by Will TuttleParallels to the pandemic and the treatment of animalsMeditationMiscreated IJane Unchained Lunch Break Live Mung Beans & Rice Quesadilla with Holly Skodis Subscribe & Listen: Listen & Subscribe on Spotify Connect with John Smrtic:Instagram: @johnsmrticWebsite: bhaktigrooveyoga.com

Cinda is a former gymnast, dancer and diver, who easily connected to the physicality of the practice. Very soon after though, she realized that there was so much more to yoga. Cinda studied with Andrea von Behren for her 200 hour training. She continued her studies with Alan Haras at Hamsa Yoga and eventually went on to study with Sri Dharma Mittra for both the 500 and 800 hour Life of A Yogi teacher trainings. Cinda is the owner of Evolve Yoga Studio and offers a 200 hour Yoga Alliance registered teacher training program. In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Cinda Lark discuss the following:Dharma yogaSri Dharma MittraYogi GuptaThe Dharma Diet Light on Yoga: the Bible of Modern Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar What's beyond the physical practice of YogaThe connection to food and compassionTeacher trainings and encouraging vegan dietsEvolve Go Vegan 21 day challengeWhen is it appropriate to bring veganism into a yoga class Connect with Cinda:Instagram: @evolveyogaloveWebsite: evolveyogalove.com

Gabrielle has been teaching yoga since 2008 and has earned over 1200 hours of teacher training certifications in various styles and lineages including Dharma Yoga where she found her beloved teacher Dharma Mittra. Gabrielle has been operating as the founder of her company and yoga school, Hatha Raja Yoga, since 2015. She leads yoga teacher trainings and retreats nationally and internationally. In addition, Gabrielle is a senior teacher and staff member in Dharma Yoga's Life of a Yogi Teacher Training Program out of New York City where she serves as a teacher and mentor. She is also the lead facilitator in the non-profit VETOGA's active duty and veteran yoga teacher training program- an organization founded to bring the physical, mental, and emotional healing aspects of yoga to the military community. Additionally, Gabrielle is certified as a holistic nutritionist and leads online courses in living a holistic lifestyle. Recently, Gabrielle realized one of her visions and opened “Ojas Retreat Center” located in the Santa Rosa Plateau in Southern California,  a retreat center welcoming groups of all kinds to recharge and reconnect with purpose. In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Gabrielle Kali Om discuss the following:Sri Dharma Mittra and the Dharma Yoga Center's Life of a Yogi Teacher TrainingTips for optimal sleepThe Ojas Retreat CenterVetoga Swami KashiConnect with Gabrielle Kali OmInstagram: @yogini_kaliWebsite: yoginikali.comInstagram: @ojasretreatcenterWebsite: ojasretreatcenter.com

Erica Nicholson's mission is to demystify living a holistic lifestyle for all - by uncovering limiting beliefs, cultivating sustainable healthy eating habits and igniting personal transformations from the inside out. As a certified yoga teacher, plantbased coach, author, and award-winning speaker, she leads clients to nurture their bodies, release weight, boost energy levels, and become their own wellness advocates. She's an avid reader, a culture aficionado, world traveler, and plantbased-vegan foodie. In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Erica Nicholson discuss the following:ClubhouseIntermittent fastingOkra Yoga's teacher training with Brooke CarlsonLongevityAtomic habits by James Clear EFT- tappingIrish mossho'oponopono prayervipasana meditation Fasting increases health and lifespan in male mice

Jacque Tarlton, Certified Wellcoach® & Wellness Advocate, is passionate about improving health through fabulous, fun, and scientifically proven lifestyle changes. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and she practiced as a Registered Dietitian (RD) early in her career. She is currently a Certified Wellcoach®, Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) Facilitator, & Corporate Wellness Trainer specializing in the power of plants to improve health & longevity for her clients, and ROI for corporations.Jacque has studied nutrition, health, and fitness since 1986, and she was introduced to the power of plant-based nutrition in 1994. Jacque has always worked in the health field, and she has gone from deadly addictions to fabulously thriving! It is Jacque's mission to coach you through your unhealthy lifestyle habits to live your best, happiest, and most vibrant life. And the best part? It's never too late to start!In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Jacque Tarlton discuss the following:Dr. Dean Ornish and his program for Reversing Heart DiseaseThe Yoga Way: Food for Body, Mind & Spirit by Swami Satchidananada Fitness Training with Marzia PrinceComplement Plus Multivitamin for vegans and Plant-based eaters.Dr. Will Bulsiewicz and The Plant Fed Gut Masterclass Connect with Jacque:Instagram: @plantchicsWebsite: plantchics.com

Gopi Om (Nicole Sopko) first discovered yoga by chance and was instantly intrigued. She attended her first teacher training with the sole intention of learning more about the practice, but, despite being a lifelong introvert, found the teachings of yoga to be so transformational that she couldn't keep them to herself and began teaching in 2005. Shortly after, her practice grew immensely when she met her beloved Guru, Sri Dharma Mittra, who gave her the name Gopi.Gopi practices and teaches yoga with a firm but gentle insistence on respect for the fullness of this indigenous tradition. Her classes are for anyone who wants to learn about yoga as a complete, traditional system. She welcomes people from all backgrounds to learn how these time tested practices and their philosophy can be integrated into a modern life.Gopi has completed the advanced level (500, 800, & 1000 hour) Life of a Yogi teacher trainings at the Dharma Yoga Center in New York with Sri Dharma Mittra. She feels blessed to have received and to carry on the teachings of his lineage. She is also a newly-enrolled student at the Hindu University of America where she plans to pursue Hindu Studies and Sanskrit. She strives to live every moment as an offering to the divine and to pass on the teachings of yoga as they have been generously shared with her.A vegan of over 20 years, Gopi works alongside her life partner, Dan, as Vice President of natural foods company, Upton's Naturals. She is the President of the Board of Directors at the Plant Based Foods Association and serves on the Associate Board for One Tail At a Time. Gopi was previously the owner of Nature Sanctuary and Yoga Trek Center in Chicago and Oak Park, IL. She shares her home (and her yoga mat) with a rescue dog named Greta and several aquatic pets including fish, snails, and shrimp.In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Gopi Om (Nicole Sopko) discuss the following:Punk Rock bank Earth CrisisThe Journey of Self Discovery by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami PrabhupadaThe Yoga AllianceSri Dharma MittraUpton's NaturalsThe Hindi University of America The Colonization of IndiaConnect with Gopi Om:Website: gopiom.comInstagram: @gopiom

In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Rishi Chidananda discuss the following:Bhagavad GitaAutobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananada and the Self Realization Fellowship ( Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades)Maha Kumbh MelaParamahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda Victoria Moran on Episode's 16 and Episode 94 Sanatana dharma AhimsaRishi Chidananda has spent the latter part of his life as a monk, studying the philosophical traditions of India and gaining deep insights into their hidden meaning and timeless practices that are particularly relevant in this day and age under the guidance of Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda. Before entering the spiritual path, he was a successful investment banker and entrepreneur. Since then, philosophical teachings contained within ancient scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita have had a significant impact on how he views the world and have changed the way he approaches life.Now, Rishi Chidananda uses his experience as a former investment banker and entrepreneur to easily articulate the philosophical teachings of India in a meaningful way for those looking to bridge the gap between western and eastern philosophies.Connect with Rishi:Clubhouse: @RishiChidananda Instagram: @rishi_chidananda

In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Rowdy Girl Sanctuary's Renee King-Sonnen discuss the following:Renee's journey from former cattle ranger's wife to a vegan powerhouseRenee's calf and greatest teacher, Rowdy GirlYoga & SpiritualityRichard Hittleman's Yoga: 28 Day Exercise PlanInternational Yoga Studies Sandra Summerfiel KozakSatchidananda Ashram YogavilleRenee, a native Houstonian, is the President and Founder of Rowdy Girl Sanctuary in Waelder, Texas. She remarried her husband Tommy Sonnen, a multi-generational cattle rancher in 2009 and moved to their former ranch in Angleton, Texas. She fell in love with farm animals, having no idea her life was about to transform. After witnessing time and again the baby calves going to the sale barn, she became extremely depressed. In October 2014, she went vegan as a result and began researching factory farming and the compassionate alternative, farm sanctuaries. She desperately consulted with leaders in the vegan movement, determined to do whatever she could to create sanctuary out of what was once a beef cattle operation in the heart of cattle country. As a result, the Rancher Advocacy Program was developed to give cattle ranchers and other animal farmers a way to transition into other ways of farming without animal cruelty. Transitioning out of animal agriculture requires a lot of skill, effort, and people to help. RAP is dedicated to finding the resources and the way to give farmers a way around farming animals. Renee speaks to farmers all the time and a few have converted to vegan, like 6th generation Texas cattle ranchers Cindy and Richard Traylor. Renee King-Sonnen aka Sangita has studied yoga sciences and Ayurveda for 35 years. She is a teacher of hatha yoga and kundalini yoga. She has a dedicated yoga practice and meditates every day. Her guru is Swami SatchidanandaConnect with Renee:Clubhouse: @rowdygirlWebsite: rowdygirlsanctuary.org & rancheradvocacy.orgInstagram: @rowdygirlsanctuary & @rancheradvocacyprogramFacebook: @rowdygirlsanctuary & rancheradvocacyprogramYouTube: Rowdy Girl Sanctuary

What is our COVID Karma? Ray Ippolito, a long time Yoga practitioner, Kirtan wallah and Animal Liberation Activist has created an initiative that is committed to educate, inspire and remove our role from this most challenging virus and all others that are headed our way. How can we use our practice to make a difference in the COVID world we created and what are you willing to do about it? In this episode Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Ray Ippolito discuss the following:International Pandemic Outreach Day- One World, One Day, One Action! May 1st, 2021.SeaspiracyBob Woodward Interviews with Trump on the pandemicHow to Survive a Pandemic by Michael GregerVegan Food for first responders in Brookyn with Big Love CateringCatch & release fishing methodKaporos in BrooklynRay Ippolito Episode 47 Subscribe & Listen: Connect with Ray Ippolito & Eating Animals Causes Pandemics:Facebook: @rayippolitoInstagram: @eatinganimals_causespandemicsWebsite: @eatinganimalscausespandemics.com

In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Achāryā Samitā Rāthor discuss the following: Samita's experience studying with Yogi Sir DesikacharYoga as therapyVibrational energies as childrenOne on one versus group trainingsTraditional YogaAsana and the meaning of YogaAlkaline diet and sattvic dietPranaThe importance of contolilng your tongue in YogaTapasAchāryā Samitā Rāthor is the founder of Yogarpanam which translated in English literally means Yoga Surrender. She is an advisory consultant, life mentor, Yoga & Vedic Scholar, Yoga Therapist, Traditional Diet Specialist & Guide. Samita's life journey is dedicated to share these infinite teachings of her spiritual experiences with simplicity and love. Having had diversified exposure from a very young age, she is able to connect and understand the needs of people almost instantly. Samita is guided and has studied with her Yoga Teacher and spiritual masters since the age of 20. She uses her inner awakening experiences to help and inspire people who come to her. She teaches, applies and shares the principles of traditional Yoga and Vedic wisdom. She is a teacher and mentor to Yoga Teachers, Life Coaches and genuinely dedicated students who would like to go deeper into educating themselves about the subtler aspects of Yoga and its principles. Her Unique Humane Approach has transformed the minds of many struggling. Her aim is to resolve the inner & outer struggles in the human mind-life, with compassion, empathy, intelligence and strength. She uses her profound knowledge with scientific psyche principles integrated with universal wisdom, to help people manage, streamline and overcome life challenges, worldwide.With the fortune of Grace, Achāryā Samitā Rāthor came in contact with Yoga teachings through Yogi Sir Desikachar and her father at an early age, who hailed from a Yogic lineage. She studied one to one with Sir Desikachar and began teaching on his instructions only. In the traditional formal Yogic system, a student does not teach unless instructed by their teacher.She also has Multiple Post Graduate Teachers Training Diploma/Degree Certifications. She has personally studied Yoga and its therapeutic benefits from Sir Desikachar and is also formally trained in Yoga Therapy. She has also done a formal study of Vedanta under strict Monastic Traditions in the abode of Himalayas. She has had the Blessings of studying and coming in contact with beautiful Spiritual Living Masters like the Dalai Lama, to continue further her quest for learning constantly. "Coming in contact with my inner experiences was like a new birth suddenly. The purpose of existence of life took a turn into another space and direction altogether. From a glamorous and eminent existence at a young age, I got drawn towards things that I never ever thought I would be immersed in so much. Nothing about me remained the same except my sense of humor. My family and friends noticed the transformation in me. What exactly happened I don’t know, but a major shift took place in my mind. All things that I was inclined towards totally disintegrated. This happened after I came in contact with my Teacher. Outer and Inner. The important thing is to live consciously. Whether it is through what I teach (yogasanas/yoga postures, pranayama, philosophy, meditation & breath-work), what I eat (ethical vegan) or how I spend every moment of my life. Deeply grateful for the teachings and wisdom received from evolved masters who never forgot to see beauty, love & humor in all." Achāryā Samitā Rāthor.Connect with Achāryā Samitā Rāthor:Instagram: @yogarpanam Website: yogarpanam.comEmail: yogarpanam@gmail.com

In this episode, Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis, Lili & Dr. Alex Charmoz discuss the following:Optimal Performance with Yoga, nutrition and runningyogapotterylong distance runningThe benefit of fasting mimicking fastsChi Running by Danny Dreyersacha inchi powder Alex noted after the podcast to add that he also uses Cordyceps because it has been shown to increase VO2 max (capacity of the body to use oxygen)Liliana (aka Lalitanand) Charmoz is an advanced 500-hr plus yoga teacher, Thai bodywork practitioner and certified continuing education provider under Yoga Alliance®.Yoga gave her direction and purpose in a time of confusion; for her, yoga is a way of life, it teaches to be in harmony with all beings, to find strength and equanimity within and to simply be a better human.She created Lalitanand yoga in the mountain town of Idyllwild where she currently lives with her husband and cats. She enjoys rock climbing, trail running, mountain biking and all things yoga. Her mission is to spread her love for nature, help students find their center in chaotic, stressful times and maybe to plant a seed for healthier lives.Alex Charmoz is an Emergency Medicine Doctor in Southern California. Finding yoga as a way to heal from an injury sustained while rock climbing, he has found guidance through the 8 limb path of Ashtanga Yoga. While not a certified yoga teacher, he finds space to introduce yoga into his daily life and work. The ability to connect with other human beings in a vulnerable state and work towards bettering their quality of life is a direct manifestation of Yogic philosophy. Approaching 3 years of eating a vegan diet, which he attributes to his lovely and compassionate wife Liliana, he has seen direct results in his physical and mental abilities, and the link between diet and disease. As he took a vow to "First do no harm" he has realized that this extends to all sentient beings as well as the environment. A vegan lifestyle is the key to bringing these concepts together and is the future of attaining a sustainable and healthy planet. Connect with Lili & Alex:Website: Lalitanandyoga.comInstagram: @lalitanand_yoga Facebook @lili.skinner

Exavier Pope is a media personality, serial entrepreneur, lawyer and owner of The Pope Law Firm. He's a certified yoga instructor, owner of Zen & Juice Yoga Studio and vegan chef and owner of Pope's Vegan Kitchen, a vegan chef brand of cookbooks, social media influencing, restaurant concept, and merchandising. Pope became a strict vegan in 2017 after as an extension of his yoga and mindfulness practice. More in tune with his body, he cut out animal-based ingredients as well as gluten to feel healthier and have more mental clarity.In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Exavier Pope discuss the following:Zen & Juice Yoga StudioThe Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart TolleBare Feet Power Yoga Exavier's teacher Robin French What the Health DocumentarySri Dharma MittraYoga Food Concepts: A Rejuvenating Talk by Yogi Gupta Effective activismIntermittent FastingHip Hop YogaCannibusClubhouse Byphasic sleepingPope's Vegan KitchenToday Article Black and Vegan: Why so many Black Americans are embracing the plant-based lifeConnect with Exavier:Instagram: @exavierpopeTwitter: @exavierpope & @zenxjuiceyogaFacebook: Zen & Juice: A Hip Hop Yoga Tribe

Kiko Ellsworth is an Emmy award winning actor, producer and director who took a hiatus from the entertainment industry to work on his spiritual path. He’s now a Kundalini Yoga teacher and men’s evolutionary life coach. Kiko is the founder of Ma’at University, an online learning platform that provides transformational learning for under-resourced communities, relationship empowerment and soul-success. His work is now largely dedicated to supporting men in becoming happy, healthy and whole men through his group and private coaching programs.In this episode Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Kiko Ellsworth discuss the following:Balancing masculine and feminine energies The Book of Life: Ascension and the Divine World OrderKundalini YogaThe programs at Ma'at University Making the switch to a plant-based diet and meat consciousness Subscribe & Listen: Listen & Subscribe on SpotifyConnect with Kiko:Instagram: @kikoellsworth

Victoria Moran has been a Main Street Vegan® for 37 years and she held the title of Peta’s Sexiest Vegan Over 50, alongside the male winner, Joel Kahn, MD, in 2016/17. She is the bestselling author of thirteen books, including Creating a Charmed Life (in 30 languages around the world); the gentle weight loss classic, The Love-Powered Diet, reflecting the author’s own struggle with and recovery from compulsive eating; The Good Karma Diet, celebrating a high-green, high-raw, high-energy food style; the iconic Main Street Vegan; and her latest, The Main Street Vegan Academy Cookbook, coauthored with JL Fields. Victoria’s college thesis became Compassion the Ultimate Ethic: An Exploration of Veganism, originally published in 1985 and the first work on vegan philosophy and practice to come from a major publisher.Victoria is also an inspirational speaker, corporate spokesperson, certified holistic health counselor (HHC, AADP), and founder and director of Main Street Vegan Academy, training and certifying vegan lifestyle coaches. A graduate of the T. Colin Campbell Foundation/eCornell program in plant-based nutrition and a certified Holistic Health Coach (HHC, AADP), she hosts the Main Street Vegan radio show/podcast, awarded the Outstanding Vegan Media Outlet award in 2015 and noted by Feedspot in January 2019 among #3 in the Top 25 Vegan Podcasts. If interested in our academy, click here to apply. And she is lead producer of Thomas Wade Jackson’s exquisite documentary, A Prayer for Compassion, to introduce vegan living to people of faith.Cited by VegNews among the Top 10 Contemporary Vegetarian Authors, Victoria appeared twice on The Oprah Winfrey Show and her articles have appeared in Yoga Journal, Mothering, Natural Health, Woman’s Day, Martha Stewart’s Whole Living, VegNews, and Vegetarian Times. Her work has been noted in USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, the Washington Post, Self, Elle, Glamour, Allure, and O, the Oprah Magazine. Moran lives with her husband, writer and musician, William Melton, in a LEED-certified green condominium in New York City’s thriving Harlem neighborhood. They’re co-humans to a rescue-dog, Forbes, and rescue pigeon, Thunder.Chandra/Jo Sgammato is a certified Integral Yoga instructor and has served in a variety of capacities, including General Manager, Executive Director and Board Member at Integral Yoga Institute of New York for more than 20 years. A former book publishing executive and bestselling author, she is also the founder of Yoga At School, a program that brings Integral Yoga into schools throughout the five boroughs. She has produced numerous programs on the wide array of Yoga's gifts to the world. In this episode Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis, Victoria Moran and Chandra discuss the following:Yoga Goes VeganThe six branches of Integral Yoga; Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, & Japa YogaListen to Victoria Moran's episode 16 on the yoga is vegan podcast Bhakti Center NYCManu Dawson Yoga is Vegan Episode 11Transcendental MeditationMeat out Day - created by the founder of the Farm Animal Rights Movement Dr. Alex HershaftSwami SatchidanandaDr. Dean Ornish Yoga Goes Vegan: An All-Day Gathering and Retreat If you are financially in need, you can apply for a grant by emailing Chandra to request one.Nutiva Organic Vegan GheeJoin Holly Skodis and Co-host John Caldwell Saturdays 12pm EST in the Plantbased Club on Clubhouse. Download the Clubhouse app and reserve your handle. Once you are in follow @hollyskodis and @vegsurfer and click the bell in the bio for notifications. Subscribe & Listen: Listen & Subscribe on SpotifyConnect with Victoria:Website: mainstreetvegan.netConnect with Chandra: Website: iyiny.org

There are so many people in this world making powerful and positive impacts, and today we get to share the mic with one of those gorgeous beings. Holly Skodis is a yogi who has studied the ancient science of yoga for the past two decades, a practice for living that typically begins on the mat but through repetitive practice has the power to transform the lives of its practitioners. This is true for our story; as most of you know, YogiTriathlete was born during one of my quiet practices, and from what I know of Holly’s story, this type of intuitive directive rings true for her as well. Holly is a yoga instructor, certified vegan lifestyle coach and educator, podcast host, and Yoga founder of Yoga is Vegan, a project focused on inspiring yogis to go vegan. This project started with a collection of articles from vegan yoga teachers and students sharing their perspectives on why Yoga is Vegan. Its latest evolution comes into form as a fundamental component of the upcoming Yoga Goes Vegan one-day virtual retreat on March 20th, which has been declared “meat out day” since 1976. In this episode, we discuss: - weekly 24-hour water fasting - 16/8 intermittent fast - utilizing the fast to be a better animal advocate - the pure properties of a sattvic diet - journey to yoga and eating vegan - embracing ahimsa and letting go of dairy - burning up generational cycles - understanding the nuances of food - Yoga Goes Vegan, a one-day virtual retreat on 3/20/21 We recognize our Patreon community for their support. They are the sole reason why this podcast is commercial-free. If the YT podcasts help you live a better version of yourself and allow you to flow through life with a bit more ease, then make your pledge at patreon.com/yogitriathlete. We are a small business with a massive global mission. We appreciate your support. Namaste- Jess

Integral Yoga’s Chandra/Jo Sgammato and Holly Skodis of Yoga Is Vegan join the show to discuss the yoga/vegan controversy, the nature of ahimsa, and the March 20, 2021, Yoga Goes Vegan retreat.

Jess Gumkowski is a mindset coach, podcast host, Vegan Lifestyle Coach, and Educator, and co-founder of YogiTriathlete. She is a long-time endurance athlete, ultrarunner, and triathlete. In her essence, she is a yogi committed to living a life of ahimsa as she pursues mastery of the mind. She is the author of the YogiTriathlete Cookbook: High Vibe Recipes for the Athlete Appetite and High Vibe Pie: Pizza Night Finally Done Right. She has been featured in Triathlete Magazine, Men’s Journal, Elephant Journal, Massage Magazine, and TriZone, as well as many blogs and podcasts for her knowledge in living a holistic lifestyle.In this episode Yoga is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Jess Gumkowski discuss the following:Victoria Moran and the Main Street Vegan AcademyJoshua Katcher and his clothing line Brave GentleManTransitioning to a minimalist lifestyleEndurance sports and it's relationship to the mindYoga Goes Vegan: An All-Day Gathering and Retreat, March 20th 2021Connect with Jess Gumkowski:Website: yogitriathlete.comInstagram: @yogitriathlete and @jessgumkowskiFacebook: @yogitriathleteTwitter: @yogitriathletePodcast: Awake Athlete and Yogitriathlete

Dr. Sumeet Bahl is an Interventional Radiologist at the Brooklyn Hospital Center in Brooklyn, NY. He completed his internship in General Surgery at Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School and his Radiology residency and Vascular and Interventional Radiology fellowship at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. He performs minimally invasive image-guided procedures for uterine fibroids, venous disease, kidney failure, pulmonary embolism, and cancer.Dr. Bahl has 20+ years of meditation experience, including clinical research at the Emory Mind-Body Program under the Emory-Tibet partnership. His greatest passion is sharing the science and practicality of a daily meditation practice. He has led meditations on social media, at Yelp, Doonya fitness studio, and New York City hospitals. He combines his love of health and music as the physician representative for NYC Hip Hop is Green, promoting health and wellness in hip hop culture and beyond via a plant-based lifestyle. Dr. Bahl resides in Brooklyn with his wife and 7-month-old son. Find him on Instagram @sumeetbahlmd.In this episode YIV's Holly Skodis and Dr. Sumeet Bahl discuss the following:Kriya Yoga & Kriya Yoga MeditationMindfulness and the aum techniqueIsha Yoga Paramahansa Yogananda and his book The Autobiography of a YogiSetting habits and Atomic Habits by James ClearDr. Gabriel Cousens (Yoga Is Vegan Episode 15)What the Health DocumentaryCovid and the Phizer and Moderna Covid VaccinesProtein the work of Dr. Garth Davis. See his book Proteinaholic Plantbased Clubhouse Room Yoga is Vegan! w/ Holly Skodis Sunday Feb 21, 1pm EST - Yoga Goes Vegan All-Day Retreat Saturday March 20th. For tickets and info visit the Integral Yoga InstituteConnect with Dr. Sumeet Bahl:Instagram:@sumeetbahlmdWebsite: sumeethbahl.com

Andry Sophocleous is a 500hr Dharma Yoga teacher who teaches in her studio Dharma Yoga in Cyprus. Andry is also the founder of Jacinthe Natural Skincare an indie brand that strives for purity and transparency in natural skincare. She makes use of green biotechnology hence bringing science and plants together in all of her Jacinthe products.In this episode Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Andry Sophocleous discuss the following: Sri Dharma Mittra and The Life of a Yogi Teacher Trainings. You can also hear Sri Dharma Mittra on Yoga Is Vegan Podcast Episode 28The quality of ingredients in skin careWhy what you put into your body and on your skin effects your healthGlycation and it's role with skin and agingOxidation and packagingConnect with Andry:Website: Jacinthenaturals.com Instagram: @jacinthe_naturals and @dharmayogacypFacebook: Plantbased Clubhouse Room Yoga is Vegan! w/ Holly Skodis Saturday Feb 13 1pm EST - https://www.joinclubhouse.com/event/xnaZ3jYzYoga Goes Vegan All-Day Retreat Saturday March 20th. For tickets and info https://iyiny.org/workshops-and-events/calendar/yoga-goes-vegan-12739/

Dr. Dipak Patel is a board certified family medicine physician and has practiced full spectrum family medicine, including pediatrics and women’s health. For the past 10 years, he has worked at the Community Health Center in Meriden as a family medicine physician and onsite medical director. Additionally, he is certified and experienced in addiction medicine and mental health conditions working as a hospital physician at the Midstate Medical Center. In 2017, Dr. Patel earned his most precious board certification – from the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine.Catherine O’Rourke has been a nurse since 2005,. She has extensive experience as an ICU nurse and in other acute care areas. As she’s worked with the acutely sick patient population, she realized the growing need and importance for prevention of disease. She has a Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and has completed studies on Diet and Lifestyle Intervention from Wellness Forum Health With the understanding that the vast majority of diseases that people suffer from can be prevented, treated or reversed with lifestyle medicine In 2019 Dr. Patel and Catherine O’Rourke along with their colleague and friend Dr. Anne Bingham, opened the doors at Connecticut Lifestyle Medicine. A practice dedicated to decreasing the amount of chronic disease and its effects in their community.In this episode, Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis, Dr. Dipak Patel and Catherine O'Rourke discuss the following:The Physicians Committee for Responsible MedicinePlant-based DoctorsDr. Caldwell EsselstynDr. Dean OrnishDr. David L. Katz's LinkedIn article COVID, Vaccines, and The Nature of EngineeringAlcoholCentenarians and the role of a whole food plant-based dominant dietCOVID 19 VaccineConnect with Connecticut Lifestyle Medicine:Website: ctlifemed.com Instagram: @ctlifemedFacebook: @ctlifemed

Jeremy Gray, better known in the community as Mr. EYG for continuous service to elevate his community and those around him, is an African American politician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Rep. Gray is currently in the role of Alabama State Representative of the 83rd District, where he serves on the Commerce and Small Business, Health, and Public Safety and Homeland Security committees. He was voted in by his peers as the Democratic Minority Whip in the House of Representatives. He was also appointed to the Alabama Statewide Health Coordinating Council and Innovate Alabama Commission by Governor Kay Ivey. Witty and innovative at heart, Rep. Gray is also the founder of Elevate Your Grind, Inc., a motivational and clothing brand as well The Curtis House, a nonprofit organization which serves as a resource hub in one of the most vulnerable neighborhoods in his hometown of Opelika, AL. Rep. Gray has received numerous accolades for his community service and leadership. When asked what his ultimate goal is in life, he simply stated “to inspire and hire.” In this episode Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Jeremy Gray discuss the following: Jeremy Gray's bill to over turn the ban on yoga in Alabama Public SchoolsHelping individuals transition from poverty to productivity at his family's service facility, The Curtis HouseElevate Your Grind Jeremy's brand dedicated to empowerment, sports, yoga, cooking and enlightenment and apparel Deepok Chopra Meditation AppLeading by example to inspire others to go vegan. Connect with Rep. Jeremy Gray:Facebook:@repjeremygrayInstagram: @repjeremygray

Whitney discovered yoga in 2008 while in nursing school. A lifelong athlete, she was looking for increased flexibility and strength to supplement her triathlon training. As her high-stress career as a cardiovascular RN developed, she learned to rely on her yoga practice as a way to process the experiences she had at work, keep her body healthy, and stay calm under pressure. Throughout the years, Whitney’s yoga practice has helped her recover from eating disorders, sexual abuse, physically and emotionally abusive relationships, physical injuries, and addiction. This ultimately led her to become a yoga teacher and owner of the Indigo Yoga Studio, and embrace veganism. She first stopped eating animals at the age of 16. A lifelong animal lover, she grew up with pets of all sorts, from snakes and rats to birds, horses, goats, and pigs... and of course cats and dogs. She connected deeply with horses, working with them from a young age. One year, her 4-H pig won a prize and was sold at auction. Very distressed at the thought of her friend being turned into bacon, that was it until age 18, when she started eating meat as a way to attempt to lose weight on a diet. Once she stopped drinking alcohol and deepened her yoga practice, she gravitated naturally towards a plant-based diet, and became vegan completely in 2019. The transition to veganism was natural and driven by deep shadow work and spiritual searching during a dark time in life, particularly sparked by the teachings of Sri Dharma Mittra and practice of Dharma and Kundalini Yoga. She is an E-RYT® 200, YACEP® and practices/teaches a variety of styles of yoga, including Hot Yoga, Vinyasa, Yin, Ashtanga, Rocket, and is currently in the process of obtaining her Kundalini Yoga Level 1 certification. Her daily practice is Kundalini meditation and sometimes Kriya, and some sort of asana (mostly Ashtanga primary and rocket). In August 2018, she was blessed with an unexpected opportunity to become owner/operator of Indigo Yoga, a beautiful little hot yoga studio in Las Cruces, NM. She currently continues to operate the studio while working in a COVID ICU in a rural hospital an hour away from her home in Las Cruces. She is married to a man she’s loved since age 14, Sam. They live in Las Cruces with their companions Isis, an aging pitbull, and Elliot, a psychic teenage boy cat.In this episode Whitney Pérez-Wright and Holly Skodis discuss the following: Sri Dharma Mittra and his book Life of a YogiPatrick McCleaf & Sara GrussRecovering from food and alcohol addictions with yoga and veganismRam DassWearing a masking times of Covid Kundalini Aquarian SadhanaUnder Armor MaskSwitching towards a whole food plant-based dietJoin Whitney and Holly on @yogaisvegan Instagram Live, Saturday January 23, 4pm ESTConnect with WhitneyInstagram: @Whitney__starkInstagram: @indigo__yogaWebsite: indigolascruces.com

Katie Rose (formerly Manitsas) is an inspirational powerhouse, making ancient yogic and ayurvedic wisdom accessible for busy modern-day women. Her solid grounding in mindfulness and spirituality, along with her authentic ‘say it as it is’ approach and impressive business savvy has earnt her an enthusiastic following amongst yogis in Sydney and Australia.As a published author, advanced level Jivamukti Yoga and Kundalini Yoga teacher, Ayurveda consultant and doula, women’s health and wellbeing are Katie’s specialty. She holds the highest possible accreditations with both Yoga Alliance and Yoga Australia and over 20 years, has trained hundreds of yoga teachers. She started her yogic career at age 19 as a volunteer cleaner at the prestigious TriYoga in London. By 24 Katie was managing the Primrose Hill TriYoga flagship location after which she moved to Australia in 2004 and founded her own yoga studio ‘Samadhi Yoga’ in Newtown. In 2007 Katie co-founded Jivamukti Yoga Sydney which at its peak was a four location Sydney based business and is still a community that continues to thrive today.Her passion is in empowering women through yogic philosophy and bringing devotion and a sense of sacredness to everyday life. She has a deep compassion for animals and reverence for nature. Her most recent book (released by Rockpool Publishing in Australia, USA, and the UK), ‘Mindful Living’, was published in 2019 and the journal and inspiration cards to follow on its success will be available soon. Current projects for Katie include writing (she is working on a new book ‘Mindful Healing’), a plant-medicine business Bhakti Botanicals (ayurvedic teas and oils), in-person teaching at various locations and the development of a substantial online offering including her signature trainings Ayurveda Goddess and Yoga of Birth. Katie is the mother of four boys and lives in Sydney’s super-hip Inner West. Ranging in age from 4 to 13, they are a joyful, rambunctious, loving, and sometimes slightly crazy bunch. It is with a generous sprinkling of intention setting, affirmations and diligent, disciplined practice that Katie is attempting to practice what she teaches; creating a life that is focused, happy, elegant, and robustly sustainable.In this episode YIV's Holly Skodis and Katie Rose discuss the following:Journaling and self reflectionSocial accountabilityRedefining self careThe importance of selfless service in your yoga practice Living Journal Sweepstakes: bhaktirose.com.au/yogaisveganKatie is a returning guest on the Yoga is Vegan podcast. Listen to her preview conversation on episode 68Connect with Katie:Website:bhaktirose.com.au Instagram: @bhaktirose

Elsa Lagache is kind of a New Yorker. She has been living in the city for 7 years, biking every day no matter the weather conditions and practicing yoga as much as needed.Elsa’s original plan was to bike from NYC to San Francisco. She wanted to stay along the way in ashrams and practice yoga in very diverse yoga studios across the United States. With covid shutting down most places, she decided to bike nonstop to Denver. When she arrived in San Francisco, she continued and went to San Diego.Elsa embarked on this crazy adventure of 3,772 miles to show that we can always go further. We don’t have to take a plane to discover amazing places and being vegan doesn’t stop you from discovering local food. During this solo cross-country trip biking, she wanted to prove that it was easy to be vegan everywhere in the US.Elsa is an environmental activist, trying her best to make this planet a better place for everyone. During her cycling adventure she raised funds for the non profit organizations, Keeping a Child Alive, Oceanic Global and World Bicycle Relief. In this episode YIV's Holly Skodis and Elsa Lagache discuss the following:Acro BikeWarm Showers Bike Tour Hosting Anonymous for the VoicelessLiving a zero waste lifestyle and steps to getting thereConnect with Elsa:Website: healmyplanet.comInstagram: @healmyplanet

Jay Mac, the founder and chef of the Kind Kitchen in Cape Town has proudly lived a vegan lifestyle since 2010. His yoga journey and the understanding that change in the world can only happen from within, inspired him to embark on his culinary journey. He studied at the Natural Epicurean School of Culinary Arts in Austin Texas in 2013, under the tutelage of fellow South African Inge Bothma. Jay is also the writer and director of the documentary, What is Real? The Story of Jivamukti Yoga. In this episode, Yoga Vegan's Holly Skodis and Jay Mac discuss the following:Fallen Gurus & YogisKaro Tak YIV Podcast Episode 25Earthlings DocumentaryJivamukti YogaVegan comfort food What is Real? The Story of Jivamukti Yoga Satsang Yoga with Andrea Boyd and Jeffrey CohenKip Anderson and Cowspiracy Keegan KuhnTeacher trainings and opportunities for growthFilming What Is Real with Sharon Gannon and David LifeLady Ruth and Russell SimmonsAustin Sanderson YIV episode 77Alan WattsConnect with Jay:Instagram @thekindkitchen Facebook: @tkkwoodstockWebsite: thekindtichen.co.zaFilm: What is Real? The Story of Jivamukti Yoga

Jake Conroy is a long-time activist, designer, and writer currently residing in Seattle, WA USA. He helped organize and participated in successful local, regional, national and international pressure campaigns. He also helped build the foundation of SHAC USA, considered one of the most successful grassroots animal rights campaigns in history. He and his co-organizers were subsequently arrested by the US government for their roles and dubbed the SHAC7. Jake and his codefendants were found guilty after a lengthy trial and he was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison. In 2019, the Joaquin Phoenix produced documentary, The Animal People, was released detailing the campaign and the controversial court case.Currently, Jake works at the Rainforest Action Network, an international organization using pressure campaigns to stop rainforest deforestation, fossil fuel extraction, and support human rights. He can be found pontificating online as the Cranky Vegan, where he irritates everyone with his thoughts on the tactics, strategies and optics of the grassroots animal rights movement.In this episode Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Jake Conroy discuss the following:The Animal People DocumentarySHAC Stop Huntingdon Animal CrueltyPressure CampaignsThe grassroots Animal Rights MovementAnimal Enterprise Protection ActEating in prison as a veganThe prison black marketTaking and teaching yoga in prisonsThe Rainforest Action NetworkEffective Activism Connect with Jake:YouTube: @thecrankyveganInstagram: @thecrankyveganFacebook: @thecranklyvegan Email: jake@jakeconroy.com

Helen Wilson turned to yoga in her mid-twenties, towards the end of a high-pressure career in the news media, as a way to help cope with stress, anxiety and depression. What followed was a 12 year journey of self-discovery and personal development at which yoga is at the heart.She began yoga teacher training under Indian yoga master Yogacharya Jnandev at Yoga Satsanga Ashram, West Wales, in 2013. After attaining her 200hr certificate, Helen went on to be awarded her 500hr YTT certificate in 2016 alongside 80hr certification in Pregnancy Yoga. Helen has undertaken a further 150hr training with Yoga Elder, Sama Fabian at The Green House School of Yoga. As Womankind Yoga, she now runs the UK's largest Beach Yoga Class which takes place every summer on the South Coast of Wales and she also teaches Paddleboard Yoga. Helen has a weekly online yoga class that broadcasts from Facebook every Tuesday. An animal lover from childhood - Helen turned vegetarian at the age of 10 and went on to become vegan in 2017 when she started work at UK vegan charity, Viva! She has spent the last 12 years promoting, teaching and creating vegan food and has delivered dozens of talks and cookery demonstrations across the UK and online. As a self-taught vegan chef, her recipes have appeared in many major food magazines, books and websites. Her current project is the opening of a new plant-based coffee shop in her home city of Swansea.Helen is also a freelance writer for vegan charity Viva! and host and producer of The Viva! Vegan Podcast.In this episode Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Helen Wilson discuss the following:Viva! UK’s leading vegan campaigning charity, specialising in undercover investigations and high-profile animal campaignsHelen’a vegan/yoga journeyWhy eggs are cruel Helen's experience at the Yoga Satsanga Ashram Wales teacher training and her karma work in the kitchenHelen's new vegan coffee shop the Great Green KitchenCooking demos as vegan activismWoman Kind Yoga

Paul Rodney Turner, the “Food Yogi” is the international director of Food for Life and the co-founder of Food for Life Global, the world headquarters for the charity. Food for Life is the largest plant-based food relief in the world with 211 projects in 60 countries that serve up to 2 million meals daily.Paul spent 14 years as a Hare Krishna monk. During that time he took a vow of celibacy and studied the ancient teachings of the Vedas as taught by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. In the years of Paul’s life as a monk, he learned gourmet vegetarian cooking and was soon cooking the Sunday feasts for the Sunday Hare Krishna temple. His desire to focus exclusively on India’s Vedic culture of hospitality inspired him to start his own outreach project. Over the last 33 years, Paul has traveled to 70 countries throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas, helping to inspire and set up new Food for Life projects and train volunteers. He has raised millions of dollars in funds: gave hundreds of public lectures, appeared on television and radio and met with numerous government officials. Paul is the author of FOOD YOGA and SOUL POWER, Five Noble Truths for a Successful Life. In this episode Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Paul Rodney Turner discuss the following:Food for Life GlobalFood Yoga, Nourishing Body, Mind & Soul by Paul Rodney Turner Hare Krisha & Krishna Consciousness Krishna devotees and the relationship to milk Life Comes from Life: Morning Walks with A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami PrabhupadaPaul's experiences as a monkThe role of food in raising your awareness and consciousness Conscious Eating by Gabriel Cousens M.D.Bhagavad Gita The Ayurvedic Diet Connect with Paul Rodney Turner Blog: paulrodneyturner.com LinkedinFood For Life GlobalThe Om GuaranteeJulianas Animal Sanctuary

Meg and Komie Vora- are ecopreneurs, the co-founders and designers behind Delikate Rayne (DR)- an award-winning, ethical, eco-friendly, cruelty-free women's label that produces in made to order/limited quantities to ensure zero waste whenever possible. The Vora sisters are disturbing the fashion industry by being a voice for the voiceless, empowering other females to go after their passion and pushing boundaries as brown creatives. The Vora sisters are first generation born and raised in the USA. They are going against the grain- forgoing their traditional cultural and gender expectations, by using their upbringing (Jain + Hindi roots plus born & raised vegetarian- now vegan) alongside their adoration of animals, to create green luxury- definitive and progressive vegan designs with a purpose into existence. DR also serves as a platform to bring awareness to the many overlooked issues in fashion including sustainability, cruelty and ethics. Plus making compassion cool by redefining luxury through changing the preconceived notions of what "lux" is. They also curate a conscious sanctuary through DR Diary which focuses on and educates about vegan/sustainable fashion, beauty, food, travel, wellness, mindfulness & more for your higher self. The Vora sisters had no formal industry experience or contacts, but their willingness not to conform to others expectations outweighed their fears and obstacles. Through their unstoppable drive and determinism to follow their desires, they set out to do whatever they could to make their dream a reality. What's particularly interesting about the Vora sisters is turning the things that they were once alienated and made fun of for while growing up resulted into making a remarkable impact later in their life. As a result, the sisters have become one of the pioneers of the kind fashion movement and are leading examples of how their unconventional upbringing and values led them to discover their passion which ultimately led to uncovering their purpose which is now channeled through the creation of Delikate Rayne. To date, the sisters and their company were on the front page in both digital and print of Colombia based Be Vegan Magazine and India West. Other notable interviews/features include: Forbes, NBC, Miss Bish, Galore, The Zoe Report, WWD, E! Online, The Los Angeles Times, StyleCaster, BuzzFeed, VegNews, Sakara, The Hindustan Times, Cheddar, Business Rockstars, The Orange County Register and many more. In addition, the Vora sisters have been guests on several podcasts, TV shows, radio segments and conferences/panels. The sisters have also conceptualized and served as creative directors for multiple fashion for good projects including PETA USA, NYLON magazine, PETA India, The Animal Hope and Wellness Center and others. They are also guest writers/features for 3 books on vegan style, living, and green business acumen. Today, Meg and Komie have built Delikate Rayne into a leading platform of bringing awareness all while paving the way for other compassionate companies.In this episode Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Meg and Komie Vora discuss the following:Growing up in a Hindi and Jain household and how Ahimsa entered into their lives. Meg & Komie's vegan storyBuilding their ethical, eco-friendly, cruelty-free women's label, Delikate Rayne. The impacts of fast fashion on the environmentConnect with Meg & Komie Vora:Website: Delikaterayne.comTwitter: @delikaterayneFacebook: @DelikateraynePinterest: @delikaterayneInstagram: @delikaterayne

Mary Farrell was one of the first Candians certified in the Jivamukti Yoga lineage in 2003. Jivamukti Yoga, rooted in ethical vegetarianism, veganism, has inspired every aspect of Mary's life. She founded Blossoming Lotus Yoga is 2011, where she introduced people to the authentic practices of Yoga. She was a founding member of Windsor's Vegfest, which hosted such notable speakers as Dr, Neal Barnard and Peta's own Ingrid Newkirk, and she is part owner of Windsor's first fully vegan comfort food restaurant, Nooch. She hopes to encourage people to embrace veganism through the delicious food she serves or the inspirational classes she teaches. In this episode Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Mary Farrell discuss the following:Running her restaurant, Nooch during a pandemicFinding compassion for people who fall during their vegan journeyResistance or acceptance of the word GODClosing her studio, Blossoming Lotus Yoga due to COVIDConnect with Mary:Instagram @maryfarrellyoga Facebook: @maryfarrellyogaNooch Restaurant Instagram: @noochwindsorFacebook: @noochwindsor

Erika Mitchener is a personal trainer and founder of Plant Power Boot Camp. She coaches both men and women, from beginners to seasoned athletes with a focus on following a plant-based diet. Erika draws from her martial arts background, mindfulness and plant-based nutrition with her clients. After being introduced to martial arts in 1992, she has gone on to study, karate, jiu jjitsu, judo, weapons, and tai chi. In 2007 she became certified as a personal trainer. As a passionate vegan, in 2012 Erika went on to study nutrition and become certified through T. Colin Campbell's Center for Nutrition Studies, Plant-based Nutrition Course. In March of 2020 Plant Power Boot Camp released their signature program, VeganFit Challenge, a 6 week program focussed on strength training and vegan nutrition that incorporates mindfulness and meditation. In this episode, Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Erika Michener discuss the following:Why yoga is vegan and how to relate to yogis who are not. Erika's decision to only work with people interested in a plant-based diet.Buddhist Food Meditation Connect with Erika:Website: plantpowerbootcamp.comInstagram: @erika.plantpowerbootcamp

Alan Twigg is the author of “Why Go Vegan” and the creator of the recently finished “Plant-Based Heroes” online course.He was born and raised in the former industrial city of Sheffield in the north of England and dropped out of school at a young age to become a lorry driver. Unable to afford the mortgage, he started his first successful business at the age of 24. Just 5 years later he gave it all up to move to Germany after meeting and falling in love with his wife of many years, Susanne.He’s been a dish washer, petrol-pump attendant, lorry driver and the founder of several businesses in the UK and Germany including an employment agency, translation agency, marketing company and event company.He currently lives in Tenerife in the Canary Islands where he organises international Argentine tango events in the north and south of the island.He has four children and four grandchildren.After lots of encouragement from his daughter, Alan took up a vegan lifestyle nearly 5 years ago. Only shortly afterwards he stumbled accidently into Yoga, got completely hooked, went to lesson after lesson and now has a regular morning routine that includes meditation, breathing and lots of stretching.He’s passionate about encouraging and motivating others to consider a vegan and more mindful lifestyle, especially those from a working-class background like his own. In this episode Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Alan Twigg discuss the following:Alan's approach to teaching others why to go vegan through storytellingAlan's online course Plant-Based Heroes How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease by Michael GregorHow to Survive a Pandemic by Michael Gregor Hong Kong FluThe Best Speech You Will Ever Hear by Gary YourofskyConnect with Alan Twigg:Website: alantwigg.org

As the Founder and CEO of Foodnerd, Sharon Cryan’s personal mission is to shape the future of food by harnessing the power of sprouting and plant-based ingredients. She is committed to crafting products that boost health, wellness, and encourage self-love. Having grown up in Buffalo, NY in a large family, Cryan saw first-hand the chronic health challenges that faced her loved ones and set out to make a change through nutrition. Initially, Cryan put herself through law school, earning a Juris Doctor (J.D) from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in NYC. While taking on both law school and several part-time jobs, she turned to her diet to provide her with the energy to tackle her busy schedule. Her friends and classmates took notice, and she began preparing meals for them through a careful selection of nutrient-dense foods. After a brief stint practicing law, Cryan returned to Buffalo to start Foodnerd, a company dedicated to creating positively processed food with a purpose. Under her leadership, the company recently launched its first superfood product, OverNights - the first raw & sprouted overnight breakfast product available to consumers. Foodnerd is working alongside researchers and food scientists to understand and develop processes and foods that pack nutrients into tasty, convenient snacks and meals.In this episode Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Foodnerd's Sharon Cryan discuss the following:Nutrient dense foodGovernment cheese and growing up in a low income householdEating organic vegan food on a low incomeEmotional eatingThe benefits of eating sprouting foodsIn Search of the Wild Tofurky: How a business Misfit Pioneered Plant-Based Foods Before They Were Cool by Seth TibbottThe benefits of sprouted foodsGet the latest nutritional science at nutritionfacts.orgDr. Neil Barnard and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine 2020 Virtual Cincy VegFest October 24 12 pm- 5 pm EST. For more information visit www.cincyvegfest.com and follow @cvegfest on IG and Facebook for updatesRaw Conversations Episode 4: Emotional Eating with Yoga Instructor, Holly Skodis Listen on Anchor or watch on YouTube Connect with Sharon Cryan:Website: @foodnerdinc.comSocial Media: @foodnerd

In this podcast, we speak with Holly Skodis, a Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500, YACEP). She studied with Dharma Mittra in NYC for 500 and 800-hour certification trainings and studied in Los Angeles, CA before that. Sharon and Holly spoke about why they feel "yoga is vegan", the emotions behind our food choices, and the difficulty in making and breaking habits. Time Stamps: Holly's Childhood - 2:22 Journey to Plant Based - 6:10 Veganism Intolerance in the Yogi Community - 9:30 Plant Based to Vegan - 17:30 Isolation and Connection - 21:30 Emotional Connection to Food - 29:40 Kids and a Yoga Lifestyle - 38:30 Consistent Lifestyle Changes Over Yo-yoing - 47:55 Yoga and Vegan in Unison - 54:55 Connect with Holly, here: Instagram Facebook Yoga Is Vegan Podcast www.hollyskodis.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/foodnerd/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/foodnerd/support

Hate something? Change something!Born at the beginning of the 60s, Stewart experienced the hippy revolution, punk rock, new wave, two tone, reggae and much more in the diverse politicised atmosphere of Thatcherist Britain. Leading a wild, nihilistic, and hedonostic lifestyle led him to a multitude of years and experiences with hallucinogenics, shamanism and ethnobotany both recreationally and spiritually. The new age travellers and the second summer of love in the UK, where Rave and Ecstacy redefined alternative culture and reinvigorated the esoteric arts, which kindled an interest in buddhism and yoga in Stewart. Following a severe back injury Stewart experienced an amazing recovery through intensive Astanga Vinyasa Mysore yoga practice.Stewart’s sadhana led him toward an extensive yoga education with teachers from around the world who have had a profound effect on his style of teaching.A devoted activist in a wide range of issues: the Arms trade and nuclear disarmament, human and animal rights, environmental and ecological issues, anti-racist/fascist, pro LGBTQ, anti capitalist and anti poverty. He spent 10 years as a youth worker and teacher within the voluntary sector before training as a Lawyer in inner city London. Stewart relates his radical traditionalist approach to Yoga to include these important modern issues and his experiences therein. With great respect to the founders for their activism in animal rights he qualified as a Jivamukti teacher in 2003 and since has taught extensively in London and worldwide with annual retreats workshops in India and Sri Lanka. Stewart is a Senior Registered Yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance. He founded East London School of Yoga and has been teaching Teacher Training for 8 years. He is currently studying at SOAS University toward an MA in Traditions of Yoga and Meditation with hopes of research toward a Phd. Stewart is eternally grateful to Hamish Hendry (Astanga London), Sabel Thaim, Jennifer Dale,Sri K Patthabi Jois, Sri Shreshadree (Mysore), and David Life and Sharon Gannon (Jivamukti Yoga) who all contributed greatly to change his life. He is also very sorry to everyone and everything who he harmed before yoga.In this episode Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Stewart Gilchrist discuss the following:Vegan Health and Fitness Magazine Yoga EditionKate Magic Nature's First Law: The Raw-Food Diet by Stephen Arlin, David Wolfe, Fouad Dini, R.C. Dini, Marc Wolfe and Ken SeaneStew's experience getting sick on a mono fruitarian diet in colder climatesOrthorexia Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li Shinrin-yoku Reclaim the StreetsExtinction RebellionGMOSThe Farm TennesseeSugar and bone charStew’s experience getting CovidA Handbook for Yogasana Teachers by Mel Robin Hooked on Raw: Rejuvenate Your Body and Should With Nature's Living Foods by RhioRaw: The Uncook Book: New Vegetarian Food for Life by Juliano Brotman and Erika LenkertDr. Douglas N. GrahamConscious Eating by Gabriel Cousens M.D. Subscribe & Listen: Listen & Subscribe on SpotifyConnect with Stewart Gilchrist:Website: eastlondonschoolofyoga.comInstagram: @eastlondonschoolofyoga

Brenda Carey is the host of Kindness Magazine, which is a new YouTube and podcast show. This project is the latest incarnation of what was just formerly Vegan Health & Fitness magazine, which was a print publication available in stores since 2012, that became primarily electronic in 2019. As Kindness Magazine, Brenda and her staff are seeking to expand the conversation of compassion and well-being to all. Brenda has been doing yoga for over 20 years, and has completed several teacher trainings, the first of which was in Ashtanga through Yoga Hawaii. Brenda has been vegan since 1991. She credits her vibrant energy, mental health and clarity, and inner peacefulness to the two pervasive forces of yoga and veganism in her life. Brenda is also an immigration attorney in Northern California and an activist for many causes from animal rights, to environmentalism, to civil rights. You can catch her show and find her magazines in print, digital, podcast, and video at Kindnessmag.com.In this episode YIV's Holly Skodis and Brenda Carey discuss the following:Vegan Health & Fitness Magazine. You can order the 2020 January Yoga Edition at Amazon. Kindness Magazine's podcast interview and YouTube with Holly SkodisCHAZ SeattleThe development of Vegan Health and Fitness Magazine and why Brenda has transitioned it to Kindness MagazineConnect with Brenda Carey:Website: kindnessmag.com and veganhealthandfitnessmag.comInstagram: @kindnessmagFacebook: @kindnessmagYoutube: Kindness Magazine

John Joseph is a musician, author, triathlete, and Bhakti Yogi. He was the lead singer of the punk band, Cro-Mags, and later authored the book, Evolution of a Cro-Magnon. Since 2010, Joseph has competed in many Ironman competitions, as well as released the book, Meat is for Pussies, on vegan nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. His most recent work is a book titled, The P.M.A. Effect, about keeping a positive mental attitude.In this episode YIV's Holly Skodis and John Joseph discuss the following:The Science of Self-Realization by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada John Joseph's Guru, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami PrabhupadaKali Yuja cycle The upcoming documentary 30 to Life by Kip AndersenMeat (1976) Directed by Frederick WisemanIntegral Yoga founded by Sri Swami SatchidanandaHare KrishnaBig Pharma and Covid The Four Agreements by Don Miguel RuizRadhastami LANGUAGE ADVISORY: This episode contains a fair amount of f-bombs. If you are sensitive to language or don't want the kids to hear them be mindful of where you play it. Connect with John Joseph:YouTube: Hard Truth with John Joseph Instagram: @johnjosephcrowmag Twitter: @jjcromagBooks: Download The PMA Effect and The Evolution of a Cro-Magnon on johnjoseph.merchnow.com

Michaela Kascak is a Certified Culinary Nutrition Expert, hatha/vinyasa/ecstatic yoga teacher, and holistic health coach with a focus on nutrition for the mind, mental health, and kids' health education. She offers health coaching services, online courses, yoga classes, workshops, and more through her online platform, Barefood&Barefoot (http://barefoodandbarefoot.com). Michaela’s desire to heal feelings of discomfort, both mentally and physically, led her on her own personal health journey where she discovered the healing power of yoga and following a whole, plant-based foods diet. Her passion for health and wellness continues to lead her down many new paths spiritually and in the world of holistic health and wellness. Currently, Michaela lives between both Hawaii and Connecticut, continuing to expand her online platform and aid others on their own journey to achieving optimal health, mentally and physically, through dietary and lifestyle habits, mindfulness practices, and more. She focuses on mental health, recognizing that it is one of the leading causes of many health complications and chronic illnesses and diseases. She works closely with clients to evaluate not only their diet but also their lifestyle to aid them in creating new habits that will help to build a happy and healthy mind and achieve overall optimal health.Michaela recently released her first online course, Pranidhanat Parinama: Surrender & Transform, that focuses on the power of a healthy diet, positive lifestyle choices, intentional work with the elements, and other mindfulness practices in order to heal, let go and grow.In this episode YIV's Holly Skodis and MIchaela Kascak discuss the following:@organic_olivia and food cravings while suffering from Covid-19CoronavirusFiber Fueled: The Plant-Based Gut Health Program for Losing Weight, Restoring Your Health, and Optimizing Your Microbiome by Will Bulsiewicz MDThe gut and our mental health Yoga Nidra: The Art of Transformational Sleep by Kamini DesaiThe Academy of Culinary NutritionWorking with the 4 elements with nutrition Zinc and quercetin supplements for immunity supportPranidhanat Parinama: Surrender & Transform Online Course Connect with Michaela:Website: http://www.barefoodandbarefoot.comInstagram: @barefoodandbarefootContact: info@barefoodandbarefoot.com

Prem Dass Rohan (aka PD), MA (Secondary Science Education), BA (Mathematics), CA Clear Teaching Credential K-8, CA Clear Teaching Credential HS (Mathematics); Montessori EarlyChildhood Education Credential, Montessori Early Childhood Education Director, combines his love of science and mathematics in the classroom with his love of yoga practice, teaching students mindfulness, breath awareness exercises, precepts for living a virtuous life based on non-violence, and postures to calm the mind. Prem Dass has taught all ages of students from 2 1/2 years to the elderly. Premdas studied Ashtanga Yoga with Baba Hari Dass from 1975 until his passing in 2018, starting in Miami, Florida. He is a senior teacher at Mount Madonna Center having taught there continuously from 1980 to the present. He is one of several ‘pujaris’ at the Hanuman Temple at Mount Madonna Center and has been instrumental in opening up ritual performance to women, a traditionally male-dominated service. He offers morning ‘arati’ at least two times a week and has done so since the temple was founded in 2003. He periodically conducted fire ceremonies and began offering vegan versions of fire ceremonies in 2017.In this episode YIV's Holly Skodis and Prem Dass Rohan discuss the following;Sri Swami Satchidananda Baba Hari DassHare KrishaParamahansa Yogananda and his book Autobiography of a Yogi Ayurvedic substitutions for onions are leeks and for garlic it's asafoetida.Veganizing yajñas, the ancient Vedic Fire CeremoniesConnect with Prem DassWebsite: www.jamesrohan.org

Katie Rose (formerly Manitsas) is an inspirational powerhouse, making ancient yogic and ayurvedic wisdom accessible for busy modern-day women. Her solid grounding in mindfulness and spirituality, along with her authentic ‘say it as it is’ approach and impressive business savvy has earnt her an enthusiastic following amongst yogis in Sydney and Australia.As a published author, advanced level Jivamukti Yoga and Kundalini Yoga teacher, Ayurveda consultant and doula, women’s health and wellbeing are Katie’s specialty. She holds the highest possible accreditations with both Yoga Alliance and Yoga Australia and over 20 years, has trained hundreds of yoga teachers. She started her yogic career at age 19 as a volunteer cleaner at the prestigious TriYoga in London. By 24 Katie was managing the Primrose Hill TriYoga flagship location after which she moved to Australia in 2004 and founded her own yoga studio ‘Samadhi Yoga’ in Newtown. In 2007 Katie co-founded Jivamukti Yoga Sydney which at its peak was a four location Sydney based business and is still a community that continues to thrive today.Her passion is in empowering women through yogic philosophy and bringing devotion and a sense of sacredness to everyday life. She has a deep compassion for animals and reverence for nature. Her most recent book (released by Rockpool Publishing in Australia, USA, and the UK), ‘Mindful Living’, was published in 2019 and the journal and inspiration cards to follow on its success will be available soon. Current projects for Katie include writing (she is working on a new book ‘Mindful Healing’), a plant-medicine business Bhakti Botanicals (ayurvedic teas and oils), in-person teaching at various locations and the development of a substantial online offering including her signature trainings Ayurveda Goddess and Yoga of Birth. Katie is the mother of four boys and lives in Sydney’s super-hip Inner West. Ranging in age from 4 to 13, they are a joyful, rambunctious, loving, and sometimes slightly crazy bunch. It is with a generous sprinkling of intention setting, affirmations and diligent, disciplined practice that Katie is attempting to practice what she teaches; creating a life that is focused, happy, elegant, and robustly sustainable.In this episode YIV's Holly Skodis and Katie Rose discuss the following:Boxing daySubsidizing education with the meat and dairy industriesJivamukti Yoga, Sharon Gannon & David LifeYoga & Veganism: The DIet of Enlightenment by Sharon GannonJivamukti Yoga's Focus of the Month archives and Katie's article What is a Person? (The World in Which the Kestrel Moves)Cultivating empathy and understanding for those with opposing views to find a middle groundRaising children with vegan ideasPitta, Kapha and Vata Doshas. Katie's free Ayurvedic quiz Connect with Katie:Website:bhaktirose.com.au Ayurvedic Goddess Training : 20% Discount at checkout code: GODDESS20Bhakti Blends Ayurvedic Teas receive a discount at checkout by using the code: BHAKTI

Banka learned meditation from her mother, Sheila, teaching her white light meditation when she was 13.She came to yoga through Buddhism. She lived at Tassajara Monastery and Green Dragon Temple where she practiced a strict discipline of Zen Buddhist meditation, chanting, and silence. She received ordination (Jukai) in 1994 from her teacher Reb Tenshin Anderson and she went to France to study with Thich Nhat Hanh where she received the 5 Precepts Ordination in 1995.Banka went on pilgrimage to India and studied with his Holiness the Dalai Lama and received White Tara Empowerment in 1997.In 2003 Banka completed her first teacher training at Kalani with Kathy Elder, in 2007 her second teacher training in Sivananda Yoga, and her third teacher training in Jivamukti Yoga, and in 2015 she completed her fourth teacher training in Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan. In 2015 Banka became an Advanced Certified Jivamukti Yoga Teacher. Banka has spent every August since 2010 serving her beloved teachers, Shri Sharon Gannon and Shri David Life.Banka has also been Certified in The Kushi Macrobiotic Lifestyle and she has spent time studying & learning the Living Foods Lifestyle at The Ann Wigmore Institute & The Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center. All Vegan.Banka has also spent long periods of her life devoted to direct action campaigns: liberate animals, forest defense, anti-nuke, and indigenous rights. Banka created a LIBA degree in Animal Rights and did her internship with PETA in 1989.Banka was involved in North Coast Earth First! for Headwaters, trying to protect the last privately owned ancient old-growth redwood forest. A 7-year legal battle ensued- nopepperspray.orgBanka was involved in the SHAC campaign, The Buffalo Field Campaign, Big Mountain Black Mesa, hung a banner from Stone mountain in Atlanta on World Week to Liberate Laboratory Animals, was part of The Primate Freedom Tour, and numerous other campaigns for animal & earth liberation.Banka has been arrested for civil disobedience:Vandenburg Air Force Base, CAYerkes Primate Ctr, Atlanta, GANIH Primate Drug Addiction Lab, MDMultiple Hunt Sabs in NJ, PA & MDDepartment of Livestock Headquarters, Helena, MTOffice takeovers & Home Demos in CAUniversity of Penn Animal Lab,PANeiman Marcus, CAHegins Pigeon Shoot, PA In this episode YIV's Holly Skodis and Banka discuss the following:MediationActivismJivamukti Yoga, Shri David Life and Shri Sharon GannonVeganism in prisonMumia Abu Jamal, Death Blossoms: Reflections from A Prisoner of ConscienceWorking through the egoHawaii Cow Rescue by HLFARNDolphins and pigs being used for entertainment in HawaiiHawaii sovereigntyIntroducing veganism to yoga classesThe Burger King Story by Andrei CodrescuOkja MovieAnimal Liberation by Peter SingerDiet for a New America: How Your Food Choices Affect Your Health, Happiness and the Future Life on Earth by John RobbinsSpeciesismShantideva quote in the book: Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life: How To Enjoy a Life of Great Meaning and Altruism Connect with Banka:Instagram: @bankalishEmail: chongaboolie@hotmail.com

Joy Stone is a professional speaker, a mindset and spiritual life coach, a best-selling author, and a positive psychology and yoga therapy practitioner educated in yoga psychology. Known for her ability to deliver profound spiritual teachings in a practical and modern way, Joy works closely with spiritual seekers to solve of their anxiety, when nothing else has worked for them. Joy's Soul School Coaching Program blends eastern and western psychology and philosophy and has helped countless spiritual seekers move from information overload to lasting inner transformation. With more than two decades of personal anxiety experience, and wisdom, Joy shares her professional experience with the world through workshops, retreats, books, and speaking engagements. Joy received her positive psychology education at the Whole-Being Institute under Harvard Professor Tal Ben-Shahar, and her yoga teaching certification under the Anusara style - a therapeutic application of yoga philosophy and practice.Joy lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, Eric, and son, Jack. In this episode, Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Joy Stone discuss the following:Gerson Therapy and The Gerson Miracle Documentary Joy's new book, If I’m So Spiritual Why Am I So Anxious?The kleshasOvercoming anxiety Connect with Joy:Website: www.joystonecoaching.comFree Book Download: If I'm So Spiritual, Why Am I Still So Anxious?Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joystonecoaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joystonecoaching/

Alex Charmoz is an Emergency Medicine Doctor in Southern California. Finding yoga as a way to heal from an injury sustained while rock climbing, he has found guidance through the 8 limb path of Ashtanga Yoga. While not a certified yoga teacher, he finds space to introduce yoga into his daily life and work. The ability to connect with other human beings in a vulnerable state and work towards bettering their quality of life is a direct manifestation of Yogic philosophy. Approaching 3 years of eating a vegan diet, which he attributes to his lovely and compassionate wife Liliana, he has seen direct results in his physical and mental abilities, and the link between diet and disease. As he took a vow to "First do no harm" he has realized that this extends to all sentient beings as well as the environment. A vegan lifestyle is the key to bringing these concepts together and is the future of attaining a sustainable and healthy planet.In this episode, Dr. Alex Charmoz returns for a second time to discuss with Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis what we can all do to improve our immune system and make ourselves as healthy and strong as possible to get through this pandemic. The following topics are discussed:Alex Charmoz- The Vegan Yogi Doctor Episode 37How to Survive a Pandemic by Michael Gregor, M.D. FACLMNutritionfacts.org2009 Swine FluDotsie Bausch's non-profit Switch4Good's commercial on NBC Newsweek article Eating Foods like Bread and Pasta Linked to Lower Risk of DeathStrengthening our immune system with a whole food vegan diet Probiotics. Dr. Alex Charmoz recommends Seed, Absorb Biotics, and Blue Biologyantioxidantsmushrooms Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Healing Mushrooms: A Practical and Culinary Guide to Using Mushrooms for Whole Body Health by Tero IsokauppilaBarukas NutsSacha Inchi Protein PowderSprouting- great supplies and seeds can be found at sproutman.com

Doug Evans is an early pioneer in the health food movement. After losing his mother to cancer and his father to heart disease and watching his brother suffer through diabetes and three strokes, he invested in and co-founded (with Denise Mari) Organic Avenue. Organic Avenue was the one the first organic cold-pressed juice and raw food retailer in the United States. He was the inventor and founder of Juicero, the first at-home cold-pressed juicing system. In a 3 year period, Doug led the company from conception to production launch and sold over 1 million Juicero Pack before it was composted.Doug lives off the water grid and food grid on his land with private hot springs east of Joshua Tree, California at Wonder Valley Hot Springs where he created a sprout lab, wrote The Sprout Book, and has a daily practice of sitting, soaking and ashtanga primary series.In this episode, Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Doug Evans discuss the following:Sri Dharma Mittra (Podcast Episode 28)Yogi Gupta’s Lecture Yoga Food ConceptsRecording Rich Roll's Podcast Episode 524Living on 50% of calories on sproutsThe benefits of eating sproutsSulforaphane found in cruciferous vegetables and it’s anti-cancer propertiesBroccoli sprouts and treating autismIncreasing lung function and broccoli Organic AvenueJuiceroAshtanga yoga and practicing in Mysore India Connect with Doug Evans:Instagram: @dougevansThe Sprout Book by Doug Evans

Milo Runkle is the founder, former president, and board chair of Mercy For Animals—the world’s largest organization dedicated to protecting farm animals and promoting plant-based eating. MFA’s programs improve the lives of over one billion animals each year. He founded the organization at age 15, after an animal abuse case in his local farming community in rural Ohio.Milo is also the co-founder of The Good Food Institute, an international organization that works to build a healthy and sustainable food system by supporting the development and adoption of plant and cell-based proteins.Milo has worked alongside elected officials, corporate executives, farmers, and celebrities to pass legislation, raise public awareness about veganism, and implement animal welfare policy changes. Through his work with Mercy For Animals, Milo has been featured by hundreds of news outlets, including ABC World News Tonight, Nightline, 20/20, CNN, USA Today, and the New York Times.He is the author of the 2017 bestselling book Mercy For Animals: One Man’s Quest to Inspire Compassion and Improve the Lives of Farm Animals.A certified yoga teacher, daily meditator, and self-declared mycophilic, Milo’s happiest moments are found walking barefoot in nature alongside his rescued mutt, Shiva.In this episode Yoga Is Vegan's Holly Skodis and Milo Runkle discuss the following:Escaping the energy of infighting and judgement to become a joyful vegan.Milo’s upbringing on a farm and how it lead him to found Mercy For Animals.Conditions of slaughterhouse workers and Mercy For Animals undercover investigationsPerpetration induced PTSDClean meat and its future as the 2nd domestication of animalsCOVIDClimate ChangeThe upcoming documentary Meat the Future featuring Memphis MeatsInner Yoga Teacher Training in BaliAfter the Ecstasy, the Laundry: How the Heart Grows Wise on the Spiritual Path by Jack Kornfield Gaining confidence as a new yoga teacherThe inner saboteurPower vs. Force David by David Hawkins M.D. Ph.D

Raise the Barn's Virtual Yogafest was New Jersey Yoga Collective's virtual yoga event in May that was offered to help Goats of Anarchy build a new barn. Goats of Anarchy is an award-winning, vegan sanctuary for special needs baby goats (along with other animal friends that they just have to help).New Jersey Yoga Collective's Bridget Riepl, organizer extraordinaire raised a total of $8,530 to go towards the $10,000 needed for the barn. Vanessa Van Noy and Yoga Is Vegan's creator Holly Skodis had the pleasure to host "What's Next" for a segment of Raise The Barn. Our conversation is about what we have learned from our experiences locking down with Coronavirus and how we can move forward as yogis to create change. Episode 58 is a recording of our conversation.Please consider offering a donation to Goats of Anarchy. To donate visit www.goatsofanarchy.comVanessa Van Noy has been both a Featured Yogi and podcast guest for Yoga Is Vegan.

Holly Skodis watched her dad literally end his life through the nutritional choices he had made throughout his life. Shortly after, she noticed she was having higher cholesterol and blood pressure and started making the connection with food and health. Around the same time, Holly started her Yoga Teacher Training, which led to her research on the typical diets of yogis. On a compassionate level, Holly made the connection between spirituality and what was on her plate.   Today, Holly believes wholly in not only a vegan lifestyle for compassionate reasons, but a Whole Food Plant-Based diet for health reasons.   For information about Holly's workshops, podcasts and more, Yoga is Vegan can be found at the following links: Website: https://yogaisvegan.com/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/yogaisvegan FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/yogaisvegan   For Holly's personal pages: Website: http://www.hollyskodis.com Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/hollyskodis FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/hollyskodis

Due to the expanding outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 fear, anxiety and stress is at an all-time high. Yoga Is Vegan Founder Holly Skodis takes you through a guided active relaxation meditation to help reduce stress and increase inner healing. This is a different format than the usual podcast. This mediation is intended to be done lying down or in a seated position with your eyes closed. Please do not attempt to do this mediation while driving. Next week's release will return to the usual podcast interview format.

May 2019 marked the beginning year of the Yoga Is Vegan Podcast. In The Best Of: Part 1, Holly Skodis features excerpts from some of her favorite interviews this year. This is a great episode to listen to if you are new to the show or haven't quite yet listened to them all. Clearly there wasn't enough time to share as many as she would have liked. Stay tuned next week, for Part 2. Episodes featured in this episode: Joy Pierson and Bart Potenza are pioneers in the vegan restaurant business. They have been New York's staple for fine dining for over 16 years and their restaurants have included Candle 79, Candle Cafe West and Candle Cafe. Unfortunately, their episode was corrupted while editing and the full episode never aired. What remains is golden non-the-less. For more information on the Candle Cafe's visit http://www.candlecafe.comSri Dharma Mittra: Legendary yoga teacher Sri Dharma Mittra first encountered yoga as a teenager before meeting his guru in 1964 and beginning his training in earnest. Sri Dharma founded one of the early independent schools of yoga in New York City in 1975 and has taught many tens of thousands the world over in the years since. Sri Dharma is the model and creator of The Master Yoga Chart of 908 Postures, the author of ASANAS: 608 Yoga Poses, the LOAY Teachers’ Manual and Yoga Wisdom, has released two DVDs to date – Maha Sadhana Levels I and II, and recently captured classes are available for streaming via alomoves.com, YogaJournal.com and Vimeo On Demand. Sri Dharma continues to disseminate the complete traditional science of yoga through daily classes, international workshops and his Life of a Yogi Teacher Trainings at the Dharma Yoga New York Center. For more information on all things Dharma Yoga, please visit: www.dharmayogacenter.com.Listen to Episode 28- Sri Dharma MittraVictoria Moran is a vegan of over three decades, a yoga practitioner of half a century, and was voted “Peta’s Sexiest Vegan Over 50” in 2016. Listed by VegNews among the Top 10 Living Vegetarian Authors, Victoria made her reputation in the self-help and spirituality genre with books including the international bestseller, Creating a Charmed Life. In the vegan space, she’s written books including The Love-Powered Diet, The Good Karma Diet, and the iconic Main Street Vegan.Moran is founder and director of Main Street Vegan Academy, an in-person program in New York City that trains vegan lifestyle coaches, educators, and entrepreneurs. The Academy has over 400 alumni in twenty-eight countries, who are engaged in vegan enterprises ranging from counseling to cooking to cowboy boots.Featured twice on Oprah and regularly appearing on television and radio, Victoria is an internationally celebrated speaker and host of the award-winning Main Street Vegan podcast. She is also lead producer of A Prayer for Compassion, the 2019 documentary from Student Academy Award winner, Thomas Jackson, that explores the intersection of food choices and spirituality. She lives with her husband, writer and musician William Melton, their rescue-dog, Forbes, and a handicapped pigeon named Thunder, in a “green” building in New York City. Listen to Episode 16- Victoria Moran Dotsie Bausch- After concluding a prolific professional cycling career that produced a medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games, eight US national championships, two Pan American gold medals and a world record, Dotsie Bausch has become a powerful influencer for plant-based eating for athletes and non-athletes alike. Named by VegNews in 2019 as one of the top 20 most influential vegans in the world, she utilizes her degree in plant-based nutrition to inform her impassioned messages as an advocate on behalf of humans, planet earth and animals.Never one to shy away from facing staggering odds – just like she did in the Olympics while riding for Team USA, whose unlikely and triumphant story is chronicled in the Netflix documentary “Personal Gold” – her latest initiative is founding the non-profit Switch4Good. Switch4Good launched in early 2018 with a television commercial featuring six Olympians from four different countries and proves that cow’s milk is not part of a high-performance diet. The ground-breaking commercial aired on NBC during the 2018 Winter Olympic Games closing ceremonies and on ABC during the Academy Awards broadcast. View the commercial at: https://Switch4Good.org. Bausch is also one of the stars of the film The Game Changers (http://gamechangersmovie.com), which chronicles the story of the world’s most dangerous myth. Directed by Academy Award winner Louie Psihoyos and executive produced by Oscar winner James Cameron, The Game Changers released to worldwide audiences in October of 2019 and in just one week, became the #1 downloaded film of all time on iTunes.Long before embodying radiant health and becoming an influential game changer, Bausch struggled for years with severe eating disorders and a recreational drug habit, that combined, led to a suicide attempt. It was during her recovery that she discovered her gift and love for the bike. Bausch speaks passionately around the world, spreading her message about the numerous benefits – humane, nutritional and environmental – of plant-based eating. Her popular TEDx Talk, “Olympic Level Compassion,” has garnered over 275,000 views and has been a catalyst of change for thousands of people.Listen to Episode 27- Switch4Good & The Game Changers Dotsie BauschAnna Ferguson is the author of World Peace Yoga: Yoga for People Who Breathe, a companion book to Dr. Will Tuttle’s book, The World Peace Diet. In addition to being co-creator of World Peace Yoga studio in Cincinnati, Anna is engaged in several evolving paradigms as a co-founder of Heärt Montessori, a school where empathy and compassion are taught as part of core academics, the Jubilee Animal Sanctuary, providing a glimpse of what a peaceful world looks like, and the Cincy VegFest, an annual one-day vegan festival. Listen to Episode 4- Anna Ferguson: Yoga For People Who BreatheDr. Will Tuttle, visionary educator, has presented widely throughout North America and worldwide. A 39-year vegan, he is the author of the #1 Amazon best-selling book The World Peace Diet and is a recipient of the Courage of Conscience Award and the Empty Cages Prize. He is also author of the recent book, Your Inner Islands: The Keys to Intuitive Living, as well as editor of Circles of Compassion: Essays Connecting Issues of Justice and the newly-released Buddhism and Veganism: Essays Connecting Spiritual Awakening and Animal Liberation.Devoted to cultural healing and awakening, he is a former Zen monk and Dharma Master in the Zen tradition, and his Ph.D. degree from the University of California, Berkeley, focused on educating intuition and altruism in adults. He has taught college courses in creativity, humanities, religion, and philosophy, and is also a composer and concert pianist. He is noted for his clear and inspiring presentations, and is featured in many documentary films, including Cowspiracy; A Prayer for Compassion; Vegan: Everyday Stories; and HOPE: What You Eat Matters. Listen to Episode 7- Dr. Will TuttleGabriel Cousens, the “liberated vegan from Eden”, is the author of thirteen internationally acclaimed books including Spiritual Nutrition and Creating Peace by Being Peace. Known worldwide as a spiritual teacher and the leading expert in live, plant-source nutrition, Dr. Cousens functions as a holistic physician, psychiatrist, family therapist, and cutting-edge researcher on healing diabetes naturally. He holds an M.D. from Columbia Medical School, a doctorate in homeopathy, and diplomas in Ayurveda, and holistic medicine. His multicultural background as an ordained rabbi, an acknowledged yogi, and a four-year Native American Sundancer, adds insight to his “whole-person enlightenment” teachings. Dr. Cousens is the founder and director of the Tree of Life Foundation.Dr. Gabriel Cousens will recommend raw honey and bee pollen with vegan alternatives in his books. While this is not discussed in this episode, I do want to acknowledge that this is in conflict with strict veganism. He addresses this topic in http://treeoflifecenterus.com/the-art-of-live-food-preparation/Tiffany Paultauf and her husband Joe Bonitatebus started the Sleepy Pig Farm Animal Sanctuary where they have rescued over a dozen farmed animals from slaughter. Their goal for the future is to grow the sanctuary and to rescue more animals, as well as educate the community about obtaining a vegan lifestyle. At the the moment they are in the process of becoming a non profit.Listen to Episode 19- Tiffany Paltauf: Rescuing Animals and Starting an Animal Farm Sanctuary

This is our seventh episode. In this episode I am talking with Holly Skodis all the way from Connecticut (US) about her project (and podcast) Yoga is Vegan and many other things, the connection between yoga and veganism, how to inspire others, what inspired her to change her life, vegan cooking school and the importance of the colour pink. Do not miss this episode. For more info on Holly: @yogaisvegan www.yogaisvegan.com We talk about: https://mainstreetvegan.net/academy/

Henry Winslow is a dedicated yoga practitioner of nine years, whose teaching is rooted in the Ghosh, Ashtanga, and Dharma Yoga traditions. In 2018, Henry took first place in the International Yoga Sport Federation's world championships, and in 2019, he launched the Henry Yoga app, a 40-day program for anyone looking to get serious about yoga, no matter their budget or schedule. To Henry, yoga is above all else a tool for cultivating clarity. He credits his practice for attuning him to his own values and for lending him the courage to leave a safe yet emotionally draining job in pharmaceutical advertising and blaze a new path in yoga and entrepreneurship. Through live classes and workshops, the Henry Yoga app, and his podcast Dharma Talk, Henry empowers students worldwide to connect to their innermost selves, where our natural resilience, unlimited power, and universal compassion reside.In this episode Holly Skodis and Henry Winslow discuss:Henry Winslow's podcast Dharma TalkYoga teacher and photographer Fabio Filipi (Fabio is on Yoga Is vegan podcast 5)Maha dharma and unique dharmaDharma Mittra (for more listen to Dharma Mittra on Yoga Is Vegan podcast episode 28)Screamers Pizzeria Documentaries Forks Over Knives, Cowspiracy & What The HealthDr. Melanie Joy "Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism" "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari Ghosh YogaInternational Yoga Sport Federation's World ChampionshipsRajashree & Bikram ChoudhuryYoga Inc DocumentaryRose Erin Vaughan Science of Self Yoga & MYT Workshops & Certifications Information on the recent Bikram downfall in the documentary, Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator.

In this episode Holly Skodis interviews Karo Tak about her life as a vegan activist, yoga teacher and chef. Karo focuses on 3 main components in her life: FOOD, YOGA & ACTIVISM. She is a very active travelling vegan chef, yoga teacher and activist. She travels the world to teach Jivamukti Yoga, talks about animal rights, facilitates cooking classes and compassionately spreads the word for animals worldwide. She runs her own vegan cheese company: GOPAL VEGAN CHEESE & yoga apparel: SHAKTEE. She facilitates her own vegan cooking workshops, events, talks and seminars all for the betterment of the world. She is just about to start her food, yoga and activism tour travelling to Holland, Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland.Topics discussed:Jivamukti Yoga - Jiva means individual soul and mukti means liberation. The practice of Jivamukti is very strong and liberating. The Jivamukti Yoga method emphasises asana, scriptural study, devotion, prayer, music, chanting and meditation as well as veganism, environmentalism and political activism. Karo’s classes are dynamic and energetic with a smashing play-list, teachings drawn from her own life experience and work as an animal rights activist.Effective approaches to talking about veganismGoing undercover on slaughterhouses Extinction Rebellion: an international movement that uses non-violent civil disobedience in an attempt to halt mass extinction and minimize the risk of social collapse.Vanessa Van Noy Episode 10Queer Eye's Jonathan Van Ness' podcast Getting CuriousKaro's vegan cheese company Gopal Vegan CheeseGopal Mantra on Spotify by Krishna DasKaro's Raw Hazelnut Vegan Brownies. So the other day I made these yummy hazelnut brownies kind of by accident as I just tried to blend a few things together hoping it would work and it did indeed work. I tried to remember amounts as much as I could, so try for yourself and just add anything else you think might work well in the recipe, the sky is the limit, my friends. Ingredients: 2 cups hazelnuts 1/2 cup cacao Powder 3/4 cup coconut Sugar1 cup coconut Oil (liquid form, so it works well to let the oil sit in warm water for a while so it becomes really liquid) 1 tsp Himalayan salt Optional: 10 soaked dates (check that there is no pit inside) Method: Start by blending the hazelnuts and the sugar together. You really want the hazelnuts to be like meal, powder form nearly, so really well blended. Then add the cacao. Blend again. Then you add the coconut oil and salt. Blend well together. So if you have the dates then keep the blender going while you add the dates one by one to the mixtures. The dates are like the glue which will create a perfect consistency and make the setting process a little quicker in my opinion BUT last time I made this I had no dates and it still set perfectly, so if you don’t have dates, no problem! Then place the mixture in a cake form, line the cake form with vegetable paper, cling wrap or foil. Let it set for at least 24 hours in the fridge. And voila you’re in business. Enjoy! *Optional you can save a few hazelnuts and crush them a little or blend them just a tiny bit and sprinkle them on the top. Looks great and taste delicious.Connect with Karo: Instagram: food: @karoveganator yoga: @jivamuktikaroWebsite: www.karotak.comYoutube Channel: https://youtu.be/JKZQC3m_5qIPodcast: https://www.facebook.com/goforyourlifenow/

In this episode Holly Skodis interviews Julia about how she found Veganism through yoga.Julia has studied deeply with dance, yoga, meditation, movement practices, and integral anatomy for over twenty years. She has had the privilege of teaching in New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Israel, Italy and currently in Los Angeles. She found Mysore style Ashtanga yoga five years ago, and gratefully went vegan shortly after. Her intention with all of her endeavors is to rediscover our innate curiosity and compassion, so that we may each continue our journey inward and onward with faith, steadiness and ease. She bows down to the teacher within for eternal guidance and understands that true love will free us all.Topics discussed this episode:What it means to be veganChanneling angerEffective vegan activism

In this episode Holly Skodis interviews Christopher & Sara about how vegans can find their unique gifts and talents so they can effectively contribute to the vegan movement . They explore how pain can be a great teacher and share different modalities for self-discovery. Chris and Sara each share their stories behind why they are vegan and how their own pain inspired led them to a life dedicated to elavating the collective consciousness.

In this episode, Holly Skodis interviews Adam Sobel about the Cinnamon Snail, spirituality and the connection to food. Adam Sobel (aka Acutyananda Das) is a student of Mahayogi Gokulacandra Das. Adam and his wife Joey (Daya Devi Dasi) have been offering free yoga classes in Red Bank NJ for the last 12 years.Adam is also the chef and owner of The Cinnamon Snail, an award winning vegan restaurant and food truck serving NYC and NJ. He has cooked at the James Beard House, won the Vendy Awards (the oscars of Street food) and represented the United States in the World Street Food Congress in the Philippines. His cookbook Street Vegan is available in bookstores everywhere.

In Episode 12 Holly Skodis interviews Astanga Yoga Teacher and Vegan Activist Kathleen Kastner about how yogis can become effective vegan activists. Kathleen Kastner has a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology and has been practicing and teaching Ashtanga Yoga since 1997.She was a yoga studio owner in Kansas City for 16 years and now lives in Encinitas, CA where she practices with Tim Miller daily. She’s been vegan since 2002 and is certified in plant-based nutrition with the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine. Her main focus in life is spreading ahimsa through animal and vegan activism and her youtube cooking show, Vegan Vitality. Kathleen is Vegan Coach, specializing in weight loss and is the author of two books. She hosts yoga workshops and international retreats.

In Episode 11, Holly Skodis interviews Certified Yoga Nutrition Therapist and 36 year vegan Manu Dawson about his wisdom in his field.

In episode 10 Holly Skodis and Vanessa Van Noy talk about approaches to becoming vegan and understanding the connection through yoga. Vanessa shares what has worked for her in the past and tips for planting the vegan seeds for the future. Vanessa Van Noy has been teaching in the NY metro area for nearly 20 years. She has worked with pro and collegiate athletes , people with physical limitations, and everyone in between. She specializes in creating practices that are fluid, functional and fun. She encourages humor&compassion, perseverance & perception , love &laughter. Her training as a Certified Thai Yoga Massage Therapist allows her to be very hands on in her classes, using touch as a way to deepen a posture or just show a little love.Vanessa's classes are always a little bit different from the last. With music that motivates the body and lifts the spirit. Her class environment is conducive to laughing one moment, or discovering your true inner-self the next. It is always a flowing style, intelligently formulated to move toward some fabulous postures with comfort and ease. She will sprinkle some breath work, sometimes some Kundalini, being mindful of alignment and modifications to keep everyone safe while digging deep. Vanessa travels teaching workshops and retreats nationally, and world-wide. She also was selected for the Wanderlust festival in 2015.Vanessa is the founder of “Headstands for Hunger“ a annual yoga-based community event that feeds hungry people and homeless pets in Monmouth County NJ. Taking yoga off the mat is where it's really at.

In this episode, Holly Skodis interviews Dakota Mays about his journey to yoga and veganism. This episode covers a lot of topics including:Increasing strength and flexibility in your yoga practice by reducing inflammation in the body.Resources for helping you understand the health benefits of a vegan diet.

While studying at University in Mexico, Pablo Herrerias was in a car accident that changed his life as he knew it. After losing a substantial portion of his foot and spending a year in bed unable to walk, he began a journey to heal his body. This led him to both the healing effects of yoga and veganism.Holly Skodis interviews Pablo about his journey to yoga and veganism. In this episode they talk about his accident and discuss permaculture and sustainability in Mexico. Pablo is a Mexican Industrial Engineer with interest in permaculture and sustainability. He has been a Dharma Yoga student and teacher since 2015. He is also an amateur vegan cook.

In this episode, Holly Skodis interview's Will Tuttle about how being vegan plays a role in the spiritual realm of yoga. Will Tuttle explains how we can all live in a more conscious society based on understanding the consequences of animal agriculture.. He explains how the herding culture manifests in today's materialistic world and the greater spiritual journey of life. Dr. Will Tuttle, visionary educator, has presented widely throughout North America and worldwide. A 39-year vegan, he is the author of the #1 Amazon best-selling book The World Peace Diet and is a recipient of the Courage of Conscience Award and the Empty Cages Prize. He is also author of the recent book, Your Inner Islands: The Keys to Intuitive Living, as well as editor of Circles of Compassion: Essays Connecting Issues of Justice and the newly-released Buddhism and Veganism: Essays Connecting Spiritual Awakening and Animal Liberation.Devoted to cultural healing and awakening, he is a former Zen monk and Dharma Master in the Zen tradition, and his Ph.D. degree from the University of California, Berkeley, focused on educating intuition and altruism in adults. He has taught college courses in creativity, humanities, religion, and philosophy, and is also a composer and concert pianist. He is noted for his clear and inspiring presentations, and is featured in many documentary films, including Cowspiracy; A Prayer for Compassion; Vegan: Everyday Stories; and HOPE: What You Eat Matters.

Episode 1 is an introduction to the podcast. Holly Skodis talks about the connection between yoga and veganism and her path towards this discovery.

In this episode Holly Skodis interviews Lizz Defeo about the connection between yoga and veganism. Lizz is a Yoga Teacher and Marketing & Communications Manager at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary in High Falls, NY.

In this episode Holly Skodis interviews Stan Woodman, Level 2 Authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher for the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI), about his journey with yoga and why he became vegan.

Holly Skodis is a yoga teacher, vegan life coach and educator who has a new project called "Yoga is Vegan". The goal is to build awareness within the yoga community for the importance of veganism. She offers great insights and advice on the relationship between the two concepts and the importance of raising awareness. To learn more contact: James Cox Cell: 267 323 6936 Email: jamescoxprivateemail@gmail.com

Yoga is vegan, according to our first guest, Holly Skodis, VLCE, and after we learn about that, we’ll talk with New York Times best-selling author Sophie Uliano, who brought the world the concept of being gorgeously green.