PLAY PODCASTS
J. Brown Yoga Talks

J. Brown Yoga Talks

531 episodes — Page 1 of 11

Troy Hadeed - "Yoga is a Christian Practice"

May 11, 20261h 27m

Grace Gessel - "Whoever Hears His Testimony"

May 4, 20261h 58m

John Friend - "Rise and Fall of Mainstreaming"

Apr 27, 20261h 48m

David Singleton - "Slower and Longer Inward Looking"

Apr 20, 20261h 28m

Elisa Malinverni - "Messages We No Longer Believe In"

Apr 13, 20261h 31m

Check in with J - "I Closed the Yoga Center, Now What?"

Apr 6, 202652 min

Ep 525Todd Norian - "The Disease of Worldliness, Radical Nirvana"

Todd Norian, author of Tantra Yoga: Journey to Unbreakable Wholeness, returns to talk with J about the impact of different philosophical viewpoints on living in the word and what it means to be liberated. They discuss renunciation, misdeeds of the gurus, kundalini awakening and psychotic breaks, the collapse of Kripalu ashram and Anusara, authentic tantra, ethical codes and power, non-local consciousness, intimacy, wisdom and divinity, discernment and evil, boundaries and freedom, and the vulnerability required to heal our wounds. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Mar 30, 20261h 29m

Ep 524Christopher Wallis - "Rooted in But Not Bound by Tradition"

Christopher Wallis, author of Tantra Illuminated and creator of Tantra Illuminated Online and the Tantra 112 app, returns to talk with J about the defining characteristics and sources for authentic tantra, They discuss origin narratives, lineage and initiation, institutionalized gatekeeping, divine revelation, practice joined to a coherent view, renunciation and integration, Vedanta, Hatha Yoga, Kundalini, supreme being or consciousness, devotion, morality, psychology and spirit, grace, surrender. and the embodiment of one's true nature. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Mar 23, 20261h 35m

Ep 523Amy Landry - "Teachings, Traditions, and Practice"

Amy Landry, author of The Ocean of Yoga, talks with J about honoring the history, philosophies, and purpose behind yogic inquiry. They discuss the impulse towards deeper study, grasping historical context and ancient origins, discerning the vedas, asceticism and tantra, classical Hatha Yoga, energy bodies and subtle anatomy, pranayama and mind control, inaccurate claims and systematization, alignment of values, devotion and God, nature and deities, knowing what we are doing and why, and confidently trusting in a chosen direction. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Mar 16, 20261h 37m

Ep 522Lizzie Lasater - "AI, Marketing, Envisioning a Healthy Future"

Lizzie Lasater returns to the show to talk with J about using AI technology and creating social media campaigns. They discuss the rumor that her mom is retiring, showing up consistently, being declarative vs provocative, doing Savasana wrong, a legacy of patriarchal rules, collaborating with language models, popularity and outrage, longer holds and her controversial yin yoga post, AI anatomy chat bots, setting boundaries around technology, and a holistic vision of the future based on healthy choices and shared intention. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Mar 9, 20261h 32m

Ep 521Chris Preist - "Zen, Meditation, Devotion, and Divinity"

Chris Preist, co-director of Bristol Zen Dojo and author of Zen Streams, returns to talks with J about the intersection of zen and yoga. They discuss spiritual practice vs performance, learning rules through experience, connection between sound and spirit, feeling with intention, textual meanings, learning objectives, professionalization and marketing, actualizing non-duality, understanding emptiness, spacious luminosity, digital technology, freshness of words, and the discipline needed to retain authenticity in a capitalistic world. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Mar 2, 20261h 31m

Ep 520Rachel Morarjee - "Generational Shifts, Anchoring to Grace"

Rachel Morarjee, former journalist and friend of the show, talks with J about the arc of gen-xer perspectives on yoga and the world. They discuss receiving shaktiput, the early yoga scene in china, external gurus and choosing teachers, expressions of authority, developing a personal practice, transcending ego, chanting, death of retail, spirituality and faith, battle for souls, meeting challenges of modern society, devotion to God, fall of the yoga masters, life stages, and facing darkness by anchoring yourself to a source of grace. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Feb 23, 20261h 29m

Ep 519Bernie Clark - "History, Myth, Energy, and Spirit"

Bernie Clark, author of PRANA: One breath, many worlds, talks with J about his new book exploring philosophy, physiology, and the energetic axis of the yoga experience. They discuss stories imagining pre-vedic to Vedic tim es, shamans and yogis, evolution of societies, tribal ritual and institutional gods, reincarnation, relationship with the divine, role of prana in tantra, Desikachar and Descartes, Theosophy and Chakras, fascia, clairvoyance and energy healing, and understanding the difference between spirit and soul. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Feb 16, 20261h 29m

Ep 518Joanne Spence - "Trauma-Informed Care, Straightforward Faith"

Joanne Spence, author of Trauma-Informed Yoga: A Toolbox for Therapists and founder of Yoga in Schools, talks with J about the origins of trauma-informed care and the relationship between yoga and faith. They discuss coming to yoga through life challenges, exploring different approaches, breath focus, early paths into yoga therapy, working at a psychiatric hospital, trusting in lived experience, scientific explanations, attending seminary, being part of a church, secular approaches, and keeping communications straightforward and kind. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Feb 9, 20261h 41m

Ep 517Leslie Howard and Richard Rosen - "Between Breath and Death"

Leslie Howard and Richard Rosen, co-authors of SAVASANA - Between Breath and Death, talk with J about the importance of practicing final relaxation. They discuss the shortening of savasana over the years, death doulas and cafe's, the dissolution of self, the moment of death, guided meditation, asana and pranayama, reincarnation, falling asleep, alignment, using props and minimizing distraction, breath focus, rolling to the side, being the witness, fitness orientation, embracing things as they are, and recognizing the precious nature of life. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Feb 2, 20261h 25m

Ep 516David Procyshyn - "Line Between Authenticity and Manipulation"

David Procyshyn, founder of doyogawithme.com and author of a Freedom from Anxiety newsletter, talks with J about the current state of the online yoga space and different ways to think about marketing. They discuss the ebb and flow of online sales, loyalty and word of mouth, knowing your audience, saturation and competition, paying for advertising, affiliates, Facebook, discounts and promotions, customer segmentation, maximizing user experience, websites, retreats, and questioning assumptions that inhibit playfulness. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Jan 26, 20261h 39m

Ep 515Jim Bennitt - "Camaraderie, Careers, and Jiu-Jitsu"

Jim Bennitt, co-founder of Tejas Yoga and founder of Yoga for Grapplers, talks with J about the trajectory and evolution of Gen-x yoga careers. They discuss the yoga wave that started in the early nineties, old-school classroom dynamics, finding community, appeal of Jiu-Jitsu, cult aspects across different modalities, discernment of alignment, opening a center in the golden years, functional movement, accessibility, male friendships, post pandemic numbers, people leaving yoga, and the inspirational sparks that keep us motivated. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Jan 19, 20261h 38m

Ep 514Sharon Molloy - "Nonduality, Jesus, and the World of Man"

Sharon Molloy is a close personal friend of J and she joins the show to talk about their shared journey through yoga into faith. They discuss coming together around non-achievement, getting off on esoterica, discovering mystical realms, discerning materialism, making sense of lies and injustice, transhumanism, proof of the soul, evil, biblical prophecy, believing vs following, holy alignment and baptism, brokenness and the nature of self, hearing the voice of God, and experiencing the pinnacle of love through saving grace. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Jan 12, 20262h 1m

Ep 513Adam Rumack - "Rights of Passage and Ways of Existing"

Adam Rumack, co-founder of Open Circle, talks with J about subtle changes to the inner life of yoga communities and beyond. They discuss third series Ashtanga, taking over a Mysore room, nature-based rights of passage work, high demand communities, authorization, purity myths, underlying reality of natural order, hero journeys, perennial wisdom and power vacuums, vulnerability and responsibility, creating spiritual connection, attachment and strategic planning, and caring about each other enough to get beyond simple explanations. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Jan 5, 20261h 21m

Ep 512Year End Check In with J - "The Age of Professional Yoga is Over"

Once again, J offers his annual year end reflection on where things stand going into the new year. He discusses the grief of learning that a family member has terminal cancer and the mixture of love and sadness that the holiday season entailed, the difficult realization that he will likely need to close his yoga center, contributing factors and underlying economics, online algorithms, trade organizations, the dissolution of identity and career paths, realms of man vs realms of divinity, and finding an honest and straightforward way of proceeding through life. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Dec 29, 20251h 3m

Ep 511Danny Mintz - "Busting Myths and Questioning Teachers"

Danny Mintz is a listener of the show who reached out to J about the origins of yoga postures and it lead to this conversation about depictions of practice and the inner workings of being a teacher. They discuss whether modern yoga is 5000 years old or 500 years old, finding good teachers, Alison West, different stages of life, studio closures, finding your edge, Anusara, Jivamukti, personal practice, using music, yoga competitions, inversions, injuries, speaking out against abuse, and the testament for practice being the person it produces. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Dec 22, 20251h 31m

Ep 510Donna Farhi - "Conscious Pedagogic Models for Change"

Donna Farhi returns to talk with J about conscious pedagogic models that foster independence and moving towards grounded sensitivity. They discuss homesteading and the contrast between natural and digital worlds, recovering from a fractured pelvis, meaning of pedagogy, baking bread, horizontal communication, checks and balances, contraction in the industry, being relevant to the times, ground rules and agreements, sticking with the word yoga, fitness and perfected bodies, post-pandemic landscapes, and evolving into the future. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Dec 15, 20251h 54m

Ep 509Kim Hopkins - "Service, Strategic Planning, Ripple Effects"

Kim Hopkins, executive director of the Shanthi Project, talks with J about the not-for-profit work of providing yoga and mindfulness education to children and adults. They discuss different phases of the organization and where things were when Kim took over in 2023, working at Sony Music, revenue structures and fund development plans, substituting the term yoga for mindfulness, importance of data collection and research, having an in person space, bases of support, and the long game of creating meaningful change. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Dec 8, 20251h 21m

Ep 508Neil Taylor - "Mindfulness of the Ordinary and Profound"

Neil Taylor joins the show to follow up with J on the ongoing conversation about mindfulness education. They discuss Neil's entrance into practice, the importance of solitude, quality of presence, Thich Nhat Hang, the Satipattana Sutta, the end of suffering, inner bliss and demons, ignorance and true nature, cessation, self and no-self, levels of awareness, distinguishing between mindfulness and meditation, mysticism and the secular, neurological patterning, energy bodies, letting the mystery be, and embodying compassion. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Dec 1, 20251h 29m

Ep 507Karin Lynn Carlson - "Yoga is a Tool, Not an Identity"

Karin Lynn Carlson, founder of Return Yoga and author of the substack Gristle and Bone, returns to touch base with J on the reckoning going on in the yoga profession. They discuss starting online platforms before it was a thing, 200hr teacher training model and the false promise of a career, marketing conundrums, living paycheck to paycheck, effects of the pandemic on in person spaces, AI, relying upon wealthy students, looking for jobs to pay bills, reconciling the downfall of the American dream, and finding direction from within. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Nov 24, 20251h 28m

Ep 506Cassie McKamey - "Being Guided to Practice and Faith"

Cassie McKamey is a listener of the show whose email to J led to this conversation about coming to yoga on the internet through a lens of christian faith. They discuss growing up in a church community in Kansas, youth pastors and questioning authority, following rules vs inquiring within, learning yoga on YouTube, personal relationship to God, being responsible for what you teach, following Jesus, guided meditation and divine will, forms of worship, and being humble enough to believe in something greater than yourself. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Nov 17, 20251h 36m

Ep 505Sarah Powers - "An Inner Lens of Listening to Heart-Mind"

Sarah Powers, co-founder of the Insight Yoga Institute, talks with J about integrating Yoga, Tao, and Mindfulness. They discuss the progression of yoga into a physical orientation to wellness instead of deeper inquiries, cliche of yoga profession, earlier days at Yogaworks, Paul Griley, different camps within Yin Yoga, differentiating Iyengar method, energy bodies, negotiating terms to honor all parts of ourselves, discipline and empathic support, and learning how to ungrasp and explore changing views to access joyful wisdom. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Nov 10, 20251h 30m

Ep 504Edward Clark and Laurie A. Greene - "Grappling with Self and Other"

Edward Clark and Laurie A, Greene, co-authors of Yoga and the Body: The Future of Modern Yoga in the Studio and Beyond, talk with J about interrogating assumptions from within and without yoga traditions. They discuss the ancient origins of yoga, perspectives in theater arts, distinguishing asana and vinyasa, meaning making, reasons for having a body, trauma, emotions, postural attitudes, evolving language in teaching, risk aversion and intensity of inquiry, empathy, being honest communicators, and experiencing every day awe-inspiring beauty. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Nov 3, 20251h 38m

Ep 503Adam Keen - "Reappraising Modern Yoga Methodology"

Adam Keen, host of the Keen on Yoga Podcast, returns to the show to revisit a conversation they started years ago about the role of teachers and teachings. They discuss recent scandals in the Ashtanga community, teaching styles and somatic dominance, origins of Ashtanga, tradition and market competition, implications of the "active series," homogenization of Mysore rooms, adjustments, hip replacement surgery, showing fallibility, and holding ourselves to account so we can provide something of meaning and purpose. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Oct 27, 20251h 46m

Ep 502Anna Taylor - "Teaching Presence More Than Poses"

Anna Taylor, author of Weaving Mindfulness & Compassion into Yoga Teaching, talks with J about the intersection of mindfulness education and yoga. They discuss being curious about why yoga works, noticing the impact of practice, mindfulness not thoughts, doing and being, attention training, involvement of the heart, equipping people to listen, effort vs observation, failure and feeling taken care of, secular spirituality, pacing, strong flows and music, bringing ourselves into a Satvic state, and promoting values that we believe in. Get 15% off the book by using the promo code JBPAT15 - Valid until Dec 31, 2025 To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Oct 20, 20251h 31m

Ep 501Chris Cochrane - "Science, Spirit, Horses, and Shakespeare"

Chris Cochrane is a listener of the show who joins to talk with J about her unique background and perspective on science and yoga. They discuss working for NASA analyzing semiconductor crystals grown on the space station, scientists and engineers who are into yoga, micro-gravity and crystal structures, distortions in the atomic order, connection between science and spirit, water witches, probability and preciousness of life, benefits of practice, horse wisdom, equestrians, Patanjali, Shakespeare, and living your dream. New Teacher Training Group starting October 20, 2025 - REGISTER NOW! Live Workshops in New Jersey and Boston - REGISTER HERE To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM.

Oct 13, 20251h 21m

Ep 500J. Brown - "10 Years, 500 Episodes, Challenges Ahead"

On the occasion of the 10-year anniversary and 500th episode of the show, J reflects on the state of the yoga profession and industry. He discusses the progression from blog writing to podcasting and his latest post entitled "What I've Learned About Where We Are," the effects of the pandemic on attendance patterns and the role of teachers, myths about marketing and expertise, cravings for connection and immediate gratification, current status of the center J opened a year ago, direction, purpose, and facing grim outlooks with courage and conviction. New Teacher Training Group starting October 20, 2025 - REGISTER NOW! To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Oct 6, 202559 min

Ep 499Lora Markova and Katharine Scalora - "Dedicated Aerial Yoga"

Lora Markova and Katharine Scalora, founders of Earth & Aerial Yoga in Hudson MA, talk with J about the advantages of owning an aerial yoga studio. They discuss Lora's previous career in media and Katharine's background, providing immediate gratification, logistical realities, how Covid killed their traditional classes, prop-specific discipline, remaining grounded in yogic principles, injuries, camaraderie vs competition, enrollment policies, premium offerings, and charting a new path to evolve aerial yoga into more than just a gimmick. New Teacher Training Group starting October 20, 2025 - REGISTER NOW! To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM.

Sep 29, 20251h 33m

Ep 498Pamela Weber - "Keeping Things Going Against All Odds"

Pamela Weber, co-founder of NATA Yoga in Paris, talks with J about the uncertain future that independent centers face and the determination that keeps them going. They discuss her life as an academic and moving to Paris, teacher training before 200hr certification, minimalist teaching styles, giving up tenure for yoga, the subversive nature of opening a center, glory times before COVID, managing lock-downs, erratic attendance and rising expenses, researching Swami Kripalu, and holding true to a current of surrender and love. New Teacher Training Group starting October 20, 2025 - REGISTER NOW! To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM.

Sep 22, 20251h 35m

Ep 497Kelli Hansel and Shawn Lindsay - "Embracing Studio Ownership"

Kelli Hansel and Shawn Lindsay, owners of Indigo Yoga in Caldwell NJ, talk to J about taking over a studio and reaching for more than just being OK. They discuss the yoga scene in the rural Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky, learning from DVD's and correspondence courses, finding teachers on Instagram, not starting from scratch, adapting to changing habits, filling existing classes vs adding more, business models and teacher-centered policies, small town feels, and prioritizing a shared human experience of connection. New Teacher Training Group starting October 20, 2025 - REGISTER NOW! To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM.

Sep 15, 20251h 30m

Ep 496Josh Thomas and Geoffrey Dugue - "Unburdened Love of Jesus"

Josh Thomas and Geoffrey Dugue, hosts of the Love for the Unseen God Podcast, talk with J about opening to transformational grace and a personal relationship with Jesus. They discuss observed experience as a basis for truth, nonduality and a creator, discerning man-made religion, comparing unitarian and trinitarian views, emptiness and being born again, worldviews of connection, Genesis I and III, surrender and salvation, God's will, Yamas and Niyamas, Shanti and Shalom, and knowing the unmatchable peace of choosing to follow Jesus. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Sep 8, 20251h 49m

Ep 495Kevin Flynn - "A Fruitful Wrestling in Christian Faith"

Kevin Flynn, one of the founders of Christians Practicing Yoga, talks with J about the intersection between Yoga and Christ. They discuss the history of the show and how it has led to this topic, benedictine monks, living faith in an embodied fashion, christian ashrams, Patanjali, communion vs union, liberating Christ from Christianity, ways to follow Jesus, demons and the battle for souls, being saved, divine collaboration, finding a magnetic true north, the need for fellowship, and the profound benefit of a personal relationship with God. Teacher Training Early Registration Discount 40% off until Sept 7 - REGISTER NOW! To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM.

Sep 1, 20251h 33m

Ep 494Britta Van Dun - "Acupuncture and Subtle Realms"

Britta Van Dun, founder of Intuitive Health & Healing, is an old friend of J's and they talk about attuning to the subtle and healing with soul through acupuncture. They discuss exploring healing modalities in the early aughts, intersection of chinese medicine and yoga, consciousness, links between physical and energy bodies, actuality of needles, vehicles of intention, movement of meridians, resting in stillness, learning what your gifts are, authentic caring, and being servant to something much greater than ourselves. Teacher Training Early Registration Discount 40% off until Sept 7 - REGISTER NOW! To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM.

Aug 25, 20251h 36m

Ep 493Chara Caruthers - "Holding Space for Psychedelic Healing"

Chara Caruthers returns to talks with J about the therapeutic value of psychedelics and the questions their use raises. They discuss ineffable experiences, connections between meditation and psychedelics, transpersonal psychology, abuses in plant medicine, preparation, bad trips, ontological shock, effects of intention, intervention vs practice, machine elves, research and legalization, personal/professional ethics, relating to mystery from a grounded field, discerning truth, integration, and the capacity to make meaning of our lives. Teacher Training Early Registration Discount 40% off until Sept 7 - REGISTER NOW! To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM.

Aug 18, 20251h 35m

Ep 492Lauri Nemetz - "Visual Rhetoric, Fascia, Insights Into Existence"

Lauri Nemetz, author of The Myofascial System in Form and Movement, talks with J about interpretations of anatomy and thinking in different ways about the human body. They discuss visual rhetoric and memorization, dance movement therapy, fascial lines and/or systems, dissecting embalmed vs unembalmed tissue, benefits of gentle shearing, Body Worlds art exhibit, ethics and morality, interfacing with doctors, active learning and applying knowledge, and inquiring into the beauty and wholeness of our material frames. Teacher Training Early Registration Discount 40% off until Sept 7 - REGISTER NOW! To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM.

Aug 11, 20251h 34m

Jeff Bailey - "Healing Sensation and Peaceful Presence"

Jeff Bailey, author of Mobility for Life: Healthy Joints, Strong Bones, and a Peaceful Mind with AVITA YOGA®, talks with J about interrupting patterns of pain and letting love be a guide. They discuss growing up with a veterinarian father, connections between Rolfing and A Course in Miracles, labral tears and joint compression, undue fear of hyperextension, yogic alignment and body organization, practicing with your eyes closed, arthritis and hip replacement, peace as the primary goal, and allowing spirit to carry us through. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Aug 4, 20251h 28m

Ep 490Kari Harendorf - "Not the Same Yoga We Were Doing in the 90's"

Kari Harendorf, co-founder of Better Yoga, talks with J about reviving old models with new eyes. They discuss the East Village NYC scene in the early aughts, her dog Charlie, longevity of boutique studios, teaching anatomy for Rodney Yee and Colleen Saidman Yee, Kripalu going from ashram to for-profit, the moment when the world fell apart, getting the hang of zoom yoga, Ayurveda schooling, downsides to digital technology, productive rest, becoming a better listener, elusive truth, and holding it all with the preciousness life deserves. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Jul 28, 20251h 38m

Ep 489Ruth White - "Teachers, Freinds, and the Sweet Use of Adversity"

Ruth White, author of Presence: The Truth of Yoga, talks with J about egos, teaching methods, and meeting the needs of students. They discuss BKS Iyengar's penchant for "waking you up," friendships between teachers and students, masters becoming famous and making money, Vanda Sacaraveli, Dona Holloman, merits of teaching Savasana, succession of lineage, attitudes towards pain, constitutional strength, restorative classes, standardization and individual expression, tendencies towards leaping ahead, and slowing down to come together. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Jul 21, 20251h 24m

Ep 488Tim Kelleher - "When it's Still Worth the Doing"

Tim Kelleher, founder of Boston Yoga Union, talks with J about the trials and tribulations of being a yoga center owner then and now. They discuss being naive when the pandemic hit, legal action and predatory capitalism, a life threatening struggle with substance abuse and feeling safe in your body, collaboration, attendance patterns and irregularity of schedules, lack of full-time yoga teachers, faith in something bigger, cultivating contentment, and the soul encouragement of connecting with others. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Jul 14, 20251h 29m

Ep 487David Swenson - "Broke Hippies and Traditional Knowledge"

David Swenson, author of Only Dead Fish Go With The Flow, talks with J about his new memoir and the evolution of styles and systems. They discuss doing yoga from a book, leaving home at a young age and moving to California, emergence of vinyasa, beliefs about gurus, Patabhi Jois, thirst for knowledge, the Hari Krishna Movement, spiritual communities and going under cover to make money, abbreviated forms, origins of flow, retirement, ego gratification and humble service, proof being in the person, and the value of lightheartedness in practice and life. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Jul 7, 20251h 30m

Ep 486Jahnavi (Claire) Missingham - "Holding True to What You Know"

Jahnavi (Claire) Missingham talks with J about living a life and having a profession in yoga. They discuss being raised by a devout Sufi and going by different names, NY from 1997-2005, music in classes, Sean Corn, Jivamukti training at Omega Institute, Peter Rizzo, teachers being placed on pedestals, HOME Wellness opening up in London, Kundalini yoga with Guru Jagat, Yogaglo, DVD's and Yoga Journal, intellectual property and protecting integrity, utilizing technology, devotion and Hinduism, and finding our way back to who we really are inside. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Jun 30, 20251h 47m

Ep 485Andrew Tanner - "Live from BYF2025, American Yoga Council"

Andrew Tanner, founder of the Berkshire Yoga Festival and the American Yoga Council, talks with J live from the Berkshire Yoga Festival 2025 about the launch of his new project to advance the profession of yoga teaching. They discuss the long history of standards and trade organizations, core values of AYC, retirement funds, standards and a new system, proficiency-based education, incentive structures and career paths, differentiation, public benefit corporations, technology and growth, and focusing on helping yoga teachers make a living. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Jun 23, 20251h 26m

Ep 484Reika Shucart - "Full-Time Yoga Teacher"

Reika Shucart, host of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, talks with J about what has become of studio culture and the realities of the profession in 2025. They discuss the differences between Japanese and American cultures, international development and volunteer tourism, teaching 28-30 classes/week, benefiting from online training, earning more money and ethical conflicts, mirrors, vegetarianism, less yoga specific offerings, lifestyle and identity, ashtanga active series, and getting outside the box to witness and inspire students. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Jun 16, 20251h 25m

Ep 483Paul Bramadat - "Skeptical Scholar, Devoted Practitioner"

Paul Bramadat, Director of the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society at University of Victoria and author of Yogalands: In Search of Practice on the Mat and in the World, talks with J about letting your body settle the score and the anthropology of yoga. They discuss transformation and academic dispassion, experience vs intellectual reasoning, religious studies and small p politics, the response from academic circles to being a yoga teacher, healing properties of practice, coping with the world better, and connection to what animates your curiosity. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Jun 9, 20251h 33m

Ep 482Reggie Hubbard - "Politics, Spiritual Truths, and Sound Healing"

Reggie Hubbard, founder of Active Peace Yoga, talks with J about recovering from a stroke and praying instead of protesting. They discuss his background in politics, the impact of 9/11, realities of a broken system, working for Bernie Sanders, navigating dark nights of the soul, collective liberation, coming into community, political neutrality as a privilege, having a stroke, turning to sound for healing, listening to your intuition, addressing dis-regulation with deep spiritual resonance, and gratitude for every little miracle. To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM. Say thank you - buy J a coffee. Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.

Jun 2, 20251h 27m