Shows
Nearly EnlightenedThe Embodied Yogi: Mindful Living, Ancient Wisdom, and Modern PracticeWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Giana and Dee are back together, reflecting on their recent 30-day Deepen Your Practice yoga challenge and the lessons that unfolded—on and off the mat. This isn’t just a conversation about yoga postures—it’s about the kind of transformation that starts with intention and ripples into every area of life.They kick things off by talking about mindful consumption—from collagen to coffee—and how being more intentional with what we buy, eat, and support can become a powerful practice of wellness. 2025-06-1754 minNearly EnlightenedThe Birthday Blues: Aging, Anxiety & Learning to Love Your Face with Kat ParksWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.What happens when the birthday girl doesn't want to celebrate? In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Giana confesses her unexpected anxiety about turning 34, while birthday enthusiast Kat Parks tries to reignite her excitement. Together, they peel back the layers of what makes birthdays both magical and terrifying as we age.The discussion ventures into unexpectedly deep territory as both women reflect on how COVID disrupted our celebration of major life milestones. "I didn't even have time to process turning 30 because the world was on fire,"...2025-06-051h 00Nearly EnlightenedYoga Beyond Poses: The Final Four LimbsWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.In week four of the Deepen Your Practice Challenge, Dee and I are going inward—way inward.This episode is all about the subtle (and often skipped) limbs of yoga: pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi. These advanced practices invite us into stillness, deeper awareness, and connection to the Self. And honestly? In today’s overstimulating, always-scrolling, burnout-on-the-rise world… these might just be the most important tools yoga has to offer.I’m joined by the bril...2025-05-2033 minNearly EnlightenedThe Sacred Spiral: Healing Isn’t Linear with Danielle ManseauWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Ever feel like you're stuck in the same patterns, facing the same emotional triggers or life challenges on repeat? You’re not stuck—you’re moving through the sacred spiral of healing. In this deeply insightful episode, Giana sits down with Danielle to explore the cyclical nature of personal growth and how we can find empowerment, not frustration, in revisiting familiar themes with fresh eyes.Together, we unpack what it means to move through cycles of transformation, especially as sensitive souls, empaths, and spiritual seeker...2025-05-1448 minNearly EnlightenedDeepen Your Practice Week 3 Asana & PranayamaWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Think yoga is just about touching your toes or striking the perfect pose for Instagram? Think again.In this episode of the Deepen Your Practice challenge, Dee and I dive into the two most visible – yet often misunderstood – limbs of yoga: asana (physical postures) and pranayama (breathwork). While these are the most recognized aspects of yoga in the West, their true purpose goes far beyond flexibility or aesthetics.Many people believe they can’t do yoga because they’re “not...2025-05-1347 minNearly EnlightenedWeek Two Deepen Your Practice: Go WithinWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.What if one hour of true presence could change everything?In this week’s episode of the Deepen Your Practice Challenge, Dee and Giana unpack the powerful (and often misunderstood) concept of discipline—not as punishment, but as devotion. Through the lens of the Niyamas, yoga’s personal observances, they explore how small, intentional rituals can lead to big inner shifts.✨ Saucha (Cleanliness): Discover how morning practices like tongue scraping and slow, tech-free time aren’t j...2025-05-0622 minNearly EnlightenedDeepen Your Yoga Practice: Yamas with Dee DoynoWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.In this eye-opening episode, Giana Giarrusso is joined by fellow yoga teacher Dee Doyno to explore the Yamas, yoga’s often-overlooked ethical foundation from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. These five powerful principles—Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha—were written over 2,300 years ago, yet they remain deeply relevant to how we live, love, and show up in today’s world.Think of the Yamas as yoga’s moral compass—offering a framework for living with more awareness, compassion, and alignment:Ahimsa (non-violence): Discover ho...2025-04-3029 minNearly EnlightenedThe Path to Total Wellbeing with Crystal CerratoWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.What happens when ancient wisdom meets modern wellness? In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Crystal Cerrato—founder of Body of Light Yoga School and creator of BODYWELL a virtual wellness platform— explore how integrated wellbeing practices can completely transform your relationship with your body, mind, and spirit.We kick things off with a little confession: neither of us has ever been the “fitness type.” But yoga opened a doorway—not through perfect poses or Instagram-worthy moments, but through deeper healing, self-awareness, and true embod...2025-04-2942 minNearly EnlightenedBarefaced & Bold: A Soul Chat with Kat ParksWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Embracing YOUR Face: Kat Parks joins us to chat about expression, aging, and the freedom to be seenWhat if the lines on your face aren’t flaws to fix, but stories to honor?Kat Parks is back on the Nearly Enlightened Podcast, and this time we’re diving deep into Face Freedom—her revolutionary approach that moves way beyond traditional face yoga. This isn’t about chasing youth or smoothing out every wrinkle. It’s about reconnecting with your natural ex...2025-04-221h 04Nearly EnlightenedBIG NEWS: Ready to Deepen Your Practice?We want to hear from you! Send us a text message.BIG NEWS ✨ Dee and I have been waiting to share this with you...If you've been craving a deeper connection to your practice—beyond just the poses—this is for you. We’re SO excited to invite you to join us for our Free 30-Day Yoga Challenge, starting May 1st!This challenge was born from a shared desire to return to the roots of yoga—to explore the full 8 limbs of this sacred tradition, not just what...2025-04-0731 minNearly EnlightenedBody of Light: Finding Your Inner Power with Crystal CerratoWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Crystal Cerrato's spiritual awakening didn’t happen overnight. After practicing yoga inconsistently for a decade, it was her 200-hour teacher training that sparked a profound shift. "I discovered what we yogis know as the capital S Self," she shares, reflecting on the moment she truly connected to her body and eternal soul.As the founder of Body of Light Yoga School, Director of Education for The Primal Flow, and creator of BodyWell, Crystal now dedicates her life to guiding others on their transformative journeys. In...2025-03-2639 minNearly EnlightenedNavigating the In-Between: New Beginnings and Personal GrowthWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Feeling the weight of unfulfilled New Year’s resolutions? You’re not alone. The truth is, January isn’t the real start of the year—Aries season is. As the final sign of the zodiac, Pisces marks the true ending, a time for reflection, release, and deep inner work before the fresh energy of Aries season and spring’s renewal.In this episode of The Nearly Enlightened Podcast, host Giana Giarrusso explores why so many resolutions fail and how to align your personal g...2025-02-2516 minNearly EnlightenedReclaiming Wellness Through Nature with Kelly McMenaminWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.After a life-changing car accident took away her sense of taste and smell, Kelly McMenamin, founder of Forest Farms, embarked on a transformative journey into beekeeping, clean beauty, and holistic wellness. In this inspiring episode, Kelly shares how nature became her greatest healer, leading her to embrace organic living, herbal remedies, and intentional self-care.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🌿 How Kelly turned adversity into a thriving wellness brand🍯 The power of beeswax, tallow, and oils in...2025-02-0537 minNearly EnlightenedOn The Edge of Healing: A Path to TransformationWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Discover How Cosmic Events Shape Your Inner World on the Nearly Enlightened PodcastEver wondered how the Cancer full moon or natural events like the California fires influence your emotions and energy? Join me, Giana Giarrusso, on the Nearly Enlightened Podcast as I sit down with intuitive healer Danielle Manseau of Venus Rising. Together, we explore the deep connection between cosmic and earthly events and how they mirror our internal emotional states. From releasing outdated energy to embracing the transformative power of...2025-01-131h 15Nearly EnlightenedEvolving Yoga: Trends vs Tradition & Balancing FeedbackWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.How do you navigate feedback that feels more like a personal attack than helpful guidance? In this candid and thought-provoking episode, I’m joined by Deirdre "Dee" Doyno, a yoga teacher living off-grid life in Panama, as we explore the realities of navigating criticism while staying true to our teaching styles. Together, we dive into the delicate balance of authenticity and growth, honoring yoga’s rich traditions while adapting to modern trends.We’ll discuss the complexities within the yoga community, from the diversity of teac...2025-01-081h 02Nearly EnlightenedEmbracing Winter's Rest: Align with Nature's Rhythm with Jayme Rose GrayWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Discover how embracing the natural rhythms of the earth can transform your life and business as we welcome Jayme Rose Gray, a soul purpose guide and business coach, to our Nearly Enlightened podcast. We promise you'll gain insights into aligning with the true wheel of the year and be inspired to pause and reflect during winter's restful embrace. Jayme shares her wisdom on balancing society's relentless pace with nurturing feminine energy, leading us to find inspiration in the darker, quieter times and prepare to plant seeds...2024-12-1750 minNearly EnlightenedExploring Intimacy and Self-Love with Marissa Lynn HealingWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Marissa Lynn returns to share her incredible journey of transformation and empowerment through her training in sexological bodywork and somatic sex education that brought her all the way to Australia. Her adventure begins in Hawaii, where she rekindled a cherished friendship and discovered the magic of traveling solo. Marissa shines a light on the integrity and ethics of the Institute of Somatic Sexology, highlighting their trauma-informed approach and the meaningful welcome ceremony by Aboriginal people. Despite battling illness, Marissa's experience was enriched by the connection with...2024-11-251h 15Nearly EnlightenedPolitics, Peace & PurposeWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Amidst the chaos of today's political and media landscape, can we find common ground that transcends our differences? Join me, Giana Girrusso, as I share my personal insights on how we can harness our shared values for societal progress. By weaving spirituality into our daily lives, we explore how to engage in tough, respectful conversations that pave the way for constructive change. Through my own experiences of evolving perspectives, I emphasize the need to remain open to new information and ideas, fostering a Renaissance of art...2024-11-1246 minNearly EnlightenedGod Qualifies The Called: A Journey of Faith and Transformation With AdrienneWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Imagine the profound connection between motherhood, spirituality, and faith as we embark on this enlightening journey with Adrienne, a devoted mother of five. She shares her reflections on divine motherhood, drawing beautiful parallels with the story of Mary and Jesus, and candidly recounts her experiences with giving birth without medication. Adrienne’s insights remind us of the powerful role mothers play as life teachers and the sacred partnership with the divine in bringing new life into the world.The episode doesn't shy away from ex...2024-10-291h 17Nearly EnlightenedSpiritual Practices Beyond the Surface with Stefan BurnsWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Join me, Giana Giarrusso, as I welcome back Stefan Burns, a former geophysicist turned spiritual Truth seeker. Together, we challenge the sensationalism that can plague astrology, urging a shift from fear-based predictions to tapping into personal intuition. Stefan shares his transformative journey from the scientific realm to the spiritual, highlighting the importance of interpreting astrological events through one's own lens and acknowledging the potential biases of spiritual leaders.Our conversation takes a deep dive into the search for deeper truths, transcending surface-level interpretations of...2024-10-241h 09Nearly EnlightenedSpiritual Cleansing, Trusting Intuition, and the Power of Community with Danielle ManseauWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.This episode of the Nearly Enlightened podcast features a captivating chat with Danielle Manseau, also known as Venus Rising, who shares her transformative journey through cleaning rituals that go beyond cleaning dust and germs. Her unique approach to clearing energy from her space sets a fascinating backdrop for our discussion on the fleeting nature of material possessions. Giana discusses experiences inspired by her frequent relocations across Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. Discover how the essence of home is not tied to material belongings but is deeply...2024-10-221h 10Nearly EnlightenedSober October: Mocktails, Herbal Wisdom, and Redefining Alcohol Culture with Torie GehlmeyerWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.What happens when you mix personal stories, societal reflections, and a touch of herbal wisdom? Join me, Giana Giarrusso, on the Nearly Enlightened podcast as I sit down with Torie Gehlmeyer to unpack our intricate relationships with alcohol and explore the burgeoning mocktail movement. We delve into Sober October, sharing how cultural backgrounds and personal experiences shape our drinking habits and contrasting the all-or-nothing mentality with healthier approaches. Together, we dissect the historical use of alcohol as both a social glue and a medicinal ally, urging...2024-10-151h 01Nearly EnlightenedYoga, Intuition and the Art of Spiritual Soundscapes with Shelley OlmWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Imagine finding the harmony between two seemingly separate worlds—yoga and Christianity. Join me as we reconnect with Shelley Olm, a distinguished wellness practitioner, to explore these interwoven paths. Together, we draw intriguing parallels between the ethical foundations of yoga's first limbs the yamas and niyamas and the Ten Commandments. Shelley unveils the alignment between spiritual gifts in Christianity and clair-abilities, offering a unique perspective on sound healing resonance with biblical teachings. Listen as we unravel the profound impact of the "still small voice" of the Ho...2024-10-081h 09Nearly EnlightenedKundalini & Canines with Mikayla GeraciWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Imagine transforming your life through the power of breath, mantras, and purposeful movement. Join me and my soul sister Mikayla Geraci, the brilliant mind behind Root Paws Wellness, as she recounts her life changing six-day Kundalini yoga retreat in Portugal. We discuss the transformative benefits she experienced and how dedicating time to this unique practice can truly elevate your well-being beyond the ordinary vinyasa flow.Ever wondered how literature and travel can deepen your yoga practice and personal growth? We dive into compelling books...2024-09-301h 02Nearly EnlightenedEmbracing Authenticity with Kat ParksWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Have you ever wondered how understanding your human design can transform your relationships and decision-making? Join me and the inspiring Kat Parks, a seasoned Face Yoga Instructor, as we reconnect over our shared experiences and delve into the world of projectors—an insightful and rare ish type in human design. Our conversation unfolds with nostalgic memories from Arizona and the unique ways technology has helped maintain our bond despite the distance. We explore the essence of being projectors, the importance of seeking permission before offering guidance, an...2024-09-2357 min