Shows
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaClaire Holloway - Homebirthing, Ethics & ActivismRane and Jo welcome Claire Holloway back for her second appearance on the Flow Artist Podcast, where she shares her evolving journey as a yoga teacher and activist in Perth, Western Australia.
Since her last visit, Claire has expanded her focus to include perinatal care, home birthing support, and community-based yoga programs. One of her notable achievements has been securing a local council grant to provide subsidised postpartum yoga, making her services more accessible to those who need them most.
The conversation takes a powerful turn when Claire discusses her recent activism work, particularly her involvement in organising "Mothering During...2025-07-071h 01
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaJo and Rane take on 2025!It's already February, but we're here to take on 2025!
Welcome to a new year of The Flow Artists Podcast!
In this episode Jo and Rane answer questions for listeners, past guests and friends of the podcast including Ann Swanston, Claire Holloway, Divya Kohli, Kirrah Stewart, Justine Elizabeth, Kristin Mathiasson and Ambika Chadwick.
We cover our current projects, recent events at the studio and our upcoming Body Positive Bali Aerial Yoga Retreat.
We also answer (as well as we can!) bigger questions about the yoga world, how we are responding to world events and our thoughts for the future.
We really...2025-02-0248 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaRane and Jo End of Year Bonus!Youch! We've had lots going on and we've been missing in action, but we wanted to finish the year with an extra special bonus!
This episode contains a conversation we released just for our Patreon supporters a few months ago. It's a discussion between Jo and Rane, where we talk about a few life updates, as well as Rane answering a few questions about his cancer experience, and how Yoga really helped.
We also talked about our side projects, Jo's book and Rane's app.
Since this was recorded Rane has also started work on another app, but more on that...2024-12-2246 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaAnjali Rao - Relearning Yoga HistoryAs we learn in our conversation with Anjali Rao, what we learn of yoga history in our teacher trainings is often limited by the biases of heteropatriarchy, Brahmanism and colonialism.
While what we get from our text books might hit many of the major points, this story is just as notable for whom it excludes.
For both Jo and Rane, this conversation was a huge recontextualisation of what they thought they knew and a wonderful relearning of yoga history.
Anjali Rao is a writer, the host of The Love of Yoga podcast, President of the Board of Directors of Accessible...2024-06-031h 00
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaFreya Bennett-Overstall - The Yin & Yang of InversionsJo and Rane dive head first (figuratively speaking) into the world of inversions with Freya Bennett-Overstall, a respected chiropractor, yoga and meditation teacher, author, and a familiar voice on our podcast. Freya brings her unique perspective to the topic of inversions, delving into the "yin and yang" aspects of these transformative postures.
In this conversation, we explore the benefits and considerations surrounding inversions, following Freya's recent introduction to our style of aerial yoga. Conversely, Freya has also shared her experience with the FeetUp trainer, a tool that offers a safe and accessible approach to inversion practices.
Freya's expertise spans a...2024-05-061h 10
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaLife, Projects, PhilosophyIn this episode, Jo and Rane take you through a journey of the creative process, self-discovery, and the intersection of art and wellbeing. We share updates on our personal and professional endeavours, sharing the inspirations behind Rane's SoundMadeSeen app and Jo's forthcoming book on aerial yoga.
One of the episode's highlights is the discussion surrounding Rane's SoundMadeSeen app, which generates dynamic visuals and video content from podcast audio. We delve into the app's development process and its potential to enhance the auditory experience with visual elements. Jo's progress on her book about aerial yoga also provides valuable insights into her...2024-04-0121 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaRane and Jo - Nearly 6 years - Now what?We’re up to almost six years of the Flow Artists Podcast and we have NEWS!
Rane shares SoundMadeSeen his new app which will be launching soon. It’s a tool to create beautiful videos using your audio and it will save podcasters (or any online creators) time and hassle when sharing their work.
Jo had news too - she’s writing a book!
The working title is ‘Eight Limbs of Aerial Yoga: Adapting practice for neurodiversity, accessibility and physical support’ and it will be published by Singing Dragon in 2026.
It will integrate yoga philosophy back into the teaching and practice o...2023-09-1048 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaJo & Rane - Over 5 years, now what?Join Rane and Jo for another conversation with the latest updates from the Flow Artists podcast. It's been over 5 years since we started the podcast, so we thought it was time for a Rane and Jo episode!
We answer questions from some friends of the podcast, including Donna Noble, Laura Wilson-McGinn, Beata Heyman, Jeanette Coleman, Nicole Blythe, Christa Fairbrother and Dr Kate Riegel Van West.
We also share our upcoming 10 year celebrations at Garden of Yoga, and have some updates from past guests!
Stay tuned to the end for an important kitty update.
Please leave us a review on your...2023-03-0545 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaNina Zolotow - Yoga for Times of ChangeNina Zolotow is a yoga teacher, a writer, active member of the Accessible Yoga community, and creator of the blog and book, “Yoga for healthy Aging”. Nina’s blog was one of Rane's main resources and learning tools when he was doing his yoga teacher training and she has had a major impact on how we approach teaching yoga, so we were really excited to catch up with Nina today.
Nina recently wrote her latest book “Yoga for Times of Change” which will be available to buy this June. She was kind enough to share an advance copy with Jo and myself...2022-06-0151 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaJo & Rane - February UpdateWe promised a Rane & Jo episode at the end of 2021 and it's finally here!
We had a few things we wanted to talk about, so join us for a wide ranging and potentially random discussion.
Amongst other things, we discuss medical marijuana, re-opening the studio post lockdown, pop culture and more! We also talked about Greens candidate Celeste Liddle, local gallery and art therapy centre Sensorium.
Finally, we ask the question - what is a yoga teacher personality?
This episode was recorded 2 weeks ago, and just a note that a lot has changed in the world since then.
Links
Support...2022-02-2740 min
The Teacher’s Guide to Accessible YogaYoga Revolution: Facing Challenges with Yoga with Rane BowenThis week's guest is Rane Bowen (he/him), a long-time student of yoga and meditation. He shares his personal journey with stomach cancer, how the practices helped him cope with the emotional difficulties of a terminal (mis)diagnosis, and how he's deepening his connection to his Maori heritage.
Rane has an insatiable curiosity about the yoga teachings and how they can help people in their daily lives and in overcoming adversity. Alongside his wife Jo Stewart, he teaches yoga at Garden of Yoga, a home-based yoga studio, and co-hosts the Flow Artists Podcast, which features teachers and think...2021-11-0845 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaDr Kathryn Schmitz - Moving Through CancerDr Kathryn Schmitz is a clinical exercise oncology researcher and has also had personal experience supporting her wife Sara through cancer, including multiple surgeries and failed reconstructive surgeries on her nose. Her latest book draws on both her professional and personal experiences to create an invaluable resource!
Moving through Cancer gives very clear, evidence based guidance, but also heartfelt support for people living with cancer and their caregivers.
As long time listeners of the podcast may know, in 2015 Rane was diagnosed with Stomach cancer, and later that year my stomach was removed. Yoga and other exercise played a huge roll...2021-10-1058 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaLife in LockdownUse our discount code MAKFLOW at http://makarlu.com to get 10% off!
In this episode, Rane and Jo share the books, projects and resources that are helping them navigate life in lockdown.
These are challenging times, and we send out our support and solidarity to you all. Here are some of our favourites that might spark a little joy.
What is helping your mental health right now?
While these resources have been helping our state of mind, if you need support please call:
Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Health Support.
1800 512 348.
Lifeline. Crisis Support.
13 11 14.
Rane: Learning Maori - Happy Maori Language Week!
...2021-09-1341 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaA Journey HomeThe podcast has been on an extended break lately. This was partly due to Rane's recent trip back to New Zealand. And what a trip it was!
In this episode we change the format slightly - we hear Rane speaking with Jo about the chaotic events that occurred while he was in New Zealand - from calling the ambulance at 4 am for his father, to jetting around the country to visit various hospitals, and concluding with the funeral of another family member. Rane also shares about the sad but ultimately rewarding time he spent with his mother and his learning...2021-06-211h 03
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of Yoga100th Episode Livestream Recording!We recently recorded a live stream to celebrate our 100th episode live from the Rane Room!
We get a little bit more personal in this episode and speak about some aspects of the yoga world that have really been on our minds.
We also reminisce about some of our favourite episodes and we discuss where we are going from here.2021-04-2653 min
Live Like You Love YourselfEP29 - Flowing through life with joy with Rane Bowen & Jo Stewart - The Flow ArtistsWhat is it about conversation that changes us and the world around us? Is there a meditative quality to discussion that has the potential to shift aspects of our character and relationships that might not otherwise be noticed or moved? Our chat with Rane Bowen and Jo Stewart, hosts of The Flow Artists podcast shed some internal and external light on these questions! It was an opportunity to dive deeper into how it feels to speak out loud about the things that are important and sometimes unknown and how talking, like yoga, has the power to connect, inspire and...2021-01-101h 16
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaMarsha Banks-Harold - Cultivating Strength of AwesomenessMarsha Banks-Harold is an Electrical Engineer, a trauma-informed yoga therapist and yoga teacher, and the owner of PIES Fitness Yoga Studio, based in Alexandria Virginia, USA.
We were introduced to Marsha through the Global Yoga Therapy Day conference, where she was on a panel alongside Rane in a discussion of diversity in yoga therapy.
Marsha sees herself as an intuitive healer called to empower clients to fortify one’s strength of awesomeness; to learn to rely on one’s authentic self; and to cultivate everlasting physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual (PIES) peace.
She is the creator of the flagship yoga clas...2021-01-0459 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaShawnee Thornton Hardy - Autism, Neurodiversity and YogaShawnee Thornton Hardy is a Certified Yoga Therapist, Educational/Behavior Consultant and the author of Asanas for Autism and Special Needs. Shawnee specialises in working with neurodiverse children and adults and we were pretty excited to speak with her on this topic - It’s just one of the aspects of yoga we have started to learn more about.
In this episode, we learn what neurodiversity means and what drew Shawnee to working with neurodiverse children and adults. We discuss the ways Shawnee structures her classes to accommodate diverse needs and how her techniques can be useful in all yoga cl...2020-09-2158 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaAna Forrest & Jose Calarco - Forging Your Own PathAna Forrest and Jose Calarco need very little introduction. Ana is known as a unique and independent yoga teacher who has forged her own path and educated many prominent teachers along the way. She speaks openly about her past trauma and the healing experiences she has had through living with Native American communities, which she weaves into her teaching today.
Jose has also learned from Australian Aboriginal culture which he shares through music and ceremony.
Before COVID-19 Jose and Ana travelled the world teaching, now they are living on Orcas Island and about to launch an online training program. They...2020-08-101h 05
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaMariko B. Ryan - The Opposite of Fear is FreedomMariko B. Ryan is the author of Infinite Threads: 100 Indigenous Maori Insights from Old Maori Manuscripts. "Infinite Threads" is an incredible book which reinterprets the manuscripts of Maori Tohunga (sages) in a way that has incredible relevance today. Rane and Jo both found the book full of wonderful insights which described aspects of Maori culture in a way that parallels mindfulness and yogic practices and philosophy.
In this episode, we learn about Mariko's background growing up in Auckland, New Zealand and how Maori culture influenced Mariko's upbringing. We learn about the role of the Tohunga or sage in Maori culture...2020-07-271h 00
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaAlice Williams - What Is A Bad Yogi?Alice Williams is a Yoga Teacher, writer, and the author of "Bad Yogi: The Funniest Self-Help Memoir You'll Ever Read".
In this episode, we speak with Alice about her process writing the book as well as her experiences in yoga teacher training. We also learn about how Alice dealt with an eating disorder and the commonalities between her yoga teacher training with the 12 step recovery program.
We discuss perfectionism in the yoga world and talk about what being a bad yogi really means.
Please be advised that we discuss sexual abuse in the yoga community and an episode of indecent...2020-07-131h 02
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaCora Geroux - The Yoga Industry: Teachers, Studios & the FutureCora Geroux is a yoga teacher, former studio owner, and the host of the Teaching Yoga podcast.
Cora originally hails from Canada and is now based in Sydney, Australia. Cora has been teaching yoga & leading yoga teacher trainings since 2009. Before which, she obtained a BA in psychology from Simon Fraser University. Cora was also the co-owner of two small yoga studios for 3 years, before she left to create her current business that truly aligned with her values of integrity, inclusivity and accessibility.
In this episode, we learn about how Cora discovered yoga and what lead her to become a yoga...2020-06-291h 07
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaJordan Ashley - Yoga, Connection and Girls EducationJordan Ashley is a yoga teacher and the founder of Souljourn Yoga. Souljourn Yoga Foundation is a non-profit that raises awareness and funds for girls education in lesser economically developed countries by teaming up with both local and international non-profits. They have hosted retreats in Rwanda, Morocco, Peru and more. Souljourn co-designs retreats with their partner organizations on the ground by weaving in local practices of tradition, meditation, and movement so that it's a culturally contextual experience of equality, not hierarchy.
In this episode, we hear about Jordan's childhood growing up in Southern California and how she discovered yoga with...2020-06-1558 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaCate Peterson - Yoga, Activism and ServiceCate Peterson is a yoga teacher, activist and the driving force behind LovEarth, YogaHive and Get Off Your Asana.
Cate has done a lot of work around building relationships between the yoga community and the Aboriginal community in Australia, helping with projects such as Yoga on Country and the Reciprocity Action Plan group in collaboration with Yoga Australia.
In this episode, we hear how Cate discovered yoga, how she became involved in activism and community work. We talk about how yoga and social justice are inextricably linked, and how Cate practices self-care while juggling all of these different projects.
Links
...2020-06-0158 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaMatthew Remski - COVID Conspiracies and the Future of YogaWe've been seeing all sorts of conspiracy theories posted online lately - from 5g causing coronavirus, to the Plandemic film and more. So we decided to have a chat with Matthew Remski. Matthew Remski is a yoga teacher, a writer and an activist. He has written extensively about cult dynamics in yoga, but recently he has turned his attention to the huge amount of conspiracy discourse that has been spread on Social Media lately.
As well as learning about some of the factors that feed into conspiracy discourse, we get Matthew's point of view on the future of the yoga...2020-05-1859 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaRia Tirazona - Yoga, Psychology and COVID-19 in the PhilippinesRia Tirazona is a yoga facilitator/education and licensed Psychologist from Manila. She manages a branch of a local yoga studio brand, YogaPlus.
As a self-confessed emotional eater, Ria struggled with weight issues for most of her life. Through yoga, she found that she deserved to celebrate her body and treat herself with love and compassion. This is what she wants everyone to also discover. Her passion as a yoga facilitator and therapist is to support and empower others in discovering their personal path to wellness through trauma-informed, accessible, mental health aware practices such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness. She...2020-05-0452 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaKelly DiNardo - Living the Sutras in this Moment.Kelly DiNardo is a Yoga teacher, studio owner, podcaster, writer and author of the book Living The Sutras.
Living the Sutras is an accessible and fun guide to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The sutras contain teachings on how to deal with loss, pain, dissatisfaction, and alienation as well as providing guidance on how to cultivate joy and lead a healthy, happy, fulfilling life. We feel that they are more important than ever.
As well as learning about Kelly's background growing up in New York, we hear how she discovered yoga, how she became a writer and what inspired her...2020-04-2049 min
The Business Of Teaching YogaTeaching Yoga Online with Rane Bowen & Jo Stewart Ep. 20On today's show I speak with Rane Bowen & Jo Stewart of The Flow Artists Podcast. Jo & Rane also operate Garden Of Yoga, and I was really excited to speak with them because I think they have responded to the changes in our industry super quickly and intelligently while retaining their values. If you haven’t listened to the flow artists podcast before I highly recommend it - Rane & Jo have on really incredible guests, and cover many similar topics like inclusivity, accessibility and diversity. Jo has been teaching for the last 15 years - and has a st...2020-04-131h 14
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaAleisha Leonard - Yoga, Kirtan and LGBTIQ+ LeadershipIn this episode, we speak to the amazing Aleisha Leonard about kirtan, yoga, trauma-informed practice and LGBTIQ+ Leadership.
A lot has changed since we originally spoke to Aleisha for the podcast, so we begin the episode with a quick check-in from her current residence in London.
We learn how Aleisha found a love of yoga despite initially finding it boring. We hear how she discovered kirtan and talk about the process of leading a sound meditation. We also learn about her participation in Victoria's LGBTIQ+ Leadership program and how she made lifelong friends during that time.
We also announce our...2020-04-0655 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaDr Gail Parker - Restorative Yoga for Race-based TraumaIn this episode we speak to Dr Gail Parker. Gail Parker is a psychologist and a certified yoga therapist. She is a nationally and internationally renowned media personality, educator, author, and thought leader.
Dr. Parker is the author of the upcoming book Restorative Yoga for Ethnic and Race-Based Stress and Trauma, and current president of the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance (BYTA) Board of Directors. Her broad expertise in behavioural health and wellness includes forty years as a practising psychotherapist. We speak to her about how she weaves together knowledge from these different fields in her book, the parallels between her ps...2020-03-221h 04
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaRenae Stevens - Yoga, Art Therapy and Aerial Yoga TherapeuticsWhat is the first image that comes to mind when you think of aerial yoga? Is it a thin young woman, lithely moving about in an aerial hammock, maybe dangling upside down in some weird pretzel shape that barely resembles anything with the name yoga attached to it? Is it something more akin to a circus performance, with tricks and flips and a silk fabric digging into god knows where? To borrow a phrase from Morpheus of the matrix films, what if I were to tell you, that everything you know about aerial yoga is wrong? Well perhaps not wrong...2020-03-0852 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaMaking Adjustments - Are Hands-on Assists OK? Pt 2In the second part of our two-part special on hands-on assists, we go a little bit deeper!
We hear how a trauma-informed context may change our approach to assists from Mei Lai Swan, then Amy Wheeler tells us about transference and countertransference and what role they might play when teaching yoga.
We learn how culture, race and gender can change perceptions around touch from Jesal Parikh, Gail Parker, Michelle Cassandra Johnson, Tim Seutter and Anu Fox.
Finally, we hear some conclusions from Leigh Blashki, Matthew Remski and Dominique Salerno.
While creating this episode we gathered over 4 hours of audio, which...2020-02-2352 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaMaking Adjustments - Are Hands-on Assists OK? Pt 1In this very special episode we ask the question - Are hands-on assists in yoga ok?
We decided that this subject was just too big for one guest, or even one episode, so we have a whole range of speakers and we have divided the show up into two parts.
In part one, we cover the different types of hands-on assists and some of their benefits, we learn some of the history of hands-on assists, we speak about the importance of consent, and we raise the issue of safety when performing adjustments.
We have some incredible guests this episode...2020-02-1648 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaTristan Rose - Yoga is a Weapon of PeaceTristan Rose is a yoga teacher, military veteran and the founder of Blind Tiger Yoga. Blind Tiger Yoga focuses on helping members of the Military, Veterans, First Responders, and their broader communities, through yoga and meditation. Tristan discovered yin yoga, yoga nidra and meditation as powerful tools for managing pain from multiple injuries he sustained while on deployment overseas and he has trained with remarkable teachers such as Bernie Clark and Paul and Suzee Grilley.
In this conversation, we learn how Tristan became involved in the military, and how he completed two university degrees while maintaining a full time job...2020-02-021h 10
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaMichelle Cassandra Johnson - Oppression Takes the Breath AwayFor our first episode of 2020 Jo and Rane speak with Michelle Cassandra Johnson.
Michelle Cassandra Johnson is a writer, yoga teacher, social worker, activist, and author of Skill in Action.
Skill in Action is an unflinching look at power and privilege, oppression, liberation and suffering, and invites readers to take steps to make changes in their lives to create a world that allows all of us to be free. It incorporates yogic philosophy, poetry and personal practice as a path towards dismantling racism.
In this episode, we learn about Michelle's background growing up in Richmond, Virginia, how she discovered yoga...2020-01-191h 00
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaCarla Mullins - Pilates, Changing Lives and Creating the MakarluCarla Mullins is an ex-lawyer turned pilates and movement teacher and creator of the Makarlu Lotus.
In our conversation with Carla, we hear about how she discovered pilates while dealing with some serious health issues and how this has inspired her to help others.
We also hear about how her partner had a severe cycling accident and how this inspired the creation of the Makarlu - a versatile tool for self-massage, stability and proprioception exercises.
Carla tells us how the makarlu has great applications for aiding people with peripheral neuropathy or other neurological conditions.
Finally, we learn the amount of...2019-12-1557 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaClaire Nettley - Yoga Australia, Marketing and Defining BoundariesClaire Nettley is a yoga and meditation teacher, former president of Yoga Australia and a prolific writer, having her work featured in Women’s Health Magazine, Australian Yoga Life and more.
In this episode we discuss Claire's background growing up in the Salisbury region of England, and we learn about her professional life working in marketing. We hear about how Claire was introduced to yoga after a back injury and what lead her to do her yoga teacher training.
We learn about her time as president of Yoga Australia and how her expertise in marketing and PR moved the organisation fo...2019-12-0856 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaElla Noah Bancroft - Living with IntegrityElla Noah Bancroft is a Yoga teacher, artist, sexuality coach and an environmental and indigenous rights activist.
In our conversation with Ella, we hear about her life growing up the daughter of a famous Aboriginal artist, and how she was raised on country in New South Wales after relocating from Sydney. We hear how Ella weaves together Indigenous philosophy with her yoga practice, while remaining authentic to both traditions. We hear about her perspective navigating the world as a queer black woman and how it has shaped her philosophy and approach to life today.
Ella is passionate about sustainability and...2019-12-0141 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaLeigh Blashki - Yoga Australia's Pivotal MomentsThis episode is released in partnership with Yoga Australia to celebrate their 20 year anniversary!
We sat down with co-founder and former president of Yoga Australia Leigh Blashki while on retreat at Continental House at Hepburn Springs.
This is the second time we've spoken with Leigh for the podcast and this time we had the chance to learn more about the history of Yoga Australia, including some of the organisation's most pivotal moments.
We also hear some of Leigh's hopes and dreams for the organisation, and why he believes that Yoga Australia is essential for the future of yoga and the...2019-11-2439 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaJo & Rane - 2 Years On, Now What?It's been an unbelievable 2 years since we started the podcast, so we are celebrating!
Hear us talk about what the last year of the podcast has been like, and hear questions and contributions from some of our favourite podcast guests.
There are juicy questions on the role of podcasting for industries such as yoga, the relationship between the hosts and guests, as well as more lighthearted questions such as: What have been our most inspiring moments? What are the most embarrassing things we have ever said?
Leigh Blashki, Gina Macauley, Mei Lai Swan, Jivana Heyman, Sarah Harry, Janet Lowndes, Amy...2019-11-1758 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaJose Goossens - Yoga Australia - Passing the TorchJose Goossens was the first President of Yoga Australia when it was known as the Yoga Teachers Association. In this conversation, Jose tells us about her background growing up in Holland before moving to Australia. We hear how Jose discovered yoga and she tells us how it took her 3 times going to a general yoga class before she truly decided that yoga was for her. We learn a little about the Melbourne yoga scene in the 70s and finally, Jose discusses the early days of the Yoga Teacher's Association, and some of the challenges and successes of the nascent organisation.
...2019-11-1041 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaTejal & Jesal - Yoga is DeadTejal Patel and Jesal Parikh are yoga teachers and the hosts of the Yoga is Dead podcast. In their own words: "Yoga is Dead is a revolutionary podcast that explores power, privilege, fair pay, harassment, race, cultural appropriation and capitalism in the yoga and wellness worlds. Join Indian-American hosts Tejal + Jesal as they expose all the monsters lurking under the yoga mat."
Jo and Rane love the podcast and were super excited to catch up with Jesal and Tejal! Yoga is Dead has taken the yoga world by storm with their honest yet humourous approach to these important issues and...2019-11-031h 00
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaLeanne Davis - President of Yoga AustraliaThis episode is released in partnership with Yoga Australia.
Leanne Davis is the current president of Yoga Australia. She completed her first Yoga Teacher training with the Sivananda Yoga and Vedanta Forest Academy in South India in 1988, and in this conversation, we learn about how she discovered yoga, how she went on to learn Ayurveda and Chinese medicine and how she weaves these together in her work today.
We learn about how Leanne became involved in Yoga Australia - first working as a volunteer at the state level before joining the executive committee at the national level. We asked her...2019-10-2853 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaTeruki & Yoko Nakano - Bringing Accessible Yoga to JapanTeruki Nakano works as a Geriatric Psychiatrist and Yoko Nakano is an anesthesiologist. They are both yoga teachers and the founders of Medcare Yoga. They translated Jivana Heyman’s Accessible Yoga course into Japanese, and it is their mission to bring accessible yoga to Japan. 25% of Japan’s population is over the age of 60, and that figure is growing, so bringing a form of yoga to an increasingly aging population is very important in my opinion!
In this episode we learn about Teruki and Yoko's backgrounds and how though skeptical at first, Teruki noticed that yoga was helping with Yoko's heal...2019-10-2042 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaShyamala Benakovic - Yoga Australia: Creating ConnectionsThis episode is released in partnership with Yoga Australia.
Shyamala Benakovic is a Yoga teacher and the CEO of Yoga Australia.
If you heard our episode with Michael de Manincor, he stated that the hiring of Shyamala as General Manager was his greatest success, which really speaks to Shyamala's talent, passion and incredible work ethic.
In this episode, we learn how Shyamala grew up in Malaysia before moving to London and later relocating to Australia. She tells us about her early family life and how being raised in the Hindu tradition informs her practice and teaching today. We hear about...2019-10-1343 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaManoj Dias - A Space for CompassionManoj Dias is a yoga and meditation teacher, and the founder of A-Space meditation centre in Melbourne. In this conversation, we learn from Manoj what it was like growing up in the Theravada Buddhist tradition in Sri Lanka before relocating to Australia as a child. We learn about his struggles with anxiety in a high flying corporate career and how finding a very special and compassionate teacher brought him back to meditation. He also tells us how he began teaching yoga and meditation, founded A-Space and continues to teach in Australia and internationally.
We have a deep and far-ranging conversation...2019-10-0657 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaSwami Shantananda - Unitary Consciousness and the Grassroots of Yoga AustraliaSwami Shantananda AKA Mataji (Mother) was the second president of Yoga Australia, back when it was known as the Yoga Teachers Association and she was known as Jani Baker.
This episode is the second of our collaboration with Yoga Australia, and it contains some great insight into the early days of the organisation and its grassroots nature.
In this episode, we learn how Jani Baker struggled with her catholic upbringing, and how she dealt with depression as a young adult. We learn how she discovered meditation and yoga and came to teach them. We also hear how she became involved...2019-10-0158 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaEmily May - Yoga and AnxietyEmily May is a Melbourne based Yoga and Meditation teacher and Reiki Master. Emily does a lot of work around anxiety which is the topic of this episode - and anxiety is an issue that affects many of us day to day. We would like to point out that none of us in the recording are mental health professionals, so if you are struggling with anxiety or depression, please consider seeing someone who can help you - we added some links below.
In this episode we learn about Emily's background growing up in Melbourne and how she believes she discovered...2019-09-0959 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaGabrielle Boswell - Slow Down and Find BalanceGabrielle is a yoga teacher, a yoga therapist and director of the Bhava Yoga and dance centre in Warrendyke, Victoria, Australia. Gabrielle is also on the board of Yoga Australia. She is a highly respected teacher, and Rane got to know her a little better through satsangs he attended, hosted by Leigh Blashki and Janet Lowndes. She has a wealth of wisdom and knowledge, and always contributed with her many deep insights to the conversations, so we really wanted to speak with her for the podcast.
In this episode we learn about Gabrielle's background, growing up in Melbourne and how...2019-09-0256 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaMichael de Manincor - Yoga Australia, Yoga and Mental HealthThis is the first of our episodes in collaboration with Yoga Australia, featuring many of Yoga Australia's past presidents.
Michael de Manicor is one of the most highly respected and experienced yoga teachers in Australia, with an extensive background in different approaches and styles of yoga and meditation, and over 30 years of teaching experience.
Michael holds a PhD in Health Science, in the area of Yoga and Mental Health in addition to his degrees in education and psychology. He is the Founder, Director and senior lecturer at The Yoga Institute in Sydney and is also the Founder and Director of...2019-08-2659 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaDonna Noble - You Can Do ItDonna Noble is a London based yoga teacher, writer, coach, body positive advocate and founder of CurveSomeYoga. Donna has been making waves in the accessible yoga space over in the UK, so we were really excited to catch up with her.
In this episode, we learn about Donna's childhood growing up in London, with a short stint in Jamaica.
We discover how a stressful job in IT brought about Bells Palsy, and how she discovered a more holistic way of living.
Donna's first Yoga teacher training was with Choudhury Bikram in LA, so we had a few questions to ask...2019-08-0549 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaRuth Sowter - Trust YourselfRuth Sowter is a love, intimacy and relationship coach with more than 15 years experience working in corporate and personal wellness. We had many questions about the world of coaching - including some of the positive and negative aspects of this industry.
We wanted to learn how Ruth's training as a Yoga teacher informs the work she does as a relationship and intimacy coach. We were curious about the differences and similarities between these two roles and how she navigates them. We also wanted to know - what does a coach do? How does it differ from a friend or a...2019-07-2254 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaDr Scott Lyons - Co Creating an Embodied FlowDr Scott Lyons is a Clinical Psychologist, Osteopath, and Mind-Body Medicine practitioner who specializes in therapies for infants, youth, and adults. Scott is also the co-creator of embodied flow along with Tara Judelle, so we were super excited to get the chance to have a conversation with him.
In this conversation, we learn about Scott's background growing up in Minnesota and California, and we hear about the way he experienced the world as a child. We also learn about his education, including studying at College at the young age of 16! We learn about how he discovered yoga while at College...2019-07-081h 02
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaAmy Bell - Meditation, Art, NLP and TechnologyAmy Bell is a Melbourne based Coach, NLP trainer and facilitator, Artist and all-around wonderful person.
In this episode, we learn about NLP (neuro-linguistic programming), it's history, where it differs from and how it can support meditation. Amy shares how she discovered this practice and how she uses it in her own life.
We also talk about the intersection between meditation and technology, and biofeedback devices such as the muse headset and heartmath. Amy also tells us how she has introduced these tools to kids and teens and how much fun they had. We also talk about the surrealists and...2019-06-241h 00
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaTim Seutter - Fighting Fire with YogaTim is a Canadian Yoga Teacher and yoga studio owner based in Whangarei - a city in the far north of New Zealand.
Tim has worked as a fire-fighter for many years both in Canada and New Zealand. We were really interested in learning about how yoga and meditation could benefit individuals who worked in this profession and first responders in general. As you might imagine this line of work can be very intense, both physically and mentally so yoga and meditation may have the potential to help here.
In this episode, we hear about Tim's background growing up in...2019-06-101h 07
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaTimothy McCall - Yoga, Cancer, Medicine and HealingDr Timothy McCall is a board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, a yoga therapist and the author of three books, Examining Your Doctor: A Patient's Guide to Avoiding Harmful Medical Care Yoga as Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing and his latest, Saving My Neck: A Doctor's East/West Journey Through Cancer.
Timothy’s book Yoga as Medicine is a book Rane referenced a lot during his yoga teacher training, so we were very excited to get the chance to speak with him. After our experiences with Rane's stomach cancer, we were interested to hear Timothy's perspectives and ho...2019-05-271h 04
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaJivana Heyman - Accessible YogaFor our very special 50th full-length episode, we have a very special guest! Jivana Heyman is a yoga teacher, a yoga therapist, the creator of the Accessible Yoga conferences that run all over the world and author of the forthcoming book “Accessible Yoga: Poses & Practices for Every Body.” This is a topic that is very important to Rane and Jo so we thought that Jivana would be the best possible guest to have for our 50th!
We both strongly believe that individuals in all types of bodies should be able to benefit from the gifts that yoga can provide. We real...2019-05-1358 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaMelanie Mackintosh - Teaching Prenatal YogaMelanie Mackintosh is a yoga teacher, co-owner of the Australian Yoga Academy and their Director of Education, where she manages AYA’s Advanced Diploma of Yoga Teacher training program. Melanie was one of Rane's teachers and mentors while he was doing his yoga teacher training and she specialises in pre and postnatal yoga, the topic of today's episode.
In this episode, we cover the core principals of prenatal yoga and it's benefits. We discuss some alternative viewpoints over different aspects of prenatal yoga which can make it a complex and sometimes confusing style to teach. We learn some strategies for wo...2019-04-291h 08
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaEmma Kenna - Staying in Flow When Your Business is YouEmma Kenna is a globetrotting hoop dance teacher from the UK who also holds a PhD in immunology. In this conversation, we learn all about what set her on the path she is on today as well as what it’s like running a business where you are essentially the product.
Emma travels the world teaching hoop dance full time and we talk about some of the misconceptions that people may have about this lifestyle and how she makes it work.
We also talk about staying inspired and keeping your workload sustainable when you're a one-person operation and the importance of...2019-04-151h 13
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaPolly McGee - Finding Your Good HustlePolly McGee is a yogi, entrepreneur, teacher and author of the book The Good Hustle. We first met Polly when she was leading a Yoga Business Planning Intensive workshop in Melbourne recently, and it was an amazing experience.
Polly has a way of really cutting through to the core of what it is that you as a heart centred business owner are trying to achieve - even when you aren’t quite sure how to articulate it. Polly is a bundle of joy and energy and just a pleasure to be around, so we were really looking forward to catching up...2019-04-011h 25
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaWilliam Wong - Yoga the Wong WayWilliam Wong is a Melbourne based Yoga teacher with a passion for functional movement, gymnastics, Qi Gong, Reiki and sound healing. He has the wonderfully named Instagram profile Willy Wongka, and the equally wonderfully named website yogathewongway.com. William has a very strong practice but is equally committed to the more subtle aspects of yoga and meditation, and projects a welcoming and often hilarious sense of humour in his teaching and his online presence, so we were very excited to have the chance to speak with him recently.
In this episode, we learn about William's background growing up in Melbourne...2019-03-171h 00
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaAmy Wheeler - Yoga Therapy, Sleep and AnxietyAmy Wheeler is a Yoga Therapist, holds a PhD in Educational Psychology, a sports psychologist and the developer of Optimal State system of health and healing. Amy is also President of the Board of Directors to the International Association of Yoga Therapists. Amy is a leader in the field of yoga therapy, so this is a conversation you’ll want to hear.
We speak with Amy about her journey of discovering yoga, and how she came from a background working in sports psychology to eventually become a yoga therapist. We learn about anxiety, the relationship between anxiety and sleep, and ho...2019-03-0359 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaAnn Swanson - The Science of YogaAnn Swanson is a yoga teacher, holds a Masters of Science in Yoga Therapy and is the author of the recently released book Science of Yoga. We were lucky enough to get an advance digital copy of the book and we loved it. It’s full of great information and beautiful illustrations, and it really marries together the worlds of science and yoga quite wonderfully. Rane genuinely wishes he had a copy of this book when he was doing his teacher training, and we ordered a physical copy once it was released. We can definitely recommend that you do the sa...2019-02-1756 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaJo Tito - The Nature of CreativityJo Tito is an artist, photographer, meditator and generally amazing person, and we're not just saying that because she is related to Rane!
Jo's work has a real sense of nature, Maori spirituality and groundedness which is why Jo and Rane have some of her photography in their studio Garden of Yoga.
In this episode, we learn about Jo's background growing up in rural New Zealand. We learn how she discovered meditation and how it informs her art and life. We learn how she found a global following while working on her Hand Painted Rocks project - painting a rock...2019-02-031h 01
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaDominique and Anthony Salerno - Everybody has Something to OfferAnthony and Dominique Salerno are the individuals behind iconic Melbourne Yoga studio Australian Yoga Academy. We were very excited to catch up with them at their beautiful new studio in Prahran because Australian Yoga Academy is where Rane did his yoga teacher training, and he has many fond memories of taking classes with both of them.
Past guests of the podcast Karina Smith, Mark Pheely and Jo Buick all cite Anthony and Dominique as some of their key teachers and we estimate that AYA has trained hundreds of yoga teachers since they established their teacher training program in 2005, so they...2019-01-201h 12
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaGina Macauley - Authenticity, Ahimsa and Running a Yoga BusinessGina Macauley is a Yoga teacher, a qualified yoga therapist, and the owner of YogaHara, a yoga studio based in Bendigo, Victoria. In this conversation, we learn about Gina’s background, how she discovered yoga and decided it was the path for her.
We see Gina's commitment and love of Yoga philosophy in the way that she runs her business and lives her life. She also has a lot of really practical suggestions and great ideas including how she has used Facebook live to create an at-home practice option for her students.
We also discuss Gina's Adrenal healing workshops. As we...2019-01-0658 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaClaire Cunneen - Chair Yoga - Take a Comfortable SeatClaire Cunneen is a Sydney based Yoga and Pilates Teacher, a yoga therapist and has a Bachelors degree in Exercise Science. She also facilitates teacher trainings in LV Chair Yoga - the subject of this episode. Like us, Claire is passionate about making yoga more accessible, so we had a lot to talk about!
In this episode we learn about Claire's background growing up in Sydney, and how the classic TV show Aerobics Aus-style instilled a passion for exercise and fitness. We learn what drew her to yoga, and chair yoga in particular.
Claire tells us what Chair Yoga is...2018-12-2354 min
The Connected Yoga Teacher PodcastHow to Build a Home Studio with Jo Stewart & Rane BowenThe Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 093: How to Build a Home Studio with Jo Stewart and Rane Bowen Description: Have you thought of building a home-based studio? What does it really take to get a home yoga studio up and running? What are the challenges you might face, and the biggest pros? Jo Stewart and Rane Bowen are yoga teachers who not only had a home studio, but also built a new one, and on this episode, they reveal the nitty, gritty details of what it takes. ...2018-12-031h 07
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaCoco Nkrumah - Allow This Moment To Be As It IsCoco Nkrumah is a Meditation teacher, podcaster and the man behind Reality Based Mindfulness.
In this episode, we learn about Coco's background growing up in inner city Melbourne. We hear how he discovered meditation through martial arts and Qi Gong. We learn how Coco developed his reality-based style of teaching and practising meditation, and how he facilitates his sessions, both in the community and the corporate sector.
Coco also shares about his work as a volunteer live-in mentor for an at-risk youth program with Concern Australia.
Coco is of West African descent and is passionate about creating accessible spaces for...2018-11-2546 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaMei Lai Swan - Yoga for HumankindMei Lai Swan is a yoga teacher, musician, former social worker, and the creator of Yoga for Humankind, a Yoga School and Social Enterprise dedicated to bringing the benefits of yoga, mindfulness and movement therapies to communities all over the world.
Mei Lai is a wonderful teacher and an inspiration. Her work and how she lives her life provides a practical example of how the yoga philosophies taught in many yoga teacher trainings can be applied to life, so we were really excited to get the chance to speak with her while she was in Melbourne recently.
In this episode...2018-11-1153 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaMichelle & Simone - Living without a StomachThis episode is an interview with Simone Busija and Michelle Lykokapis. These are amazing individuals who are like Rane, living (and thriving) without stomachs. Michelle is an artist, a meditation teacher, and the main admin and creator of the Support Group for Partial and Total Gastrectomy on Facebook, a group with over 2000 members that helps support individuals and the families of individuals without stomachs. Simone is a Community and Corporate Fundraising Coordinator at Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation (where Rane received his treatment), a board member for No Stomach For Cancer, and organiser of the Melbourne No Stomach For Cancer walk...2018-10-2854 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaPaul Majewski - Demystifying MeditationPaul Majewski is a Melbourne based meditation teacher, the director of Meditation Solutions, and the vice president of Meditation Australia, Australia’s peak body for meditation teachers. Paul has a long history of both practising and teaching meditation, having taught for well over 20 years.
In this episode, Jo and I speak with Paul and learn about his background growing up in Perth, Western Australia. We learn about how he was dissatisfied with the Christianity he was raised with and set on a path of learning about other religions. We hear about how Paul discovered Buddhism, and how meditation helped him wi...2018-10-2147 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaOne Year On - Now What?The podcast has been going for a whole year! We thought that was worthy of an anniversary episode, so here we are!
In this episode, we talk about the podcast, why we started it, and what we enjoy about making it. We also share some of the surprises and challenges that come from making it, and a few things that we have learned along the way. We share what goes into putting out the podcast and how it has changed the way we teach yoga!
Rane has been teaching for a few months now, so we learn how his teaching...2018-10-1439 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaRobin Carnes - Yoga Nidra, iRest and PTSDRobin Carnes is a yoga teacher and certified iRest® Yoga Nidra instructor who hails from the United States. She is well recognized as a pioneer and innovator in the field of mind-body therapies for trauma and related conditions. Her work has been featured in media outlets such as The Washington Post, Woman’s Day Magazine and Yoga Journal just to name a few!
In her impressive career, she served as the lead instructor of the first Defense Department-funded feasibility study of Yoga Nidra meditation for PTSD symptoms, and also went on to co-found Warriors at Ease an organisation, which has tra...2018-08-061h 20
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaNicole Lee - Creating a Chi SpaceNicole Lee is a teacher of Qi Gong and meditation and the owner of Chi Space - a Qi Gong and meditation studio in Balaclava, Melbourne. We are fans of Qi Gong ourselves - we love the gentle movements, and we feel that they can be easily be integrated into a yoga or meditation class. As Nicole mentions in this conversation, it is a practice that is accessible for nearly everyone, so it’s a useful tool to have in your yoga and meditation toolbelt.
In this conversation we learn about how Nicole went from living a busy life working in...2018-06-251h 04
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaLucy Karnani - Conscious CommunicationLucy has been a yoga teacher for many years, having studied at the Kripalu Center in Massachusetts, USA, and has trained with many yoga luminaries such as Michael de Manincor, Indira and A.G. Mohan; Amy Weintraub, Leslie Kaminoff and Richard Miller.
As we will hear in this episode, she has had many interesting occupations over her life, including teaching scuba diving, managing sales teams for radio stations and eventually becoming the CEO of Rogen, North America, a global training and consulting firm specializing in face-to-face communication.
You may have noticed a constant theme in her line of work, it...2018-06-111h 38
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaKaye Tribe - Functional Anatomy and HypermobilityKaye Tribe is a Melbourne based yoga teacher and teacher of teachers. She is a Yoga Australia registered Yoga Therapist and member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
Kaye is the co-director of the Academy of Yoga and MindBody Education (AYME), and has taught a wide range of students over many years. With her background as a qualified myotherapist and lecturer in a range of Health Science subjects including functional anatomy, she has a deep knowledge of functional anatomy and how it can be useful to yoga teachers and yoga therapists.
In this episode, we learn about Kaye’s ba...2018-05-281h 00
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaJo Buick - Trauma Informed YogaIn this episode, we speak with Jo Buick on the concept and practice of Trauma-Informed Yoga.
Jo Buick is a much loved and well-respected yoga teacher and the Co-Founder of State of Being, a Melbourne-based not-for-profit organisation that connects community organisations and groups with experienced yoga facilitators with the goal of making the tools of yoga, mindfulness and self-care practices available to and inclusive of everyone in our community.
Jo Buick is a teacher that Rane and Jo have both long admired and respected, so we were super excited to have the opportunity to record this conversation with her.
In...2018-05-1458 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaTom Gargiulo - Compassionate CrossfitIn this episode, we (box) jump into the world of Crossfit!
Tom Gargiulo is the co-owner of Northside Fitness, a strength and conditioning/crossfit gym in Fairfield, Melbourne.
Crossfit has a bit of a reputation for being hard, competitive and perhaps intimidating. Tom takes the movements of Crossfit and creates a supportive environment where everyone feels welcome.
Tom doesn't fit the stereotype of what a Crossfitter might be (if there even is one) and he is an amazing athlete in his own right. He is an extremely down to earth guy, and I’ve bumped into him after a couple of...2018-04-301h 22
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaKirrah Stewart - Doula WisdomKirrah Stewart is a doula, pregnancy masseuse, childbirth educator, placenta encapsulator and she also attends births and supports families during their postpartum.
Kirrah has been a doula for over 10 years and is based in the Rainbow region of Northern New South Wales. Kirrah was recently in Melbourne for a Doula conference, so we thought we would take the opportunity to learn more about what she does.
Pregnant women and their partners often find it difficult to sift through all the information out there but Kirrah helps them understand their options so they can feel more relaxed and positive in their...2018-04-1656 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaConor O'Shea - Movement, Autonomy and AwarenessConor O’Shea is a Personal Trainer, Nutrition coach, and Yoga teacher from Ireland, currently based in Melbourne, Australia.
Conor is also a certified GMB trainer - which is one aspect of his work which particularly interested us.
GMB is a training method that incorporates yoga, martial arts, physiotherapy, gymnastics and mindful movement. As we will hear in the podcast Rane has a personal interest in this methodology!
In this conversation, we learn how Conor discovered yoga, and how a trip to India changed his perspective on movement, physical exercise, meditation and life. We hear about his approach to nutrition an...2018-04-021h 17
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaDavid Packman - Meditations on Death, Life and LoveDavid Packman is a prominent Melbourne based Meditation guide and Mindset coach. As well as teaching, guiding and speaking around town regularly, he runs regular classes from his own studio The Fifth Direction in Albert Park, Melbourne. David is the current president of Meditation Australia, the national peak body that represents meditation and meditation teachers.
I became aware that David was holding a Meditations on Death workshop at A-space studio in Collingwood recently and as you will hear in this episode I have a personal interest in the topic, so I attended. It was a deeply moving experience, and I...2018-03-191h 33
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaAshton Szabo - Your Life is Your YogaAshton Szabo is a yoga teacher, a self-described anatomy geek and host of the Anatomy of Living Podcast. Ashton is based in Encinitas California, so we were very lucky to have the opportunity to record a conversation with him online.
I’m a huge fan of Ashton's work as a podcaster and he is one of my inspirations for starting this podcast, so we are super excited to be able to share this episode with you!
In this conversation, we talk about Ashton’s story growing up, and how he found yoga through an interest in martial arts. We hear how...2018-03-121h 18
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaKara-Leah Grant - Kundalini Awakening and Self RealisationKara-Leah Grant is probably one of New Zealand’s most well-known yoga teachers. As well as being a phenomenal teacher and guide, she is the creator and prolific contributor to New Zealand’s most popular yoga website, The Yoga Lunchbox. She is also the author of two books - 40 days of yoga, and The No-Excuses Guide to Yoga.
In this conversation, we talk about writing and her process. We discuss how yoga is a practice for waking up, and what that even means.
We talk about her process of delivering transformational retreat experiences, and how she takes care of herself duri...2018-02-191h 07
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaMark Pheely - Teach what you know, Do what you loveThis episode is a recorded conversation between myself, Jo Stewart, and Mark Pheely.
Mark Pheely is a Melbourne based yoga teacher who runs his own studio Westside Yoga, based in the western suburb of Seddon. He also runs retreats and teacher trainings.
When you attend one of Mark’s classes, you feel you are in safe knowledgeable hands, and yet given the freedom to fully inhabit your own body and practice. He manages to impart a lot with very few words.
Now, in this podcast we have heard many of our guests offer the advice “Teach what you know”, so why di...2018-02-051h 19
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaLouise Taube - Designing MovementLouise Taube is a much loved and well respected Melbourne Pilates teacher, studio owner and teacher trainer. Her passion for pilates as a healing modality and the joy of movement is clear - in this episode she shares her experiences as a dancer who used Pilates to train and rehabilitate her own body and how she discovered her talent for teaching, and eventually training teachers.
Louise also tells us of some of her areas of speciality - Pilates for Active Ageing, Pre and Post Natal Pilates and her passion for translating Pilates movements into film and youtube videos. She has...2018-01-221h 25
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaLeigh Blashki - Non-Duality, Authenticity and PracticalityThis episode is a recording of a conversation between Rane Bowen, Jo Stewart, and Leigh Blashki.
Leigh Blashki is a legendary figure in Australian Yoga. He is also an incredibly engaging speaker and has a deep understanding and love of these practices.
As you will hear in this podcast, Leigh has had influence and training from a number of traditions and teachers, including Sri Yogendra, Swami Gitananda, A.G. Mohan and Dr. Richard Miller. He has taught yoga and meditation for over 40 years and had over 350 graduates from his Yoga teacher training and Yoga therapy training courses.
He was a...2018-01-081h 25
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaAnu - Queer and Trans-Inclusive YogaThis episode features a recorded conversation between myself, Jo Stewart and Anu. Anu is a non-binary person whose pronouns are they/them. Anu teaches a queer and trans inclusive yoga class at dance of life in Fitzroy, Melbourne, as well as yoga in a retirement village. They are considering further training in yoga therapy and trauma sensitive yoga.
We believe that yoga is a gift to the world and that everybody who wants to should have access to yoga, and feel welcomed and comfortable in every class. There are some simple steps yoga, movement and meditation teachers can take that...2017-12-181h 12
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaDonna Sparx - Hooping and Creative ExpressionDonna Sparx is a Melbourne based Hoop Dance teacher with a highly organised yet uniquely creative approach.
In this conversation, we hear about Donna’s background in sculpture, creative writing and youth work, and how these disciplines inform her teaching today.
Donna goes on to tell us how she was introduced to hooping through the Women's Circus, and how her initial thoughts on that "little plastic circle" were less than favourable.
We learn how Donna’s teaching approach uses play as a foundation for learning and connection and how she encourages individual expression through movement and flow.
We also learn abou...2017-12-0453 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaPaul Daniele - From the Classroom to the Yoga MatToday’s episode is a recorded conversation between myself, Jo Stewart, and Paul Daniele of Mindful Body and Spirit.
Paulie is a multifaceted teacher, who facilitates a wide range of classes! Boxing, Qi gong, Yoga, Pilates and meditation. All of these are in the toolbox of physical and mental disciplines that Paulie loves to share with the world.
In this conversation, we learn about Paulie’s Italian background, and how his personality was shaped by being the youngest of seven children in the family.
We also learn about how Paulie keeps himself energised and inspired through his personal practice, art and...2017-11-2753 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaAlex Rodger - Finding a Yoga SpaceThis week we travel back to New Plymouth, New Zealand and catch up with Alex Rodger who runs The Yoga Space hot yoga studio.
Alex has led an adventurous life, and he tells us how his journey has taken him travelling around the world from the north of England by air and sea. We learn how he found yoga and meditation, and how he felt drawn to creating a community right in the heart of New Plymouth, New Zealand.
In this interview, we will learn about Alex's influences in yoga and his down to earth approach to teaching and holding...2017-11-2042 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaElizabeth Bell - Art, The Gaze, and The Ovarian TempleThis week’s guest is Elizabeth Bell. We recorded this conversation during Yogafest Yoga Retreat at Lord Somers camp over Melbourne Cup weekend.
Elizabeth is a person with a fun and unique perspective of the world, and she actively works to empower herself and the people around her, through both her art and her yoga.
In this conversation we talk about some of the seminal yoga teachers Elizabeth has trained with.
We discuss her background in art, including her experiences life modelling, and her work as the Naked lecturer.
We will also learn about what it is that she would mo...2017-11-1350 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaRam and Bhavani Davies - From Sivananda to SurfThis episode was recorded in my hometown of New Plymouth with duo Ram and Bhavani Davies who together run the Sivananda Yoga center.
Before we jump into the conversation however, here is a little a background about New Plymouth.
New Plymouth is a small town on the West Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It is the capital of Taranaki province, colloquially known as "The Naki". It also happens to be the town where I was born. It is a small town with a population of less than 50,000, and it is a rural center in a dairy producing...2017-11-0645 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaAndrew Keast - Jnana Yoga, Identity and RefugeesThis episode we have a conversation with the delightful Andrew Keast. Andrew is a man we’ve known for a very short amount of time, but he is already a good friend to the Flow Artists Team. He is open, curious and powerfully introspective. In this conversation we talk about jnana yoga - the yoga of wisdom or knowledge, and how it’s skillful use raises issues of identity, self esteem and finding your place in the world - themes that have already come up in this podcast many times.
We also discuss Andrew’s background and about how living with a...2017-10-291h 07
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaHelly Hoops - Activism, Hooping and Self WorthThis week we are shifting slightly from the yogic realm, and speaking with the multi-talented Helly Hoops! Helly is one of Jo's personal hula hooping heros, not just for her technical prowess, but also her thoughtful online presence and her ability bring a sense of narrative and social commentary into her performances and videos - which is no small feat when you are spinning a plastic circle.
We learn about Helly's background in art and activism. How she discovered hooping and how she has grown as a performer, and developed a deeper understanding of herself.
We also talk about social...2017-10-221h 27
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaMichelle Jayne - Empathy, Authenticity and Finding Your VoiceI have a distaste for the word “authenticity”, as I feel as it is often thrown about in a way that is its opposite, but with Michelle it is an appropriate choice. She is comfortable in her own skin, and she inhabits a powerful presence.
I would describe Michelle as a teacher’s teacher. Not just because she facilitates yoga teacher trainings and mentors other teachers, but because over her 10+ years in this profession she has developed some deep insights into the heart of this practice.
In her own words: “I believe my role to be more one of facilitating the expe...2017-10-151h 15
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaKarina SmithIn this episode we catch up with Karina Smith. Karina is a teacher of Yoga (especially Yin Yoga), and meditation, and an educator and mentor to Yoga Teacher Trainees at Australian Yoga Academy (including myself).
In this podcast we learn about Karina’s path to yoga, from growing up in country Victoria to escaping to the big city. She discusses how her background in dance has affected her approach to yoga. We talk about the soundscapes she creates for her classes.
Karina has gained a lot of anatomical knowledge over the years, and we talk about how her understanding of th...2017-10-0857 min
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaEugenie Knox Pt 2Welcome back for the second and final part of our chat with Eugenie Knox. We find out what happened at the grand opening of Dance of Life Studio on Smith Street in Fitzroy and the sad ending to the chapter of Rainbow the Clown.
Eugenie tells us about how she learned of Amma, and became a lifelong devotee. We also will hear about Yogafest Retreat, and why you should come along!
She also talks briefly about the process of writing her memoirs.
Stay till the end where you get to hear my terrible rendition of the Lokah peace chant, and...2017-10-081h 01
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaI'm a Yoga Teacher, Now What?For our first episode, we decided to start out with a chat between Jo and myself. The premise being that I am starting out as a new yoga teacher, and Jo offering advice, given her many years of experience in this profession.
We discuss issues that might affect new teachers, such as the following:
Legal Requirements.
How might I get work?
How many classes should I teach?
Should I quit my day job?
How much should I be getting paid?
The pros and cons of teaching at different kinds of locations.
Social media and building a website.
Should I be...2017-10-071h 01
The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of YogaIntroduction EpisodeRerecorded for 2020!
Jo and Rane introduce themselves and describe what the podcast is about. Are you a Flow artist?
Music is used with permission by Ghostsoul - buy his music at https://ghostsoul.bandcamp.com/2017-09-1501 min