Shows
This is not TeaWhen Your Yoga Teacher is on Prozac (with Sarah Ezrin)**CONTENT WARNING** This episode of This Is Not Tea contains discussions of drug addiction, disordered eating and body dysmorphia. Please take care while listening.
This week, Ashley and Tamika are thrilled to welcome long-time friend and ally, Sarah Ezrin to the podcast! Sarah is a prominent figure in the yoga and wellness community, and author of the book ‘The Yoga of Parenting’.
In this conversation, Tamika and Ashley sit down with Sarah to find out what fueled Sarah with the necessary audacity to come out and talk openly about her unpolished life an...2025-06-101h 25This is not TeaPeace is not a PlaceThis week Tamika and Ashley are flying solo and exploring the complexities of the Ego, the value of learning from an experienced teacher, and the downsides to assuming that “all folk are kinfolk”. They also discuss the idea that Peace is resilient and doesn’t require us to be in a particular Place to achieve it — rather it’s a state of being.
Follow Ashley and Tamika, as well as the podcast on Instagram and YouTube.
Yoga with Ashley website
Tamika's Substack: Soul Garden
High gratitude to Pixel Punisher for the bea2025-05-151h 10This is not TeaRadiance and Creativity from a Rested Place with Tracee StanleyIn this episode, Tamika and Ashley welcome to the show welcome to the show the incomparable radiant rest queen, teacher and founder of Empowered Life Circle, Tracee Stanley.
Tracee Stanley is the author of the bestselling book Radiant Rest: Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation and Awakened Clarity and The Luminous Self: Sacred Yogic Practices & Rituals to Remember Who You Are (Shambhala Publications). Tracee is the founder of Empowered Life Circle, a sacred community and portal of practices, rituals, and Tantric teachings inspired by more than 28 years of studentship in Sri Vidya Tantra and the teachings of the...2025-04-171h 01This is not TeaThis is Not a Minstrel Show with Shawn J. MooreIn this conversation with sound therapist and yoga educator, Shawn J. Moore, Tamika and Ashley delve into cultural identity, healing practices, and sound therapies while navigating exoticism, tokenism, and appropriation. They also discuss recontextualizing healing practices, and the importance of understanding the roles of representation, privilege, and intersectionality within the healing spaces.
Dive into this honest conversation to explore collective expansion, and self-actualization, and more.
Find all things Shawn Moore at his website ShawnJMoore.com and on Instagram.
Buy his new book, Sound is my Sanctuary to go beyond the surface of sound...2025-03-071h 07
Accessible Yoga PodcastThe Teaching on Self-Awareness without Judgement with Tamika Caston-MillerIn this powerful episode, host, Jivana Heyman, and guest, Tamika Caston-Miller, examine yoga as revolutionary—being a catalyst for personal and collective transformation.
Tamika shares about her work in Houston, Texas, as both an educator and a permaculturist, creating a culture of sustainability, both in nature and within the community. Together they discuss their commitments to learning and expanding beyond comfort zones and practicing self awareness without judgement.
In the Question and Answer segment, Jivana and Deanna share voicemails from Ber McCall in Ireland and Jo Stewart from Garden of Yoga in Australia celebrating Jivana an...2025-03-041h 11This is not TeaSelf Care Practices within Systems of OppressionHow do we care deeply for ourselves when we're operating in an environment with oppression baked in? Tamika & Ashley discuss the 8 Types of Self Care as described by Scottsdale Recovery Center and how they've found self care practices that might help navigate problematic systems.
Read the article: https://scottsdalerecovery.com/embracing-holistic-self-care-8-types-of-self-care-for-lasting-wellness/#:~:text=By%20embracing%20the%20eight%20types,towards%20lasting%20wellness%20and%20sobriety.
2024-10-051h 08This is not Tea"We don't talk about that here."In this episode, we discuss the masking and code-switching required to work in a studio. Can we show up as our full selves? If so, how do we navigate applying liberation philosophy to the realities of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ life?
2024-09-131h 16This is not TeaPredators, Praise, and ProtectionIn this episode, Tamika and Ashley discuss the ubiquitous predatory behavior in the Yoga community, which, mimics so many other spaces of trust in which power and position are at play. There is no discussion of explicit or specific behaviors, but if these topics are triggering, please be advised.
2024-09-071h 05This is not TeaSEO Killed YogaWhat does the wellness world look like when it's run by marketing departments and tech bros? In this episode, Tamika and Ashley discuss how the search engine optimization (getting found in Google) and social media are informing what we see, who teaches, and how wellness, specifically yoga, are being shifted into something nearly unrecognizable.
2024-08-2650 minThis is not TeaDon’t Touch My Hair.Is the new landscape of yoga modern day sharecropping? When is it okay to touch a Black woman’s hair? What’s the difference between tokenizing and culture-shifting?
In this episode, Tamika & Ashley talk about the tokenism, exoticism and commodification they've experienced inside and outside of wellness spaces.
Whether or not you care about yoga, there is something in it for you.2024-08-1653 minThis is not TeaBig Backs and Yoga MatsIn this episode, Tamika and Ashley discuss fatphobia and the lie of sameness in Yogalandia and off the mat. They also offer some hope for the future. in Yogalandia and off the mat. They also offer some hope for the future.
Liking, rating, and sharing this podcast helps us grow!
Follow Tamika Caston-Miller and Ashley Rideaux on Instagram.
IG: @tamika_castonmiller @ashleyrideaux
Catch Ashley on her website and Tamika on hers.
yoga-with-ashley.com and tamikacastonmiller.com
Practice with Tamika & Ashley at Ashe...2024-08-0834 min
Finding Harmony PodcastBreaking Barriers in Yoga: The Power of RepresentationHarmony and Russell sit down with the inspiring Tamika Caston-Miller, a yoga futurist and the founder of Ashe Yoga Collective and Ranch Houston. Tamika shares her journey of discovering yoga, the challenges of navigating traditional yoga spaces as a Black woman in a larger body, and her mission to create inclusive and authentic yoga practices.
Key Points Discussed:
Tamika's introduction to yoga and her early experiences with breathwork and singing.
The concept of yoga nidra and its role in radical imagination and creating new realities.
The importance of representation and visibility in yoga, particularly for marginalized...2024-07-091h 32
Holistic HealersMaking Yoga AccessibleOne of the greatest healers of many health concerns is movement, whether that be running, going to the gym, dancing, stretching, walking, or doing yoga. We need movement in order to feel good about ourselves and our bodies. More specifically, when we are talking about yoga, it seems as though it has slowly pushed away marginalized populations from accessing it- just like many other mental health interventions. As a result, Tamika Caston-Miller joined this conversation to not only talk about her experience as a yoga professional and helping her clients but also advocate for social justice, share information about the...2023-06-1959 min
Think Flow GrowS3 E1 Sh*t Your Teachers are Really ThinkingWelcome to the Voyeur Season! This season is all about real talk and unedited, adult conversations with friends and teachers about yogic concepts and life.
In this episode (S3E1), Tamika discusses how yoga teachers and studio staff felt while working in the typical studio environment with fellow teacher Shahrzad Kahkeshani and yogi & horticultural therapist in training, Kelly Lawless. Now that Covid has forced all to be who they really are without their normal coping mechanisms, some things revealed weren't really what we expected. Amongst Shahrzad's sniffles (allergies--not Covid) and the farm noises in the background, they...2020-10-1551 min
The Sit Down With Slick VicEpisode 12 - Tamika Caston-MillerI sit down with yogi and creator of Ashe' yoga Tamika Caston-Miller. We discuss her road to becoming a yogi including stops as a teacher, business women and co-owner of The Ranch Houston.2020-07-2100 min
Think Flow GrowRacism, Rage & The Continuous Pursuit of HealingIn Season 2, episode 5, Tamika Caston-Miller discusses issues around racism, particularly as it relates to the Black community, with conservative former talk show host and consultant, Natalie Arceneaux. Tune in to gain some perspective on how the African American community is feeling in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, and what healing is possible from here if people are intentional about seeking it. The show was recorded live and in the time of coronavirus, therefore some sound quality issues will be experienced.
Tamika & Natalie also discuss difficult issues in their co-led nascent project, Coffee Conversations + Queening...2020-05-291h 36Think Flow GrowCults and Conscious Communities that Become ThemWhen does a cult become a cult? What's the difference between a cult and a mainline religion? How do conscious communities become insidious and parasitic? In Season 2, Episode 4, Tamika discusses these questions, notorious cults and the use of that word, and possible ways of moving beyond predatory communities with co-host, Kim Pence, of the Kindness Sanctuary.
Find more about Kim Pence at KimPenceLight.com and learn more about the intentional community she is building, the Kindness Sanctuary via @kimpencelight on Instagram.
Let me know your thoughts by emailing me at tamika@asheyoga.com and find...2020-05-161h 51
Think Flow GrowAnxiety, Delusion, and the Life and Times of FearHave you been experiencing anxiety? Fear? Unable to sleep? Or are you actually thriving, right now? In Season 2, Episode 3, Tamika and Lenie Caston-Miller define and discuss the two global experiences the world community is having during this time of the coronavirus pandemic, and the experiences that go along with it. Addressing anxiety, delusion, fear, PTSD, and grief, Tamika guides the discussion from the perspectives of an LGBTQ, Black yogini and an Iraqi War Veteran while applying yoga philosophy and history into a relatable context for anyone experiencing trauma, grief, and the healing journey to growth.
Discourse includes: g...2020-05-011h 19Think Flow GrowCompassion and Awareness in the time of CoronavirusHave you ever wondered how we got to this place of being with ourselves and without life’s distractions has become difficult, and even painful? In Season 2, Episode 2, Kim Pence and I discuss creating compassion and awareness in a Covid-19 world and beyond. Kim Pence is a transformational energy healer midwifing the soul from shadow into light. Listen to or share this discourse on shadow work, compassion, healing, ancestral trauma, re-connecting, and self care. This episode was recorded live in an effort to bring you into the conversation.
Be a part of the show through you...2020-04-021h 18
Think Flow GrowThe 5 Outcomes of a PandemicThe question has been asked: What does life look like when this is all over?
Live Recordings are what's in store for Season 2. Episode 1 was recorded live during the coronavirus pandemic, discusses the 5 likely outcomes of a pandemic with war veteran (and Tamika's wife), Lenie Caston-Miller, as well as listeners. This real and raw episode includes various perspectives thanks to the listeners and our cohost. If you'd like to share more than bad news about this global trauma, please listen, download, and share.
Co-host: Lenie Caston-Miller, Iraqi war veteran & sculptor www.leniecastonmiller.com
2020-03-271h 41
Think Flow GrowDecolonizing Your MindsetIn episode 22, Tamika discusses the pervasive nature of colonial hangover in every aspect of our life—from how we view ourselves to our wellness practices. How we tell our stories and how we see ourselves matters and forms facts about our world. Have we forgotten our true nature and our own heritage in the pursuit of mindfulness practices and in spite of the possibility of connectedness that the 21st century offers? How can we cut through the unspoken and oft oppressive societal rules to come back to the truth of who we are? Consider this and more in this ep...2020-02-201h 01Think Flow GrowIntersectionality & Cultural Appropriation, with Davina Davidson & Shahrzad KahkeshaniIn episode 21, Tamika has a REAL and unfiltered conversation with her cohosts Shahrzad Kahkeshani and Davina Davidson about intersectionality as it relates to race, ethnicity, nationality, immigration, gender, and sexuality, and cultural appropriation from a yoga teacher of color’s perspective.
Pour some tea and press play as you work and drive, this is a long one you won't want to miss. Oh, and you might need earbuds if you're listening at work or are around kids because adult language is used.
Connect with us at:
Davina Davidson @iamdavinadavidson | yogawithdavina.com
...2020-02-061h 52Think Flow GrowOn Addiction and Addictive Behaviors and PatternsIn episode 20, another recorded in nature, Tamika explores the expanse and weighty topic of addiction from a yogi's perspective. Employing the tools of the Yamas and the Niyamas, she identifies ways to utilize ancient yogic wisdom in addressing addictive patterns and behaviors. In honor of her humanity and others, Tamika grounds this topic in her own battle with sugar addiction and how the 8 Limbs of Yoga have informed how she is learning to minimize it in her own life. A chakra balancing meditation focused on self-healing begins at 58:11--it has been recorded outside so that you may sense grounding...2020-01-171h 24Think Flow GrowOn Separation, Projecting, and SufferingUnless you are walking through life with blinders on and earbuds in, it is highly possible that you have been affected by human suffering. Meeting the realties of being human in a way that shows how we are and desire to be takes some work, reflection, and intentionality. In episode 19, Tamika kicks of 2020 with reflections on how separation creates suffering, the types of separation that she’s observed that are creating distress around the world and certainly in the US, how we are always projecting, which causes this suffering, and what we can do to elevate and create compassion th...2020-01-0843 minThink Flow GrowCode-Switching and Cultural Appropriation, a conversation with Las Brujas Ch*ngonasIn this wine-drenched episode 18, Tamika discusses cultural appropriation and code-switching with co-hosts — la brujas chingonas — fellow yogis trying living with today’s issues and implications while attempting to respond in less reactionary ways. They discuss the difference between cultural appreciation and appropriation, the of the N word as an attempt to re-appropriate it, code-switching as a method of connection with those with a common understanding, and the importance of resolving issues within one’s shadow to choose responses in situations that often challenge minority communities. Thoughtful, funny, and compelling, check out the conversations that happen within communities of color when peo...2019-12-181h 54Think Flow GrowBeyond “Nice”: Surviving the Holidays LGBTQ+ and Political Divide EditionIn episode 17, Tamika discusses coexisting with family members with whom you don't agree during the holidays, separation and strife because of disagreements on politics and/or coming out as an LGBTQ person, creating an opportunity out of difficult conversations, how to know when to walk away from friends and family members, and how to recognize the people who are meant to be in your life. A lovingkindness meditation follows, beginning at 34:54.
2019-11-2149 minThink Flow GrowYoga, Religion and Spirituality -- Mutually Exclusive? A talk with Davina DavidsonIn episode 16 recorded just before the US holiday season, Tamika and Davina Davidson discuss yoga, religion, and spirituality. This is the first of many talks on religion that focuses on perceived religiosity, the answer to the question: "Can you be a Christian and a yogi?" the dichotomy of people worshipping brown gurus abroad yet being racist against people of color at home, and, of course, a wee bit of history on religion and its changing roles over time. A breath awareness meditation on unity follows, beginning at 44:58.
2019-11-1556 minThink Flow GrowAnswering the Ancestral Call to PurposeEpisode 15: In this episode recorded on Halloween, Tamika discusses tapping into the concept of dressing up for a vision, as well as the lifted veil between the ancestors and ourselves during this time. Listen to gain insight on how to create a vision, find and voice your purpose, and step into the highest version of yourself. A visioning meditation begins at 39:01.
2019-10-3158 minThink Flow GrowBody Positivity, Colorism, SantoshaEpisode 14: In this episode, Tamika discusses the body positivity movement, her own relationship with her body, and how the movement is missing a crucial part of the picture — colorism. She gives a history on the changing views of what was traditionally accepted, including an overview of how colorism was seeded into American culture, and discusses how santosha — contentment — is a yogic approach of acceptance of self, which is different from desiring to enlighten. A meditation on healing follows.
2019-10-181h 21Think Flow GrowOn Tribes, Trials, and ManifestationsIn real and raw episode 13, Tamika reveals her personal story of overcoming adversity, discusses manifesting a life of design amidst trials and tribulations, and describes how the path is always being laid whether or not you realize it. She also discusses the importance of finding and maintaining a good set of friends and support system. A visioning, solar plexus chakra meditation follows beginning at 51:06.
2019-10-111h 08Think Flow GrowConsent, Human Touch and AsteyaEpisode 12: In this episode, Tamika discusses the issue of consent and human touch--a response to the idea that no one can be touched appropriately when in a student-teacher or authority-mentor situation; #metoo and men; and how this relates to the concept of asteya--non-stealing. Following the reflection is a sacral chakra mediation on abundance and adequacy.
2019-10-0358 minThink Flow GrowOn Being Wild, Rooted, and RealEpisode 11: In this episode, Tamika shares her thoughts after having spent time in the mountains. She discusses how we are wild by nature and don masks because of conditioning. She reads from the book “Women Who Run with the Wolves” at the beginning of this episode and ends with an Ancestral Root Chakra & Grounding Meditation.
2019-09-2640 minThink Flow GrowSpecial Edition: Friends on Friends on FriendsIn this wine drenched and chocolate laden 2 hour special edition of Think Flow Grow, Tamika invites some of her friends, the Brujas, to chat about friendship in general, how to be a good friend during rough times, gaslighting, and what happens when you're evolving but your friends aren't. This is one to put on play and listen to all day long with a glass of wine or sparkling lemonade. Listen or share with friends, discuss, and message me to tell me your thoughts. With whom do you resonate? Guests include Joie: IG @miss_caston from "Challenge the Norm" on...2019-09-202h 06Think Flow GrowSaucha, Kondo, and Creating Space for JoyEpisode 9: How do you go beyond the platitude of "letting go" to actually creating space for joy in your life? What happens when we hold onto situations and people beyond their expiration date in our lives? In this episode, I discuss the process of cleansing your life — the yogic concept of saucha — and clearing space for good, affirming relationships with others, jobs, and yourself to move beyond ways in which we suffer and to open the door to true joy. A throat & heart chakra meditation follows (min. 37)
2019-09-1155 minThink Flow GrowOn Isolation and Elitism in the Single StoryEpisode 8: In this episode, I discuss the isolation and elitism in the narrative about lineages of yoga as being a product of and indicative of the single storytelling that is done to compartmentalize complicated issues and people we choose not to see and/or understand. The term “lineage” is used in the context in reference to particular styles of yoga: Ashtanga, Baptiste, Bikram, etc., and the debate over which is better or more authentic is a pervasive, divisive, and ridiculous debate within the yoga community in which students new to the practice get caught in the crosshairs. Find the vide...2019-08-2944 minThink Flow GrowRole-Crafting and Genderization with River DavisEpisode 7: In this episode, River Davis, international creative director & community-builder, joins Tamika in a vibrant discussion on the history and implications of role-crafting, gender and gender roles, and the dualistic nature of the Divine as both feminine and masculine. Catch River and Tamika in the Red Tent at YOUniverSOUL Fest -- a one-day mindfulness festival empowering attendees to live their best lives through the nine limbs of YOUniverSOUL Fest: yoga, art, enlightenment, movement, music, healing, community, environment, and children. This episode's meditation will be uploaded separately as River and Tamika will be guiding an interwoven Yoga Nidra on wholeness.2019-08-211h 17Think Flow GrowWomen, Sex, and the Language of WomenEpisode 6: In this episode, I examine sexual politics and their history; women as sexual, sensual, sentient beings whose consent is often forced; and how through the practice of yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and self-awareness, one becomes the definer of one’s reality and the author of one’s truth.
The reflection is followed by a Sacral Chakra Meditation.
2019-08-1458 minThink Flow GrowThoughts on Making our Way out of Dark TimesEpisode 5: In this episode recorded after a weekend of tragic events in the US (Dayton, OH & El Paso, TX shootings), I take a deep dive into history for context, the yogic philosophy and practice of pratyahara (turning inward) for guidance, and methods to finding our way out of dark times in life for the betterment of our mental health and society. A meditation on Connectedness follows.
2019-08-0851 minThink Flow GrowThe Lies We Tell Ourselves and Other RamblingsEpisode 4: In this episode, Mark Pierson II of the podcast No Country for Old Mark and Juan joins me to discuss lies that we tell ourselves that keep us in stories and situations we have the power to change. We also meander a bit into topics on race and gender, and how those identifiers inform our perspectives. Oh, and we laugh a lot.
At the end of this episode, get comfortable to be guided through a mediation on the release of old stories.
2019-07-311h 04Think Flow GrowGardening, Turning Inward, and TruthEpisode 3: This episode takes a deep dive into how to tap into truth to eliminate the stories that have been created, which stymie personal growth, self acceptance, and the path to enlightenment. There's a bit of history, some reflection, relatable yogic philosophy, and a guided meditation.
2019-07-2458 minThink Flow GrowLoyalty, Joy, and Non-AttachmentEpisode 2: How can you be loyal without being co-dependent? Can you find joy in letting something or someone go that you love deeply? In this episode I share some experiences of attachments to a brand and to a community, and how non-attachment (aparigraha) reduces suffering and unhealthy relationships in other areas in our lives.
A meditation inspired by the theme of aparigraha follows.
2019-07-1734 min
Think Flow GrowAncestry, Visioning, and EmpowermentEpisode 1: This episode is an introduction to Tamika the yogini, how yoga has informed her view of herself and the world, and the shift from shame to healing. She discusses the importance of tapping into ancestral wisdom to evolve the culture, empower oneself and others, and to create a vision for your life. Enjoy a bit of history and yoga philosophy, followed by a guided meditation on visioning.
2019-07-0839 min