You’ve got a bum knee or wonky hip. Your doctor says you’re a candidate for a joint replacement, and your insurance has approved the procedure - but you’re not sure if you’re ready for that. You know that joint replacement success rates are extremely high. But you also know this is a major surgery with long-term effects, and you’d like to dig your heels in a little longer. What about platelet rich plasma (PRP)? What about stem cells? On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a regenerative medical doctor whose work is focused on healing ailing joints. You’ll learn: Where stem cells come from Exosomes, stem cells, and PRP - what’s the difference? Ethical and legal issues surrounding stem cell harvesting Why bone, rather than tissue, injections are preferred Cost and recovery considerations Links Dr Gross Site ABOUT OUT GUEST Dr. Jeffrey Gross specializes in regenerative stem cell medicine and anti-aging. He has an extensive background in treating athletic injuries across many areas such as hips, knees, shoulders, and spine.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Osteoarthritis, the wear and tear inflammation of your joints, is so common that some research suggests half of us over the age of 65 will be affected. You’ve probably heard that movement is medicine, but how much movement? And while ibuprofen helps, is long-term use safe? What about all the weird and expensive treatment options? On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a Professor and rheumatology expert whose work is focused on finding solutions for this common disease. Listen and learn: Which helpful medications might be approved Risk vs reward of ibuprofen and injections Joint distraction Practical planning for managing your condition   ABOUT OUR GUEST Tonia Vincent, a Professor of Musculoskeletal Biology at the University of Oxford specializing in Rheumatology. She focuses on understanding osteoarthritis. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

The top New Year's resolutions involve weight loss and fitness. In my industry, January is boom time and February is gloom time as most people have given up on their New Year energy by Valentine’s Day. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a non-dogmatic weight loss coach who takes a sustainable, forever approach to sane weight management. You’ll learn: The importance of eating high satiety foods Why cinnamon can be a great addition to your morning coffee How to navigate liquid calories Links Nagina’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Nagina Abdullah is a weight loss coach who incorporates natural, wholesome foods and practical lifestyle changes, and mindfulness to help clients achieve sustained results. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Alcohol is involved in 28 percent of all fatal car accidents, 37 percent of all violent crime, and is responsible for an unknown number of mental and emotional health challenges. On the flip side, it also has a rich tradition of craftsmanship and cuisine, culture and celebration. In moderation, alcohol has pro-social benefits, lowers social anxiety, and is loved by billions. If you’re one of those people who can have a drink now and then without much of a thought and certainly no problem, this podcast is not for you. If drinking is causing you to gain weight, struggle the next morning, or is creating big problems in your life and you want to stop, my guest on this week’s show can help. Listen to learn Why social pressure to drink is stronger than almost all other lifestyle pressures Helpful language to use during a dry experiment How to “test the waters” of sobriety with a dry month or dry 3-month challenge The harsh reality of sober life in terms of friends and activities Links Rachel’s site ABOUT OUR GUEST Rachel Hechman has a troubled history with alcohol, and after three years sober, now helps support other people on their journey to healthier living.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

If weight loss is one of your New Year’s resolutions, you’re probably as frustrated and confused as the rest of us with all the conflicting advice and extreme approaches being touted as a forever solution. In 2023, calorie counting resurfaced as a popular approach to weight loss - and that’s just fine - but many people find that their calorie math somehow doesn’t work and are left feeling discouraged. If you can relate, this solo podcast is for you. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why calories in / calories out is true but oversimplifies the process Five variables that can muddle up your calorie math The real reason we eat (hint: it’s not for nutrition, unfortunately) Five tips to try instead of (or in addition to) calorie counting  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Many people are worried that their favorite deodorant is going to cause them an early death, but when it comes down to it, we’re more worried that we’re going to smell like death. This conundrum perfectly articulates the juggling act between the short term benefit and long term risk with skin care products. In an ideal world, regulators would keep us from harm’s way. In the real world, long-term cancer risk, hormone disruption, and even organ damage are difficult to track and quantify so this is an evolving discussion. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet the CEO of a testing company focused on safety and efficacy for manufacturers. Listen and learn: How an ingredient might be proven safe and effective, but in certain use cases might prove otherwise The false trust of Western manufactured products vs. the fake fear of “made in China” How to pick and choose products based on how often you use them and the potential risk Links dermatest.com ABOUT OUR GUEST Marcel Voss is the CEO of Dermatest GmbH, a company that specializes in skin testing and analysis. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Sexual health requires collaboration and alignment between partners. Many couples get stuck and the resulting conflicts commonly escalate to breakups. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a professor and psychologist focused specifically on women’s sexual health, using mindfulness as a foundation in her work. Listen and learn: What sex drive discrepancy (SDD) is and the challenges that arise How antidepressant drugs can contribute to sexual dysfunction even after discontinued use Why “women’s Viagra” Addyi isn’t really working for most people How mindfulness can create a foundation for sexual health Links Lori’s site: www.LoriBrotto.com ABOUT OUT GUEST Dr. Lori Brotto is a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of British Columbia and a Registered Psychologist, specializing in women's sexual health. She is the author of, Better Sex Through Mindfulness. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Cynicism is a huge problem in health care, both from patients and providers. Patients are frustrated their doctors have so little time during visits and that they’re most-likely going to leave with nothing more than a prescription. Physicians are frustrated that their patients first come in after a huge problem has arisen, often 10 years in the making, wanting an instant solution. While diet, exercises, and lifestyle interventions can help, will the patient actually follow through? Unlikely. It’s a two-sided problem where both parties feel stuck. A system-wide shift to preventative care is a likely solution. On this week’s podcast, we’ll explore how this is already happening privately, to some extent. Listen and learn: What peptide therapy is and why it might be preferable to exogenous hormones Breakthroughs in early cancer screening that most people don’t know about The importance of medical supervision on any health journey Links Valhallavitality.com About guest Dr. Hari Mani is a board-certified family medicine physician whose work today focuses on holistic medicine. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Mental health is a huge and growing problem, and psychedelic medicine is suddenly on a fast track toward legalization. Ayahuasca is a traditional medicine used in the Amazon for hundreds of years as part of healing ceremonies. Its use has been largely confined to retreat settings, but as mental health professionals seek new options for treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD among other conditions, many are looking to the past to inform the future of psychiatric medicine. My guest on this week’s podcast is at the forefront of the movement.  Listen and learn: About the curious combination of plants that create this drug Set and setting considerations for traditional use Legal and safety concerns Ceremonial vs. clinical use The “pill for an ill” risk vs. the reality of potential benefits  Learn more Simon’s Site ABOUT OUT GUEST Dr. Simon Ruffell is a psychiatrist known for his research on ayahuasca and study of curanderismo. Since 2016, he has collaborated with Indigenous communities in the Amazon basin to investigate the traditional use of ayahuasca and its effects on mental health. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

No matter how comfortable or challenging your life is, chances are you suffer from poor concentration, stress, anxiety, or overwhelm with some consistency. Left unchecked, your busy brain can lead to burnout, and while some might argue how to technically define this condition, none would argue it’s a safe state in which to live. With burnout comes an open door where illness, sadness, and pain can enter. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a medical doctor whose work is focused on helping people find a way back to balance. Listen and learn: Strategies to calm your busy brain The power of a pause The importance of a chief wellness officer at work Why compassion is needed as a first step, including self-compassion  Link www.Drromie.com ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Romie is a board-certified physician and the founder of "brainSHIFT at Work," where she combines her 20 years of expertise in neurology, integrative medicine, and mindfulness to create cultural change in mental health and wellness. She has a new book coming out called, The Busy Brian Cure: The Eight-Week Plan to Find Focus, Tame Anxiety, and Sleep Again. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Mental health challenges are often suffered in silence, behind closed doors. That is perhaps most true of eating disorders which affect people of all ages and backgrounds and range from anorexia and bulimia to orthorexia and body dysmorphia. The default advice to “get help” is not wrong, but simply booking a session with a local therapist is unlikely to unravel the complexity that usually defines mental health challenges that manifest in disordered eating. On this week's show, you´ll meet a professional counselor and mental health educator focused on helping people find a path forward. Links Ruth’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Ruth Micallef is a counselor who focuses on eating disorders. She uses Schema therapy, positive psychology, and compassion-focused therapy (CFT) as part of her work.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Think of your muscles like ground beef, and fascia like plastic wrap that creates a scaffolding like structure in, around, and through the muscle. Fascia is one of the most abundant connective tissues in your body, and like all tissues, it’s susceptible to injury, pain, and dysfunction. Despite its prevalence, fascia research remains nascent, so it’s worthwhile for anyone interested in their body to learn more. On this week's show, you´ll meet a fascia expert who will help you better understand this essential connective tissue. Listen and learn: Why delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is usually caused by pain in your fascia more than muscle pain How fascia is affected by compression, shearing, and stretching The role of hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) in fascial health   Link David’s Site ​​ABOUT OUR GUEST David Lesondak is a Structural Integrator at UPMC's Center for Integrative Medicine. He is the author of the book, Fascia: What it is and Why it Matters.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Everyone ages differently. Some people age gracefully, others fall off a cliff when it comes to their health. Hormones are usually an issue for most people: menopause for women, andropause for men. Both mainstream and alternative medicine offer treatment options and on this week’s episode we meet a doctor who can explain a bit more about them. What you’ll learn What a compounding pharmacy can do How health clinics are allowed to prescribe medicines Risk vs. reward of hormone replacement therapy Why supplements and drugs should be put in the same category Links Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Gillett is a medical doctor who practices holistic, preventative, and sports medicine. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach and is involved in obesity medicine organizations.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

We’ve all had the experience of opening a new pint of ice cream fully intending to just have a spoonful, and then 10 minutes later, the container is empty and you’re unsure why. Binge moments are part of life, but for some, binging happens regularly–daily even–and it can become a serious mental health challenge that has very little to do with food itself. On this week’s podcast, my guest will help you understand what’s going on and offer some insights for a path forward. Listen and learn: Why today’s “last supper” is never the last How to differentiate impulsive vs compulsive behavior  How to remove shame and guilt around food Important distinctions between bad food vs bad person Links Sarah’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Sarah is a licensed psychotherapist with a focus on assisting people recovering from binge eating disorders. She is the author of the book, I Can’t Stop Eating. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition affecting as many as three percent of the population. While prescription medicine and creams can relieve symptoms in the short term, long-term solutions often require stress management, detoxification, and gut health. Our guest on this week’s podcast specializes in helping people get their skin under control. Listen and learn: About the role of sun exposure and vitamin D How your gut health and microbiome relates to your skin The impact of food intolerances and allergies on the skin Risks vs rewards of long-term prescriptions Links Dayna’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dayna Hrovath is a physician's assistant with a particular focus on psoriasis. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

MDMA, better known as the party drug ecstasy, has been legalized in Australia and will soon be approved in The United States for use in psychotherapy. While much of the research pushing for legalization has focused on post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), its potential use in couples therapy also holds great promise. My guest on this week’s podcast wrote his master’s thesis on the therapeutic uses of MDMA in the 1980s and has been at the forefront of drug-assisted counseling ever since. Listen and learn: How an MDMA-assisted session for couples can fasttrack therapy Legal and safety concerns Fentanyl risks and the safety promises of prescription options Why couples should aim to share two appreciation comments daily How to utilize the “acknowledgement formula” to resolve conflict in your relationship NOTE: MDMA is illegal in most jurisdictions worldwide. This podcast is not meant to endorse purchase or consumption of illicit drugs. Even when legal and prescribed, there are real risk and dangers that must be considered before using any drug.   Links Jonathan’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Jonathan Robinson is a psychotherapist and author of ten books including, The Enlightenment Project and Communication Miracles for Couples. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Running is an amazing way to build cardiorespiratory fitness, it’s accessible to just about anyone, and you can start right now. The problem? An estimated 80 percent of runners get injured each year, so simply staying on your feet consistently is a huge challenge for most people. My guest on this week’s podcast is a physiotherapist who will share her tips for running pain-free. Listen and learn: How to choose between road, trail, and treadmill running The importance of stride rate and elbow drive How to supplement your running with strength training Links Hilary’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Hilary is a physical therapist and was previously a member of the US Alpine ski team. She works with athletes and non-athletes in-person and online. She does a lot of work with runners, focusing on gait fixing and running injuries.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

What if your greatest pain in life was not the terrible things that happen to you, but instead the confusion and disjunction between your mind and body? Our bodies are wired for survival, but we all hope to find peace and contentment. Is it possible? Our guest on this week’s podcast believes it is. Listen and learn: How pain increase amygdala size and activity while simultaneously decreasing hippocampus size and activity Why self trust is the missing link in the confusion created by pain How exposure and facing our pain head on is the only way through The idiocy of trying to outrun or avoid the monster that lives between your ears Links Julia’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Julia DiGangi is a neuropsychologist and founder of NeuroHealth Partners, specializing in the neuroscience of emotional, cognitive, and social health. She also has an excellent TEDx talk on the art of suffering. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Longevity is having a moment on social media right now with Silicon Valley paying teenage boys to have blood transfusions, experimental peptide injections, and all the predictable skin lasers and fillers. Most of these experiments will be useless, some will be harmful, but perhaps a few will actually work. Dr. Stephen Krichevsky joins this week’s podcast to help us separate the signal from the noise. Listen and learn: What we can learn about aging from yeast, worms, fruit flies, and mice Does starving yourself really extend your life? What about NMN and rapamycin? Why stable weight might be more important than being thin as you age Links Dr Kritchevsky’s Work ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Stephen Kritchevsky has published more than 450 peer-reviewed papers and serves as the director of Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) and co-directs the Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention. He is a contributor to the ABC study and the LIFE Trial. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Do you feel burned out? My guest on this week's podcast, Dr. Neha Sangwan, defines burnout as exhaustion, ineffectiveness, and cynicism. Once that trifecta occurs, you’re in trouble - and most of us have been there. How do you bounce back from true burnout? What role can medicine, spirituality, and social groups play? Listen in to learn more. Listen and learn: Why exhaustion, ineffectiveness, and cynicism typify burnout How to find “your people” if you’re socially isolated Why it’s important to identify your core values Which medication and natural interventions can act as a bridge back to balance Links Dr Neha’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Neha Sangwan is an internal medicine physician, international speaker, and corporate communications expert. She is the author of new book, Powered by Me: From Burned Out to Fully Charged at Work and in Life. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Most of us have a bucket list of things we’ll do once we grow up, after the kids move out, once we’ve retired… or someday. The problem with someday is that we don’t know when or if it will ever come, and more importantly, why wait? Most of life’s richest experiences don’t cost very much at all, and most things you could start to experience immediately. Listen and learn: How to find joy in everyday moments Why doing things you suck at but enjoy can unlock amazing experiences How your lowest lows can turn into peak experiences How to start if you’re currently time and/or financially poor Links Experiential Billionaire ABOUT OUR GUESTS Bridget Hilton and Joe Huff are entrepreneurs and co-authors of the new book, Experiential Billionaire.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Hip pain ranges from minor pinching felt during squats to excruciating pain that causes you to limp or even need the support of a cane. Like all joint injuries, the process of diagnosing and treating a hip injury is often long and circuitous. Do you need surgery? Physical therapy? Will the pain ever go away? In this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a physiotherapist who focuses specifically on hips. Listen and learn: What femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is and what it might mean for you Why you should forget quick fixes and focus on a six months plus healing journey Realistic options for post-hip replacement exercise and sport Why labrum tears are so common in the general population and are usually asymptomatic Links Mehmet’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Mehmet Gem is a physiotherapist. Much of his work is focused on the hips and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). He has worked with athletes in multiple sports and non-athletes internationally via his consultancy and training programs. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Pelvic floor problems affect an estimated 40 percent of the population. Common symptoms include incontinence, prolapse, premature ejaculation, and irregular bowel movements. Your pelvic floor is a muscular net that supports your bladder, bowels, and in women the uterus. Those muscles can be trained and strengthened just like your biceps - but it’s a little more tricky to learn how. On this week’s podcast, we meet a physiotherapist who specializes in this area of the body. Listen and learn: How to take charge of your pelvic floor health   Whether pee-stop-pee is a safe practice for strengthening Do apps and gizmos actually work? Are they worth it? Will you ever be able to jump on a trampoline or deadlift again? Are medical interventions such as collagen fillers, botox, and surgery effective? Learn more at Clare’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Clare Bourne is a pelvic health physiotherapist. She works with extremely common but rarely discussed issues such as incontinence and prolapse. She is the author of Strong Foundations: Why Pelvic Health Matters. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Public speaking and communication skills are crucial for every aspect of life. Whether you’re negotiating a promotion at work or advocating for yourself with your doctor, the better you can express yourself, the greater your success. Good communication is a meta skill that pays off in multiples, and it’s something we should all invest more time in developing. Listen and learn: The power of story and narrative during presentations How to use visual aids carefully The importance of time management Why formulaic structures are often a wise choice How to handle feedback, trolls, and grandstanders Learn more at Ben’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Ben Crosby is a professor of rhetoric and a communication skills consultant. He is also the author of Presentations as Performance: A Professional’s Guide to Better Speaking. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

When most people think about getting in shape, their first priority is usually fat loss - and for good reason. Excess adipose tissue can, in many cases, contribute to or exacerbate dozens of other health problems. But what if instead of focusing on losing fat, you focused on gaining muscle? Lean muscle tissue is a metabolic workhorse. It strengthens your bones, acts as a natural glucose storage location and helps to balance your hormones. Interestingly, it’s often faster to build muscle than it is to shed fat, and the two often go head-in-hand. Listen and learn: Why lean muscle tissue tests are inaccurate The future of D3-creatine tests for accurate “weigh in” of muscle mass The correlation between lean muscle, bone density, and reduced all-cause mortality Weights vs bodyweight exercise: can you do it at home? The minimum effective dose for change Links Dr Lyon’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is a physician and the founder of the Institute of Muscle-Centric Medicine. She is the author of a soon-to-be released book, Forever Strong.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Psilocybin mushrooms (aka magic mushrooms) are being studied and used for their therapeutic and mental health benefits. These powerful substances have a long history of use in various cultures around the world, and are surprisingly safe if used carefully with medical supervision. At the same time, any drug, natural or not, presents a complex set of risks and rewards that must be considered. On this week’s podcast, you’ll learn about the popular new style of sub-perception use called microdosing. Listen and learn: How one tenth of a psychoactive dose can provide many of the same benefits without a “high” or psychedelic experience Legal considerations and options for traveling with psilocybin How psychedelics might impact emotional processing and reverence for nature Links Retreat Microdose LEGAL & HEALTH WARNING: in most jurisdictions, psychedelic drugs are illegal. Even when legal, they should be treated and used with care, ideally only under the supervision of trusted healthcare professionals. The views of the guest and host of this podcast are theirs alone and should not be taken as health or medical advice.  ABOUT OUR GUEST Cori Sue Morris is a former journalist, an entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of Retreat. Her company helps educate people on how to use psilocybin, better known as magic mushrooms for personal growth and health.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Food allergies are a common and growing problem. To complicate things further, food allergy tests have a fifty percent false positive rate and most general practitioner doctors have just two weeks of allergy training - so you’re often left on your own when trying to diagnose and deal with them. Extreme allergies are rare, but skin problems, digestive issues, headaches, and bowel issues are becoming increasingly common. My guest on this week’s podcast will help you understand more about allergies and what to do about them. Listen and learn: Why allergies are a huge and growing problem Why most IGG food allergy tests are a waste of time How avoiding foods like peanuts could contribute to the development of an allergy The important difference between an intolerance and an allergy   Links Theresa’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Theresa MacPhail is a medical anthropologist, professor, and writer. She is the author of the book, Allergic: Our Irritated Bodies in a Changing World. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

If you have a phone or computer, you could start a media company right now and publish and share whatever you like. On one hand, this is amazing and democratizes what was previously reserved for a handful of gatekeepers. At the same time, the deluge of messages, often with ulterior motives, makes it extremely difficult for most of us to think freely. Should you trust governmental organizations? Left or right leaning news media? And what about the bro science podcaster? I don’t have the answers to any of these questions, but our guest on this week’s podcast does.  Listen and learn: About the wisdom of the crowd The dangers of conformity Why conspiracy thinking exists Poetic truth vs. real world facts Links Free Your Mind Book ABOUT OUR GUEST Patrick Fagan is an applied behavioral scientist with over 13 years of experience in marketing, political campaigns, and data science consultancy. His expertise is in understanding human behavior and decision-making processes. Through his work, he advocates responsible and ethical practices in behavioral science, empowering individuals to resist manipulative influences and fostering critical thinking in society. He is the coauthor of the book, Free Your Mind.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Erectile dysfunction is often a canary in the coalmine for metabolic health problems, and it might be just the motivation some men need to make some changes. Like all things related to health, restoring sexual vitality often requires a holistic approach, but the good news is that these changes have nothing but positive upsides. Listen and learn: The risk vs reward of PDE5 inhibitors Why diabetes and heart disease are often correlated with ED Soundwaves, lasers, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections Why 90 percent of sexual dysfunction problems are physiological Links Dr. Truong’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Anne Truong is a medical doctor specializing in anti-aging and biological cellular medicine, with a career spanning over 25 years. She is the author of the book, Erectile Dysfunction Fix, and runs an educational group called, The Modern Man Club. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Give a baby an ice cream cone and watch his eye brain light up with pleasure. The desire for sweet is hard-wired into us, but our access to sweet is unprecedented and problematic. Sugary and starchy foods are cheap, delicious, and last for years on the shelf. As you know all too well, once you’ve established a habit of indulging, it’s so difficult to stop. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet as public health educator who turned her own sugar breakup into a focus for her teaching and advocacy. Learn How sugar affects your dopamine, insulin and microbiome Why sugar is in 74% of all packaged foods How starchy foods can be just as problematic as added sugar Planning for the 7 to 10 day detox The psycho-social role of sugar and sugar addiction Links Dr. Grayson’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Andrea Grayson is a behavior change communications consultant. She teaches about Public Health Communications at the University of Vermont. In 2016, Andrea weaned herself off sugar and now helps others do the same. Her book, The Sweet Tooth Dilemma, is available on Amazon.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Do you get sick easily? Do you catch every cold and flu that comes through town? This could be due to a depleted immune system or even chronic immune deficiency. This is more common than most people realize, and for a number of lifestyle and environmental reasons, it’s a growing problem with a glaring lack of medical support or recognition. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a doctor who focuses on boosting the immune system and treating those with immune problems. Listen & learn How fecal transplants can help with extreme gut problems Why cardio and strength exercise and sleep are the foundations for immune health Genetic ApoE test Genetics vs. epigenetic influence on our health  Links Gary’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Gary Kaplan, D.O., is a clinical associate professor at Georgetown University, director of the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine. He’s the author of two books, Total Recovery and Why You Are Still Sick are available on Amazon.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Lucas answers a handful of relevant listen questions on food, fitness, yoga, and movement. Join the conversation! What vitamins does Lucas take? Is yoga enough? Why 1 gram of protein per lbs of body weight? How to not lose fitness gains during summer holidays Is lab grown meat the future? Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com  

The carnivore diet is one of the most requested and controversial topics on the podcast in the past year, and I’ve had a number of guests on including a medical doctor and heart surgeon. While I do not eat nor plan to eat this way myself, I’m alway open to learn about new approaches for weight loss and optimal health. While this extreme approach raises some very real concerns, there are some very interesting benefits too making it well with a discussion. Listen and learn:  What we can learn from the inuit and yupik people who traditional at an animal-centric diet Why elimination diets can be powerful short term for illnesses and disease but why they are almost never sustainable The big cholesterol gamble from a cow-centric diet How to separate signal from noise in the diet industry  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

All of us want to change something: our job, our relationship, our waistline, or even our career. We wake up thinking about it and fall asleep wondering “what if.” For some unknown reason, we never seem able to push past our stuck point and create real change. Why? My guest on this week’s podcast coaches using a visual and sensory-based model designed to help you achieve what you desire. Listen to learn: Why what you elaborate on is often what you become How to loop in your 5 senses - plus emotions - to anchor an image The power of a negative “what if I don’t” scenario Links Imagery Coaching ABOUT OUR GUEST Joanna Grover, LCSW, is a pioneer of Functional Imagery Training (FIT) with 15 years experience as a coach and cognitive therapist. She’s the co-author of the new book, The Choice Point. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Cancer is the number two cause of death worldwide, and despite 100s of billions invested, there is still no cure, only treatments. The treatments we do have such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, while extremely aggressive, work very well if detection is early. Since there are dozens of types of cancer, screening and detection has proven challenging–but that might be changing. My guest on this week’s podcast is on the forefront of genomic medicine and hopes to make early screen accessible to everyone. Listen and learn: How new technology allows for blood plasma scanning of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) to find tiny particles from cancers The role of full body MRI in cancer screening Why it currently costs thousands per year but could end up costing a fraction of this in the future Links www.GetSerenity.life ABOUT OUR GUEST Jo Bhakdi is the Founder and CEO of Quantgene, a precision genomics and oncology company founded in 2015. Quantgene's goal is to build the future of medicine by utilizing advanced scientific and technological innovations. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Some medical professionals feel it’s more accurate to classify post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a neural injury (PTSI) – not a disorder. Dr. Eugene Lipov developed a local anesthesia treatment targeting the stellate ganglion in the bottom of the cervical spine. This treatment has been approved for chronic pain and is being used now for trauma with promising results. On this week’s podcast, you’ll learn from a success story patient: How trauma change our nervous system and brain activity Why a prolonged allostatic load (stress) can create a trauma-like injury in the body How trauma injuries can be visibly seen in FMRI scans Links Dr Lipov The Invisible Machine ABOUT OUR GUEST Jamie is the author of the books, The Iconists and The Invisible Machine. The book is centered around the science of Trauma Recovery. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Millions of people around the world are suffering from long COVID, an umbrella term for chronic symptoms that might include fatigue, vertigo, POTS, and cognitive impairment. While it’s not uncommon for people to have lingering issues after any illness, the scope and scale of the COVID pandemic and the anomalous nature of this particular disease have created a quiet, but concerning crisis. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a psychologist whose work has shifted to supporting people struggling through this journey. Listen to learn: How long COVID differs from post-acute symptoms from other infections What a diagnosis of long COVID involves Support options What the future holds for chronic conditions Links James’s Book www.JamesCJackson.com ABOUT OUR GUEST James C. Jackson is a psychologist and Research Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He is an internationally renowned expert on the cognitive and mental health effects of illness, including long COVID. His new book is called Clearing the Fog.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

People often lament that they prioritize others’ needs above their own, and they don’t know how to put themselves first. I believe most of us are mostly selfish, so I don’t think the problem is putting yourself first, I think the problem is putting self care first. People will overcommit to work, family, and community obligations, but ignore free times, exercise, and quiet solitude. I don’t believe that we’re all so altruistic that our days get vacuumed by charity work, I think our time is consumed simply by other seemling more important priorities. The term self-care conjures up images of manicures or lazy Sunday morning brunches, but what if you expanded that to include art, creativity, silence, adventure, friendship, and whatever else perhaps feeds your soul but almost by definition does not have a quantifiable reason for ending up on your calendar.  On this week’s podcast, you’ll earn the importance of making time for less strategic, you-focused activities. Links Taylor’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Taylor Elyse Morrison is the founder of Inner Workout, a company that aims to make well-being and personal development more accessible. Her book is called, The Inner Workout. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Do you have painful feet, bunions, hammertoes, or collapsed arches? If you’ve visited a podiatrist, you most likely ended up with some orthotic inserts and were sent on your way. Hopefully, those inserts worked! Most likely, they helped a little, but as the years have passed, your condition has progressively worsened. Is there anything you can do about it? On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a functional podiatrist who will help you understand your options. Listen and learn:  What a 15-min self-care routine might look like for your feet  The pros and cons of surgical interventions  Why reduced bone density might disqualify you for surgery   Why flat feet is sometimes caused by ligament laxity and strength and stretch routines are unlikely to correct this structural issue Links Dr Splichal’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Emily Splichal is a functional podiatrist, human movement specialist, and a leading voice in barefoot science and rehabilitation. After originally training as a surgeon, she now focuses on functional and regenerative medicine. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

It’s more difficult than ever to separate fact from journalistic or political fiction. The idea of “relative truth” has permeated almost every discussion, making it challenging to get straight answers to even some of the most basic questions. Does cholesterol matter or not? Are HPV vaccines safe or too risky? While media spin has always been a problem, it’s reached breaking point, and the majority of us feel disillusioned and frustrated. This week’s guest offers advice on how to identify and fight misinformation. Listen and learn:  How a small lie wrapped in hard truths can be much more dangerous than a blatant falsehood  Why men are leading the charge when it comes to conspiracy theories How system justification theory can influence misinformation  Whether a small lie is OK if it’s for a good cause Links Sander’s site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Sander van der Linden is a social psychology professor and Director of the Cambridge Social Decision-Making Lab. He focuses on how misinformation spreads in online networks and how to protect against false information. He is the author of Foolproof.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Most people are much more concerned with the quality of their life than the quantity. We hope to stay healthy, lucid, mobile, and engaged until our final days. How exactly to increase your chances of a strong finish is hotly debated, but as a 102-year-old doctor, our guest on this week’s podcast has a unique authority on the subject. Listen and learn: Why you need to find purpose and meaning The importance of love in the healing process How the body heals itself Why memories can provide a place of comfort and joy Links: Gladys’ Site ABOUT OUT GUEST Dr. Gladys McGarey is a medical pioneer and visionary, internationally recognized as the mother of holistic medicine. She is co-founder of the American Holistic Medical Association and has held a family practice for more than sixty years. At 102, Dr. McGarey has a ten-year plan and an eye on a healthier and more joyful future for all Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

The average woman will spend one third of her life in menopause, and yet the public discourse and medical advice around this life stage is sorely lacking. Will hormone replacement therapy give you cancer? Will you be stuck on drugs for the rest of your life? Should you just wait it out and let nature run its course–or fight like mad against menopausal symptoms? On this week’s podcast, we meet a medical doctor committed to giving women more options, more agency, and a better quality of life during menopause and beyond. Listen and learn: Myth vs reality about cancer risk and HRT When and how to start thinking about HRT, and when to come off it The power of food and lifestyle interventions for hormonal balance Whether horse urine vs. yam derived hormones matter? Links Dr. Mary Clare’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Mary Claire Haver is a Board Certified OB GYN and the creator of The Galveston Diet, a nutrition program designed for women in menopause. She is also the author of a new book, The Galveston Diet. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Have you ever felt excited about a new form of exercise, only to get sore muscles and then joint pain as soon as you start to see results? You take a couple days off, try ice and painkillers, but the pain always seems to come back and you’re not sure what to do about it. Should you keep going? Stop moving? See a doctor? Or try something else? On this week’s podcast, we’ll attempt to demystify the healing process. Listen and learn: Why patience might be the top necessity for healing The value of cross training for injury prevention How to use muscle strength to combat joint laxity Why being “under recovered” is a bigger problem than being overtrained Links Dr. Alland’s Site Dr. Alland's Podcast Dr. Alland's Instagram ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Jeremy Alland is a board-certified sports medicine physician based in Chicago, IL. He has worked as a team physician for various professional sports teams and high school teams, and is actively involved in research. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Work can be one of the greatest sources of meaning and purpose in life; but it can also be a huge source of chronic stress and anxiety. Perhaps you’re tasked with more responsibilities than one person can feasibly manage; maybe you work with a toxic boss  or colleague; or maybe your role just feels soul-sucking and the worry that this is it looms heavy on your mind. My guest on this week’s podcast will help you combat workplace anxiety. Listen and learn: How to overcome anxiety by doing an “Is it worth it?” assessment Why pace/place/space is crucial to peace of mind How to balance working at home with our need for social connection About introversion vs. insecurity vs. social anxiety Links: Mora’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Morra is a podcaster and author of the books, Hiding in the Bathroom, and the newly released, The Anxious Achiever: Turn Your Biggest Fears into Your Leadership Superpower.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

When you’re struggling with poor mental health, depression, anxiety, or low self esteem and you want to actively change your mindset, it’s difficult to know where to start. Should you consider therapy? Medication? What about starting in your kitchen? On this week’s podcast, we’ll explore taking a food-based approach to improving mental health. Listen and learn: The importance of Omega-3s, fiber, and whole food nutrition for your brain  Why performance and behavioral problems at school might be directly linked to poor nutrition How dietary interventions were linked to a 30 percent reduction in self-harm in prisons Why ultra processed foods (UPFs) pose a huge risk to your health and brain  Links Kimberley's site ABOUT OUR GUEST Kimberley Wilson is a psychologist and the founder of Monumental Health, a service combining evidence-based psychological therapy, with nutritional neuroscience and nutritional psychiatry. She specializes in whole body mental health, treating issues such as depression, low confidence, low self-esteem and self-doubt, disordered eating, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and procrastination. She is also the author of two books, Unprocessed, and How to Build a Healthy Brain.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

By 2035, it’s estimated that half the world’s population will be overweight. At the same time, we’ll likely continue to live longer and longer which means the financial cost and even more tragic loss of healthspan will be catastrophic. While the solution seems obvious, eat less and exercise more, things are not so simple in reality. I wonder if perhaps we’re asking the wrong questions about weight? What if the real question to ask is why we’re so hungry in the first place? On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet Amy Shah, MD, whose work focuses on answering this question. Listen to learn: Why food is mood Why certain foods fill you up, others have “no limits” The importance of resistance training, and yes for women too How meal timing (not long fasting) can be very helpful for everyone Why hyperpalatable foods encourage people to eat up to 500 calories more per day, even when the foods are identical Links Dr. Amy Shah’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Amy Shah, MD, is a double board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine and allergy/immunology. She is a regular contributor to major media outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and NBC News, and has been featured on numerous television programs, including The Dr. Oz Show, The Today Show, and Good Morning America. She’s the author of two books, I’m So Effing Tired and I So Effing Hungry.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

The assault on our sleep really only began in earnest 75 years ago as the world became flooded with light, stimuli, shift work, and birthed the concept of a 24/7 world. Today, we're wired and tired, overworked and under rested. This is not news to you, but what might be When we think of high-risk jobs, we often think of underwater welders, fishing boat crew, and oil rig workers. But did you know that all shift work is also high risk? You're unlikely to have physical risks, but the metabolic, mental health, impaired driving ability, and even cancer risks are sky high.  Here's what happens when we don't sleep:  Ghrelin, the hunger hormone goes up Blood glucose and metabolic health suffers  Cardiovascular risk shoots way up Risk of neurodegenerative illness skyrockets  Links Russell’s Book ABOUT RUSSELL FOSTER - Russell Foster is a British professor of circadian neuroscience at Oxford University and the director of the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute (SCNi). He is known for his discovery of non-rod, non-cone ocular photoreceptors that regulate the body’s internal clock. He has received numerous awards for his research, including the Zoological Society scientific medal and the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). He is the author of Time Line: Your Body Clock and Its Essential Roles in Good Health and Sleep. 

There are over 400,000 hip replacement operations performed each year in the USA alone. While our modern healthcare systems struggle to produce positive outcomes in some areas, in others - joint replacements in particular - the progress is remarkable. A hip replacement used to be a last ditch effort to live pain-free, whereas today, people are regaining active lives earlier and success rates improve with each passing year. If you, or someone you love, is struggling with an arthritic hip and considering options, this week’s podcast is for you. Listen and learn: What the 20 year outlook is for a replaced joint and what happens after that Why you should say no to running post-op, and yes to yoga, skiing and tennis What you need to know about femoral acetabular syndrome (FAI), labrum tears, and arthritis Why obesity is a major contributor to hip pain and sadly a common disqualifier for hip replacement surgery Links Dr. Hull’s Site Dr. Hull’s Books ABOUT OUR GUEST Jonathan began his career in the British Army as a medical officer with a parachute unit and went on to train as an orthopedic surgeon. He currently has a busy NHS practice. His special interests in orthopedic surgery are hip and knee disorders. He is also the author of Hip Expectations: How to get through a hip replacement by someone who should know better. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Are you familiar with the concept of being time poor? This is when you have your life more or less figured out, but you don’t have a spare minute in your schedule. Since time is your greatest asset, and is in short supply, why not buy some of it back if given the opportunity? For many of us, hiring help in our personal or professional lives seems too expensive, too indulgent, or just downright lazy. But many of us are living lives that are bigger than a 24 hour day, and the only way to get through it with any sense of control and freedom is to enlist some help. On this week’s podcast discover how to buy back your time.  Listen and learn: How to calculate what you can, or cannot, afford to hire help for How code, content, capital or collaboration are the four ways to scale your impact Why buying back your time before buying possessions might be worth considering  Links Dan’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dan Martell is an entrepreneur, investor and business coach. He founded a number of companies including Clarity and SaaS Academy. He is the author of a new book, Buy Back Your Time. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Have you ever noticed that many cold and flu remedies contain little more than honey and water? Have you ever gone to the doctor feeling ill and felt significantly better almost straight away? The placebo effect is a long observed phenomenon in medicine, but the same expectation effect also impacts most other areas of life. If you read five-star reviews before visiting a restaurant, it primes you for a great experience. If you’re watching a film that everyone you know loves, you’re also far more likely to react positively to it. My guest on this week’s podcast is an expert in the effect of expectation. Listen and learn: Why the placebo-pain connection is so strong How “open label” placebos can be just as effective The lesser-known nocebo effect and its risks How to ethically leverage the expectation effect in your life Links David’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST David Robson is a science writer who explores the human brain, body, and behavior. He graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in mathematics. He wrote extensively about misinformation during the COVID pandemic and mental health. He is the author of The Intelligence Trap, and his newest book, The Expectation Effect.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

There’s a saying: “If you want a new idea, read a history book.” That might be true 95 percent of the time, but for the remaining five percent of the time, particularly when looking for problem-solving techniques, the solution might demand a completely new approach. Lateral thinking is the idea of entering from the side door, flipping the problem on its head, and spitballing completely new solutions. On this week’s podcast, we discuss how to apply this technique to your life. Listen and learn: Why innovation seems to have reached a lull How to break free from your siloed information feed What if everything you assumed was wrong or misguided? What if the solution to your current problems was easy, obvious, and simple? Links Paul’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Paul Sloane is a UK-based author, speaker, and consultant, specializing in innovation and creative thinking. He has written several books on these topics, including: Lateral Thinking Puzzlers, The Leader's Guide to Lateral Thinking Skills, and De Bono's Thinking Course. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

An estimated 15 to 20 percent of the population will suffer from tinnitus at some point in their lives and hearing loss affects an even greater number. Yet so few of us take action and seek out medical help. With tremendous breakthroughs in both diagnostics and treatment, there has never been a better time than now to get your auditory health in order. On this week’s podcast, we meet an audiologist who can help.  Listen and learn: Why tinnitus can be your brain trying to turn up the volume to hear better How infection, stress, and even emotional distress can manifest as tinnitus How virtual reality might offer solutions for balance and vertigo The considerations and cost of hearing aids  Links New York Hearing Doctors ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Craig Kasper is the Managing Director of NYHD (New York Hearing Doctors). He specializes in disorders of the vestibular system, hearing loss and tinnitus. He’s been a leading voice in public education and hearing/balance for over 25 years and has been featured regularly in national media. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Modern health trackers collect an amazing quantity of data daily, but most of it is descriptive, not actionable. Maybe your smart watch tells you that your sleep quality is poor, but do you know how to fix it? Maybe you learn your HRV is low, but how do you improve? All the information in the world means nothing if you don’t have a plan of how to adapt and grow from it. On this week’s podcast, discover how Dr. Erik Korem used qualified self-data in high performance sports and now uses it to help average people like you and me.  Listen and learn: Why respecting your circadian clock is crucial for good health How belonging to a faith community (of any type) correlates with remarkably positive health outcomes Why stress is a gateway to growth Why allostatic load is an important, often-overlooked health consideration  ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Eric Korem is the founder and CEO of AIM7, a company that specializes in sleep and stress resilience. He has a background in working with professional sports teams, Olympic athletes, and government agencies.  Learn more at ErikKorem.com Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Our traditional healthcare systems offer amazing options for acute pain and injury, but for long-term, chronic, and subclinical pain, you’re mostly on your own. It’s more common than not for someone with chronic lower back or knee pain to have absolutely no idea what is wrong or how to fix it, and scans and doctors’ appointments often leave you with no clarity or guidance. In an attempt to fix ourselves, we stretch, strengthen, buy different shoes, and adjust our workstations. Sometimes it works, but sometimes we need more help.  On this week’s podcast, we meet a physical therapist who focuses on standing posture and walking gait as a functional fix to main chronic pain ailments.  Listen and learn: Why atrophied gluteus maximus muscles are often a key culprit in joint pain Why it can be helpful to avoid locking your knees while standing How an overemphasis on movement can sometimes lead to overlooking incorrect movement Links Rick’s Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Rick is a physical therapist who found traditional therapy effective for acute pain but lacking for chronic pain and nagging injuries. He spent over 20 years developing his own approach and subsequently authored the Fixing You book series. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

In 1938 the Harvard Study of Adult Development began. It followed the lives of 268 Harvard students and 456 inner city kids in Boston, and remains the largest, longest study of its kind, gathering data on physical health, mental health, personality, and social connections. The study's findings have served as the basis for an impressive body of work on lifestyle fulfillment and happiness, and my guest on this week’s podcast has co-authored a book highlighting his learnings. Listen and learn: Why loneliness is one of the greatest risk factors for an unhappy and unhealthy life Why social fitness should be given the same priority as physical fitness How war, hardship and adversity can provide a sense of community that leads toward happiness and contentment Why 20 to 40 percent of the population admit to feeling isolated and lonely Creative strategies to build connections at any age  Links Marc’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Marc Schulz, PhD, is Associate Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development. He is a practicing therapist, and co-author of a new book, The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

For some forms of cancer, allopathic medical interventions are extremely effective; but for many cancers, outcomes are mixed and confusing. Like all things health, it’s clear that diet and lifestyle interventions can play a huge role in prevention, treatment, and possibly even reversing some forms of cancer. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a medical doctor turned cancer patient and natural foods advocate who dedicates the second chapter of his life toward beating cancer.  Listen and learn: Why nine daily servings of plant foods is recommended for cancer prevention and treatment How sugar and insulin can feed cancer The importance of supplements like iodine and vitamin D Strategies for education and empowering yourself and your health Why cancer needs inflammation to proliferate  Links Dr Brandy’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Medical doctor Dominic Brandy was diagnosed in 2017 diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma,an incurable rare form of cancer. He started researching plant based diet, exercise, and targeted supplements. His cancer is in remission, and his work focused on helping people with lifestyle interversion to treat, manage, and hopefully reverse cancer as well. He’s the author of the book, Beat Back Cancer Naturally.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

When people brag about their 80-hour work weeks, I have to wonder, are they really working for 80 hours? Or are they starting, browsing social media, and then stopping and starting eight times in a row like me? While I often “work” for 10 or even 12 hours in a day, only a novelist would label what I’m actually doing as focused work. Many of us struggle with attention so profoundly that our only solution is to buffer the day with massive blocks of non-productive cloud-gazing time, so that 2-3 hours of focus will collectively add up by default by the time the day is over. Sound familiar? My guest on this week's podcast studies attention and productivity.   Listen and learn:  How a 20-minute walk encourages divergent thinking and can refresh your attention span How multitasking can increase your blood pressure and stress response How to practice discernment and mindfulness with social media The value of superimposing meta-awareness to tasks for greater attention Links Gloria’s site ABOUT OUR GUEST Gloria Mark is a professor at UC Irvine. She has spent over two decades studying multitasking, interruptions, productivity and mood with the rise in digital technology. Her work has been published extensively and her new book is called Attention Span. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

When it comes to personal growth and development, most of us immediately think of productivity. How can we be more efficient and more effective with the limited time we have on this planet? On my best days, I consider myself moderately productive and yet, as months and years go by, the evidence of my productivity is undeniable. So what’s the secret? I have no idea, but our guest on this week’s podcast writes and lectures exclusively on this topic and has plenty of insights to share.  Listen and learn: How mindfulness can help reduce distraction The importance of “savoring” and creating meaning in all our experiences The threat posed by super-stimuli such as junk food, adult websites, and newsfeeds How to jump off the daily anxiety rollercoaster  Links ChrisBailey.com ABOUT OUR GUEST Chris Bailey is a productivity expert, and the bestselling author of books, Hyperfocus, The Productivity Project, How to Calm Your Mind. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

How would you feel if your spouse was incarcerated for 21 years? Would you stay or would you go? Would you even consider staying in the relationship? My guests on this week’s podcast are a couple who have managed to build and maintain a marriage, a family, and a life together despite seemingly insurmountable odds.  Listen to learn: About the importance of family togetherness The truth about access to education in prison The problems in the USA penal system Why the corrections system rarely corrects anything Links https://foxandrob.com/ ABOUT OUR GUESTS Sibil Fox and Rob Richardson are a New Orleans couple whose marriage survived despite years of incarceration. Their story was profiled in the documentary called TIME, and their book is called, Time: The Untold Story of the Love That Held Us Together When Incarceration Kept Us Apart. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com  

Your gastrointestinal tract contains around three pounds of microbes - some good and some bad. When your gut is healthy, the bad bugs are kept in check, and the good bugs serve as internal workhorses for digestion and short-chain fatty acid creation, they also release GABA and other neurotransmitters, and fend off pathogens. When things are out of balance, irritable bowel, leaky gut, gas, bloating, and disease can occur. Gastrointestinal problems affect as many as one in five people, so a happy belly is something we all need to cultivate. In this episode, gastroenterologist, Robynne Chutkan, MD, shares her latest research. Listen and learn: About the risks of emulsifiers and stabilizers found in common foods How artificial sweeteners can contribute to or even cause gut dysbiosis Why most probiotic supplements are useless The difference between insoluble and soluble fiber in food The future of fecal transplants Links Robynne’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr Chutkan is a board certified gastroenterologist and author of the digestive health books: Gutbliss, The Microbiome Solution, and The Bloat Cure. Her most recent book is The Anti-Viral Gut: Tackling Pathogens From the Inside Out. She is on the faculty at Georgetown Hospital and founded the Digestive Center for Wellness. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

What if physical and emotional pain, depression, and even anxiety were all adaptive? Meaning these negative feelings are designed to protect us from harm and ensure our survival. Anxiety can be viewed as a call for preparedness, a stimulating feeling designed to help you avoid danger or prepare for important events. Once you’re able to understand why anxiety occurs, it’s possible to transform these feelings into productive action. My guest on this week’s podcast will show you how.  Listen and learn: How anxiety stimulates preparation behavior How to use the mental shortlist technique to refocus Why highly conscientious people often experience high levels of anxiety How anger should be used to define personal boundaries Links Dr Chloe’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Chloe Carmichael is a psychologist. In her private practice she focuses on stress management, relationship issues, self esteem, and coaching. She is the author of Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Almost everyone is familiar with the concept of a heart-healthy diet, and most of us have heard of anti-cancer and other major disease-prevention diets. But what about eating foods to protect your brain? Neurodegenerative illnesses are the third biggest killer worldwide but we rarely focus on preventative care for the brain. My guest on this week’s podcast is a medical doctor and author whose work focuses on staving off and even preventing cognitive decline.  Listen and learn: How to choose foods that support a healthy brain The benefits of neural protective fats Why beans are often overlooked as a brain food The complex dance between sleep, stress, exercises and diet Links Dr. Annie’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Annie is a board-certified Obstetrician Gynecologist. Her recent work focuses on brain health, in particular the neural protective ability of food. She is the author of Brain Health Kitchen. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Tens of millions of people around the world are suffering linger, sometime debilitating symptoms from their past COVID infections. Symptoms range from POTs and hypocapnia to chronic fatigue and impaired lung function. As if that weren’t hard enough, since there is no historical precedents for this, most people are all alone in their healing journey. My guest on this week’s show nearly lost his life and has found his way back to health.  Listen and learn:  The importance of lean muscle while again How human growth hormone peptides can accelerate post-operative and post-illness healing How inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) can help you heal your respiratory system when perhaps exercise is not possible Links Oz Garcia’s Site ABOUT OUT GUEST Oz Garcia is an author and expert focused on anti-aging and nutrition. He’s the author of The Food Cure for Kids, The Balance, Look and Feel Fabulous Forever, Redesigning 50: The No-Plastic-Surgery Guide to 21st-Century Age Defiance, and After COVID. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

If you regularly sleep less than six hours a night, you are four times more likely to catch  a cold than someone who sleeps longer. But you’re not alone. Around  30 percent of the population suffer from sleep problems of some type, which can affect everything from your mood and hormones, to your immunity and recovery time. This week we meet a psychiatrist and sleep expert who reveals the key to developing better sleep habits. Listen and learn: How fewer than six hours of sleep increases your likelihood of getting sick How circadian rhythm and the homeostatic sleep drive affect your sleep The effects of alcohol and cannabis on sleep The common misuse of melatonin  Links Aric’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Aric Prather is a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of California. A licensed clinical psychiatrist and self-proclaimed sleep evangelist, he’s the author of the new book, The Sleep Prescription: Seven Days to Unlocking Your Best Rest. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com  

Chronic pain can be debilitating, so we often look for ways to mask or medicate the symptoms. Unfortunately, the medical approach to pain management can sometimes lead to even worse problems. There is now a growing body of research showing the efficacy of mindfulness practices where you literally observe and accept your pain, rather than cover it up. It isn’t a panacea, but the clinical results are significant enough that mindfulness is now increasingly being integrated into hospital approaches. This week's guest is a medical doctor turned mindfulness teacher and trainer.  Listen and learn: How mindfulness can help you separate yourself from your pain Why we tend to mask and medicate rather than confront pain challenges The importance of natural, non-pharmaceutical interventions How mindfulness can be practiced in a secular way or easily integrated into your existing faith Links Dr. Wolf’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Wolf started her career as a gynecologist in Berlin. She began studying and practicing Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). She later trained as a Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) teacher and a MBSR teacher trainer. She is the author of two books: A Clinician’s Guide to Teaching Mindfulness and Outsmart Your Pain. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

What would 2023 look like if it became your healthiest year ever? What would you need to add to your life? What might you consider reducing or removing? And the hardest question of all: which lifestyle obstacles and people could stop this from becoming a reality? On this week’s podcast, personal trainer and fitness coach, Kathleen Trotter, reveals all about how to find your fitness.  Listen and learn:  Why movement is non-negotiable, but how you move is up to you Why self-love should be unconditional, but self-worth is earned How to figure out which fitness race you’re actually competing in Links Kathleen’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Katthleen Trotter is a personal trainer, nutrition coach, and fitness author. She has a background in exercise science and nutrition.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Many people take a hardline stance when it comes to health: they either trust mainstream, allopathic medicine and mainstream medical doctors, or they are committed to natural and alternative healing protocols. From my perspective, both extremes are shortsighted. Why not focus on what is the best option for you based on your goals, challenges, and your phase of life? A 24 year old athlete with a torn ACL has a very different set of considerations compared to his 64 year old father.  On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a spinal surgeon who does not operate on over 90 percent of his clients, and instead focuses on the best solutions for the individual.  Listen and learn: The dangers of surgical hardware manufactures funding research Why spinal surgery has such as bad reputation When to choose chiropractic care and physical therapy Why most back pain will resolve in 6-8 weeks, even severe pain Links Dr. Aslie’s Clinic ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Aslie is a Board Certified, Harvard University Fellow Spine Surgeon. He’s the founder of Sactospine.com in Sacramento California.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

If you search online to learn about health and fitness, you’ll find hundreds of thousands of articles and videos, making it difficult to know where to start. Meanwhile your social media feed is likely filled with personal trainers looking like Adonises and experimenting with fitness as if they have 49 hours a week and a virtually unlimited budget to play with. Unlike the rest of us, they do! In reality, most people don’t have the time to wade through the (often conflicting) advice online and quietly struggle to maintain their weight and energy on a day-to-day basis.  On this week’s podcast, we meet personal trainer, golfer, podcaster and health coach, Brian Gryn, whose work is focused on helping people to live their best, healthiest life with universal principles and self discovery. It’s time to separate the signal from the noise. Listen and learn: The importance of experimenting with your unique body Why lower carb ( How to use self trackers and hair mineral testing ABOUT OUR GUEST Brian Gryn is a personal trainer, author, and podcaster who focuses on eating clean and living your best life. Learn more at Brian’s Site Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Arthritis in the knees, hips, or wrists is extremely common, particularly in the second half of life. If you’re feeling pain and inflammation in your joints, the natural impulse is to reduce your movement and limit your activities, but movement is medicine. The fluid between your joints wants and needs movement to nourish, heal, and lubricate your connective tissues. But how much movement is helpful? And how often? There are no easy answers to these questions, but yoga for arthritis teacher and best-selling author, Ann Swanson, joins us to share her personal and professional findings.  Listen to learn:  The importance of strength as we age How to modify for your body and your pain   How hyaline (articular) cartilage health is crucial and how degradation of this tissue can lead to pain and restricted movement How the synovial fluid around your joints responds to movement and compression Links Ann’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Ann Swanson is a certified yoga therapist and author of the best-selling book, Science of Yoga. She specializes in helping people manage stress, pain and arthritis. 

If you could meet anyone from history, who would you meet? There’s a saying that you should never meet your heroes because you’d be disappointed–at best. Envisioning the future of human progress in a game of push and pull. We dig in our heels as we cling to the past, and we press the pedal to the floor–all at once.   My guest on this week’s podcast focuses his work on what he calls, the Longpath, a future-focused vision for living today.  Listen and learn How to not move so fast you break things Why old school traditions still have a place in a modern world Can a Western perspective truly consider a global view of the future? How to be a good ancestor for your kids  Links Ari’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Ari Wallach is the founder and Executive Director of Longpath Labs. He is the author of the book, Longpath: Becoming the Great Ancestors Our Future Needs. He has a TED Talk on his concept of Longpath that is a great primer to his work as well. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

The average life expectancy 100 years ago was around 53 or 54 years whereas the average life where I live today is over 80 - this is a radical change. When the average person is adding three decades to their life compared to their great-great grandparents, there are all kinds of new concerns that arise. How can I keep my teeth that long? How can I hold onto muscles and bone strength? And will I have the hormonal mix to make me feel like a man or woman; or will I just slowly wither away.    Age and death are inevitable, but our path toward the finish line can take many twists and turns. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a medical doctor and menopause expert who will share her best ideas to live the 2nd half of life well.  Links Dr. Suzanne’s Site   ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Suzanne is known for her Menopause bootcamps in Los Angeles, and she has combined her work as an OB-GYN and Ayurvedic Medicine practitioner into a new book, Menopause Bootcamp.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Did you know your body contains just as many bacteria cells as human cells–about 30 trillion in total? Around 3 lbs of those little buggers live in your gastrointestinal tract, and just as our planet’s soils are productive yet depleted, your gut microbiome is functional but often imbalanced and dysfunctional. No wonder you’re suffering from gas, bloating, acid reflux and even severe conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).   To complicate things more, health marketers would have you believe that if you simply take a fiber supplement and eat some probiotic-enriched yogurt, you can correct the mess fast–but the problem is far more complex. On this week’s podcast, you’ll learn from gut health specialist, Dr. Rossi, the ins and outs of a happy belly.  Listen and learn: Fecal transplants risk vs reward (yup, people are swapping poo) The importance of fiber, even the stuff that you’re unable to digest Why gas and fermentation are natural and don’t have to cause discomfort and problems FODMAP Diet to restore gut health and how to slowly reintroduce foods  Links Dr. Rossi’s Site ABOUT OUT GUEST Dr. Megan Rossi is a dietitian and nutritionist. She’s a Research Fellow at King’s College London where she investigates nutrition-based therapies in gut health, including prebiotics and probiotics, dietary fibers. Megan is the author of two books, Eat Yourself Healthy and Eat More, Live Well. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com    

Christopher McDougal’s 2009 book, Born to Run, brought minimal footwear and the importance of healthy feet to the forefront of fitness conversations internationally. At the time, there were just a couple minimal-style shoe companies in existence, today there are dozens. If you’re like most people, you’ve likely been squishing your feet into narrow toe box shoes with arch support and an elevated heel for most of your life. The result? Plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoe, and overlapping toes are just a handful of the many problems that can arise from this modern foot binding practice. The good news is that there are solutions and this week’s guest is here to talk you through them. Listen and learn Why your toes should be the widest part of your foot What “zero drop” means and why it’s important How to decide between surgical or natural interventions for foot problems The importance of strong, limber feet Learn More Chris’ Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Christopher Ioannou is a sports scientist who specializes in foot health, minimal shoes, and fixing feet. He has a great YouTube channel called “Exercising Health”. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Various psychedelic drugs have been used for thousands of years by people all over the world, primarily in spiritual ceremonies and for medicinal purposes. In 1938 Albert Hoffman discovered LSD, and it served as the Western world’s introduction to this type of drug. Psychedelics came to define the counterculture generation of the 1960s, and there was a parallel movement in research science for their potential use in mental health.  In 1970, President Nixon introduced the Controlled Substances Act, and research came to a grinding halt. Today, there is a push to decriminalize medical and even recreational use for many - if not all - psychedelics, and this is both interesting and terrifying. On this week’s podcast, we’ll explore the modern landscape of psychedelic drugs and mental health.  Listen and learn: How ketamine is legally used for clinical depression How magic mushrooms and MDMA show promise for treating PTSD The risk vs reward of the legalization movement Why spirituality and mysticism seem forever coupled to this class of drugs  Links Matt’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Matt is the author of Psychedelics for Everyone. He holds a Master Degree in Psychology and “Neuroscience of Mental Health” from King’s College London.Matt Zemon is the CEO and Co-Founder of HAPPŸŸ, a mental wellness company that specializes in psychedelic-assisted ketamine therapy along with digital therapeutics that promote life-transforming outcomes. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Bunions, hammertoes, and the wide array of foot ailments can be easy to hide inside shoes, but that doesn’t make them easy to live with. What might start as achy feet can quickly turn into a real health challenge with cascading effects if you’re unable to stay active doing the things you love. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a podiatrist that takes a holistic approach to foot health.  Listen to Learn Why bunions happen and what to do about them When cosmetic vs. necessary surgeries make sense Why type II diabetes nerve damage puts your feet (and legs!) at risk Realistic recovery time if you need surgery  Links Dr. Tea Nguyen’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Tea Nguyen is a podiatrist in private practice. She is the founder of Pacific Podiatry in Freedom, CA, and takes a whole person, holistic approach to foot health and healing.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

How long do you want to live? How healthy do you want to be in your later years? For many podcast listeners, healthspan is more important than lifespan, but it’s difficult to figure out what–if anything⁠–can stack the deck in your favor. On this week’s podcast, we’ll meet PhD researcher and author, Morgan Levine, who is actively working to answer these questions.  Listen and learn:  Why exercise is probably the greatest anti-aging tool Metformin and rapamycin: do they work? Human age potential Heritability vs. epigenetics  Links Morgan Levine’s Book ABOUT OUR GUEST Morgan Levine was an Assistant Professor in the department of Pathology at Yale University. She now works with Altos Labs, where she leads a research group on bioinformatics, cellular biology, and biostatistics. She is the author of, True Age: Cutting-Edge Research to Help Turn Back the Clock. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

When you hear the word addict, it may conjure up images of alcoholics stumbling out of bars late at night, or of bleary eyed celebrities being admitted to rehab. But addiction comes in many forms and nowadays includes a whole new set of vices, such as online gaming, pornography and even social media. If addiction is now defined as any compulsive behavior that starts to impede your life in significant ways, it’s likely that many of us may need to take a long hard look in the mirror.   Listen and learn: How to know whether you’re addicted to something Why many therapists have troubled backgrounds The difference between therapy and coaching Realistic suggestions for overcoming addiction and addictive behaviors  Learn More Cali’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Cali Estes Ph.D is an addiction therapist, recovery coach, yoga and pilates teacher. She is the author of a number of books including, I Married a Junkie. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

I’m a productivity junkie in recovery. I’ve read just about every productivity and habit change book you can think of. From time blocking and “inbox zero”, to nootropics, I’ve tried almost everything. And while I’ve certainly learned many tactics, I’ve also learned that most things don’t last. We all need to find what works for us individually; and maybe accept that we are not, or at least don’t have to be, so productive all the time.  In a quest to boost her own productivity, my guest on this week’s podcast discovered that the secret is to reframe and redefine it altogether.  Listen and learn: How all types of creativity can be a form of productivity How not to succumb to the comparison trap and find what works for you Whether joy and ease motivate you, or fear and pain What’s behind this increased focus on achieving productivity Links Madeleine’s Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Madeleine Dore spent five years researching how creative people organize their lives through her popular blog, Extraordinary Routines, and her podcast, Routines & Ruts. The lessons culminated in her first book, I Didn’t Do The Thing Today. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Overwork and overwhelm are huge problems in today’s society, yet they are highly revered in many cultures. From the story of Elon Musk sleeping in the Tesla factory, to the parents so committed to their children they haven’t had a night out in three years. We shake our heads in dismay when we hear them, but smile in admiration at the same time. Why? Because finding balance is an issue many of us struggle with.  On this week’s podcast, we meet a medical doctor and mother of four who found herself consumed by burnout, overwhelm, disappointment, and isolation. She made a huge change in her own life and now writes, speaks, and coaches women to set boundaries and find balance in theirs.  Listen and learn: How your personality and who you are, is often largely determined by age 14 Why medical doctors have the highest suicide rate of any profession How to avoid falling into the trap of martyrdom Masculine vs. feminine boundaries and the best recharge strategies  Links Dr. Shillcut’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Sasha Shillcutt is a physician, researcher, speaker, and author. She has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles. She’s also the author of two books: Between Grit & Grace and her new title, Brave Boundaries.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Our own bodies are a source of infinite learning and mystery. Most of us are familiar with our skin, our hair, muscles, and teeth; but did you know that you have an internal latticework of connective tissues called fascia, that give shape and structure to what would otherwise be a bloody ball of soft serve? Unlike many tissues in the body with a distinct beginning and end, fascial sheaths are often long, complex, and can span the entire length of the body. Even more interesting, fascia is loaded with sensors and nerve endings. It is smart tissue that can serve us well or cause pain, discomfort and injury. On this week’s podcast, we’ll explore this fascinating tissue from a health and healing perspective.  Listen and learn: How fascial adhesion and contraction can result from stress How your abdominal fascia is linked to fascia in your quadriceps  Passive versus active therapies The importance of organized scar tissue while healing   Link Structural Elements ABOUT OUR GUEST Douglas Bertram has a background in massage therapy, orthopedics, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and sport injuries. He is the founder of orthopedic wellness clinic Structural Elements. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

If you walk into any pharmacy, the anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, anti-cellulite creams and potions are everywhere. But does any of this stuff actually work? Most products are simply marketing gimmicks, but there are simple lifestyle measures you can implement to improve your skin health and reduce the speed at which it ages. On this week’s podcast, we meet a dermatologist focused on slowing down the skin aging process.  Learn How the food you eat and your gut bacteria influence your skin The role of epigenetics in skin health How vitamin A and retinol can help regenerate collagen The truth about lasers and other treatments Link ODE Dermatology ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Shyamalar Gunatheesan is a dermatologist that specializes in skin disorders, hair loss, and nail abnormalities. She is the founder of ODE dermatology in Australia. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

We all experience aches and pains at times, sometimes even serious injuries. But what happens when your pain doesn’t go away for months, years, or even a decade or more? What happens when you’re dependent on painkillers to get through the day and you begin to alter your life because of it? Our guest on this week’s podcast is corrective exercise specialist, Vinny Crispino, who broke his back surfing one day and began a 10 year healing journey.  Listen and learn: How painkiller addiction can happen to almost anyone Why you must take full responsibility for your own healing journey The importance of full body movement, not just focusing on the area of pain itself The value of corrective exercises   Links Pain Academy ABOUT OUR GUEST Vinny is the founder of Pain Academy. His work focuses on helping people learn to move better, live better, and overcome pain for good.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

It’s hard enough to figure out what you really want to accomplish in a year, let alone in your lifetime, and once you do figure it out, how do you actually show up as the best version of yourself? Personal growth and development often feels like a smile-or-die race to accumulate accolades when most of us are not always smiling and are not even necessarily motivated by external validation. And yet, we continue to strive to become our peak selves. Our guest on this week’s podcast is a former bull rider and combat veteran who now works with high performers to help them reach their best.  Listen and learn: The importance of being “coachable” in order to succeed What bull riding can teach you about being present How to accept reality rather than deflect responsibility  Links Wylie Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Wylie McGraw is a former bull rider, baseball pitcher, and combat veteran. He now teaches peak performance. Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

At what age should we consider hormone replacement therapy? Why is PCOS so common? Why is it that women often struggle with ketogenic diets more than men? Our hormones play such an important role in how we look and feel, but most of us are unsure how to optimize them or what ‘normal’ hormonal balance feels like. Medical doctor Anna Cabeca is our guest on this week’s podcast to help us make sense of the endocrine system and understand our hormones better.   Listen and learn: How to support rather than suppress menopause Why coffee can jack up your blood sugar levels How women should approach ketogenic diets What urine PH can tell you about your diet and stress levels Links Dr. Anna’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Anna Cabeca is a menopause and sexual health expert and speaker. She is a triple board-certified OB-GYN, integrative medicine, and anti-aging and regenerative medicine doctor. Her books include: The Hormone Fix, Keto-Green 16, and MenuPause. Nutritional Tip of the Week Reactive hypoglycemia Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Ever felt stuck in a rut with your job, your relationship, or maybe even the city you’re living in? You know what you’re doing isn’t what you want, but you’re unsure how to break your current pattern? It’s fun to think that anything is possible, but at certain phases of life, that’s just not true. On this week’s podcast, author and renowned explorer, Colin O’Brady, reveals how the simple act of taking a twelve hour walk alone, can help you to find peace, clarity and the mental space to help you re-evaluate your life’s possibilities. I love the idea, I’m going to do this here in Barcelona. I hope you join me from wherever you are in the world.  Listen and learn: How losing five friends on K2 mountain impacted Colin’s own life How to break through limiting beliefs Why physical accomplishments can often lead to mental breakthroughs The importance of mindset How one 12-hour walk could help you live your best life LINKS Colin’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Colin O'Brady is a 10x world-record-holding explorer, endurance athlete, speaker and author. His first book is called The Impossible First, and his new book, The 12-Hour Walk comes out soon. Nutritional Tip of the Week Palm oil Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

What does it mean to live your best life? What does it mean to self-actualize? It’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing status, titles, or physical property; but isn’t what really matters to you based more on your values? If so, your best life could be much closer than it seems. On this week’s podcast, we’ll explore personal and professional growth with coach Michael Balchan.  Listen and learn: Why top performers have coaches The importance of stacking wins Celebrating success each step of the way How traction is the opposite of distraction How to outsmart our worst habits and become the best version of ourselves Links Heroic ABOUT OUR GUEST Michael Balchan is Head Coach and Chief of Staff of Heroic. He’s a Harvard-trained behavioral economist and psychologist, who spent almost a decade in finance before becoming a sought-after performance coach to executives and leadership teams. Nutritional Tip of the Week Cinnamon for blood sugar Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Have you noticed many leading voices in the fitness industry are single and are able to spend 2-3 hours per day working out? No matter how organized you are, if you have kids and a career (that isn’t fitness-related), most people struggle to find even an hour a day for themselves. Rather than ignore the very real time constraints of midlife, my guest on this week’s podcast has created a solution built around systems.  Listen and learn: Why walking can be an ideal starting point for many people The power of routinizing one or even two meals daily How planning and preparation can make all the difference Why you should avoid extremes  Links Fit Father Project ABOUT OUR GUEST Anthony Balduzzi is the founder of the Fit Father Project. He helps busy fathers lose weight and build muscle to stay healthy for their families. Nutritional Tip of the Week Fermented food and belly Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Periodontal disease is correlated with just about every type of illness and disease. Sometimes it’s a canary in the coal mine for something wrong, but sometimes, it can even be the source of the problem. While many people dismiss dental care as only an aesthetic concern, straight, healthy teeth and a broad palate help with breathing, sleep and even digestion. My guest on this week’s podcast shares his academic and clinical experiences helping people improve their smiles as a means to improving their health.  Listen and learn: Why fluoride can be great for teeth, but should not be ingested The benefits of hydroxyapatite as an alternative to fluoride How the billions of microbes in your mouth play a crucial role in digestion The benefits of xylitol in dental care products  Links The Mouth Book ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr Kami Hoss is on the board of counselors at UCLA School of Dentistry, and he is the Chairman of the Board, at Howard Healthcare Academy. He has appeared on NBC, ABC, FOX, NPR, and CBS. His book is called, If Your Mouth Could Talk. Nutritional Tip of the Week Stale Spices Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Most of us overestimate what we can accomplish in a year and underestimate what we can accomplish in the next five years. With health and fitness, most of us focus so much on the short term that we don’t allow ourselves the space to make lasting change. On this week’s podcast, we’ll discuss finding fitness, not fanaticism, by focusing on doing things you enjoy to achieve sustainable long-term results.  Listen and learn: How negative self talk, even subtle negativity, can undermine your success How to be fiercely consistent in your plan Why it’s important to fail forward How it can take a full two years to change into a ‘lifelong exerciser’  Links Mike’s Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Mike T. Nelson has a Ph.D. in exercise physiology. He’s an adjunct professor and a member of the American College of Sports Medicine. He teaches something called the Flex Diet and hosts a podcast by the same name.  Nutritional Tip of the Week Adults Acne Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

When it comes to health and fitness, one of the biggest challenges in the digital age is information overload. Whether you’re excited about running or cycling, ketogenic diets or intermittent fasting, you can get so far lost down a rabbit hole of research that you never manage to actually get started. On this week’s podcast we meet Marc Bubbs, a coach and nutritionist, who helps pro athletes and people from all walks of life in middle age and beyond set appropriate targets and reasonable goals to achieve above average fitness.  Listen and learn: Why most of us consume 40% of our calories after 6pm The risk of non-functional overload (do we mean overtraining?) How just 10 sets of exercises per body part per week can make a huge difference Why consuming 1.2g of protein per kg of body weight can be a game changer Links Marc Bubbs Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Marc Bubbs is the Director of Performance Nutrition for Canada Basketball and consultant performance nutritionist for Olympic athletes. He’s the author of Peak: The New Science of Performance and Peak 40. Nutritional Tip of the Week How much protein Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

You’ve no-doubt had a period of time in your life where your health was the first thing you thought of when you woke up, and the last thing on your mind before bed. Perhaps you had a virus, a severe injury, or even a serious disease like cancer, and your health suddenly dominated your life. For diabetics, this is a lifelong struggle - both physically and mentally. On this week’s podcast we meet Dr Mark, a psychologist who helps people find peace and balance despite the imposition caused by long-term health challenges on their lives.  Listen and learn: How diabetics have to make up to 180 decisions a day How diabetes can lead to relationship stress The highs and lows people experience throughout the day The financial worries and health insurance insecurities associated with long-term conditions like diabetes How people living with diabetes can find balance in their lives Links Dr Mark’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Mark Heyman (Dr. Mark) is a diabetes psychologist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). He has lived with Type I diabetes for over twenty years and is the author of Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It. Nutritional Tip of the Week Clean Your Veggies Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

For an elementary school student with severe ADHD, who’s at risk of getting expelled for behavior problems, a proper mental health diagnosis can mean the difference between success or failure with traditional education. In situations like these, we can all understand and appreciate the importance of a medical diagnosis.  But what about the rest of us? What if you’re depressed after two years of COVID lockdowns, socially isolated, and feeling lost with your career and life? What if you’re getting anxiety at the grocery store or struggling to make friends in a new city? You might currently have five of nine symptoms required for a mental health diagnosis as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), but will that diagnosis actually help or hurt you?  Sarah Fay, my guest on this week’s podcast, has been formally diagnosed with six different conditions ranging from anorexia to generalized anxiety disorder; and based on her research, believes that most labeling practices do more harm than good.  Listen and learn: Why many children are receiving mental health diagnoses from general practitioners, not psychiatrists How a mental health label can turn into an identity Differentiating between situational vs. chronic mental health problems Links Sarah’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Sarah Fay is an author and activist. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Time Magazine, The New Republic, The Michigan Quarterly Review and more. She is on faculty in the English department at Northwestern University. Her new book is called, Pathological: The True Story of Six Misdiagnoses. Nutritional Tip of the Week When to Eat Chocolate Cake Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

New habit formation is so challenging. Not only do most of us struggle to establish new routines, we often rebel against our own best interest and go in the other direction. When we fall off a new diet regime, we then feast on junk food. When we slip up and have a drink during ‘dry January,’ we then proceed to have five more. This rebellious self-sabotaging behavior isn’t unique and psychologists have studied it extensively.  On this week’s podcast, we meet psychologist, Michelle Segar, who suggests that the solution to making healthy lifestyle changes a long-lasting habit is to focus on making smaller strides toward your goal. It’s a refreshing approach to all or nothing thinking that dooms most of us to failure.  Learn Why reactance behavior often drives us to rebel against rules and restrictions How CHAOS (Confusion, Hubbub and Order) can make sticking to new health habits more difficult Why it’s important to change your internal dialogue  Links Michelle’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Michelle is a researcher at the University of Michigan who’s spent nearly thirty years studying how to help people adopt healthy behaviors. She has a doctorate in Psychology (PhD), a master’s in Health Behavior/Health Education (MPH), and a master’s degree in Kinesiology (MS). Her first book is called No Sweat, and her new book is called The Joy Choice. Nutritional Tip of the Week Green Tea for Weight Loss Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

Is yoga enough for real fitness? Is there such a thing as non-religious meditations? What do you do if your chiropractor tells you your spine is misaligned? Lucas Rockwood fields common questions from listeners on this week’s special podcast episode. Learn Barefoot shoes transition Walking backwards for your knees Making sense of conflicting nutrition information Sciatic nerve pain management  ABOUT LUCAS ROCKWOOD Lucas Rockwood is a yoga teacher, trainer, and serial entrepreneur. He’s been hosting this podcast for over a decade. Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

Haven you heard that environmental collapse is going to end life on earth in just 8 years? Do you think that World War III is looming? Are robots going to take over while we humans fight over NFTs in the metaverse? As absurd as all this sounds, these conversations take center stage despite the world’s rapid race toward a truly remarkable future of growth and progress.  On this week’s podcast, I’ll share with you my thoughts on why now might just be the best of times, despite its glaring tragedies, and the real risk might be our propensity for catastrophic thinking.  Did you know that there are 35% more calories per person, worldwide, just in my lifetime?  Did you know that both North America and Europe are undergoing reforestation not deforestation?  Is it possible that falling birth rates are a bigger problem than overpopulation?  Did you know that HIV/AIDs is rapidly decreasing, there’s a prophylactic pill, and even a potential cure? Links HumanProgress.org Steven Pinker’s Site Rational Optimist Book Ten Global Trends Book ABOUT OUR GUEST Lucas Rockwod is a yoga teacher, trainer, father, and serial entrepreneur. This podcast is a passion project of health, wellness, personal growth and development featuring leading thinkers in their fields.  Nutritional Tip of the Week Cannot Swallow Pills Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

Most anti-aging techniques are dubious at best. The hard truth is we’re all getting older, but at the same time, most people can quite literally get fitter every year for a decade or more. For non-athletes, the path toward fitness in your 30s, 40s, or 50s and beyond is incredibly rewarding because you can easily outperform your younger self. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet an out-of-shape offer worker who slowly but predictably transformed his body and life.  Links Mark’s Site Mark’s YouTube Listen & Learn How most people can get in better shape, year-on-year for a decade (or more) Why midlife (and beyond) health is so important How to start running lamppost to lamppost How much time you need to dedicate daily ABOUT OUR GUEST Mark Lewis is a health and fitness vlogger who completely transformed his health later in life. Nutritional Tip of the Week Beans and Farts Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

You know that feeling when you order food that looks great but makes you feel like crap? Maybe it’s deep fried or sugar-ladden. It tastes great, but an hour later, you regret it. Now what if that happens once a week, once a day, or multiple times a day for years?  Obviously, your physical health can suffer, but your mental health can too. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a nutritional psychiatrist who is a thought leader on the mental health and nutrition connection.  Listen and learn: How turmeric plus black pepper makes the curcumin 20x more bioavailable Only 10% of the USA population eats enough fresh produce daily Prebiotic vs. probiotics Psycho-social aspect of foods and how that impacts your mental health  Links Dr. Naidoo’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. UMA Naidoo is the Director of Nutritional and Lifestyle Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Director of Nutritional Psychiatry serving on the faculty at Harvard Medical School. Her book is called, This Is Your Brain On Food. Nutritional Tip of the Week Curcumin Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes   

Most people get an average of six-and-a-half hours of sleep each night while needing seven to nine hours. This chronic, endemic sleep deprivation contributes to hormonal imbalances, car accidents, and increased susceptibility to chronic illnesses. Even knowing this, we watch one more episode of our favorite series, stay up to empty our email inboxes, or toss and turn with anxiety until 2:00 am. Is there any way out of this trap? Our guest on this week’s podcast is a sleep expert and shares his best ideas.  Listen & Learn Three hour gap between dinner and bed Two hour gap between work and bed One hour work between screens and sleep Sleep debt: truth or fiction? How to combat lifestyle jetlag  Links Devin’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Devin Burke is an author, TEDx speaker, sleep coach and founder of Sleep Science Academy. He was named one of the “Top 25 Health Coaches in America.” Nutritional Tip of the Week Huel Drink Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

Hormones affect your attention, libido, fertility, and lean muscle mass. So much of how we experience the world is determined by these complex chemicals sloshing around inside us–and they are under attack! High stress lifestyles, high carbohydrate diets, and endocrine disrupting toxins threaten to throw us off balance every day. This week’s podcast guest will help you think strategically about how to find balance.  You’ll learn: Why negative thinking / shadow work can be helpful for finding motivation The importance of the adrenal glands Why high cortisol can trigger a chain reaction Risk vs reward of birth control  Links Sonya’s Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Sonya is a naturopath, mother, author, yoga teacher, and podcaster. Her book is called, Woman Unleashed: Release Your Story, Revive Your Hormones & Reclaim Your Freedom Nutritional Tip of the Week calorie counting Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

280 million people have depression worldwide, and 700,000 people will die of suicide this year. The problem is getting worse, not better, and while mental health awareness is at an all time high, conversations about the role nutrition plays is all but absent. On this week’s podcast, psychiatrist Drew Ramsey helps us rethink our mental health from a food choice perspective.  Learn How to boost BDNF and why it matters Seafood, beans, nuts and grees, dark chocolate Catch-22 of bad food choices when you feel bad How to rediscover and explore food  Links Dr. Drew’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Drew Ramsey is a psychiatrist, speaker and author. He is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He founded the Brain Food Clinic in New York City. He’s had TEDx talks, a video series with Big Think, and the BBC documentary Food on the Brain. He is the author of three books including, Eat to Beat Depression & Anxiety.  Nutritional Tip of the Week Best Protein for Environment & Body Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

How do you navigate the challenges of optimal nutrition while simultaneously considering budget, ethics, and the environment? Grass-fed beef might be a nutritional powerhouse, but how can we justify the environmental and ethical challenges of raising such large, inefficient ruminant animals when other alternatives are available?  My guest on this week’s podcast is a moderate voice of reason, health food advocate, and best-selling author.  Listen & Learn What carnivore’s get wrong How to avoid food ideology and find what works for you Why your own optimal health has to be your first priority The future of food?  Links Max’s Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Max is a best-selling author of Genius Foods, Genius Kitchen and Genius Life.  Nutritional Tip of the Week Honey Before Bed Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

Hyperbaric chambers use pressure, and in some cases concentrated oxygen, to treat a wide variety of injuries and ailments. You’ve no doubt heard of high-level athletes using these treatments to speed up recovery, but you might not realize hyperbaric therapy is approved for 14+ medical conditions.  On this week’s podcast, we’ll explore the safe and simple use of pressurized therapy for reduced inflammation, oxygenation of plasma, fighting off infections, and more.  Listen and learn:  How pressure increases oxygen-rich plasma for health and healing How pressure vasoconstricts and reduce inflammation Angiogenesis effects (new blood vessel formation) Appropriate use and pressure levels based on treatments Risks, rewards, and unknowns in regards to long-term use Links Dr. Sherr’s website  ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Scott Sherr is the director of Integrative Hyperbaric Medicine and Heath Optimization at Hyperbaric Medical Solutions where he develops personalized treatment plans for patients.  Nutritional Tip of the Week Best Breakfast Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

Food is so much more than energy. It’s culture, tradition, family, comfort, indulgence, guilt, and pleasure all in one. To add to the complexity, certain foods are even addicting. Today, food abundance is the norm and food costs have dropped lower than any time (relatively speaking) in recorded history. With that in mind, is it any wonder we’re struggling with weight gain, cravings and food addiction? My guest on this week’s podcast is a recovered expert in the psychology of eating.  Learn How food can be harder to “quit” than crack cocaine Why you must have a system to succeed long term How addiction manifests differently for different people  How to navigate the forever-conflicted information on diets  Links Susan’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Susan Peirce Thompson PhD is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Rochester. She’s an expert in the psychology of eating. She is the founder of Bright Line Eating Solutions and the author of a number of books under the same name. Nutritional Tip of the Week Juicing Too Much Sugar Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

What if your genetic code could tell you what form of exercise would be best for you, based on your ability to build muscle, endure physical stress, and recover? What if you knew which foods would be best-suited to your unique genetics? This is the future of individualized medicine, and according to my guest on this week’s show, it’s not far off. Learn How your genetics could inform your food choices What your genetics can tell you about your collagen and muscle potential  Epigenetic triggers of food and lifestyle  Links  Dr. Joffe’s Site ABOUT OUR GUESTYael Joffe has a Ph.D. in Nutrigenomics and is the Chief Science Officer of 3x4 Genetics, a leading genetic testing company.  Nutritional Tip of the Week CBD for Omega 3 Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

We speak an estimated 50,000 words to ourselves, in our head, every single day. That’s the same amount of information as you’d find in most paperback books. We have positive, negative, and instructive self talk; but for many of us, the negative takes center stage. It might be anxiety over an uncertain future or ruminations about regrets and pains from the past. Either way, when the voice in your head dominates, it’s very hard to get anything done, much less enjoy the process. My guest on this week’s show is a psychologist whose work is focused on understanding and helping us to harness what he calls, chatter. Learn  How to distance yourself from your inner dialogue   How beauty, awe and experiences can get us out of our head The value of ritual  Why venting with others doesn’t always help Links Ethan’s Website  ABOUT OUR GUEST  Ethan Kross is a doctor of psychology whose work focuses on controlling the conscious mind. He founded the Emotion & Self Control Laboratory in 2008, and his work has been published in Science, The New England Journal of Medicine, and numerous other peer-reviewed journals. His book is called, Chatter, The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It. Nutritional Tip of the Week Caffeine and Yoga Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

It’s hard enough to navigate our modern food system if your goal is general health, but what if you’re trying to prevent or reverse heart disease? What if you have early warning signs like elevated triglycerides or high blood pressure? Open one book, and the recommendation is to eat nothing but whole grains and fruits. Open the next book, and you’ll be told to give up all grains and sugars. Who is right? Who can you trust? Our guest on this week’s show is a cardiac surgeon, and he eats almost exclusively meat.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder first appeared in the DSM-3 in 1980, and was clinically defined as exposure to an actual or threat of death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Today, clinicians and pop health proponents have expanded the definition broadly, without supporting research, and the result is a catch-all term used to describe any past stress. Labeling mental health challenges is crucial for research, funding, and appropriate treatment, so on this week’s show, you’ll meet a doctor and researcher who will help us understand trauma based on science. Learn Toxic stress theory and misunderstandings Why complex PTSD is not based on research How to advocate for your children or yourself if you have PTSD MDMA and psilocybin treatment options - the future?  Links Michael’s website  ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Scheeringa is a practicing clinician and the principal investigator on five large, federally-funded research projects on PTSD in children and adolescents. He’s the author of, They'll Never Be the Same: A Parent's Guide to PTSD in Youth and a new book, The Trouble with Trauma. Nutritional Tip of the Week Pig Fat or Beef Fat Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

People often say things like, “I'm addicted to chocolate” or “I can’t live without ice cream.” And sometimes it’s true. Modern food is processed, packaged and concentrated in ways that light up our dopamine and endorphin receptors just like drugs; and yes, psychological and physiological addictions are very common. If you’re addicted to cigarettes, the clear solution is to stop. That’s not easy, but at least the goal is clear. If you’re addicted to food, you have to learn to manage your addiction, and this is why it can be such a challenge to overcome. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a medical doctor and recovered food addict herself. Learn How food addiction can affect people of normal weight too  When have your food habits turned into an addiction?  Sweet vs. savory, men vs. women, breaking the cycle  Why cheat days are impossible for addicts How to quit some food, but eat freely with others  Links Dr Tarman’s SiteABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Tarman is a food addiction expert, who writes, speaks and treats people who suffer from sugar addiction, food addiction, and who seek food recovery. She is the author of Food Junkies: The Truth About Food Addiction, and Food Junkies: Recovery from Food Addiction. Nutritional Tip of the Week Gas BBQ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Expensive watches have been a status symbol for centuries, but now, weird-looking bands have replaced the bingy Rolexes. Instead of signaling wealth, these new gizmos signal a keen interest and commitment to health. Welcome to the world of wearable health tech. On a basic level, you can track your daily steps and your heart rate. More advanced devices can track respiratory rate, HRV, body temperature, and even blood oxygen levels. Wearable health tech has made huge strides forward recently, and many consumer devices can now hold their own with clinical-grade equipment. My guest on this week’s show is a quantified scientist who will help us learn to measure, track and improve our health.  Learn Best health tracker for under $100 Best health tracker if money is not an issue  Best sleep tracking device What we really know about the microbiome Weekly brain MRI’s LinksRob’s Website Rob’s YouTube Channel ABOUT OUR GUESTRob ter Horst is a postdoctoral researcher who studies the immune system using bioinformatics which includes machine learning and statistics. Rob is neck deep in the quantified self movement. He measures and tracks everything in his life, a laborious task that demands 11 hours a week and includes a weekly brain MRI, sleep EEG and gut microbiome composition tests. ​  Nutritional Tip of the Week Calorie Counting Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Mindfulness gets bundled with everything from golf to gardening these days, but one place it might make the most sense is often overlooked: intimacy. For meaning, connection, and even anatomical functioning, mindful practices can make a huge difference. On this week’s show, you’ll meet author and coach, Jessica Graham. Resources Jessica’s Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Jessica is a meditation teacher, sex, relationship, and spiritual guide for couples and individuals. She also works with grief and trauma. Her book is called Good Sex: Getting Off Without Checking Out.  Nutritional Tip of the Week Spicy food Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Imagine you are in charge of the weekly grocery shopping for a family of four, and each week, you get a new assignment. Week one, you’re asked to buy the healthiest possible food for your family. Week two, you’re asked to choose foods that are healthiest for the planet. Week three, you’re asking to choose foods produced fairly, meaning the workers and employees in the supply chain are treated well. Week four, you’re asked to do all three previous challenges at once: health, environment, fair trade. Could you do it? I couldn’t. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet an author attempting to find a solution to this seemingly impossible yet crucial goal of our food system. Learn: 5 thing you can do to make a change Nutrition for you Health for the planet Fair trade for workers A way forward   Links Ryan’s Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Ryan was a competitive bodybuilder for five years. He has an undergraduate degree in exercise science and completed postgraduate work in nutrition and exercise physiology. He’s also a yoga teacher and has been working with clients for decades.  Nutritional Tip of the Week Spicy food Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

When most people think about a family farm, they think of a wooden house in the middle of a field with a few chickens, a couple of cows, and some corn and tomatoes growing. These days, that is more likely a  “hobby farm” since almost all commercially viable farms, including family-run operations, are high tech, sizable, and are extremely productive. They have to be to survive.  On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a multi-generational farmer who will help us all better understand where our food comes from, the complexity of supply chains, and the challenges of survival as inflation sets in.  Learn Why growers earn just pennies per piece of product (like an onion)  How rising freight costs will affect all our food budgets soon Why it’s impossible to start a family farm from scratch today The scale, scope and future of agribusiness  Links Shay’s Tiktok Owyhee Foods ABOUT OUR GUEST Shay is the CEO of Owyhee family onion business. He’s a farmer, entrepreneur, and content creator sharing with his followers the behind-the-scenes from the USA agricultural business.  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Holiday season is here, and we’re entering a four week period where our behavior is often bipolar. The last two weeks of December are a food and drink debauchery, and the first two weeks of January are often a mad fitness frenzy. Can we avoid this binge-purge cycle? Should we even try? On this week’s podcast, I’ll share some of my best ideas. Socially-acceptable excuses to avoid alcohol  Why skipping wheat-based anything can be an effective hack  How to accept and reject sweets effortlessly  Why walking can be your best choice during the holidays  How to get amazing deals before New Years at fitness centers Thanks for listening to the show in 2021. I appreciate all your support, questions, and feedback. From all of us at YOGABODY, we wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and joyful New Year.  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

There are 2.3 million people incarcerated in the United States, and another four million on parole or probation. When you factor in families of inmates, prison employees, and infrastructure, we’re talking about billions of dollars annually and tens of millions of lives affected daily. My guest on this week’s show is a violent crime offender and former inmate. When I first heard what he had done, my initial thought was, “Lock him up and don't let him out.” Probably, many of you will feel that way. But that’s not possible and it’s not a solution. Crime, and even violent crimes, are part of society. The only hope is that our correctional facilities are actually helping people reform. On this week’s show: Why many people have no access to mental health services How drugs are smuggled into prison Why most have no access to college education Why the correctional system is not doing much in the way of correcting ABOUT OUR GUEST Jesse Crosson was recently released from prison and is the founder of Pri-Zen.com. He’s in the process of (re)building his life and is doing advocacy work while pursuing advanced degrees to help people inside the system.  Nutritional Tip of the Week Spicy food Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, but modern medicine has only made small improvements in healing protocols in the past thirty years. Here’s cancer treatment history at a glance: 1930s: chemotherapy pioneered for use in treating cancer 1950s: chemotherapy protocols formalized and show efficacy 1960s: surgery and radiation used for solid tumors 1988: antibody treatments approved for use in some cancers 1988 - Present: chemo, surgery, and radiation remain the primary treatments for most cancers. Detection has improved, but treatment has only shown moderate improvements in all these years.  On this week’s podcast, we’ll look at the often-ignored necessity to any healing protocol and the key to prevention: food and lifestyle.  Links Chris’ Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Chris Wark is an author, speaker and health coach. He was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2003 at 26 years old. He had surgery but opted out of chemotherapy and food and natural therapies to heal himself. Chris has been featured on news and media all over the world, and his book, Chris Beat Cancer is available on Amazon. Nutritional Tip of the Week Beans Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Around 20% of people have reported a major breakdown in one or more relationships during the pandemic. This includes romantic couples, but also work, family, and friend relationships strained by distance, differing viewpoints, and lack of human connection. But at the same time, 27% said their relationship with their spouse or partner got better!  Did the pandemic cause the change or simply reveal what was already there? On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a psychiatrist whose private practice and written work focuses on mood and anxiety disorders, and more recently, fixing dysfunctional relationship patterns.   Listen & learn:  Performer vs. audience dynamics at home The “discovery” process of dysfunction  40/20/40 communication model  How to create a plan and agreement for security  Links: Dr. Brenner’s Site COVID / Relationship Research ABOUT OUR GUESTGrant H. Brenner, MD is a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City. He specializes in treating mood and anxiety disorders. He is an author and editor of the book, Creating Spiritual and Psychological Resilience and the co-author of the new book, Irrelationship. Nutritional Tip of the Week Bowel movement Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

If you have a weak or damaged pelvic floor, it can cause incontinence, prolapse, and back pain. Did you assume this only affects postpartum women or the elderly? Nope, pelvic floor dysfunction is now common in younger men and women too.In yoga, we often refer to this region as mula bandha and uddiyana bandha. You might have heard it referred to as your deep core or pelvic diaphragm. Whatever name you use, it’s an often overlooked area of the body, and there is an entire movement system designed to train this region: hypopressives. Learn: “Six pack” vs deep core, what is the difference?  Why do many people accidentally pee when they laugh or lift How can the pelvic floor affect your posture? The breathing vs. pelvic floor diaphragm connection How proper breathing can make you stronger and more stable (down there) Links Trista’s website ABOUT US Trista Zinn is the founder of Coreset Fitness. She’s a personal trainer who specializes in pelvic health and core re-programming. She is a leading voice in North America and worldwide for pelvic floor health.  Nutritional Tip of the Week Porridge Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

1000s of air rage incidents have been logged just in the past year alone where people lose it mid-flight. They scream, become violent, and cause such a ruckus that they have to be duct taped to their chairs or arrested. Similar incidents are happening at public rallies, in grocery stores, and perhaps even in your home or office. In short, emotions are running high, and most of us are poorly equipped to deal with them. You’ve no doubt heard of emotional intelligence, but that’s simply a test or assessment. Emotional competence consists of the hard skills needed to understand your own emotions and those of others. And once you can understand, label, and communicate those emotions effectively, high conflict situations can de-escalate fast. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a lawyer and mediator who shares his multi-decade experience in some of the most high-stakes situations imaginable. Listen & Learn How to start by being self aware The importance of self-regulate How to develop empathy and affect label others  Why most of us were raised in emotional dysfunctional homes How most situations can be de-escalated in 90 seconds or less Links: Doug’s Website  ABOUT OUR GUEST Doug Noll, is a lawyer, mediator, and author who has mediated thousands of conflicts. After serving as a civil trial lawyer for 22 years, he has turned his focus to understanding human conflict. His book De-Escalate includes his best techniques for emotional competence and navigating challenging situations.  Nutritional Tip of the Week Spirulina overuse Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

If you eat the wrong thing, do you get bloated? Constipated? Stomach pains often start off as a nuisance, but as the months and years go by, they can become chronic and even turn into serious physical and mental illnesses. If your gut is a garden, what do you plant? And how do you take care of it so the soil it’s healthy and balanced? On this week’s show, medical doctor, Edison de Mello, shares his best gut health insights from his career.You’ll Learn GERD, SIBO and candida - are they all the same?  Stool test, blood test, how do we even know if we have problems? What do your hormones, kidneys, and liver have to do with gut health?  Probiotics good or bad?  Links Bloated BookABOUT OUR GUESTEdison de Mello, MD, PhD, is an integrative physician and a licensed psychotherapist. He’s the author of a new book, Bloated: How to Reclaim Your Gut Health and Eat Without Pain. Nutritional Tip of the Week Green Veggies Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

We all know that a healthy, whole food diet can help with fat loss, energy, and digestions; but it can also increase your libido and sexual health. On this week’s podcast, we’ll talk about science-based foods that notably increase blood flow, circulation and nervous system activity for increased sexual health.  Listen & Learn Why green leafy vegetables offer the best source for nitrates and antioxidants How mushrooms can help your microbiome and your hormonal balance The importance of omega-3 fats Beets, spinach and celery for nitrate power Why high sugar and high salt can drop testosterone and circulation  Links: Christine’s siteChristine’s Book on Amazon ABOUT OUR GUEST Christine DeLozier is an acupuncturist and herbalist that specializes in sexual health.She has a book called, Diet for Great Sex.Nutritional Tip of the Week Food Preservation Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

If you have stomach problems or allergies, you probably have a doctor you can call. But if things are not working in the bedroom, who do you call then? What if you lose desire or are having trouble with the mechanics of sexual intimacy? Who would you call then? Sexual experiences are highly individual, but they’re also something we share (or at least try to) with our partners. And for better or worse, it defines so much of who we are. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet an emergency room doc who has shifted her career to focus on sexual health and longevity.  Listen & Learn The importance of nitric oxide, and how to promote it New technology including lasers that might be worth considering Blue pills, HRT, and pharmaceutical considerations with age  Why sexual health and holistic health overlap and collide Learn More Amy’s Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Amy is board certified in Emergency Medicine, practices anti-aging and regenerative medicine. She is medical director of BioRestoration Medical, in Utah. Nutritional Tip of the Week Nitric Oxide Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

You’ve probably noticed the media right now is filled with polarizing voices, rage, and vitriol; but have you noticed that these extreme views are not your own? Have you noticed that hardly anyone you know is truly radical in their views? Most people are reasonable, thoughtful, and concerned.  On this week’s podcast, I’d like to share my own experiences with courting radical viewpoints, and why they pop right now on social media. I’d also like to address some of the hatemail, critical inquiries, and listener feedback I’ve received.   Listen & learn:  My own politically flip flopping views  The dire need for critical thinking amidst a sound-bite media frenzy Why listening to people you disagree with might be the most important conversations to have How so-called “hot issues” of the day are not actually popular, they’re simply salacious My (un)safe space hope for the podcast   Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Did you receive a CRP (C-reactive protein) test during your last blood test? Since recent research correlates systemic inflammation with dozens of diseases and illnesses, cooling this internal flame has become a major focus in preventative medicine. On this week’s podcast, we’ll speak about the low-grade, chronic inflammation that many of us struggle with unknowingly due to gut dysbiosis. In an ideal world, we eat a meal, digest and absorb its nutrients. In the real world, many of us eat foods that create a fight response internally as your body treats the offending foods like an invasive threat.  Listen & Learn How your gut bacteria form a “soil” like environment for digestion Why modern foods and lifestyles leave many of us imbalanced How to find motivation later in life to make changes  The power and speed of diet and lifestyle changes Resources & Links: Jimmy’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Jimmy is the founder of the Cognitive Health Institute which focuses on gut health to reduce inflammation, thus lowering the likelihood, as well as the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Jimmy played football professionally for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans as a tight end and most recently was a member of the 2016 United States Rowing Team. His accomplishments include four national medals as well as a third-place finish in the 2016 Olympic trials. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Carbohydrates Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

When I was 11 years old, I face-planted snow sledding and gave myself two black eyes and a slight concussion. I remember being sleepy, dizzy, and struggling to concentrate for a few days. Luckily, I only whacked my head like that a couple times growing up, but some teenagers do it every day during sports practice. What do contact sports do long term to our brains? At what age are we responsible enough to make a decision about putting our brains in harm's way? On this week’s podcast, author and PhD researcher, Julie Stamm shares her best plan for the future of brian-safe sports. Listen & Learn TBI vs. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Age limits, contact limits, and best practices How to shift a gladiator culture - and should we?  Game changes suggestions Gear upgrades / downgrades Resources & Links: Julie’s Website ABOUT OUR GUEST  Julie Stamm, PhD, is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the author of the book, The Brain on Youth Sports.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Collagen Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Millions of people experience traumatic brain injuries (TBI) each year, and an estimated 5-6% of those people experience long-term issues. If you break your arm, the path to recovery is pretty obvious and the fix is visible. But if you get in a car accident, hit your head, and two months later suffer from brain fog and vertigo, what do you do? How do you fix your brain once it’s been damaged? Fortunately, there are evolving methodologies that can really help. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a Functional Neurology specialist who focuses on helping people reverse chronic symptoms. Listen & Learn Why the blood-brain barrier is so important and the risk of damaging it. How TBI and concussion can happen even without head impact What symptoms of chronic concussion might look and feel like Balancing self-care and health care Resources & Links: Titus Chiu’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Titus Chiu is an author and speaker in the field of Functional Neurology who helps people struggling with Post-Concussion Syndrome and other chronic neurological conditions. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Why No Food Before Yoga Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

IQ Tests remain the best method (albeit flawed) to assess intelligence. More difficult to measure, but perhaps more interesting, is Emotional Intelligence (EQ). How does someone rank in terms of self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and relationship management. In a digitally driven, AI-enabled future, perhaps people with the highest emotional skills could be those who find the greatest success.  A big part of personal development is learning to understand and accept who you are, unchanging, but also to identify those parts of you that are malleable and doing your best to self actualize. Our guest on this week’s show has dedicated his life and work to emotional intelligence research and training.  Listen & Learn:  How clinical EQ assessments work  How emotional intelligence is crucial for workplace, family and social happiness  Why it’s important to train (and learn) EQ skills  The challenges of environments that reward IQ and squelch EQ  ABOUT OUR GUEST Marc Brackett is the author of, Permission to Feel, and the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and a professor in the Child Study Center at Yale University. Marc consults regularly with corporations like Facebook, Microsoft, and Google on integrating emotional intelligence principles into employee training and product design. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Omega 3’s from Beef Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

I wore a continuous blood glucose monitor for a month and learned that certain fruits (mangos in my case) sent my blood sugar soaring, and even more surprising, my 3 am glucose levels often dropped so low I was in hypoglycemic state. And here’s the kicker: those hypo nights always followed an elevated glycemic day. Weird. I’d never learn this without a CGM, and the dietary shifts were super easy to make and the changes were almost immediate. Why does it matter? I was regularly waking up semi-delirious, sweating through the sheets, convinced I was having some kind of nighttime anxiety attack. Nope. It turns out I was just having a low blood sugar event, and that’s a lot easier to fix than a mental health issue.  The most common “health trackers” we use are the mirror in the bathroom and our favorite pair of jeans that may (or may not) feel tight in the morning. For obvious reasons, we tend to pay most attention to health warning signs we can see, visually, but the good news is that it’s getting easier and easier to see inside our blood to learn how we’re doing in real time. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet Jody Stanislaw, a type I diabetic whose career is focused on blood glucose management.  Listen and learn:  Type I vs. type II diabetes - what’s the difference?  Why A1C tests are so valuable for everyone Why moderate carb, balanced fat and protein probably make sense for almost everyone How glucose can go from healthy to toxic when the body gets too much Resources and links: Jody Stanislaw’s website ABOUT OUR GUEST Jody Stanislaw is a naturopathic doctor that focuses specifically on Type I diabetes. She’s the author of a book called, HUNGER: An Adventurous Journey of Finding Peace Within.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Protein in the morning Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

The Gut Immune Connection with Emeran Mayer There are an estimated 100 trillion bacteria in your gut right now that weigh 2-3 lbs. If you were to spread them out, they would cover the surface of an entire tennis course. These include good bugs, bag bugs, and even some pathogens lurking in the corners. Your microbiome is believed to influence not just digestion and absorption of nutrients, but also mood, hormones, neurotransmitters, and more. People often compare the microbiome to the soil on farmland, but we know much more about topsoil than we do our own gastrointestinal tracts.  What should we eat to feed our good gut bacteria? How do you prevent gut dysbiosis? Can supplements help or hurt? On this week’s show, Dr. Emeran Mayer will expand our understanding of our internal world.  Listen and learn: Are probiotics really that harmful to your gut?  What is the ideal diet for a healthy gut?  Fiber, water, organics, and chemicals  Resources and Links: Dr Mayer’s Website Dr. Mayer’s Books ABOUT OUR GUEST Emeran A. Mayer is the executive director of the Oppenheimer Center for Stress and Resilience and the Co-director of the Digestive Diseases Research Center at UCLA. He is the author of more than 300 scientific publications and several books. His latest book is called, The Gut Immune Connection, is available now.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Seaweed Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

The Obesity Pandemic Dr. Linda Anegawa  ---------- Hundreds of years ago, a portly belly was a sign of wealth. The royals ate and rank more than their fill while the serfs starved and toiled on the land. Today, not much has changed. Some of the wealthiest, most developed countries are plagued by weight gain and obesity, and the problem is quickly accelerating. Pre-existing medication conditions were one of the biggest risk factors during the pandemic, but did you know that 69 percent of the U.S. population has at least one these risk factor? Their weight puts them at risk. On this weeks’ podcast, Dr. LInda Anegawa shares her research and positive focus for a metabolically healthier future.  Listen & learn: Body positivity vs. celebrating sickness - can it go too far?  Why you might consider getting a Coronary Calcium Scan and a Lipoprotein Fractionation test to better understand your risk factors How a ketogenic diet can cause short term hormonal challenges Why obesity is the #1 health threat for most people and the obvious area to focus on for the greatest impact How to take agency for your own health  Links & Resources Dr. Anegawa’s website ABOUT OUR GUEST Linda Anegawa, MD physician-educator, writer, and consultant dedicated to the treatment of metabolic and weight-related disease. Dr. Anegawa speaks nationally on topics relating to the disease of obesity. She has received numerous teaching awards, including the Kaiser Foundation Most Outstanding Clinical Teaching award. She is the author of a book, Not Another Keto Book.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: GMO Corn Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Porn Addiction Pandemic  by Joshua Shea ------------------ The book, Fifty Shades of Grey, is not just a bestseller, it’s one of the top 100 best sellers in history - and it’s not because it’s well written (it’s not). 13% of all websites are adult sites, and 30% of all data transferred online is x-rated. Everyone likes to complain about the “big tech” influence of Facebook and Twitter, but we deliberately avoid the tube-sites that are responsible for nearly a third of all online activity. Porn addiction is shrouded in so much guilt and shame so people often lose their jobs and their relationships as a result. On this week’s podcast, we’ll look at this issue head one, and explore some possible solutions. Listen and learn:  How abstinence / prohibition is impossible  How the complexity of human sexuality manifest Why the shame and guilt around p addiction make it harder to address The need for open and honest dialogue with addicts and non-addicts alike Links & Resources Joshua Shea’s site ABOUT OUR GUEST Joshua Shea is an author and public speaker. As a recovering addict himself, he has a number of books you can find on Amazon or on his website. Nutritional Tip of the Week: MK4 VS. MK7 K2 Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

How to Recover from Exercise with Dr. Andy Galpin --------------------------- Has this ever happened to you? You’re on a roll with a new exercise routine. You’re going to yoga or the gym every day. You feel stronger and energized, and maybe you even lose some weight. Then you get injured. You hurt your back. Or your knee. Or your shoulder. You miss a few days, take some pain Once you’ve fallen out of the routine, it feels impossible to start again. One small injury suddenly can turn your active lifestyle into a sedentary one - and what do you do? Rest, ice, compress, elevate? Ibuprofen? What else? On this week’s podcast, we’ll explore recovery and pain relief with Dr. Andy Galpin. Listen & learn: Why it’s so hard for most of us to interpret research The double-edged sword of siloed experts  Rest, ice, compress, elevate?  Ibuprofen?  Links & Resources Andy’s Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Andy is a tenured Professor in the Center for Sport Performance at CSU Fullerton. A lifelong athlete, Andy played college football, competed in weightlifting, and Mix Martial Arts. His current focus is Sports Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, Designing Exercise Programs, Applied Strength and Conditioning. He’s the co-author of a book called, Unplugged. Nutritional Tip of the Week: How Much Salt Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

The Future of the Quantified Self Movement with Dr. Michael Snyder ---------------- What if a $50 smart watch could give you early warning signs for illness, infection, and even disease? Prevention costs less and is more effective than just about any cure, but most of us don’t even manage to get an annual checkup at the doctor. This needs to change. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a leading researcher in the quantified self movement actively working to democratize data and personal health. Listen & learn: Genomics, proteomics, and omnics What you can learn from elevated heart rate The future of wearables Big data for health - will it happen? Links & Resources: Dr. Snyder’s Book Join the Case Study Group ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Snyder received his Ph.D. at California Institute of Technology and carried out postdoctoral training at Stanford University. He is a leader in the field of functional genomics and proteomics, and one of the major participants of the ENCODE project. He’s the author of the book: Genomics and Personalized Medicine: What Everyone Needs to Know.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Melatonin Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

How to Control Your Fearwith Dr. Amy Silver ---------------------------Humans are hard-wired to fear anything that puts us in harm’s way. But what do you do when fear keeps you from taking the necessary risks toward achieving your goals? Worried you might choose the wrong major in college? You probably will. Worried you’ll choose the wrong partner and get your heart broken? That will almost certainly happen. What if you start a new exercise routine and get an injury? Yup, that will likely happen too. On this week’s podcast, psychologist, Amy Silver, will help you learn how to navigate the complexities of fear.    Listen & Learn How social anxiety has heighted since the pandemic How to determine if fear is adaptive or debilitating Nature vs. nurture - where does fear come from?   Resources & Links:Dr. Amy Silver’s WebsiteABOUT OUR GUESTAmy is a Clinical Psychologist and has published in dozens of journals and magazines. She is the author of Conversations Create Growth, Brace for Impact, and her newest book, The Loudest Guest: How to control your fear.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Raw Eggs Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

An Introduction to Mindfulness Dr. Shauna Shapiro ----------- Where were you when you learned that U.S. president #45 was elected? Do you remember the day when Kobe Bryant’s helicopter crashed? How about your birthday three years ago - do you remember that one? What about your significant other’s birthday last year? We often get caught up in the lives and events of other people more than our own, and while it’s easy to blame smartphones, this tendency for distraction predates the internet. Humans are distracted by nature which is why mindful focus is so highly-revered and sought after. On this week’s podcast, psychologist, Shauna Shapiro, will help you get started with practice.  Listen & Learn Why intention, attention, and attitude define a mindful state How most people are distracted 47% of the time  How to be non-judgmentally present  The importance of self-compassion  Links & Resources: Dr. Shapiro’s Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Shauna Shapiro is an author, clinical psychologist and an expert in mindfulness. She is a professor at Santa Clara University and has published over 150 papers and three books on mindfulness. She has a TEDx Talk called, The Power of Mindfulness. Her newest book is called, Good Morning I Love You.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: What time to Exercise Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Brain Health Matters Dr. Dale Bredesen  ------------- The FDA approved a new Alzheimer’s drug, Aduhelm, and it’s estimated to cost medicare $57 billion per year. In the wake of the approval, three FDA advisory panel members resigned and medical professionals, patients, and taxpayers are understably worried. That’s a boatload of cash. Does it even work? My guest on this week’s podcast believes that the approval occurred simply because neurodegenerative diseases are such a huge issue with so few effective treatments. Perhaps the review board felt they needed to green light something?  In case you didn’t know, neurodegenerative diseases are the third leading cause of death worldwide, but unless it’s a Hollywood actor or professional athlete that is ill, almost no one talks about brain health.   Listen & Learn:   Why amyloid plaque is not all bad, and can even be neuroprotective  Why mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is not mild at all  How the “slow reaper” of neurodegenerative diseases makes them easy to overlook   Insulin sensitivity, mild ketosis, fiber and fat for brain health  Links & Resources Apollo Health End of Alzheimer’s Book ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Bredesen is an expert in neurodegenerative diseases. He held faculty positions at UCSF, UCLA and the University of California, San Diego. He directed the Program on Aging at the Burnham Institute. He was the founding president/CEO of the Buck Institute. He’s the best-selling author of The End of Alzheimer's. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Pesticides Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Meditation & Neurofeedback with Ariel Garten --------------------You’re probably tried meditation apps, but have you tried measuring your brain wave states during your meditation practice? Meditation informed by real-time neurofeedback is now possible, and if you’re a numbers person, it might be just what you need to “see” your results and remain motivated to keep going. On this week’s show, we’ll explore brain tech and mind-body practices.  Listen and learn: How EEG can measure meditation  How to best use neurofeedback during meditation  Gamification and quantification of mind-body practices Links & Resources: Muse ABOUT OUR GUEST Ariel is a neuroscientist, former psycho-therapist, former fashion designer, and the co- founder of the neurofeedback assisted meditation headband, Muse.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Fermented Foods Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Exploring the Hathapradipika Dr. Jim Mallinson -------------- Most yoga teachers cite the Yoga Sutras as the original source of modern practices, but the Hathapradipika is a much more relevant text that is rarely read or referenced. Written by Svatmarama in the 1400s, this is one of the first writings that codified the practices of Hatha Yoga: yoga poses, breathing exercises, kriyas, and mudras. For anyone interested in the roots of modern practice, this is a fascinating historical exploration. Dr. James Mallinson leads the discussion.  Listen and learn:  How the practices of hatha yoga differ from the philosophical tradition of yoga that predates it How yogis used poses, breath, cleansing exercises, and mudra Yoga then vs. now Nonsectarian practices used in sectarian context Links & Resources: Jim’s Online CourseRoots of Yoga Book ABOUT OUR GUEST James Mallinson is a Senior Lecturer in Sanskrit and Classical and Indian Studies at SOAS, University of London. He has published eight books, all of which are editions and translations of Sanskrit yoga texts, epic tales and poetry. His recent work has used philological study of Sanskrit texts, ethnography and art history to explore the history of yoga and yogis. He also wrote a book in collaboration with Dr Mark Singleton called, Roots of Yoga. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Black Pepper Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Dangers Modern Medicine with Dr. Robert Pearl -------------------- How much would you spend to feel healthy and energized? If you were truly sick, you’d probably spend everything you had to feel well again. The USA currently spends about 20% of GDP on healthcare, and if that meant we were all glowing with health and living our best lives, the price would be a bargain. But that’s not what’s happening. Our reactive healthcare system offers the most expensive, worst-performance outcomes of any system in the world. It’s bad for doctors, patients, and the economy. I’m not in any way qualified to offer solutions to this medical-industrial complex, but my guest on this week’s show is. Meet Dr. Robert Pearl, medical doctor and former HMO executive.   Listen & Learn How individual incentives are messed up in the medical system Why primary care physicians outperform specialists in terms of absolute impact  Why culture and the system are to blame, no one person Countries and cultures to model  Links & Resources Robert’s Books & Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Robert Pearl is the former CEO of The Permanente Medical Group (1999-2017). He was named one of Modern Healthcare’s 50 most influential physician leaders. He serves as a clinical professor of plastic surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine and is on the faculty of the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is the author of two books, his latest: UnCaring: How the Culture of Medicine Kills Doctors & Patients. Nutritional Tip of the Week BCAA Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Sleep it Off with Stella Loichot ---- If you sleep badly, it can create a metabolic storm that leads to elevated stress hormones, food cravings, and increased fat storage. Poor sleep makes it very difficult to manage your weight over time. On this week’s podcast, we’ll talk about the role of sleep in the size of your waistline. Listen & Learn How poor sleep can lead to weight gain  Why daytime physical and mental activity can improve sleep When to track and when to stop Common missteps with caffeine and alcohol  How to ease your way into change  Links & Resources Stella’s Website Sleep & Metabolic Problems (research) ABOUT OUR GUEST Stella Lichot is Certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) and trained in Behavioral Change, Motivational Interviewing, Weight Management and Diabetes Prevention Coaching. She is the author of the book, Sleep it Off.  Nutritional Tip of the Week Eating Local Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Improve Your Posture with Matt Hsu -------------------- Do you have a hunchback? Have high heeled shoes led to shortened hip flexors? Postural imbalances can sneak up on you in a matter of months as your body rearranges itself to new stresses and movement patterns. That’s the bad news. The good news is you can often reverse and correct your posture with self care. My guest on this week’s show will help you get started.  Listen & Learn:  Why everyone needs to train strength Start small, start slow, start now 4x per week, 20 minutes per session Passive therapy vs. self care Links & Resources Upright Health  ABOUT OUR GUEST NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist, ACE Orthopedic Exercise Specialist, Graduate of Egoscue Univs Angelesersity Posture Alignment Specialist Program, Graduate of the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute, B.A. University of California Lo Nutritional Tip of the Week Incomplete Protein Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Does Yoga Work for Weight Loss? with Lucas Rockwood Does yoga actually help with weight loss? Does it burn more calories than running or gym workouts? Summer is here, and I’ve been getting loads of weight loss questions. We’ve covered food and nutrition extensively, so this week we’ll deep dive into the mind-body effects of physical yoga practices for weight loss. Listen & Learn:  How yoga works: hormones, sustainability, community Success stories  What the published research shows Best practices for you Links & Resources Energy expenditure & yoga Yoga practice & weight loss Bariatric surgery stats Yoga that promote weight loss Yoga intervention for weight loss ABOUT THE HOST Lucas Rockwood is an internationally-renowned yoga teacher, trainer, TEDx speaker, corporate trainer, podcaster, and serial entrepreneur. YOGABODY & Yoga Teachers College Founder. Nutritional Tip of the Week Matcha Tea Weight Loss Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Self-Care for Pain & Injuries  with Dr. Dan Ginader  -------- Have you ever gotten obsessed with a new diet or exercise routine? Enthusiasm is rare, so when you’re feeling it, you naturally want to go all in. But if your zero-to-hero journey is rushed, as it often is, you can end up with busted knees, a herniated disc, or plantar fasciitis. My first two years as a yoga student, I was on-and-off injured constantly. I went to sports therapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists trying to find someone to fix me. A good therapist can be life-changing, but at the end of the day, you and your body have to work together to heal. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a physical therapist who will help you rethink pain and injury.   Listen & Learn  How to incorporate your healing routine in your pre-existing exercise routine  Why consistent follow through is crucial for results To scan or not to scan (MRI?) The leading cause of injury (and how to prevent it)  How to determine whether your high risk sport is worth it or not ABOUT OUR GUEST Dan Ginader is a physical therapist in Indianapolis. He’s a former Division 1 baseball player and he works with athletes as well as everyday people to manage pain and rehab from injuries.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Chocolate Protein Powder Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Magnesium, a Love Storywith Dr. Carolyn Dean-----------------Magnesium is a favorite among yoga students due to its crucial role in nervous system health and as a muscle relaxant. Magnesium is everywhere, but oddly, many people are still lacking in their daily diets. On this week’s podcast, we’ll unpack the myriad of health benefits magnesium provides. Magnesium is a central atom in the chlorophyll molecule, an essential part of the process of photosynthesis.Listen & Learn:  How magnesium is present in every single cell in you4 body How it’s crucial for both nervous system and muscle relaxant How to eat, supplement or soak in it  Links & Resources Carolyn’s website ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Carolyn Dean is a medical doctor and naturopath. She’s the author of over 35 books including best seller The Magnesium Miracle along with IBS for Dummies, Hormone Balance, Death by Modern Medicine, and 110 Kindle books. Nutritional Tip of the Week What time to eat? Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

The Power of Dreamswith Charlie Morley ------------------- Did you know that you have four-to-six dream cycles per night totaling about two hours? If you’re like me, you almost never remember your dreams - and certainly not two hours worth. But does it matter? Are they important? Yes, dreaming is adaptive. Just as your body recovers while you sleep, your brain uses dream states to consolidate memory, learn from experiences, and process emotions. If we can all agree that it’s beneficial to be mindful during your waking states, it’s reasonable to assume that a mindful dream practice should serve us as well. On this week’s podcast, we’ll deep dive into the importance of dreaming. Listen & Learn:  Why nightmare’s are a good sign  How sleep hacks have limited efficacy for real trauma How pre-bed breathing can induce healthy sleep and dreams Why dream’s meanings are individual but their benefits are universal Links & Resources CharlieMorley.comABOUT OUR GUESTCharlie Morley is an author and expert on Lucid Dreaming. He’s written a number of books including Lucid Dreaming Made Easy and Dream of Awakening among others.   Nutritional Tip of the Week Too Much Water? Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

What Comes Next? Q&As Galore with Lucas Rockwood--------------Will you ever go back to the office? Will kids ever take in-person school seriously again? And what will the bounce-back look like this summer after more people are vaccinated? This week’s podcast is a departure from my usual guest interview, and instead, I answer select listener questions about my post-pandemic thoughts in terms of business and health. Listen & Learn:  Will yoga studios survive?  Is the “laptop lifestyle” truly bad for spinal health?  How to (re)discover motivation to get into fitness Midlife fitness newbie - how to start?  What has changed in your diet since COVID?  Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Rethinking Physical Pain with Aaron Kubal  ------------- Have you ever experienced chronic back or knee pain? An estimated 80% of people have a major pain episode at some point in their lives, and it often leads to downstream mental and physical health problems. But what if pain were a protective mechanism? What if pain was your body’s way of telling you when you need to back off, be careful, move differently? On this week’s podcast, we’ll rethink pain from the ground up with special guest, Aaron Kubal. Listen & Learn:  The risk vs. reward of spinal scans How to forget about finding a “healer” Why it’s important to take an evidence-based approach How to take advantage of the placebo effect without getting taken advantage of      Links & Resources: Aaron’s Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Aaron Kubal is a board-certified chiropractor who focused on rehabilitation and chronic pain.  Nutritional Tip of the Week Lemonade Diet Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Making Sense of Food with Robb Wolf -------- You step into your local health food store, and the confusion begins. Keto, Paleo, low fat, high fat. It’s all so overwhelming. One approach lowers your cholesterol but improves your blood sugar. Another diet is great for combating inflammation but causes constipation. This impossible choice is happening to you and me locally, and it also plays out on the macro level with our food systems themselves. How do we end hunger, ensure nutritional needs are met, and protect our topsoil at the same time? This seemingly impossible balancing act might be one of the most-important issues of the next 30 years. Let’s get into it. Listen in Learn:  How evolution continues today, and yet we are still mostly cavemen  The importance of ruminant animals for topsoil  Hidden inefficiencies of lab-grown meat Can we evolve to be healthy on carbs and canola? Links & Resources Robb’s website ABOUT OUR GUEST Robb is a former research biochemist and is The Paleo Solution and Wired To Eat. Robb has a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. He’s a former California State Powerlifting Champion and an amateur kickboxer.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Keto salts Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Tendencies, Habits & Change with Gretchen Rubin ---------------------------- Every few months a new productivity book hits the shelves, and of course, I read it. I’m a sucker for personal growth hacks. Do I need to fix my morning routine? What about a gratitude journal? Should I drink lemon water or celery juice in the morning? I joke that I’m a walking cliche - but that doesn’t change my behavior. The reality is that personal growth is, well, personal. What works for me might not work for you. Your organizational system, your calendar or filing system that changed your life might do nothing to help me get things done. One this week’s podcast, you’ll meet returning guest and ultra-practical self help author, Gretchen Rubin.  Listen & Learn:  What you can learn about envy Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation  How to figure out what you really want Thoughts on work, life, family, and friend balance     Links & Resources: Gretchen Rubin’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Gretchen is a speaker, podcasterm, and the author of The Happiness Project, Happier at Home, Better Than Before, The Four Tendencies, and Outer Order, Inner Calm. Nutritional Tip of the Week Canned and frozen foods Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

Hope is a Verb with Amy Downs ------------- Amy was buried under the rubble of the Oklahoma City Federal Building during the 1995 attack. Fully conscious but completely incapacitated, she waited nearly an hour before her rescue. In her own words, her life flashed before her eyes complete with doubt, regret and fear. The trauma of everyday life is unavoidable, but this was another type of experience altogether. Half her team lost their lives, she spent over a week in the hospital, and has spent all these years since that tragedy rebuilding her own life and her community. From trauma to triumph. Listen & Learn:  How Amy lost over 200lbs   The power of community for health and wellness  Why it’s important to simply start moving forward, right now  How to create a future focus Links & Resources Amy’s Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Amy Downs is CEO of Allegiance Credit Union in Oklahoma City, which lost more than half of its employees in the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995.  In the years since the bombing, Amy became a mother, lost 200 pounds, competed in an Ironman Triathlon, obtained her MBA and became CEO of the same credit union that was bombed. She’s the author of a new book, Hope is Verb. Nutritional Tip of the Week Carb Counting Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Michael Rintala, D.CHave back pain? If you ask a yoga teacher, they will give you three stretches. If you go to a physiotherapist, they will give you three Bosu Ball exercises, and if you go to a personal trainer, they will give you three resistance workouts. So who is right? They all are. To heal a joint, you need to take a systems approach, and in almost all cases, there are multiple areas to address. Your path to healing is usually more complicated and longer than you anticipated, but the good news is that you can often find your way back to health. Listen & Learn Why childlike movements (roll, crawl, squat, walk) can help you heal  How long it will take to heal chronic pain The role of breathing and the diaphragm muscle specifically  Why a whole-person approach is crucial  Why MRI / CT scans are not be a life sentence for pain  Links & Resources Dr. Rintala’s Site ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Rintala is a chiropractor specializing in sports medicine and rehabilitation. He is a member of the PGA Tour Sports Medicine Team. He is also an International Instructor for the Prague School of Rehabilitation on courses in: Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization. Nutritional Tip of the Week Vitamin A - Which Brand? Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Healing Trauma, Sexuality & Boundaries with Kimberly Johnson -------- Past traumas often haunt us emotionally and sometimes even manifest as physical pain or illnesses. Acute childhood trauma, for example, has been correlated with everything from premature births to obesity, debunking any delineation between mind and body. Your thoughts and feelings don’t just feel real, they are real. So when you suffer major pain, how do you move on? How do you resolve it, integrate, and continue forward? My guest on this week’s show has some strategies.  Listen & Learn:  How the rate and scale of events greatly increases trauma Whether to choose to speak or remain silent about your struggles  The victims need a voice and power, but what becomes of the perpetrators?  Navigating the impossible dynamic of male and female relationships Links & Resources Kimberly’s Website Kimberly’s books ABOUT OUR GUEST Kimberly Johnson is a doula, Sexological Bodyworker, Somatic Experiencing practitioner, postpartum care advocate and mother. She’s the author of the book, The Fourth Trimester and the new book, Call of the Wild.  Nutritional Tip of the Week Veganism Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Proactive Personal Health Care with Dr. Doug Pucci----------- I went to the doctor to get routine blood work and was sent home with a prescription for benzodiazepines. I specifically said I didn’t want to take anything, but the doctor insisted that if I wasn’t sleeping well, and the smart thing to do was to medicate. How does this happen? Why does this happen? And how can you be sure it doesn’t happen to you? The only person who can be in charge of your health is you, so you have to be proactive, but figuring out how to start can be difficult. My guest on this week’s show will help you reclaiming agency of your health  Listen & Learn:  Why most standard blood test are useless How diet and lifestyle changes are often the best place to start How to think and plan long term for your health How to take charge of your own health  Links & Resources Doug’s website ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Doug Pucci is a chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner, He won The Best Of 2020 Awards for Functional Medicine in Oradell, NJ, and entry into Trademark Publications’  Top Doctors of America, Who’s Who Directory – Honors Edition. Nutritional Tip of the Week Green Tea Weight Loss Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Surviving the Mental Health Pandemic with Guy Winch ---------------------- Suicide ideation is rampant among youth, divorce rates are skyrocketing, and the state of mental health, on a global scale, has never been worse. There have always been times of uncertainty and loss, but what makes our current challenge different is the compounding effects of loneliness. Without our tribe, we are weak. On this week’s show, you’ll meet a prominent psychologist who shares his best ideas for navigating these challenging times.  Listen & Learn Why loneliness is huge global health crisis How to approach mental health as a newbie How social media plus social isolation are a recipe for disaster  Links & Resources Guy’s Website  Our Guest Dr. Guy Winch is a psychologist, author, podcaster and speaker. He is the author of  Emotional First Aid, Fix a Broken Heart, The Squeaky Wheel. Nutritional Tip of the Week: White vs Wheat Bread Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

How to Find Your Purpose with Ashley Stahl ----------------- Kyle invested his life savings into a health resort overlooking the sea. I told him it was a terrible idea, and I was wrong. Right up until the pandemic hit, he was doing great and living his dream life. But this year, he’ll most-likely go bankrupt. Arthur is the sole owner of an iconic NYC restaurant, open since 1997. It’ll most-likely close its door for good in 2021. Marta worked as a front-end designer in a fast-paced travel tech company here in Barcelona. She got laid off along with 1,000 others in May of 2020 and is considering leaving the country. For billions of people, the past year has completely changed our work lives. Many of us have to pivot or even completely reinvent our professional careers. That’s terrifying, and my guest on this week’s show is a career coach who can help you navigate these uncertain waters.  Listen & Learn Why passion is overrated How to find your core skill set, your true value How to ask yourself the hardest questions, including the ones you’ve been avoiding How to embrace change  Links & Resources Ashley’s Website Ashley’s book ABOUT OUR GUEST Ashley Stahl is a career coach, speaker, and an author. She’s been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CBS, SELF, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune among others. She’s the author of a new book called, You Turn.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Salad vs Soup Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Breakup Bootcamp  with Amy Chan --------------------------- What is love? If you ask 100 people, you’ll get 100 different answers; and yet here we are, desperately needing love all the time. It shouldn’t be a big surprise, relationships don’t always work out. Everyone has a breakup story, and whether you’re 16 or 60, the pain and emotional spinout is pretty much the same. My guest on this week’s show helps coach people through a transition to a positive future.  Listen & Learn Why you need at least 60 no-contact days How to focus on the future, not the base How to avoid trauma bonding with others Finding peace with yourself first and foremost  Links & Resources Breakup Bootcamp  Heart Hackers Club ABOUT OUR GUEST Amy is the Founder of Renew. She is a relationship columnist and Editor-in-Chief of Heart Hackers Club, and the other of the book, Breakup Bootcamp: The Science of Rewiring Your Heart. Nutritional Tip of the Week Food Before Bed Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

7 Steps to Self Confidence with David Nurse ---------------- You’re on fire. Every decision, every conversation, and even the way your body moves feels like green lights today. When you’re grounded in self-confidence, everything is possible. But what about those days when your mind muck is so thick, you can’t manage a single email. Self doubt paralyzes you as you flip from your todo list, to Facebook, to Tiktok. Thinking, re-thinking, doubting. Those days are the worst.  On this week’s show, you’ll meet a former pro basketball player-turned-coach whose clients need to be at the top of their game, literally, in order to stay employed. His 7-step approach breaks self confidence into manageable steps that can be nurtured as a skill. Listen & Learn Why comparison is not always a bad thing How to redefine your vocabulary for self empowerment  Why your sense of self is heightened by serving others  How to create your own “highlight reel”  Links & Resources David’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST David Nurse is an NBA life and optimization coach, author and motivational speaker. A former professional basketball player smf coach for the Brooklyn Nets, David has personally helped over 150 NBA players with their personal and professional development both on and off the court. David is the author of, Pivot & Go. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Continuous Blood Glucose Monitor Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Healthy Skin as You Age with Dr. Shadi Kourosh --------------------------- “You look old, Dad,” my nine year old told me. He was teasing me, of course, but it’s true. I have less hair, more wrinkles, and thinner skin than I did when he was born. I didn’t start wearing sunscreen until the age of 35, and I certainly regret it. Father time is cruel, and he’s coming for all of us. While we all have more meaningful things to worry about than our aging skin, I still do worry that I’ll be raisin-faced in my 70s. So let’s talk about it. This week, I’ll introduce you to Havard professor and dermatologist, Dr. Shadi Kourosh, who will share with us her best tips for slowing down time. Listen & Learn:   Why Vitamin A is the secret ingredient in many oral and topical skincare creams What is clinically proven and what is just hype How to choose your dermatologist carefully Sun damage dangers   The importance of food and lifestyle for skincare  Links & Resources: Dr Kourosh’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Shadi Kourosh MD, is a board certified dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School. She has an iphone app called, Skin Advocate, that connects patients with patient advocacy organizations for their skin conditions. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Body Composition Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

Turn Adversity into Advantage with Doug Bopst --------------- “I took the deal… and the last thing I did was snort a few hundred milligrams of oxy,” says Doug. This was right before he started a 90-day stint in jail where he was forced to sober up in a hurry. His cellmate was a fitness fanatic and Doug’s unofficial trainer on his path to recovery. Despite all the odds, Doug left prison in better shape than he went in. Today, Doug is clean and sober and is an author, fitness trainer, and speaker.  Listen & Learn:  How hitting rock bottom can be a great gift Why there is not quick-fix to a long-standing problem How to surrender to the process of change   Finding fitness at any age Links & Resources: Doug’s site Doug’s books  ABOUT OUR GUEST Doug Bopst is an award-winning personal trainer, author, speaker and business owner. He is a former felon and drug addict, and the author of From Felony to Fitness to Free and the Heart of Recovery.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Game Changers Film Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Psychological Flexibility with Steven Hayes, PhD ------------------------- The rate of change has accelerated 2-5x in the past year. The job change you were thinking about someday is now your top priority today. Your relationship doubt has flipped into a full blown crisis. Entire governments and industries have been turned on their heads. How are you doing? The ability to ride the wave of change is something Steven Hayes refers to as Psychological flexibility, and just as we should all be working on our physical health, our mental health needs constant workouts too.  Listen & Learn:  Why mental health labels can quickly paralyze you How your past head trash can implode your current relationships How to accept and commit as part of your mental health regime Links & Resources Steven Hayes’ Website Steven’s TEDx Talk ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Steven Hayes is the author of 44 books including, A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters. He’s published nearly 600 scientific articles and his work focuses on understanding language and cognition to alleviate suffering.   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Are Eggs Ok Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

Thoughts on the End of Lifewith Charles Garfield---------Death and loss are inevitable, nobody was prepared for this. COVID-19 has taken the lives of millions of people around the world, mostly older people, the wisdom class. On a local level, we all feel it; but from a global perspective, it’s very hard to begin to fathom so much loss in such a short period of time. How do we process this? Where to begin? On this week’s show, we’ll explore the “wisdom years” of life, end of life, and death.  Listen & Learn:  Why you should write a forgiveness letter to yourself The importance of older generations  The necessity of mourning  Virtual vs. in-person funerals  Links & Resources Charles’ website  Shanti Project ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Charles Garfield is a psychologist, professor and lecturer, and the author of thirteen books including Our Wisdom Years and Life's Last Gift: Giving and Receiving Peace During the Dying Time. He has been recognized internationally as the founder of Shanti Project, a widely acclaimed AIDS and cancer service organization.   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Allergic Mystery Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Get to Know Your Testosterone by Dr. Tracy Gapin ----------- Testosterone levels in modern men are lower than any time in recorded history. This causes low libido, low energy, and a lack of lean muscle; but low T can also decrease your motivation, your concentration, and even your mental health. So where has all the testosterone gone? Diet and lifestyle are huge factors, of course, but most people are completely unaware of the endocrine disruptors that have crept their way into our food, water, and homes. Everything from your shampoo to your takeaway coffee cup contributes to the hormonal dysregulation of our population. Left unchecked, many men lose their lust for life, in all senses, decades too soon. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a medical doctor who is passionate about educating men and helping them navigate the hormonal minefield of our modern world.   Listen & Learn:  Why free testosterone is even more important than total testosterone How to understand medical reference ranges Self-assessment tricks for thinking about your own hormones  Xenoestrogens, phytoestrogens, and other disruptor landmines  Links & Resources: Dr. Gapin’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Gapin is board certified by the American Board of Urology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is the author of, Male 2.0, a guide to the optimization of a man’s health and vitality. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Rapeseed Oil Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

In Search of Mastery  with Michael Gervais ----------- What does it mean to self actualize? To become your personal best at whatever it is you do? For most of us, these questions conjure up images such as a finish line, a retirement, an award, or a specific bank balance. Most of us equate mastery with goal achievement, but ironically, those who have achieved real masterly tend to be laser focused on the process and the practice, not the outcome. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a high performance psychologist who shares his mental model for traversing this path of personal greatness. Listen & Learn: How purpose, principles and vision can guide you Why fulfilled lives usually involve grappling with life’s biggest questions  Mastery of self vs. mastery of craft The hero trap Links & Resources:  Compete to Create (Michael’s site) ABOUT OUR GUEST Michael is a high performance psychologist. He is the co-founder of Compete to Create, a digital platform to helpS people become their best through mindset training. He works with professional athletes and CEOs. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Old Spices Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Get To Know Your Genes with Dr. Yael Joffe ------- Have you done a DNA test to discover your true ancestry? Tens of millions of people give up their genetic information in exchange for a fun pie graph that attempts to detail their ethnicity. It’s not too expensive, and it’s fun to learn - so why not? If you’re concerned about personal privacy, there is real cause for concern. The data Facebook or Google have on you pales in comparison to your DNA data. Your favorite online videos and political preferences might change with time, but who you are, from a genetic perspective, is forever. Private companies are stockpiling genetic data, and in some cases, sharing it with both public agencies like the FBI and private pharmaceutical companies. On this week’s podcast, we’ll explore genetics, epigenetics, testing, and what all this data means.  Listen & Learn:  Why you and I are 99.9% similar, and how we share 50% of our DNA with a banana Nature vs. nurture from a genetic perspective The future of DNA test, tracking, and tracing Why data means nothing without interpretation and education  Links & Resources 3X4 Genetics Are companies selling your DNA data? ABOUT OUR GUEST Yael Joffe is a dietitian with a PhD from the University of Cape Town where she explored the genetics and nutrition of obesity in South African women. She is the co-author of three books, It’s not just your Genes, The SNP Journal, and Genes To Plate. She is the founder of 3X4 Genetics. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Juice Fasting Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Fantastic Fungi  with Eugenia Bone ---------------------- It’s mushroom season in Cataluña, so the markets are filled with orange, white, and even jet black “setas” that are almost all wild harvested. They're delicious and packed with a unique micronutrient profile that is great for your immune system. On this week's show, you´ll meet a mycophagist, writer, and teacher on all things fungi. Did you know…  A single Portabella mushroom can contain more potassium than a banana Fungi are believed to cover the earth’s surface before the first trees A 2,400 year old fungus in Oregon is believed to be the largest organism in the world covering 2,200 acres (8.9 km2? Psychedelic mushrooms, including microdoses, have shown efficacy for for depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges LInks & Resources Eugenia’s site ABOUT OUR GUEST Eugenia’s work has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Saveur, Food & Wine, Gourmet, and The National Lampoon. She is the author of six books including her most recent award-winning Fantastic Fungi. Nutritional Tip of the Week: How to Not Gain Weight - Holidays Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Happy Pessimist with Mattias Lundberg --------- Has your life been turned upside down in 2020? How are you feeling? Positive thinking and optimism are often considered one and the same, but you can be simultaneously positive and pessimistic - and it might be the smartest way to plan for 2021. You can gameplay the worst case scenario with a smile, prepare for the worst, and set yourself up to be pleasantly surprised. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a psychologist and author whose work focuses on the possessive,  productive value of pessimism in certain situations.  Listen & Learn:    How negative thinking can help you with preparedness When optimism is becomes avoidance  Adaptive vs. non-adaptive responses    How to be positive but pessimistic at the same time Links & Resources:  Mattias’ website ABOUT OUR GUEST Mattias Lundberg is a Licensed Psychologist and an Associate Professor of Psychology at the Department of Psychology at Umeå University. He is also an author and has published eight books. Mattias is known for his ability to explain complex psychological questions in an easy and often entertaining way.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: No Added Sugar Chocolate Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Overcome Fear   with Kristen Ulmer Extreme skiing is defined by an ever-present risk of death. It’s a sport that demands a deep relationship and acceptance of fear. An avalanche can bury you, a deadly fall down a sheer rock wall is just one wrong turn away, and there are times when the only chance of survival is from an emergency airlift to safety. Why would you do this?  The answer is, “I wouldn’t do it!” But my guest on this week’s podcast used her extensive experience in the world of extreme sports to learn to harness fear and develop a system for teaching this to others. Whether you’re scared of public speaking or simply too nervous to ask that guy or girl for their number, Kristen Ulmer’s approach to fear is unique and effective.  Listen & Learn: Step 1: acknowledge fear as normal and natural Step 2: touch your body where you feel the fear bubbling up Step 3: let go for resistance to fear Suffering = discomfort x resistance  How to achieve a flow  state  Understanding the lure of extreme sports Links & Resources Kristen’s Website  ABOUT OUR GUEST Kristen Ulmer is a fear and anxiety expert who draws from her experience with extreme skiing, studies of Zen, professional facilitation with 1000s of clients. She is the author of, The Art of Fear; Why Conquering Fear Won’t Work and What to Do Instead. Kristen’s work has also been featured in such media as NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, The Megyn Kelly Show, The Robb Report, and Tim Ferriss’s Tribe of Mentors. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Cannot Digest Nuts Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Mindfulness a Solution for Addiction? Dr. Jud Brewer  ------ If we define addiction as continued behavior despite adverse consequences, we all have cause for concern. Perhaps you’re up so late watching Netflix that you make a mistake at work that costs you your job; maybe your pornography compulsion blocks real intimacy with your partner and derails your marriage; or maybe your online gambling leaves you with maxed out credit cards. It all sounds ridiculous until you focus the lens on your own life, open up your definition of what addiction means, and immediately discover that you too have maladaptive behaviors that might warrant change. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet an addiction psychiatrist who helps people use mindfulness on a path toward balance. Listen & Learn:  How to know if you’re addicted?  How to analyse the trigger + behavior + results   Why you should focus on immediate experience (instead of long term)  How to start by knowing thyself  Links & Resources Dr Jud’s Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Jud Brewer is an Addiction Psychiatrist and the author of The Craving Mind and the creator of a number of mindfulness apps.  He is director of research and innovation at the Mindfulness Center at Brown University, and the executive medical director of behavioral health at Sharecare. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Melatonin for Sleep Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Respiratory Therapy with Joe Lewis If you’re interested in pranayama and breathwork, there is so much more to discover than simply “oxygenation.” As a student of yoga breathing for over a decade, there continues to be a lack of real scientific teaching, so on this week’s podcast, we’ll nerd out on biomechanics and chemistry of breathing.   Listen & Learn:  Why you must consider both oxygenation and ventilation The importance of C02  Ideal blood oxygen content Education and career opportunities for potential respiratory therapists The utility of arterial blood gas (ABG) in an ICU Links & Resources Joe on Instagram Joe on YouTube ABOUT OUR GUEST Joe Lewis has been a Registered Respiratory Therapist for 20 years with a primary focus in adult ICU.  He started teaching full-time in 2020, including both didactic and clinical course instruction.   Nutritional Tip of the Week: When to Eat Fruit Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

CBD for Pain & Sleep with Mary Clifton   Marijuana is quickly becoming legal or at least decriminalized in most states. Billions of dollars of previously criminal revenue is suddenly on-the-books and taxable, and hundreds of products are flooding the market including everything from skincare to nutritional supplements. But what does it all mean for you?  CBD (cannabidiol) is just one of dozens of cannabinoids in marijuana, and it’s of particular interest for pain, anxiety, and sleep. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning you won’t get paranoid or faceplant into the couch, so it  can be a natural and safe alternative to prescription drugs. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a medical doctor whose work focused around the safe and effective medicinal use of this once-illicit plant. .  Listen & Learn:  How to choose an effective dose  How much it will cost   Hemp-derived vs. cannabis derived CBD   Will I get stoned  When to add THC (psychoactive) to a CBD dose Links & Resources Mary’s site  ABOUT OUR GUEST Mary Clifton, M.D. is a board-certified, licensed, internal medicine doctor. She is an expert in CBD and Cannabis and the founder of CBDandCannabisInfo.com. Mary is the author of The Grass Is Greener: Medical Marijuana, THC & CBD OIL: Reversing Chronic Pain, Inflammation and Disease, and Get Waisted, as well as five companion cookbooks. She speaks at major cannabinoid events around the world, including Africa, Europe and Asia.   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Super Green Powders Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Reflexology & Energy Balance with Helen Chin Lui   Set and setting are often overlooked when it comes to healing. Set refers to your mindset going in, and setting refers to the environment in which the treatment takes place. If you walk into a therapist's office with a “This will be so helpful!” attitude, and if the office is beautiful, smells nice, and is dimly lit, the deck has already been stacked in favor of a positive outcome. Even for a diehard skeptic like myself, energy medicine practices like reflexology should not be ignored, particularly for issues like chronic pain, mental health, and inflammation. Whether it’s the placebo effect or the genius of ancient medicine at play, who really cares if it works?  On this week's podcast, you'll meet a reflexologist who will help you navigate the world of alternative health. Listen & Learn: What reflexology is how certification works Why it's so challenging to find a good Reiki practitioner How the body heals itself, the therapist just helps nudge it in the right direction Why most people give away their power to heal rather than taking control Links & Resources: Helen Chin Lui website ABOUT OUR GUEST Helen Chin Lui is a certified reflexologist, energy medicine practitioner, and reiki therapist. Her interest in alternative health was sparked by a health crisis her son experienced and has become her life's passion.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Immune Boosters Covid Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

The Power of Pessimism - COVID-19 Survival with Lucas Rockwood ----- What if this COVID-19 crisis lasts another six months? Or another two years? Our work and lifestyles are being radically redefined, and most people are taking a “wait and see’ approach, doubling down on Netflix, and waiting for big pharma to fix this mess. Maybe it’ll work. Maybe it’s almost over. Or maybe, this is just the start of a whole new future we can’t even fully comprehend yet.  Human psychology is such that fear and pain incite personal growth more than pleasure or optimism. With that in mind, what if we all game-out the worst case scenarios. Let’s assume for the sake of this exercise that this crisis will last one or two years more, and let’s use this uncertainty as a forcing factor for changes that would otherwise take five or ten years to manifest. On this week’s podcast, we’ll explore the power of pessimism, the importance of focus, and how to find the signal through the noise during these challenging times.  Listen & Learn:  Why “Defensive Pessimism” can set you up for a win during crisis times  Why a “smile or die” outlook can be personally and professional dangerous  How to embrace change and embrace loss How to focus on health, wealth, relationships during this time Links & References:  The Power of Negative Thinking  Defensive Pessimism  The Happy Pessimist  ABOUT OUR GUEST Lucas Rockwood is a yoga trainer, writer, and keynote speaker. He founded YOGABODY and The Yoga Teachers College and has certified over 12,000 teachers working in 41 countries.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Cranberries Any Good? Got Questions? Submit your question: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

Understanding Your Bloodwork with Todd Strong When was the last time you went to your doctor for a checkup? Did you make any requests or did you just let them do their thing and trust they’d let you know if something was amiss? Allopathic medicine is exceptional at treating illness and disease but not great for preventative care. For health-seekers, this means you need to take ownership of your health, ask questions, and request the tests and analysis you need to understand your own body.  But where do you start? On this week’s show, we’ll help you think strategically about getting your bloodwork done and interpreting the results.  Listen & Learn:  Why elevated cortisol and adrenal dysfunction can often be the root of modern health problems  Why standard thyroid test are often incomplete and how to request comprehensive testing Should you pay out-of-pocket or will insurance cover it?  Why many issues can be correct functionally  Links & Resources: Todd Strong’s website ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Strong is a certified functional medicine practitioner based. He is kinesiologist and chiropractor and helps people with comprehensive, personalized treatment plans. He is the author of the books, Understanding Your Bloodwork and How It Relates to Your Health Issues and Reclaim Your Brain. Both are available on Amazon.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Addicted to Chocolate Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Reverse Aging with Lifelong “Play” with Stephen Jepson ----------------------------------------------- Aging starts with the loss of lean muscle and mobility. Next, you notice you’re not sharp as you used to be, and then things accelerate as you become less active, less engaged in the world, and one step closer to the grave. Death is inevitable, but “healthspan” is something we can control: how healthy will you be in those years you do have on this planet? Do you want to die riding a skateboard or stuck in a nursing facility? Do you want your best years to be in the past or in the future? Our guest on this week’s podcast is in his late 70’s and learning new skills daily, skills that even 20-year-olds find challenging. Listen & Learn: Why bilateral training is the key to cognitive health How there are countless examples of people going from wheelchairs to full function, from bedridden to active—so why not you? How eating and writing with your non-dominant hand can be a simple hack to lay down new neural wiring How neuro-plasticity and neurogenesis can happen at any age if you keep learning and keep playing Why you should never stop playing Links & Resources: Stephen’s Website  ABOUT OUR GUEST Stephen Jepson is the creator of a lifestyle he calls: Never Leave the Playground. He rides a unicycle, juggles while balancing on a bongo board, throws knives and plays jacks with both hands, walks a tightrope, swam across Iowa's Spirit Lake at age 66, and has won over 80 gold medals in swimming since age 65. And more. Much more. After a career in pottery, both teaching and creating, he now dedicates his time to the research of this lifestyle fitness plan. Nutritional Tip of the Week: How Much Fiber Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

Sex Robots & Vegan Meat Jenny Kleeman -------------- Disruptive technology has defined our generation and captured our collection imagination. I haven’t owned a television or a landline phone since the 90s. Google Maps has made it possible to navigate any city as a tourist with more accuracy than a local resident, and healthy food is becoming cheaper and more widely acceptable every day. But there are downsides to disruption too - lots of downsides.  In the next decade, technology won’t just disrupt industries, it will disrupt the moral fabric of society. How do we navigate the complexity of artificial wombs, lab-grown meat, sex robots, and euthanasia? Do you have a firm moral stance on any of these issues? I don’t, and I’m not sure how to resolve these open loops. On this week’s show, you’ll meet journalist and author, Jenny Kleeman who shares her deep-dive research into morally disruptive technologies.  Listen & Learn:  The reality of sex robots and the real risks vs. rewards in the future  How lab-grown meat could replace our dependence on factory farms Where to draw moral lines in the sand when it comes to artificial wombs, designer babies, and medically-assisted death  ABOUT OUR GUEST Jenny Kleeman is a journalist and documentary filmmaker. Her articles appear regularly in the Guardian and also in the Sunday Times (London), The Times of London, The New Statesman, and VICE. She won the “One World Media Television Award” for her work on, Unreported World', and was nominated for the Amnesty International Gaby Rado Award.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Kitchari Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

How to Succeed with Yoga & Fitness At Home  with Lucas Rockwood COVID-19 has forced and inspired hundreds of millions of people to start at-home yoga practices and exercise routines - this is amazing! But how do you make it last? How do you stay motivated? And perhaps most importantly, how do you avoid the temptation to bail out of your workout halfway through and scroll through your social media newsfeed instead?  This week’s podcast is a solo show where I’ll share five tips for success with an at-home yoga or fitness regime based on my 17 years experience.   My Top Five Tips:  Get some nice clothes Get a nice mat or some nice equipment Pair your practice with learning or entertainment Trust someone else, not your own system Try not to be alone ABOUT LUCAS ROCKWOOD Lucas Rockwood is  yoga teacher, speaker, trainer and serial entrepreneur. He’s the founder of YOGABODY and the Yoga Teachers College.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Plant vs Animal Nutrition Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Is Personality Permanent? with Benjamin Hardy Have you ever taken an online personality test? Myers-Briggs, Kolbe or the “Big 5”? If you have, you no-doubt read the results with both pleasure and unease. Am I really a pushover? Am I more neurotic than most? It’s true past behavior is probably the best predictor of your future self - but it doesn’t have to be. The guest psychologist on this week’s show dispels the myth that personality is fixed and unchangeable, and suggests strategies for creating a new future for who you are, personality-wise, that is not bound by the past.  Listen & Learn:  Why proception, the ability to dream and plan for the future, even future emotional states, is a huge part of what makes us uniquely human   How to measure the gain (not the gap) from who you were and who you are  How to look for past evidence of who you’d like to be not evidence of the smaller you  The importance of a growth vs fixed mindset  Links & Resources Benjamin’s Website  Triumph of Experience ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Benjamin Hardy is an organizational psychologist and author of Willpower Doesn't Work and Personality Isn't Permanent. He has been featured on Forbes, Fortune, CNBC, Cheddar, and Big Think.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Vit D & Covid Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: yogabody.com/asklucas/ Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Fast, Feast, Repeat with Gin Stephens -------------- When we think of dieting and weight loss, the first thing that comes to mind is calorie counting, portion control, and a list of “good” and “bad” foods. But what if there was a much simpler way to start? What if, before you superimpose restrictions and rules, you could achieve huge benefits simply by altering your meal timing?  Enter: time-restricted eating (aka intermittent fasting). The simple practice increasing the break time between your last meal today and your first meal tomorrow can have exciting effects on your hormones, blood sugar, body fat, and overall weight. For most people interested in weight loss, this is the simplest, safest, and easiest place to start - so why not?  My guest on this week’s podcast lost 80lbs with timer-restricted eating, and she’s kept it off since 2005. Listen & Learn:  How diets involved trying to override your biology and fight your body instead of working with it naturally How simply skipping breakfast and reducing your eating window can sometimes lead to exciting changes in your body and health  How quickly the results of meal timing can manifest How to stop with negative self-talk, guilt and shame around food  Links & Resources:  Gin’s website 2016 Nobel Prize for fasting and autophagy  ABOUT OUR GUEST Gin Stephens is a teacher, writer, podcaster and intermittent fasting advocate. She’s the author of a number of books including: Delay, Don’t Deny, Feast Without Fear, and Fast, Feast, Repeat. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Herbs for Libido Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

But What if Your Workplace is Toxic?  with Robert Glazer --------------- I had an office job that was so boring, I used to photocopy my face while guzzling free office coffee and snacking on breath mints. As long as I was hovering near the copy machine, everyone assumed I was doing something productive. After a few days of this linger-guzzle-mint-chomp routine, my colleague, Cynthia, felt we needed to add some occasional stapling to our escapades lest we be found out. So we started making zines out of my best xeroxed smash-face printouts. Oh, good times.  Life is too short to hate your job, and yet most of us do. With telecommuting at an all-time high, some jobs have become more tolerable, but do you truly feel meaning and purpose at work? Do you feel like you’re working toward a worthy goal? These are hard questions I don’t have the answer to, but my guest on the show has created a multi-award winning workplace, so he’s got some great ideas.  Listen & Learn:  Why lack of value alignment is perhaps the biggest job problem of all  How to both employee and employers need to think about the end at the beginning Why “2 weeks notice” is terrible for everyone How COVID-19 is affecting communication and connection  Links & Resources Robert’s Website  ABOUT OUR GUEST Robert Glazer is the founder and CEO of Acceleration Partners marketing agency.His agency has won numerous awards including Glassdoor's Employees' Choice Awards (2 years in a row), Ad Age's Best Place to Work, Entrepreneur's Top Company Culture (2 years in a row), Great Place to Work & Fortune's Best Small & Medium Workplaces (3 years in a row) and Boston Globe's Top Workplaces (2 years in a row). His writing has been featured in Forbes, Inc. and Entrepreneur magazines, Bob shares his ideas and insights via Friday Forward email newsletter, his Elevate podcast, and his books including: Friday Forward and Elevate. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Restless Leg Syndrome Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back  with Esther Gokhale  ---------------- Office chairs were always bad news for spinal health, but now most people are working hunched over a laptop on their coach - and many of their kids are doing the same! In 2019, we spent too much time on screens, but in 2020, it’s gone to a completely new level and we all need to spend some time thinking about work stations, postures, and spinal health. On this week’s show, you’ll meet returning guest, Esther Gokhale who has spent her career researching, writing, and teaching spinal health.  Listen & Learn:  Why an S-curved spine is incorrect, and why a J-shape is more natural  Why to stop chasing ideal posture and simply work with the body and life you have in our modern world  Chairs, shoes, and workstations - what do do? Links & Resources Esther’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST  Esther Gokhale studied biochemistry at Harvard and Princeton and, later, acupuncture at the San Francisco School of Oriental Medicine. Post-pregnancy back pain and a failed back surgery inspired Esther to begin a lifelong crusade to vanquish back pain. Gokhale's book, 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back, has sold over 200,000 copies and has been translated into ten languages. Gokhale has taught at corporations such as Google, IDEO, and Facebook, presented at conferences including TEDx(Stanford) and Ancestral Health Symposium, consulted for the trainers of the SF 49ers and several Stanford sports teams. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Top Food for Weight Loss Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

The Importance of Friendship with Lydia Denworth----------------I spent six weeks in March and April of this year in a fairly strict lockdown in Barcelona, and then two weeks in May completely housebound in Germany. COVID-19 has affected every single aspect of my life both for good and bad. What about you? Were you on lockdown? If so, who did you call? Who did you turn to (virtually) for help? If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s taught us that humans are social beings through to our core. Even the most introverted types (like me) have felt the longing for group gathering, social interaction, and connection with friends.  But what is a true friend? And how does that change from your teen years into adulthood, middle age and beyond? From an adaptive perspective, why is it that strong friendships are correlated with longevity and overall healthspan? On this week’s podcast, we’ll explore the importance and science behind deep social connections.  Listen & Learn:  Why you really only need one true friend (but more are great too)  How digital and long-distance friends stack up to old-fashioned, in-person connections  Why true friendships should be long-lasting, stable, and cooperative  How to embrace the natural change of friends at different stages of life Links & Resources Lydia’s Website Lydia on social media  ABOUT OUR GUEST  Lydia Denworth is a science journalist and contributing editor for Scientific American. She writes the Brain Waves blog for Psychology and her work is supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Healthy Eating While Travelling Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

The Science of Sin with Dr. Jack Lewis The seven deadly sins are: pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth. Religious or not, most of us would like to avoid these behaviors, but modern technology has made the temptation almost irresistible. How do you not overeat with such brain-triggering processed foods laden with sugar, fat, salt, and flavors? How does a pubescent boy not spend hours a day down a black hole of online porn? And is it any wonder that binge-watching Netflix series has become the norm?  The moral path has always been a challenging one,but right now, it's nearly-impossible. On this week’s show, we’ll discuss the neuroscience behind these behaviors.  Listen & Learn:  How pornography lights up dopamine centers How anonymity online enables wrath and envy at disproportionate levels  Why in some cases, the best way to avoid this bad behaviors is through engineered avoidance  How to understand your brain chemistry so you can adapt to the modern world Links & Resources Dr Jack Lewis’ Website Science of Sin Book ABOUT OUR GUEST Neuroscientist, writer, and personality on a mission  to understand the inworkings of the Human Brian. He’s the author of two books, Sort Your Brain Out and The Science of Sin.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Sweet Potato vs White Potato Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

The Joy of Movement  with Kelly McGonigal ------------------- Many of us chase happiness in life but happy states are fleeting anomalies largely out of our control. If you’re experiencing true joy right now, swim and revel in it, but know that soon it will be gone. Instead of chasing happiness, what if we pursued states of “good” instead. You can feel good and happy at the same time, but you can also feel good while simultaneously feeling anxious, nervous, depressed, or overwhelmed. Unlike happiness, good is a target at which you take aim at and hit very consistently.  Get a good night's sleep. You’ll feel good.  Eat the foods you know are right for you. You’ll feel good.  Sit less, move more, and exercise. You’ll feel good.  Feeling good doesn't fix all the other challenges in your life, but it always helps. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet the author of a new book, The Joy of Movement, an exploration into the biochemical, neurological, and emotional health benefits of using your body for what it was designed to do. To move. Listen & Learn:  How movement and exercise release happy chemicals such as endocannabinoids, oxytocin, and endorphin  How exercising to music can actually help bring out your physical best Group vs. at-home exercise, who wins?  COVID-19 tips and tricks to finding your flow Why it’s important to reframe exercise as movement, and do whatever you like instead of what you think it “most effective” or “burns the most calories”  Links & Resources:  Kelly’s Book, The Joy of Movement  Kelly’s TED Talk ABOUT OUR GUEST Kelly McGonigal is a health psychologist, teacher and writer who specializes in the mind-body connection. Many of you will know Kelly from her TED Talk “How to Make Stress Your Friend.” She is the best-selling author of The Willpower Instinct and The Upside of Stress. Her newest book is called, The Joy of Movement, and presents physical exercise as one of the more powerful and predictable antidotes to depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Quinoa Belly Ache Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

The Meritocracy Trap: How the Myth Feeds Inequality with Daniel Markovits ------------------- Every year I live outside the U.S. I’m able to better understand my culture simply due to my physical distance from it. I notice things like promiscuous use of peanut butter and cinnamon in American foods, the endless sports and war metaphors in colloquial language, the ubiquitous nostalgia for the post-World War II family life, and the universal belief that every underdog has a chance to go all the way up.  Meritocracy. Study hard, work hard, and show up year-after-year, and you can be just about anything you want to be. In the 1950s, that was somewhat true. Today, the schism between the have and have-nots is so vast that in many cases, no amount of hard work or earned street cred will give you equal access to opportunity. If you're dealt an unlucky hand, as most people are, your options are limited by gatekeepers you’ll never meet, schools and jobs you’ll never have access to. More perplexing still, if you’re dealt a lucky hand, as I was, and if you play your cards right, you enlist into a lifetime of self-sacrifice, ridiculously long work days, and an almost guaranteed inability to enjoy the so-called privileged life you lead. Why? Because you’re working all the time. Meritocracy, like any ideology, sounds amazing on paper, but falls flat in the real world. It’s as mythical as a unicorn. Catch me if you can. On this week’s show, you’ll meet researcher and writer, Daniel Morkovits, who shares his findings on just how broken this meritocratic system is today.  Listen & Learn: How average CEO compensation has grown 940% since 1978 while typical worker compensation has risen only 12% during that same time How elite education, more than any other factor, acts as the gating factor into the ruling class  How the best universities brag about sub-10% acceptance rates, essentially engineering an elite class How middle-level jobs are getting completely eliminated by technology leaving only the ruling and working classes on either end of the spectrum How the meritocracy myth is not just unfair, but potentially dangerous as it threatens the safety and happiness of both the haves and have-nots.  Links & Resources Meritocracy Trap Book  ABOUT OUR GUEST Daniel Markovits holds degrees from Yale, London School of Economics and Oxford. He’s on the faculty at Yale Law School, where he publishes on the philosophical foundations of private law, moral and political philosophy, and behavioural economics. His latest book is, The Meritocracy Trap: How America's Foundational Myth Feeds Inequality, Dismantles the Middle Class, and Devours the Elite. Nutritional Tip of the Week: White Bread Better Than Whole Wheat Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

The Strength Therapist Sam Spinelli -------- Of all the muscles in your body, your heart muscle gets the most attention - and for good reason. Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death in most countries, so any comprehensive fitness programs must address heart health. But all the other muscles matter too including your quads, your hamstrings, your glutes, and biceps. Ample skeletal muscle is associated with hormonal health, neurological health, and longevity, but for most people over the age of 40, they are losing mass with each passing year. On this week’s show, you’ll meet a physical therapist and strength coach who will help to reduce the fear and friction around lifting heavy things.  Listen & Learn:  The essential movements: squat, push, pull, hinge, carry How squats can actually improve arthritic knees How to balance risk vs reward with weights  The realistic outlook of at-home training Links & Resources Sam’s Website  Sarcopenia  ABOUT OUR GUEST Sam Spinelli a doctor of physical therapy and a strength & conditioning coach with experience working with professional and olympic sport athletes ranging from football, hockey, bobsleigh, powerlifting, weightlifting, to ballet.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: 7 Meals a Day Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

How to Change Your Mind with Jon Venus -------------------------------------- “If it bleeds it leads” has always informed mass media, but for the past few years, the new thesis goes like this. “The more radical the viewpoint, the more reach it gets.” Extreme groups of all types scream it out daily; and while collectively, they represent the minority fringe, they siphon off the majority of our bandwidth. There are the alt right xenophobes, the extreme left terrorists, the all-meat eaters, the fruitarians, the violent vegans, and the QAnon followers all trying to convince you they possess the real truth. So who holds the real answers? Nobody. True revelation is never at the extremes. The truth lives in the murky middle filled with “yes, but” and and “in my situation…” The truth is filed with nuance, compromise, and it requires that we all embrace a certain degree of ignorance. | On this week’s show, you’ll meet a social media personality who built and has since destroyed his personal and professional life around the strict ideology of veganism.  Listen & Learn:  The pitfalls of ideological groups  How parenting adds an incredible layer of social awareness to your personal choices How to change your mind and what it might mean personally and professionally The dangers of extreme groups online Links & Resource:  Jon Venus’ website  ABOUT OUR GUEST Jon is a health and fitness personality best known for his YouTube channel and social media presence. Long-time vegan recently changed his diet. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Mushrooms for Immune System Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Meditation can reduce cortisol, increase telomere length, improve concentration, and foster feelings of unity. But it’s also very, very hard to practice consistently. Stillness is a serious challenge. Despite the plethora of books and apps and mindfulness training programs, most of us still talk a good meditation game but fail to back it up with practice.  On this week’s show, you’ll meet an author, teacher, and lifelong meditator who shares his no-nonsense approach to the practices of Buddhist meditation and mindfulness.  Learn How Meditation:  Improves both proprioception and interoception  Decrease the fear and anxiety activity of the amygdala   Reduces Default Mode Network activity responsible for self-focused, rumination and daydreaming  Increases concentration   Links & Resources: Rick’s Website Rick’s Books on Amazon Satipatthana ABOUT OUR GUESTRick Hanson, PhD is a psychologist, Senior Fellow of UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, and New York Times best-selling author. His books include: Neurodharma, Resilient, Hardwiring Happiness, Buddha's Brain, Just One Thing, and Mother Nurture. He's lectured at NASA, Google, Oxford, and Harvard, and taught in meditation centers worldwide.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Weight Loss for Summer Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   

What do snoring, crooked teeth, and mouth breathing have in common? All these conditions can indicate or even predict a whole series of chronic health problems down the road. James Nestor began his study into breathwork in the extreme world of freediving and breath holding, but he eventually came full circle to focus on the power and necessity of healthy, balanced breathing - something often lacking in our lives. This podcast is for anyone who wheezes, snores, sniffles, finds themselves out of breath easily, or simply wants to deepen their knowledge and understanding of this powerful tool that is your own breath. Listen & Learn:  What happens when you *only* mouth breathe (hint: it’s bad)  How 70-80% of people have deviated septums How lack of chewing has made our jaws smaller and narrower The secrets of the Tummo Monks who heat up their bodies  Links & Resources: James Nestor’s Site ABOUT OUR GUESTJames Nestor is an author and journalist who has written for Outside Magazine, Men's Journal, The Atlantic, National Public Radio, The New York Times, Scientific American, Dwell Magazine, and The San Francisco Chronicle. He’s the author of a book about freediving called, DEEP, and his newest book is called, BREATH: The New Science of a Lost Art.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Protein Shake Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

The Power of Ritual with Casper Ter Kuile ------------------------------ After just five swipes of your newsfeed, and you’ll immediately see ideology and groupthink dominate just about every conversation. As the world becomes more and more digital, we’re simultaneously becoming more tribal. The negative fallout is obvious, but what about the positives? What about a sense of purpose, belonging, ritual, and community? Can we find deep meaning and connection on our own terms? On this week’s podcast, a Harvard researcher joins me to share his work on ritual and religion.   Listen & Learn:  Why agnostics are growing in numbers - but these are not atheists How it’s human nature to gather, share, celebrate, and establish norms Is there such a thing as a leaderless tribe?  How to take the good and avoid the bad of organized groups and religion  Links & Resources The Power of Ritual Book ABOUT OUR GUEST Casper is a Ministry Innovation Fellow at Harvard Divinity School. He holds Masters of Divinity and Public Policy from Harvard University. With his team at Sacred Design Lab, he co-authored a paper How We Gather (2015), and his work has been featured in The New York Times, Atlantic Magazine, and Washington Post. He's the author of the new book, The Power of Ritual (2020).  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Fruit Until Five Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Time Off  with John Fitch ----------------- “You can have anything you want in life, but you can’t have everything.” Most of our biggest dreams are totally unsustainable, but they come with a price. Want six-pack abs? Are you willing to skip carbs and spend 2 hours a day in the gym each day? Want a 7-figure bank balance? Are you up for 70-hour work weeks for the next 10 years? Want to start your own business and work for yourself? Are you prepared to become your own worst boss? I love my work and family. I rarely dream about leisure. And yet, I need it. We all need to rest and recharge. We need to step back so we can step back in more fully. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet  the author of the new book, Time Off: A Practical Guide to Building Your Rest Ethic and Finding Success Without the Stress. Listen & Learn:  How the future of work might look more like leisure How an ethical rest ethic is just as important as a work ethic  How work, schedules, and the future are changing How to recontextualized the idea of downtime Links & Resources:  Time Off Book John’s Website  ABOUT OUR GUEST John Fitch is a coach, writer, and angel investor. He’s the co-author of a new book, Time Off: A Practical Guide to Building Your Rest Ethic and Finding Success Without the Stress. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Fruit Until Five Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

The Children of the Future Jay Belsky, PhD ----------- “I don’t know the meaning of life, but I know the purpose of life. It is to create more life.” - Jay Belsky We’re cavemen pretending to be academic, political, cerebral, and romantic when really we’re mostly motivated by survival and procreation. This is simultaneously depressing and relieving since it explains away some of our most ridiculous actions. On this week’s podcast, Professor Belsky will share with us his life’s research around adaptation, the importance of fatherhood, and a potential “better way” than the American model for child-rearing. Listen & Learn:  How behaviors often labelled maladapted are really perfectly adapted given the environments some children are raised in How to think about the role of the mother vs. the father in a child’s life Why fathers run away and mother’s stay The hardcore truth about the purpose of life   Links & Resources: Jay’s new book, The Origins of You ABOUT OUR GUEST Professor Jay Belsky is an expert in child development and family studies. He specializes in daycare, parent-child relations during the infancy and early childhood years, the transition to parenthood, the etiology of child maltreatment and the evolutionary basis of parent and child functioning. He is the author of more than 300 scientific articles and chapters and the author/editor of several books, including, The National Evaluation of Sure Start: Does Area-Based Early Intervention Work. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Eating Essential Oils Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Detox Your Thoughts with Andrea Bonior --------- The COVID-19 pandemic has dominated the news for months as a quiet crisis, one of mental health, has spread even faster and further. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness are at all-time highs. And what happens when you take away work, school, and social events on top of that? What happens when your usual support and self-care tools are unavailable to you? For many of us, it means swimming through endless days of uncertainty, worry, and loss. On this week’s show, we’ll talk about down-to-earth strategies for how to reign in your head trash. Listen & Learn:  How “all or nothing” thinking can create negative spirals How to consciously separate yourself from your negative thoughts and observe them from afar The real risk of not sleeping enough right now How naming your feelings can be the first important step toward growth Links & Resources Detox Your Thoughts Book ABOUT OUR GUEST Andrea Bonior is a licensed clinical psychologist, speaker, professor, and writer. She writes, "Baggage Check," the mental health advice column and live chat for The Washington Post. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, NPR, Good Morning America, USA Today, CNN, USA Today, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and Self. Her blog for Psychology Today has been viewed more than 16 million times. Her latest book is called, Detox Your Thoughts.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: How Much Fiber to Eat Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

How to Control Your Attention  with Nir Eyal ---------------- How is it possible that with social distancing, telecommuting, and almost zero social events right now, you can still go an entire day and get nothing done. Exercise was forgotten, healthy meals didn’t happen, and the work projects continue to pile up. Can you relate?  Distraction was endemic before the pandemic and will continue long after. Our neural wiring makes us highly-prone to shiny object syndrome where every phone notification and salacious news story glimmers like a fleck of gold. Oh, what’s that? 10 minutes lost. And what about that? 30 more minutes gone.  On this week’s podcast, we’ll explore distraction, and its opposite, traction.  Listen & Learn:  How to make technology your slave  Why the opposite of distraction is not focus - it’s traction Why we should stop blaming technology and start thinking about fundamental behaviours  How to put yourself first Why schedules are so important Links & Resources:  Nir’s website ABOUT OUR GUEST Nir is a writer and the author of Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products and Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life. Previously, he taught as a Lecturer in Marketing at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Spinal Fusion Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Understanding Madnesswith Susannah Cahalan  --------------------------Susannah was an ambitious young adult starting an exciting life in New York City when she began having seizures, experiencing a bout of mania and depression, and even hallucinating. After nearly a month of hospitalization, she was wrongly diagnosed with bipolar disorder before eventually being diagnosed with a rare auto-immune condition that was affecting her brain. We often think of mind and body as two separate systems, acting independently - but this is flawed thinking. Thoughts chains of amino acids, physical movements impact your neurotransmitters, and this distinction between mind and body quickly becomes irrelevant. The two are inextricably linked.On this week’s show, Susannah will share her story, her research into mental health, and how she took charge of her own health.  Listen & Learn:  How mental illness is often treated like a character flaw, not an illness How important it is to take control and responsibility for your own health  Why we lack proper care and treatment for mental illness How the mentally ill are ending up homeless, imprisoned, and lost in society  Links & Resources:  Brain on Fire book The Great Pretender book ABOUT OUR GUESTSusannah Cahalan is a journalist and author of the books, Brain on Fire and The Great Pretender. She has worked for the New York Post. A feature film based on her memoir was released in June 2018 on Netflix. Nutritional Tip of the Week: VitD-Covid Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Men with Meaning & Purposewith Connor Beaton--------What do you call a man who cannot perform, provide, and protect? Many people would call him a loser. It’s true that men have it easier in some areas with greater access to income and opportunities, but that often comes with the price tag of loneliness, isolation, and mental illness.  The stereotypical successful man is often work-torn with heavy eyes, floundering health, and little or no personal life to speak of. This is no way to live. On this week’s podcast, we’ll explore the struggle of men, meaning, and purpose.  Listen & Learn: How loneliness and isolation typify the modern male experience  Why men are often expected to perform and provide at the expense of almost everything else The downside privilege: how many successful men have no real friends    Links & Resources: Connors’ webpage ABOUT OUR GUEST:Connor is a speaker, writer, and podcaster. In 2014, Connor founded ManTalks, a community for men looking to expand and deepen their sense of self-awareness.   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Protein Supplement Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Heart Rate Variability Simplified Marco Altini------------- “I know my body!” is something I hear from yoga students constantly. Sometimes they want to keep practicing and shouldn’t (due to injury or illness) maybe they want to stop practicing and shouldn’t (because the breakthrough is a few poses away). I wish we all knew and understood our inner world as well as our outer world, but most of us don’t. Quick check-in: do you know your resting heart rate right now? Do you know your respiratory rate? How about your blood glucose level? These can all be measured at home, and yet most of us don’t. We don’t know our bodies.  Of all the quantified self measurements, heart rate variability is perhaps the least known and utilized because it requires math and a daily commitment to check - but it delivers powerful insight into your readiness state based on your stress levels. A healthy heart is not slow and steady like a locomotive, it’s highly agile and variable like a cat meandering through a field. On this week’s show, we’ll give into the how and why of heart rate variability.  Listen & Learn: How a healthy heart is not slow and steady but instead agile and variable How the variability of your heartbeats is a direct window into your nervous system How overtraining and lifestyle stress can affect your HRV score How breathing, rest, and a good training schedule can improve your HRV, reduce the risk of injuries Links & Resources: HRV4 Training App  ABOUT OUR GUEST:Marco is a data scientist, programmer, and has a PhD in applied Machine Learning. He leads data science at Bloomlife, a digital health startup focusing on helping expecting mothers have a healthy pregnancy. He’s been developing apps since 2012. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Onions & Garlic Flexibility Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Water, Whiskey, Coffee - Yoga Breathing Made Simple With Lucas Rockwood   “It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.” - Hans Selye Mental and emotional stress were at historic highs pre-Coronavirus. Today, the collective anxiety of the world borders on dangerous. How much uncertainty and loss can we tolerate? Is there an upper limit? The answers will unfold in real-time in the coming months, and that’s why it’s more important than ever to equip yourself with stress management tools for navigating your inner world. Yoga breathing is one of the most powerful nervous system modulated practices available - and yet it continues to be misunderstood and neglected in most health circles. The benefits are immediate, and even a beginner can impact their nervous system dramatically in as little as 10 breaths. In today’s podcast, I’ll help demystify yoga breathing and share with you three simple practices you can use right now.   Listen & Learn:  How yoga breathing can be put into three simple categories: water, whiskey, coffee How to switch breathing from automatic to manual mode and then downshift to relax and soothe yourself  Three simple practices you can use right now  Links & Resources:  Free Breathing Guide (PDF)  Become a Breathing Coach ABOUT OUR GUEST Lucas Rockwood is an internationally-renowned yoga teacher and trainer. He’s the founder of YOGABODY and the Yoga Teachers College. His TEDx Talk on yoga breathing has been viewed more than 1.2 million times.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Canned COVID Food Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Losing it All in COVID-19with Lucas Rockwood--------------Greetings from Barcelona. We’re nearly 2 months into COVID-19 lockdown, and instead of our usual expert interviews, I thought I’d share my experiences so far during COVID-19 with the hopes that I can glean some insight, and maybe you too.  Here’s what I’ll share:  How I lost my yoga studios How crisis unveils both strengths and weakness of systems and people  How quickly we humans can adapt  Family/work / health - what really matters in life ABOUT LUCAS Lucas is an internationally-renowned yoga trainer, TEDx Speaker, podcaster, writer, and entrepreneur. His early yoga and meditation teachers include Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Paul Dallaghan, Alex Medin, Gabriel Cousens MD, and SN Goenka. Lucas left the USA in 2003 and travelled and taught extensively before making Barcelona, Spain his home base. In a previous life, he worked in theatre, publishing, and as a vegan chef and nutritional coach. He’s the father of three international kids and remains as passionate about yoga as when he first began practising in 2002. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Mushrooms for Immunity Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

The Pleasure Gap - Women’s Inequality in the Bedroom Katherine Rowland----------------------“Sex without love is as hollow and ridiculous as love without sex.” - Hunter S. Thompson Most of us are highly-charged sexual beings doing our best to hide it all day long. Lost lust looking for a home. On this week’s podcast, we’ll explore the differences in men’s and women’s pleasure.    Listen & Learn:  Why most women are less interoceptive than men Who is more fulfilled: monogamous or single women?  How modern dating plays out when fueled by our ancient desires How mismatched sexual drive can ruin a relationship Links & Resources: Katherine’s Website Pleasure Gap Book  ABOUT OUR GUESTKatherine has a masters in Sociomedical Sciences from Columbia University. She has contributed to Nature, the Financial Times, Green Futures, the Guardian, the Independent, Aeon, and Psychology Today. Katherine Rowland is the author of, Pleasure Gap: American Women and the Unfinished Sexual RevolutionNutritional Tip of the Week:   What to Eat for Belly Ache   Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Adversity into AdvantageLaura Huang ----------------------------As I get older, I appreciate the struggles of my past almost as much as the successes, and here’s my question for you: What if your greatest weakness could be flipped and leveraged as your greatest strength? What if your biggest problems could be reframed as your best assets? The world of leaders and heros is filled with people who leveraged their rock-bottom experiences to create abundance and service in the present. Currently, we’re living in very difficult times. The health and economy of the world is suffering from COVID-19, and uncertainty is the norm. While no one knows exactly how this will change the world, it’s very clear that things will change. And if we’re fortunate and diligent, perhaps these adverse times can eventually become an advantage too. Listen & Learn: How to create your own edge in life, often built off the adversity of your past Why EDGE (enrich, delight, guide, effort) can give you a framework for moving forward Why hard work is the last step, not the first - you need to aim first    Links & Resources: Laura’s website ABOUT OUR GEST Laura Huang is an associate professor of business administration at Harvard Business School. She was previously assistant professor of management at Wharton. Her research has been featured in The Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Forbes and Nature. Her new book is, The Edge - Turning Adversity into Advantage. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Vit C for COVID19 Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

How Successful People See the World with Emily Balcetis  ----------------- I ran out of laundry detergent last week and couldn’t motivate myself to walk 20 steps to the store to buy more. Why? I can lecture for hours, interview an author for the podcast, answer 70+ emails, and spend time with all three of my kids in one day, but the laundry detergent errand felt impossible.  I have periods of manic productivity with breakthroughs at every turn, but other times when the most mundane chores of life are overwhelming. Why? Where does motivation come from? Why does it waver? On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a psychologist who can help you find your fuel for life.  Listen & Learn:  How the fantasy of a goal can sometimes create enough pleasure to reduce motivation to actually achieve it  How to avoid under-stimulation without accidentally welcoming overwhelm When it can be helpful to look back and anchor past successes When it makes more sense to focus on the future, the next step    Links & Resources:  Emily’s TEDx Talk Emily’s Book Emily Balcetis is a social psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology at New York University. Her research focuses on people's perception of the world and how their motivations and emotions influence it. She is the author of the new book: Clearer, Closer, Better: How Successful People See the World.   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Silver for COVID19 Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Premature Sarah Digregorio----------------- Once a month I have to tell a pregnant yoga student that she cannot practice in our studio, cannot hang upside down in the Yoga Trapeze, or practice long-hold, passive stretches in our Gravity Yoga classes. Why? We teach strong, athletic classes with inversions and deep stretches. It’s not safe. I’ve been accused of trying to tell women what to do with their bodies (and worse!), but the truth is, I just want to keep students safe, including the unborn ones. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a journalist whose premature birth served as the impetus for the research and writing of an entire book on the history of premature birth that includes oven-incubated babies and circus sideshow preemies. Listen & Learn: How incubators for preemies were first introduced in 1880 How stress, age, pollution, and other unknown factors are potential contributors Why 50% of the time, the cause of premature birth is unknown How to think about this problem holistically Links & Resources: Sarah’s website EARLY Book   ABOUT OUR GUESTSarah is a freelance journalist who has written for various publications, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Village Voice, Food & Wine, BuzzFeed, Parade, and Saveur. Her work has been included in the Best American Food Writing yearly anthologies three times. Her new book is called, EARLY: A History of Premature Birth and What is Tells us About Being Human.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: What is your dosha Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

The New Science of Self Actualization with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman ---------------------------When I feel frustrated with my place in the world, it’s often because I feel I’m not living up to my full potential. I have more to offer, more to give - and yet I’m not making it happen. Maslow defined this desire to become our best self as the need to self-actualize. But how do we do this?  Achievement triggers the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Our brain lights up with happy chemicals as we become our best selves, and the opposite is true when we play small.  On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a psychologist whose work focuses on creativity, talent, self-achievement, and actualization.    Listen & Learn How people with obvious challenges and even disadvantages can often out-perform their gifted colleagues  Why standardized tests often fail to predict actual potential How to look past intelligence and talent and focus on you vs. you Why you have to transcend yourself to self actualize   Links & Resources Scott’s Website   ABOUT OUR GUEST Scott Barry Kaufman is a humanistic psychologist, author, podcaster, and popular science writer.   His work focuses on intelligence, creativity, and human potential.  He’s the author of a number of books, including his most-recent: Transcend: The New Science of Self Actualization.    Nutritional Tip of the Week: Recipes During Quarantine Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTune

You’re stuck at home, your economic future is uncertain, and it’s difficult to plan more than one day at a time. To make things even more challenging, the people and activities that bring you the most joy might be unavailable. What do you do? How do you manage your emotional health during times of such unrest?  On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a psychologist whose entire career has been focused on the management and treatment of anxiety.  Listen & Learn:  How to differentiate between danger and discomfort The power of acceptance  Navigating fear, loss, and change  Understanding the emotions around your fears Links & Resources:  Dr. Carbonell’s site  ABOUT OUR GUEST Doctor Carbonell is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders as a therapist, author, and teacher. He founded the Anxiety Treatment Center in Chicago in 1990, one of the first psychological practices in the United States devoted exclusively to the treatment of clients who sought help with anxiety disorders, and continues to offer treatment today. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Supplements for COVID-19 Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

I once had a yoga student with a prosthetic leg. I didn’t realize until I attempted to push her heel to the floor in Downward Dog. I assumed that she wanted to simply blend into class and that’s why she hadn’t told me (or anyone at reception) before joining class. I was right. She just wanted to practice, and she did great. I’ve since had students with birth defects, different length legs, missing limbs, traumatic brain injuries, and scoliosis among other things. Historically, yoga studios are not known for their diversity - but that’s changing fast. Bigger bodied, older, and more diverse students are gaining interest in yoga each year. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a teacher who focuses specifically on addressing the needs of a more diverse (in every way) yoga community.  Listen & Learn:  Why practice (not posing) is the key How to navigate the challenges of a mixed level, mixed ability class Yoga teacher vs. therapist - what’s the difference?  The future of yoga for all body types  Links & Resources Accessible Yoga Book Accessible Yoga Training  ABOUT OUR GUESTJivana Heyman is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga. He’s the co-owner of the Santa Barbara Yoga Center. His passion is making Yoga accessible to everyone. He has led over 40 Yoga teacher training programs and created the Accessible Yoga Training program in 2007. Jivana taught Accessible Yoga at the United Nations in Geneva for their International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2015.   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Garlic for Coronavirus Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

A close friend lost her husband tragically and suddenly, but she was back in the office just two weeks later. She shed a few tears that first month, but mostly, it was Beth as usual. She didn’t fall behind on any projects or ask for help. “Beth is so strong. I think she can handle just about anything,” they said. Except they were wrong, and so was I. Beth was mourning privately for months, and then deeply depressed for years following the accident. She’d kept it hidden. Hidden depression is not just common, it’s applauded; and I’m as guilty of this as anyone. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a clinical psychologist whose recent work focuses on this growing mental health problem hidden from plain sight. Listen & Learn How the “smile or die” positive attitude leads many of use to push down and cover up deep pain and emotions  The difference between classic, clinical depression and the hidden type  The personal and societal fallout that come from wearing an emotional mask for years or even a lifetime How the opposite of depression is engagement or connection - no happiness  Links & Resources Perfectly Hidden Depression Book Site Dr. Rutherford’s Site Smile or Die ABOUT OUR GUEST Margaret is a clinical psychologist with over 27 years experience. She’s also a writer and podcaster (SelfWork). She has a new book called, Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism that Masks Your Depression. She has written for HuffPost, The Mighty, Psych Central, The Gottman Blog, Psychologies, StigmaFighters, The Good Men Project, and This Is My Brave.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Moringa Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Do you have a talky coworker who never gives you space to share your ideas? Do you have a neighbor who does home repairs at 2 am? Or a spouse that never follows through with their shared housework? Welcome to everyday conflict. We argue easily about the things we care most about, and the small things seem too petty to be bothered with. Instead, we let them brew and fester until finally, we explode. Healthy conflict is the sign of a healthy relationship, but how can you foster positive conflict at home and at work? What does that even look like?  Listen & Learn:  Whether to avoid conflict or race to conflict (which is better?) How to identify your values and aligned with them  Exploring shadow values and inner conflict  Strategies for communication and positive outcomes  Links & Resources: Dr Goldman-Wetzler’s Book Alignment Strategies Group About Our Guest:  Jennifer is a leading expert on conflict and organizational psychology, is founder and CEO of Alignment Strategies Group, and author of, Optimal Outcomes: Free Yourself from Conflict at Work, at Home, and in Life.     Nutritional Tip of the Week: Monk Fruit Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

My piano lessons were a dark, 45-minute drive from home. Mom and I left home at 6:30 am on Tuesday mornings to get there before school. “Luke is really good at this,” Ms. McGill said after my third lesson. I was eight, and that simple comment, deliberately made within earshot, gave me confidence with music that I carry even to this day (despite my obvious lack of skill as an adult). I never said thank you to Ms. McGill. I should have.  My sophomore year in high school, Mrs. Johnston tortured every paper I gave her with red ink. It was a bloodbath, and I suffered. But at the end of the semester, she gave me an A. It was one of the more meaningful grades I ever received, and her red ink comments continue to help me write better to this day. Mrs. Johnston smoked and was 50-years older than me, I’m sure she’s passed away by now. I should have said thank you.  On this week’s podcast, we’ll discuss the simple and powerful practice of writing thank you letters: to people, to family members, to cities, to the diseased, and even to people with whom you’ll never see again.  Listen & Learn:  How to leverage positive recall biased  Why gratitude rooted in real-life experiences anchors positivity  How to write letters and then decide later if you send or don’t send them LInks & Resources: Nancy’s Site The Thank You Project About Our Guest:  Nancy Davis Kho is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in The Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, US Magazine, The Rumpus, and The Toast. Her new book is, The Thank You Project: Cultivating Happiness One Letter of Gratitude at a Time.Nutritional Tip of the Week: Should I Eat Dairy Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

“I’m not sure if you feel things the way I do,” she said. “I feel everything.” I was twenty-one, she was twenty-three. The window looked out at a brick wall in my Lower East Side apartment. “I have emotional needs, and you’re buried in your books and your work. You can see me.” That was how it started on a Sunday afternoon. By Friday, I was helping her load CDs and tattered books into the trunk of a taxi. My first big breakup. Need to know more? Probably not. You’ve probably lived some version of this yourself, maybe more than once.  The quality of our lives are very much defined by the quality of our relationships, and that person next to you in bed is the most important relationship of all. So how are you doing with that? Do you have a plan? Are you growing or just getting by? Like most of us, it’s probably a work in progress. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet relationship expert Maya Diamond shares her experiences from her field work.    Listen and learn:  How to determine and establish values and standards - and hold yourself to them Why emotional responsiveness is crucial to a lasting partnership Why men and women often express desires differently, but ultimately seek the same thing  How to navigate online connections, text messages, and modern technologies in your love life  Links & Resources:  Maya’s website About Our Guest:  Maya is a Dating and Relationship Coach. She is also a YogaTeacher and Massage Therapist. She has a great TEDx talk you can find online, she holds a Master's in Somatic Psychology.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Maca Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

I always wanted to be a writer. Kerouac, Hemmingway, and Carver were my heros. Later it was playwrights Kushner, Ibsen, and Chekov. I’d drag home backpacks full of books from the public library, and I finagled my way into just about every theater I could find in New York City from Broadway to deep Brooklyn fringe venues. If you met me at age 20, you’d never predict I’d be teaching backbends and low glycemic diets at age 40 - but here we are. Life is full of surprises. Sometimes the rug gets pulled out from under you; and sometimes, for no obvious reason, you simply shift gears and start driving another direction. In 2002, I discovered yoga and alternative health. I was a much better writer (even back then) than I was a yoga student, but it didn’t matter. Passion is in short supply, so when you’ve got it, people want to be around you. By 2003, I was teaching and traveling; and by 2006, I founded the largest training school in South East Asia. What a change. Learning and teaching are among the most rewarding things in my life, and on this week’s podcast, I’ll share with you the “best of” list from what I’ve observed after training more than 4,000 yoga teachers in the past 13 years. Hopefully my journey has some lessons of value for you, whatever your profession.  Listen & Learn:  Why age, background, and athletic ability are NOT predictors of future teaching success How passion acts like magnet for opportunity  The importance of a life and career plan Why you social circle matters just as much as your goals   How speaking and teaching are meta skills  Links & Resources: Yoga Teachers College (my school) Yoga Business Mastery Podcast About Lucas Rockwood: Lucas Rockwood is an internationally-renowned yoga trainer, TEDx Speaker, podcaster, writer, and entrepreneur. His early yoga and meditation teachers include Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (deceased), Paul Dallaghan, Alex Medin, Gabriel Cousens MD, and SN Goenka (deceased). Lucas left the USA in 2003 when he began traveling and teaching extensively before making Barcelona, Spain, his home base. In a previous life, he worked in theater, publishing, and as a vegan chef and nutritional coach. He’s the father of three international kids and remains as passionate about yoga as when he first began practicing in 2002. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Fish Oil Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

The three largest mental health facilities in the USA are Rickers, Cooks Country and LA Twin Towers Jails. The mentally ill have literally been relegated to prisons since there are so few public resources for those in need. This is devastating to the mentally ill, of course, but also to their families, neighbors and communities who are forever impacted.  Listen & Learn:  How prisons have replaced mental health facilities in the U.S.  Why the mentally ill are treated like criminals  The real cost of addiction  Why public policy needs to be more compassionate  Links & Resources:  Bedlam Book The Film Dr. Rosenberg’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Rosenberg is a psychiatrist with a specialty is addiction medicine at Upper East Health. He’s the author of Infidelity and his newest book, Bedlam: An Intimate Journey into America’s Health Crisis. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Weight Loss Pills Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Two mice are genetically identical, but one ends up obese and yellow and the other ends up mousy brown and healthy as expected. What’s the difference? The mutated mouse’s mother was undernourished during pregnancy, and different genes switched on. Genetics load the gun, epigenetics pull the trigger. Most of us have the potential for exceptional health, but some of us enter the world with serious health disadvantages that make it much more difficult to survive and thrive. Your parents’ nutrition and even your grandparents’ diet might be influencing your genetic expression right now, today. Scary stuff, but potentially empowering too. Listen in on this week’s podcast to learn:  How low birth weight ( How simple nutrients like folate during pregnancy can massively impact the health of a person for their entire life  What epidemiological studies tell us about the real risk of generational poverty and health  Why the first 1,000 days of life are so important   How your parents’ and grandparents' diets might be impacting you today  Links & Resources: Article on Agouti Mice Book on Amazon  Judith’s website Nutritional Tip of the Week: Curry as a Spice Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes About Our Guest: Judith Finlayson has written books ranging from personal well-being and women’s history to food and nutrition. A former national newspaper columnist for the Globe and Mail, she is the author of over a dozen cookbooks. Judith lives in Toronto, Canada. 

I have a challenge for you. Take a pencil to paper and map out your past five years on a line graph with peaks being the great experiences and valleys being the lows. I’d be willing to guess you have a deep valley (or two!) every single year, but what about a peak? What about a moment or an experience that you’ll cherish as a memory for the rest of your life? Do you have one?Most people who listen to the podcast value experiences over possessions, but are we doing enough to actively craft amazing moments in our lives? I’m not. I’d like to do better. Listen in on this week’s show to get ideas.  Listen & Learn:  Why it’s important to focus on your life resume, not just your work resume How to create peak moments in life Why natural + hard things can create magic How to live life on your own terms How to rethink your relationship with time  Links & Resources: Jesse’s Site 29029 Everest Site About Our Author: Jesse Itzler is the author of the books Living with a Seal and Living with the Monks, co-founder of Marquis Jet, and was involved in the Zico Coconut Water rise to success.  He's a former rapper on MTV and wrote and performed the NBA's Emmy Award-winning I Love This Game music campaign, as well as the popular New York Knicks anthem Go NY Go. He runs ultra-marathons and has a new venture called 29,029 where you summit a ski mountain again and again until you gain a total elevation equivalent to climbing Mount Everest. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Lemon Water in the Morning Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Steve Jobs had genius-level intelligence and built one of the largest and most influential companies in the world. This is impressive, but at the same time that Apple was achieving success, Jobs denied fathering his own daughter, was forced to take a DNA test, and ended up paying a tiny amount of child support for her entire youth despite having millions. I never met Steve Jobs, but universally, he’s portrayed as a jerk. He’s the super-intelligent guy that you’d rather not invite over for dinner. So what good is a high IQ if your family and friends can’t stand you? What is the point of success if you have no one to share it with?  Intelligence is often put on a pedestal, but the trappings are often glazed over. On this week’s podcast, we’ll unpack the “intelligence trap” and provide a new perspective on contextualizing brainpower. Listen & Learn:  Why smart people are prone to motivated reasoning  How entrenchment and earned dogmatism plague some of the best minds How to self distance to avoid the traps Why a growth mindset can keep you learning and changing with the times   Links & Resources: Intelligence Trap Book David Robson’s Site About Our GuestDavid Robson is a science writer based in London, UK, specializing in brains, bodies and behavior. He was a features editor at New Scientist for five years and is currently a senior journalist at BBC Future. He regularly features on the BBC World Service and his writing has also appeared in the Guardian, the Atlantic, and the Washington Post. His new book is called The Intelligence Trap.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Weight Loss in 2020 Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

I started moonlighting as a yoga teacher and nutritional coach in my 20s while I still kept my day job. I didn’t know if I could turn my passion into a career, so I dipped my toe into the water to see how it felt. I’m not going to lie, it was hard. It’s still hard, but I figured it out. I know many of my podcast listeners are yoga teachers, trainers, health coaches, and entrepreneurs; and many of you are in the early days of trying to figure out how to make things work business-wise. If that’s you, this week’s show is for you.  Meet Dr. John Beradi, the super-fit brain behind one of the largest nutritional coach training schools in the world, and a true voice of wisdom in a market that is in dire need.  Listen & Learn:  How combining your old skills with your new passion is where real success is hiding How to analyze and think creatively about new opportunities How to figure out what your clients really want  How to determine what it is that you have to offer  How to turn your passion into a body of work you’re proud of  Links & Resources Change Makers Book Change Maker Academy About Our GuestJohn Berardi, entrepreneur, is known as the co-founder of Precision Nutrition, the world's largest nutrition coaching, education, and software company. He's also the founder of Change Maker Academy, devoted to helping would-be changemakers turn their passion for health and fitness into a powerful purpose and a wildly successful career. Berardi has advised major corporations and professional sports teams. He was named one of the 20 smartest coaches in the world and 100 most influential people in health and fitness. Berardi lives in Ontario, Canada, with his wife and four children. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Crowding Out Bad Foods Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Loneliness, living alone and poor social connections are as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It’s worse for you than obesity. And you’re much more likely to suffer from dementia, heart disease, and depression if you’re isolated and alone(1). The importance of social connections and touch has been proven in both human and animal models, but the solution is much less obvious. How do combat the loneliness epidemic? My guest on this week’s show has some excellent ideas. Listen & Learn:  How loneliness is one of the biggest risk factors for all-cause mortality The difference between feeling alone and feeling isolated How positive social connection is more important than just social connection Why education and volunteering can be simple ways to find connection   How our digital age is making loneliness the norm  Links & Resources: Dr. Harding’s Site The Rabbit Effect Book About Our Guest: Dr. Kelli Harding is a board-certified psychiatrist focused on emotional wellbeing and the interplay between mental and physical health. She’s the author of THE RABBIT EFFECT: Live Longer, Happier, and Healthier with the Groundbreaking Science of Kindness.    Nutritional Tip of the Week: Meat-Only Diet Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

You could still smoke indoors when I moved to Spain in 2009. Thankfully, it was banned in 2010 as part of an on-going anti-tobacco campaign that has since failed miserably. Fifteen years ago, 32% of people smoked. Today, 34% smoke. Somehow, the US has managed to get smoking rates down to 14%, and yet, even with a nationwide campaign, consumption here goes up. Why?  My guest on this week’s podcast has spent much of her career studying and dissecting human habit formation and change. The reasons why you do what you do are not obvious and not even conscious, so changing them requires a deeper understanding of self.  Listen & Learn:    How the US anti-smoking campaign was so successful Why the “5 a Day” healthy eating campaign flopped The small role that motivation plans in your habits What mechanisms are at play when habits are formed  The roles of friction, cues, and beliefs in habit formation  Links & Resources:  Wendy’s Book & Site About Our Guest: Wendy Wood is a psychologist and the Provost Professor of Psychology and Business at USC where she has been a faculty member since 2009. Her primary research contributions are in habits and behavior change, along with the psychology of gender. She is the author of a new book Good Habits, Bad Habits. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Meal Timing Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

I’ve set a personal goal to live to be 122, and I specifically chose this number because it seems like a stretch but also totally within the realm of reasonable given my age and the advances in science. My children, I’m almost certain, will easily surpass my age simply because they have even more time for science to make it possible. So if 80 is the new 50, what does that mean for our hair, teeth, and liver? What choices should we make now to extend not just our lifespan but our healthspan too? My guest on this week’s show is a thought leader on longevity, and he’ll share his latest research from Harvard.  Listen & Learn:  How metformin, resveratrol, and NAD might be the ultimate pill stack for longevity we know of Why it’s important to get hungry Why you need to exercise to the point of breathlessness How 20% of your health is genetic, the other 80% is up for grabs How your choices today play out in your healthspan in the future Links & Resources:  Lifespan Book About Our GuestDavid A. Sinclair, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biological Mechanisms of Aging. He is best known for his work on understanding why we age and how to slow its effects. He’s the author of a new book, Lifespan, found on Amazon or at his site. Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

When you’re fasting, your body undergoes rapid healing that is very well-documented and exciting, but it’s also extremely impractical. When you spend a few days without eating, you’re weak, tired, hangry, and no good for much of anything except lying around the pool (hence the need for fasting resorts). But what if there was a way to get many of the same hormone-balancing and neuroprotective benefits of fasting while still eating and feeling good? This is where ketosis comes in, and while it’s turned into a fad diet, the real uses for the occasional reset are timeless and relatively simple to use. Listen & Learn: Why ketosis is anti-inflammatory How it takes time to adapt to eating healthier fat Why the real exciting health changes are in the boring middle (not the extremes) How to think about food and nutrition from a balanced perspective Why inflammation can often be the deeper underlying issue with many fads in health Links & Resources: Will Cole’s Website Will’s books on Amazon About Our Guest Dr. Will Cole promotes functional-medicine and specializes in clinically investigating underlying factors of chronic disease and customizing health programs for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal dysfunctions, digestive disorders, and brain problems. Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

My worst fear with aging is losing my cognitive abilities, forgetting my kids’ names, and just becoming an old fool. It’s easy to assume that the brain will go along with the body, but there’s pretty good evidence to suggest that your mental age can be a decade younger than your physical body’s age, but you have to start working on it now. On this week’s show, you’ll meet a neuroscientist whose mission is to help us all understand how to take better care of our brains.  Listen & Learn:  Why your brain needs 7-9 hours of sleep or you'll lose IQ points the next day How nutrition and hydration are essential for neural health  How exercise can dramatically slow brain aging  Why a sense of belonging is the number one factor in neural health  Links & Resources:  Tara Swart's Website Tara’s books on Amazon About Our Guest Dr. Tara Swart is a neuroscientist, leadership coach, author, and a medical doctor. She helps leaders achieve mental resilience and peak brain performance, improving their ability to manage stress, regulate emotions and retain information. Her newest book is called The Source. Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Hormonal birth control has been directly correlated with weight gain, mental health problems, and decreased libido—not exactly an ideal mix when it comes to sexuality. But what are you supposed to do? What is the alternative? With anything health and wellness, all decisions are personal, but unfortunately, most decisions are uninformed.  Our guest on this week’s show will shed some light on the real concerns so you can make the decision that is right for you. Listen & Learn How the pill can make you attracted to less masculine men How birth control can lead to anxiety and depression Why non-oral hormones carry a higher risk for mental health problems How old school methods are worth considering in some cases  How a pill can have cascading effects throughout your mind and body  Links & Resources Sarah’s website  Sarah’s book About Our GuestSarah E. Hill, Ph.D. is a research psychologist and professor who studies health, relationships, and social behavior. Her research lab is located in the Department of Psychology at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas. She is also a writer, speaker, and author. Her book, This is Your Brain on Birth Control, is available on Amazon or on her website. Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

I had a rough year in 2006. It was the year I opened my first yoga studio. I should have been on cloud nine, but I wasn’t ready for all that responsibility and all that stress. I had a staff of 12, hundreds of students, courses, a restaurant, and very little support. Mostly, I was alone. An old friend sent me some audio meditation tracks he’d be using that had a technology called binaural beats. I’d never heard of it, but I gave it a try. Right away, I felt something. Technology and I have a complex relationship, but when it makes life easier, I’m a fan. Meditation is really hard, and anyone who tells you differently is actually just walking their dog (and calling it meditation). The real practices require deep work, and it’s very hard to do all alone at home, even with books and apps. This is why I love yoga breathing, and it’s also why frequency-following music can be very helpful, particularly when you’re just getting started or in a mental and emotional jam. My guest on this week’s show is an audio engineer who makes meditation music, and he’ll share how this simple technology can potentially help you find more balance.  Links & Resources Cory’s Site Try some binaural beats on Spotify About Our Guest Cory Allen is an author, podcast host, meditation teacher, and audio engineer from Austin, TX. His first book, Now Is the Way, was just released. Cory has studied and produced music for over 15 years. He has released over a dozen albums.  Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

I wanted to run a marathon this year. The truth is, I hardly ever run, but like any good mid-life crisis man, I wanted to tackle that goal to prove to myself I still could do hard things. Sounds great, right? Fun and challenging? Here’s the problem—I didn’t do it. I don’t even think I wanted to do it. If I had been smarter, I would have set a tiny goal, like running 5 km per week for a year for example. Then I could “win” the goal, and if the marathon happened, it’d be gravy. Instead, here I am approaching the end of the year. I’ve actually logged at least 10 km/week all year long, but I don’t feel like it matters. But it does matter. My goal was just poorly crafted.  In this “dream big” and “hustle hard” era, it can be difficult to dial it back and make tiny goals and tiny habits, but I’m convinced it’s where most of the change is actually possible. On this week’s show, Dr. BJ Fogg shares his behavior change research from his upcoming book.  Listen & Learn:  How you need an epiphany, an environment change, or a collection of tiny habits to make lasting change Why stacking small successes is often much wiser than chasing huge moonshots Why feeling good is the best way to change How things that make you feel guilt and shame are unlikely to motivate you long-term  Links & Resources: Tiny Habits Site BehaviorModel.org Nutritional Tip: Food Allergies About Our Guest Dr. BJ Fogg founded the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University, where he directs research and innovation. He teaches industry innovators how to use his models in Behavior Design. The purpose of his research and teaching is to help people improve their lives. BJ is the author of Persuasive Technology, and Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything is coming out in a couple months. Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

You close your blackout curtains, flip your phone to airplane mode, and crawl into bed with all the best intentions to get 7.5 hours of sleep—and then your monkey mind starts peeling bananas. Work deadlines stream through your mind, the next episode of your current favorite series beckons, and for no good reason, you’re dying to see what your friends are posting on Instagram. Thirty minutes pass, and more of the same. You’re now worried you’ll have raccoon eyes at the office meeting in the morning, but that thought just makes things worse. You finally fall asleep at 2:00 am and manage just four hours of sleep. Sound familiar? Many people overcome this by drinking half a bottle of red wine, puffing on a CBD vape pen, or popping an Ambien—but these are all Band-Aids. The underlying problem has not been solved. You’ve got a sleep problem, and it needs to be fixed.   Sleep expert Dr. Guy Leschziner dedicates his work to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, and he’s my guest on this week’s show.  Listen & Learn:  Why 50% of your sleep tendencies are likely inherited  How to intelligently use sleep apps and other consumer tracking devices  Why REM sleep is not fully understood and can even be problematic  How sleep problems and mental health are very much a chicken and egg problem How to know when to get professional medical help  Links & Resources Guy’s site Guys’ Book on Amazon  About Our GuestGuy is the clinical lead for the Sleep Disorders Centre at Guy's Hospital, which is one of Europe's largest sleep units. He is also Reader in Neurology at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King's College London. His new book The Nocturnal Brain: Nightmares, Neuroscience and the Secret World of Sleep is available now. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Apples vs Oranges Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

I said goodbye to my grandfather when I was 8 years old. He had his first heart attack, and my mom was convinced he didn’t have long to live. Turns out he had many, many years ahead of him. Unfortunately, he was riddled with recurring heart problems, Parkinson’s, and a whole host of medical challenges. He lived a long life, but not a healthy one. His rapid decline shook my family, turned my mother into a health fanatic, and she passed the bug onto me.  I wish I could say that pleasure and dreams of excellence motivate me, but it’s pain and fear that drive most of the big moves in my life. “I don’t want to end up in a rocking chair watching Wheel of Fortune,” gets me to my yoga mat much more often than “I want to glow with radiant energy.” I wish I chased carrots, but mostly, I run from the stick. What about you? My guest on this week’s show is a medical doctor who has dedicated most of his work to trying to unravel the complex challenge that is the #1 killer in the world: heart disease.  Listen & Learn:  How medical advances treating heart disease are largely responsible for extended life expectancy  Why Lipitor is one of the most prescribed drugs in the world How your choices and health goals might shift if you planned to live past 100 in a healthy state Healthspan vs. lifespan: What matters most?  What the “heart-healthy” 1980s got right and what we got wrong Links & Resources:  Book on Amazon ABOUT OUR GUEST  Physician, writer, and clinical researcher Haider Warraich is the author of the new book, State of the Heart - Exploring the History, Science and Future of Cardiac Disease that we’ll be talking about today. He writes for the New York Times but also contributes to the Guardian, the Atlantic, the LA Times and the Boston Globe. He completed internal medicine and cardiology training at Harvard Medical School and Duke University. Haider has appeared on CNN, Fox, CBS, PBS, and shows like Fresh Air, The Diane Rehm Show, The World, Marketplace and the BBC World Service. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Garlic and feeling bad Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Would you survive if you had to grow or forage your own food for an entire year? Would you eat roadkill, wild yam, coconuts, and acorn grubs? Rob Greenfield is finishing up 365 days straight growing and gathering (from the ‘wild’) as his own food. Rob is an adventurer, environmental activist, humanitarian, and a guy on a mission to create a more sustainable and just world.Listen & Learn:  Why our current food systems are broken How extremes can plant seeds for moderate ideas that make more sense Why mono-crops and siloed thinking have a lot in common  How our planet will look and feel with 9 billion people on it  Links & Resources:  Rob’s TEDx Talk  Rob’s Website  ABOUT OUR GUEST Rob Greenfield is an adventurer, environmental activist, humanitarian, and a guy on a mission to create a sustainable and just world. He dumper-dived into more than two thousand dumpsters across the United States, cycled across the USA three times, wore all his own garbage as clothing for 30 days, and spent the past year growing and foraging his own food. Rob walks his talk. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Hydration Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

“Inhale fresh, life-giving oxygen… exhale toxic, dead carbon dioxide,” said my yoga teacher. I’ve heard some variation of this hundreds of times in classes. Oxygen is good, carbon dioxide is bad. In with the good, out with the bad. Right?  As it turns out, this kindergarten understanding of breathing physiology is wrong. Most of us could really benefit from more CO2 because it opens up your air passageways, relaxes smooth muscle tissues, and allows for greater absorption of oxygen. Lack of CO2 actually leads to a lack of oxygen. Confused yet? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.  On this week’s show, we’ll set the record straight and help you understand why slow breathing boosts CO2, and why that’s a good thing.  Listen & Learn:   The CO2 paradox: why you need carbon dioxide to actually absorb oxygen Why 4-6 liters of air per minute is what we need but most people breathe 2x that much  How over-breathing reduces (not increases) oxygen levels Why over-breathing and mouth breathing is associated with dozens of neurological disorders and diseases  How to slow down your breath  Links & Resources:  Artour’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST  Dr. Artour Rahkimov has been teaching the Buteyko method and breath retraining to thousands of students for more than 17 years. He was trained by Ludmila Buteyko and Dr. Andrey Novoh-zhilov, MD, the Chief Physician of the Buteyko Clinic in Moscow. Dr. Artour trained numerous breathing practitioners in the US, Germany and Denmark. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Why bread makes me sick Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

People often compare the human body to a car, but this is a bad analogy (unless it’s a Tesla) because your body doesn’t contain a combustion engine. You’re electric, my friend, and your nerves are in the driver’s seat. One electrical stimulus makes you anxious, another makes you calm; mostly, you’re an out-of-control cross-fire of signals that kicks you around energetically and emotionally throughout the day. To know your nerves, you must know the vagus nerve. It’s the master controller of the parasympathetic branch of your autonomic nervous system - and it’s more complex than simply “rest and digest.” Let’s deep dive into the polyvagal theory on this week’s show.  Listen & Learn:  How to better understand your body’s nervous system responses The importance of the vagus nerve for stress modulation  How to deal with triggers and embrace and appreciate glimmers The polyvagal theory explained Ventral vagal complex: readiness to connect Dorsal vagal complex: collapse and freeze Links & Resources:  Deb’s website Polyvagal theory ABOUT OUR GUEST  Deb is a clinician, consultant, lecturer, and coordinator of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium in the Kinsey Institute. Her work is based on the Polyvagal Theory to understand and resolve the impact of trauma, understand the autonomic nervous system, and move into states of protection and connection. She is the author of the book The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy available on Amazon or through her website. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Organic vs conventional Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

My second child has black circles under his eyes in all his photos from birth to age four. He slept as little as possible and willed himself through most days with all the angst and irritability of any insomniac. At age four, he finally started sleeping and quickly became a new person. He learned more, laughed more, talked (a lot) and was a joy to be around. Was it just the sleep? No, but it made a huge difference. No more nervous anxiety in the mornings, no more dark circles, and finally, he seemed to find real moments of peace.  When kids sleep poorly, parents sleep poorly, and the entire health and happiness of the household are affected. When you sleep badly, you’re obviously tired and grumpy, but there are much more worrying long-term effects that can include malformed jaws (in children), weight gain, mood disorders, and cognitive impairment. But what can you do?  Listen & Learn:   How poor sleep decreases leptin (satiety hormone) and increases ghrelin (hunger hormone)  How bad sleep is correlated with hedonistic eating (think Netflix+ Haagen-Dazs binges) How attachment parenting may not be the best approach for you Why “cry it out” techniques are not for everyone and not for every stage of development How to discern what you can and should control and what you should simply let go of   Links & Resources:  Dr. Canapari’s Book Craig’s Website  ABOUT OUR GUEST Craig is a pediatrician at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital in New Haven, CT, specializing in the care of children with breathing and sleep problems. He is boarded in Pediatrics, Pediatric Pulmonology, and Sleep Medicine. His book, It’s Never Too Late to Sleep Train, is available on Amazon or on his website.   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Eat seaweed Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

The American life expectancy is currently 79, which sounds great until you realize that is the 26th in line worldwide. Despite being one of the most developed and wealthy nations in the world, the US system is not only ridiculously overpriced (at least 2x), it’s also ineffective. It’s a double fail with upstream and downstream effects that are impossible to even begin to quantify. This wonky system was built post World War II with financial incentives going to everyone except the average citizen, and while no one has a clear cut solution, everyone agrees that things must change.  My guest on the show is a medical doctor and industry insider-turned-whistle blower, and his insights provide an optimistic 10+ year outlook for change.  Listen & Learn:   How the medical industry has 4x the number of lobbyists than the military  Why the US medical system is about 2x overpriced  How Germany, Canada, and the Scandanavian countries all seem to do it better  How spending on medical care is on track to reach 20% of GDP by 2026 ABOUT OUR GUEST Mike Magee is on faculty at Presidents College at the University of Hartford. He has worked as a doctor, a university medical school administrator, a hospital executive, and head of global medical affairs for Pfizer. He’s the author of the book Code Blue: Inside America’s Medical-Industrial Complex available on Amazon. Links & Resources: About the book Mike’s site  Buy the book on Amazon Nutritional Tip of the Week: Choose Seafood Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

I live in Spain where the average life expectancy just hit 83 years—number three in the world, less than one percentage of a point behind Switzerland and Japan. Foreigners often hypothesize that the reason is due to the diet, the long walks, or red wine that keep people alive until such an old age, but after I’ve lived here for 10 years, I must disagree.As I look out of my office window right now, the corner cafe is filled with office workers on a morning break drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes, and eating croissants. In the evening, that same crew will return for beer and wine, deep-fried tapas, and another round of cigarettes. This is the norm. So why then do they live so long? My theory is that people are less stressed, on average, all the time. Plus, the family unit and social ties are extremely strong. Grown adults will share a sitdown meal with their parents weekly (or more). Friendships are cherished and developed, the average workday is long and leisurely, and life is slower and less intense. Research clearly shows that great relationships and reduced stress are predictive of health worldwide, and yet most of us obsess much more about the perfect meal or the perfect workout (at least I do). Chronic stress is a silent killer that affects your mood, your waistlines, your hormones, and mental health. The goal is not to live a stress-free life, that’s impossible; instead, our aim should be to reduce the stressors we can and manage the rest effectively through diet, exercise, nutrition, breathing, and positive mental models. Our guest on this week's podcast teaches a “stress less” holistic approach to wellness. Listen & Learn:  Why 90% of periodontal disease has no pain and how a lack of pain in life is not a signal of no problems How thoughts are things, literally, they are neurotransmitters made of proteins The PERMA model (positive, engaged, relationships, meaning, accomplishment)   Links & Resources: Book on Amazon Dr Ron’s Site  ABOUT OUR GUEST B.D.S (Syd Uni) FACNEM (Dent) Dr. Ron Ehrlich is a holistic health advocate, educator, and holistic dentist. Dr. Ron has developed his health model of how stress affects our health; breaking stress down to emotional, environmental, nutritional, structural and dental stressors. He’s the author of the book A Life Less Stressed available on Amazon or his website.  Nutritional Tip of the Week:  Garlic Onion Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

Imagine a mosquito bites your arm. You scratch the bump and it grows big and red and doesn’t go away for months. You’d be panicked, right? Now, imagine that the red inflamed area is inside your gut, your small intestines, and your colon. What now? Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. The long-term health impact of gastrointestinal inflammation is devastating. At the extremes, there’s Crohn’s and Colitis, but hundreds of millions of people are suffering from endocrine disruption, nutrient malabsorption, and general malaise due do this lurking problem.  My guest on this week’s show was so skinny you could see all his bones. He was drugged up and nearly dead from this hardcore bowel disease—but he fixed it. Naturally. No more medicine. Despite the odds, he’s 55 pounds heavier today and looks like a fitness model. His research is solid and his advice takes each individual into account. You’ll Learn:  What Crohn’s and Colitis are How inflammation can be a silent killer How epigenetics can be influenced by diet and lifestyle  Why some people go fruitarian and others meatatarian - who’s right?  How cheat days can still happen — you don’t have to be perfect Links & Resources:  Dane’s Lifestyle ABOUT OUR GUEST Dane Johnson is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Health Coach. Years ago, he was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and Colitis that got so extreme he was on a feeding tube, chemotherapy, immunosuppressants, and nearly dead. Today, he takes zero drugs, gained 55 pounds of lean muscle, travels the world, and is super healthy.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Calorie deficit Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

More than 80% of people are dissatisfied with their work, and yet work is where we spend the majority of our waking hours. People say things like “Do what you love and the money will follow” and “Follow your passion…” but is it really that simple? Not for most of us. On this week’s show, author, speaker, and entrepreneur, Evan Carmichael, shares his research for finding meaning and purpose at work.  Listen & Learn:  Why most people run away from their life rather than running toward a better one  Why most people choose entertainment and distraction over hard work How one word, one value, probably drives 80% of your behavior The “who”, “why”, and “how” of your life Links & Resources: Evan’s site Books on Amazon ABOUT OUR GUEST Evan is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and Youtuber. At age 19, he built and then sold a biotech software company. At 22, he was a venture capitalist helping raise $500k to $15mil. He now runs the biggest YouTube channel for entrepreneurs with 1M+ subscribers. He’s committed to creating more entrepreneurs. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Ice water Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

One in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted in college in America*, so there are literally tens of millions of victims living every day with guilt, shame, pain, trauma, and baggage. How can we be body-positive and sex-positive in this environment? How do people trust each other or even themselves? The challenges between men and women have existed since the beginning of time, and yet, the rules of engagement are unclear; and mostly, things are left unsaid, trauma is left to fester, and no one is getting any closer to their true, vulnerable selves. On this week’s podcast, we attempt the impossible task of unraveling this issue.  Listen & Learn: Why the workplace is one of the most poorly defined environments for men and women to interact — and it’s where we spend most of our waking hours Why there must be the possibility of reconciliation or we all become monsters and demons  How in the 21st century, men and women still have no idea how to work together, give clear consent, and draw boundaries  Links & Resources:   Dr. Jenn’s Site Dr. Jenn’s new book ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, sociologist and sexologist, is a frequent speaker about sexual empowerment, healthy relationships, body image, erotic play, and sexual health. She is a TEDx speaker and a recurring intimacy expert on the San Diego Morning News. She’s also a black belt in the Koren martial art, Soo Bahk Do. She is the author of the book Madness to Mindfulness: Reinventing Sex for Women that we’ll be talking about today. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Vitamin timing Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

Just as an infant requires physical touch to ensure healthy development, every adult requires intimacy and connection to be mentally and physically healthy... and yet many of us are left lacking. A lingering hug can increase oxytocin and decrease cortisol, deep conversations can be neuroprotective, and a true friend or lover can alter not just your emotional life but also your biology. On this week’s show, we’ll unpack the role between intimacy and your endocrine system, and the vital importance in finding balance.  Listen & Learn:  How healthy testosterone levels can reduce or even eliminate the risk of Alzheimer's Why BPA-lined cans (including sparkling water) can block oxytocin receptors  The role of the sex hormones in brain volume and function Why the nuclear family is supported by biology  Hippocampal shrinkage induced by lack of intimacy    Links & Resources:  Dr. Berkson’s Site Books on Amazon  ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Devaki Lindsey Berkson is a thought leader in functional medicine and women’s health. She has been in clinical practice for nearly four decades, and her research has focused on hormones, nutrition, and the gut. She has written 21 books. Her most recent include: The Sexy Brain, Safe Hormones Smart Women, and Hormone Deception. Nutritional Tip of the Week: K2 MK4 Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Any relationship crisis is usually coupled with a communication breakdown. Your needs are not being met, so you shut down. You’re upset about something, but instead of voicing it, you bottle it up. Your partner does the same, and over time, you grow distant, bitter, and even resentful. We’ve all experienced this poor communication pattern at some point. But what does good communication even look like? Do you take notes and make an outline of your key points? Do you talk, text, or email? There is no right answer to this, but everyone in a relationship needs to figure it out one way or another to survive. On this week’s show, you’ll meet a couple’s counselor who shares her best practices for couples in crisis and those who want to avoid problems in the future.  Listen & Learn:  How to assign one listener and one speaker during conversations The “doing” versus “feeling” part of showing love How to navigate the complexities of money, sex, and lack of time  Emotional versus physical affairs How polarity attracts and also creates conflict Links & Resources:  Sonya’s site ABOUT OUR GUEST Sonya Jensen is a marriage counselor, premarital counselor, relationship coach, and breakup recovery counselor with Growing Self Counseling and Coaching. Her practical, positive approach helps couples succeed, and individuals create positive changes in their lives.   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Ketones Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes   

You don’t manage to leave the office until 8 pm. Traffic is terrible, so it takes you an hour to get home. One of your relatives is sick and has been texting you all day, but you haven’t had a moment to call to check in. Your taxes are due in a few weeks, and you don’t have any idea how much you’ll owe. You’re best friend is just not there for you the way she used to be. She hasn’t called you in weeks. It’s Thursday evening, and you’re all alone in your kitchen trying to manage this very common mundane overwhelm that comes with everyday life. So what do you do? No one is looking, no one will ask… Is it a Haagen Dazs and Netflix binge? Sleeping pills and a glass of red wine? Do you vape or watch porn? We all have our escapes. When the pressure cooker of our lives builds, it has to find a release. But most of our choices are destructive. On this week’s show, we’ll talk about how to find a better way. Listen & Learn:  Why sobriety is often a sliding scale How dose and frequency often determine damage and risk How cocaine was not deemed addictive until 1986 Why the opposite of addiction is choice The challenges of positive escapes in a stressful world  Links & Resources:  Judith’s Book on Amazon Video Lecture on Addiction  ABOUT OUR GUEST Grisel is a behavioral neuroscientist with expertise in pharmacology and genetics whose research focuses on determining root causes of drug addiction. She’s the author of a new book, Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Pink Salmon Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  Thanks to Our Sponsor: Molekule – has completely reinvented the air purifier. From the inside out, Molekule has reimagined what clean air ought to look and feel like—unobtrusive, portable, and 100% effective. Visit: MOLEKULE and use coupon code “ROCKWOOD”  for $75 off your first order. Learn More

The pursuit of health, wealth, and relationships drive 99% of our action, but just how important are each of these to you personally? How much time are you willing to invest and what are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your goals in these three areas? My guest on this week’s show has flipped the script in many ways and is doing more with less, simplifying his life, living off the grid at times, and cherry-picking his life experiences. A truly simple life is not for everyone (mine is oozing with complexity), but we can all benefit from simplifying some major areas of our life immediately. Listen & Learn: How little money you probably need to be free Responsible use of social media and the internet How meaning and purpose are more important than money and possessions  Links & Resources:  Gary’s website ABOUT OUR GUEST Gary Collins worked as a Special Agent for the U.S. State Department Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He has degrees in Exercise Science, Criminal Justice, and Forensic Science. Gary lives off the grid part of the year in a remote part of Washington State, and the other part of the year exploring in his travel trailer with his dog.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Eat Essential Oils Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

How many of your exes are you connected to on Facebook? How often do you find yourself dredging up past emotional head trash from lost love? For most people, the answer is “too often.” We live in an era where forgetting and moving on has never been more challenging, and most of us need to learn strategies to put the past in its place to make room for a fulfilling future. And some of us are even “exaholics,” literally addicted to the emotional rollercoaster of times long ago. On this week’s show, therapist and marriage counselor, Dr. Bobby, will share her strategies for navigating this emotional minefield.  Listen & Learn:  How we’re biologically wired for love, lust, and emotional attachment  The lost art of forgetting: how to relearn it How to navigate the booby trap that is social media  Ghosting vs. honest conversations about boundaries  Links & Resources:    Dr. Bobby’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby is a marriage counselor, therapist, and life coach based in Colorado. She is the author of the book Exaholic: Breaking Your Addiction to an Ex Love. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Canned Tomatoes Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

Your home and workspace affect your mood, your sleep, your productivity, and your feeling of belonging, but how much time have you spent to make them truly serve you? For most of us, we’re stuck working in a random office environment, and we might not even be able to control our living space as much as we’d like. The feeling you get is subjective, of course, but there is an emerging science that teaches us fascinating universal truths about what makes a great space. On this week’s show, you’ll meet an environmental psychologist who has made this her life’s work.  Listen & Learn:  How “prospect” and “refuge” tendencies affect our preferred seat at the table (or desk!)  Why 50 percent of the human population lives near water, and why we respond so positively to bodies of water How to take a BALANCED (biophilia, atmosphere, layout, amenities, noise, cohesion, energy, and design) approach to home design  Simple ways to look for and plan the spaces you occupy Links & Resources:   Visit: http://spaceworksco.com/ ABOUT OUR GUEST Lily is an environmental psychology consultant, writer, and researcher. Lily’s first book is The Shaping of Us: How Everyday Spaces Structure Our Lives, Behaviour, and Well-Being. She regularly speaks at forums such as Clerkenwell Design Week, the London Festival of Architecture, and OpenHouse Worldwide. Her work and writing have been featured in The Guardian, BBC Capital, Architecture Today, the London Evening Standard, and The List. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Coffee Pods Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

Whether you’re a devout believer or a staunch atheist, the research is clear: prayer works. Here’s what also works: introspective time, mindfulness, positive focus, and big ideas. Science has proven that your brain physically changes through the regular practice of prayer, meditation, and mindfulness, and the changes can happen in as little as six to eight weeks. Our guest on this week’s show has dedicated his life to the study of positive neural changes through prayer and spiritual practices, and his discoveries will surprise you.  Listen & Learn:  The three-yawn technique for instant mindfulness How prayer, meditation, and mindfulness can change your brain Why these positive benefits have nothing to do with the existence (or inexistence) of God How chanting, singing, and spiritual experiences are only valuable if there is time afterward to integrate and reflect on the experience  Links & Resources:   Mark’s books on Amazon Mark’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Mark Robert Waldman is Executive MBA Faculty at Loyola Marymount University. He teaches the NeuroLeadership program. He is the author of 14 books including Words Can Change Your Brain and How God Changes Your Brain. He has been featured on PBS, National Public Radio, Canadian National Television, Oprah and Friends, and in dozens of national magazines. He is also on the faculty of Holmes Institute. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Artificial Sweeteners Any Good Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

Many women start hormonal birth control in their teens and continue for years or even decades. This can be a responsible decision, but most people don’t realize the long-term side effects and risks including infertility, reduced libido, weight gain, and even mood disorders. With all things birth control, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but throwing a pill at the issue without weighing the options is surely a bad idea. On this week’s show, you’ll meet Dr. Jolene Brighten, a women’s hormone specialist who will help you make an informed decision about what’s right for you. Listen & Learn:  How the Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs) can be just as effective as hormonal options  Why the pill contributes to increased miscarriage rates and infertility later  How the pill can cause adrenal and thyroid problems  Why IUDs are back, and why you might try this old-school method  How the pill is often misused to treat irregular periods, PCOS, PMS, and acne Links & Resources:  Dr. Brighten’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Jolene Brighten is a functional naturopathic medical doctor who focuses on women’s endocrine health. She’s an expert in Post-Birth Control Syndrome and the long-term side effects associated with hormonal contraceptives. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Yerba mate Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes 

Did you know that 80 percent of generic drugs are manufactured in India or China, thousands of miles from the US FDA inspectors? When it comes to oversight, manufacturing safety, and transparency, it’s a huge problem when Big Brother is on the other side of the planet. Generic drugs offer consumers huge cost savings, but is safety and regulation the price we have to pay in order to afford our medicines? On this week’s show, you’ll meet an investigative journalist who uncovered the real problems with the generic medicine market. Listen & Learn: Why you should be most concerned about medicines you take regularly How carcinogens, toxins, and even bacterial/viral infections are a real risk in manufacturing Why ‘surprise visits’ are impossible for non-US-based manufacturing facilities Why ‘first-to-file’ incentives encourage companies to cut corners How the Indian concept of Jugaad might be at odds with safety Links & Resources: Katherine’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Katherine Eban is an investigative journalist and author. Her articles have won international attention and numerous awards appearing in Fortune, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, Self, The Nation, and The New York Observer. Her work has been featured on 60 Minutes, Nightline, and NPR. She is the author of Dangerous Doses and a new book, Bottle of Lies. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Raw Honey Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

I used to say, “I’m bad with names!” It wasn’t until my late 30s that I realized this was just an excuse for not learning how to remember names. Turns out, it’s not that hard. I’m not amazing, but I’m now pretty good and getting better all the time. My big secret? I put some effort into it. My guest on this week’s show is a four-time USA memory champion. Here is a short list of his accomplishments: Memorized 217 names in 15 minutes Memorized 256 words in 15 minutes Memorized 907 digits in 30 minutes Memorized a deck of cards in Memory skills are more than party tricks. It is a way to train and harness the power of your mind through specific techniques that can spill over with benefits into every aspect of your life. This is a fun one. Links & Resources: Nelson’s Website Nelson’s Youtube ABOUT OUR GUEST Nelson Dellis is a 4x USA Memory Champion and one of the leading memory experts in the world. He is a competitive memory athlete, memory consultant, published author, and keynote speaker. As a memory champion, mountaineer, and Alzheimer's disease activist, he preaches a lifestyle that combines fitness— both mental and physical—with proper diet and social involvement. He is the author of the book, Remember It!, and he founded a non-profit charity that aims to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's. He has climbed numerous peaks around the world for this cause, including three times on Mount Everest. Nelson has been featured on FOX's Superhumans, The TODAY Show, Fox and Friends, The Katie Couric Show, CNN.com, ABC Nightline, The Dr. Oz Show, The Science Channel, National Geographic, and SuperBrain China, among many other media outlets. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Sous Vide Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

That glass of red wine after dinner soon turns into two or three. On Friday and Saturday, two or three often turns into a bottle or two. After a decade or more of drinking, it’s not uncommon to clock in 30+ drinks per week. It creeps up slowly, so it can almost go unnoticed. But your body, mind, and spirit notice, and it has a real impact. On this week’s show, you’ll meet a very successful executive who didn’t start drinking until her late 20s but quickly found herself living a lifestyle that she didn’t want as her trajectory. Alcohol abuse comes in all sizes and shapes, and most people who drink fit the Center for Disease Control’s definition of excessive drinking. What does that mean for you? Maybe nothing. Maybe everything is going just great. Or maybe it means that you should reevaluate your relationship with alcohol and make sure you’re writing a story you’d like to author. Listen & Learn: How 8 drinks per week (for women) and 15 drinks per week (for men) is classified as “excessive” by the CDC How the mind-body connection plays a role in pain, addiction, and substance abuse How alcohol is baked into adult life, professional life, and almost every culture on the planet Simple ways to rethink your alcohol relationship Links & Resources: This Naked Mind ABOUT OUR GUEST Annie Grace grew up in a one-room log cabin without running water or electricity outside of Aspen, Colorado. By the age of 26, Annie was the youngest vice president in a multinational company, and her drinking career began in earnest. By 35, in a global C-level marketing role, she was responsible for marketing in 28 countries and drinking almost two bottles of wine a night. She left her executive role to write her book, This Naked Mind. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Cilantro Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

When you think of a spiritual seeker, you probably conjure up images of shaved heads, orange robes, dark meditation halls, and gongs. But sitting in silence is not the only way to mediate. You can also run around in circles 12-14 hours a day, pushing your body and mental resolve to their limit. Every year, a dozen or so seekers show up in Queens, New York, to run around an unremarkable city block until they hit 59 miles. They do this for 52 days straight, 3100 miles total. This extreme race has been happening since 1997, and many runners are repeat participants. Our guest on this week’s show directed a film profiling this race and the global phenomenon of running as a spiritual practice. Listen & Learn: How average people, older people, and non-athletes are completing this race How ultra-running can be mostly a mental challenge How transcendence is the goal and a necessity for this type of race How humans are truly born to run Why a spiritual guru founded this race Links & Resources: 3100: Run & Become Race ABOUT OUR GUEST Sanjay is a runner and documentary filmmaker whose films include Ocean Monk, Challenging Impossibility and Food Chains. His most recent film, 3100: Run and Become, details the world’s most elusive and elite multi-day foot race around one utterly unremarkable half-mile urban sidewalk block in Queens, New York. The race demands competitors to complete at least 59 miles a day for 52 straight days. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Eggs & Cholesterol Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Real health is more than just food and exercise. The key elements we often overlook are love, support, community, and stress management. These factors are so much more difficult to manage but potentially even more important than nailing the perfect diet or workout routine. My guest on this week’s podcast has an incredible track record for reversing and healing heart disease through lifestyle interventions, and he shares his very simple four-pronged approach to health and wellness for life. Listen & Learn: How to stress less Why movement and love matter so much How simple holistic health can be Why it’s important to get clear about your life goals Links & Resources: Dr. Ornish’s Website Undo It Book Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dean Ornish, M.D., is the founder and president of the non-profit Preventive Medicine Research Institute. He is the Clinical Professor of Medicine at both UCSF and UCSD. He was recognized as "one of the 125 most extraordinary University of Texas alumni in the past 125 years;" as a "TIME 100 Innovator" by TIME magazine; as "one of the 50 most influential members of his generation” by LIFE magazine; as "one of the most interesting people of the year" by People magazine; and as "one of the world's seven most powerful teachers" by Forbes magazine. His most recent book, Undo It, is available on his website or Amazon. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Rapeseed Oil Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Your social media feed is filled with the curated lives of a bunch of strangers who you “follow” for no obvious reason. They are better-looking than you, their lunch looks tastier, their prose is so witty. Wow, what a life. But is it real? Probably not. On an average day, most of us feel a combination of overwhelm, exhaustion, silliness, joy, loss, fear, anxiety, and depression. For a few wonderful moments, we get lost in our work or family lives, we get sucked into an inspiring story or enchanted by a new idea. And then our stomach hurts and tomorrow’s responsibilities begin to suck away the momentary peace of today. Real life is a big, sloppy soup of emotions and the challenge is this: How do you find your authentic self amidst all that? Who are you really and what drives you? How can you cut through the Starbucks and puppies selfies to figure out what you’re supposed to be doing with yourself in this one precious life you have? My guest on this week’s podcast has some ideas. Listen & Learn: Why we give ourselves what we feel we deserve Why clarity and purpose can cause you uneasiness (at first) How to use isolated dreaming to figure yourself out What to do when you know only what you don’t want   Links & Resources: Philip’s Site One Last Talk Book ABOUT OUR GUEST Philip McKernan is a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. He teaches people to become more intuitive so they know when they are on the right path. Philip works around the world with individuals, couples, and corporate organizations such as Shell and more recently the Canadian Olympic team before the London games. He’s the author of One Last Talk: Rich on Paper, Poor on Life available on Amazon or on his site. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Micotoxins in Coffee Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

From the melting ice caps to dying marine reefs and depleted fish populations, we’re facing some big challenges right now, but very few people flip the lens to look at their own bodies to ask: “How are these petrochemical toxins affecting me and my family?” The truth is, toxins affect all of us from the moment we’re born. Newborns enter the world with 200+ chemical toxins inside them, and the quantity tends to go up and up as we age. Plastics can make your fat cells bigger and mess up your hormones. Chemical additives in foods can give you brain fog and mood disorders. Artificial sweeteners can affect cognition, digestion, and hunger. These toxins are huge and growing problems, and most people are not paying attention. On this week’s show, you’ll meet a medical doctor, a father, and a researcher who is uncovering simple truths about our toxic world along with practical solutions for staying sane and healthy. Listen & Learn: Why you should cook with stainless steel or cast iron Why plastics #3, #6 and #7 are the worst (look at the recycling symbol) How microwaving plastics can release endocrine disruptors Why canned foods of all types should be avoided Why hormones-disruptors can affect everything from your mood, waistline and sex drive Why Europe has banned 1300 chemicals in household and food products and the USA has only banned 11 Why flame-retardants are required in the USA, despite questionable efficacy huge side effects Why you should buy paraben-free, phthalate-free, and SLS-free products Why “fragrance” is often code for “dangerous chemical we’d like to keep secret” Links & Resource: Dr. Leo Trasande’s Site and Book ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Leonardo Trasande is a pediatrician, professor, and researcher. He is the author of the new book, Sicker, Fatter, Poorer: The Urgent Threat of Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals to Our Health and Future and What We Can Do About It. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Cashews Moldy Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

The two big reasons marriages fail are sex and money. While finances are by no means easy, you can always go get another job, cut back, add on, or get creative. These creative solutions rarely play out well when it comes to sex, so you can quickly see why challenges often end in disaster. Sexuality is such a private issue, something most people prefer to discuss behind closed doors; but in reality, they don’t even discuss it in privacy either. Mostly, it goes unspoken. So what do you do? What is sexuality? How does it change as you age, have kids, and grow older? On this week’s show, you’ll meet a sex therapist with a very simple and practical approach to sex and sexuality. He’ll share his time-tested clinical experiences and hopefully shed some light on the challenges in the bedroom. Listen & Learn: Why good sex is fundamentally about getting stupid and happy together How children can sometimes kill sexuality in a relationship How age and mismatched desire can create new challenges in a couple Men vs. women: is there a difference? Why we often protest during the day the things we fantasize about at night Links & Resources: Dr. Synder’s Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Stephen Snyder, MD is a sex and relationship therapist in Manhattan, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine, a regular contributor to Huffington Post and Psychology. Today, a frequent guest on major media, and one of America's most original voices of sex and relationships. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and children. He is the author of the book Love Worth Making. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Tahini Raw Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

I had nosebleed nearly every single day in 1988. It would usually happen midday, and while I got pretty good at predicting it, I still remember bleeding on some very important textbooks, my Iowa Basics tests (old school standardized tests), and my white t-shirts. Eventually, my family doctor did some kind of cauterization procedure and it stopped—hooray! Every kid has some weird health thing, whether it’s bumps on their belly from the swimming pool or endless streams of mucus from their noses, so I never thought anything of it until 30 years later. I met a guy who had an autoimmune condition that the doctors finally traced back to black mold in his home that started after a flood. I’d never even heard of black mold. Here’s how it works: Your bathtub overflows, water drips into the floor, and then you clean it up. But the water in the floorboards drips down into the walls and ceiling and it gets moldy. That mold might just sit there, but it might spread. It might stay trapped in the walls, but it might start to get into your heating ducts or get released during construction. And the problem? In many cases, these molds are super toxic, even neurotoxic. What does this have to do with my nosebleeds? It’s one of the top symptoms of mold exposure, and I was sleeping in a moldy basement at the time. Luckily, my nosebleeds were no big deal, particularly in comparison to the conditions that household mold can trigger in others. On this week’s show, Dr. Ann Shippy will share her research and best practices for protecting your home and family from black mold. Listen & Learn: Why as many as 50% of homes might have a mold issue Why some mycotoxins are not visible and don’t necessarily smell bad How mold can cause headaches, skin conditions, bloody noses, and even cause much more serious conditions How to take care of you and your loved ones Links & Resources: Dr. Ann Shippy CDC research on mold ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Ann Shippy is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Functional Medicine. As a humanitarian and founder of two foundations (Good Food Matterz Foundation and Toxicity Matters Foundation), she wants to help create a world of wellness. She has written two books, Mold Toxicity Workbook and Shippy Paleo Essentials. Nutritional Tip of the Week: What are the essential supplements Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

“Change the way you think about things, and the things you think about will change.” This cliche sums up 80 percent of modern personal development, but it’s about as useful as marital advice that suggests a minute-long daily hug will ensure everlasting love or financial advice that suggests if you skip your morning latte and save the money you’ll get rich someday. Has any of this ever actually worked for anyone? I doubt it. If I were to ask you about work or family or your country, you’d immediately have an emotionally-charged response—much of which may be negative. You can flip the script and tell yourself a different story, but those underlying emotions brew below the surface. No one has ever thought their way out of any major crisis. It all comes down to action. What are you going to do? With mental health problems, unfortunately, most of us do nothing. We feel depressed or anxious, so we try to wait it out. Our home life is suffocating, so we try a gratitude journal to change the story in our head. The office is a black hole where souls get vaporized, so we spend the day on Instagram trying to change the way we think about things. On this week’s podcast, we’ll talk about the need for the Mind Detox method. Clear out your head trash and make space for new feelings, new experiences, and a new way of living. Listen & Learn: How food and eating habits are often where mental and emotional problems appear How self-care techniques like yoga and tapping can empower you to have some control How your past is never really the past unless you deal with it and resolve painful issues Links & Resources: Sandy Newbiggings ABOUT OUR GUEST Sandy C. Newbigging is a meditation teacher, monk, mentor, speaker, and author. He is also the creator of Mind Detox, Mind Calm, Body Calm and Calm Cure coaching and meditation techniques, collectively known as Calmology. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Frozen Food Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Your dental health is very often the proverbial canary in the coal mine, meaning that periodontal disease is often a red flag that systemic problems exist which could be very serious. Proper brushing and hygiene are essential, of course, but dental health starts from within, particularly with the foods and nutrients you eat. So what’s the problem? Our modern diets lack essential bone-health nutrients like fat-soluble vitamins D, K, and A. Foods are loaded with sugar and create an overly-acidic environment in the mouth which can lead to decay. On this week’s show, you’ll meet a holistic dentist who advocates dental care from the inside out, proper nutrition, and of course, great hygiene. Listen & Learn: Is Xylitol good for dental care? Fluoride vs. no fluoride Fat-soluble vitamins A, K2 (4 vs 7) & D3 Should you whiten your teeth? Links & Resources: Dr. Lin’s Website Book: The Dental Diet ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Steven Lin is a functional dentist, TEDx speaker, and author of the book, The Dental Diet. As a passionate preventative, whole health advocate, Dr. Lin focuses on the understanding of dental disease through nutritional principles. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Insect Protein Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

I signed up for my first 12-day meditation retreat in 2001, and then I dropped out two weeks before the start date. I never drop out of anything. Eighteen months later, I signed up again. This time, I was ready. It was exactly as you might suspect: a room full of people sitting on cushions—not speaking, not moving—for days at a time. There were no chanting nor prayers, no incense nor gurus. It wasn’t that kind of place. The instructional aspect of the course could easily be summarized in three words: sit, observe, accept. Within 15 minutes of my arrival, I realized I’d entered a special kind of hell also known as my own head. I sat, and sat, and sat, and sat some more. On the fourth day, someone sneezed in the meditation hall, and I nearly had a heart attack. By the seventh day, I was convinced I could see through my eyelids. The room remained unchanged for the past week, so for all intents and purposes, I really could see through my eyelids. Open or closed, everything was the same. The guy next to me stank of mold and armpits. The person in front of me would groan and convulse in discomfort every 15 minutes. At least, I thought, he was suffering more than me. By the end of day eight, I’d re-lived every single unfinished conversation of my life, from the big ones to the most mundane encounters you could imagine. My own mental archives embarrassed me. They were (and are) so petty. On day 12, when we could finally speak again, I had nothing to say. I was hungry and horny; exhausted and thoughtful. This was my introduction to meditation, and while I wish I could say it was smooth sailing since then, I find it more and more challenging every year; and oddly, the more I struggle, the more benefits I experience. There seems to be an inverse relationship between struggle in meditation and my happiness. My guest on this week’s show is a meditator, teacher, author, and speaker. I’m a novice, he’s a pro. I think you’ll learn a lot from our discussion. Listen & Learn: How spirituality is about a personal practice of inner transformation Why mindfulness means to “remember to wake up” or experience the self in the present moment How Jewish culture of suffering, knowledge, and self-inquiry resonates with Buddhist teachings Why suffering is an inevitable part of life Weapons of peace Links & Resources: What’s Beyond Mindfulness Stephen’s Website Dhamma.org (meditation retreats) ABOUT OUR GUEST Stephen Fulder, Ph.D., is a spiritual teacher, author, and founder of the Israel Insight Society (Tovana). He has been teaching Buddhist teachings and meditation practice to thousands of people over the last 20 years. He has 40 years of Vipassana/Mindfulness meditation and dharma practice and Buddhist studies. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Carbonated Water Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

I love everything that’s bad for me, and alcohol certainly falls under that umbrella. It’s a love-hate relationship really, and I don’t drink anymore. At this stage of my life, it’s just not worth it. Am I boring and health-obsessed? Probably. But maybe you are too. Here’s what we know about booze: Sixty-one million Americans are classified as binge alcohol users and 16 million as heavy alcohol users. Alcohol plays a role in one in three cases of violent crimes, and 10,000 people die each year in alcohol-related car accidents in the U.S. alone. But most people who drink too much or too often are not alcoholics, so the problem goes unaddressed and unresolved—and yet, the lifelong impact is massive. My guest on this week’s podcast was an over-drinker who started a 30-day sober challenge that has lasted over six years. If you’re concerned that you might be drinking too much or too often, this is an important show to listen to. Listen & Learn: The difference between high bottom drinking vs. low bottom drinking How moderate drinking can be a story you tell yourself Why alcohol can affect just about everyone Why if you think you have a problem, you probably do What life is like on the other side of the bottle Links & Resources: Belle’s website, book & 100-Day Challenge Harvard study on drinking ABOUT OUR GUEST Belle Robertson is Canadian but lives in Paris. She’s a writer, baker, and caterer. She’s also a “sober coach” and her book, Tired of Thinking About Drinking, is available on her website along with her 100-Day Sober Challenge. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Aspartame Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Have you ever driven from your house to the office and were unable to remember anything about the drive? Have you lost track of days and even weeks when stress and frustration turned your brain to mush?  What would your work and your life look like if you knew how to stay focused yet flexible; if you got more of the right things done; if you were helping to create a more peaceful world at the same time? These questions are posed by mindfulness trainer, Marc Lesser, my guest on this week’s podcast.Listen & Learn: Why asking and listening are rare and yet so valuable Why solo meditation practice is miserable for most people How corporate culture can dramatically change when people are present, emotionally open, and connected Links & Resources: MarcLesser.net Marc’s New Book ABOUT OUR GUEST: Marc helped develop a program called Search Inside Yourself (SIY) within Google that integrates mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and business savviness for building strong corporate cultures. He founded and was CEO of three different companies. He is the author of four books and has an MBA from New York University. Marc was a resident of the San Francisco Zen Center for 10 years, as well as director of Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. His latest book, Seven Practices of a Mindful Leader, is available now. Nutritional Tip of the Week: 30-30-30 Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

I spent my first 27 years of life convinced that men and women were exactly the same except for the obvious anatomical differences and a boatload of socialization. After a big relationship breakup, I read the modern classic book, Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, and quickly learned I was wrong about so many things. Men and women are very different, not just in how we are socialized but in undeniable biochemical and neurological ways that impact us constantly. Different doesn’t mean better nor does it mean worse, stronger, or less capable. Different means different—wonderfully, infuriatingly different. A huge part of what I’ve been most criticized for in life has nothing to do with who I am as a person; it’s just my masculine self expressing itself strongly. And a huge part of what drove me crazy about women was not who they were as people but their very nature that I didn’t appreciate or understand. Ignorance, in this case, is not bliss. It’s a guaranteed plan for constant conflict at home. This week, you’ll meet the most influential relationship expert on the planet, Dr. John Gray. His books and his work have made their way into just about every school, university, and bedside table in the world. It would be a mistake not to invest time in learning from John.   Listen & Learn: How most modern lifestyles lead to hormonal imbalances How the feminine “recharges” vs how the masculine “resets” Why we need to celebrate differences rather than try to suppress them How to navigate the challenges of polarity Links & Resources Dr. John Gray’s Website John’s Books ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. John Gray, Ph.D. is the best-selling relationship author of all time. He is the author of over 20 books, including Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: The Classic Guide to Understanding the Opposite Sex. Over 50 million copies in 50 different languages around the world have been sold. John is a leading internationally-recognized expert in the fields of communication and relationships. His unique focus is assisting men and women in understanding, respecting and appreciating their differences. John's advice can easily be used to improve relationships at home and in the workplace. For more than 35 years, John has conducted public and private seminars for thousands of participants. John entertains and inspires audiences with practical communication techniques. He is a popular speaker on the national and international lecture circuit and often appears on television and radio programs to discuss his work. He has made guest appearances on such shows as Oprah, The Dr. Oz Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Larry King Live, CNN and many others. He was also the subject of a three-hour special hosted by Barbara Walters. Dr. John Gray lives with his wife and children in Northern California. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Cannot eat raw food Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

The average life expectancy is nearly 83 years where I live. People are living healthier, wealthier, and longer lives than ever before, but what the heck do you do in that last third portion of your life? Golf or bingo? Yoga or CrossFit? It’s really hard to know what options we’ll have in our 80s, but it also seems pretty foolish not to plan for it now. On this week’s show, you’ll meet a New York Times writer who extensively profiled six elders (over 85) in New York City. He’ll share what he learned about living and dying with us on the show. Listen & Learn: The role of choice in happiness in later life Why isolation from a purpose can be just as painful as social isolation How pain and illness are less important than how people choose to interpret them in the context of their lives How “no regrets” is a common theme with age Links & Resources: John’s Book on Amazon ABOUT OUR GUEST John Leland is a reporter at The New York Times, where he wrote a year-long series that became the basis for Happiness Is a Choice You Make. He is also the author of Hip: The History and Why Kerouac Matters: The Lessons of On the Road. Before joining the Times, he was a senior editor at Newsweek, editor in chief of Details, a reporter at Newsday, and a writer and editor at Spin. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Cooking Oils Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

After the age of 40, there is less space between your spinal vertebrae than when you were 20. This steady degeneration of tissues happens predictably but can be exacerbated by weight, high stress, extreme athletics, and even accidents. Aside from the natural wear and tear on our joints, many people also suffer from autoimmune attacks which affect the soft tissues, causing pain, inflammation, and even deformity in extreme cases. We’re talking about arthritis. And, not surprisingly, yoga can be a very effective management strategy for anyone with these problems. On this week’s show, we’ll help define and understand the many different conditions of arthritis, and we’ll explore ways to reduce and even eliminate symptoms through movement. What You’ll Learn: How “arthritis” is a general term for hundreds of conditions The difference between wear and tear joint degeneration vs. autoimmune conditions Why knees, hips, and low back are the most problematic How x-rays and scans can give insight into joint-space narrowing The risk of rheumatoid cachexia that includes muscle loss Responsible use of cortisone, ibuprofen, and other medications Why strong quads can add years of life to your knees   ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Steffany Moonaz founded Yoga for Arthritis after eight years at Johns Hopkins University where she studied the effects of yoga for people living with arthritis. She now serves as the Director of Clinical and Academic Research at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, which offers the nation's only Masters of Science in Yoga Therapy. She continues to conduct research on the effects of yoga for chronic pain and joint conditions, and she mentors yoga teachers, yoga therapists, and emerging researchers. She is passionate about ensuring that yoga practices are safe, welcoming, and appropriate for people with arthritis nationwide. Links & Resources: Steffany’s Site Steffany’s Book Nutritional Tip of the Week: Sllimming Tea Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Environmental activist, Colin Beavan, and his family decided to make a bold statement: they’d spend an entire year living as close to “zero impact” as possible in the heart of New York City. They’d ditch subways and taxis, food that came from further than 100 miles away, and TV. In the end, they’d gain a new perspective on life. Listen & Learn: How the average American creates 1600 lbs of trash each year How Colin and his wife and daughter went “zero impact” for a full year in NYC What it means to redefine life without all the consumerism How to truly be alive Links & Resources: Colin’s Website Colin’s Books on Amazon ABOUT OUR GUEST Colin Beavan is a speaker, author and expert on environmental issues, consumerism, and human quality of life. He has spoken at companies including Clif Bar, the North Face, and Ideo. He’s been featured in numerous media outlets and TV programs including The Colbert Report, Good Morning America, and Nightline. Colin has a couple of books, How to Be Alive: A Guide to the Kind of Happiness that Helps the World and No Impact Man. His documentary film, also called No Impact Man, was featured at Sundance and has been shown in theaters and on TV around the world. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Why is Fruit Sugar Bad Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

When we think of strength and muscle mass, we typically imagine physique-obsessed bodybuilders staring at themselves in the mirror and clanking weights around in the gym. But what if there is more to the story? What if lean muscle is more than just aesthetics, particularly as we age? My guest on this week’s show is a trial lawyer who represented two former presidents. He’s an avid skier and a gym rat who still skis at Vail with his granddaughter, still tries cases, and remains as sharp as ever at 86 years old. It’s a remarkable story, and Fred Bartlit credits his health to a lifelong commitment to pumping iron. Don’t miss this show—it’s an eye-opener.   Listen & Learn: How sarcopenia can cause a loss of 1% of strength per year after middle age How your telomere length might predict longevity How a lack of exercise correlates with early death How to “die living” not “live dying” as you age Links & Resources: Fred’s StrongPath Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Fred is a former US Army Ranger and trial lawyer who has represented two former presidents. Co-founder of StrongPath, demonstrating that frailty doesn’t need to be an inevitable part of aging, Fred says he’s stronger now at 86 years old than he was in his 20s thanks to a lifelong commitment to good exercise habits. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Healthy skin Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

This no-nonsense health and wellness show features best-selling authors and thought leaders in nutrition, mental health, relationships, and self-improvement. Each episode also includes listener Q&A. Hosted by yoga trainer, writer, and expert speaker, Lucas Rockwood, the founder of YOGABODY and The Yoga Teachers College.

Group dynamics fascinate me. Why does one person take on the leadership role almost immediately without any need for introduction or approval? How did that one person decide he was the joker? And why is there always someone lurking in the back, avoiding eye contact and trying to be invisible? I’ve been hosting training courses for 13 years now, and I’ve seen time and time again how we all tend to assume different social roles in group settings with enough people. It’s not always consistent or predictable but these patterns almost always emerge. Why? On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a behavioral researcher who has uncovered some powerful truths about human behavior that can help you be more effective in all your social interactions both personal and professional. We cover body language, topics of conversation, and so much more. You’ll Learn: Why negative talk can leave a negative impression on you as a person How to gush, not gossip, to uplift and influence others around you Eye contact vs. no eye contact: finding the balance What to do with your hands when you talk Links & Resources: Science of People Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Vanessa Van Edwards is a behavioral investigator. She runs a human behavior research lab called the Science of People. She's been featured on CNN, Fast Company, and Forbes. She also writes a monthly column for Entrepreneur Magazine and The Huffington Post. Her innovative work has been featured on NPR, Business Week, and USA Today.   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Fermented Foods Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

Most people believe that carbs give you energy, fat makes you fat, and protein builds muscles - but this is not how the body works. In fact, we metabolize macronutrients very differently - often counter-intuitively - and it's important to understand the hormonal impact of food as you attempt to find balance. Too much protein can be just as problematic as too many carbs but how do you know how much is too much? What are some baseline measurements you can use in your own life? My guest on this week's podcast, Stephen Cabral, ND, will make this easy to understand. Listen & Learn: Risks, rewards, and reality of keto diets Why protein is harder to digest How 0.8 grams of protein per kg of body weight is usually ideal Why too much protein creates too much IGF-1 that can feed cancer Ectomorph/Vata: lean and long, difficulty building muscle Endomorph/Kapha: higher body fat, often pear-shaped, gain muscle and fat easily Mesomorph/Pitta: muscular and well-built, high metabolism, responsive muscle cells Links & Resources:  Stephen's Website   ABOUT THE HOST Stephen Cabral is a board-certified naturopathic doctor with post-doctoral specialties in Ayurvedic and functional medicine. He and his team have completed more than 250,000 client appointments. He is a podcaster himself at the Cabral Concept and is the author of The Rain Barrel Effect and A Man's Guide to Muscle and Strength. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Cabbage Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

  Open up Instagram right now, and start counting the number of narcissists in your feed today. How many? Three, ten, fifty? Is there anyone real in your feed? Narcissistic personalities have always existed, but with social media, it's a bigger problem than ever. These hyper-insecure people lack empathy, live in a constant state of conflict, and value status and outward appearances over real human connection and understanding. Why does it matter? Because we work with them, we live with them, and in some cases, we even marry and spend our lives with them. In this week's podcast, you'll meet a clinical psychologist who shares her pragmatic and down-to-earth approach to living with or running from the narcissists in your life.   Listen & Learn: How to identify a narcissist. Why the stereotypical "successful man" today is often the definition of a narcissist. Realistic outlook of change (hint: low to none). Should you stay, or should you go? Links & Resources: Dr. Ramani's Website Dr. Ramani's Books on Amazon ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Ramani Durvasula is a licensed clinical psychologist. She has a private practice in Santa Monica and Sherman Oaks, CA. She is a professor of psychology at Cal State Los Angeles where she was named "Outstanding Professor" in 2012. She is also a visiting professor at the University of Johannesburg. She is the author of two books: Should I Stay or Should I Go: Surviving a Relationship With a Narcissist (Post Hill Press), and You Are WHY You Eat: Change Your Food Attitude, Change Your Life. She has appeared on nearly every major television network, as well as radio, print, and internet platforms. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Potatoes Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Modern medicine's best thinking pales in comparison to the wisdom of our bodies. The best science only has a very rudimentary understanding of the dynamic and complex organism we inhabit, and yet we're always looking for the magic pill and the prescriptive cure.On this week's show, we'll explore ancestral wisdom for the modern man and the seemingly impossible attempt to find a balance. Listen & Learn: Why dead people don't teach us everything we need to know about living people How to work with your body for health and healing Why a 'sick' response is often just the body's healthy response to self-care How the flawed current medical system is more about maintenance and survival than health Links & Resources: Weston A. Price Dr. Cowan's books Dr. Cowan's site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Cowan has served as vice president of the Physicians Association for Anthropo-sophical Medicine and is a founding board member of the Weston A. Price Foundation™.  He is the principal author of the book The Fourfold Path to Healing and the co-author of The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby & Child Care. He writes the 'Ask the Doctor' column in Wise Traditions in Food, Farming and the Healing Arts. He has lectured throughout the United States and Canada. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Blending Smoothies Any Good Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

By the end of the 1700s, the average American consumed four teaspoons of sugar a day. One hundred years later, that number had risen to eighteen teaspoons. Today, we're consuming 22 teaspoons (93 grams) per day, and it's a huge problem. Diabetes rates are through the roof, and elevated blood sugar levels contribute to nearly every major disease and illness. But... we all love sugar. We're genetically wired to seek it out and gorge on it. So how do we even begin to find balance in a sugar- and carb-laden world? After a scary bout of Hashimoto's Disease, our guest on this week's podcast dedicated her life to researching and eliminating sugar. She'll share the bitter truth about sugar and how to break free from your addiction to it. Listen & Learn: Why fructose (fruit sugar) gives you a beer belly How "natural sugars" can be even worse than plain white sugar Why it's nearly impossible to not cook and be healthy How to begin your own sugar detox Why agave is the worst sweetener on the market Links & Resources: Sarah's Website Sarah's Books on Amazon Sugar Consumption & Diabetes Research ABOUT OUR GUEST Sarah is a New York Times bestselling author, former journalist, and founder of the former site, IQuitSugar.com. She wrote the book, First, We Make the Beast Beautiful, as well as 15 different I Quit Sugar books. Nutritional Tip of the Week:  Iron Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to Our Sponsor: Molekule – has completely reinvented the air purifier. From the inside out, Molekule has reimagined what clean air ought to look and feel like—unobtrusive, portable, and 100% effective. Visit: MOLEKULE and use coupon code “Lucas” for $75 off your first order. Learn More

“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” - Friedrich Nietzsche What in your inner world enables you to fully show up in the outer world? What is more important: What you have or how you feel? On this week's podcast, you'll meet Susan David, PhD, who has dedicated her life to emotional health. She'll inform you how to ask yourself better questions, lean into pain (when necessary), and craft a truly fulfilling life based on your values.   Listen & Learn: Why our inner world often matters more than the outer world How to uncover your individual ‘why’ and define your core values Why ‘have-to’ goals are impossible, whereas value-based goals actually work Why approach goals are powerful, but adverse goals are even stronger Why ‘smile or die’ can actually cause you less joy and make it more difficult to find peace How to show up and hold space for pain and suffering What was worth my while today Links & Resources: Susan David's Website Emotional Agility on Amazon ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Susan David, co-founder and co-director of the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital, teaches psychology at Harvard University and is the CEO of Evidence Based Psychology. As a speaker and consultant, Susan has worked with senior leadership at hundreds of organizations, including the United Nations, Ernst & Young, and the World Economic Forum. Her work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Time, Fast Company, and the Wall Street Journal, and she is the author of The Oxford Handbook of Happiness, the definitive text for researchers and practitioners interested in human happiness. Nutritional Tip of the Week: How Many Supplement is Too Much Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, the internet will explode with searches for the best diets, which yield all kinds of good, bad, and absurd advice for getting healthy and fit. Vegetarians duke it out with Paleo people, macrobiotics argue with raw foodists, and the cycle goes on and on with no obvious winner. Even with the best intentions, 92 to 98 percent of diets fail in the long term, and by Valentine’s Day, most people have abandoned their resolutions for the eating habits they’ve always had. So what’s a person to do? Well, what do you want to do? What will be important to you in the coming year when it comes to your diet? Food is complex and deeply personal. It’s a question of culture, tradition, environmental concerns, ethical questions, and socioeconomic status. Over the years, I’ve become much less interested in what to eat and more obsessed with how to eat. I’ve seen people eat and live well on all kinds of diets—and no diet at all. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet actor, activist, and plant-based advocate Suzy Amis Cameron, who endorses a very moderate ‘one plant-based meal a day’ approach. Whether you’re a hardcore meat eater or a die-hard veg-head, it’s valuable to experiment, reevaluate your assumptions, and find a balanced diet that works for you. Listen & Learn: How Suzy founded MUSE, the only solar-powered, organic, plant-based school Why hope is not a strategy How our current food system is broken (by anyone’s standards) How a move away from animal agriculture seems inevitable Why a ‘one meal a day’ approach can be an interesting way to experiment with new diets and foods Links & Resources:   MUSE School Suzy’s site Link to Suzy’s book   ABOUT THE HOST Suzy Amis Cameron is an environmental advocate, the mother of five, and the author of OMD: The Simple, Plant-Based Program to Save Your Health, Save Your Waistline, and Save the Planet. She is also a founder of Plant Power Task Force and a number of other environmental and ethical organizations. In 2005, she founded MUSE School, a 100 percent solar-powered, zero-waste school with an organic, plant-based lunch program, in Calabasas, California. Suzy has produced documentaries and serves on several nonprofit boards. As an actor, she has been featured in more than 25 films, including The Usual Suspects and Titanic. Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes  

Positive thinking is great, but how do you handle yourself when your spouse is in a funk or your boss is negative every minute of the working day? With all the best intentions for the day, many of us wake up and get hit with the Fox News or CNN.com onslaught of gloom and doom, and this influence shapes our reality for the remaining of our waking hours. Our guest this week was neck-deep in news broadcasting for years and now dedicates her research and work life to broadcasting happiness—literally. Listen & Learn: Write down 2-3 new and unique things that are positive How to separate the signal from the noise in news media Why 3 min of negative news per day can ruin your day Happiness = the joy we feel growing toward our potential How to start a conversation with a positive “top story” Why compassion is a great combatant to negativity How you can indeed change people Links & Resources: Michelle’s Site Michele’s Books (on Amz) ABOUT THE HOST Michelle Gielan is a CBS News anchor turned positive psychology researcher and bestselling author of, Broadcasting Happiness. Michelle is the Founder of the Institute for Applied Positive Research and is partnered with Arianna Huffington to study how transformative stories fuel success. She is an Executive Producer of "The Happiness Advantage" Special on PBS and a featured professor in Oprah's Happiness course. Michelle holds a Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, and her research and advice have received attention from The New York Times, Washington Post, FORBES, CNN, FOX, and Harvard Business Review. Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Four Sigmatic - makes delicious Mushroom Superfood Blends and Mushroom Elixirs. Four Sigmatic believes in the real magic of functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane, as well as other superfoods and adaptogens like rhodiola, eleuthero, and schisandra to help us live healthier, more enhanced lives. Visit: FOUR SIGMATIC and use coupon code "yogabody" for 15% off your order. Learn More

As the saying goes, “You can have anything you want in life, you just can't have everything.” However, figuring out exactly what you want is often difficult, as it means compromise, sacrifice, and hard work. With the New Year around the corner—a natural time to reflect on the year gone by and to plan for the year to come—the subject of clarity has never been more applicable. The same actions and habits that got you to where you are today won’t likely get you to where you want to go. So what next? On this week's show, we'll look at motivation, commitment, follow-through, and the challenges of goal setting in general to help you find your purpose, get clear on what you want, and define what is standing in the way of that. Listen & Learn: The history of NLP and how it can be a useful tool for changing your emotional reaction to situations Why goals should focus on desired feelings rather than desired things How to avoid procrastination Why trauma, pain, and fear can paralyze us Links & Resources: Jamie's website Jamie's books on Amazon ABOUT OUR GUEST Jamie Smart is a writer, speaker, coach, and consultant. His work focuses on the concept of clarity: the ultimate leverage point for creating more time, making better decisions, and achieving meaningful results. He has appeared on Sky TV and on the BBC, as well as in numerous publications including the Daily Telegraph. He's the author of two books, CLARITY and RESULTS, available on Amazon or on his website. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Salt Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Molekule has completely reinvented the air purifier. From the inside out, Molekule has reimagined what clean air ought to look and feel like—unobtrusive, portable, and 100% effective. Visit: MOLEKULE and use coupon code "Lucas" for $75 off your first order. Learn More

What if you become so focused on exercise and healthy living that it becomes an unhealthy obsession? What if you're a parent and eat a balanced diet but struggle to feed your kids well? What if yoga is giving you a hernia? On this week's podcast, I'll do my best to answer these great listener questions and more. Listen & Learn: Risk vs.reward of yoga Whether or not kids should be vegetarian 8+16 meal timing How to eat healthfully when your friends/family don’t ABOUT THE HOST In 2002, I worked for a New York City book publisher doing a job I hated. I drank seven nights a week, abused drugs, and smoked a pack of cigarettes a day. For food, it was pizza and takeout—anything quick and easy to keep me going. No one consciously decides to destroy their health, but over the years, that’s exactly what happened. I was bloated and flabby, unable to sleep without alcohol. My eyes were red and puffy, and I struggled to get excited about anything. I had so much potential, so many opportunities, but when you’re sick and numb to the world, everything feels impossible and uninteresting. Enter yoga. A friend dragged me to a yoga studio, where I suffered through one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life. In that first class, I was sweating and dizzy, unable to do even the most basic postures. I was the youngest person there, but the way I moved, I felt like I was 90 years old. I couldn’t bend forward, sit cross-legged on the floor, or balance in a tree pose. Looking at myself in the mirror, I remember thinking, “How did I end up in such bad shape?” I hated that first class so much, I knew it was exactly what I needed—so I kept going. People assume yoga classes are meant to be wonderful, peaceful experiences. This is not true. A good class should be the most challenging and uncomfortable hour of your entire day. When you push yourself on the mat, real-life problems become lighter and more manageable almost immediately. Hard yoga = easy life. For the next 380 days, I practiced yoga every single day. While traveling, I used audio or video recordings. If I was in a new city, I’d go to any studio I could find. When my teacher told me to take a day off to rest, I’d ignore the advice and go to a class at another studio. The same way I’d fallen in love with things that were killing me (drugs and alcohol), I’d now fallen in love with something that was feeding me and fueling my growth. And it worked. In six weeks, I lost almost 40 pounds (and had to replace my whole wardrobe). I quit drinking and smoking altogether, and most importantly, I found a renewed passion for life that is truly priceless. I remember walking around New York, still dripping with sweat from class, with a big, stupid grin on my face as if I’d unlocked a special secret. My life was changing. Within six months, I’d quit my job and moved to Thailand. Within a year, I was teaching full-time to packed classes in Bangkok and later, Hong Kong. I opened my first studio in 2006 and that same year began training teachers. To date, I’ve taught more than 30,000 students and trained more than 3,000 teachers in 41 countries. I love my life and my work, and as a result, I’m in better health mentally and physically than I was in my early 20s. YOGABODY was built on practice, sweat, and struggle. It’s the physical manifestation of everything I care about in life, and my greatest hope is that some of my passion for this practice and lifestyle rubs off on you when you walk through these doors. Nothing worth doing in life is easy. Movement is more powerful than meditation. And practice is everything. Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Four Sigmatic - makes delicious Mushroom Superfood Blends and Mushroom Elixirs. Four Sigmatic believes in the real magic of functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane, as well as other superfoods and adaptogens like rhodiola, eleuthero, and schisandra to help us live healthier, more enhanced lives. Visit: FOUR SIGMATIC and use coupon code "yogabody" for 15% off your order. Learn More

Most people know more about Game of Thrones than they do about their own digestive system. They know how many nuclear warheads are in North Korea, but they don't know their Vitamin D levels or their fasting blood glucose levels. This is a problem. The term 'mindfulness' usually conjures up the image of a monk sitting in Lotus Pose in the middle of the forest, but everyday mindfulness is just as important and often overlooked. On this week's podcast, you'll meet a mental fitness biohacker, Kasper van der Meulen, who focuses on personal growth and transformation. Listen & Learn: Biohacking 101 The risks and rewards of the Wim Hof Method How to transition to minimal footwear and even barefoot running Crafting your personal health transformation ABOUT OUR GUEST Kasper van der Meulen is a Wim Hof instructor, biohacker, coach, author, and speaker. He wrote the book MindLift: Mental Fitness for the Modern Mind Nutritional Tip of the Week: Rinse Your Rice Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

After your first yoga class, your hamstrings will hurt like hell. After your first day snowboarding, your wrists will ache and your bum will be bruised. After your first week struggling to play Knockin’ on Heaven's Door, your fingertips will be raw. Welcome to the awkward and irritating world of new skill acquisition. The journey from grossly incompetent to somewhat capable is simultaneously the most challenging and most rewarding part of learning. In the yoga studio, I see it every day. People poke their head in the door, take stock of the room, the instructor, the students, and proceed home to watch Netflix and eat Häagen-Dazs because it's easier than confronting the learning curve that awaits them. The benefit of avoidance is obvious—Netflix won’t cause you pain, won’t embarrass you, and won’t ask anything more of you—but the losses are catastrophic. Every day you spend stagnant, consuming rather than creating, it eats away at your vibrant spirit until there’s nothing left. On this week's podcast, you'll meet author Josh Kaufman, who is obsessed with that initial learning phase. He has figured out how to break through the barriers of inertia and uncover what someone really wants. Listen & Learn: Why learning is so important to the human condition The importance of pre-commitment to a phase of learning Why the 10,000-hour rule applies mostly to elite athletes and musicians Why great teachers are so difficult to find—and rarely teach How to leverage published material to supplement great teaching Links & Resources: Josh's Website Forever Fluent Book ABOUT THE GUEST Josh Kaufman is the author of three bestselling books: The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business, The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything... Fast!, and How to Fight a Hydra: Face Your Fears, Pursue Your Ambitions, and Become the Hero You Are Destined to Be. His TEDx talk on “The First 20 Hours” has been viewed more than 12 million times, putting it in the top 10 most viewed TEDx videos and top 100 most viewed TED Talks published to date. Josh's research has been featured by the New York Times, BBC News, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Fortune, Forbes, Time, BusinessWeek, Wired, and dozens of other publications. Josh has been a featured speaker at the Aspen Ideas Festival, World Domination Summit, Pioneer Nation, MicroConf, Bacon Biz, Stanford University, Google, and IBM. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Best Form of Sugar to Use Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Four Sigmatic - makes delicious Mushroom Superfood Blends and Mushroom Elixirs. Four Sigmatic believes in the real magic of functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane, as well as other superfoods and adaptogens like rhodiola, eleuthero, and schisandra to help us live healthier, more enhanced lives. Visit: FOUR SIGMATIC and use coupon code "yogabody" for 15% off your order. Learn More

Xanet Pailet was in a marriage with zero physical intimacy for more than 15 years. Most people don't go that long, but many do wait years before they openly address these issues; however, by then, permanent damage to the relationship may have already been done. Sexuality is a definitive part of the human experience, and when it's not working, it's one of the top reasons couples split. So what's going wrong? Past trauma, self-esteem issues, guilt, shame, and a general lack of communication all contribute to the complexity of physical intimacy, so it's not surprising most people avoid the issue, if possible. Who wants to open up that Pandora's box? On this week's show, Xanet will share her insights and expertise based on both her personal experience and decades of coaching others. Listen & Learn: How a sexless relationship can harm your spirit and your life Why abstinence is a ridiculous idea, even in spiritual traditions Why the definition of 'sex' should be broadened to include many different ways of connecting on an intimate level How to navigate the challenges of modern pornography Links & Resources: Xanet's Website Living an Orgasm (book) ABOUT THE GUEST Xanet Pailet is a certified tantra educator, sexological body worker, and somatica-trained sex coach, who has worked in the therapeutic field for more than 25 years. She's the author of the book Living an Orgasmic Life, available on Amazon, as well as on her website. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Fish Oil Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Molekule has completely reinvented the air purifier. From the inside out, Molekule has reimagined what clean air ought to look and feel like—unobtrusive, portable, and 100% effective. Visit: MOLEKULE and use coupon code “Lucas” for $75 off your first order. Learn More

I struggled with chronic sleep deprivation for more than a decade. During that time, I’d fall asleep in the barber’s chair. If I was talking on the phone while in bed, I’d pass out in the middle of the conversation. On airplanes, I’d be asleep before takeoff and the flight attendant would have to wake me up after landing. My world was hazy. My focus was hour-to-hour. Generally speaking, my head felt like a swamp I had to wade through to get anything done.  A poor night’s sleep affects your mood, your decision-making, and even your appetite—but we all have bad nights. The only way to escape the occasional restless night is to live a monastic life, without kids, neighbors, construction, work stress or a partner. To live a full life, for most people, means losing some sleep now and again. And you know what? That’s fine, if you can recover. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a sleep expert who focuses on high-leverage strategies, not micro-tactics to improve your sleep. Listen & Learn: How understanding your chronotype can help you optimize sleep  Sleep deprivation vs. insomnia, understanding the difference  Why 'sleep drive' is like hunger or sex drive—it has its own rhythm and cannot be forced Why you should not force yourself to sleep earlier Why you should force yourself to wake up earlier How light and movement are the key to waking up Links & Resources: Sleepy Head Clinic ABOUT OUR GUEST Stephanie Romiszewski has a degree in psychology and behavioral sleep medicine. Her interest in sleep disorders began while studying chronobiology, during which time she assisted sleep research at Harvard Medical School. Stephanie has worked in NHS clinical sleep disorder centres across the UK, diagnosing and treating a number of sleep issues, such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, parasomnias, insomnia, movement disorders and circadian rhythm disorders. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Flouride Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Four Sigmatic - makes delicious Mushroom Superfood Blends and Mushroom Elixirs. Four Sigmatic believes in the real magic of functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane, as well as other superfoods and adaptogens like rhodiola, eleuthero, and schisandra to help us live healthier, more enhanced lives. Visit: FOUR SIGMATIC and use coupon code "yogabody" for 15% off your order. Learn More

Mark Lukach's wife spent nearly two months in total in psychiatric wards during three different bipolar episodes. Mental illness appeared seemingly out of nowhere with suicidal thoughts, delusions, and dangerous behavior. While this story sounds extreme, I promise that someone you know and care about is suffering right now, as well. That being said, there's a good chance you can help. On this week's show, we'll look closely at mental illness, which affects one in every four households today. My hope is that this family's story will inspire you to find the courage to deal with the darkness.   Listen & Learn: Why suicide is a huge (and growing) problem all over the world Medication vs. natural solutions—what's best? Why talking and listening will always be important How to remove the stigma of mental illness and get help Links & Resources: Mark's Website Suicide Statistics (referenced in the show) ABOUT OUR GUEST Stephanie Romiszewski has a degree in psychology and behavioral sleep medicine. Her interest in sleep disorders began while studying chronobiology, during which time she assisted sleep research at Harvard Medical School. Stephanie has worked in NHS clinical sleep disorder centres across the UK, diagnosing and treating a number of sleep issues, such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, parasomnias, insomnia, movement disorders and circadian rhythm disorders. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Fermented Foods Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Have you ever heard someone blame their weight gain on a 'slow metabolism?' It sounds logical, but what does it mean exactly? What is considered 'slow?' When we talk about metabolic health, it's important to define what it really is. You'll quickly learn that it's multifaceted and you'll need to work separately on each area. On this week's podcast, we'll talk with Ann Louise Gittleman, the first lady of nutrition, who has very practical advice based on decades of extensive work in health and nutrition. Listen & Learn: How to optimize your metabolism for weight loss, health, and longevity Why pine nut oil is amazing for digestive problems (among other things) Why many people have lower HCL and bile production as they age Why bitter foods are so important Links & Resources: Ann Louise's Website Radical Metabolism ABOUT OUR GUEST Ann Louise Gittleman is a nutritionist, internationally recognized as a pioneer in dietary, environmental, and women's health issues. She is an award-winning, New York Times bestselling author, with more than 30 books on health and nutrition. In her books, she covers a wide range of topics, including diet, detox, women's health, men's health, perimenopause, menopause, beauty, and the environment. Gittleman holds an M.S. in Nutrition Education from Columbia University, a Ph.D. in Holistic Nutrition, and she has the title of Certified Nutrition Specialist (C.N.S.) from the American College of Nutrition. She has also been featured in dozens of TV programs, as well as online and offline publications. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Why Eat Small Fish Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Four Sigmatic - makes delicious Mushroom Superfood Blends and Mushroom Elixirs. Four Sigmatic believes in the real magic of functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane, as well as other superfoods and adaptogens like rhodiola, eleuthero, and schisandra to help us live healthier, more enhanced lives. Visit: FOUR SIGMATIC and use coupon code "yogabody" for 15% off your order. Learn More

If you can balance well, your yoga practice is more fun, you’re faster and nimbler, and you might even live longer. Sound far-fetched? Check it out: falls are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide. 424,000 individuals die from falls globally. My balance has improved massively in the past couple years, but historically, I’ve had terrible balance. I assumed it was something I just had to live with, but I’ve learned that poor footwear, bad walking patterns, and zero balance training all created this problem—and it’s largely reversible. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, you’ll learn about balance training for athletes and anyone who seeks optimal health. Listen & Learn: Why balance involves your: vestibular system (inner ear), proprioception (body awareness, sensation) and vision How anyone can learn balance at any age using simple at-home tools and approaches Why balance is a software problem, not hardware How a slackline give you a “fall announcement” so land on your feet and stay safe How 25% of your bones and muscles are in your feet and another 25% in your hands Why slips and falls are the #1 cause of injury (and potentially death) for people over 65 Links & Resources: World Health Organization Stats on Falling SlackBow Site   ABOUT OUR GUEST Jim is a lifelong innovator who was looking for ways to maintain his own athletic performance, and in the process, he created The Slackbow Balance Training System, a body and mind fitness program that can help at any age. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Iron Supplements Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes

Everyone has some area of their life where they feel totally stuck, and it usually falls into one of three categories: health, wealthy, or relationships. It's very rare that all three of those areas of life are flowing smoothly at once time, it's usually a balancing act where family life is awesome but work is a mess, or work is cruising but your health is suffering. Have you experienced this? On this week's podcast, we'll talk about engineering a breakthrough in your life with a counterintuitive approach. Listen & Learn: Why past trauma, pain and unresolved issues often keep you from moving forward Why micro failures are better than big fails How micro successes can snowball into a flurry of wins Why it's so challenging to change, and why it's essential to who we are Links & Resources: Switch On Now Website ABOUT OUR GUEST Nick Jankel is an author, philosopher, and professional speaker who develops tools for organizations, leaders and everyday people to transform themselves.  He is the creator of The Switch On Way a process that has been used by over 50,000 people and 50+ Fortune 500 companies across the globe and has been featured on the BBC and MTV. He is the author of two books, Switch On, and new book, The Spiritual Atheist available on Amazon. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Honey Before Bed Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Four Sigmatic - makes delicious Mushroom Superfood Blends and Mushroom Elixirs. Four Sigmatic believes in the real magic of functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane, as well as other superfoods and adaptogens like rhodiola, eleuthero, and schisandra to help us live healthier, more enhanced lives. Visit: FOUR SIGMATIC and use coupon code "yogabody" for 15% off your order. Learn More

A little girl named Charlotte was having as many as 300 seizures a week, some lasting as long as 30 minutes. Her body was frail, her health was suffering, and her parents were at their wits' end. After every other medical intervention failed, the family tried a nonpsychoactive extract from marijuana called CBD and their lives were never the same again. Charlotte's story was one of the first to capture people's imagination, from lawmakers to cannabis growers, and in the years since, has helped spawn an entire nutraceuticals industry around this powerful compound. On this week's show, we'll lay out the risks and rewards of self-administered CBD oil. Listen & Learn: Why most (but not all) CBD products contain little to no THC, meaning they will not get you high How CBD impacts the receptors already present in your body How CBD can reduce inflammation, including inflammation in your brain How to make sure the product you're using is safe and healthful The real legal and safety concerns surrounding CBD products Links & Resources: Omax Health ABOUT OUR GUEST Evan DeMarco is a sports medicine and nutrition expert, author, public speaker, and frequent guest on television and radio. As an entrepreneur, he is currently creating a functional medicine and nutritional supplements platform. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Can You Supplement Everything Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Molekule has completely reinvented the air purifier. From the inside out, Molekule has reimagined what clean air ought to look and feel like—unobtrusive, portable, and 100% effective. Visit: MOLEKULE and use coupon code "Lucas" for $75 off your first order.       Learn More

I receive questions from listeners every day. On this week's Q&A show, I'll answer a few of them, with topics ranging from flexibility for seniors and what technically breaks a fast to Xylitol and Vitamin K2. ------------ Listen & Learn: Is it possible for people over 60 to increase their flexibility Is Xylitol really healthy Does drinking soy milk/espresso count for fasting Is Yin Yoga safe for your joints What is Vitamin K2 good for ABOUT THE HOST In 2002, I worked for a New York City book publisher doing a job I hated. I drank seven nights a week, abused drugs, and smoked a pack of cigarettes a day. For food, it was pizza and takeout—anything quick and easy to keep me going. No one consciously decides to destroy their health, but over the years, that’s exactly what happened. I was bloated and flabby, unable to sleep without alcohol. My eyes were red and puffy, and I struggled to get excited about anything. I had so much potential, so many opportunities, but when you’re sick and numb to the world, everything feels impossible and uninteresting. Enter yoga. A friend dragged me to a yoga studio, where I suffered through one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life. In that first class, I was sweating and dizzy, unable to do even the most basic postures. I was the youngest person there, but the way I moved, I felt like I was 90 years old. I couldn’t bend forward, sit cross-legged on the floor, or balance in a tree pose. Looking at myself in the mirror, I remember thinking, “How did I end up in such bad shape?” I hated that first class so much, I knew it was exactly what I needed—so I kept going. People assume yoga classes are meant to be wonderful, peaceful experiences. This is not true. A good class should be the most challenging and uncomfortable hour of your entire day. When you push yourself on the mat, real-life problems become lighter and more manageable almost immediately. Hard yoga = easy life. For the next 380 days, I practiced yoga every single day. While traveling, I used audio or video recordings. If I was in a new city, I’d go to any studio I could find. When my teacher told me to take a day off to rest, I’d ignore the advice and go to a class at another studio. The same way I’d fallen in love with things that were killing me (drugs and alcohol), I’d now fallen in love with something that was feeding me and fueling my growth. And it worked. In six weeks, I lost almost 40 pounds (and had to replace my whole wardrobe). I quit drinking and smoking altogether, and most importantly, I found a renewed passion for life that is truly priceless. I remember walking around New York, still dripping with sweat from class, with a big, stupid grin on my face as if I’d unlocked a special secret. My life was changing. Within six months, I’d quit my job and moved to Thailand. Within a year, I was teaching full-time to packed classes in Bangkok and later, Hong Kong. I opened my first studio in 2006 and that same year began training teachers. To date, I’ve taught more than 30,000 students and trained more than 3,000 teachers in 41 countries. I love my life and my work, and as a result, I’m in better health mentally and physically than I was in my early 20s. YOGABODY was built on practice, sweat, and struggle. It’s the physical manifestation of everything I care about in life, and my greatest hope is that some of my passion for this practice and lifestyle rubs off on you when you walk through these doors. Nothing worth doing in life is easy. Movement is more powerful than meditation. And practice is everything. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Raw, Cooked, Boiled, Fried Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: PrepDish - is a healthy meal planning service. When you sign up, you’ll receive an email every week with a done-for-you grocery list and instructions for prepping your meals ahead of time. You’ll save time and have amazingly delicious meals. Visit: PrepDish and use coupon code “yogabody” for your first 2 weeks for FREE Learn More

People joke that they 'laughed so hard they peed their pants.' However, this is a real problem called stress incontinence—a symptom of pelvic floor dysfunction. The pelvic floor is a complex group of muscles, fascia and connective tissues at the base of your spine that is crucial for bladder control, posture, sexual function, and the health of many vital organs.  So what's the problem? Maybe you gave birth to two kids and never resumed your pre-kid exercise routine. Maybe you are 45 years old and haven't done a proper squat since you lifted weights with your buddies in college. For dozens of reasons, modern lifestyles lead to atrophy of the pelvic floor that can manifest overtime into very serious health issues. On the flip side, a strong, toned pelvic floor will help your posture, sexual performance, spinal health, and bladder control. In yoga, you'll feel the difference in almost every pose, and in your everyday life, you'll notice changes throughout the day. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet a kinesiologists who will help demystify this often overlooked region of the body. ------------ Listen & Learn: What the pelvic floor is and why it is important to both women and men Why incontinence and prolapse are huge (and growing) problems Why posture starts at the base of the spine How to strengthen and tone your pelvic floor with daily, 10-minute exercises ABOUT OUR GUEST Adrianne has a degree in kinesiology, with an emphasis on exercise science. She has certifications in Pilates, yoga, the Yoga Trapeze, Zenga, and Barre, among others, and specializes in spinal conditions, pelvic floor issues, and fascial tissue. She served as the fitness specialist at the NASA Langley Research Center and currently runs an eating disorder center in California. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Palm Oil Links & References from the Show: Adrianne's Site Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Four Sigmatic - makes delicious Mushroom Superfood Blends and Mushroom Elixirs. Four Sigmatic believes in the real magic of functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane, as well as other superfoods and adaptogens like rhodiola, eleuthero, and schisandra to help us live healthier, more enhanced lives. Visit: FOUR SIGMATIC and use coupon code "yogabody" for 15% off your order. Learn More

A stage hypnotist convinced my friend Burton that he was an undercover spy and needed to find a clue hidden in the forest. There were 600 people in the audience, but Burton was all in. He raced off the stage, returning 10 minutes later, covered in sweat (clearly he had been running around campus), at which point he proudly displayed the ‘clue’ he'd found. If I didn't know better, I would have thought Burton was a paid actor. The experience was disturbing and I immediately put hypnosis in the ‘weird party trick’ category of my brain for the next 20 years. That is until I learned about hypnosis as a real-world, clinically proven method of therapy. Hypnotherapy is a largely unregulated industry, similar to yoga, which means there are some amazing, highly trained therapists, alongside a boatload of charlatans. Hypnosis also has a big PR problem because most people associate it with stage shows and tricks, not realizing that clinical efficacy for the treatment of phobias, anxiety, addiction and even pain are very compelling. ------------ Listen & Learn: How lifelong mental patterns can sometimes be broken through hypnosis What the difference between stage hypnosis and hypnotherapy is For which challenges hypnosis shows the greatest efficacy How to choose between self-hypnosis, hypnosis recordings, and in-person therapy ABOUT OUR GUEST Grace Smith is on a mission to make hypnosis mainstream. A renowned hypnotherapist, Grace is the founder of www.gshypnosis.com, the world's number one hypnotherapy hub, as well as Grace Space Hypnotherapy Certification School. Grace is a regular guest on CBS's hit show The Doctors, and her work has been featured in The Atlantic, Marie Claire, Forbes, MindBodyGreen, Buzzfeed, Bustle, InStyle and more. Grace's private clients include celebrities, CEOs, professional athletes, and government officials. She has given keynote speeches and workshops at Procter & Gamble, SummitLive, Women Empowerment Expo, Ritz Carlton, PSEG, Soul Camp, Verizon, and HypnoBiz. She is the author of a new book, Close Your Eyes, Get Free, which you can find on Amazon or Grace's website. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Tanins Links & References from the Show: Grace's New Book Grace's Site Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: PrepDish - is a healthy meal planning service. When you sign up, you’ll receive an email every week with a done-for-you grocery list and instructions for prepping your meals ahead of time. You’ll save time and have amazingly delicious meals. Visit: PrepDish and use coupon code “yogabody” for your first 2 weeks for FREE Learn More

Think of your body as a three-legged stool with an electrical body (your nervous system), a bacterial body (your microbiome), and a chemical body (your endocrine system). These three legs are largely responsible for your health and well-being, and if one leg gets whacked out from under you, you'll likely fall on your face. Today, let's focus on your chemical body: your hormones. These chemical compounds influence everything from your waistline to your mood, and our modern world is filled with all kinds of toxins that lead to imbalances. Did you know that most plastic water bottles contain estrogen-like BPA compounds that can cause weight gain, or worse? Did you know that many skin care products and soaps contain estrogen-like parabens that can get absorbed through your skin and lead to infertility? On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll learn why our generation is often estrogen dominant—and what we can do to fix it. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why too much estrogen can make you fat, sick, and infertile How sauna treatments can help detoxify xenoestrogens How genetic testing can show you how to manage estrogen How xenoestrogens have ended up in everything from water bottles to skin care products Why plant-based estrogens can also impact some percentage of the population How to optimize your household, lifestyle, and product choices for hormonal balance ABOUT OUR GUEST DR. ANTHONY G. JAY is a scientist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Jay earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine. He is the president of the International Medical Research Collaborative, a non-profit organization based in Boston that trains medical students from around the globe.  Dr. Jay is also the CEO of AJ Consulting Company, which specializes in scientific consulting, speaking, and personalized DNA analysis. He is the author of the book Estrogeneration: How Estrogenics Are Making You Fat, Sick, and Infertile. He also has a podcast called Chagrin & Toxic podcast you can find on iTunes or in the show notes.   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Raw Dairy Links & References from the Show: Dr. Jay's Site Estrogeneration Book DNA Testing Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Four Sigmatic - makes delicious Mushroom Superfood Blends and Mushroom Elixirs. Four Sigmatic believes in the real magic of functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane, as well as other superfoods and adaptogens like rhodiola, eleuthero, and schisandra to help us live healthier, more enhanced lives. Visit: FOUR SIGMATIC and use coupon code "yogabody" for 15% off your order. Learn More

The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your relationships; and yet, for most of us, being in relationship is hard. Most of us find it challenging enough to get our own lives in order, so when you share children, finances, loves and loss with another person, it's never a linear path. What about sex? What about religion? What about independent needs and wants? On this weeks, Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet Allen Wagner, a couple's therapist with his feet firmly planted on the ground. He shares his best insights for getting your head out of your phone and into the heart of the one you love. ------------ Listen & Learn: How many romantic relationships devolve into roommate relationships How to fight fair, versus fighting with pain triggers How to determine deal breakers from minor differences of choices and preference Why therapy can be used by both strong and broken people, for both short and long term objectives Why mental health and mental health care is stigmatized ABOUT OUR GUEST Allen Wagner is a marriage and family therapist based in Los Angeles. He specializes in working with individuals and couples. He helps people with anxiety, depression, and challenges. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Raw Vitamins Links & References from the Show: Allen's Site 5 Love Languages Book Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: PrepDish - is a healthy meal planning service. When you sign up, you’ll receive an email every week with a done-for-you grocery list and instructions for prepping your meals ahead of time. You’ll save time and have amazingly delicious meals. Visit: PrepDish and use coupon code “yogabody” for your first 2 weeks for FREE Learn More

This concept of "a pill for an ill" has led hundreds of millions of Americans to take prescription medications every single day. Antidepressants for mood, opioids for pain, and proton pump inhibitors for stomach problems—the list goes on and on. Modern medicine is truly a blessing, but it's gotten out of hand; and in many cases, we've neglected the safer and more obvious choices that are right in front of our faces. Movement is medicine: running, dancing, stretching, and skiing. You sweat and smile, your heart races, and you feel peace when you're done. We all feel better when we move, and yet, we don't do it enough. Why? When exercise is such a sure thing with unmatched health benefits, why does Netflix and Haagen Dazs often win our attention? On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet an Olympic Athlete whose parents opted out of the psychiatric drug route and instead threw him head first into swimming and diving. He's on a mission to share his "movement is medicine" concept with the world, and it's something we call need to hear. ------------ Listen & Learn: How at just two years old, Leon was already unmanageable How swimming, diving, and gymnastics calmed him down and gave him focus How this physical outlet turned into a passion, and eventually and Olympic legacy How you too can find your happy place doing a movement or exercise practice you love ABOUT OUR GUEST Leon started swimming and gymnastics from the age of two and took up competitive diving when he was eight. By age 11, he was a national champion. Leon represented Great Britain at three Summer Olympic Games and was a member of the Great Britain team for 16 years. Among his many awards, he's won a Bronze medal in the the 1999 European Aquatics Championships and a Silver medal in the men's 10 meter platform at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. In the  2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, he won the Silver medal in the men's synchronized 10-metre platform. In 1998, Leon invented the what was then considered the World's most difficult dive. Taylor now works as a public speaker, presenter, conference host, BBC commentator and mentor to members of the British team. He's the other of a book called, Mentor. Nutritional Tip of the Week: How Much Water to Drink Links & References from the Show: Leon's Site Leon's TEDx Talk Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Four Sigmatic - makes delicious Mushroom Superfood Blends and Mushroom Elixirs. Four Sigmatic believes in the real magic of functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane, as well as other superfoods and adaptogens like rhodiola, eleuthero, and schisandra to help us live healthier, more enhanced lives. Visit: http://www.foursigmatic.com/yogabody and use coupon code "yogabody" for 15% off your order. Learn More

There are more than 10 times as many microbe cells in your body as human cells, but interestingly, we're exposed to our first bacteria at birth—and from there, the process begins. While two humans are almost identical genetically, their microbiomes can be dramatically different, which accounts for differences in the way they digest food, the way they smell, and even more dramatic differences such as their hormonal response. Microbiome research is fascinating, but still in its infancy. Supplement-makers are quick to label ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria, but they are cherry-picking a couple dozen strains from thousands—many of which are still unknown. Advances in lab testing will likely give average people like us the greatest health advantages in years to come; there are already amazing options available to early adopters. Enter microbiome testing. How does it work? You send in a stool sample and get back a detailed report showing exactly what is growing inside you. This can be information overload, for sure, but even with the limited research currently available, you can learn a great deal about how your unique bacterial body functions. On this week's show, you'll meet the founder of Viome, a company on the forefront of microbiome testing.   ------------ Listen & Learn: Why the food that is great for you could be kryptonite for someone else How your bacterial body can affect everything from your mood and digestion to your hormones and sleep patterns Why lab testing empowers average people to better understand their bodies and maintain a healthy lifestyle ABOUT OUR GUEST Naveen Jain is an entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder of several successful companies, including Viome, Moon Express, Bluedot, TalentWise, Intelius, and InfoSpace. He is a regular contributor to Forbes, WSJ, INC, and The Huffington Post. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Peanut Oil Links & References from the Show: Viome Site + Discount Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga International, a community of 300,000 students learning about yoga, meditation, and mindful living from hundreds of expert teachers. It has more than 1,000 classes, the most popular of which are 30 Classes in 30 Days Challenge, The Busy Yogi Challenge, and Yoga to Soothe Sciatica with Doug Keller. Yoga International is offering listeners of the Yoga Talk Show a free Essentials of Yoga Therapy course when you sign up for a 30-day trial membership. Learn More

During the summer between 8th and 9th grade, I watched my classmate Jeff go from about 125 lbs to 180 lbs in six weeks. This scrawny, video game nerd turned into a force to be reckoned with through a combination of hard gym workouts and anabolic steroids he bought from his older brother. I'm not sure if you've ever seen a transformation like this firsthand, but it's not something you easily forget. Enter hormones. They can make you skinny or make you fat. They can give you hot flashes, make you tired, or make you feel young and vital. Your ‘chemical body’ is responsible for how you look and feel most of the time, and yet it's often out of whack. Hormonal imbalance used to be rare and mostly found in older people, but these days you can find kids with massive hormone imbalances at any school around the world. So what do we do? ------------ Listen & Learn: How hormones can impact just about everything Why birth control pills, food, stress, age, and environment can all affect our chemical body How hormone theory is only a century old How hormone research is still new and developing ABOUT OUR GUEST Randi Hutter Epstein is a medical writer, author, and journalist. She has written for publications including The New York Times and The Washington Post. She is also a lecturer at Yale University and an adjunct professor at Columbia University School of Journalism. She is the author of two books: Get Me Out: A History of Childbirth from the Garden of Eden to the Sperm Bank (2010) and AROUSED: The History of Hormones and How They Control Just About Everything (2018). Nutritional Tip of the Week: Low Fructose Fruits Links & References from the Show: Randi's site Randi's Book Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga International, a community of 300,000 students learning about yoga, meditation, and mindful living from hundreds of expert teachers. It has more than 1,000 classes, the most popular of which are 30 Classes in 30 Days Challenge, The Busy Yogi Challenge, and Yoga to Soothe Sciatica with Doug Keller. Yoga International is offering listeners of the Yoga Talk Show a free Essentials of Yoga Therapy course when you sign up for a 30-day trial membership. Learn More

Chronic pain—the most common of which is back pain and digestive pain—affects as many as one in four people. Pain plays a crucial role in the body as a clear sign that something is injured, diseased, or in need of extra care. However, when pain becomes chronic, many times the pain signals sent to the brain no longer correspond with any kind of dysfunction. The pain is literally all in the brain, and faulty neural wiring can ruin your life. When people are in constant pain, they will try anything: yoga, meditation, acupuncture, cannabis, and, of course, opioids. Sometimes these solutions work, sometimes they don’t, but statistics show that chronic pain is a problem that's getting worse, not better. So what can we do? On this week's Yoga Talk Show, we will explore a new type of noninvasive, nondrug treatment for pain that involves electrical stimulation to rewire problematic neural connections, otherwise known as Scrambler Therapy®. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why 100 million Americans have chronic pain Why pain can be present with or without any underlying condition Why the threat-neural matrix complicates your pain Why all pain is in the brain, and the solution to all chronic pain is rewiring this mind-body neural fail ABOUT OUR GUEST Brendon is the co-founder and CEO of Radiant Pain Relief Centres in Oregon, where he uses an exclusive, FDA-cleared technology called Scrambler Therapy® as a safe and simple way to change the mind-body perception of pain. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Lectins Links & References from the Show: Radiant Pain Relief Centres Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: PuraTHRIVE- Discover the breakthrough nutrient delivery system that combines nature and technology to maximize absorption, potency and bioavailability. PuraTHRIVE provides high-quality, guaranteed products that enable people to lead healthier lives. It helps empower people to thrive physically, mentally and spiritually! Visit https://purathrive.com/yogabody to get exclusive 10% off for Yoga Talk Show Listeners Learn More

Have you ever seen a yoga student, runner, or CrossFitter with weird crisscrossed tape on their knees? Have you ever experienced knee pain that kept you from doing your favorite activities? Aside from back problems, knee pain is the most common issue I see in my yoga studios, with the inevitable question being what to do about it. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, you will meet physiotherapist Lee Herrington, who works with high-level athletes to correct movement dysfunctions, and help them manage and overcome knee pain. His recommendations are very simple, but not at all intuitive. ------------ Listen & Learn: Movement is medicine, you must move to heal For better or worse, our knees (and the rest of our bodies) will wear out over time, our job is to manage that gracefully Why anterior (front) knee pain is the most common and how alignment in yoga and all other activities can greatly reduce the risk of injury How to ‘treat the man, not the scan’ when dealing with knee pain Why performance backward thinking is helpful for knee pain ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Herrington is a physiotherapist, senior lecturer in sports rehabilitation at the University of Salford Manchester, and has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers. His work focuses on the treatment and rehabilitation of sports injuries, specifically anterior knee pain, hamstring injuries, Subacromial Pain Syndrome (shoulder impingement), the ‘rugby’ shoulder, and rehabilitation following knee surgery (principally ACL reconstruction). Nutritional Tip of the Week: Food Causing Pain Links & References from the Show: Lee on Twitter University of Salford Manchester Profile Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: PuraTHRIVE- Discover the breakthrough nutrient delivery system that combines nature and technology to maximize absorption, potency and bioavailability. PuraTHRIVE provides high-quality, guaranteed products that enable people to lead healthier lives. It helps empower people to thrive physically, mentally and spiritually! Visit https://purathrive.com/yogabody to get exclusive 10% off for Yoga Talk Show Listeners Learn More

Your tight hamstrings, stiff hips, and locked up spine are not going to find freedom on their own—you have to train for mobility. When your body is tight, it affects everything, from your standing and sitting posture to your stride, but when you increase your range of motion, it feels as if you’ve added an extra room onto your home. Flexible bodies feel free, youthful, and energized. However, getting started with training can be frustrating. On this week’s show, you’ll meet physical therapist Jen Esquer, who will share her whole-body, 24-hour approach to movement freedom. ------------ Listen & Learn: How to sprinkle mobility training throughout the day rather than trying to fit in one monster session of stretching Why consistency is so important for mobility training (and the weekend warrior mentality doesn’t work) Why it’s crucial to have a healthy range of motion in poses such as squats, backbends, and hip flexion movements ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Jen Esquer has been involved with movement her entire life. She has worked as a gymnastics coach, a Pilates instructor, and eventually became a physical therapist. Today, Dr. Jen works in private practice, both online and offline, empowering people to heal themselves. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Pili Nuts Links & References from the Show: Dr. Jen’s website Dr. Jen’s Instagram Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: PuraTHRIVE- Discover the breakthrough nutrient delivery system that combines nature and technology to maximize absorption, potency and bioavailability. PuraTHRIVE provides high-quality, guaranteed products that enable people to lead healthier lives. It helps empower people to thrive physically, mentally and spiritually! Visit https://purathrive.com/yogabody to get exclusive 10% off for Yoga Talk Show Listeners Learn More

My balance has always been terrible. It didn't matter if I was on a skateboard, a balance beam, or in tree pose in yoga; I've always found it incredibly challenging to stay steady. Some people are just better at balance than others, but when I was about 30 years old, I realized my extremely-high arches and tight calves were largely to blame. Today, I still have excessively high arches, but I've managed to stretch and relax them down dramatically, and it's improved my running and walking gate as well as my yoga practice tremendously. Most importantly, I know that strong and flexible feet will  positively impact the health of my upstream joints long term. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet Dr. Emily Splichal. A podiatrist and movement expert whose research and teaching around foot health is the best I've found. I just finished her book and am excited for you to meet here. ------------ Listen & Learn: Joint Coupling: why the foundational foot connection and alignment to the floor has cascading up-stream effects into the knees, hips,  spine and more Tissue Stress Threshold: the breaking point where you over-stress your feet to the point of pain and in Foot-to-Core Sequencing: why proprioception and neuromuscular awareness is key to healthy walking, sports, and movement patterns At-Home Exercise: "Short Foot" exercise to strengthen, heal and restore food health ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr Splichal is a Podiatrist, Human Movement Specialist and Global Leader in Barefoot Science and Rehabilitation. Originally trained as a surgeon through Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, NY and Mt Vernon Hospital in Mt Vernon, NY Dr Splichal has a deep appreciation for the role of surgical intervention as it relates to orthopedic pathology and offers an un-biased second opinion on the appropriateness of surgical recommendations. She is the author of, Everyday Is Your Runway: A Shoe-Lover's Guide to Healthy Feet & Legs, Barefoot Strong: Unlock the Secrets to Movement Longevity Nutritional Tip of the Week: Curry Powder Links & References from the Show: Dr. Emily's Site VIDEO: Short Foot Tutorial Barefoot Strong Book Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: PuraTHRIVE- Discover the breakthrough nutrient delivery system that combines nature and technology to maximize absorption, potency and bioavailability. PuraTHRIVE provides high-quality, guaranteed products that enable people to lead healthier lives. It helps empower people to thrive physically, mentally and spiritually! Visit https://purathrive.com/yogabody to get exclusive 10% off for Yoga Talk Show Listeners Learn More

My six-year-old son will approach the person behind the counter at the grocery store and ask, “Do you have anything for kids?” At the doctor’s office, he’ll ask, “Do you have any candies?” He doesn’t break eye contact and his voice is steady, without a shred of insecurity, and it works. People give him things everywhere he goes. This is the power of confidence in action, and it’s remarkable to watch. I don’t take credit for it, he came out this way; but I have come to believe that confidence is a skill that can be learned. Since confidence is a meta-skill that makes pretty much all other skill acquisition easier, this is something we should all train regularly. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, you’ll meet a woman who wrote the book, Confidence Creator. Her story and her no-nonsense approach can serve anyone at any age ------------ Listen & Learn: Fired from your career job? Try this... Sexually harassed at work? Stay strong Why doing hard things is the bedrock of confidence How confidence can be learned and developed just like any skill The importance of journaling for self-awareness and growth Simple steps you can do right now to build confidence in your life ABOUT OUR GUEST Heather Monahan started from very humble beginnings growing up in Massachusetts, and built a successful career in sales working in real estate and radio in multiple states. Her recent work is focused on coaching and training in the “Monahan Method” and self-confidence is the cornerstone of this approach. Her new book, Confidence Creator, is available on Amazon. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Kombucha Links & References from the Show: Heather’s site Heather’s Book Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Four Sigmatic - makes delicious Mushroom Superfood Blends and Mushroom Elixirs. Four Sigmatic believes in the real magic of functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane, as well as other superfoods and adaptogens like rhodiola, eleuthero, and schisandra to help us live healthier, more enhanced lives. Visit: http://www.foursigmatic.com/yogabody and use coupon code "yogabody" for 15% off your order. Learn More

If you go to any convenient store, you'll see dozens of "energy" products including bars, drinks, and snacks. Most products are loaded with sugar or caffeine—or both. In the short term, they'll certainly give you energy, but in the long term, they send you spiraling down. High energy is at the cornerstone of health, but we often neglect the very root source of energy—our cellular energy created by the mitochondria. On this week's, Yoga Talk Show, you'll learn how cellular energy can be pivotal for full-body health and wellness. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why these organelle produce ATP which is energy at the cellular level How your lifestyle can impact your mitochondria Why excessive eating creates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depletes energy Why fat is 15x more efficient than sugar at creating cellular energy 4 supplements to boost mitochondria: L-Carnatine, CoQ10, D-ribose, magnesium Why low mitochondria can impact fertility ABOUT OUR GUEST Warren L. Cargal, L. Ac. specializes in age-related diseases tied to diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative issues, and cancer. He is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist and is also founder and clinical director of Acupuncture Atlanta. He is the author of the book, Your Mitochondria: Key to Health and Longevity. He has practiced Chinese medicine for over 20 years. You can learn more about his site Nutritional Tip of the Week: GMO Soy Links & References from the Show: Warren's Book Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Four Sigmatic - makes delicious Mushroom Superfood Blends and Mushroom Elixirs. Four Sigmatic believes in the real magic of functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane, as well as other superfoods and adaptogens like rhodiola, eleuthero, and schisandra to help us live healthier, more enhanced lives. Visit: http://www.foursigmatic.com/yogabody and use coupon code "yogabody" for 15% off your order. Learn More

Back in 2002, when I couldn’t make it to a studio, I would play an old cassette tape and practice to that in my bedroom, hotel room, or even outdoors wherever I was. At-home practice has always been part of my yoga experience, but I’m the type of introvert that gets energy and inspiration from being alone. I’m naturally driven, and I’m harder on myself than any teacher has ever been; so when people asked me how to develop an at-home practice, I always struggled to answer until recently when I’ve compiled my thoughts and observations.   Over the years, I’ve learned some very specific things from my students that make at-home practice success more probable, and I’ll share them all with you on this week’s Yoga Talk Show. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why practicing in an old, ragged t-shirt might be hurting your motivation Why the advice to “just do what feels good” is a flawed approach How to setup a home practice room How to keep your practicing going on the road Audio/video classes: do they work? Why social support is key ABOUT THE HOST Lucas Rockwood is a yoga teacher trainer, digital nomad, green food junkie, and serial entrepreneur. With a formal yoga training background in Hot Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Gravity Yoga, and the Yoga Trapeze, Lucas has studied with some of the most well-respected teachers on the planet. His most influential teachers (all of whom he studied with personally) include Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Paul Dallaghan, Alex Medin, Gabriel Cousens MD, and SN Goenka. Lucas founded Absolute Yoga Academy in 2006, one of the top 10 yoga teacher training schools in the world with 2,000 certified teachers (and counting) and courses in Thailand, Holland, United Kingdom, and The Philippines. In search of nutritional products designed specifically for achy yoga students’ bodies, Rockwood worked with senior nutritional formulator, Paul Gaylon, and founded, YOGABODY Naturals, in the back of his yoga studio in 2007. The company has gone from strength-to-strength and is now an internationally-renowned nutrition, education, and publishing organization serving 81 countries. In 2013, Lucas founded YOGABODY Fitness, a revolutionary new yoga studio business model that pays teachers a living wage and demystifies yoga by making the mind-body healing benefits of the practice accessible to everyone. A foodie at heart, Lucas was a vegan chef, and owned and operated health food restaurants prior to diving deep into the yoga world. Lucas is also a highly-acclaimed writer, radio show host, TV personality, business consultant, weight loss expert, and health coach. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Quorn Links & References from the Show: Kurma Yoga Mats Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: SeatGeek - Buying tickets can be complicated and confusing, but there is a better way to buy – with SeatGeek. SeatGeek is the smartest, easiest way to get tickets to every type of live event. Whether you’re searching for a last minute deal, planning a night out with friends, or need to find the perfect gift, SeatGeek helps you find the best seats at the best prices – fully guaranteed. Just download the SeatGeek app and enter promo code ‘YOGA’ today. That’s promo code ‘YOGA’ for $20 off your first SeatGeek purchase. Learn More

Most health and diet books focus on reducing your waistline but neglect the most "mission critical" part of your entire body: your brain. The 3 lbs, watery, fatty mass between your ears needs to be fed well and cared for, but most people don't give brain health the attention it deserves. Meet Dr. Lisa Mosconi, neuroscientist and author, and learn how your brain health can be dramatically influenced by food and lifestyle. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why your body can survive on many foods, but your brain is much more picky The importance of essential fatty acids for brain health Why the brain's saturated fat and cholesterol is created by the brain and stored in the brain from childhood—not affected by diet Why too much Omega-6 from seed oils is a problem for inflammation Why a 2:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is ideal (while most people get 20+:1) Why we need around 4 grams of omega-3's per day Why the brain needs glucose for neuron synthesis and balance Why alcohol enters the brain and dehydrates your brain ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Mosconi holds a PhD degree in Neuroscience and Nuclear Medicine, and is a certified Integrative Nutritionist and holistic healthcare practitioner. She is the Associate Director of the Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC)/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, She is an adjunct faculty member at NYU and the University of Florence. Dr. Mosconi has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers in medical journals. Her new book, Brain Food: the Surprising Science of Eating for Cognitive Power we'll talk about today. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Cinnamon Links & References from the Show: Dr. Mosconi's Website Brain Food Book Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: SeatGeek - Buying tickets can be complicated and confusing, but there is a better way to buy – with SeatGeek. SeatGeek is the smartest, easiest way to get tickets to every type of live event. Whether you’re searching for a last minute deal, planning a night out with friends, or need to find the perfect gift, SeatGeek helps you find the best seats at the best prices – fully guaranteed. Just download the SeatGeek app and enter promo code ‘YOGA’ today. That’s promo code ‘YOGA’ for $20 off your first SeatGeek purchase. Learn More

Following the advice of parents, counselors, and health care providers, millions of women take hormonal birth control starting in their teenager years to avoid unwanted pregnancies, regulate their periods, or to control acne. But what if you gain weight, lose your libido, and get depressed? What then? The FDA warns that hormonal birth control could increase the risk of cancer and heart disease too (among other things), but this "fine print" is rarely discussed but potentially life changing. So what do you do? On this week's Yoga Talk Show, we'll explore good old fashioned cycle charting—but with a modern twist. Grab your cell phone and a cheap thermometer, and you can now gain very accurate insight into your menstrual cycles in about five minutes per day. ------------ Listen & Learn: How Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) can be just as effective as any other form of birth control How to get started with a basel therometer, a phone, and 5 minutes a day Why even many IUDs now are still using hormones The risk vs. reward of messing with your body's hormones ABOUT OUR GUEST Magdalena Wszelaki is a Certified Holistic Health Coach whose own health journey started from a personal crisis. She is in remissions from Graves’ and Hashimoto’s and managed to reverse estrogen dominance and heavy metal toxicity. She is a Vipassana meditator and a Level II Reiki practitioner. She coaches people with thyroid and endocrine imbalances. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Activated Charcoal Links & References from the Show: Kindara App The Pill: Are You Sure it's For You? Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: SeatGeek - Buying tickets can be complicated and confusing, but there is a better way to buy – with SeatGeek. SeatGeek is the smartest, easiest way to get tickets to every type of live event. Whether you’re searching for a last minute deal, planning a night out with friends, or need to find the perfect gift, SeatGeek helps you find the best seats at the best prices – fully guaranteed. Just download the SeatGeek app and enter promo code ‘YOGA’ today. That’s promo code ‘YOGA’ for $20 off your first SeatGeek purchase. Learn More

You’ve got questions, and I’ve got answers…. join me for this week’s Yoga Talk Show special “Q&A Show” where I do my best to help listeners. On this week’s show, we cover: my recommending reading list, food allergy testing, 18+6 Meal Timing, vaccines, yoga problems and plant-based pitfalls. ------------ ABOUT THE HOST Lucas Rockwood is a yoga teacher trainer, digital nomad, green food junkie, and serial entrepreneur. With a formal yoga training background in Hot Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Gravity Yoga, and the Yoga Trapeze, Lucas has studied with some of the most well-respected teachers on the planet. His most influential teachers (all of whom he studied with personally) include Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Paul Dallaghan, Alex Medin, Gabriel Cousens MD, and SN Goenka. Lucas founded Absolute Yoga Academy in 2006, one of the top 10 yoga teacher training schools in the world with 2,000 certified teachers (and counting) and courses in Thailand, Holland, United Kingdom, and The Philippines. In search of nutritional products designed specifically for achy yoga students’ bodies, Rockwood worked with senior nutritional formulator, Paul Gaylon, and founded, YOGABODY Naturals, in the back of his yoga studio in 2007. The company has gone from strength-to-strength and is now an internationally-renowned nutrition, education, and publishing organization serving 81 countries. In 2013, Lucas founded YOGABODY Fitness, a revolutionary new yoga studio business model that pays teachers a living wage and demystifies yoga by making the mind-body healing benefits of the practice accessible to everyone. A foodie at heart, Lucas was a vegan chef, and owned and operated health food restaurants prior to diving deep into the yoga world. Lucas is also a highly-acclaimed writer, radio show host, TV personality, business consultant, weight loss expert, and health coach. Links & References from the Show: Vaccine Schedule Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Four Sigmatic makes delicious Mushroom Superfood Blends and Mushroom Elixirs. Four Sigmatic believes in the real magic of functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane, as well as other superfoods and adaptogens like rhodiola, eleuthero, and schisandra to help us live healthier, more enhanced lives. Visit: http://www.foursigmatic.com/yogabody and use coupon code "yogabody" for 15% off your order. Learn More

When we think about toxins in our food and environment, most people assume the risk is "cancer," and that's true; but the more immediate risk is often hormonal imbalance. Common addictives in foods and skin care products can disrupt your natural endocrine balance and lead to everything from thyroid problems and infertility to weight gain and depression. This is a huge and growing problem, and the solution includes diet and lifestyle choices that aren't always obvious. Health coach, Magdalena Wszelaki shares her personal story of overcoming both Graves and Hashimoto's Diseases as well as her professional advice for finding balance. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why thyroid issues are often a symptom of autoimmune conditions What blood tests to check your thyroid (TSH, Free T3 & T4, TPO & Anti-Tg) Why estrogen dominance is a huge problem for both men and women Why estrogen dominance is a huge problem for both men and women How to eat a PFF (protein, fat & fiber) breakfast to start your day right ABOUT OUR GUEST Magdalena Wszelaki is a Certified Holistic Health Coach whose own health journey started from a personal crisis. She is in remissions from Graves’ and Hashimoto’s and managed to reverse estrogen dominance and heavy metal toxicity. She is a Vipassana meditator and a Level II Reiki practitioner. She coaches people with thyroid and endocrine imbalances. Nutritional Tip of the Week: A1C Test Links & References from the Show: Magdalena’s Website Hormone Balance Cookbook Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Four Sigmatic makes delicious Mushroom Superfood Blends and Mushroom Elixirs. Four Sigmatic believes in the real magic of functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane, as well as other superfoods and adaptogens like rhodiola, eleuthero, and schisandra to help us live healthier, more enhanced lives. Visit: http://www.foursigmatic.com/yogabody and use coupon code "yogabody" for 15% off your order. Learn More

Here is one of my favorite interview questions: "What did you get in trouble for most when you were 12 years old?" The answer often reveals more about who someone really is than an hour-long conversation. Why? Because the things we do that drive people crazy are often the things that define us; and with the right application, the things that enable us to shine our brightest. What if your weaknesses were your greatest strength? What if your weirdness made you wonderful? Our guest on this week's Yoga Talk Show reveals how this works. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why your weaknesses might be your superpower Why it's foolish to focus on your weaknesses, and why you should instead focus on your strengths Why "perfect" and "balanced" don't exist so we should not go looking for them Why almost any personality type can find a way to excel at something ABOUT OUR GUEST David Rendall is an author and sought-after speaker with clients that include: The US Air Force, Australian Government, and Fortune 50 companies such as Microsoft, AT&T, United Health Group, Fannie Mae, and State Farm. David has a doctor of management degree in organizational leadership, as well as a graduate degree in psychology. He is the author of four books: The Four Factors of Effective, Leadership, The Freak Factor, The Freak Factor for Kids, and Pink Goldfish. Prior to becoming a speaker, he was a leadership professor, stand-up comedian, and nonprofit executive. David is also an athlete competing in ultramarathons and Ironman triathlons. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Lemon in the Morning Links & References from the Show: David Rendall's Site Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: SeatGeek - Buying tickets can be complicated and confusing, but there is a better way to buy – with SeatGeek. SeatGeek is the smartest, easiest way to get tickets to every type of live event. Whether you’re searching for a last minute deal, planning a night out with friends, or need to find the perfect gift, SeatGeek helps you find the best seats at the best prices – fully guaranteed. Just download the SeatGeek app and enter promo code ‘YOGA’ today. That’s promo code ‘YOGA’ for $20 off your first SeatGeek purchase. Learn More

Colin was on the beach in Thailand and decided to try Fire Poi (fire dancing). A few minutes later, he got tangled up, caught on fire, and burned 25% of his body so badly he was bedridden for months. A former athlete, he was devastated to learn that he might never walk properly again. Fast forward a couple years... Colin not only walks, but he runs, cycles, and swims. He quits his job and becomes a professional tri-athlete competing in 22 countries. As if this wasn't enough of an accomplishment in and of itself, he then climbed the highest peaks on all 7 continents and hit both the North and South Poles setting two world records. O'Brady defines what it means to push beyond your limits, and his story and inspiring work will make you want to set an audacious goal for yourself. ------------ Listen & Learn: How Colin burned 25% of his body in a random accident How the "butterfly effect" can potentially help you transform from "stuck" to "success" How Colin completed the "Explorer's Grand Slam" where he climbed the seven tallest peaks on all 7 continents and hit both the North and South Poles How he started a non-profit off the back of his twp world records ABOUT OUR GUEST Colin O'Brady was born in Olympia, Washington and grew up as an athlete playing soccor and swimming. Col placed first overall amateur at the 2009 Chicago Triathlon and later represented the United States in triathlon competitions in 22 countries and on six continents. He is now a world record holder who climbed the 7 highest peaks on all 7 continents. He's the founder of, BEYOND 7/2, an organization that inspires the next generation to dream big and succeed through dedication to healthy life choices Nutritional Tip of the Week: Autophagy Links & References from the Show: Colin's Website Colin's TEDx Talk Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Four Sigmatic makes delicious Mushroom Superfood Blends and Mushroom Elixirs. Four Sigmatic believes in the real magic of functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane, as well as other superfoods and adaptogens like rhodiola, eleuthero, and schisandra to help us live healthier, more enhanced lives. Visit: http://www.foursigmatic.com/yogabody and use coupon code "yogabody" for 15% off your order. Learn More

The world’s bulging landfills mirror our bulging waistlines; and the toxic chemicals we pour down our drains end up in our water supplies, food systems, and eventually into our own bodies. Environmental issues that were previously reserved for special interest groups are now urgent global concerns. As our planet grows to nine billion people, how will the oceans, the forests, and the people survive and thrive? On this week’s, Yoga Talk Show, you’ll meet an activist who walks his talk in extreme ways. Rob Greenfield biked across the country (twice!), hitched from South American to California (three times!), lived off the grid in a mini house for year, and scrounged food from thousands of dumpsters. He takes his mission very seriously, and his message is clear and simple: your action matter.   ------------ Listen & Learn: Why Americans create an average of 4.4lbs of trash per day How Rob hitch-hiked from South America to San Diego with no money Why there is no “one answer” for the environmental problems of the world Why diversity is the key to environmental and cultural balance ABOUT OUR GUEST Rob Greenfield is an adventurer, environmental activist, humanitarian, and dude making a difference. He is dedicated to leading the way to a more sustainable and just world. Rob is the creator of The Food Waste Fiasco, a campaign that strives to end food waste and hunger in the U.S. He has dove into more than two thousand dumpsters across the United States to demonstrate how nearly half of all food in the U.S. is wasted while 50 million (1 in 7) Americans are food insecure. Rob has cycled across the U.S. twice on a bamboo bicycle bringing his message of sustainability and earth-friendly living to the United States. His first bike ride across the U.S. is also now a book, Dude Making a Difference. In 2016 he landed in Rio, Brazil without a penny in his pocket on a mission to travel to Panama, 7,000 miles and 7 countries away, relying on the goodness of humanity. This adventure is a six episode series called Free Ride on Discovery Channel playing worldwide. His travels have taken him to 6 continents and 40 countries. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Lemon for Iron Absorption Links & References from the Show: Visit Rob’s Site Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Four Sigmatic - drinking mushrooms and superfoods can be now delicious and easy-to-do with Mushroom Superfood Blends, and Mushroom Elixirs. Four Sigmatic believe in the real magic of functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion's Mane, as well as other superfoods and adaptogens like rhodiola, eleuthero, and schisandra to help us live healthier, more enhanced lives. Learn More

Have you ever heard someone say, “Flexibility doesn’t matter!” or “Stretching makes you weak!” For some reason, the misinformation about flexibility training is rampant, and many students are confused what to do about their locked-up hips, tight hamstrings, and stiff spines. How do you safely and effectively increase your mobility? Since 2007, flexibility training has been a huge part of the YOGABODY world, and we’re revisiting this perennial topic this year with new and updated research and practices. Join Yoga Talk Show host, Lucas Rockwood, for a 101-guide to flexibility training on this week’s episode. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why “time under passive tension” matters for flexibility Safety myth vs reality of stretching Ideal schedule and timing for mobility gains Nutrition and recovery Realistic expectations and gains ABOUT THE HOST Lucas Rockwood is a yoga teacher trainer, digital nomad, green food junkie, and serial entrepreneur. With a formal yoga training background in Hot Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Gravity Yoga, and the Yoga Trapeze, Lucas has studied with some of the most well-respected teachers on the planet. His most influential teachers (all of whom he studied with personally) include Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Paul Dallaghan, Alex Medin, Gabriel Cousens MD, and SN Goenka. Lucas founded Absolute Yoga Academy in 2006, one of the top 10 yoga teacher training schools in the world with 2,000 certified teachers (and counting) and courses in Thailand, Holland, United Kingdom, and The Philippines. In search of nutritional products designed specifically for achy yoga students’ bodies, Rockwood worked with senior nutritional formulator, Paul Gaylon, and founded, YOGABODY Naturals, in the back of his yoga studio in 2007. The company has gone from strength-to-strength and is now an internationally-renowned nutrition, education, and publishing organization serving 81 countries. In 2013, Lucas founded YOGABODY Fitness, a revolutionary new yoga studio business model that pays teachers a living wage and demystifies yoga by making the mind-body healing benefits of the practice accessible to everyone. A foodie at heart, Lucas was a vegan chef, and owned and operated health food restaurants prior to diving deep into the yoga world. Lucas is also a highly-acclaimed writer, radio show host, TV personality, business consultant, weight loss expert, and health coach. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Acrylamide Links & References from the Show: Gravity Yoga Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: FreshBooks - a cloud accounting solution specially designed for small business owners. Join 10 million people using FreshBooks and spend less time on accounting and more time doing the work you love. Freshbooks automates tasks like invoicing, organizing expenses, tracking your time and following up with clients in just a few clicks. It is also offering now Yoga Talk Show listeners a free 30 days trial. Go to freshbooks.com/yoga and enter “yogapodcast” in how did you hear about us section. Learn More

Meet the man who top Athletes like, Cristiano Ronaldo, consult with to make sure they get optimal sleep: Nick Littlehales. Sleep quality makes a huge difference in optimal sports performance and overall health, but most people are simply trying to log more hours—and most of us fall short of our goals. Nick's approach is much more practical, realistic, and takes into account individuality of body type, chronotype, and environment. I've had half a dozen sleep experts on the Yoga Talk Show, and for me, Nick's advice is the most actionable and practical. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why synthetic bedding is probably the best choice Which sleep position is ideal How to count cycles in a week, no hours in a night Why most mattress companies are just smoke and mirrors with made-up terms and medical-sounding jargon that is useless How to create a real sleep den ABOUT OUR GUEST Nick Littlehales is an elite sport sleep coach to some of the biggest names in sports including British Cycling and Team Sky, international footballers, Rugby players, Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Nick has 30 years of experience in the world of sleep science and has spent the last sixteen years working with elite athletes. Many of his clients are household names in the sports celebrity world, and they hire him to optimize their sleep because sleep matters for performance, health, and just about everything else. Nick is the chairman of the UK Sleep Council, and the author of the new book, Sleep: The Myth of 8 Hours, the Power of Naps, and the New Plan to Recharge Your Body and Mind You can learn more at his site: https://www.sportsleepcoach.com/ Nutritional Tip of the Week: Coffee While Fasting Links & References from the Show: Nick's Site Nick's Book Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: FreshBooks - a cloud accounting solution specially designed for small business owners. Join 10 million people using FreshBooks and spend less time on accounting and more time doing the work you love. Freshbooks automates tasks like invoicing, organizing expenses, tracking your time and following up with clients in just a few clicks. It is also offering now Yoga Talk Show listeners a free 30 days trial. Go to freshbooks.com/yoga and enter “yogapodcast” in how did you hear about us section. Learn More

The world is getting fat at an alarming rate. Two in three adults are overweight or obese, and excess weight is correlated with every degenerative illness across the board. While some overweight people are in perfect health, it's rare and often fleeting as the downward spiral is very predictable—and it happens fast. Here's what you need to understand about the global weight problem. It's not about lack of willpower or discipline, that's an ignorant and uninformed excuse. It's not about lack of exercise, though sedentary lives certainly don't help and movement is always a good thing. The real problem is imbalance: emotional, hormonal, and nutritional. We in a time when stress levels are through the roof, social support systems have crumbled, and most of the food available is various forms of lifeless carbohydrates.   So what do you do? How do you find balance in an imbalanced world? I've had the good fortune of unfettered access to some of the leading minds in health and wellness over the past 10 years, and I'll share my best learning with you on this week's Yoga Talk Show. ------------ Listen & Learn: Manage your stress or don't bother Fix your social circle or don't bother 8+16 meal timing Throttle your carbs Baseline your protein Eat healthy fat ABOUT THE HOST Lucas Rockwood is a yoga teacher trainer, digital nomad, green food junkie, and serial entrepreneur. With a formal yoga training background in Hot Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Gravity Yoga, and the Yoga Trapeze, Lucas has studied with some of the most well-respected teachers on the planet. His most influential teachers (all of whom he studied with personally) include Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Paul Dallaghan, Alex Medin, Gabriel Cousens MD, and SN Goenka. Lucas founded Absolute Yoga Academy in 2006, one of the top 10 yoga teacher training schools in the world with 2,000 certified teachers (and counting) and courses in Thailand, Holland, United Kingdom, and The Philippines. In search of nutritional products designed specifically for achy yoga students’ bodies, Rockwood worked with senior nutritional formulator, Paul Gaylon, and founded, YOGABODY Naturals, in the back of his yoga studio in 2007. The company has gone from strength-to-strength and is now an internationally-renowned nutrition, education, and publishing organization serving 81 countries. In 2013, Lucas founded YOGABODY Fitness, a revolutionary new yoga studio business model that pays teachers a living wage and demystifies yoga by making the mind-body healing benefits of the practice accessible to everyone. A foodie at heart, Lucas was a vegan chef, and owned and operated health food restaurants prior to diving deep into the yoga world. Lucas is also a highly-acclaimed writer, radio show host, TV personality, business consultant, weight loss expert, and health coach. Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: FreshBooks - a cloud accounting solution specially designed for small business owners. Join 10 million people using FreshBooks and spend less time on accounting and more time doing the work you love. Freshbooks automates tasks like invoicing, organizing expenses, tracking your time and following up with clients in just a few clicks. It is also offering now Yoga Talk Show listeners a free 30 days trial. Go to freshbooks.com/yoga and enter “yogapodcast” in how did you hear about us section. Learn More

LISTENER QUESTIONS! Is borage oil any good? What do you do with heart rate variability data? My kid is sweating like crazy, what do I do? How do I get started on a vegan diet? Are oats any good for breakfast? How do I beat chronic yeast overgrowth? My joints are popping, now what? Your questions, my answers on this week's show! Go a question yourself? Send us a voicemail... ------------ ABOUT THE HOST Lucas Rockwood is a yoga teacher trainer, digital nomad, green food junkie, and serial entrepreneur. With a formal yoga training background in Hot Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Gravity Yoga, and the Yoga Trapeze, Lucas has studied with some of the most well-respected teachers on the planet. His most influential teachers (all of whom he studied with personally) include Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Paul Dallaghan, Alex Medin, Gabriel Cousens MD, and SN Goenka. Lucas founded Absolute Yoga Academy in 2006, one of the top 10 yoga teacher training schools in the world with 2,000 certified teachers (and counting) and courses in Thailand, Holland, United Kingdom, and The Philippines. In search of nutritional products designed specifically for achy yoga students’ bodies, Rockwood worked with senior nutritional formulator, Paul Gaylon, and founded, YOGABODY Naturals, in the back of his yoga studio in 2007. The company has gone from strength-to-strength and is now an internationally-renowned nutrition, education, and publishing organization serving 81 countries. In 2013, Lucas founded YOGABODY Fitness, a revolutionary new yoga studio business model that pays teachers a living wage and demystifies yoga by making the mind-body healing benefits of the practice accessible to everyone. A foodie at heart, Lucas was a vegan chef, and owned and operated health food restaurants prior to diving deep into the yoga world. Lucas is also a highly-acclaimed writer, radio show host, TV personality, business consultant, weight loss expert, and health coach. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Nutritional Density Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: FreshBooks - a cloud accounting solution specially designed for small business owners. Join 10 million people using FreshBooks and spend less time on accounting and more time doing the work you love. Freshbooks automates tasks like invoicing, organizing expenses, tracking your time and following up with clients in just a few clicks. It is also offering now Yoga Talk Show listeners a free 30 days trial. Go to freshbooks.com/yoga and enter “yogapodcast” in how did you hear about us section. Learn More

Have you ever heard someone say, "I'm an idea person... I like to start new things, but I'm not the person who finishes them?" You know who does finish things? Winners. Starting is not hard, or interesting, or worth celebrating. Day 92 of your new exercise program, that's celebration time. Year 6 in your new career, that's party time. On this week's show, we'll talk about getting stuff done, finding your dream job, and focusing on stacking successes (not failures). ------------ Listen & Learn: Why you can achieve more by lowering (not raising) your goals Why "fun" is so important on the way to your goals Why it's not always helpful to let others know (publicly) your goals and ambitions How to start with baby steps as you move toward progressively bigger things ABOUT OUR GUEST Jon Acuff is the author six books including his most recent: Finish: Give yourself the gift of done. For over 20 years he’s helped big companies tell their stories, including: Home Depot, Bose, Staples, and the Dave Ramsey Team. He’s spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences, colleges, companies and churches. Featured regularly on national media, Jon has been seen on CNN, Fox News, Good Day LA among others. You can learn more at his site: www.acuff.me Nutritional Tip of the Week: Chaga Links & References from the Show: Jon's site Jon's books on Amazon Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: FreshBooks - a cloud accounting solution specially designed for small business owners. Join 10 million people using FreshBooks and spend less time on accounting and more time doing the work you love. Freshbooks automates tasks like invoicing, organizing expenses, tracking your time and following up with clients in just a few clicks. It is also offering now Yoga Talk Show listeners a free 30 days trial. Go to freshbooks.com/yoga and enter “yogapodcast” in how did you hear about us section. Learn More

It's Friday night. You're home late from work and desperate to sleep, and yet you can't. You're tired but wired, overworked but over-stimulated. Cortisol has been pumping through your veins all week, and it's not so easy to turn it off. So what do you do? Most people turn to crap foods, alcohol, pills, and binge-watching television series. Why? Because they work. In the short term, they make you feel better; but long term, most of our autopilot stress management techniques turn into self-destructive vice. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, Dr. Mike Dow will share his experiences healing patients with brain fog, busted brains, and general overwhelm. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, but adding healthy stress management tools to your life is always a great idea. ------------ Listen & Learn: How mega-dosing omega-3's helped Dr. Mike's brother recover from a stroke Autogenic therapy: a self-talk, self-hypnosis method for fixing brain drain How to use progressive muscle relaxation to relieve both physical and psychological stress Why our typical toolkit for managing mental and emotional stress is flawed ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Mike Dow is an author, psychotherapist, and the host of lots of different television shows. He makes regular appearances on Dr. Oz, Dr. Drew On Call, The Talk, Wendy Williams, Rachael Ray, Nightline, Good Morning America, The Doctors, The Talk, and Today. He is the author of many books including The Brain Fog Fix, Healing the Broken Brain, and his most-recent book, Heal your Drained Brain. His books are on Amazon and you can learn more at his site: www.drmikedow.com Nutritional Tip of the Week: Collagen Links & References from the Show: Dr. Mike's Site Type II Diabetes Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: FreshBooks - a cloud accounting solution specially designed for small business owners. Join 10 million people using FreshBooks and spend less time on accounting and more time doing the work you love. Freshbooks automates tasks like invoicing, organizing expenses, tracking your time and following up with clients in just a few clicks. It is also offering now Yoga Talk Show listeners a free 30 days trial. Go to freshbooks.com/yoga and enter “yogapodcast” in how did you hear about us section. Learn More

Many people think mineral deficiencies only occur in the developing world where food is scarce; but the reality is that most people are deficient in at least a few vitamins or minerals. Our soils are over-farmed leaving our foods nutrient poor, so even people eating the highest-quality of foods are susceptible to imbalances. Enter: magnesium. It's the 8th most abundant mineral on earth and affects everything from bowel regularity and cramps to sleep quality and digestion. It's found in nuts, seeds, greens, and even rice—and yet, most people only get about 1/2 their daily recommended allowance from food alone. For yoga students, magnesium is one of the top minerals (right up there with sulfur) as it helps muscles relax and balances the nervous system—both essential for bendy bodies. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll learn why magnesium deficiency is so common, and more importantly, some very simple tests to fix it safely at home. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why most people only get about 200mg of magnesium per day How magnesium dosage will self-regulate by sending you to the toilet if you have too much Why magnesium is essential for ATP (energy) production How to get tested for magnesium deficiency Recommended dosage: up to 600 mg/day of magnesium citrate (orally) or 2 cups of Epsom salts in a bath ABOUT OUR GUEST Carolyn Dean is a medical doctor and naturopath. She has authored and co-authored over 35 books including The Magnesium Miracle, IBS for Dummies, Hormone Balance, Death by Modern Medicine, and 110 Kindle books. She graduated from Dalhousie Medical School in 1978, holds a medical license in California and is a graduate of The Ontario College of Naturopathic Medicine – now the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto. She served on the board of Governors of the CCNM for six years. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Polyphenols Links & References from the Show: Carolyn's Site Carolyn's Books Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: FreshBooks - a cloud accounting solution specially designed for small business owners. Join 10 million people using FreshBooks and spend less time on accounting and more time doing the work you love. Freshbooks automates tasks like invoicing, organizing expenses, tracking your time and following up with clients in just a few clicks. It is also offering now Yoga Talk Show listeners a free 30 days trial. Go to freshbooks.com/yoga and enter “yogapodcast” in how did you hear about us section. Learn More

Do you have a friend or family member losing their short-term memory, losing their mental "edge", and just generally slowing down in terms of brain function? If so, this week's Yoga Talk Show delivers insight into neurodegenerative problems and what you can do about them. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's are among the top 3 causes of death worldwide. Toxins, inflammation, and high sugar diets are among the many causes; but fortunately, we have better tools than ever for prevention and reversal of problems. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet Alzheimer's thought-leader, Dr. Dale Bredesen. ------------ Listen & Learn: How cheap genetic testing shows you if you have a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's Disease Why neurodegenerative illnesses are now in the top 3 leading causes of death internationally How meal timing and ketosis can prevent and help reverse problems Why inflammation is a disaster for brain health Why 21st century medicine must focus on data, quantified self, testing and tracking ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Bredesen is an expert in the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and is best-known recently for his work with Alzheimer’s disease specicically. He's the author of a new book, The End of Alzheimer's. He graduated from Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC and has held faculty positions at UCSF, UCLA and the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Bredesen directed the Program on Aging at the Burnham Institute before coming to the Buck Institute in 1998 as its founding President and CEO. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Complete Protein Links & References from the Show: Dr. Bredesen's Site Dr Bredesen's book Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: FreshBooks - a cloud accounting solution specially designed for small business owners. Join 10 million people using FreshBooks and spend less time on accounting and more time doing the work you love. Freshbooks automates tasks like invoicing, organizing expenses, tracking your time and following up with clients in just a few clicks. It is also offering now Yoga Talk Show listeners a free 30 days trial. Go to freshbooks.com/yoga and enter “yogapodcast” in how did you hear about us section. Learn More

"I just want to be happy..." is something you've probably said one thousand times. You want to be happy at work, at home, with your partner and friends—but what does that mean? You've no-doubt felt "happy" while walking on the beach on a warm summer night at sunset, but if you're like me, you've also felt "happy" in a sweaty, controlled mess on your yoga mat—so what's going on?   Happiness is something we're all seeking and yet almost no one can define. No wonder we struggle to achieve it. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll learn about the four chemicals responsible for happiness, and more importantly, how to cultivate them. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why social status & pride are important for serotonin Why the stress hormone cortisol can kill your chances of happiness How early life patterns can influence (but not predict) your habits today Why people get addicted to "runner's high" How to choose healthy ways to trigger happy brain chemicals ABOUT OUR GUEST Loretta Graziano Breuning, PhD, is the founder of the Inner Mammal Institute. She's Professor Ammer-ita at California State University, East Bay, and author of I-Mammal, Habits of a Happy Brain, and The Science of Positivity. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Healthy Oils Links & References from the Show: Inner Mammal Institute Loretta's Books on Amazon Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: FreshBooks - a cloud accounting solution specially designed for small business owners. Join 10 million people using FreshBooks and spend less time on accounting and more time doing the work you love. Freshbooks automates tasks like invoicing, organizing expenses, tracking your time and following up with clients in just a few clicks. It is also offering now yoga talk show listeners a free 30 days trial. Go to freshbooks.com/yoga and enter yogapodcast in how did you hear about us section. Learn More

It was Christmas 2001. I was 23 years old, and I woke up in the back of ambulance after convulsing in a grand mal seizure in front of my parents. I'd managed to wobble through the previous 3 years in steady haze of drug and alcohol abuse, chronic sleep deprivation, and borderline mania, but that holiday season, I bottomed out. There was no more hiding the truth from myself. I was in trouble. I wish I could say that I've always loved yoga, health and wellness—but that's not my story. I took my first swig of gin straight from the bottle at age 13, and I loved it right away. No learning curve. I was never drawn to lotus position or meditation halls in those days. Early in my life, I was obsessed with escaping the overwhelming anxiety and restlessness of my own brain. My yoga story is one of running away from pain, of channeling negative obsessions into positive ones, and finding a toolkit that made me feel well, every time. I turn 40 this year, and as strange as it sounds, I'd never shared my story in its entirety with anyone because it continues to be a deep source of shame for me. With few exceptions, shame is a pretty useless feeling, so I'd like to share my story with you on this week's Yoga Talk Show. My hope is that if you're at a crossroads or a crisis point now, you can perhaps connect with my "rock bottom" story and begin to find your North Star as I did. ------------ ABOUT OUR GUEST Lucas Rockwood is a yoga teacher trainer, digital nomad, green food junkie, and serial entrepreneur. With a formal yoga training background in Hot Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Gravity Yoga, and the Yoga Trapeze, Lucas has studied with some of the most well-respected teachers on the planet. His most influential teachers (all of whom he studied with personally) include Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Paul Dallaghan, Alex Medin, Gabriel Cousens MD, and SN Goenka. Lucas founded Absolute Yoga Academy in 2006, one of the top 10 yoga teacher training schools in the world with 2,000 certified teachers (and counting) and courses in Thailand, Holland, United Kingdom, and The Philippines. In search of nutritional products designed specifically for achy yoga students’ bodies, Rockwood worked with senior nutritional formulator, Paul Gaylon, and founded, YOGABODY Naturals, in the back of his yoga studio in 2007. The company has gone from strength-to-strength and is now an internationally-renowned nutrition, education, and publishing organization serving 81 countries. In 2013, Lucas founded YOGABODY Fitness, a revolutionary new yoga studio business model that pays teachers a living wage and demystifies yoga by making the mind-body healing benefits of the practice accessible to everyone. A foodie at heart, Lucas was a vegan chef, and owned and operated health food restaurants prior to diving deep into the yoga world. Lucas is also a highly-acclaimed writer, radio show host, TV personality, business consultant, weight loss expert, and health coach. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Boost Immune System Links & References from the Show: J. Brown's Podcast on iTunes J. Brown's Site Train with Lucas YOGABODY Supplements & Products Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Trapeze Teacher Training -- For passionate yoga students who love inversion yoga, this is an exciting opportunity to train with YOGABODY, the leading educator and manufacturer of inversion slings worldwide. The Yoga Trapeze is the most-popular yoga inversion sling ever with over 100,000 students in 81 countries. Despite the ever-growing demand, there are hardly any professional instructors - until now. We’re now accepting applications for The Yoga Trapeze Certification course where you’ll learn how to teach both group and private lessons for beginning and intermediate students. Learn More

During the World Financial Crisis of 2008, James Lawrence's mortgage business went belly-up, and he started running, cycling and swimming. He channelled his pain and struggle into training, and became a professional athlete in middle age. His preferred race? The Ironman: a 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles cycling, and 26.2 miles running—all in one day. As gruelling as that sounds, James decided to do 50 Ironman races, 50 days in a row, in all 50 U.S. states. They call him the "Iron Cowboy," and he lives up to his name. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why there's no such thing as a dream that's "too big" as long as you have enough time to make it happen Why fatigue is an injury How it's now more-possible than ever to become a professional athlete The importance of having a good coach ABOUT OUR GUEST James is originally from Calgary, Alberta Canada. He grew up a wrestler and later got into endurance racing to escape the stress of Corporate America. After losing everything in 2008, James turned to his new found passion for triathlon racing and went on to break two world records within three years. In 2015 James completed 50 Ironman distance triathlons, in 50 days, in each of the 50 United States -- The 50-50-50. His first book, Redefine Impossible is available on Amazon. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Bell Peppers Links & References from the Show: James "Iron Cowboy's" Website Redefine Impossible Book Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Trapeze Teacher Training -- For passionate yoga students who love inversion yoga, this is an exciting opportunity to train with YOGABODY, the leading educator and manufacturer of inversion slings worldwide. The Yoga Trapeze is the most-popular yoga inversion sling ever with over 100,000 students in 81 countries. Despite the ever-growing demand, there are hardly any professional instructors - until now. We’re now accepting applications for The Yoga Trapeze Certification course where you’ll learn how to teach both group and private lessons for beginning and intermediate students. Learn More

At age 23, I was overweight, drinking too much and smoking constantly. I was stuck in life and wanted a new one, so I finally got up the courage to attend a 10-day meditation retreat just before my 24th birthday. I'd booked and canceled the same retreat once before, and it was a big deal for me to get on the bus from New York City out to rural New Jersey to do nothing... ... But it turns out, it led to a big turning point in my life. Many changes I experienced were subtle and played out over months or even years, but one change happened instantly. I stopped eating animal foods. During the retreat, they didn't serve any meat, so I just kept up with it afterwards, and I felt great. I started reading books and going to lectures. Back then, most of the smart people in nutrition all believed that a low fat, no-meat diet was the best way to go for health. So I was sold. Fast forward 15 years later, I'm still eating this way, but I'm no longer naive enough to think that just cutting burgers from your diet is going to fix your health (in fact, sometimes the opposite is true). But I am absolutely certain that the way we eat today is not the way my grandkids will eat. Our foods system is beyond broken, it's a total disaster. Enter: lab-grown meats. Just like it sounds, this is fish, chicken, and burgers grown from cloned and cultivated cells. It might sound gross, but it also might save the planet. My guest on this week's show just wrote a book about this next revolution in food, CLEAN MEAT. ------------ Listen & Learn: How clean meat is safer than factor foods How clean meat, like clean energy, is way better for the environment Why many foods we eat today are weird if you stop to think about it—so why not this? Why the future of food is probably a lot less convenient than chickens, pigs, cows, corn, rice, wheat and soy ABOUT OUR GUEST Paul Shapiro served for 13 years as a spokesperson and vice president for the Humane Society of the United States. He is the founder of Compassion Over Killing, a TEDx speaker, and an inductee into the Animal Rights Hall of Fame. His first book, Clean Meat, is available on Amazon. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Maca Links & References from the Show: Paul's website Clean Meat Book Website Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: The Yoga Teachers College offers master-level training for those looking to build a career as yoga professionals. Our trainees benefit from the best of modern learning technology combined with old school apprenticeship. Graduates walk away with the skills, confidence and experience needed to become not just teachers, but community and business leaders as well. Whether your goal is to teach part time locally, travel and lead workshops internationally, or to open your own studios, The Yoga Teachers College will support your career every step of the way. Learn More

You probably know that infants that don't receive enough cuddles, hugs, and physical affection suffer from all kinds of developmental problems—the first two years are the most critical, and this is why the first thing a doctor does with a newborn is place it on the chest of the mother or father. But what about middle-aged people? And what about at the end of life? It turns out touch is still crucial to health and wellness, and yet in our modern, physically disconnected society, many people are deprived. On this week's show, you'll meet a neuroscientist who specializes in the importance of touch and how you can use this knowledge to improve your life. ------------ Listen & Learn: How there is no such thing as a touch or sensation without emotion—they are always inseparable Why high fives, back slapping, and social touch improves sports teamwork and performance Why we tend to prioritize external touch sensations when internal touch is just as important How touch deprivation is "highest risk" in infants and elders ABOUT OUR GUEST David J. Linden, Ph.D., is a Professor of Neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His laboratory works on the cellular substrates of memory storage and recovery of function after brain injury. He served as the Chief Editor of the Journal of Neurophysiology. He is the author of The Accidental Mind (2007) and The Compass of Pleasure (2011), and his most recent book, Touch: The Science of Hand, Heart and Mind. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Zinc Links & References from the Show: David Linden's Site David's Books on Amazon Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: The Yoga Teachers College offers master-level training for those looking to build a career as yoga professionals. Our trainees benefit from the best of modern learning technology combined with old school apprenticeship. Graduates walk away with the skills, confidence and experience needed to become not just teachers, but community and business leaders as well. Whether your goal is to teach part time locally, travel and lead workshops internationally, or to open your own studios, The Yoga Teachers College will support your career every step of the way. Learn More

I've spent most my career researching, studying and teaching physical health and wellness only to realize that mental health is the big elephant in the room. In many cases, diet and exercise help, of course; but depression, anxiety and trauma wounds can dig so deep that a more comprehensive, mind-body approach to healing is needed. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet a pioneer in Mind-Body Medicine who has worked with everyone from war-torn refugees to leaders of state. His insights into the mental health pandemic will help you and those you love better manage emotional challenges. ------------ Listen & Learn: 15% of the adult population has clinical depression Why some depression is reactionary and totally expected while chronic or clinical depression persists past reasonable triggers How something as simple as a nutritional deficiency in vitamin D or omega-3's can trigger depression When does empathetic behavior become enabling behavior for depressive tendencies? 3 types of meditation: concentration, mindfulness, and expressive ABOUT OUR GUEST James S. Gordon, MD, a Harvard educated psychiatrist, is a world-renowned expert in using mind-body medicine to heal depression, anxiety, and psychological trauma. He is the Founder and Executive Director of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine and a Clinical Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine at Georgetown Medical School. Dr. Gordon served as the first Chairman of the Program Advisory Council to NIH’s Office of Alternative Medicine and as Chairman of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy under Presidents Clinton and G.W. Bush. He is the author of, Unstuck: Your Guide to the Seven-Stage Journey Out of Depression Nutritional Tip of the Week: Truvia Links & References from the Show: Center for Mind-Body Medicine Unstuck Book Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Health I.Q. — Yoga Podcast is sponsored by Health IQ, an insurance company that helps health conscious people like runners, cyclist, weightlifters and vegetarians get lower rates on their life insurance. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at healthiq.com/yogabody or mention the promo code YOGA when you talk to a Health IQ agent. Learn More

After interviewing hundreds of health experts, you learn dozens of industry insights that would otherwise be impossible to gather. Our guest on this week's Yoga Talk Show is a veteran podcaster and wellness journalist, and I invited him on so we can learn the "best of" from his experiences over the years. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why real-time blood glucose monitoring is here now and should become accessible to everyone very soon Why fat, protein, fiber and water are essential for health Why digestive enzymes can be a life saver when bumping up your fiber intake Why we all only get about 150 decisions per day—so we shouldn't waste them on stupid things ore we'll run out of willpower Why you should treat your phone like  "key person" in your life ABOUT OUR GUEST Josh Trent is the founder of Wellness Force, Wellness Force Radio and the Fitness + Technology podcast. His work has been featured in major health and wellness publications such as WellnessFX, NASM, and FitTech CES. As the host of Wellness Force Radio, Josh interviews world-class experts in the fields of physical and emotional intelligence, mindset, behaviour change, supplementation, nutrition, health, wellness, fitness, and technology that empower the WFR audience with actionable steps for the wellness journey. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Agave Links & References from the Show: Josh Trent's Site Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Health I.Q. — Yoga Podcast is sponsored by Health IQ, an insurance company that helps health conscious people like runners, cyclist, weightlifters and vegetarians get lower rates on their life insurance. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at healthiq.com/yogabody or mention the promo code YOGA when you talk to a Health IQ agent. Learn More

One of the best ways to love your body is to stop poisoning it with excess sugar, starch and carbohydrates. This sounds obvious, but it's actually a huge challenge. Excess sugar is everywhere and without careful study, most everyone walks around with chronically elevated blood sugar levels. In the short term, this affects your mood and waistline; in the long term, it reduces your healthspan and lifespan very dramatically. ------------ Listen & Learn: Carbs vs net carbs – what's the difference? Why there is no need to be scared of white sugar How whole grains can actually be a problem Why to focus on the fabulous four: fiber, fat, protein and greens ABOUT OUR GUEST Kelly LeVeque is a holistic nutritionist based in Los Angeles, California. Kelly loves to cook. She believes in real food, real ingredients and a clean diet. The Be Well kitchen is constantly buzzing. Kelly loves creating tasty, clean, nutrient-dense recipes and dishes. She loves sharing them even more. Kelly completed her Postgraduate Clinical Nutrition education through UCLA and UC Berkeley. She is a regular contributor for numerous health, wellness and lifestyle publications. She is also a certified health coach, yoga instructor and personal trainer. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Agave Links & References from the Show: Kelly's Site Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Health I.Q. — Yoga Podcast is sponsored by Health IQ, an insurance company that helps health conscious people like runners, cyclist, weightlifters and vegetarians get lower rates on their life insurance. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at healthiq.com/yogabody or mention the promo code YOGA when you talk to a Health IQ agent. Learn More

Why do so many yoga and meditation teachers talk in the third person, add in huge pauses between words, and hold awkward eye contact while teaching? Where did this caricature of a "spiritual person" come from, and is there really any point? As a career yoga teacher, I've fallen into just about every trap there is, including adopting "yoga speak," appropriating Eastern cultures (disrespectfully), and role playing a yogi. Unfortunately, this behaviour pushes more people away than it attracts, and I've done my best in recent years just to be myself. Our guest on this week's Yoga Talk Show has built a huge online following basically making fun of people like me—and his jokes are so true, you can't ignore him. Beyond comedy, JP Sears is really a satirist, and his knowledge and true messages are worth listening too. He's a smart guy. ------------ Listen & Learn: How comedy can be a great teaching tool Why self-awareness is so important on any path of personal or spiritual growth Why there is so much role playing in yoga communities Why it's important to laugh at yourself (sometimes) ABOUT OUR GUEST JP Sears is an emotional healing coach, international teacher, author and Youtube creator. He is a Holistic Coach Advanced Practitioner through the Holistic Coaching Institute and was a faculty member for the C.H.E.K. Institute from 2006-2013. Youtube channel has: 500K subscribers and 50 million views Nutritional Tip of the Week: Cheap Salt vs Expensive Stuff Links & References from the Show: JP's Site JP's Youtube Channel JP's New Book Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Health I.Q. — Yoga Podcast is sponsored by Health IQ, an insurance company that helps health conscious people like runners, cyclist, weightlifters and vegetarians get lower rates on their life insurance. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at healthiq.com/yogabody or mention the promo code YOGA when you talk to a Health IQ agent. Learn More

Can you imagine if your mother died of a sudden brain aneurysm, your young husband died of a heart attack, and then your father-in-law passed away from cancer all in the span of 9 years? This is Amy Morin's story, and she has since turned her immense grief and suffering into strength and balance. Death, pain, battling with emotions are the focus on this week's Yoga Talk Show. ------------ Listen & Learn: How to train your brain to think realistically about your situation Why we need to learn to control our emotions The importance of positive action during crisis, regardless of how you feel Why death and dying are so taboo and yet ever-present ABOUT OUR GUEST Amy Morin is a psychotherapist and the author of, 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. Her advice has been featured by numerous media outlets including Time, Fast Company, Success, Business Insider, Oprah.com, Fox News, CNN, CNBC, and Today. She also appeared in a Red Bull TV show called Visions of Greatness. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Sodium Links & References from the Show: Amy's Main Site Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Health I.Q. — Yoga Podcast is sponsored by Health IQ, an insurance company that helps health conscious people like runners, cyclist, weightlifters and vegetarians get lower rates on their life insurance. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at healthiq.com/yoga or mention the promo code YOGA when you talk to a Health IQ agent. Learn More

At one of my first personal growth and development retreats, I wrote down my goals to build a huge health and wellness center with yoga, a restaurant, diet programs, and more. Financially, I wanted it to be so successful that I spent the latter half of my life giving away wealth (think a yoga version of Bill Gates). This HUGE goal got me really excited when I was 25, but it was just too big and too abstract to pull out any specific actions I could implement right then. It's great to think big, but what do you right now to get started? What is your 1 week, 1 month, and 1 year plan? On this week's Yoga Talk Show, we learn about incremental (but very significant) growth using the "Better than Before" mindset where we simply put one foot in front of the other and embrace the process without an over-obsession on the destination. This has been hugely important for me and my goals, many of which I have achieved surprisingly quickly (my Bill Gates status is still a work in progress). I think you'll find it helpful. ------------ Listen & Learn: Rewards versus treats Inner vs. outer expectations: how to differentiate and utilize How to utilize the strategy of treats to increase "self mastery" Strategies to quit sugar (internal vs. external) Rethinking procrastination ABOUT OUR GUEST Gretchen Rubin is the author of several books, including bestsellers, Better Than Before, The Happiness Project and Happier at Home. Gretchen started her career in law and was clerking for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor when she realized she wanted to be a writer. She is also an accomplished speaker and podcaster herself. Her show is called: Happier with Gretchen Rubin. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Cinnamon Links & References from the Show: Gretchen's Main Site Gretchen's Books on Amazon Why We Get Fat (book) Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Health I.Q. — Yoga Podcast is sponsored by Health IQ, an insurance company that helps health conscious people like runners, cyclist, weightlifters and vegetarians get lower rates on their life insurance. Go to healthiq.com/yogabody to support the show and see if you qualify. Learn More

I'm often praised for my productivity. I have two kids, three businesses, 28 staff, and a hectic travel schedule. So how do I manage to get it all done? To be honest, I'm not sure I do. Work-life balance is not something I pretend to know anything about because in order to keep the wheels on the bus, I have to selectively neglect major chunks of life. Everything comes at a cost, including a super-productive life. I share with you my experience because most-everyone I know wants to become more productive. We want to get more done in less time, reach our goals quickly, and become creative output machines. But why? And what are you really building? And do you understand yourself enough to make that happen? On this week's Yoga Talk Show, we're going to explore productivity: how it works, how to cultivate it, and why it should (or should not) be a priority. There is no one-size fits all solution, but there are small, foundational actions you can take to get more done and hopefully not exploded your life in the process.   ------------ Listen & Learn: How to increase energy by focusing on the fundamentals of health: sleep, nutrition and exercise How Chris' wacky lifestyle experiments gave him insight into human behavior and productivity Why time deadlines and external pressure can be great motivators for highly productive days How to ensure you're doing your work rather than doing unpaid work for social media websites like Facebook and Instagram The importance of having a reason "why" in order to be productive ABOUT OUR GUEST Chris Bailey turned down two job offers after graduating from university and spent a full year exploring the study of productivity. His research included living in total isolation for 10 days, only using his cell phone for an hour a day, waking up at 5:30am every morning, and working 90-hour weeks. His work has received national and international media attention from outlets like The New York Times, Lifehacker, Fast Company, Fortune, and New York Magazine among others. His book: The Productivity Project: Accomplishing More by Managing Your Time, Attention, and Energy is available on Amazon. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Conventional vs Organic Apples Links & References from the Show: Chris' Productivity Site Chris' Books on Amazon Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: The Yoga Teachers College offers master-level training for those looking to build a career as yoga professionals. Our trainees benefit from the best of modern learning technology combined with old school apprenticeship. Graduates walk away with the skills, confidence and experience needed to become not just teachers, but community and business leaders as well. Whether your goal is to teach part time locally, travel and lead workshops internationally, or to open your own studios, The Yoga Teachers College will support your career every step of the way. Learn More

"I can't meditate," is one of the most common phrases I hear in the yoga studio. Students somehow feel that since they cannot sit still or calm their mind, they are unable to practice meditation—but the opposite is true. The very fact that you cannot sit still or clear your mind, is exactly why you need to practice. But how do you learn? And where do you get started? On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet a meditator and innovator who has created the world's first, drop-in yoga center in Los Angeles. Through her book, her studio and her mobile phone app, she is reaching hundreds of thousands with a very simple message: unplug your mind, recharge your soul. ------------ Listen & Learn: How meditation can be as simple as 3 minutes daily The 3 things that happen in just about any meditation How meditation slows mental and physical aging How to find the right practice for you ABOUT OUR GUEST Suze Yalof Schwartz is the CEO and Founder of Unplug Meditation (a bricks and mortar meditation center), the author of Unplug: A Simple Guide To Meditation for Busy Skeptics and Modern Soul Seekers, and the creator of the Unplug Meditation App. In 2012 Suze learned a three minute meditation that completely changed her life and career. Today, Suze's mission is to make meditation simple, powerful and interesting enough so that everyone will want to practice it and experience the benefits for themselves. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Green Papaya Links & References from the Show: Unplug Meditation Center Unplug App Unplug Book Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Trapeze Teacher Training -- For passionate yoga students who love inversion yoga, this is an exciting opportunity to train with YOGABODY, the leading educator and manufacturer of inversion slings worldwide. The Yoga Trapeze is the most-popular yoga inversion sling ever with over 100,000 students in 81 countries. Despite the ever-growing demand, there are hardly any professional instructors - until now. We’re now accepting applications for The Yoga Trapeze Certification course where you’ll learn how to teach both group and private lessons for beginning and intermediate students. Learn More

There are two types of people who say that flexibility doesn't matter. The first group is stiff as a board and want an excuse for their lack of mobility. The second group consists of people who have always been flexible, the dancers and gymnasts who flop into the splits like it's nothing. For the rest of us, flexibility absolutely matters. It impacts our posture, our walking and running gates, and even our potential for injury. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet a yoga teacher working with professional athletes to improve their mobility—and the stakes couldn't be higher. These are people whose body is their business. They need to train hard, recover fast, and injury prevention is a top priority. ------------ Listen & Learn: How mobility training gets integrated into professional sports training How yoga teachers can add value to athletes, adapting their teaching and language to meet students where they're at Why flexibility training should be done after (not before) strength or conditioning How flexibility training can temporarily reduce power and joint stability, but why that doesn't mean you should avoid it ABOUT OUR GUEST Dana Santas, also known as the "Mobility Maker," is a mind-body coach for professional sports teams. She is the yoga expert for CNN Health, and an international speaker helping people breathe, move and feel better. Dana is currently the yoga, mobility & breathing coach for the Orlando Magic, Tampa Bay Rays, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Lightning & World Wrestling Entertainment. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Best Meat to Choose Links & References from the Show: Dana Santa's Mobility Maker Site Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: The Yoga Teachers College offers master-level training for those looking to build a career as yoga professionals. Our trainees benefit from the best of modern learning technology combined with old school apprenticeship. Graduates walk away with the skills, confidence and experience needed to become not just teachers, but community and business leaders as well. Whether your goal is to teach part time locally, travel and lead workshops internationally, or to open your own studios, The Yoga Teachers College will support your career every step of the way. Learn More

Nice Guy Syndrome is when men try so hard to be liked and helpful that they end up miserable and alone. The people-pleasing, caretaker role is something that initially sounds great but often leads to huge meltdowns in personal and professional relationships. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, we depart from our usual discussions about nutrition, anatomy and alignment to explore interpersonal relationships, particularly men's complex and often confused role.   ------------ Listen & Learn: Why avoiding conflict creates more problems than it solves Why dysfunctional relationships are the norm Why cooperative reciprocal relationships should be the goal Caring vs. caretaking – what's the difference? ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Glover is a marriage and family therapist and is an internationally-recognized authority on the Nice Guy Syndrome. Through his book, online classes, workshops, podcasts, blogs, consultation, and therapy groups, Dr. Glover has helped change the lives of countless men and women around the world. Nutritional Tip of the Week: White Sugar Links & References from the Show: Dr Glover's Site & Book Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Trapeze Teacher Training -- For passionate yoga students who love inversion yoga, this is an exciting opportunity to train with YOGABODY, the leading educator and manufacturer of inversion slings worldwide. The Yoga Trapeze is the most-popular yoga inversion sling ever with over 100,000 students in 81 countries. Despite the ever-growing demand, there are hardly any professional instructors - until now. We’re now accepting applications for The Yoga Trapeze Certification course where you’ll learn how to teach both group and private lessons for beginning and intermediate students. Learn More

Your habits around food, exercise and lifestyle largely dictate your health. What do you eat for breakfast? What is a "fun night out" for you and your friends? How often do you get outdoors, run, cycle or play? In our youth, our healthy habits tend to come naturally, but as we age, unhealthy habits creep in—and they are so hard to break. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, we'll unpack habit change and how to cultivate it in your life.   ------------ Listen & Learn: Why persistence is the key to change How to leverage crisis and pain for changes   Why we should look for questions more than answers How modern agriculture and food processing makes it difficult to stay healthy How you can begin make changes that will compound over time ABOUT OUR GUEST Cyndi O’Meara is a nutritionist, best-selling author, health and wellness expert, and the founder of Changing Habits. She is the author of dozens of publications including her book: Changing Habits Changing Lives that became an instant best seller. You may have seen Cyndi the recent documentary, What's With Wheat or seen her interviewed or profiled in dozens of publications and websites. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Green Pasta Any Good? Links & References from the Show: Cyndi's Changing Habits Website Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: The Yoga Teachers College offers master-level training for those looking to build a career as yoga professionals. Our trainees benefit from the best of modern learning technology combined with old school apprenticeship. Graduates walk away with the skills, confidence and experience needed to become not just teachers, but community and business leaders as well. Whether your goal is to teach part time locally, travel and lead workshops internationally, or to open your own studios, The Yoga Teachers College will support your career every step of the way. Learn More

Did you know that newborn babies are born with 200+ chemical toxins in their bodies? Or that polar bears often have off-the-charts levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) despite living in remote areas? We live in a pollute word: our water, air, and food supplies filled with toxins and end in our body and can lead to scores of health problems. Cancer is obviously the biggest risk, but hormonal imbalances are the more immediate threat—and they contribute to everything from PMS and polycystic ovarian syndrome to infertility and erectile dysfunction.  ------------ Listen & Learn: Why anything that stands in the way of optimal health should be considered a "toxin" Top 7 Toxins: food quality, emotional baggage, toxic thoughts, movement, dishonesty, poor sleep, loneliness   How there are 80,000 chemicals on earth, 700 in most adult bodies, and 200+ in most infants Why POPs (persistent organic pollutants) are a lingering "forever" problem ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Minich has a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences (Human Nutrition and Metabolism) and a M.S. in Human Nutrition and Metabolism. She has also studied Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is the author of 5 books. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Asia Food Choices? Links & References from the Show: Food And Spirit Website Stephen Genuis BUS Study (blood, urine, sweat) Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Trapeze Teacher Training -- For passionate yoga students who love inversion yoga, this is an exciting opportunity to train with YOGABODY, the leading educator and manufacturer of inversion slings worldwide. The Yoga Trapeze is the most-popular yoga inversion sling ever with over 100,000 students in 81 countries. Despite the ever-growing demand, there are hardly any professional instructors - until now. We’re now accepting applications for The Yoga Trapeze Certification course where you’ll learn how to teach both group and private lessons for beginning and intermediate students. Learn More

Danish people regularly score as the happiest people in the world, but it's a small, flat, wet country; taxes are ridiculously high, and the weather is generally bad. So what's going on? What do the Danes know that we don't? Among their secrets is a concept called Hygge, the experience of pleasant togetherness that is an ever-present part of Danish culture from food and family, to home and meal times. It's that cozy, contented, supportive feeling you get at a holiday dinner—only the Danes do their best to create this feeling daily. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll learn how to add some Hygge to your life.    ------------ Listen & Learn: Hygge: the experience of pleasant togetherness Why the Danes are the most content people in the world   How to make your daily life special and significant Why we should optimize on quality of life not the bling of life Why the digital age creates this burning desire for human connection ABOUT OUR GUEST Louisa Thomsen Brits was born in Uganda to a Danish mother and English father. Louisa is a mother of four, an amateur naturalist and wild swimmer. She has been a radio restaurant and arts critic and a tribal belly dance teacher. She writes about the art of living, the nature of things, our common life and the rhythms and rituals that unite and define us all. Her recent book is called, The Book of Hygge, The Danish Art of Living well and is available on Amazon and major booksellers. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Mushrooms Links & References from the Show: The Book of Hygge Ted Talk on Danish Culture & Hygge Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Teachers College -- The Yoga Teachers College offers master-level training for those looking to build a career as yoga professionals. Our trainees benefit from the best of modern learning technology combined with old school apprenticeship. Graduates walk away with the skills, confidence and experience needed to become not just teachers, but community and business leaders as well. Whether your goal is to teach part time locally, travel and lead workshops internationally, or to open your own studios, The Yoga Teachers College will support your career every step of the way. Learn More

Did you know that chili pepper and mustard can help with muscle cramps? Did you know that your acid blocking digestive aids could actually make your problem worse over time? We all have unprecedented access to information, supplements, and even prescription medications—but how do you know where to start? On this week's, Yoga Talk Show, we'll uncover home remedies, common misunderstandings, and plant seeds for a healthier you.     ------------ Listen & Learn: How cannabis can be a helpful for nerve pain specifically Why proton-pump inhibitors might be one of the most-dangerous, widely used drugs   Why rebound hyper-acidity can result after taking PPI's How NSAIDs are abused and can destroy gut health and heart health problems Why transient receptor potential channels (TRP channels) can be stimulated with mustard, hot pepper, or vinegar to reduce muscle cramping ABOUT OUR GUEST Joe and Terry Graedon of "The People's Pharmacy" have been teaching, writing, and broadcasting information to help people make informed decisions about their health for more than 40 years. Joe holds a Masters in Pharmacology and Terry earned a PhD in Anthropology. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Ketchup & Mustard Links & References from the Show: People's Pharmacy Info about NSAID dangers Info about TRP channels Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Wonder Wheel -- Yoga mats and blocks have been around for decades, but the Yoga Wonder Wheel™ by YOGABODY is the latest addition to any at-home practice room or yoga studio that will help you take your postures to the next level. Deep, awe-inspiring backbends are what draw most people to the Wonder Wheel initially, but backbends are just the beginning. You’ll also build balance, core strength, release tension, and find ways to practice challenging poses that are otherwise inaccessible. The Wonder Wheel was designed for use in YOGABODY’s professional yoga studios and training centers in Barcelona, Spain, so it’s bigger, stronger, lighter, and backed by an unmatched warranty compared with any other wheel on the market. On top of that, it’s less expensive and comes with a complete at-home DVD so you can get rolling in minutes. Learn More

Do you know yourself? Really? Do you know what makes you tick and what drives you... what lights you up and what dims your fired? Self-awareness doesn't come naturally, like all forms of intelligence, it's cultivate and learned over time—but very few people take the time to invest in this skill. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll learn how both internal and external self-awareness can be meta-skills in modern life. ------------ Listen & Learn: Internal vs. external self awareness Why self-acceptance can be better than self-esteem   Why the tendency is to avoid giving feedback when we really need it Why you must be picky about whom you receive feedback from The Dinner of Truth: find a "loving critic" and ask them what the most appreciate and what most drives you crazy Calm acceptance: how people   ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Tasha Eurich is an organizational psychologist, researcher, and New York Times best-selling author. Tasha has contributed to The Guardian, TED.com, The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, and CNBC.com. Her work has been featured in Business Insider, Fortune, Forbes, The New York Times, Fast Company, and New York Magazine, as well as several peer-reviewed journals. She was named a “Top 100 Thought Leader” by Trust Across America, a “Leader to Watch” by the American Management Association, and one of Denver Business Journal's "40 Under 40.” Tasha is the author of two best-selling books, Bankable Leadership, and INSIGHT. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Creatine Links & References from the Show: Meyers Briggs Online Quiz (free one) Insight Quiz Tasha's Main Site Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Teachers College -- The Yoga Teachers College offers master-level training for those looking to build a career as yoga professionals. Our trainees benefit from the best of modern learning technology combined with old school apprenticeship. Graduates walk away with the skills, confidence and experience needed to become not just teachers, but community and business leaders as well. Whether your goal is to teach part time locally, travel and lead workshops internationally, or to open your own studios, The Yoga Teachers College will support your career every step of the way. Learn More

It's easy to get excited about the newly-imported Brazilian berry with crazy-high antioxidant levels; but what about the weeds and wild foods growing your backyard? When it comes to micronutrients, the simple rule "fresh is best" usually wins, and no matter where you live, there is a ridiculous amount of wild food available that is so nutritionally-superior to anything in the grocery store, some of it is even considered medicine. On this week's show, we'll talk about how to get started with wild foods and weeds.    ------------ Listen & Learn: Why you should start with dandelion leaves The difference between a decoction vs. infusion   Why Japanese knotweed is better than red wine for resveratrol Purslane: much better source for Omega-3's than flax or chia Lambsquarter: super potent superfood Why Russian autumn olives are an amazing wild berry Why comfrey can be amazing for healing injuries (topically and even orally) Nettles: how to use for tea and nutrition ABOUT OUR GUEST Brett Mayette is a passionate cook, organic grower, forager, and herbalist for over 20 years. He is the founder of, Conscious Cuisine, designed to help you discover and incorporate the wonders of wild plants into your life – without being a professional chef or even a nutrition expert. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Collagen Links & References from the Show: Wild Wisdom of Weeds Book Brett's Site, Conscious Cuisine Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Trapeze Teacher Training -- For passionate yoga students who love inversion yoga, this is an exciting opportunity to train with YOGABODY, the leading educator and manufacturer of inversion slings worldwide. The Yoga Trapeze is the most-popular yoga inversion sling ever with over 100,000 students in 81 countries. Despite the ever-growing demand, there are hardly any professional instructors—until now. We’re now accepting applications for The Yoga Trapeze Certification course where you’ll learn how to teach both group and private lessons for beginning and intermediate students. Learn More

Did you know that your muscles would be a bloody pile of melted, soft-serve ice cream if not for fascia? This web of connective tissues literally hold your body together—and most of us aren't really even sure how to pronounce the word! On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet the king of fascia research and teaching, Tom Meyers. ------------ Listen & Learn: How this plastic-wrap-like tissue holds your entire body together How low circulation tissues like fascia, cartilage, tendons and ligaments can heal through seepage and synovial fluids   Why stressing tendons and ligaments can make them stronger Why a skilled body worker is more important than the type of bodywork you receive The 3 main types of bodywork: relaxation massage, therapeutic massage, and integrative massage Potential healing aims of bodywork: increase inflammation response, reduce electrical (nerve) activity to an area, or improve circulation ABOUT OUR GUEST Tom Myers is the author of Anatomy Trains, the co-author of Fascial Release for Structural Balance, and numerous articles for trade magazines and journals that have been collected in the books Body3, The Anatomist's Corner, and Structural Integration: Collected Articles. He has also produced over 15 DVDs and numerous webinars on visual assessment, Fascial Release Technique, and the applications of fascial research. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Decaf Coffee Links & References from the Show: Anatomy Trains BOOK: Anatomy Trains Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Bamboo Handstand Blocks -- Want to Learn Handstand or Improve Your Hand Balancing Practice? Most people think that handstand involves putting your hand flat on the floor and simply pushing down—but that’s not right! Check out photos of people doing handstands, and you’ll see that the more advanced students “grip” the floor using their hand like a claw. Your fingers form arches and your palms forms a dome, and you create a dynamic, muscle and bone support structure for your entire body to balance on. The Bamboo Handstand Blocks by YOGABODY were designed for our professional yoga studios in Barcelona, so they are beautiful, durable, easy-to-clean, safe, and natural. Yoga students have used standard yoga blocks for years, but these blocks are completely different: they are smaller, stronger, non-slip, easy-to-clean, and designed specifically to build grip strength for inversions. Learn More

How did our planet form? How did life begin? Most of us have no idea how to explain this foundational, existential question. Evolutionists say that all life has stemmed from a series of random mutations that began with the big bang 13.8 billion years ago; creationists say that a higher power created the universe and all life as we know it. When examined with even the slightest bit of scrutiny, both arguments fall ridiculously short of plausibility. In a departure from our typical health and wellness topics, my guest and I attempt to shed new light on the age old question: “How did we get here?” I think you’ll find this interesting, thought-provoking, and perhaps a little frustrating. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why science is often wrong   Why the scientific process is actually a process of “getting it wrong” before anything is right How there are undeniable signs of evolution in both the plant and animal kingdoms   How there are undeniable signs of intelligent design in our very DNA Why science cannot answer the big social questions of today including things like right and wrong, moral decisions, and hierarchy of life—so how do we answer them? ABOUT OUR GUEST Perry Marshall is a world-renowned business consultant probably best known for his pioneering work in pay per click marketing, the 80/20 principle in practice, and his approach to scientific advertising. His most recent work is an exhaustive study of evolution vs. intelligent design. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Turmeric vs. Curcumin Links & References from the Show: Perry’s Book Site Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Teachers College -- The Yoga Teachers College offers master-level training for those looking to build a career as yoga professionals. Our trainees benefit from the best of modern learning technology combined with old school apprenticeship. Graduates walk away with the skills, confidence and experience needed to become not just teachers, but community and business leaders as well. Whether your goal is to teach part time locally, travel and lead workshops internationally, or to open your own studios, The Yoga Teachers College will support your career every step of the way. Learn More

What if what’s keeping you from achieving your goals and building the life you truly desire came down to your constant, nagging habit of procrastination? What if you had a simple tool to reverse your impulse to stall with an impulse for action? What if you’re over-thinking and under-doing just about everything? On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, you’ll learn the “5 second rule,” and it’s so elegant, and so simple, it could truly transform your life in the coming months. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why 1/3 of us are totally unsatisfied   Why we must experience constant and never-ending growth to be satisfied as human beings Why thinking is not the answer to progress (doing is)   How counting down from 5 forces mindfulness and reverses procrastination ABOUT OUR GUEST Mel Robbins is a motivational speaker, author, and thought leader in personal growth and development. Her TEDx Talk on “How To Stop Screwing Yourself Over” has over 10 million views across 37 countries. She is the author of two best-selling books, The 5 Second Rule, and, “Stop Saying You’re Fine”. Her books have been translated into 4 languages. If you haven’t seen her TED talk, you’ve probably seen her on Good Morning America, Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, Oprah, The Today Show or Fox News. She was named America’s Outstanding News Talk Show Host at the 2014 Gracie Awards. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Sleepy Teas Links & References from the Show: Mel’s site Mel’s TEDx Talk Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Trapeze Teacher Training -- For passionate yoga students who love inversion yoga, this is an exciting opportunity to train with YOGABODY, the leading educator and manufacturer of inversion slings worldwide. The Yoga Trapeze is the most-popular yoga inversion sling ever with over 100,000 students in 81 countries. Despite the ever-growing demand, there are hardly any professional instructors—until now. We’re now accepting applications for The Yoga Trapeze Certification course where you’ll learn how to teach both group and private lessons for beginning and intermediate students. Learn More

Did you know that your “vision” and your “eyesight” are not the same thing? Did you know that your eye health can impact your mental and emotional health as well? Most of us are familiar with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but poor light or lack of full spectrum light affects just about everyone—even in the sunniest destinations in the world. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, we’ll explore the Body-Eye connection with Dr. Berne. ------------ Listen & Learn: How eyesight is static, but vision is dynamic and affected by dozens of factors How emotional trauma can be stored in the eyes The difference between sensation (visceral feelings) & emotion (the story associated with past)   Why “light is food” and creates electrical impulses affecting your brain and body constantly Why it’s essential to get at least 30 minutes of full spectrum light daily How to hack your home environment for better light therapy results ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Berne is a doctor of optometry and offers a unique form of physical therapy for the eyes. This holistic method helps children with a variety of developmental delays from autism to Attention Deficit Disorder. Dr. Berne uses primitive reflex therapy, movement therapy, vision therapy, light/color therapy, craniosacral therapy and nutritional counseling to aid patients with neurological problems. Dr. Berne teaches workshops and retreats around the world and is on the faculty at The Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA, where he leads retreats on healing the eyes and vision. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Water During Food Links & References from the Show: Dr. Sam Berne’s Site Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Hot Yoga Teacher Training Course -- If you’re a passionate Hot Yoga student and fed up with the conventional 9-to-5 jobs; if your yoga practice is one of the most important things in your life; and if you’re excited by the extraordinary growth of the yoga market then perhaps you’re ready to take the next step and become a certified teacher. Absolute Yoga Academy is the leading educator of Hot Yoga professionals internationally. Since 2006, our training programs have transformed passionate yoga students into highly-qualified teachers, and the success of our graduates speaks for itself. Learn More

Your body responds to the stress of a busy morning with the same biochemical responses it would have if a tiger pounced on you in the jungle. Intellectually, these two events are completely different, but your body can't tell them apart. Genetically, we evolved to "survive," and our modern world feels very dangerous even though we actually live safe lives of luxury (relatively speaking). Mindfulness is the conscious practice of focusing your awareness on the here and now (in all its comfort, pain, and wonder), and while the term is thrown around flippantly, the research behind it is fascinating. Your body and mind are not just connected, they are actually one interwoven system; and by returning to the present moment, you mental and physical health will improve measurably. ------------ Listen & Learn: How the simple act of paying attention and staying present could turn back the clock and physiologically make you younger How the mind-body connection is a misnomer—they are intrinsically intertwined Why we want to be responsive not reactive Why stress is the worry that something is going to happen (which may or may not be true) and that the result will be negative (which may or may not be true) ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Ellen Langer, Ph.D., is known as the mother of mindfulness. She is a social psychologist and the first female professor to gain tenure in the Psychology Department at Harvard. She is the author of 11 books and more than 200 research articles written for general and academic readers on mindfulness. Her books include Mindfulness; The Power of Mindful Learning; On Becoming an Artist: Reinventing Yourself Through Mindful Creativity; Counterclockwise: Mindful Health and the Power of Possibility; and The Wiley Mindfulness Handbook. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Stinging Nettle Links & References from the Show: Langer Mindfulness Institute Chris' Website Ellen's Main Site Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Hurts So Good - Self-Massage Balls -- They allow you to release tension, break up sliding surface dysfunctions, and improve circulation in and around your muscles and tendons, ligaments, and fascia. In our modern lives, our movement patterns tend to be very habitual. We sit, stand, drive, and walk; but we often lack the dynamic range of motion that our bodies are designed for. Hurts So Good Massage Balls are designed to empower yoga students, office workers, and athletes at all levels to do profound deep tissue work on their own as needed, as often as every day. These balls are named, Hurts So Good for a reason. Most people immediately find them intense in a wonderful, tension-relieving way. Learn More

Poor sleep can cause hormonal imbalances, weight gain, impair your immune system, reduce your mental clarity, and contribute to dozens of other health problems. Sleep is a huge sticking point for your health, but most of us (including me) struggle with it—so what do we do to improve? Where do we even start? This week's guest shares his best research and tips for sleep hygiene, responsible use of sleep aids, common mistakes, and the best tech for a restful night sleep. ------------ Listen & Learn: How to use alcohol wisely for sleep quality The difference between sleep drive (adenosine pathway) and sleep rhythm (your circadian cycle) The importance of REM sleep for mental restoration and stage 3 & 4 sleep for physical restoration How you can dreams in any stage, but REM-phase is most-likely to produce dreams How REM is a very light state, indistinguishable for waking brain waves Why sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure that is non-responsive to medication Why melatonin is a hormone and should be used with care, dosages are often way too high   Dr. Breus's 5-Steps Success with Sleep How to define  Why nobody with insomnia should not nap  ABOUT OUR GUEST Michael J. Breus, Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychologist and both a Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a Fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He was one of the youngest people to have passed the Board when he was just 31 years old. With a specialty in Sleep Disorders, he is one of only 163 psychologists in the world with his credentials and distinction. Dr. Breus is on the clinical advisory board of The Dr. Oz Show and is a recurring guest on the show. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Black Pepper Links & References from the Show: Dr. Breus' Website S+ Sleep Tracker Beddit Tracker Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Business Mastery Podcast -- Yoga Business, Teaching & Entrepreneurship. Join yoga teacher, trainer and serial entrepreneur, Lucas Rockwood, as he delivers both tactical and strategic plans for building a teaching business, retaining clients, and earning a great living doing what you love. If you’re a yoga teacher, trainer, or studio owner, this insider information straight from the horse’s mouth is invaluable. Each show compresses months worth of real-world experience into a 15-minute, actionable episode. Learn More

Why do some people suffer from overwhelming food cravings, multiple times per week—and others never have cravings at all? Why do some of us feel addicted and out-of-control with food while others could take it or leave it? Food is information, and modern foods are often filled with addicting, pleasure-center stimulating information that we can easily get hooked on. So what do you do about it? How do you change this behavior and never binge again? Dr. Glenn Livingston will share his personal and professional expertise in this area. ------------ Listen & Learn: How Glenn ate as much as 7,000 calories per day, but learned to overcome it Why character trumps willpower—and how you can use that to your advantage Why it's less important to uncover the "why" behind cravings and instead uncover the "how" to fix it   Why lizard brain says: "Do I eat it, mate with it or kill it," and how this can cause problems ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Glenn Livingston is a psychologist and former CEO of a large consulting firm that serviced Fortune 500 clients including many in the food industry. You may have seen his (or his company's) previous work, theories, and research in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Sun Times, The Indiana Star Ledger, The NY Daily News, American Demographics, or any of the other major media outlets you see on this page. You may also have heard him on ABC, WGN, CBS radio, or UPN TV. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Wine and Cortisol Links & References from the Show: Never Binge Again Site Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Trapeze Teacher Training -- For passionate yoga students who love inversion yoga, this is an exciting opportunity to train with YOGABODY, the leading educator and manufacturer of inversion slings worldwide. The Yoga Trapeze is the most-popular yoga inversion sling ever with over 100,000 students in 81 countries. Despite the ever-growing demand, there are hardly any professional instructors—until now. We’re now accepting applications for The Yoga Trapeze Certification course where you’ll learn how to teach both group and private lessons for beginning and intermediate students. Learn More

Did you know that your morning coffee blocks alpha brain waves states and that your evening glass of red wine encourages it? Did you know that the blue light from your cell phone affects both your hormones and your brainwave states? Our modern world tends toward imbalance, and the first step in the direction of health is understanding the how and why behind the imbalances so you can take action to create a better you. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, we'll be discussing brain wave states, neuro-feedback, mind-body practices, and more. ------------ Listen & Learn: How neurofeedback allows you to "see" what's going on in your brain Why food, lifestyle and modern thought patterns often leave us imbalanced The importance of DHA/EPA for brain health   Delta: deep meditation, sleep, stillness (collective unconscious / oneness) Theta: memory, revelry, daydreaming, REM sleep, meditation, childlike thoughts Alpha: flow state of creativity, pleasant focus, super-learning, peak performance, synchrony Beta: waking, problem-solving, busy work, active-focused work ABOUT OUR GUEST Chris is a Neuroplastician and NLP Master who was mentored by Dr. Richard Bandler himself. He's a student of Shaolin, Qigong, Tai Chi, and Kung Fu. Chris uses all these tools along with nutrition, psychology, health and fitness training to help people overcome mental blocks and live an inspired life. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Resveratrol Links & References from the Show: Chris' Website Book: The Brain that Changes Itself Bluelight Improves Cognitive Performance Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Bamboo Handstand Blocks -- Block training leads to straighter, stronger handstands. When you “grip” the block, it trains your hands, forearms and shoulders to dynamically lift and balance your body in inversions. The Bamboo Handstand Blocks by YOGABODY were designed for our professional yoga studios in Barcelona, so they are beautiful, durable, easy-to-clean, safe, and natural. Yoga students have used standard yoga blocks for years, but these blocks are completely different: they are smaller, stronger, non-slip, easy-to-clean, and designed specifically to build grip strength for inversions. Learn More

Politically, the world is more polarized and terrorized than ever before. Even the wealthiest countries in the world are experiencing record levels of terror and violent attacks—so what do we do? Can yoga and meditation create a grassroots movement for change? Why must we focus inside before can change our communities? On this week's, Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet, Amandine Roche, an international peacekeeper using yoga a key part of her mission. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why world peace must start with inner peace What PTSD is and how to combat it with yoga and meditation How Amandine faced suicide bombers, kidnapping, and on-going violence on her peace-keeping missions   Why we are all responsible for world peace ABOUT OUR GUEST Amandine Roche is a Human Rights lawyer, yoga and meditation teacher who has worked throughout the world including in Asia, S. America, many African countries, and in war-torn Afghanistan. She teaches yoga and meditation in Afghanistan, including to members of the Taliban on her mission for world peace. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Spirulina Chlorella Links & References from the Show: Amandine's Website Vipassana Meditation Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Wonder Wheel -- Experience Deeper Yoga Backbends, Better Balance & Build Core Strength with the Yoga Wonder Wheel! Yoga mats and blocks have been around for decades, but the Yoga Wonder Wheel™ by YOGABODY is the latest addition to any at-home practice room or yoga studio that will help you take your postures to the next level. Deep, awe-inspiring backbends are what draw most people to the Wonder Wheel initially, but backbends are just the beginning. You’ll also build balance, core strength, release tension, and find ways to practice challenging poses that are otherwise inaccessible. Learn More

When I turned 24, I started this weird experiment eating just plant foods. I'm a chronic over-committer, and here I am 15 years later, still eating 100% plant-based. This is a complicated path that's not right for most, but it's worked for me—and I've just gotten some blood tests to see how I'm doing. Overall, I'm in some of the best shape of my life, but there are a few things I certainly need to address. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why my homocystine levels are a little high How my liver function is on the low side of normal—and what I can do about it Why I might think about eating more iron-rich foods or supplementing iron  Why all these issues could be related to impaired digestion and/or impaired liver function ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Stephen Lewis and Janet Lewis are the founders of Doctor's Nutrition. Doctor’s Nutrition provides Evidence-Based Nutrition™ information, where you get information based on years of experience treating patients with natural compounds and verifying the results with pre and post lab tests. Located in Longview, Texas, Doctor's Nutrition offers medical lab services in or near your hometown without the need for expensive office visits and long waits. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Flax and Chia Gas Links & References from the Show: Doctor's Nutrition Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Teacher College  -- The Definitive Mind-Body Fitness Training for Career-Minded Professionals. The Yoga Teachers College offers master-level training for those looking to build a career as yoga professionals. Our trainees benefit from the best of modern learning technology combined with old school apprenticeship. Graduates walk away with the skills, confidence and experience needed to become not just teachers, but community and business leaders as well. Learn More

As health seekers, we obsess over the micro-changes in our food and fitness routines. Micro changes are fun and interesting, but it's much wiser to first address the big elephants in the room. One of those big beasts is sugar in all its various forms. It causes weight gain, metabolic imbalance, premature aging, and contributes to just about every illness imaginable. The good news is you can monitor, reduce, and manage your blood sugar very effectively at home once you know how. On this week's show with Dr. Ritamarie, you'll learn the in's and out's of how to balance your blood sugar. ------------ Listen & Learn: How sugar impacts your hormonal balance and lead to weight gain Why sugar in small quantities is essential but in high doses is toxic Why sugar is everywhere and unless you've avoiding it, you're probably over-eating it   Why belly fat is the worst type of fat Why dietary fat and body fat are not the same thing How chromium, magnesium and DHA can help with sugar metabolism ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo is a bestselling author, speaker, and internationally-recognized nutrition and women’s health authority. She combines the ancient healing wisdom of whole fresh foods and herbs with modern scientific research to help people reclaim their health. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Fasting With Coffee Links & References from the Show: Dr. Ritamarie's Site Blood Glucose Monitor (Amazon) Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Hurts So Good! Yoga Massage Balls -- Hurts So Good Massage Balls allow you to release tension, break up sliding surface dysfunctions, and improve circulation in and around your muscles and tendons, ligaments, and fascia. Hurts So Good Massage Balls are designed to empower yoga students, office workers, and athletes at all levels to do profound deep tissue work on their own as needed, as often as every day. These balls are named, Hurts So Good for a reason. Most people immediately find them intense in a wonderful, tension-relieving way. Learn More  

Breathing for health can be learned in quickly and its benefits experienced in as little as 10 minutes, and yet this practice is all but lost from most modern yoga classes. Yoga that should revolve around breath as the central, unifying theme are suddenly missing this most-important mind-body integrating practice altogether. How did yoga lose its way? On this week's show, you'll meet breathing teacher, Max Strom, who is helping to revitalize the age-old tradition of yoga breathing—and doing it in an accessible and extremely practical way. ------------ Listen & Learn: How 90% of communication in relationships is non-verbal, so digital relationships are extremely limited Why the Seattle Seahawks, the U.S. Military, and top athletes everywhere are using breath work for optimal performance Why 30% of the population uses sleeping medications when breathing could really help   Why the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by 2020, depression would be the leading disability worldwide ABOUT OUR GUEST Max Strom is a teacher, speaker, and author of the books: A Life Worth Breathing and There is No APP for Happiness. His innovative method incorporates exercises, breath-work, and breath-based yoga movement to generate personal health and growth. As a speaker, Max has presented his method at the first Wellness Symposium in Saudi Arabia, The Inner Idea Conference, the Happinez Festival in the Netherlands, The Singularity University in the Silicon Valley, The Sea Island resort, on TEDx, as well as many yoga conferences. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Carbonated Water Links & References from the Show: Max's TEDx Talks Max's Website Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Wonder Wheel -- Yoga mats and blocks have been around for decades, but the Yoga Wonder Wheel™ by YOGABODY is the latest addition to any at-home practice room or yoga studio that will help you take your postures to the next level. Deep, awe-inspiring backbends are what draw most people to the Wonder Wheel initially, but backbends are just the beginning. You’ll also build balance, core strength, release tension, and find ways to practice challenging poses that are otherwise inaccessible. Learn More

80% of people will suffer from back pain at some point in their life, often debilitating pain, but most problems are undiagnosed, self-diagnosed, and it can be chronic. So what do you do? For better or worse, it seems that your spinal health must be taken into your own hands. If you're going to have a healthy back, you'll need to educate yourself and take action. This week's guest, Dr. Stuart McGill, will help you do just that. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why proximal stability is essential for functional human movement Why tight hamstrings might not be the cause of back pain and how back pain might actually cause tight hamstrings (chicken vs. egg)   Why nerve tightness might be the real issue   Why disks are hydrophilic and require movement to hydrate How lying down on your belly for 3 minutes, and then walking around can help Why spine hygiene is essential to remove pain ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Stuart M. McGill is a professor of spine biomechanics at the University of Waterloo (Waterloo, ON, Canada). His advice is often sought by governments, corporations, legal experts and elite athletes and teams from around the world. Difficult back cases are regularly referred to him for consultation. Any product associated with this website has been tested in Dr. McGill's laboratory at the University of Waterloo, ON, Canada. Learn more at:  www.BackFitPro.com Nutritional Tip of the Week: Worst Food In The Grocery Store Links & References from the Show: Femoroacetabular Impingement Back Fit Pro Website Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Teacher College  -- The Definitive Mind-Body Fitness Training for Career-Minded Professionals. The Yoga Teachers College offers master-level training for those looking to build a career as yoga professionals. Our trainees benefit from the best of modern learning technology combined with old school apprenticeship. Graduates walk away with the skills, confidence and experience needed to become not just teachers, but community and business leaders as well. Learn More

Everyone is familiar with vegetarians, vegans, and macrobiotics... but what about reducetarians? This new movement focuses less on hard-line extremes, and instead, encourages any and all steps toward a healthier, happier, and more compassionate diet. As we always emphasize at YOGABODY, balance is always the goal, and it's also the most elusive. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet the founder of this reductionist approach to eating, Brian Kateman. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why hard-line diets are not necessarily the right choice for everyone How to think about food systems holistically in terms of personal health and environmental health    Why factory farms are responsible for 15% of greenhouse gases, 10x the amount of water as plant-based alternatives    How Average Americans eat 270 lbs of meat per year Why "clean meat" or lab-grown meats could be the future of foods ABOUT OUR GUEST Brian Kateman is cofounder and president of the Reducetarian Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing meat consumption in order to create a healthy, sustainable, and compassionate world. Brian is the editor of The Reducetarian Solution: How the Surprisingly Simple Act of Reducing the Amount of Meat in Your Diet Can Transform Your Health and the Planet. He has appeared in dozens of media outlets including The Washington Post, Vox, The Huffington Post, National Geographic, The Atlantic, Forbes, Fast Company, Salon, The Los Angeles Times, Fox News, NPR and The Daily Mail. He is an instructor in the Executive Education Program at the Earth Institute Center for Environmental Sustainability at Columbia University. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Ghee Links & References from the Show: Reducetarian Solution Book Reducetarian Website Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Teacher College  -- The Definitive Mind-Body Fitness Training for Career-Minded Professionals. The Yoga Teachers College offers master-level training for those looking to build a career as yoga professionals. Our trainees benefit from the best of modern learning technology combined with old school apprenticeship. Graduates walk away with the skills, confidence and experience needed to become not just teachers, but community and business leaders as well. Learn More

When you're a teenager, you get acne. As you age, you get wrinkles, sun spots, and sagging skin. No matter what age you are, your skin is probably something you think about each morning when you wake up and look in the mirror. Whether is redness, dryness, bags under the eyes, or just general age, we all want to look and feel our best. Skincare can be superficial, but its impact on our lives is undeniable. So how to do approach is with a yoga mindset? How do we do it naturally? On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet, Rachael Pontillo, who will share her research and personal experience transforming faces around the world. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why vitamin A deficiency can cause or contribute to acne How acne medications can be toxic and even cause birth defects Why rancid fats, inflammatory foods, grains, and dairy can cause skin problems   Why skin care is often an "inside job" How to think holistically and not get overwhelmed by all the skin problem triggers in our modern world  ABOUT OUR GUEST Rachael Pontillo is the bestselling author of the book Love Your Skin, Love Yourself, and co-author of The Sauce Code. She’s a Certified Health Coach, licensed aesthetician; and natural skincare formulator and educator. She’s the president and co-founder of the Nutritional Aesthetics™ Alliance, the creator of the the blog, Holistically Haute™, as well as the 6-week online course, Create Your Skincare. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Canola Oil Links & References from the Show: Rachael's Site & Blog Accutane Retin-A Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Wonder Wheel -- Yoga mats and blocks have been around for decades, but the Yoga Wonder Wheel™ by YOGABODY is the latest addition to any at-home practice room or yoga studio that will help you take your postures to the next level. Deep, awe-inspiring backbends are what draw most people to the Wonder Wheel initially, but backbends are just the beginning. You’ll also build balance, core strength, release tension, and find ways to practice challenging poses that are otherwise inaccessible. Learn More

80% of the opioid drugs in the world are consumed in the United States, and addiction, abuse, and even death are commonplace across all demographics in society. Why such growth in abuse? One word: pain. Back pain, knee pain, mental and emotional suffering—all of these conditions are driving consumers to their doctors (or the streets) in search of relief. Living with chronic pain can be debilitating, but we want to use drugs and surgery as a last resort. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll beet Dr. Joe Tatta, pain expert and best-selling author on pain management. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why "pills for pain" has been the norm for the past 50-years USA consumes about 80% of the world's opioids   20K/year deaths correlated or caused by opioid medications   Why the mind-body connection to pain cannot be ignored Pain catastrophizing: negative rumination about pain issue Food is your pharmacy, movement in medicine ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Joe Tatta is a doctor of physical therapy, board certified nutrition specialist and functional medicine practitioner who specializes in treating persistent pain and lifestyle-related musculoskeletal, metabolic and autoimmune health issues. His mission is to create a new paradigm around treating persistent pain and reverse our global pain epidemic. He is the creator of the Healing Pain Online Summit and The Healing Pain Podcast designed to broaden the conversation around natural strategies toward solving persistent pain. Dr. Tatta is the author of Heal Your Pain Now; A Revolutionary Program to Reset Your Brain and Body for a Pain-Free Life. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Lucuma Links & References from the Show: Dr. Joe Tatta's Website Acute Childhood Experiences (ACE) Research Healing Back Pain Book Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Teacher College  -- The Definitive Mind-Body Fitness Training for Career-Minded Professionals. The Yoga Teachers College offers master-level training for those looking to build a career as yoga professionals. Our trainees benefit from the best of modern learning technology combined with old school apprenticeship. Graduates walk away with the skills, confidence and experience needed to become not just teachers, but community and business leaders as well. Learn More

What does "organic" labeling really mean? If I ask five Yoga Talk Show listeners, I'll get five different answers. And new growing methods stack complexity on complexity with hydroponics and aquaponics now falling under "organic" certification as well. On this week's show, we'll unpack certification, and more interesting still, we'll look at various growing techniques in detail and speculate on the future of food. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why the term "organic" is owned and controlled by USDA Why organic food can have non-organic certified fertilizer How universal organic regulations really only began in 2002 Why chemical farming kills of the bacteria in the soil (hence 3 year waiting period for conversion to organic) Why aquaponics is not new and has been around forever in various forms How aquapoanics uses 80% less water than conventional farming How aquaponics produces both fish and short grow cycle edible vegetables ABOUT OUR GUEST Ro is the cofounder and co-owner of A Bee, a certification agency responsible for ensuring that USDA organic products meet the NOP organic standard. Ro has an interest in all things sustainable and serves as the director of the open-use nonprofit “I’m In Community”. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Salt Links & References from the Show: A Bee Agency Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Liquid Energy-B  -- If you’re a vegetarian, live a high-stress lifestyle or are over 50 years of age, there’s a very good chance you need to supplement with vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is one of the few vitamins that our body doesn’t produce on its own. If you don’t eat or supplement with B12, you will develop a deficiency that could lead to anemia, nerve damage, mood and mental health problems.  The good news is that B12 supplementation is extremely safe, inexpensive, and is now available in the most bio-available and absorbable form, methylcobalamin. Learn More

In 1990, the Human Genome Project began, and by 2003, roughly 20,000 human genes had been sequenced. This is exciting, but it's also just the first step. How can we use this data to understand human health, longevity and wellness? What can our genetics tell us about our proclivity for certain activities and our susceptibility for certain illnesses? On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet Naturopath, Bob Miller, who will help you decode the code that is your genetic heritage. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why genetic testing is the future of medicine How you're making and using antioxidants Genetics: code for enzymes which are the worker bees of the body How to get started with testing your DNA ABOUT OUR GUEST Robert Miller earned his naturopathic degree from Trinity School of Natural Health and is board certified. Bob has served as a traditional naturopath for 20 years, and has spent the last several years engaged almost exclusively with genetic variants and related research. He works with a company called, Professional Health Products, to formulate an Epigenetics line of products for use by health care providers. Bob lectures at nationwide seminars to educate physicians and health care practitioners about genetic variants and nutritional supplementation for achieving optimal health. He also was recently named to the Functional Medicine University’s advisory board. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Acai Berry Links & References from the Show: Bob's website 23andMe Genetic Testing Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Limited Edition Aqua Yoga Trapeze  -- People loved our limited edition, AQUA-colored Yoga Trapeze so much, it sold out a week after we received them in stock! Good news: we have them back in stock. Bad news: they are flying off the shelves already, so if you are interested click on the link below. Learn More

Hypnotherapy has been around since the 1950's, yet most people still think of it as a party trick. In reality, there is mounds of data to support the power of mind over body when in a suggestible, alpha state that is easily induced through hypnosis. Rather than losing touch with reality or leaving your body, hypnosis is actually a state of hyperawareness where you become more open to change. Often used for weight loss, quitting smoking, and overcoming negative thought patterns, hypnosis can be a powerful tool in your mind-body wellness toolbox. Hypnosis itself doesn't cure addiction or force you to lose weight; instead, it helps you deal with your underlying issues, the root causes of destructive behaviors so change can occur naturally. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why hypnosis puts you into an alpha brain wave state How to use positive affirmations to plant seeds for change How meditation music, guided hypnosis, and at-home self-hypnosis can be very effective Why your body has a negative memory bias and how to create positive anchors instead ABOUT OUR GUEST Rene is a registered nurse, a success coach and Certified Clinical and Transpersonal Hypnotherapist. She helps people overcome fear, anxiety, and procrastination. Rene serves as the Director and Instructor for the Orlando Florida Externship Program for the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy and is the author of a new book called, How Big is Your But? available on Amazon. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Edible Essential Oils Links & References from the Show: How Big is Your But (book) Rene Brent's Site Tony Robbins – Unlimited Power Creative Visualization Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Hot Yoga Teacher Training -- Absolute Yoga Academy is the leading educator of Hot Yoga professionals internationally. Since 2006, our training programs have transformed passionate yoga students into highly-qualified teachers, and the success of our graduates speaks for itself. This course consists of a strategically-planned curriculum that turns yoga students into yoga teachers in just four weeks’ time—every time—and our successful graduates and our successful studios are proof of the program’s efficacy. Learn More

What if your immune system went haywire and starting attacking your body's nervous system affecting your vision, your sensations, your mobility, or other bodily functions? Auto-immune conditions are extremely common, and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the more devastating diseases in this category. Whether you or someone you know has MS or not, you can learn a great deal about myelin health, proper nutrition, and balanced living from people who do—because for them, it can be a question of life or death. On this week's show, you'll meet an author, coach and expert, Andrea Hanson who is thriving despite her MS diagnosis in 2000.  ------------ Listen & Learn: How MS attacks your nervous system  Why diagnosis is getting earlier and better  How MS can be progressive or relapsing / remitting  Diagnosis: MRI shows wearing down of myelin on nerves (like holes)  ABOUT OUR GUEST Andrea Wildenthal Hanson is a speaker, bestselling author, and master certified life coach. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2000, Andrea empowers people to become their own wellness hero, instead of the victim of a disease. She is the author of two books: Stop Carry the Weight of Your MS and Live Your Life Not Your Diagnosis. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Garlic Onions Links & References from the Show: Andrea's website Terry Wahls, MD Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Teachers College -- The Yoga Teachers College offers master-level training for those looking to build a career as yoga professionals. Our trainees benefit from the best of modern learning technology combined with old school apprenticeship. Graduates walk away with the skills, confidence and experience needed to become not just teachers, but community and business leaders as well. Whether your goal is to teach part time locally, travel and lead workshops internationally, or to open your own studios, The Yoga Teachers College will support your career every step of the way. Learn More

If given the opportunity, would you climb Mt. Kilamanjaro in nothing but your shorts and sneakers? Would you trust a stuntman-turned-breathing guru with you life? On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet a guy who did just that—and survived to write a book about it. The guy is Scott Carney, and his teacher is former YTS guest, Wim Hof. This is a wild and somewhat reckless tale, but it'll inspire you to push the limits of your own comfort zone, your imagined physical limitations, and perhaps live a more inspired life. ------------ Listen & Learn: How Wim Hof breathing is very similar to the drug, Diamox, used by high altitude climbers to speed up respiration  Why we've become too comfortable, too spoiled, and too numb to the world around us How cold exposure and controlled hyperventilation (used intelligently) can be a powerful part of a healing regime  How our guest managed to summit Kilamanjaro in nothing but sneakers and a pair of shorts ABOUT OUR GUEST Scott Carney is an investigative journalist and anthropologist. He is a senior fellow at the Schuster Institute for Investigative Journalism and a Scripps Fellow at the Center for Environmental Journalism in Boulder, Colorado. What Doesn't Kill Us is his most recent book; other works include The Red Market and A Death on Diamond Mountain. Scott was a contributing editor at Wired for five years and his writing also appears in Mother Jones, Men's Journal, Playboy, Foreign Policy, Discover, Outside and Fast Company.   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Cook vs Raw Links & References from the Show: Rhonda Patrick on cold therapy Bohr Effect (acid/alkaline of the blood) Scott's Site What Doesn't Kill Us (book)  Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Teacher Trapeze Training -- We’re now accepting applications for The Yoga Trapeze Certification course where you’ll learn how to teach both group and private lessons for beginning and intermediate students. For passionate yoga students who love inversion yoga, this is an exciting opportunity to train with YOGABODY, the leading educator and manufacturer of inversion slings worldwide. The Yoga Trapeze is the most-popular yoga inversion sling ever with over 100,000 students in 81 countries. Despite the ever-growing demand, there are hardly any professional instructors—until now. Learn More

Science has linked meditation with longevity through the study of telomeres, the chromosomal caps that are an indication of cell health. By mitigating our stress response specifically, research indicates that mindful practices down-regulate our stress response and up-regulate telomerase production, an important protein for the health of these chromosomal caps. What does all that mean? Basically, it means meditation can make you live longer in the future and live healthier right now. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet Dr. Elissa Epel, one of the leading researchers on stress, cell aging, and telomeres. ------------ Listen & Learn: How telomeres are the protective caps on the ends of our chromosomes, just like the plastic tip on a shoelace How short telomeres release cytokines or die—both of which are very negative How chronic inflammation (from cytokines) can contribute or even cause diseases and illnesses Why meditation can mitigate stress response and be protective of telomeres Why abuse, violence and trauma can literally shorten your life Why vagal nerve tone can reduce the stress response ABOUT OUR GUEST Elissa Epel is psychologist who studies stress, aging, and obesity. She is the director of UCSF's Aging, Metabolism, and Emotion Center (AME) She consults to the National Institutes of Health on various initiatives related to human behavior and how to change it, and is on the Steering Council of the Mind and Life Institute that supports research on contemplative practices. She has been studying stress and biology for almost 20 years now. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Protein Links & References from the Show: The Telomere Effect Book Acute Childhood Experiences Studies (ACE) Telomeres Defined Telomeres, Lifestyle, Cancer, and Aging Shamatha Project Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Hurt So Good Massage Balls -- Natural Rubber Creates Human-Like Deep Tissue Massage Experience on Soft Tissues Hurts So Good Massage Balls allow you to release tension, break up sliding surface dysfunctions, and improve circulation in and around your muscles and tendons, ligaments, and fascia. In our modern lives, our movement patterns tend to be very habitual. We sit, stand, drive, and walk; but we often lack the dynamic range of motion that our bodies are designed for. Learn More

In almost every yoga class, the teacher will emphasize the importance of breath—but what does that really mean and why does it matter? If you ask, you'll likely hear that you're adding oxygen to your blood or improving your circulation. But is that true? It turns out that most yoga breathing actually reduces oxygen in the blood and increases CO2. To add to this paradox, more CO2 is actually a good thing and results in more oxygen to the cells. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll learn how and why.  ------------ Listen & Learn: Why C02 is actually your friend How C02 relaxes muscle tissue (great for stretching) Why nose breathing encourages diaphragmatic breathing, increases NO2, and arterial oxygen uptake How reduced breathing increased saliva in the mouth, a sign of parasympathetic nervous system dominance and higher CO2 Why 30% of population has Rhinitis and how reduced breathing can help How reduced breathing impacts your spleen (yes, your spleen!)  ABOUT OUR GUEST Patrick completed his clinical training in the Buteyko Breathing Method at the Buteyko Clinic, Moscow, Russia, a training accredited by Professor Konstantin Buteyko himself. Patrick suffered from asthma as a kid and discovered the Buteyko Method at the age of 26 and has been asthma-free since then, a feat that over 20 years of medication had failed to accomplish. In a career spanning 15 years, Patrick has since also become a bestselling author and expert on the topic of optimal breathing for improved health, well-being and fitness. Among the eight books Patrick has written, two have consistently remained in the top ten best sellers on Amazon.com: He is the author of 3 books: Close Your Mouth, Asthma Free Naturally, and The Oxygen Advantage®. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Water filters Links & References from the Show: The Oxygen Advantage Website The Psychology and Physiology of Breathing (book) The Bohr Effect Who is Konstantin Buteyko? Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: The Yoga Trapeze Teacher Training course in San Diego -- The Yoga Trapeze Teacher Training course is conducted in beautiful Fallbrook, California. This quiet city is easily accessible from either Los Angeles or San Diego airports making it a convenient and affordable travel destination. Fallbrook is home base for Sage Yoga Studios, run by Yoga Trapeze certified teachers, Reyna and Lee Beckler. The weather is great, the cost travel is very reasonable, and the yoga studio is ideal for a training of this type.  For passionate yoga students who love inversion yoga, this is an exciting opportunity to train with YOGABODY, the leading educator and manufacturer of inversion slings worldwide. The Yoga Trapeze is the most-popular yoga inversion sling ever with over 100,000 students in 81 countries. Despite the ever-growing demand, there are hardly any professional instructors—until now. Learn More

You wake up in the morning with the best of intentions, but soon, you're lost in Facebook and email. You wanted to do 30-minutes of exercise before work, but you end up a reading CNN.com instead. At work, your task list seems endless; and at home, it's even worse. Time management is something we all have to struggle with, and on this week's Yoga Talk Show, my guest, Kevin Kruse, and I uncover some simple strategies and tactics to help you get more done with less. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why the current trend to "hustle" is short-sighted and often backfires Why you only have about 2-4 good, productive hours of work per day Why 1-2 hours after waking is your "prime time" for productive work How to block your social media newsfeed and hide your social media apps from yourself on your phone How to do more with less ABOUT OUR GUEST Kevin Kruse is a NY Times BESTSELLING AUTHOR and entrepreneur who built and sold several, multimillion dollar technology companies, winning both Inc 500 and Best Place to Work awards along the way. Kevin is the author of several books including Employee Engagement 2.0, 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management, Employee Engagement for Everyone, and We: How to Increase Performance and Profits Through Full Engagement, which was named one of the top leadership books in 2011. Kevin writes regularly as a contributor for Forbes.com and Huffington Post, and has published over 100 articles for various publications on topics related to leadership, engagement and entrepreneurship. He delivers keynotes to audiences around the world. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Diet Religions Links & References from the Show: Kevin's Site Newsfeed Blocker Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Primavera Sound -- Primavera Sound is a music festival that happens every summer in Barcelona between the end of May and beginning of June (this year the dates are 31.05.2017 - 06.04.2017) and it has a wide range of bands of all generations. Learn More

If you go to your doctor for a routine checkup, he or she will usually run very limited blood tests because of cost considerations and limited health insurance coverage. For anyone interested in optimal health, this is not much of a "checkup" at all since you're not checking much of anything. You could have low Vitamin D (almost certainly), elevated C-Reactive Protein (very likely) and a high A1C (very common) without knowing it. Today, we have the ability to go "rogue" and take our health into our own hands. Just like you can order a designer cocktail at your local bar, you can also order up your own blood tests and hire someone to help you review them. Rather than comparing your results to the national averages (which means a bunch of sick people), a qualified professional can help you analyze your results and help you work toward optimal health, not average health. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet Dr. Stephen Lewis and Janet Lewis, founders of Doctor's Nutrition, an innovative company that advises you on blood work and helps you interpret the data. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why most doctors do extremely limited blood tests Why your results are usually green light or red light only, and the yellow range (warning!) is almost completely ignored How to go "rogue" and take your health into your own hands Why you should get an A1C test for a 3-month snapshot of your blood glucose management Why you should get your T3 (not just TSH) tested for thyroid health ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Stephen Lewis and Janet Lewis are the founders of Doctor's Nutrition. Doctor’s Nutrition provides Evidence-Based Nutrition™ information, where you get information based on years of experience treating patients with natural compounds and verifying the results with pre and post lab tests. Located in Longview, Texas, Doctor's Nutrition offers medical lab services in or near your hometown without the need for expensive office visits and long waits. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Alkalized Water Links & References from the Show: Doctor's Nutrition Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Cork Yoga Block  This block was originally developed for the YOGABODY Fitness Studio Group because we needed an all-natural, eco-friendly, and non-slip prop to use in our public classes. Traditional, synthetic blocks are ugly, slip with sweat, and have an unpleasant hand-feel. Hence, Corky the Block was born! Yoga students use Corky the Block in dynamic Vinyasa Yoga practices, deep stretching Gravity Yoga sessions, and in advanced arm balancing and back-bending. A block is an essential yoga prop, and Corky the Block is a beautiful addition to your practice room. Learn More

Is it possible to live a life without trash? Could you reduce your waste by 50%? 75% or More? On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet the founder of the "Zero Waste" movement, Bea Johnson who claims she and her family lived for an entire year producing just 1 liter of waste. Nothing about modern life is sustainable, and while Bea's solution might be out-of-reach for most, it's something we can all learn and take inspiration from. ------------ Listen & Learn: Learn the 5R's: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot How to do more with less Why buying better quality items that last longer is an environmentally responsible choice Why just because something says it's recyclable (in theory) doesn't mean it can actually be recycled in reality Getting started tips for "zero waste" beginners ABOUT OUR GUEST In 2008, Bea Johnson and her family adopted a zero waste lifestyle; they since produce a mere liter of waste per year. With her blog and bestseller Zero Waste Home (translated in 13 languages), Bea launched a global movement and continues to inspire a growing community to live simply and take a stance against needless waste. Her methodology is based on 5R's: “Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot, and only in that order”. She shatters misconceptions, proving that zero waste can not only be stylish, but also lead to significant health benefits, and time and money savings. She speaks at universities, corporate events and conferences all over the globe, including Google, Adobe, the European Parliament and the United Nations. She has completed five international tours for a total of 150+ speeches in 20+ countries on 5 continents. She has appeared on TV shows and in publications everywhere, from The Today Show to BBC Breakfast. Passionate and optimistic, she has become a guru for many and is a spokesperson for the zero waste lifestyle or, as the New York Times stated, "The Priestess of Waste-Free Living". She is a Grand Prize winner of The Green Awards, and a French native who currently lives in Mill Valley, California. Nutritional Tip of the Week: 8 plus 16 Meal Timing Links & References from the Show: Zero Waste Blog Zero Waste Home Book Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Awesome Toes -- Yoga Toe Spreaders & Separators for Nighttime, Yoga Practice & Running Awesome Toes! naturally stretch your feet after a long day of work. Loved by anyone who wears high-heeled shoes, work boots, or spends all day on their feet. They also help stretch the shortened connective tissues of your feet so they regain their natural shape and range of motion. Awesome Toes! can be used at night, while watching TV, while practicing yoga, and even in wide-toed athletic shoes for running. Most toe separators on the market fall off or break during activities, but Awesome Toes! are designed for durability and comfort during yoga practice, dance rehearsals and while engaging in sports. Learn More

Children around the world are suffering from learning, development, and behavioral problems at record rates. Mindfulness can be taught as a secular way to train the mind and body to assist our youth. Mind-body wellness is typically something we explore as adults, but it's never too early to start, and the sooner and the better. Our guest this week is an expert on teaching mindfulness to young people, and for any parent, educator, or soon-to-be caregiver, this is a must-listen. Listen & Learn: How mindfulness can be described as a quality of intention, balance and compassion as we navigate through life Or as a stance of attention where we not where our intention and state-of-mind is in real time Why social and emotional learning in schools can be a great help in working through some of the bigger problems with developing children How secular mindful practices can be quickly and openly adopted in school systems Why it's important to take a few deliberate breaths before you leave the house, say goodbye, start or end your day How to have kids identify the eye color of friends, teachers, and you so that it acts as a forcing function for concentration ABOUT OUR GUEST She was a co-investigator in a multi-year, multi-site research study at UCLA's Mindful Awareness Research Center/Semel Institute on the impact of mindfulness in education. She has spoken at the Mind & Life Institute; the University of California at Los Angeles; the University of Massachusetts; the University of Kansas; Columbia University; Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; San Diego Children's Hospital; the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California; the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies in Barre, Massachusetts; the National University of Singapore; Mahidol University, in Bangkok; Casa Tibet, in Mexico, and many other prestigious institutes in the United States and abroad. Her work has been covered by The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, USA Today, National Public Radio, various yoga journals, and CBS Morning News. Links & Resources Susan's Main Site Mindful Games Book Nutritional Tip: Caffeinated Tea Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to Our Sponsor: Hot Yoga Teacher Training TAKE THE NEXT STEP! Join Absolute Yoga’s 200-Hour Hot Yoga Alliance accredited course in beautiful Koh Samui, Thailand. Sign up now and get an early discount! This training is for: Serious students who want to teach Passionate yoga practitioners Students who want to share hot yoga with the world Extremely small class sizes, great training facility and a dedicated team! Next course starts in October! Learn More

When most people think of health and wellness, sex is not usually top-of-mind, but it should be. Most couples have bad sex rarely, and most want to have great sex all the time. What's gone wrong? We are sexual beings, and we relate to the world sexually. On this week's show, you'll meet sexologist, Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, who shares her experience and research navigating this often-taboo topic that affects all our lives. Listen & Learn: How happy-naked-love-time can be a great alternative play technique that can replace or enhance love-making Why communication is usually the key ingredient to make any sexual relationship work How to explore fantasy, role play, power dynamics, and kink without shame or guilt How passion and sexuality change as we age and what to do about it ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, sociologist and sexologist, is a frequent speaker about sexual empowerment, healthy relationships, body image, erotic play, sexual health, women’s empowerment & nurturing, and mindfulness. She has presented two TEDx Talks, is a writer on sex and relationships, and a recurring intimacy expert on the San Diego morning news. Her educational video series has over a million hits on YouTube. Links & Resources: Dr. Jenn's Den Nutritional Tip: Spice Rack Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to Our Sponsor: Yoga Trapeze Teacher Training The Yoga Trapeze is the #1 most popular yoga inversion sling in the world, and both our January and April teacher training courses are completely sold out. Good news! We’ve just opened up September 2017 for applications, and so this is an opportunity for you to gain the professional skills and confidence needed to teach professionally this exciting new style of yoga. Learn More

About once or twice a week, I'm completely exhausted and yet I can't fall asleep until one or two in the morning. This "wired and tired" feeling is common among most busy people, and while we often blame it on our busy careers, our life as parents, or just the ups and downs of daily life, the reality is that these chemical imbalances compound over time and can lead to pretty serious health problems. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet a medical doctor pioneer whose work spans from natural childbirth and plant medicine to women's health and endocrine balance. Please meet Dr. Aviva Room. ------------ What You'll Learn: Overworked adrenals vs. true adrenal fatigue—what's the difference? How "tired and wired" is a vicious circle Cortisol can be the "wear and tear" hormone Why adrenal fatigue = adrenal depletion How your chemical body (hormones), electrical system (nerves) and bacterial body (microbiome) are all interconnected Tips for sleep, food, and lifestyle balance Why ultradian rhythms (every 90-120 minutes) are crucial to understanding your own body Chronobiology: the effects of solar- and lunar-related rhythms Links & Resources: Aviva Romm, MD's website Book: The Adrenal-Thyroid Revolution Ultradian Rhythms ABOUT OUR GUEST Medical Doctor, Aviva Romm is a midwife, herbalist, and Yale-trained MD, Board Certified in Family Medicine with Obstetrics, as well as a graduate of Dr. Weil's Integrative Medicine Residency. Aviva is a leader in botanical medicine and is the author of 7 books on natural medicine, including the textbook Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health (Elsevier) and her latest book, The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution (Harper One, January 2017). Nutritional Tip: Fructose intake Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to Our Sponsor: Burlington Yoga Conference For years Burlington, Vermont, has been a destination for health, natural living, organic food, and yoga. With a dozen independently operated Yoga studios and wellness centers in the greater community. BYC’s mission it to unite yoga students, teachers and studios as well as to empower and support individuals along the yogic path. Learn More

There is a myth that weight lifting makes you big and muscle-y. More than any time in history, medical doctors and fitness experts are recommending weight training as one of the best ways to improve your overall health because the results speak for themselves. From hormonal balance and bone strength, to joint stability and weight management, resistance training is very hard to beat—and it's not just for guys. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet body-positive, plant-based trainer, Lacy J. Davis, who is breaking stereotypes and helping women transform their lives. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why sarcopenia (muscle loss) affects almost everyone over the age of 30, and why we all need to focus on skeletal muscle maintenance and growth Why resistance training is a great way to encourage bone strength Why body image and eating disorders are propagated by the media, and how you can find balance in your life Why the 5 people you spend the most time with have a huge influence on your health and fitness goals  Links & Resources: Lacy's Website Rise & Resist Podcast Liberation Barbell ABOUT OUR GUEST Lacy J. Davis is the founder of Super Strength Health. She is a health and wellness coach, personal trainer, public speaker, podcaster, writer, eating disorder recovery specialist, body love advocate, and artist located in Portland, OR. She is passionate about plant-based nutrition and body positivity. Nutritional Tip: Weight Loss Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas  Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes    Thanks to Our Sponsor: Hurts So Good Massage Balls Hurts So Good Massage Balls allow you to release tension, break up sliding surface dysfunctions, and improve circulation in and around your muscles and tendons, ligaments, and fascia. Relieve tight muscles knots, aches and pains any time, on your own Improve blood flow to targeted areas for nourishment and elimination of waste Release and relieve compressed nerves such as carpel tunnel and sciatica Assist in scar tissue elasticity and correct healing Learn More  

Most people assume that a healthy heart is beating slowly and steadily. The truth is a healthy heart is agile, highly variable, and changing with every inhale and exhale. The measurement of your real-time, beat-to-beat variance is called, Heart Rate Variability, and it's something every yoga student should learn. In a matter of minutes, you can "see" what's going on in terms of your nervous system and emotional self, and more importantly, you can breath and visualize to change it when needed. On this week's show, you'll meet, Howard Martin, a leading voice at HeartMath. ------------ What You’ll Learn: How a heart-based approach to daily living can create positive change to meet global challenges The importance of neuro-cardiology, the study of the heart's own nervous system How the heart is sending more signals to the brain than it receives Why the heart is an electrical organ, the strongest source of bio-electricity (40x's more than the brain) and projects its electromagnetic field 3-4 feet around you How emotional activity can impact your electromagnetic field Why "coherence" is a state of psycho-physiological balance, the goal of much of our mind-body wellness How heart rate variability (HRV) can tell you more about your nervous system status and emotional health 3 steps to heart-based breathing Links & Resources: HeartMath site HeartMath Research ABOUT OUR GUEST Howard Martin is one of the original leaders who helped Doc Childre found HeartMath and has been with the organization since its inception in 1991 serving as a key spokesperson and executive. In 1999 he co-authored with Doc Childre, The HeartMath Solution. Howard is also a contributing author of the new book, Heart Intelligence, Connecting with the Intuitive Guidance of the Heart. During his career with HeartMath and the Global Coherence Initiative, Howard has delivered educational programs to tens of thousands of people including: Fortune 100 companies, government agencies, all four branches of the U.S. military, and school systems in over 50 cities on four continents. Nutritional Tip: Bulk Tea vs Bag Tea Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas   Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes: http://www.yogabody.com/reviews   Thanks to Our Sponsor: Hurts So Good Massage Balls Hurts So Good Massage Balls allow you to release tension, break up sliding surface dysfunctions, and improve circulation in and around your muscles and tendons, ligaments, and fascia. Relieve tight muscles knots, aches and pains any time, on your own Improve blood flow to targeted areas for nourishment and elimination of waste Release and relieve compressed nerves such as carpel tunnel and sciatica Assist in scar tissue elasticity and correct healing Learn More

Almost every style of meditation I've learned has been presented as "secular," but very quickly there is a Hindu chant, a photo of some old guru with a beard, or some other paraphernalia that looks and feels a lot like organized religion to me. I'm very interested in all world religions, but when I'm learning to meditate, I'd rather do that on its own. If you feel the same, you'll enjoy this week's Yoga Talk Show with author and meditator, Rick Heller. ------------ What You´ll Learn: How problems with Rick's vision problem and chronic pain spurred his initial interest in meditation How "mindfulness" can be defined as paying attention to what is going on in the present moment with an attitude that is welcoming and non-judgmental Why "loving kindness" meditation can be a great starting point for people who struggle to calm their mind How to differentiate meditative activities like gardening or walking from meditation practices and meditation as a skill Why meditation classes are often empty while yoga asana (pose-based) classes are usually full Links & Resources: Rick's Site Rick's Book Vipassana Meditation International ABOUT OUR GUEST Freelance journalist and meditation instructor Rick Heller has reported for the Lowell Sun and other New England newspapers and has been published in Buddhadharma, UUWorld, Tikkun, Free Inquiry, Faith Street, The Humanist, and Boston magazines. He has contributed short stories to Fantasy and Science Fiction. Rick is the facilitator of the Humanist Mindfulness Group and has led meditations sponsored by the Humanist Community at Harvard since 2009. He has also attended workshops and retreats at the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center, the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, and the Insight Meditation Society. He holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from MIT, a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University, and a master's degree in journalism from Boston University. His book, Secular Meditation, is available on Amazon. Learn more at: www.rickheller.com  Nutritional Tip: Mushroom Prep Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas   Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes: http://www.yogabody.com/reviews   Thanks to Our Sponsor: YOGABODY Gymnastic Rings Ultra-Smooth Birch with Adjustable Long Straps & Rock-Solid Clips for Muscle Ups, Pull Ups, Yoga & CrossFit Training Designed for yoga students, CrossFit fans, gymnasts, and fitness buffs who want to learn pull-ups, muscle-ups, develop their core, and build functional upper-body strength. Backed by YOGABODY’s iron-clad, 1-year satisfaction guarantee and 10-year warranty, purchase with confidence knowing that you’re buying from a trusted brand since 2007. Learn More

Marijuana is being decriminalized and even legalized in North America, Europe, and other parts of the world very quickly—and for good reason. The law enforcement costs are many billions of dollars annually and the social impact of criminalizing this plant seem far worse than potential abuse (which is surprisingly low). On this week's Yoga Talk Show, we'll talk about the top medical uses for Marijuana, how to use it without getting high, and why legalization might actually reduce (not increase) drug use since marijuana provides an alternative to harmful pharmaceutical drugs. ------------ What You´ll Learn: Top treated conditions: anxiety, pain, and insomnia The difference between THC and CBD Why most people are using way too much and getting scared away How cannabis can help with seizure disorders How to get started safely with edibles Links & Resources: Dr. Patel´s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Patel is a Osteopathic Doctor in the state of California. She has been practicing in the area of Medical Marijuana (Cannabis) since 2012 and has treated thousands of patients. She is in private practice in Walnut Creek, CA, and has lots of great resources on her site: www.DrRachnaPatel.com  Nutritional Tip: K2 Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas   Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes: http://www.yogabody.com/reviews   Thanks to Our Sponsor: Yoga Trapeze Teacher Training The Yoga Trapeze is the #1 most popular yoga inversion sling in the world, and both our January and April teacher training courses are completely sold out. Good news! We’ve just opened up September 2017 for applications, and so this is an opportunity for you to gain the professional skills and confidence needed to teach professionally this exciting new style of yoga. Learn More

Have you heard of fecal implants? This is when the fecal matter from someone with healthy gut bacteria is transferred to the gut of someone with gut dysbiosis—and it works. While this sounds extreme, in today's digestive health landscape, this is a real option some people need to consider when they are suffering from Small Bacterial Intestinal Overgrowth (SIBO). On this week's Yoga Talk Show, we'll discuss why digestive disorders are so common, and how the remedies can be counter-intuitive such as reducing fiber, lactose, and even fruit. ------------ What You´ll Learn: Why fecal transplants might save your gut Why you should limit fiber, fructose, lactose, resistant starch and most sugar alcohols How erythritol could be the most gut-friendly sugar alcohol How the 3lbs of gut bacteria in our gut can be your friends or foe How low fiber or "elemental diet" could improve bacterial overgrowth Links & Resources: Digestive Health Institute (Dr. Norm's site) Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth Fecal Transplants Yeast vs. Fungus Candida ABOUT OUR GUEST Norman Robillard, Ph.D., Founder of the Digestive Health Institute is a leading gut health expert. He is a microbiologist, the author of Fast Tract Digestion book series and publisher of the Fast Tract Diet mobile app. He is the creator of the drug and antibiotics free Fast Tract Diet for functional gastrointestinal disorders, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and related conditions. Nutritional Tip: Eggs Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas             Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes: http://www.yogabody.com/reviews   Thanks to Our Sponsor: Essential Mister Let me guess… you love essential oils but are sick and tired of diffusers that look like lava lamps from the 1960’s? If so, you need YOGABODY Essential Mister with a real-wood exterior. The simple, elegant design is a lovely addition to any room in the house, and it’s simple, foolproof functioning allows you to set it and forget it for hours and hours of continuous use. Originally designed for our commercial yoga studios, The Essential Mister allows you to bring the power of Aromatherapy to your home or office. USA-plug, but with a simple adapter can be used in any country. 1-year warranty, 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Learn More

Your typical doctor's visit is less than 7 minutes long. It doesn't matter if you have a broken bone, a tonsil infection, or pancreatic cancer, most of the time you're in and out faster than seems possible. It's not the doctor's fault, it's the system's fault, and the solution is to slow down everything in our lives to achieve balance. But who wants to go slow? Not you, not me... so what to do? On this week's show, we'll look at creative solutions to finding more quality downtime in life without compromising your goals, ambitions or excitement. ------------ What You´ll Learn: Why community support is the linchpin for health Why we need to properly define what "health" really means (it's not young and beautiful) Why slowing down can be the ultimate self-care routine Why quality "slow time" is more important than quality ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Michael Finkelstein practiced internal medicine and was Medical Director of a hospital for 20 years before embarking on further training in Integrative and Holistic Medicine. He went on to create a Health and Wellness Center, called SunRaven, and wrote Slow Medicine: Hope and Healing for Chronic Illness because he realized that individuals need more than what is found in typical medical institutions. Links & Resources: Slow Medicine Doctor (Dr. Finkelstein's site) Headspace Meditation App Transcendental Meditation Nutritional Tip: Whey Protein Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas   Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes: http://www.yogabody.com/reviews   Thanks to Our Sponsor: Awesome Toes Yoga Toe Spreaders & Separators for Nighttime, Yoga Practice & Running Awesome Toes! naturally stretch your feet after a long day of work. Loved by anyone who wears high-heeled shoes, work boots, or spends all day on their feet. They also help stretch the shortened connective tissues of your feet so they regain their natural shape and range of motion. Awesome Toes! can be used at night, while watching TV, while practicing yoga, and even in wide-toed athletic shoes for running. Most toe separators on the market fall off or break during activities, but Awesome Toes! are designed for durability and comfort during yoga practice, dance rehearsals and while engaging in sports. Learn More

"The things you, own end up owning you..." – Tyler Durden (Fight Club). Often times the things we work so hard for end up taking more than the give, the bleed us more than they feed us. It might be the new car, the drawer full of electronics, your pets or even an oversized home; in many cases, our possessions become burdens and we need to take a step back and reevaluate our priorities. On this week's, Yoga Talk Show, we'll dive deep into minimalism, the art of doing more with less, clearing the clutter, and living a life on purpose. ------------ What You´ll Learn: Why you might want to pack your stuff up as if moving, and then only unpack the stuff you actually need Why our consumer-driven culture can lead to a life full of discontent How less stuff can mean more time, more money, and more ability to contribute How to digitally clean up your life as well ABOUT OUR GUEST Ryan is the co-founder of The Minimalists website and podcast. He has a decade of experience mentoring, coaching, and training experience in the corporate world. After being laid off from a successful corporate job in 2010, Ryan got rid of most of his stuff and started living a more minimal life. His work has been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, NPR, BBC, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, TIME, and The Atlantic. He is the co-author of the books Minimalism and Everything that Remains, the documentary film, The Minimalism, and we're going to be talking about owning less stuff. Links & Resources: Minimalists Website Ryan's Books on Amazon Documentary on Netflix Newsfeed Blocker Turn Your iPhone to Black & White Nutritional Tip: Weight Loss Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas   Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes: http://www.yogabody.com/reviews   Thanks to Our Sponsor: Yoga Teachers College The Yoga Teachers College combines new technology and age-old apprenticeship to deliver a level of education previously unavailable anywhere. We train students not just teach, but to become local business leaders in the mind-body wellness industry. Now Accepting Applications! Next Course Starts in April 2017! Learn More

Addiction take many different forms and affects just about everyone either directly or with one degree of separation. While "addict" conjures up images of heroin and cocaine, the reality is that people are addicted to social media, pornography, marijuana, and alcohol at much higher rates. So the question is: Can yoga help? Our guest on this week's show, Taylor Hunt, used yoga as an integral part of his healing from substance addiction, and he now helps others do the same. Hopefully, his story of personal transformation and dedication to yoga will help you or someone you care about to find a healthy focus for addictions that haunt us. ------------ What You´ll Learn: How Taylor's addiction started at age 15 fueled by a challenging home life How yoga combined with a traditional 12-step program led him to recovery What traditional Ashtanga Yoga is, and its influence on modern practice How to think about the behaviors in your life that might be leading you down a dark path ABOUT OUR GUEST Taylor Hunt is an Ashtanga yoga student as taught by the late, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India. Taylor was the first Ashtanga teacher in Ohio granted Level II Authorization to teach from the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI). He teaches daily Mysore classes at Ashtanga Yoga Columbus and offers workshops around the country. He is also the author of the recently published book, A Way From Darkness, and director of the Trini Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the life-changing practice of Ashtanga with those suffering from addiction. Links & Resources: Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute Ashtanga Yoga Columbus Trini Foundation Book: A Way from Darkness Nutritional Tip: Sea Veggies Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas   Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes: http://www.yogabody.com/reviews   Thanks to Our Sponsor: Liquid Energy B If you’re a vegetarian, live a high-stress lifestyle or are over 50 years of age, there’s a very good chance you need to supplement with vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is one of the few vitamins that our body doesn’t produce on its own. If you don’t eat or supplement with B12, you will develop a deficiency that could lead to anemia, nerve damage, mood and mental health problems. The good news is that B12 supplementation is extremely safe, inexpensive, and is now available in the most bio-available and absorbable form, methylcobalamin. Learn More

Many yoga students explore traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda, but neglect to study Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). While they have many similarities, TCM offers some herbs, techniques, and approaches to healing that serve as powerful tools for anyone on a path of mind-body wellness. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll learn about Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese Herbs, and taking a holistic approach to health. Brodie Welch shares her 13 years of experience working one-on-one with clients, and her insights will help you get started with Chinese Medicine responsibly. Remember, just because something is herbal doesn't mean it's safe or it's appropriate for everyone. Listen in to learn how to get started responsibly.  ------------ What You´ll Learn: Why Chinese Medicine includes food, herbs, energy exercise, meditation/feng shui, bodywork and more How insect-based formulas might help with migraines Why ren shen or ginseng might be helpful for mood disorders How xiao yao wan might help you get through the holidays Why turmeric + black pepper taken with fat could help your inflammation Why corydalis might be helpful for chronic pain ABOUT OUR GUEST Brodie Welch is a Licensed Acupuncturist, board-certified herbalist, Chinese Medicine expert, and self-care strategist. She’s the founder of Life in Balance Acupuncture in Corvallis, Oregon, where she has been treating patients since 2003. In addition to her clinical practice, Brodie shares her expertise to help women care of themselves with innovative learn-from-anywhere courses, workshops, and retreats on stress management, the body-mind connection, and Chinese Medicine. She’s also a creator and host of A Healthy Curiosity: the podcast that explores what it takes to be well in a busy world. Links & Resources: Brodie Welch´s Site Find a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner Nutritional Tip: Ketosis Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas   Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes: http://www.yogabody.com/reviews   Thanks to Our Sponsor: Yoga Trapeze Teacher Training The Yoga Trapeze is the #1 most popular yoga inversion sling in the world, and both our January and April teacher training courses are completely sold out. Good news! We’ve just opened up September 2017 for applications, and so this is an opportunity for you to gain the professional skills and confidence needed to teach professionally this exciting new style of yoga. Learn More

The World Health Organization estimates that traumatic brain injuries will be the 3rd leading cause of death and disability by 2020, but many people are still unaware of this condition impacting millions every year. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet, Kyla Pearce, a teacher that uses the mind-body healing power of yoga to help people with traumatic brain injuries rewire neuromuscular connections, improve concentration and focus, and find a supportive community for growth. ------------ What You´ll Learn: Why any blow or jolt to the head that leads to some disruption of brain function is technically a TBI 2.5 million people per year in the U.S. have reported TBI's World Health Organization predicts TBI will be 3rd leading cause of death and disability by 2020 How yoga can work on strength and coordination How you can rebuild neuromuscular connection, improve concentration & focus How it can provide emotional support, social integration & community Why poses that impact blood pressure and poses that put weight on the head and neck might be contraindicated and should be taught with care ABOUT OUR GUEST Love Your Brain is a non-profit organization founded after professional snowboarder, Kevin Pearce, suffered a near fatal traumatic brain injury while training for the 2010 winter Olympics. Kevin’s story of healing inspired millions through the HBO documentary, The Crash Reel. This experience brought to light the significance and prevalence of TBI on a global scale. Love Your Brain is a non-profit that aims to improve the quality of life of people affected by TBI—everything from concussion to severe injury—through programs that build community... including yoga. Links & Resources: Love Your Brain The Crash Reel Documentary Nutritional Tip: Dried Fruit Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas   Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes: http://www.yogabody.com/reviews   Thanks to Our Sponsor: San Diego Yoga Festival San Diego Yoga Festival: over 100 classes led by 65 powerful healers and teachers featuring one of the oldest (92) and youngest (8) yoga teachers in the world! Classes are held throughout Ocean Beach, San Diego, in the ironic hippy town right on the coast. There will be 1000 people doing yoga or learning how to do yoga this weekend, join us to make a movement for health and peace: beach Bonfires, surf and skate lessons, yoga with your dog, a huge wedding ceremony to yourself, body paint yoga, sound healing, reiki..the list is epic. Learn more/buy your ticket: www.sandiegoyogafestival.com   Jan 27-30, 2017 Classes are held indoors at the coolest venues and outdoors on the beach, pier and sunset cliffs! The founder of the yoga festival, Shawna Schenk, personally wants to give you $108 off your 1 day or 3 day ticket price! Use Namastoked as a promo code at check in. Learn More

Do your feet hurt? Do you have hammer toe, overlapping toes, corns, or bunions? Without even realizing it, most people wear footwear that leads to poor posture, muscle imbalances, and chronic foot problems. Yoga can help, but you need to fix your footwear too. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet a podiatrist-slash-yoga-teacher, Michele Colon, who will share with you her experiences in the clinic and on the mat working with all walks of life to correct foot problems. Most people assume that foot problems are just cosmetic when in reality, your feet are foundational for your posture and can impact your knees, hips and back. Proper posture starts at the ground, and healthy feet will improve your walking and running gate as well as your balance very quickly. ------------ What You´ll Learn: How yoga can help your feet, Achilles tendon and leg muscles How walking barefoot can actually change the muscular development of a child Why orthotic inserts might be necessary short term—but are not a "forever" solution How to quickly analyze your feet (or someone else's) How Lucas went from a size 10 to a size 12 shoe (and why that matters) How your squished up toes could be affecting your balance in yoga ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Michele S. Colon has a Bachelor’s degree in Physiology, a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, and a Doctorate degree in Podiatry with a specialty in Foot & Ankle Surgery. Dr. Michele is also certified in Yoga, Reiki, Reflexology, and Laser Therapy. Dr. Michele specializes in Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Therapeutic Yoga to provide the most healing, relaxation, and rejuvenation to her patients and clients. Dr. Michele has studied Ayurveda extensively and has worked with some of the best practitioners throughout California to bring Ayurveda to the forefront of medicine. Links & Resources: Dr. Michele´s Site Awesome Toes - Corrective Toe Spacers Nutritional Tip: Decaf - friend or foe? Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas   Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes: http://www.yogabody.com/reviews   Thanks to Our Sponsor: Essential Mister Let me guess… you love essential oils but are sick and tired of diffusers that look like lava lamps from the 1960’s? If so, you need YOGABODY Essential Mister with a real-wood exterior. The simple, elegant design is a lovely addition to any room in the house, and it’s simple, foolproof functioning allows you to set it and forget it for hours and hours of continuous use. Originally designed for our commercial yoga studios, The Essential Mister allows you to bring the power of Aromatherapy to your home or office. USA-plug, but with a simple adapter can be used in any country. 1-year warranty, 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Learn More

Breathing has always been an integral part of yoga practices, but for many years, it was mostly forgotten or taught as an aside to asana practice. Just in the past few years, breathwork has come back into the mainstream bigger than ever before—and it's extreme. From Holotropic breathwork to The Wim Hof Method to free divers and hypoxic training, it seems like breathing has never been more popular, and yet more misunderstood with sometimes disastrous results. On this week's show, you'll meet author and free diving hobbyist, Adam Skolnick who chronicled the life of one of America's most famous freedivers who tragically died in 2013. ------------ What You´ll Learn: Why people are dying in free diving How Adam became a travel writer to support his passion and interests How Adam learned to dive to 30 meters in just 4 days Why social media sometimes presents a "false reality" of what's truly possible 6 competitive disciplines: static apnea, dynamic apnea (mono-fin swimming for distance without breathing), dynamic no fin, constant weight (with fin), constant weight (no fin), free immersion ABOUT OUR GUEST Adam Skolnick has written for the New York Times, Playboy, Outside, ESPN.com, BBC.com, Salon.com, Men’s Health, Wired, and Travel + Leisure, among others. He has visited 45 countries and authored or coauthored over 30 Lonely Planet guidebooks. ONE BREATH, his first narrative nonfiction book available now on amazon.com. Links & Resources: Adam Skolnick Nutritional Tip: Bromelain Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas   Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes: http://www.yogabody.com/reviews   Thanks to Our Sponsor: YOGABODY Stretch Designed for yoga students, athletes, office workers, and busy moms… the YOGABODY Flexibility Kit offers a step-by-step, five-day per week routine you can do before bed to systematically regain your functional flexibility. The kit includes nutritional support, yoga props, and all the educational materials you’ll need to get started. Learn More

If you've ever completed goal-setting activities, no doubt "happiness" appeared on the top of your list. And yet, what is happiness? Really? Do you have a way to measure it? Do you have tools to achieve it? For most people, our tools for happiness are mindless televisions series, junk food, alcohol, and social media consumption. These tools work in the short term, but long term, there must be a better way. On this week's show, you'll meet, Jonathan Robinson, happiness researcher and best-selling author who has dedicated his career to the study of joy. ------- What You´ll Learn: How to define happiness on a 1 to 10 scale: "How happy are you with your life?" How to change your brainwaves with binaural beats or frequency following music How to use supplements to improve your mental state How vibration platforms can improve your health What the Dalai Lama thinks of technology ABOUT OUR GUEST Jonathan Robinson is one of the world’s leading experts on happiness and how to get there. A psychotherapist, bestselling author of 10 books, and a professional speaker who consistently presents to Fortune 500 companies, he has reached more than 100 million people around the world with his practical methods. Jonathan has made numerous appearances on such shows as Oprah, CNN, and the leading morning shows, and been featured in Newsweek, USA TODAY, and the Los Angeles Times. He has spent more than forty years studying the most practical and powerful methods for achieving a state of personal life satisfaction and happiness. Links & Resources: Finding Happiness Nutritional Tip: How to Clean Fruit Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas   Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Like the Show?   Leave us a Review on iTunes: http://www.yogabody.com/reviews   Thanks to Our Sponsor: Hurts So Good Massage Balls Hurts So Good Massage Balls allow you to release tension, break up sliding surface dysfunctions, and improve circulation in and around your muscles and tendons, ligaments, and fascia. Relieve tight muscles knots, aches and pains any time, on your own Improve blood flow to targeted areas for nourishment and elimination of waste Release and relieve compressed nerves such as carpel tunnel and sciatica Assist in scar tissue elasticity and correct healing Learn More

Many health fanatics claim that they, "don't believe in supplements," as if micronutrients were a belief system or a religion—but they are not. They are foundational to our health, an essential part of our biology; and for better or worse, insufficiency and deficiencies have been part of the human experience for as long as we've been on earth. Nutritional balance is an exception, not the rule, so if you ignore your own micronutrients and ignore the rampant deficiencies today, you do so at your own peril. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, I share my own research and experiences with some of the most-common vitamin and mineral deficiencies along with simple strategies for testing and correcting them. While not definitive, this is a great starting point for testing, tracking, and taking responsibility for own health. ------------ What You´ll Learn: Why almost everyone is deficient in Vitamin D How iron deficiency impacts billions of people, and yes, in the developed world too Why essential fatty acids (EFA's) are "essential" and where to get the Why is not how much you eat or take, but how much you absorb that matters The innate challenges of a food system based on chicken, pigs, cows, corn, soy, wheat, and rice ----------- Key Questions About Supplements: How do you feel after taking them? Are there weird additives in your supplements? Can you avoid them? Are there food sources for these nutrients that you prefer? Are these supplements sustainable? Links & Resources: Dr. Mercola & Vitamin D World Health Organization & Deficiencies Nutritional Tip: Probiotics Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas   Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes: http://www.yogabody.com/reviews   Thanks to Our Sponsor: Yoga Trapeze Teacher Training The Yoga Trapeze is the #1 most popular yoga inversion sling in the world, and both our January and April teacher training courses are completely sold out. Good news! We’ve just opened up September 2017 for applications, and so this is an opportunity for you to gain the professional skills and confidence needed to teach professionally this exciting new style of yoga. Learn More

Have you heard of sham surgeries? In 2002, 180 people with osteoarthritis of the knee joined a double-blind study. Some patients underwent real arthroscopic surgery and a placebo group simply had a skin incision and then were stitched back up. Here is where it gets weird. The placebo group self-reported identical results to those who had undergone actual surgery. This is just one example of thousands of documented instances of "mind over body" in healing modalities ranging from allopathic medicine and crystal therapy to group prayer and homeopathy. How can this be? On this week's Yoga Talk Show, we'll try to get to the bottom of this very real phenomenon. ------------ What You´ll Learn: Why the scientific method has always been hindered by the placebo effect as it taints nearly every data set—it's omnipresent How crystals, prayer healing, Reiki, and fridge modalities can sometimes deliver amazing results Why certain conditions that respond better to placebos (ex: pain, skin conditions, Parkinson's, depression, anxiety) How shame surgeries can be just as effective as real surgeries Why hypnosis and placebo are not necessarily connected Links & Resources: Suggestible You Erik Vance's Site Sham Surgery References Sham Knee Surgery Trial  ABOUT OUR GUEST Erik Vance is a native Bay Area writer living in Mexico. In his earlier life, he was a biologist, a rock climbing guide, an environmental consultant, and an environmental educator. His work focuses on the human element of science – the people who do it, those who benefit from it, and those who do not. He has written for The New York Times, Nature, Scientific American, Harper’s, National Geographic, and a number of other local and national outlets. His first book, Suggestible You, about how the mind and body continually twist and shape our realities was inspired by his feature in Discover and is on Amazon. You can learn more about his work at www.ErikVance.com  Nutritional Tip: Cooking with Olive Oil Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas   Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes: http://www.yogabody.com/reviews   Thanks to Our Sponsor: Essential Mister Let me guess… you love essential oils but are sick and tired of diffusers that look like lava lamps from the 1960’s? If so, you need YOGABODY Essential Mister with a real-wood exterior. The simple, elegant design is a lovely addition to any room in the house, and it’s simple, foolproof functioning allows you to set it and forget it for hours and hours of continuous use. Originally designed for our commercial yoga studios, The Essential Mister allows you to bring the power of Aromatherapy to your home or office. USA-plug, but with a simple adapter can be used in any country. 1-year warranty, 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Learn More

Back pain affects an estimated 80% of the population at some point in life, and yet most conditions are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. To complicate matters, most people have hard line ideas about treatment of their mysterious conditions, so it's no surprise that chronic pain, recurring problems, and frustration abound. On the Yoga Talk Show, we tend toward natural, non-medical healing modalities; but there is a time and a place for allopathic medicine, and yes, even surgery. For every 10 students I know who healed their own spine, I know at least one for whom surgery was a life saver. Rather than look at the issue as black or white, it's important to consider all options and understand the best treatments. Enter: Dr. Tony Mork. Board certified orthopedic surgeon and pioneer of endoscopic surgery. He breaks down surgical options in an incredibly simple and insightful way and makes a very convincing case for why spinal fusion, the most common surgery, should be avoided if at all possible. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why most people with back pain have no accurate diagnosis of their problem Why X-Ray, CT or MRI doesn't tell the whole story How "spinal mapping" can find the real source of the pain How many conditions pass on their own in 8-12 weeks Why a discogram can be helpful in some cases The 3 types of surgery: vertebral fusion, decompressive surgery, rhizotomy (sever nerve roots) Why fusions are the most common and yet should be a last resort Why only 2% of spinal surgeries are endoscopic in the USA Links & Resources: Dr. Tony Mork's Site Dr. Mork's Youtube Channel ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Mork is a board certified orthopedic surgeon has personally performed more than 8,000 endoscopic spinal surgeries. He designed many of the specialized tools used in laser spinal surgery and is constantly pursuing the improvement of spinal care. Dr. Mork has been instrumental in developing most of the current endoscopic spinal surgery techniques. He is one of the originators and wrote the original peer reviewed articles on most of the endoscopic spine surgery techniques used today. He was the co-founder of Microspine and founder of the Endoscopic Spinal Academy. Nutritional Tip: Frozen Foods Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes: http://www.yogabody.com/reviews

Over 1 million people have listened to the Yoga Talk Show since its inception, and it's you the listeners I have to thank for all the support and growth over the years. To say "thanks" and deep-dive into a random smattering of topics, I've dedicated this show to answering your voice mails. Some of these questions we've covered in previous shows, but many are completely new, so I hope you find them helpful in your own practice. ------------ Listen & Learn: Can you help with Plantar Fasciitis? Can some in their 90's use the Yoga Trapeze? How can I use yoga to heal my rotator cuff? Why 1:2 ratio breathing nose-to-mouth in Gravity Yoga? Will yoga therapy be the "next big thing?" How should I train for the full splits? Is Hot Yoga dangerous for my SI Joint? Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: http://www.YogaBody.com/AskLucas Thanks to our sponsor: Hot Yoga Teacher Training “Teach Hot Yoga, Inspire Students, Change Lives!” TAKE THE NEXT STEP! Join Absolute Yoga’s 200-Hour Hot Yoga Alliance accredited course in beautiful Koh Samui, Thailand. This training is for: Serious students who want to teach Passionate yoga practitioners Students who want to share hot yoga with the world Extremely small class sizes, huge teaching team, dedicated training facility! Next course starts in February! Learn More

Almost everyone who practices yoga has experienced and emotional release or even a breakthrough in class—it just happens. But what if there were a way to actively encourage that type of release with more predictability? What if there were a way to created a safe, simple, and controlled stress release response at the end of each class? On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet yoga trainer, Maria Alfaro, who integrates Trauma and Tension Releasing Exercises (TRE) with traditional yoga classes to create something called, Neurogenic Yoga. For yoga students looking for a new and unique way to release long-held tension, this is a remarkable practice that can be learned quickly and practiced nearly anywhere. ------------ Listen & Learn: How self-induced therapeutic tremors can cause massive breakthroughs in your practice and your life How trauma can get stored in the brain stem (not cortex) Why you could never by physically in pain during practice Why emotionally, you should always feel "in control" How tremors can access and sooth the brain stem ABOUT OUR GUEST Maria Alfaro is from Italy and lives Santa Cruz, California. She has over 26 years yoga experience in Iyengar, Ashtanga and Forrest Yoga and has been teaching since 1997. Maria was trained in TRE™ by its founder, Dr. David Berceli, in 2004 and she has been teaching his method ever since. She also has a background in martial arts, reiki, massage, and meditation. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Fruit Juice Links & References from the Show: TRE Neurogenic Yoga Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: New Year’s Yoga Retreat in Barcelona Your Best Year Ever! This is a total immersion yoga retreat set in Barcelona. Your days will be filled with yoga practice, nutrition lectures, breathing workshops, posture clinics and outdoor adventures; and you’ll also have plenty of time each day to explore the beautiful city of Barcelona on your own or with your fellow students. Learn More

Chronic inflammation is a precursor to a myriad of diseases and illness, and the foods and lifestyle choices we're making are largely at fault. Perhaps the biggest challenge with inflammation is you cannot see it, so it can be a "silent killer," wreaking havoc without you even aware of what's going on. This week's guest on the Yoga Talk Show hopes to change all that—and more. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why internal inflammation can contribute (or even cause) weight gain, aging and disease How a simple and cheap C-Reactive Protein test can tell you if this is a problem or not How some of the most common foods create a negative reaction inside our bodies Why arthritis, skin problems, and digestive issues might be linked to chronic inflammation There are two types of inflammation: chronic and short-term/acute How your microbiome health is crucial to your health Why you should avoid Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and antibiotics ABOUT OUR GUEST Kellyann Petrucci is a weight-loss and natural anti-aging transformation expert. She has a private practice in the Birmingham, Michigan area and is a concierge doctor for celebrities in New York City and Los Angeles. She is a board-certified naturopathic physician and a certified nutrition consultant. You might have seen her on The Doctors, Dr. Oz, and other television news programs. She is the driving force behind the website DrKellyann.com, and has authored six books for John Wiley & Sons. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Nut Milks Links & References from the Show: Find a Functional Doctor Dr. Kellyann's Site Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Liquid Energy B If you’re a vegetarian, live a high-stress lifestyle and/or are over 50 years of age, there’s a very good chance you need to supplement with vitamin B12. B12 is one of the few vitamins that our body doesn’t produce on its own. If you don’t eat or supplement with B12, you will develop a deficiency that could lead to anemia, nerve damage, mood and mental health problems. Learn More

By 2050, we'll have 9 billion people on the planet, and we cannot feed them with chicken, pigs, cows, wheat, soy, and corn. The food system that got us to where we are today is now destroying our planet and threatens our health; so we need to seek out nutritious, ethical and sustainable food that scales globally. Enter: edible insects. A crick can be as much as 20x's more efficient in terms of water, land, and resources than its equivalent in beef protein, and there are thousands of other insects that are edible to choose from. At scale, insects are cheap, easy-to-grow, bio-diverse, and whether convenient or not, they are the future of food. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, Lucas Rockwood talks with insect food bar manufactures to get a deeper understanding of the next phase of mass food production. ------------ ABOUT BÚI & STEFAN Búi Bjarmar Aðalsteinsson studied psychology at the University of Iceland, product design (BA) at the Iceland Academy of Arts and the National Art Academy in Oslo (MA, Kunsthøgskolen i Oslo). Bui has mostly specialized in design related food production. His design is characterized by the breakup of traditional processing methods with the aim of creating new knowledge and increasing sustainability. Stefan Atli Thoroddsen joined Bui in the founding of a company specialized in insect production. His background is in business and marketing. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Brown Rice Links & References from the Show: Jungle Bar: Use 'YOGABODY' coupon code for 25% off UN Report on Edible Insects Little Herds Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: The Yoga Trapeze Stand Finally… a simple way to setup your Yoga Trapeze anywhere, anytime. The Yoga Trapeze Stand can be setup in minutes, supports up to 600 lbs, and is perfect for backyard practice, parks, indoor and outdoor use. We have yoga studios that set up in their lobbies and even festivals that setup Yoga Trapeze Stands in booths. If you’ve seen our breathtaking videos and photoshoots in Barcelona, you’ve no-doubt seen our Yoga Trapeze Stand in action; and the good news is we’ve perfected the design and reduced the production costs so it’s now more affordable than ever to have your own Yoga Trapeze Stand. Learn More

How many people do you know who live stress-free lives without any tension or trauma? Let me guess: none! Stress, tension and even "soft trauma" are part of all our lives, and the tools most of us have to deal with these issues are limited at best. A dedicated yoga practice can offer great help, but there are new and innovative ways to balance your nervous system and release neurological tension. In this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet Dr. David Berceli, creator of Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE), a very powerful way to use controlled tremors to overcome inner conflict. ------------ Listen & Learn: How Dr. Berceli teaches 7 poses to incite a controlled tremor response The difference between a neurological and psychological trauma Neurophysiology: how your mind impacts your body and body your mind Why trauma can arise from any over-stimulation to the nervous system What we can learn from the animal kingdom about shaking and tremors ABOUT DAVID BERCELI David Berceli, Ph.D. is an international expert in the areas of trauma intervention and conflict resolution. He is the creator of Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE). David has spent over twenty years providing trauma relief workshops and designing recovery programs for international organizations around the world. He has lived and worked extensively in Israel/Palestine, Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Yemen, Egypt, and Lebanon. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Bulletproof Coffee Links & References from the Show: Trauma Prevention Neurogenic Yoga Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com

Advanced yoga students come in all shapes and sizes around the world, but the one thing they all share in common is a commitment to self-practice. In order to achieve mastery at any skill whether yoga or chess, at-home study is a must; but the problem is that most students struggle with motivation and follow-through. There are more video classes, practice tips and tools than ever before in history, and yet at-home practice is just as challenging as ever. So what do you do? In this week’s Yoga Talk Show, Lucas shares his personal tips and tricks for taking yoga from a “here and there” practice to a total lifestyle shift. He’ll give you simple strategies for integrating your practice in all aspects of your life, from morning to night. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why morning or evening are usually the best “practice times” Why 30-minutes per day might make more sense than an hour How to bookend your day with breathing Simple online tools for accountability, community and support Nutritional Tip of the Week: Intermittent Fasting - should you give it a go? Links & References from the Show: Yoga Teachers College Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Teachers College The Yoga Teachers College combines new technology and age-old apprenticeship to deliver a level of education previously unavailable anywhere. We train students not just teach, but to become local business leaders in the mind-body wellness industry Learn More

It's estimated that 80% of the population will suffer from back pain at some point in their life—and most people are left frustrated and confused about how to actually heal. Should you take medications? Get physical therapy? See a chiropractor? On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet "Spondy" researcher, Justin Adkins. Spondylolisthesis is a serious spinal injury where a vertebra shifts forward causing pain, inflammation, and often radiating nerve problems. While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for Spondy or any other back pain problem, there is a framework for healing that can really help. JUSTIN ADKINS Justin is a certified strength and conditioning coach through the NSCA. He is also certified by USA Weightlifting and the Functional Movement Screen. He has trained and helped countless athletes from the youth to the professional level achieve their performance goals and return from various injuries. Like the tens of thousands of people each year, Justin was also diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis as a teenager. Justin became his own first client to deal with his own condition, and now helps thousands of people through his website: www.Spondyinfo.com ------------ Listen & Learn: Why spondylolysis is often a precursor spondylolisthesis How spondy is an anterior movement of a vertebra Why doctors are often pain-removal focused (whereas you might be full-function focused) Why you need to commit to a daily healing practice, even if just for 10-15 minutes Nutritional Tip of the Week: Acid Alkaline - friend or foe? Links & References from the Show: SpondyInfo Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Trapeze The Yoga Trapeze is the most powerful, at-home yoga inversion tool ever created. Hang inside your house from a doorway, ceiling hooks, or outside from a beam, bar or swing set. Setup is fast and simple, results are immediate. The Yoga Trapeze will change your backbends for forever by creating traction in your spine… less pain and more flexibility with balanced upper body and core strength. Learn More

The benefits of yoga practice are at least 50% nervous system related; and yet, most of the yoga world has completely forgotten your body's electrical system. The nervous system effects of yoga are what distinguish it from other movement modalities, and it's where much of the magic of practice is hidden. For decades, there has been a biofeedback tool called, Heart Rate Variability (HRV), that allowed scientists to sneak peek into patients autonomic nervous system. Today, thanks to cheap sensor technology and smart phones, anyone can test their HRV using a smart phone at home. Any serious yoga student should learn how to use HRV to quantify, track and better understand what's going on, electrically, inside them. Quantification is going to completely revolutionize mind-body wellness and the way we practice. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet Marco Altini, PhD, a tech entrepreneur pioneering HRV applications for at-home use. About the Guest Marco is a data scientist, programmer, and has a PhD in applied Machine Learning. He leads data science at Bloomlife, a digital health startup focusing on helping expecting mothers have a healthy pregnancy. He's been developing apps since 2012, and has done a tone of work with Heart Rate Variability which is what we'll be discussing today. --------------------------------------------------------------- What You’ll Learn: Why heart rate monitors simply give us an average heart rate per minute How beat-to-beat variances gives us a completely different picture of what's happening in our body—an insight into our nervous system How cheap, at-home sensor technology is changing the way we can monitor our own health Why breath pacing of 4-6 breaths per minute is ideal for most people to get into a high state of HRV Nutritional Tip of the Week: Tea vs Coffee Links & References from the Show: Marco Altini's Blog & Site Bloomlife Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Green Me Up! Super Green Drink Mix This formula will naturally give your drink or smoothie a sweet taste without the sugar! Check out our ingredients, they’re awesome. All-natural, zero-calorie stevia in just the right amount gives this super mineral-dense powder it’s flavor. For superfoods, we’ve got you covered with spirulina, barley grass juice extract, acerola, maca, chlorella, mesquite, rice bran, kelp, and stevia (for natural sweetness). Mix with water, blend with fruit, or stir into a green-chia gel, either way it tastes amazing!  

USA Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps made headlines this year with his black and blue marks all over this back during his races. Wonder what that was? It's a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique called, cupping, and it's believed to increase circulation, reduce inflammation and improve recovery time. Does it really work? Can Traditional Chinese Medicine help you? And what about acupuncture? If you're new to these practices, you'll love this week's Yoga Talk Show with Jennifer Dubowsky. About Jennifer Dubowsky: Jennifer Dubowsky is a licensed acupuncturist with a practice in downtown Chicago. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from University of Illinois in Chicago and a Masters in Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College. Jennifer has researched and written many articles on Chinese medicine and has a popular blog. Her first book, Adventures in Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture, Herbs and Ancient Ideas for Today, was published and 2013 and is available on Amazon. She is a senior columnist for the Acupuncture Now Foundation, and you can learn more about her work at: www.tcm007.com --------------------------------------------------------------- What You’ll Learn: Why Michael Phelps has black and blue marks all over his back How TCM works to restore balance of body and mind Why "dry needling" might mean "not qualified" How to find an TCM doctor at www.NCCAOM.org Nutritional Tip of the Week: How to use cilantro for mercury detoxification? Links & References from the Show: Jennifer Dubowsky's Blog & Site Jennifer's Facebook & Twitter Chinese Medicine Basics Understanding Acupuncture What is Cupping? Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Liquid Energy-B Back in Stock! If you're a vegetarian, live a high-stress lifestyle and/or are over 50 years of age, there's a very good chance you need to supplement with vitamin B12. B12 is one of the few vitamins that our body doesn't produce on its own. If you don't eat or supplement with B12, you will develop a deficiency that could lead to anemia, nerve damage, mood and mental health problems. Now available here: Liquid Energy-B

What is your "Gut IQ?" Is your gut a genius or a fool? Your gut is home to over 3lbs of bacteria, both good and bad. Your gastrointestinal health is crucial for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, your immune system, and even neurotransmitter production – but many people suffer from chronic gas, bloating, irregular bowels, and inflammation. Anyone concerned with holistic health must start with the gut, so on this week's Yoga Talk Show, Dr. Chaudhary will point you in the right direction. About Dr. Chaudary: Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary is a medical doctor, an integrative neuroscientist, and an expert in Ayurvedic medicine. She successfully developed a system to manage chronic neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and migraine headaches, by incorporating changes in diet, behavior, and stress, in addition to the standard allopathic approaches. Dr. Chaudhary is a regular guest on the Dr. Oz show, and her new book, The Prime: Prepare and Repair Your Body for Spontaneous Weight Loss is available on Amazon.com. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why your immunity is directly related to your gut health Why white coating on your tongue in the morning can be a sign of poor gut health How triphala can help heal your digestive tract How Ayurveda can help anyone with gut health, weight loss, and whole body health Why probiotics can make some people feel great and others feel sick Nutritional Tip of the Week: Prebiotics: How do they differ from Probiotics and why are they important? Links & References from the Show: The Prime Club Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Teachers College The Yoga Teachers College combines new technology and age-old apprenticeship to deliver a level of education previously unavailable anywhere. We train students not just teach, but to become local business leaders in the mind-body wellness industry Now accepting applications for January 2017: www.YogaTeachersCollege.com

In any health conversation, one of the most-common things discussed is: “So where do you get your protein?” This is not a bad question, but it’s not exactly the right question either. Protein is a real concern for everyone navigating our modern food system, but there are better questions to ask to achieve optimal health. In this week’s Yoga Talk Show, Lucas shares new ways to think about protein and make choices in your own life that you’ll notice right away. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why the “complete protein” myth does more harm than good Why percentage-based protein numbers confuse most people How to determine your baseline protein needs Why protein deficiency is extremely rare, but imbalance is common Real concerns for you and our world food system in regards to protein Nutritional Tip of the Week: Sodium Intake Recommendations Links & References from the Show: 10 Plant Based Proteins Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: The Yoga Trapeze is the #1 most popular yoga inversion sling in the world, and both our September and January teacher training courses are completely sold out. Good news! We’ve just opened up April 2017 for applications, and so this is an opportunity for you to gain the professional skills and confidence needed to teach professionally this exciting new style of yoga. Applications and information available here: Yoga Trapeze Teacher Training

Have you ever sneezed and accidentally peed your pants? Have you (or someone you know) suffered from a distended abdomen after pregnancy? Did you know that many women, even women who have never given birth are suffering from prolapse—and that it affects men too? Pelvic floor dysfunction is a huge problem affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. Our modern life encourages weakness, tightness, and imbalanced tissues of the pelvic floor, and the side effects can be life-altering and detrimental to your health. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll learn how to reverse it naturally with Hypopressive Exercises. ------------ About the Guest Trista Zinn is the founder of Coreset Fitness. She is a personal trainer who specializes in pelvic health and core re-programming. She’s Canada’s master trainer in HYPOPRESSIVE® Low Pressure Fitness. She has been in the fitness industry for over 25 years and after being diagnosed with stage 2 prolapse (many years after childbirth), a condition she was told she’d need surgery to correct, she learned the Hypopressive approach to healing and became her own first student. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why 50% or more of women will experience incontinence, prolapse, diastasis recti or other pelvic floor dysfunctions at some point in their life Why traditional ab exercises can often make it worse Why breathing is foundation for pelvic floor health How Hypopressive Low Pressure Exercise can help reverse chronic conditions Nutritional Tip of the Week: What is the best kind of vinegar to use? Links & References from the Show: Coreset Fitness Low Pressure Fitness Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: New Year’s Yoga Retreat in Barcelona Your Best Year Ever! This is a total immersion yoga retreat set in Barcelona. Your days will be filled with yoga practice, nutrition lectures, breathing workshops, posture clinics and outdoor adventures; and you’ll also have plenty of time each day to explore the beautiful city of Barcelona on your own or with your fellow students.

Many yoga teachers will tell you that their class is for everyone - all sizes, ages, backgrounds, and genders - and yet the actual students that turn up to class tell a different story. They tend to be a very similar group of people. In most parts of the world, women represent 70-90% of the yoga communities, and this puts off some men from staring, and it's frustrating to some men who love the practice. Where are all the guys in yoga? In this week's Yoga Talk Show we address the somewhat controversial topic of gender and fitness preferences. -------- About the Guest Dean Pohlman founded Man Flow Yoga in college in order to promote yoga with guys. After experiencing huge benefits himself from yoga, he wanted to make the practice more accessible to men, athletes, and physical fitness-minded individuals. Dean took out the Sanskrit and the meditation and inserted terminology that is familiar to people with sports backgrounds. Instead of focusing on the more spiritual side of yoga, he focuses entirely on the physical aspects. --------- Listen & Learn: How masculine people often prefer solo practice and feminine people often prefer group classes Why removing religious and spiritual undertones from yoga classes might be the best way to show respect for diversity How athletes can benefit from yoga and how yoga students can benefit from athleticism Why the future of yoga needs to be more inclusive Nutritional Tip of the Week: Eating Essential Oils? Links & References from the Show: Man Flow Yoga Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Hot Yoga Teacher Training “Teach Hot Yoga, Inspire Students, Change Lives!” TAKE THE NEXT STEP! Join Absolute Yoga’s 200-Hour Hot Yoga Alliance accredited course in beautiful Koh Samui, Thailand. This training is for: Serious students who want to teach Passionate yoga practitioners Students who want to share hot yoga with the world Extremely small class sizes, huge teaching team, dedicated training facility! Next course starts in October! Learn More

We often think of “exercise” as the yoga class after work, the morning job, or a weightlifting session. But there are many more ways to exercise, and one way often overlooked is Corrective Exercise, or the fitness practices designed specifically to correct weakness, tightness and imbalance in the body. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, you’ll learn about simple self-care techniques that can make a huge difference in your health. ------------ About the Guest Brendan won World and National Collegiate powerlifting championships during his studies and went on to attain his Corrective Exercise Specialty from The National Academy of Sports Medicine. Brendan invented Posture PT back support that launched on Kickstarter recently. He is a practicing meditator under guidance of Sadhguru of the Isha Foundation, schooled in classical yoga and mysticism. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why Correct Exercise is a great choice for healing injuries Why stronger rather than gentler rehab routines might just be the best choice Why tight hip flexors can cause lower back pain  What “autogenic inhibition” is and how it can help you with corrective exercise self-care How “the couch stretch” can help counteract the effects of chronic sitting How “the doorway stretch” can help open your upper body Why 1 minute of mobility per 30 minutes of sitting can make a huge difference Nutritional Tip of the Week: Are there any good store bought Salad Dressings? Links & References from the Show: Posture PT Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Information from the Show: Lucas´ Teaching Schedule

Yoga students invest hours on functional flexibility, strength, and mobility, but the moment they leave the studio, most lace up restrictive footwear. Modern shoes squish your toes, damage your arches, and contribute to dysfunctional movement patterns leading to chronic pain and injury upstream including: knee pain, back and hip pain. The solution? You need to learn about minimal shoes. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, Lucas meets with Steve Perna of Lems Shoes, a niche manufacturer and innovator in the minimal footwear scene to learn about the why and the how behind this type of shoe. Steve Perna is one of the early team members at Boulder, Colorado-based Lems Shoes, and currently heads up wholesale distribution. Lems Shows was founded in 2011 and creates YOGABODY-recommended active, office, and casual footwear. -------------- Listen & Learn: What the terms “zero drop” and a “wide toe box” mean, and why you should insist on them in your shoes Why you might need to transition into minimal footwear starting with just a couple hours of use per day Why it’s normal to experience some foot pain during your transition to minimal Why your walking and running gate might feel goofy at first Nutritional Tip of the Week: How much salt is too much? Links & References from the Show: Lems Shoes Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Green Me Up! Super Green Drink Mix This formula will naturally give your drink or smoothie a sweet taste without the sugar! Check out our ingredients, they're awesome. All-natural, zero-calorie stevia in just the right amount gives this super mineral-dense powder it's flavor. For superfoods, we've got you covered with spirulina, barley grass juice extract, acerola, maca, chlorella, mesquite, rice bran, kelp, and stevia (for natural sweetness). Mix with water, blend with fruit, or stir into a green-chia gel, either way it tastes amazing!

You might think of yoga and the military as polar opposites, but the rigor of military training and a dedicated yoga practice actually have a lot in common. According to former Seal Commander, Mark Divine, the Seals training is a type of yoga training itself. As a former Seal, a lifelong student of Martial Arts, and an accomplished yoga student, Mark has created a warrior-based style of yoga he calls, Kokoro Yoga, whose principals he’ll share with you on this week’s show. Mark Divine is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon best-selling author of five books including Kokoro Yoga: Maximize Your Human Potential and Develop the Spirit of a Warrior--the SEALfit Way. Mark finished as the #1 trainee of his SEAL BUDS class, served 9 years on active duty, and completed 11 years as a Reserve Seal retiring as Commander in 2011. ----------------------- Listen & Learn: Why you need to “embrace the suck” of practice to get benefits How yoga can (and should) be adapted to your personal needs that change as you age Why personal practice can appeal to more masculine-oriented people The strengths and weaknesses of Ashtanga Yoga Why recovery and rest can be the most-challenging to learn Nutritional Tip of the Week: What is the best sweetener to keep in the kitchen? Links & References from the Show: SEALfit Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Hurts So Good Massage Balls Hurts So Good Massage Balls allow you to release tension, break up sliding surface dysfunctions, and improve circulation in and around your muscles and tendons, ligaments, and fascia. In our modern lives, our movement patterns tend to be very habitual. We sit, stand, drive, and walk; but we often lack the dynamic range of motion that our bodies are designed for. And the result? You end up stiff and sore… I’m a huge fan of all types of bodywork including massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic care; but realistically, this is not something you can do every day or even every week. Due financial and time limitations, most people can only meet one-on-one with a body worker a few times per year, and that’s rarely enough to really affect change. The solution? Self-massage.

We spend a third of our lives asleep, but most people treat sleep and dream states like second rate citizens of consciousness, always given the back seat to waking states. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, you’ll learn how yoga and mindful sleep go hand-in-hand, and why serious yoga students should learn to zonk out like a pro. Andrew Holecek is an author, spiritual teacher, and humanitarian. As a long-time student of Buddhism that he teaches with a contemporary perspective – blending the ancient wisdom of the East with modern knowledge from the West. He is the author of three books, The Power and the Pain: Transforming Spiritual Hardship into Joy, Preparing to Die: Practical Advice and Spiritual Wisdom from the Tibetan Buddhist Perspective, and Dream Yoga: The Tibetan Path of Awakening Through Lucid Dreaming. ----------------------- Listen & Learn: How your diurnal practices (waking state) set the stage for good or poor sleep Why you need to develop a lucid relationship to your waking consciousness before you’ll be able to consistently lucid dream How to appreciate and nurture hypnagogic (just before sleep) and hypnopompic (just before waking) states How napping can be a great way to induce lucid dreams How to Have Wake Induced Lucid Dreams (WILDs) How “dreamlets” of 10 seconds or also very powerful Best practices for sleep hygiene: stone-cold sober, clean, empty belly, mindful/meditation/prayer/gratitude practice, darkroom, no screen time, lie on right side (sleeping lion mudra, same as Buddha death), galantamine supplement Why serious yoga students need to be careful not to become a “state junkie” hopping from one peak state experience to the next Nutritional Tip of the Week: Do we need to take supplements? Links & References from the Show: Andrew Holecek Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: New Year's Yoga Retreat in Barcelona Your Best Year Ever! This is a total immersion yoga retreat set in Barcelona. Your days will be filled with yoga practice, nutrition lectures, breathing workshops, posture clinics and outdoor adventures; and you’ll also have plenty of time each day to explore the beautiful city of Barcelona on your own or with your fellow students.

Dr. Sarah Ellis Duvall is a physiotherapist specializing in core work, pelvic floor, functional movement, and injury prevention and healing. A former division I athlete, Dr. Duvall has been working with athletes, moms, office works and everyone in-between to help them find balance and heal their bodies. If you ask anyone who is into health and fitness, core strength is usually top on their list of priorities. But what is core strength, anyway? Is that six-pack abs? Does it mean you can do 300 crunches? On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, you’ll meet physiotherapist, Dr. Sarah Ellis Duvall, who will demystify core strength and help you understand many of the nagging conditions that result from a week and imbalanced core. ---------- Listen & Learn: Why head and chin position is foundational for proper posture which leads to core strength and stability Why pelvic floor tone is a follower not a leader, meaning you need to sort out your movement patterns to best affect change Why tight and weak are usually the enemy while flexible and strong are usually the treatment Why we must have basic, functional fitness capacity such as the ability to do a push-up, pull-up, and squat Why Kegals and Mula Bandha can be the wrong choice for some people Nutritional Tip of the Week: Soy Sauce Links & References from the Show: Core Exercise Solutions Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: New Year's Yoga Retreat in Barcelona Your Best Year Ever! This is a total immersion yoga retreat set in Barcelona. Your days will be filled with yoga practice, nutrition lectures, breathing workshops, posture clinics and outdoor adventures; and you’ll also have plenty of time each day to explore the beautiful city of Barcelona on your own or with your fellow students.  

When it comes to flexibility, most people fall into 3 main categories: those who have always been flexible and think it's no big deal (dancers, gymnasts, random outliers); those who have always been stiff and assume they can't change; and lastly, those rare individuals who have truly transformed their bodies. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, we debunk the myths around flexibility so you can address your stiff hips, hamstrings and spine in an intelligent way and have a simple roadmap to practice . ------------- Listen & Learn: Why flexibility training should supplement (not replace) whatever movement or exercise you're doing now Why flexibility training should happen after (not before) all other forms of training How to use nose-to-mouth breathing to down-regulated your nervous system and improve results Why passive stretches are most effective for training flexibility How your nervous system plays a key role in mobility Yoga Practice Tip of the Week: How to: Reverse Prayer Links & References from the Show: Flexibility Kit Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Hurts So Good Massage Balls! Hurts So Good Massage Balls allow you to release tension, break up sliding surface dysfunctions, and improve circulation in and around your muscles and tendons, ligaments, and fascia. In our modern lives, our movement patterns tend to be very habitual. We sit, stand, drive, and walk; but we often lack the dynamic range of motion that our bodies are designed for. And the result? You end up stiff and sore… The Solution? Hurts So Good Massage Balls: Relieve tight muscles knots, aches and pains any time, on your own Improve blood flow to targeted areas for nourishment and elimination of waste Release and relieve compressed nerves such as carpel tunnel and sciatica Assist in scar tissue elasticity and correct healing

Kimberly Johnson is a yoga teacher trainer, Rolfer, women’s health care advocate, mother, and doula. Much of her most recent work focuses on postpartum care. She's the author of the soon-to-be released book, The Fourth Trimester: A New Mother's Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality. Motherhood is more complex than ever with women attempting to juggle career, family, and their own health often without the support of family or community that has been so much a part of the human experience up until recent times. To make things more challenging, pop-health images of pregnant moms with their baby bumps dead-lifting huge weight or doing handstands on the beach only add to the pressures on moms to try to be everything. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, Kimberly Johnson shares her personal and professional experience working with both expecting moms and new moms on their own health. ---------------- Listen & Learn: Why WHO research suggests a 8-12% C-section rate to be appropriate while USA has 32% rate and countries like China and Brazil have rates as high as 80% Why postpartum care is practically non-existent How rest is the secret ingredient missing from pre- and post-partum care How it came to be that non-mothers have become authorities on yoga for pregnancy Simple self-care and mindset shifts for mums-to-be and moms today Yoga Practice Tip of the Week: How to: Box Splits Links & References from the Show: You can find her work online at: www.KajYoga.com or www.Magamama.com Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Trapeze Teachers Course, Yoga Teachers College and New Year's Retreat: Your Best Year Ever! First Ever Yoga Trapeze Teachers Training Course in Barcelona! The Yoga Teachers College combines new technology and age-old apprenticeship to deliver a level of education previously unavailable anywhere. We train students not just teach, but to become local business leaders in the mind-body wellness industry Now accepting applications: www.YogaTeachersCollege.com

Dr. Eric L. Zielinski (“Dr. Z”) is a natural health care provider, chiropractor and researcher with the intent to educate, inspire and challenge people to live their potential. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Life University and is currently working on his Master of Public Health at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Z’s mission is to provide people with simple, evidence-based tools that they need to experience the Abundant Life, and today we're going to talk about essential oils specifically. Essential oils have exploded in popularity in recent years, particularly in the yoga community, but there is lots of controversy and confusion too. Should you ingest them or not? Is it ok to use them directly on the skin? Is it safe to use a diffuser to vaporize oils? On this week's show, Dr. Z shares his latest research and findings on essential oils along with some key advice and recommendations. --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen & Learn: How to use essential oil internally, how to use enteric coated capsules Why you should always dilute essential oils Why many plants are becoming extinct Why CBD/cannabis extract can be hexane or butane extracted Why fractionated coconut oil is the best choice for dilution Yoga Practice Tip of the Week: Does food have anything to do with flexibility? Links & References from the Show: Abundant Life Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: YOGABODY Facebook Group Join our YB Facebook Group and connect with me and other YB customers. Have questions, need to more information or simply want to chat, this is the place to do it. Follow the link and share whatever your heart desires! YB Facebook Group

Pop environmental wisdom teaches that a vegetarian diet is the most sustainable way of eating for the planet, but is this always true? What about in areas where crops are impossible to grow, but where grazing animals thrive? These are hot-button issues that require deep inquiry and have no simple answers. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, city slicker-turned-farmer, Diana Rodgers, shares her vision of a “return to nature” for a more sustainable and healthy planet. Diana is a “real food” Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner living on a working organic farm west of Boston. She's an author and also the host of The Sustainable Dish Podcast and the mother of 2 kids. She speaks at universities and conferences internationally about nutrition and sustainability, social justice, animal welfare and food policy issues. Diana is a staff writer for Paleo Magazine. She contributes regularly to several blogs and her work has been featured in The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, Outside Magazine, and Mother Earth News. --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen & Learn: Why "sustainability" refers to you, the environment, and the planet How eating a cow might be more ethical than eating kale Why traditional vegetarian diets are often dairy and grain heavy, the worst for both you and the planet Why soils needs animals and animals (like us) need soil How food systems are inherently complex Yoga Practice Tip of the Week: Handstands -- how to do them in the middle of the room? Links & References from the Show: Sustainable Dish Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Trapeze Teachers Course and Yoga Teachers College First Ever Yoga Trapeze Teachers Training Course in Barcelona! The Yoga Teachers College combines new technology and age-old apprenticeship to deliver a level of education previously unavailable anywhere. We train students not just teach, but to become local business leaders in the mind-body wellness industry Now accepting applications: www.YogaTeachersCollege.com

Most people claim “happiness” is one of their top priorities in life, but how many of us really take time to define what that means? Is it free time? Is it friends and family? Is it financial success? Humans have evolved with a brain hard-wired to avoid danger and threats to our personal safety above all else, but that is not the ideal mental model for a fulfilled life most would define as happy. For many people, their ideal of happiness goes against much of their hard-wired tendencies, so to achieve it, it requires serious thought, hard work, and deliberate lifestyle design. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, author, Raj Raghunathan, shares his research, teaching, and writing around happiness based on his career. Raj is an award-winning Professor of Marketing at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas in Austin. Raj’s work has appeared in leading marketing journals, and has been cited in several mass media outlets, including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Austin American Statesman, The Houston Chronicle, and Self Magazine. He is the author of a new book titled, “If You Are So Smart, Why Aren’t You Happy?” ----------------------------- Listen & Learn: Why "what you're missing out on" might be causing unhappiness Why it's important to define happiness Why happiness is to be lighthearted but not at the cost of being cruel and a state of harmony (right now is good) Why you must prioritize happiness, go on a news fast, and a nature feast Why you should develop a spiritual attitude (that life is aligned, not benign or maligned) How default negativity can cause people to note dangers, and it's easy to get lost in this Yoga Practice Tip of the Week: Grip Strength - how to deal with wrist pain? Links & References from the Show: Happy Smarts Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Trapeze Teachers Course First Ever Yoga Trapeze Teachers Training Course in Barcelona! Here is what you get: A 50 hour course delivered in two forms - virtual e-learning and in person practice/teaching 25 hours are virtual e-learning, where you learn anatomy, physiology, everything you need to know as a Yoga Teacher 25 hours are in person - practice, teaching, setup and class organization everything you need to lead a 60 min Yoga Trapeze Class Groups of up to 20 people Now accepting applications: www.YogaTeachersCollege.com

We´ve been talking about the Future of Food and what our main food sources will be as the population increases, are mushrooms one of them? Are they important and can they benefit our health and well being when used as more than a staple food? On this week´s Yoga Talk Show, you will meet Jeff Chilton and we will discover the surprising nutritional facts and health benefits of mushrooms. Who knew that they are not just a pizza topping! Jeff Chilton studied ethno-mycology at the University of Washington and began working on a commercial mushroom farm in 1973—and mushrooms have been the focus of his career ever since. During the next 10 years he became the production manager, responsible for the cultivation of over 2 million pounds of agaricus mushrooms per year. He was also involved in the research and development of shiitake, oyster and enoki mushrooms which resulted in the earliest US fresh shiitake sales in 1978. His current company, Nammex, was founded in 1989 and produces source material for medicinal-grade nutritional formulas. --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen & Learn: Why you should be eating shiitake mushrooms regularly Why mushroom mycelium (rather than fruiting body) is not a great source for food or nutrition How poor quality supplements can be high in grains and starch Beta-glucans can make up to 25-60% of mushrooms (or almost none at all) Why "made in USA" is the worst choice How to test your product with iodine Whar are Triterpenes Why the majority of all mushrooms are grown in China—and certainly the best ones How to grow your mushrooms in dark spaces, light spaces, tree cuttings, and more Yoga Practice Tip of the Week: Flexibility Training Links & References from the Show: Nammex Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Teachers College The Yoga Teachers College combines new technology and age-old apprenticeship to deliver a level of education previously unavailable anywhere. We train students not just teach, but to become local business leaders in the mind-body wellness industry Now accepting applications for class #2: www.YogaTeachersCollege.com

Breathing has never been more popular in yoga, fitness, and mindfulness circles—but unfortunately, most people lump all breathing into one category assuming that it's all good. The reality is that different breathing practices have dramatically different effects on your body and nervous system. So before you breathe yourself into a frenzy, hold your breath for 3 minutes, or slow your respiration down to a stupor, it's worth digging into the science of what's really going on. --------------------------------------------------------------- What You’ll Learn: How breath can either up-regulate, down regulate, or balance your nervous system Why many schools of breathing mistakenly teach one method as "the" method when the right breath practice depends on you and your situation The dangers of using extreme breathing practices while bathing, swimming or even while driving The differences between Wim Hof breath, Buteyko, most yogic breathing, and HRV balancing breath Yoga Practice Tip of the Week: Strength vs Flexibility - how do you find balance? Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Trapeze Teachers Course First Ever Yoga Trapeze Teachers Training Course in Barcelona! Here is what you get: A 50 hour course delivered in two forms - virtual e-learning and in person practice/teaching 25 hours are virtual e-learning, where you learn anatomy, physiology, everything you need to know as a Yoga Teacher 25 hours are in person - practice, teaching, setup and class organization everything you need to lead a 60 min Yoga Trapeze Class Groups of up to 20 people Now accepting applications: www.YogaTeachersCollege.com

You know you should sleep 7 to 8 hours per night, but do you really sleep that much? And when you do, is the quality of your sleep any good? Modern life makes pillow-time a huge challenge. Your cell phone on the nightstand emits blue light and EMF, your high glucose dessert after dinner leaves your hormones out of whack, and that glass of red wine you use to initially fall asleep will eventually backfire and keep you from achieving deep, restful sleep. With the best possible intentions, our sleep hygiene is often a mess. On this week’s, Yoga Talk Show, Dr. Raj Dasgupta will help you learn how to improve both the quality and quantity of your sleep. You’ll learn about common “sleep killers” in your lifestyle and environment, and the small action steps you can take to improve your sleep hygiene immediately. Dr. Raj Dasgupta is a Quadruple Board Certified Doctor. He's an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Southern California (USC) in the division of Pulmonary/Critical Care/Sleep Medicine. You may have seen him on television or published in numerous media. His mission is to educate patients, students and aspiring doctors to better patient care. --------------------------------------------------------------- What You’ll Learn: Why sleep apnea is a huge and growing problem that can impact your weight, your mood, your hormones, and so much more Why N3 and REM sleep are so important (and often lacking) Why stimulus control is key to a good night sleep Why you should stop "clock watching" How alcohol helps you fall asleep but promises poor quality sleep Why blue light from screen time suppresses melatonin Why cognitive behavioral therapy is the cornerstone of stress management Why all sleep aids decrease respiration and should be used only when necessary Are electromagnetic fields (EMF) really an issue? Nutritional Tip of the Week: Best way to use Turmeric in the kitchen Links & References from the Show: Doctor Raj Dasgupta Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Teachers College The YOGABODY Teachers College combines new technology and age-old apprenticeship to deliver a level of education previously The YOGABODY Teachers College combines new technology and age-old apprenticeship to deliver a level of education previously unavailable anywhere. We train students not just teach, but to become local business leaders in the mind-body wellness industry Join the Early Notification List for First Application Preference: www.YogaTeachersCollege.com

We all want to live a life of adventure, purpose, and meaning - but that’s easier said than done. With each passing year, our lives get more full, more stressful, and in many cases, more complicated. How do you carve out a unique path for yourself and really discover your life’s purpose? On this week’s, Yoga Talk Show, we explore the road less traveled and dissect the conventional in search of fulfillment. You’ll meet, Chris Guillebeau, world traveler, writer, and non-conformist extraordinaire who will inspire you to live “a remarkable life in a conventional world” and to enjoy the trip as you search for a better, more fulfilling life. Chris Guillebeau is an entrepreneur, author, blogger and speaker. You might know him from The Art of Nonconformity blog and book. He organizes the annual World Domination Summit in Portland each year and his other inspiring books include The $100 Startup, The Happiness of Pursuit, and his newest book, Born For This. --------------------------------------------------------------- What You’ll Learn: How Chris traveled to 193 countries How travel is for everyone (not just the wealthy) Why the path of non-conformity is perhaps the best path Me focus vs. service focus, which is better? Nutritional Tip of the Week: Is Green Tea REALLY good for you? Links & References from the Show: The Art of Nonconformity Q&A from the show: Vit D & Melatonin: don't take before bed Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: YOGABODY Facebook Group Join our YB Facebook Group and connect with me and other YB customers. Have questions, need to more information or simply want to chat, this is the place to do it. Follow the link and share whatever your heart desires! YB Facebook Group

If you want to start an argument among yoga students, just mention the phrase "hot yoga." Love it or hate it, Hot Yoga has spread across the globe faster than any other style—and there are solid health benefits that few people are aware of. As a yin to the yang that is Hot Yoga, cold therapy and cryotherapy are now the new new thing with ice baths and freezer chambers all over social media. But is heat really good for you? And what about cold? And why? On this week's Yoga Talk Show, Lucas dives into some of the latest research about the benefits and risks associated with heat and cold therapy for yoga students. MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: both heat and cold therapy can be dangerous and even fatal. This is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Never practice heat or cold therapy alone, and ideally practice under expert supervisions. ---------------------------------------------------------------   What You’ll Learn: Why sweating does release toxins How heat can help build muscle How heat and increase growth hormone How heat can improve sugar metabolism How cold can trigger norepinephrine Why cold is not always a smart choice Nutritional Tip of the Week: Are black beans a good source of protein? Links & References from the Show: Nickel, Copper, Zinc, and Lead Arsenic & Lead Phthalates (DEHP and MEHP) [1] [2] Reduced heart attack risk (23%-48%) – 2300 Finnish men Increased anti-oxidant system of the body Improved Lipid Profile (lowers LDL and triglycerides)[1][2] Increased Endurance Performance (red blood cells and plasma up) Human Growth Hormone 100-500% increase Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Teachers College The YOGABODY Teachers College combines new technology and age-old apprenticeship to deliver a level of education previously The YOGABODY Teachers College combines new technology and age-old apprenticeship to deliver a level of education previously unavailable anywhere. We train students not just teach, but to become local business leaders in the mind-body wellness industry Join the Early Notification List for First Application Preference: www.YogaTeachersCollege.com

Many of us go to great lengths and great expense to obtain organic and locally-grown foods, but the leftovers including stems, rinds, peels, and grounds are usually throw in the garbage. What a waste! On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet, Nikhil Arora, the co-founder of Back to the Roots, an innovative company that uses up-cycled coffee grounds to grow mushrooms - and you can too using their at-home kits. Mushrooms are one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can grow in just about any home or apartment, and they surely play a role in the future of food. --------------------------------------------------------------- What You’ll Learn: Why it makes no sense to throw away high quality food scraps and cuttings How coffee grounds can be used to grow superfoods in just about any home Why the future of food needs to offer more people better quality food for less money Nutritional Tip of the Week: Why you should eat mushrooms?! Links & References from the Show: Back to the Roots Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Teachers College The YOGABODY Teachers College combines new technology and age-old apprenticeship to deliver a level of education previously The YOGABODY Teachers College combines new technology and age-old apprenticeship to deliver a level of education previously unavailable anywhere. We train students not just teach, but to become local business leaders in the mind-body wellness industry Join the Early Notification List for First Application Preference:www.YogaTeachersCollege.com

Could "mood" be the #1 determining variable in performance and recovery from training? What impact does reduced breathing versus accelerated breathing have on your oxygen and carbon dioxide levels—and what about your nervous system? On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet strength and conditioning coach, Brian MacKenzie, who will introduce you to breath training in a whole new way. Brian MacKenzie is a strength and conditioning coach and the creator of CrossFit Endurance, which specializes in movement with an emphasis in running, cycling, and swimming mechanics. Brian has been featured in Competitor, Runner's World, Triathlete, Men's Journal, ESPN Rise, The Economist, Outside, and in the book, The 4-Hour Body. Brian has consulted with several athletic teams, including the 2012 Western Athletic Conference Champions San Jose State Women's Swim Team. His books include: Power, Speed, Endurance and Unbreakable Runner. You can learn more about his work at www.Unscared.com --------------------------------------------------------------- What You’ll Learn: What hypoxic training is, and why it can be useful How "elevation masks" are being used for warm-up and recovery How Wim Hof's method can be used to combat lactic acid post workout Why we're in the "Wild West" of breathing right now Nutritional Tip of the Week: Tomato Sauce - friend or foe? Links & References from the Show: PSE - Power, Speed, Endurance Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Awesome Toes! Yoga Toe Spreaders & Separators for Nighttime, Yoga Practice & Running Awesome Toes! naturally stretch your feet after a long day of work. Loved by anyone who wears high-heeled shoes, work boots, or spends all day on their feet. They also help stretch the shortened connective tissues of your feet so they regain their natural shape and range of motion. Awesome Toes! can be used at night, while watching TV, while practicing yoga, and even in wide-toed athletic shoes for running. Most toe separators on the market fall off or break during activities, but Awesome Toes! are designed for durability and comfort during yoga practice, dance rehearsals and while engaging in sports. Find out more.  

Food has become religion with missionaries telling you to drink kale smoothies, eat bacon, avoid chicken, and take pills and potions galore. Vegetarian, vegan, raw food, paleo, Atkins... there are so many different groups who claim to have all the answers to nutrition. But do they? Really? I've been obsessed with food and nutrition since 1999 and have studied it professionally since 2002. My biggest learning is that what we're doing right now is not working, and the future absolutely must look different than the present. I've also learned that the food religions of the world do more to confuse than to help us. My hope is that the Yoga Talk Show becomes an open forum for education and exploration as we all try to figure out how to thrive. --------------------------------------------------------------- What You’ll Learn: Why there is no "one diet" for everyone How our food system is currently flawed Why the inconvenient truth about the future of food is that GMOs, lab-grown meats, and insects are likely necessities How we can end up on the right side of history, nutritionally Nutritional Tip of the Week: Nori Seaweed Sheets - are they safe to buy from any store? Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga for Runners Pre-Run Warm-Ups & Post-Run Flexibility Training Join this at-home course to learn stretching exercises that will keep you limber, mobile, and injury free. Warm-up stretches take just 2-4 minutes to complete, and after your run, your flexibility training takes 15 minutes and can also be done before bed. This one-two stretching combo can have a dramatic impact your body, posture, and running performance. Benefits of Flexibility: Reduce recovery time Adjust, adopt and modify your running stride and posture as needed Stop being limited by your range of motion (ROM) Add some “yin” to the “yang” that is your running schedule Maintain your agility on diverse terrain (no more tin-man style running) Find out more.  

You already know wheat is inflammatory, high glycemic, and allergenic for many people, but did you know that bread can affect your brain as well? Sad but true: something as ubiquitous as your morning toast could cause short term brain fog and contribute (or even cause) neurological diseases long term. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, you’ll meet filmmaker, Max Lugavere, who is leading an awareness campaign to connect the dots between bread and cognitive decline. Initially motivated by the neurological challenges of his mother, Lugavere will shed new light on “sandwich culture” and why we need to rethink this all-American staple in our diets. Lugavere is an American television personality, producer, filmmaker, and musician. He earned a degree in film and psychology from the University of Miami and contributes regularly to The Huffington Post on topics of science, innovation, and technology. Currently, Max is working on a new documentary that explores the impact of our diets and lifestyles on brain health, called, Bread Head. --------------------------------------------------------------- What You’ll Learn: How bread can cause inflammation in the gut - but also in the brain How family history and genetics can load the gun while your food and lifestyle can pull the trigger for neurodegenerative disease What “impaired glucose metabolism” means and how does it relate to Alzheimer´s Disease How a high fat, ketogenic diet could be a breakthrough for brain health What Type III diabetes is and who is at risk Nutritional Tip of the Week: Microwaves - should we use them? Links & References from the Show: Bread Head Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Awesome Toes! Yoga Toe Spreaders & Separators for Nighttime, Yoga Practice & Running Awesome Toes! naturally stretch your feet after a long day of work. Loved by anyone who wears high-heeled shoes, work boots, or spends all day on their feet. They also help stretch the shortened connective tissues of your feet so they regain their natural shape and range of motion.  Awesome Toes! can be used at night, while watching TV, while practicing yoga, and even in wide-toed athletic shoes for running. Most toe separators on the market fall off or break during activities, but Awesome Toes! are designed for durability and comfort during yoga practice, dance rehearsals and while engaging in sports. Find out more.

Is your inner voice critical, self-defeating, and ruminating all day long? Our modern world is more knowledge-based than action-based, but what do you do when your inner voice is your worst enemy? How do you find balance and peace? At YOGABODY, we're huge fans of yoga practices, breath work, and healthy living, but visualizations is an often-overlooked way to change the focus of your mind's lens from negative to positive, from past and future pain, to a present state of peace. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, take a trip into the magical world of the human brain as we attempt to decipher its power and limitless abilities in order to manifest our lives. James R. Doty, M.D., is an American neurosurgeon, entrepreneur, philanthropist and a Clinical Professor of neurosurgery at Stanford University, and founder and director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. Dr. Doty is also the New York Times bestselling author of Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart. --------------------------------------------------------------- What You’ll Learn: How Dr. Doty overcame a difficult childhood and past trauma to manifest his life How to change your life by first changing your brain How visualization can be a better choice than meditation for some people in some cases How to stop suffering from defining who you are Nutritional Tip of the Week: Store bought bouillons, broths and soups - are they good for us? Links & References from the Show: Into the Magic Shop Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Hot Yoga Teacher Training “Teach Hot Yoga, Inspire Students, Change Lives!” TAKE THE NEXT STEP! Join Absolute Yoga’s 200-Hour Hot Yoga Alliance accredited course in beautiful Koh Samui, Thailand. This training is for: Serious students who want to teach Passionate yoga practitioners Students who want to share hot yoga with the world Extremely small class sizes, huge teaching team, dedicated training facility! Next course starts in June!Learn more.  

Why is it that larger pills are more effective than smaller ones at treating illness? How could it be that longer doctor’s visits are correlated with faster patient recovery? How much of alternative healing is mind over body or simply mind tricking body? On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, we deep dive into the fascinating world of the placebo effect and it’s everpresent role in both allopathic and alternative medicine. Please meet, Jo Marchant, an award-winning science journalist and author. With a background in genetics and a PhD in microbiology, Marchant worked as an editor at New Scientist and Nature. She explores topics from the future of genetic engineering to underwater archaeology, and most recently, the idea that our thoughts can have great benefits on our bodies and even prevent us from getting ill on the first place. Marchant is the author of The Shadow King: The Bizarre Afterlife of King Tut's Mummy, Decoding the Heavens, and Cure: A Journey into the Science of Mind Over Body. -------------------------------- What You’ll Learn: How the placebo effect is always at place in healing Why sometimes mind over body is stronger than any modern medicine How to think about healing from both a scientific and energetic viewpoint Why your body’s healing mechanisms are much more complicated than simple chemistry Nutritional Tip of the Week: Vitamin D deficiency: Do we need to take supplements? Links & References from the Show: Cure: A journey into the science of mind over body Got Questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Corky the Block Corky the Block is an eco-friendly yoga block, made of all natural & sustainable material, engraved with our YOGABODY saying: Practice is Everything. This block was originally developed for the YOGABODY Fitness Studio Group because we needed an all-natural, eco-friendly, and non-slip prop to use in our public classes. Traditional, synthetic blocks are ugly, slip with sweat, and have an unpleasant hand-feel. Hence, Corky the Block was born! Yoga students use Corky the Block in dynamic Vinyasa Yoga practices, deep stretching Gravity Yoga sessions, and in advanced arm balancing and back-bending. A block is an essential yoga prop, and Corky the Block is a beautiful addition to your practice room. Find us on Amazon!

Meditation has been shown to reduce stress, increase focus, and lower blood pressure, but when there are so many different types of meditation techniques, how do you decide which one is right for you? After having a nationally broadcasted panic attack on Good Morning America in 2004, news anchor, Dan Harris, turned to meditation. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, you’ll learn which styles of meditation helped Dan overcome substance abuse, PTSD, anxiety and stress. Dan Harris is a correspondent for ABC News and the co-anchor for the weekend edition of Good Morning America. Previously, he was the anchor of the Sunday edition of World News. He regularly contributes stories for shows such as Nightline, 20/20, World News with Diane Sawyer and GMA. Harris has reported from all over the planet, covering wars in Afghanistan, Israel/Palestine and Iraq, and producing investigative reports in Haiti, Cambodia, and the Congo. Dan is the author of the book, 10% Happier and the co-founder of a new app by the same name. -------------------------------- What You'll Learn: How a successful news anchor had an anxiety attack on national TV Why most self-help and personal development information is B.S. How 10% happier can compound and grow into something truly life changing Why "clearing your mind" is not possible nor the goal of meditation—the goal is to start Nutritional Tip of the Week: Goats Milk: is there such a thing as eating dairy healthfully? Links & References from the Show: 10% Happier Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Trapeze The Yoga Trapeze is the most powerful, at-home yoga inversion tool ever created. Hang from inside from a doorway; or outside from a beam, bar or swing set. Setup is fast and simple, results are immediate. The Yoga Trapeze will change your backbends for forever… less pain and more flexibility with balance upper body and core strength. Try now for just $1!

Discover this little-known, Russian breathing technique for regulating stress, combating asthma, balancing your nervous system, and improving sleep. Yoga teachers often treat carbon dioxide like it’s a toxic enemy to be eliminated as a waste product - but nothing could be further from the truth. C02 is extremely important for vascular dilation, oxygen absorption, and even metabolic health. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, you’ll meet, Sasha Yakovlev, an expert in Buteyko-style breathing practices. Sasha founded The Inner Path Newsletter in 1991, the first Russian publication dealing with the topics of healthy lifestyle, self-development, and spirituality. Within a few years, Inward Path Magazine became a national publication with more than one hundred thousand readers. Sasha also opened the first health food store in the country, along with a holistic seminar center. Today, she is the Executive Director of the Breathing Center based in the United States. ------------------------------------- Listen and Learn: Why over-breathing can cause a myriad of health problems   Why CO2 might actually be your friend How C02 works as a bronchial and vascular dilator Why reduced breath is actually the goal for most people to find balance Nutritional Tip of the Week: Teas - why you should go back to basics Links & References from the Show: Breathing Center Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Kuli Kuli Foods Have you heard of moringa? NPR just called it the new kale. Our friends over at Kuli Kuli Foods gave us some moringa and we're totally obsessed with putting it in our green smoothies every morning. It's more nutritious than kale and provides a complete protein like quinoa - a true SUPERfood! Not to mention that every product Kuli Kuli Foods sells plants moringa trees and supports women farmers in West Africa. Find out more.

Believe it or not, lifting weights and throwing kettlebells around can help improve your yoga practice (yup, you read that correctly). On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, Lucas Rockwood and fitness professional, Steve Kamb, unpack why “lifting heavy things” makes sense for yoga students, nerds, athletes - and everyone in between. Steve Kamb is a fitness professional, author, speaker and the creator of Nerd Fitness, an online portal to empower people to level up their lives. ------------------------------------- What You'll Learn: How to gamify your fitness to make it more fun Why anyone, particularly nerdy, non-fitness type can (and should) get in shape How to never go to the gym and still get great workouts Why traditional fitness images are flawed Nutritional Tip of the Week: What's the deal with peanuts? Links & References from the Show: Nerd Fitness Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsor: Awesome Toes! Yoga Toe Spreaders & Separators for Nighttime, Yoga Practice & Running Awesome Toes! naturally stretch your feet after a long day of work. Loved by anyone who wears high-heeled shoes, work boots, or spends all day on their feet. They also help stretch the shortened connective tissues of your feet so they regain their natural shape and range of motion. Awesome Toes! can be used at night, while watching TV, while practicing yoga, and even in wide-toed athletic shoes for running. Most toe separators on the market fall off or break during activities, but Awesome Toes! are designed for durability and comfort during yoga practice, dance rehearsals and while engaging in sports. Find out more.

Both “meditation” and “yoga” are buzz words in pop health circles, but both are actually categories of mind-body practices - not specific practices. Not all mind-body practices are the same, and the specifics are what make all the difference. The way in which you practice yoga or meditation can lead to profoundly different neurological states, biochemical reactions, and physiological responses. Lucas Rockwood meets with medical doctor, Mithu Storoni, to dive into the science of yoga and stress, and their effects on the brain.   Mithu Storoni MD, PhD is a medical doctor, science nerd, writer, yoga teacher, blogger and all round brain enthusiast dedicated to defeating stress from everyone’s lives. She earned her medical degree from the University of Cambridge and also holds a PhD in Neuro-ophthalmology. ------------------------------------- Listen and Learn: The difference between open monitoring and focused attention meditation What Brain Derived Neural Factor (BDNF) is and how yoga can increase production How yogic breathing can encourage respiratory neural coupling Mental health dangers of rumination during some forms of meditation What happens with your stress signals during deliberate yoga practice Nutritional Tip of the Week: How to wash strawberries Links & References from the Show: Brain Boost Camp Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga Teachers College The YOGABODY Teachers College combines new technology and age-old apprenticeship to deliver a level of education previously The YOGABODY Teachers College combines new technology and age-old apprenticeship to deliver a level of education previously unavailable anywhere. We train students not just teach, but to become local business leaders in the mind-body wellness industry Join the Early Notification List for First Application Preference: www.YogaTeachersCollege.com

How many people are lucky enough to turn what they love most in life into their career? On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, you’ll meet career rock climber, Conrad Anker, who has done just that. Anker has completed an amazing number of summits including climbing Everest three times and many first ascents internationally including conquering the famed Shark’s Fin route of the peak, Meru, in the Indian Himalayas. He is the captain of the North Face Athletic Team and serves on the boards of the Montana State University Leadership Institute, Protect Our Winters, Bozeman Ice Tower Foundation, Gallatin County Fair Board and the Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation. --------------------------------------------- What You'll Learn: How he climbed Everest 3x’s (once in search of a dead body) How the love of nature can drive you to the most amazing places Why climate change is something we must look at How your geography can make you happy Nutritional Tip of the Week: What’s the deal with frozen food? Links & References from the Show: Conrad Anker’s Site   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsor: Hot Yoga Teacher Training "Teach Hot Yoga, Inspire Students, Change Lives!" TAKE THE NEXT STEP! Join Absolute Yoga's 200-Hour Hot Yoga Alliance accredited course in beautiful Koh Samui, Thailand.   This training is for: *Serious students who want to teach *Passionate yoga practitioners *Students who want to share hot yoga with the world Extremely small class sizes, huge teaching team, dedicated training facility!   Next course starts in June! Learn more.

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of an important meeting or speaking engagement paralyzed with anxiety or nervousness? If so, you’re not alone. Social Psychologist, Amy Cuddy, discovered that you can often overcome crippling fears by accessing your personal power through posture. Yoga students: this is called, “Posing for Confidence.” You might know Amy from her extremely popular TED talk, Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are. She is a professor and researcher at Harvard Business School and studies how nonverbal behavior and snap judgments influence people. Her research has been published in top academic journals and covered by NPR, The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The Economist, Wired, Fast Company, and more. Cuddy has been named a "Game Changer" by Time, a "Rising Star" by the Association for Psychological Science, one of "50 Women Who Are Changing the World" by Business Insider, and a "Young Global Leader" by the World Economic Forum. Her new book, Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges, is getting great reviews and is available on Amazon at all major booksellers. --------------------------------------------- What You'll Learn: How your body language can actually increase testosterone and lower cortisol How there is an on-going, body-mind conversation, always How to take a “power pose” to change your mood Why New Year's Resolutions might be too long term and abstract Nutritional Tip of the Week: Is oatmeal is healthy as they say? Links & References from the Show: Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: Bryce Yoga Teacher Training Bryce Yoga is rooted in traditional yoga while simultaneously informed by gymnastics, hand balancing and acrobatics. The Bryce approach to teaching was developed for the modern instructor who teaches in a variety of different setting including: yoga studios, fitness centers,festivals, workshops, on social media, and with private clients. Sequences are adaptable by design so teachers can mold their classes to challenge their students of all levels and abilities. If you’re new to Bryce Yoga, don’t worry. Students come to the course from all different yoga backgrounds, and the most important thing is that you’re excited and eager to learn. Next course starts in July! Learn more.

Corporate giants like Coca-Cola, Kraft, and Kellogg’s dominate the food and beverage industries, but they are optimized for profit, not for our health. To make their foods more palatable and profitable, these companies strategically utilize specific combinations of salt, sugar and fat. According to best-selling author, Michael Moss, these foods are not just unhealthy, they are also addicting. Listen to this week’s Yoga Talk Show to learn how “big food” has gotten us all hooked on their products. Michael Moss is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, SALT SUGAR FAT: How the Food Giants Hooked Us. He's a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter formerly with the Times. He's a keynote speaker and has been a guest on CBS This Morning, Dr. Oz, CNN The Lead, ATC and Jon Stewart's the Daily Show. He has been a reporter at The Wall Street Journal and an adjunct professor at the Columbia School of Journalism. To learn more, visit: www.michaelmossbooks.com --------------------------------------------- The "bliss point" in commercial food—and what it matters Why big food referss to their clients as "heavy users" What "mouth feel" and "flavor burst" mean How the snack and convenience habits opened the door to industry abuse How the "Lunchables" inventor is now helping fresh salad vendor in Chicago How big companies self-ubsidize and could shift their focus for big change Nutritional Tip of the Week: Should you boil, steam or pan-fry your veggies? Links & References from the Show: Michael Moss Books   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsor: Super Strap 2-in-1 Yoga Strap and Mat carrier: This strap was originally developed for the YOGABODY Fitness Studio Group because our students wanted a simple mat carrier solution but they were already bringing yoga straps to class—so it seemed silly to have both. Hence, the Super Strap was born! Yoga students use the Super Strap in Vinyasa Yoga practices, deep stretching Gravity Yoga sessions, and in advanced arm balancing and back-bending. A yoga strap is an essential yoga prop, and the Super Strap is a beautiful and practical addition to your practice room.

When you experience happiness, your brain releases dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and/or endorphin. The curious things is that our brain doesn’t release a happy chemical without very particular (and often counter-intuitive) triggers. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, Loretta Graziano Breuning, PhD, talks about how you can boost your happiness by retraining your brain to turn on the chemicals that make you happy. Loretta is the founder of the Inner Mammal Institute, which provides resources that help people rewire their mammalian neurochemistry.She's Professor Emerita at California State University, East Bay, and author of Beyond Cynical and I, Mammal. She also writes the blog Your Neurochemical Self: Getting real with a 200-million-year-old brain on PsychologyToday.com. She has been interviewed on NPR, The Matt Townsend Show, and the Ask Altucher podcast, and her work been featured in Psychologies and Real Simple magazines. Her most recent book is called, Habits of a Happy Brain and can be found on Amazon or any major bookseller. ---------------------------------------- Listen & Learn: Why a “no CNN diet” might be the best way to feed your happy brain How dopamine, is released when you anticipate of a reward and have a future-focused attitude How endorphins are triggered from physical pain and are short-lived, and perhaps not so healthy in your pursuit of happiness How oxytocin distinguishes mammals from reptiles and can be clearly seen at birth with baby-mother bonding, and as adults with tribal behavior of all types How serotonin is released from “one-upmanship” behavior, social rivalry, and the urge to feel special and distinguish oneself How the happy patterns of our youth get myelinated into our nervous system Nutritional Tip of the Week: Is Himalayan salt a superfood? Links & References from the Show: Inner Mammel Institute Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsor: “Corky the Block” - Cork Yoga Block This block was originally developed for the YOGABODY Fitness Studio Group because we needed an all-natural, eco-friendly, and non-slip prop to use in our public classes. Traditional, synthetic blocks are ugly, slip with sweat, and have an unpleasant hand-feel. Hence, Corky the Block was born! Yoga students use Corky the Block in dynamic Vinyasa Yoga practices, deep stretching Gravity Yoga sessions, and in advanced arm balancing and back-bending. A block is an essential yoga prop, and Corky the Block is a beautiful addition to your practice room.

Have you seen the viral Youtube video where a unicorn poops rainbow ice cream and a prince lectures on bowel health? It’s ridiculous but also very relevant. Yoga students talk about their bowel movements constantly, and for good reason. It's an important indication of health, and one that many struggle with (literally). On this week’s episode, Dr. Alison Chen sheds some light on the topic of bowel health, and the importance of fiber. Alison is a Canadian board-certified and licensed Naturopathic Doctor from Toronto. She integrates Western science with Traditional holistic energetic medicine to provide individualized, safe and effective natural treatments. ---------------------------------------- Listen & Learn: Why bowel health is such an important topic How much fiber is enough? And where to get it… The Squatty Potty - does it work? Simple tips for eating and drinking your way to bowel health Nutritional Tip of the Week: Is olive oil really as healthy as they say? Links & References from the Show: Dr. Alison Chen’s Website Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: 30-Day Sugar Detox w/YOGABODY THE PROBLEM: When you’re trying to burn fat, get fit, increase your energy, improve your digestion and just plain feel better each day, it can be overwhelming with all the conflicting health information online. Do you start with organic food? Paleo? Raw vegan? Do you have to run marathons or is yoga a good solution? There’s just too many choices and too many opinions. THE SOLUTION: The truth is that there are as many paths to exceptional health as there are trees in the forest, so rather than argue about which path is best, let’s just focus on elephant in the room. Medical doctors, weight loss experts, yoga teachers, and weight lifters all agree that the single biggest troublemaker in our modern diet is excessive sugar in all its forms. It causes weight gain, diabetes, hormonal problems, premature again—and just about every other health problem you can think of. So if you want to get healthy, let’s start with the one change that will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Together, let’s kick the sugar habit and start a positive spiral towards health.

Wheat-related digestive problems are something you’ve probably heard of before, but less commonly known is the effect that long-term gluten exposure has on your entire body. Guest speaker, Dr. Peter Osborne, will help you understand why "heart-healthy" whole grain bread might be making your joints hurt or contributing to chronic pain of all types. You’ll learn how to rethink your everyday food choices to avoid gluten altogether. Dr. Peter Osborne is the clinical director of Origins Healthcare Center. He is a doctor of chiropractic medicine and a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist. His focus is on natural treatments of degenerative diseases with a primary focus on gluten sensitivity and food allergies. He founded Gluten Free Society in 2010 to help educate on the far-reaching effects of gluten sensitivity. He is the author of Glutenology, a series of books designed to help educate the world about gluten. His new book, No Grain, No Pain: A 30-Day Diet for Eliminating Chronic Pain—for Life is available on Amazon and at all major booksellers. ---------------------------------------- Listen & Learn: How grains can lead to leaky gut Why ages 35-40 are often when long-term gluten exposure begins to create problems How modern bread products have changed with Glyphosate-sprayed crops, higher gluten levels, and mycotoxins from storage Why anyone with rheumatoid arthritis or any other auto-immune condition should at least try going gluten free Nutritional Tip of the Week: Are non-stick pans safe?   Links & References from the Show: No Grain No Pain Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsor: Absolute Yoga Academy Level II: 300hr Yoga Alliance Certification Course This 1-month immersion is designed to take qualified teachers and turn them into career yoga professionals. Students sign up for different reasons, but everyone comes seeking a deeper, and more-fulfilling teaching life. You get to a point where you know you need to step outside your daily schedule to progress, but you’re not sure where to go for help in this next phase of your career. Who can support and guide you personally, professionally, and financially? To solve this common problem, Absolute Yoga Academy’s 300hr, Level II course was born. If you want to fall in love with yoga again ( as a student ), become an “authority teacher”, meet like-minded colleagues and friends, and learn how you can teach less but earn more, we invite you to discover the Absolute Yoga Academy 300hr Level II Teacher Training course

Every year, millions of people resolve to lose 10lbs in the new year. They starve themselves for two weeks, join a new gym, lose a few pounds—but then gain it all back in February when their motivation wanes. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, we discuss how to make your goals a reality with counterintuitive methods that deliver results. What You’ll Learn: Why to keep your goals a secret Why writing is the doing part of thinking Why you should draw pictures of your goals How to create a New Year's mantra Why you should rinse & repeat successes  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Sprouted breads: friend or foe?  Links & References from the Show: YOGABODY 30-Day Sugar Detox  Thanks to our sponsor: When you’re trying to burn fat, get fit, increase your energy, improve your digestion and just plain feel better each day, it can be overwhelming with all the conflicting health information online. Do you start with organic food? Paleo? Raw vegan? Do you have to run marathons or is yoga a good solution? There’s just too many choices and too many opinions. The truth is that there are as many paths to exceptional health as there are trees in the forest, so rather than argue about which path is best, let’s just focus on elephant in the room. Medical doctors, weight loss experts, yoga teachers, and weight lifters all agree that the single biggest trouble maker in our modern diet is excessive sugar in all its forms. It causes weight gain, diabetes, hormonal problems, premature again—and just about every other health problem you can think of. So if you want to get healthy, let’s start with the one change that will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Together, let’s kick the sugar habit and start a positive spiral towards health. FREE! Access Our 3-Part Video Series on Sugar Detox: FREE Sugar Detox Videos

The Yoga Talk Show is 3 years old, and I feel like we're just getting started. 2015 was an amazing year with over 50 guests with topics spanning from hormonal health to barefooted running. I've learned a ton, and I hope you've found this information valuable as a listener. In this week's show, I've decided to do a "year-in-review" episode to highlight some standout moments for me in the previous 12 months. What You’ll Learn: Breathing HRV Barefoot Running Face-to-Wall Handstand Kombucha  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Aspartame: friend or foe?  Links & References from the Show: Thesis Beauty Thanks to our sponsor: THESIS BEAUTY. Thesis features over 50 pure, vegan and eco-friendly and affordable beauty products. All products are USA-sourced organic, natural, raw, cold pressed, undiluted which is their most nourishing, healing state  - with no synthetics, fillers or water. Thesis earned an EWG score of 0-2 (0 for most products) and were also PETA, Green America and Leaping Bunny certified. Visit them online at: www.ThesisBeauty.com  

Your body is hard-wired for survival, but our modern world throws continuous health challenges our way. I wish things became easier with time and age, but for most people, the journey toward health becomes more and more challenging. To help you on the path to optimal health in the new year, please meet plant-based medical doctor, Michael Greger, MD. Michael Greger, MD, is a physician, author, and internationally recognized speaker on nutrition, food safety, and public health issues. He is a graduate of Cornell University School of Agriculture and Tufts University School of Medicine. Currently Dr. Greger serves as the Director of Public Health and Animal Agriculture at The Humane Society of the United States. Hundreds of his nutrition videos are freely available at NutritionFacts.org, with new videos and articles uploaded every day. He is the author of a new book titled, How Not to Die: Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease just released this month and available on Amazon and all major booksellers. Listen & Learn: Why anyone eating a plant-based diet should supplement b12 and might need vitamin D3 The truth about lab-created meat products coming out in 2016 Why most people fail at plant-based diets (and all diets for that matter) How plants can transform your health Nutritional Tip of the Week: Is there such a thing as low glycemic holiday foods? Links & References from the Show: Nutrition Facts Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: SweatHouse Patty Post, is a yogi from Minnesota and the creative mind behind Sweathouse. Aside from their colorful yoga towels, Patty created “the Saucha Spray”, a anti-funk spray because she was sick of her yoga clothes smelling just after a few months after purchasing them. She realized that her sweat, and habit of washing her yoga clothes hours; sometimes even days after practicing was causing the funk. The bacteria in our sweat sets into fabric just 2 hours after sweating and once it's in it's really hard to get out. So she created a formula that prevents the funk from setting in, spray on fabric after sweating to keep your clothes and gear smelling fresher, longer. She realized that it can be used on anything even hockey equipment, dance costumes! After you namaste, spray Saucha.

This week’s yoga talk show explores medicinal mushrooms; not the hallucinogenic kind, the type that boost your immune system! Tero Isokauppila, co-founder of Four Sigma Foods, a medicinal mushroom superfood and super drink company, shares with you the health benefits of Reishi, Chaga, Shiitake, Cordyceps and Maitake. What You'll Learn: How mushrooms can boost your immune system How water soluble soluble polysaccharides act to modulate your immune system How fat soluble triterpenes can balance your hormones Why many supplements are made with mycelium - not the actual mushroom fruiting bodies Why China is leading the way for medicinal mushrooms both with cultivation and extraction Nutritional Tip of the Week: Do healthy store-bought salad dressings exist? Links & References from the Show: Four Sigma Foods Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com

Popular health advice around the holidays usually includes such nonsense as doing squats before you pig-out, taking charcoal capsules after you drink too much, and going to the gym twice per day in an attempt to balance out your gluttony. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but none of those things will undo the damage of overeating and overdrinking—but there are some simple strategies that can really make a difference. Listen & learn: Why eating 1 gram/ 1lb of body weight is a simple way to keep you holiday food consumption in check Why desserts and alcohol are the most fat-inducing things to avoid How to make your holidays more active and naturally fitness-oriented Why mental health is an absolute must during the holidays, and some simple ideas for getting started Nutritional Tip of the Week: Phytoestrogens and Xenoestrogens - how do they affect us? Links & References from the Show: YOGABODY Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com

Whether you’ve hurt your shoulder doing yoga or perhaps you’ve come to yoga to heal, Dr. Ariele Foster shares her knowledge about how the practice can help you recover from rotator cuff injuries and other shoulder issues. Listen in and learn which poses help and which exercises you should be avoiding altogether. Dr. Ariele Foster is a physical therapist, interdisciplinary yoga teacher, and anatomy teacher. She has a passion for creative, intelligent yoga instruction and for making yoga anatomy accessible. Her teaching is grounded in both the compassionate approach of Kripalu Yoga and her deep understanding of musculoskeletal well-being from working with thousands of patients. Ariele has completed more than 700 hours of yoga teacher training in Kripalu, Anusara, Therapeutics, Hatha Yoga and the tradition of Maty Ezraty / YogaWorks. In this show, you'll learn: Why as many as 30%+ of people have rotator cuff tears Rotator cuff: 4 small muscles supporting ball + "saucer" joint Why "shoulder pathology" often includes tendons and/or muscles How dolphin pose and forearm stand can be helpful for healing Nutritional Tip of the Week: Black Pepper - superfood or flavour enhancer? Links & References from the Show:   Ariele’s Anatomy Website   Ariele’s Main Site Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: The OM Collection The OM Collection’s mission is to provide functional fashion that enables people to look as fabulous as they feel. Whether you are leaving a yoga class, going to a concert, sight seeing in a far land, or going to dinner at a nice restaurant, these clothes will move you from one moment of your life to the next. All of their pieces are made in limited quantities, so if you're looking for unique, eco-friendly yoga clothes, we invite you to check them out.

Dream states are more than just random fantasy. Dreaming can be incredibly healing and is believed to be an essential part of all restful sleep. Robert Waggoner, a leading authority on lucid dreaming, suggests that by decoding our dreams we can begin to understand our psyche. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, Lucas Rockwood and Robert look at different types of sleep and dreams, and the potential impact that lucid dreaming can have on our physical and mental health. Robert is the author of, Lucid Dreaming: Gateway to the Inner Self and Lucid Dreaming, Plain and Simple: Tips and Techniques for Insight, Creativity, and Personal Growth. Robert frequently speaks on lucid dreaming at national and international dream conferences, workshops and college classrooms, like Sonoma State University, Iowa State University, University of Washington, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Evergreen State College.   In this show, you'll learn: Why long cycle REM sleep is most conducive to lucid dreams How napping can produce an "REM rebound" in some people How dream help us process memory and emotions How dreams can be a creative outlet About the scientific research that proved and tested lucid dreams How daytime mindfulness can help with lucid processing How to use a reality check trigger in dreams to know you're dreaming   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Sesame oil: good or bad? Links & References from the Show:   www.lucidadvice.com   www.YogaBody.com   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsor: YOGABODY Naturals

On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, you’ll meet biohacker, Ben Greenfield, who teaches you how functional exercise, nutrition, and the balance between performance and health can help you improve your yoga practice, achieve your fitness goals, and improve your quality of life. In 2008, Ben was nominated by the NSCA as America's top personal trainer, and in 2013 and 2014, Ben was voted as one of the top 100 most influential individuals in health and fitness. Ben writes for numerous health and wellness publications and is a highly sought-after speaker. Ben is the author of the NY Times best-seller, Beyond Training, and his goal is to make healthy living inspiring, entertaining and educational. In this Show, You'll Learn: How to get your poop tested for yeast, bacteria and parasites Why it might not be a great idea to have Bluetooth and Wifi signals around you all the time How non-psychoactive cannabis oil (CBD) might be one of the least-known supplements to reduce inflammation, improve sleep and relax Tips for hacking your work station Nutritional Tip of the Week: Are eggs a yoga-friendly food? Links & References from the Show: www.YogaBody.com Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor: YOGABODY Naturals

When we practice yogic breathing, we can either up-regulate, down-regulate or balance our nervous system. In different situations, all three can be valuable, but for whatever reason, balanced breathing practices are not taught or practiced as often as they should be—and they are extremely useful. In this mini-bonus class, you'll learn the simple practice of 4x4 breathing as Lucas leads you through a shorted, seated practice. You'll Learn: How to use a 1-to-1 ratio for balancing your nervous system How to reduce your breathing rate by 1/2 or even 1/4 to find balance How to reduce your heart rate and increate your heart rate variability in a matter of minutes How to dramatically shift your outlook on the day with 10 rounds of breath   NOTE: this practice is 100% safe and accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds at any time of the day—except while driving. Nutritional Tip: The power of ginger Sponsored by: YOGABODY Naturals

“ The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for your soul to reside in.” - B. K. S. Iyengar Your gut health is vitally important for your immune system, digestion, and even your mood. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, gastroenterologist and wellness expert, Dr Robynne Chutkan, teaches the importance of a cultivating a balanced microbiome; and she warns against the severe impact digestive distress can have on your body and your life. Dr Chutkan founded the Digestive Center for Women (DCW) in 2004, an integrative gastroenterology practice that includes nutritional therapy, meditation, biofeedback and counseling, as well as gastrointestinal procedures like endoscopy, colonoscopy, and video capsule endoscopy. Dr Chutkan makes regular appearances on The Doctor Oz show, and has been a featured expert on The Today Show, The Early Show, The Doctors, and local news programs. She has been featured in numerous articles on GI diseases in The Washington Post, Self, Shape, Healthy, Yoga Journal, Ladies Home Journal, Fitness, Women’s Health, and the Huffington Post among others. What You'll Learn: Why you should aim for "clean wipe" bowel movements Why your colon is not blocked—but it might not be so healthy Why probiotics cannot replace dietary healthy bacteria Why inulin fiber is crucial for feeding good bacteria How a plant-based diet can shift your microbiome (for the better) in as little as 30 hrs Why sweat when stressed out smells bad Nutritional Tip of the Week: Why Kombu (seaweed ) is so good for you! Links & References from the Show: Gut Bliss Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor!  YOGABODY Business   Are You a Yoga Teacher or Studio Owner? YOGABODY Business is excited to announce their first-ever Facebook Marketing for Yoga Teachers course to begin on 2 November. This online course can be attended from anywhere in the world and guarantees to double your impact, audience and sales through Facebook. The course starts Monday. To learn more, visit: http://www.yogabodybusiness.com

You’ve probably measured your heart rate while exercising with a chest strap or a wrist device - but have you ever measured your heart rate variability (HRV)? It’s fascinating stuff for yoga students. Ronda Collier joins Lucas Rockwood on this week’s Yoga Talk Show to explain why HRV is a crucial health metric, the importance of "coherent breathing", and how all of this ties in with your yoga practice. Ronda has more than 25 years of experience in high technology product development with a proven track record of delivering leading-edge consumer electronic products within both privately held startups and Fortune 500 corporations. She spent years as an independent scholar researching non-invasive health monitoring techniques to improve overall personal well being, research that led to the founding of SweetWater Health in 2010. SweetWater is a leading tech company provided heart rate variability monitoring software you can use on your smart phone. What You'll Learn: How your breathing and state-of-mind dramatically impact your heart rate How your heart rate variability can act like a sneak peek into what’s going on with your central nervous system Why high frequency heart (HF) rates are associated with parasympathetic nervous system response Why low frequencies (LF) are associated with sympathetic nervous system response Why elevated heart rate + reduced high freq waves + increased low frequency waves = stress response Nutritional Tip of the Week: Why you should be drinking turmeric tea Links & References from the Show:SweetWater Health  Got questions?Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor! Magic Carpet Yoga MatsMagic Carpet Yoga Mats are hand-painted by Sophie Leininger and printed in California. Magic Carpet Yoga Mats are made in the USA.They are non-toxic, phthalate, latex, and lead free as well as certified child safe. They also just launched a new line for kids and babies!

If you’re excited about inversions, and handstands in particular, than you’re going to love this week’s Yoga Talk Show. Ryan Hurst, Program Director and co-founder of GMB Fitness, shares his tips for how you can get started with handstand and what kind of training program you should follow if you want to advance.Hurst holds black belts in Kendo, Judo, and Shorinji Kempo and practiced 10 years as a competitive gymnast. He has extensive experience and a personal passion for arm balancing. What you'll learn: How a "Cuban Rotation" can help strengthen and stabilize your shoulders for inversions Why "wall facing" handstand can be superior to kicking up with your back to the wall Why "hollow body" can be very helpful for building your core strength in handstands How much and how often to practice Nutritional Tip of the Week: The medicinal power of mushrooms! Links & References from the Show:GMB Fitness Got questions?Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor! YOGABODY Business Results-Driven Business Education for Yoga Professionals  

In an attempt to lead the healthiest life possible, food and movement often become the main focus - but you must also address your mental and emotional health, particularly as you age. More and more research links physical health problems to root emotional problems meaning stress, worry, and anxiety left unchecked can have horrendous long-term implications on your health. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, clinical psychologist, David Carbonell, decodes anxiety: why we worry, how anxiety sets in, and what can be done to address it and regain control.   He's the author of Panic Attacks Workbook: A Guided Program for Beating the Panic Trick and the soon-to-be released, The Worry Trick: How Your Brain Tricks You into Expecting the Worst and What You Can Do About It   What You'll Learn: Why talk therapy is probably not the best choice for anxiety How generalized anxiety vs. panic attacks differ Practical tips for dealing with anxiety-inducing situations   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Glorious, glorious water!   Links & References from the Show: Anxiety Coach Website David’s Books on Amazon   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsor! Lems Shoes Lems Shoes is a 100% family-run company that bases its decisions on "doing what is right", not "doing what is most profitable". Lems shoes are made with less. The Lems shoes team spend their time getting the important things right and eliminate the rest; no added material, no gimmicks, and no fluff.  From the beginning, their goal was to design a shoe that considers the foot above all else, a shoe that is flat, flexible and fits the natural shape of the foot, and that will never change.

Yoga is unique and powerful as a mind-body fitness modality in that it can restore balance to the body's electrical system (aka your nervous system) - and breathing is the secret key that makes it all possible. In the same way that our breath changes very predictably during times of fear, sorrow, love, or rest, we can flip that equation around and change our breathing patterns in order to change our mood. Why then do psychiatrists prescribe drugs before using this age-old practice of balancing breath to treat mental health issues? To answer that question, Lucas is joined by Patricia Gerbarg MD who shares her years of research and on-the-ground training using breathing as therapy. Dr. Gerbarg reveals some of the current challenges in our modern world and in psychiatric medicine - and she’ll share with you how she uses breath in her practice, often in lieu of traditional treatments like prescription drugs - and it’s working! Dr. Patricia Gerbarg is a Harvard Medical School trained psychiatrist who practices Integrative Psychiatry, combining standard and complementary treatments. Her research focuses on mind-body practices for reducing the effects of stress and trauma, particularly in survivors of mass disasters. Along with Dr. Richard P. Brown, she has co-authored over 40 scientific articles, book chapters, and health books on complementary and integrative treatments. Her books include: The Rhodiola Revolution, How to use Herbs, Nutrients, and Yoga in Mental Health Care, Non-Drug Treatments for ADHD, and The Healing Power of the Breath. Listen & Learn: Why some breathing might cause manic reactions How the body-mind is more accurate than mind-body since 80% of the vagus nerve fibers are carrying signals from the body to brain, and just 20% brain to body Why most people breathe at 12-15 breaths/min but should aim for “coherent breath” at around 5 per min Why some breathing can make you zoned-out and spacey while others can amp you up How balance is usually the most useful aim and type of response to strive for Nutritional Tip of the Week: Chickpeas: friend or foe? Links & References from the Show:www.breath-body-mind.com Got questions?Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsor! Absolute Yoga Academy  Absolute Yoga Academy is one of the most-respected and rigorous teacher training schools in the world. It’s a place where students go to become teachers, and where teachers go to become industry transformers. Join the movement!

When most people think about world hunger and poverty, they often think of Vitamin A deficiency impacting vision or distended abdomens from protein deficiency in developing countries. Oddly, a much bigger problem affects people across the globe: iron deficiency. Low iron can lead to weakness, impaired cognitive ability, increased risk of illness, and even death - and as many as 50% of the population are at risk. To solve this problem, please meet, Gavin Armstrong, the purpose-driven entrepreneur behind the Lucky Iron Fish. As the name suggests, this solution is quite literally “luck fish” made of iron and used in cooking to add iron into your diet. It’s elegantly simple, scientifically proven, and the compliance rate is off the charts. Every iron fish can provide an entire family with up to 75% of their daily iron intake for up to 5 years. All you have to do is cook with it! Gavin is a PhD Candidate in biomedical science at the University of Guelph [golf] and is a Fulbright Scholar. He has received the William J. Clinton Hunger Leadership Award and the Michaëlle Jean Humanitarian Award. He has also received the Mayor’s Award of Excellence, has been named one of the Top 40 under 40 in the Guelph community, and has been named a fellow emeritus of both the Hunger Solutions Institute and the Kirchner Food Fellowship. What You'll Learn: Why iron deficiency can cause up to 20% loss of work ability How low iron makes you more susceptible to malaria and HIV 3.5 billion people have deficiency The complexity of iron supplementation Since 2000, deficiency is up 10% globally Why tannins blocks iron absorption Why those with hemochromatosis must be wary of iron $70 billion in lost productivity Nutritional Tip of the Week:Echinacea Links & References from the Show:www.luckyironfish.com Got questions?Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsors! Wear Panda Panda sunglasses are eco-friendly eyewear handcrafted from sustainably sourced bamboo. They have also partnered up with Optometry Giving Sight so that every pair of sunglasses purchased gives the gift of vision to someone in need. And their new product, the Panda Bamboo Watch, provides the gift of education for developing communities around the world with every purchase, via their partnership with Pencils of Promise. By wearing Panda sunglasses you are creating a positive social and environmental impact all around the world. You're making a statement to the world that you support fashion with a purpose. Get 25% off you first order: YOGABODY

Negative lifestyle habits and poor food choices can impact the neural messengers that keep you energized, calm, focused, optimistic, and inspired. In many ways, our modern world undermines our brain health and can lead to imbalances with very serious repercussions. On this week’s talk show episode, Dr. Mike Dow introduces “The Brain Fog Fix”, a program designed to balance serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol, three essential chemical messengers for fog-free living. By naturally healing your brain health, you can find clarity, focus, inner peace while staving off future health problems.  Dr. Mike Dow is an author, psychotherapist, and the host of shows on E!, TLC, VH1, Investigation Discovery, and Logo. He makes regular appearances on Dr. Oz, Dr. Drew On Call, The Talk, Wendy Williams, Rachael Ray, Nightline, Good Morning America, The Doctors, The Talk, and Today. His latest book, The Brain Fog Fix, is available on Amazon.com.    Listen & Learn: Why farm-raised rainbow trout might be the best fish source for your brain How algae oils can be used as a plant-based (vegetarian) alternative for EPA and DHA How EPA can be more effective than prescription drugs for treating depression How 12 minutes of meditation daily can clear your mind, increase focus, and defog the brain Why spirituality is important for mental clarity    Nutritional Tip of the Week: Sesame seeds   Links & References from the Show: Dr Mike Dow’s Website   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsors! Yoga Design Lab  The innovative yoga brand Yoga Design Lab has been shaking up the industry with uber colorful yoga mats described by Refinery29 and Fitness Magazine as 'stunning works of art’. Designed in Bali by a Canadian surfer/yogi named Chad, who sold all his stuff and moved there to launch the idea in 2014. The young brand produces visually stunning, fashion-forward, eco-friendly yoga products designed to inspire. "I was seated in the back of a packed yoga class while on vacation in Ubud, Bali. Looking around, all I saw was a sea of unoriginal, massed produced, solid colored mats. My thinking was, there must be a way of creating a highly functional product that was also aesthetically beautiful. So the journey began. Long story short, I sold my stuff, packed up a couple bags and moved to Bali with the goal of creating a stunning line of yoga products that inspire more people to get excited about yoga.” - Chad, YDL Founder Blending fashion-forward design elements with innovative functionality and bio-renewable consciousness is key to the Yoga Design Lab approach. From insulated stainless steel water bottles, to yoga mats comprised of biodegradable natural tree rubber, to the water based inks used in the printed designs, we can all make a difference with the products we buy. Discount code: 15FRIEND    

Jackson MacKenzie is the co-founder of PsychopathFree.com, an online support community that reaches millions of abuse survivors each month. Driven by personal experience, his mission is to spread awareness and give survivors a safe place to validate their experiences, so that every empathetic person can find happiness and love after abuse. The expanded edition of his book, Psychopath Free, is now available on Amazon or his website.   You can learn more about his work at PsychopathFree.com ---------------------------------------- In this Show, You´ll learn:   What are the "Cluster B" disorders, and how to look out for them   As must a 4% of the population doesn't feel empathy, remorse, or have a conscious in the way you do How to deal with family members, intimate partners and co-workers who are psychopaths or sociopaths   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Buy Dirty Salt!   Links & References from the Show: https://www.psychopathfree.com/   Got questions? Write to us podcast@yogabody.com    Thanks to our sponsors!   www.yogabodynetwork.com   If you need recommendations on books, nutritional products, and even techy stuff like websites and design services, YOGABODY Network is there to help. Check out the different resources and helpful information available!  

For some strange reason, many yoga students overlook the importance of diet on their yoga practice—and this is a huge mistake. "You are what you eat," is a phrase everyone has heard, but in yoga, it's even more true than in other activities. Certain foods digest quickly, nourish your soft tissues, and simply make practice easier. Other foods fry your nervous system, slow digestion, and add unnecessary roadblocks to your practice.  In this Show, You'll learn: Why micronutrients are so important Which foods nourish your body's connective tissues Natural plant foods that turn off inflammation Nervous system balancing foods to eat and avoid   Nutritional Tip of the Week: trade in your refined white sugar for coconut palm sugar!   Links & References from the Show: http://www.YogaBody.com   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsors! Absolute Yoga Academy Absolute Yoga Academy is one of the most-respected and rigorous teacher training schools in the world. It’s a place where students go to become teachers, and where teachers go to become industry transformers. Join the movement!

Nutrition is such an important topic, and no matter where we find ourselves on our health journey,we are constantly looking for ways to feel better, live longer, and generally lead healthier, happier lives. This week, Lucas Rockwood and guest speaker, Ariane Resnick, dig into fundamentals of healthy home food prep, and more specifically, the power of old-fashioned, organic bone broth. Ariane Resnick is a private chef and certified nutritionist who specializes in organic farm-to-table cuisine. She has cooked for celebrities that include Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin, Agustina Groening, Lisa Edelstein and Jeff Franklin, and has been featured in media such as Well&Good NYC, In Style, Star, Goop.com, Food.com, Huffington Post, Refinery29.com, Muscle & Fitness, Men’s Fitness and Food Network’s “Chopped.”Her first book, “The Bone Broth Miracle,” was released in May. In this Show, You'll learn: Lyme Disease 101: how it’s diagnosed over overcome  Why bone broth is a super food (for some)  Is “Food a religion?” and how groups such as paleos, vegetarians, or raw foodists might help or harm you on your health journey  Why health has become an economic class issue How to start cooking good food   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Quinoa: your source of plant-based protein!   Links & References from the Show: http://www.arianecooks.com   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsor! MOUS  The MOUS Shaker was created for individuals who are passionate about fitness, and the environment. It is made of top quality, food grade plastic that experiences and displays glass like characteristics. The bottle itself is designed to be modular, with ease of assembly and disassembly. By sourcing only the highest food grade and BPA-free plastics (Eastman Tritan), the MOUS Shaker limits the ability of bacteria absorption. It’s not only the perfect companion for any athlete, it’s also fantastic for smoothies, juices, and fruit infused water detox.  

This week, we take a close look at the brain mechanisms of emotion and memory. With as many as 25% of adult women taking some form of antidepressants, emotional health has become a huge problem in the US - and around the world. On today’s episode, Lucas Rockwood and Joseph LeDoux talk about why our emotions are constantly being spun off balance, and what it is that we can do to get in better emotional health. Joseph LeDoux is a professor and a member of the Center for Neural Science and Department of Psychology at NYU. His work is focused on the brain mechanisms of emotion and memory. In addition to articles in scholarly journals, he is author of the books, The Emotional Brain: The Mysterious Underpinnings of Emotional Life and Synaptic Self: How Our Brains Become Who We Are. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a fellow of the New York Academy of Science, a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Science, and the recipient of the 2005 Fyssen International Prize in Cognitive Science. In this Show, You'll learn: The amygdala’s role in our emotional life Fear, pain, and danger as motivators vs. positive goals   How social media and the internet age affects our consciousness How the emotional landscape of animals differ from our own   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Fresh and vibrant: the health benefits of wheatgrass!   Links & References from the Show: http://www.cns.nyu.edu/home/ledoux   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsors!  Barefoot Yoga Co.  Barefoot Yoga is a unique and popular yoga product and apparel company, founded in 1996 out of sincere admiration of yoga and the desire to inspire its practice. We are well-known and established in the global yoga community with a solid reputation for providing the highest quality yoga products available online and at thousands of studios and stores worldwide. We have developed a number of our own Barefoot brand products, including yoga blocks, mats, silk eye pillows and the very first yoga mat bags.  

Can breathing unlock your inner power, strengthen your body, and boost your immune system? Wim Hof (aka the “Ice Man”) on this week’s Yoga Talk Show says, yes. Wim also says you’ll sleep better, improve your energy and boost your immune system if you practice his method regularly.  Wim Hof (aka the "Iceman") holds 20 world records including longest ice bath. He has summited Mount Kilimanjaro in nothing but shorts and nearly made it to the top of Mount Everest in shorts as well. His longest ice bath to date is 1 hour and 44 minutes. He's the author of Becoming the Iceman and the creator of an online program called, Wim Hof Method.  In this Show, You'll learn: The Wim Hof Method pillars of: cold therapy, breathing, and commitment How breathing, meditation and mind control can increase your health and wellbeing The impact of cold therapy on your body Why breathing techniques work  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Olive Oil: should you cook with it?    Links & References from the Show: http://www.wimhofmethod.com   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsors! www.YogaBody.com

Some people seem to be naturally flexible while others struggle with even the most basic poses—but this need not be. In this bonus episode, Lucas explains the difference between flexibility training and stretching warm-ups, two very different practices that are often confused and delivery completely different benefits.  In this Show, You'll learn: Why you should do stretching warm-ups before exercise, but should not do flexibility training Why stretching exercises before exercise will never lead to increases in flexibility, they simply maintain your current level How long-hold, passive stretching is most effective for nervous system and soft tissue change How to “hack” your nervous system with PNF techniques  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Dehydrated foods! Links & References from the Show: http://www.YogaTalkShow.com   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsors! www.YogaTalkShow.com  

Medical marijuana has always been a polarizing topic, clouded in controversy, and it can be challenging to distinguish the real medical benefits from the stoner myths. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, Dr. David Casarett takes us on a tour of the medical cannabis world to learn about its uses and benefits as “medicine”.  Dr. David Casarett is a physician, researcher, and tenured associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. His studies have included more than 10K patients and have resulted in more than a 100 articles and book chapters, published in leading medical journals such as the Journal of the American Medical Association and The New England Journal of Medicine. His many awards include the prestigious U.S. Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. Dr. Casarett recently launched MarijuanaResults.org, a platform for medical marijuana users to connect about their experiences and a source of data for medical professionals. His new book, Stoned: A Doctor's Case for Medical Marijuana, is available on Amazon.    In this Show, You'll learn: Medical marijuana: real benefits or excuse to get stoned?  Hemp vs cannabis: what’s the difference?  How to not smoke and not get high - but still use cannabis  Why cannabis legalization is suddenly spreading Nutritional Tip of the Week: The “dark side” of balsamic vinegar   Links & References from the Show: http://www.davidcasarett.com Stoned: A Doctor's Case for Medical Marijuana   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsors! www.AbsoluteYogaAcademy.com  

Ever heard of kombucha? Kombucha is a fermented tea loaded with beneficial bacteria, activated micronutrients, and if you like sour - it tastes amazing. Traditionally, it’s made with black tea and sugar, fermented by an added Scoby (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast) for days, weeks or even months. Basically, this is sweet, rotten tea that’s actually good for you.  On this week’s show, Lucas Rockwood and Hannah Crum explore the benefits of drinking Kombucha, and how easy it is to start brewing at home.  Hannah Crum, also known as "The Kombucha Mamma" has been brewing kombucha and teaching others since 2004. From homebrew hobbyist, to educator, to Master Brewer, Hannah is committed to providing the most accurate and up-to-date information to kombucha lovers and homebrewers at any stage in their experience. In this Show, You'll learn: The history of this rotten tea and its role in modern day society Wild vs. controlled fermented foods Store bought vs. homemade kombucha Do’s and don’ts for newbie at-home kombucha brewers    Nutritional Tip of the Week: Health metrics - how can you tell if you’re really healthy?   Links & References from the Show: www.kombuchakamp.com   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsors! www.YogaBody.com

Modern footwear leaves most people’s feet deformed by the time they reach adulthood, and these abnormalities lead to all kinds of movement problems, pain and cascading injuries.  For yoga students, stiff and deformed feet are synonymous with impaired balance and stability, and even though this is such a common problem, it’s something we rarely talk about. On this week’s talk show, Lucas is joined by, Dr. Ray McClanahan, to learn how to naturally fixing your feet and toes, as well as how to go about restoring the full function of your feet without resorting to corrective surgery.  Dr. Ray McClanahan is a podiatrist, runner and athlete.  He's the founder of Northwest Foot & Ankle in Portland, Oregon. In his 17 years as a podiatrist, he has learned that most foot problems can be corrected by restoring natural foot function.   Ray is the inventor of Correct Toes, silicone toe spacers. His professional goal is to provide quality natural foot health services with an emphasis on sports medicine, preventative and conservative options as well as education on proper footwear.   In this Show, You'll learn: Why elevated heels and arch support are usually a terrible idea in footwear  How you can restore the flexibility and mobility in your feet Why so many athletes get injured every year Medical/surgical foot correction vs. self-care and natural medicine What footwear you should be wearing   Nutritional Tip of the Week: Low carb diets: are they really all that?   Links & References from the Show: www.correcttoes.com   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsors! www.YogaTrapeze.com  

If you’re a vegan or a vegetarian, chances are someone has already asked you where you’re getting your protein from, or if you’re getting enough of it. We know many yoga students and teachers are exploring the plant-based diet, so this week we wanted to take a closer look at the challenges of a vegan/vegetarian diet, and what you need to do to avoid protein deficiency. Our guest this week, Dr. John Douillard, covers some of the most common questions around this topic; he also introduces the science of Ayurveda, and how it can provide valuable insights into your personal health. Dr. John Douillard, DC has written and produced numerous health and fitness books, CDs, and DVDs. He has been teaching and lecturing internationally for 28 years and publishes a free wellness video-newsletter filled with the latest studies and research. He was the Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Nets in the NBA and currently directs the LifeSpa- Ayurvedic Retreat Center in Boulder, CO, where he lives with his wife and six children. In this Show, You'll learn: Telltale signs of protein deficiency Why some people use meat medicinally How Ayurveda can provide insights into personal health Best sources for protein Nutritional Tip of the Week: Agave, the natural sweetener you should probably stay away from. Find out why!   Links & References from the Show: http://www.lifespa.com   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsors! www.YogaBodyBusiness.com  

Modern Hot Yoga practice originated from a teacher named, Bishnu Gosh, in Calcutta, India, though it’s probably best-known today from one of Gosh’s most influential (and notorious) students, Bikram Choudhury in Los Angeles.  The Hot Yoga world is changing very quickly, and while 20 years ago, Bikram studios were the only game in town, there are now dozens of new and alternative Hot Yoga styles and studio groups popping up.   In Canada, Moksha Yoga is a really great school founded by Ted Grand. In Asia and Europe, Absolute Yoga Academy is a leader, and in Mexico, there's Tony Sanchez (just to name a few). It’s truly amazing how Hot Yoga has spread to all corners of the world since it’s such an impactful style of yoga.  In this week’s Yoga Talk Show, we deep dive into the real history of Hot Yoga, not just the “creative” history that has informed pop yoga culture up until now. Hot Yoga historian and researcher, Jerome Armstrong, joins us to talk about his republishing of some previously lost manuscripts including one by Gosh’s star student, Buddha Bose. In this Show, You'll learn: The real origins of Hot Yoga Hot Yoga vs. Bikram Yoga All about Buddha Bose and his “lost manuscript” What the “84 advanced poses” sequence is all about  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Matcha - what it is, how it is grown, and the difference between matcha and regular green tea.   Links & References from the Show: www.buddhabose.com https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/242455566/84-yoga-asanas-by-buddha-bose   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Thanks to our sponsors! www.ecovessel.com

Just to mix things up a little at The Yoga Talk Show, this week, Lucas will lead you through a guided yoga breathing exercises called, Box Breathing. Box breathing is an easy-to-learn and highly effective practice that you’ll feel benefits from immediately.   Listen & Learn: How to slow your heart rate How to increase your heart rate variability How to stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system How to encourage alpha brain wave states How to reduce stress hormones and find stillness   And all this from a simple breathing practice!   References from the show: Basic pranayama mudra (see hand position below) Thanks to our sponsors!   www.PlankDesigns.com  

As a yoga student, you’ve no-doubt heard of pranayama (yogic breathing practices), but you’ve probably had very little experience practicing it. Yoga breath work is mostly a “lost art” today partly due to the fears and myths that surround the practice. The typical advice from teachers is that pranayama can only be learned after years of asana practice and then you must learn from a master - but is there any truth to that? Probably not.  Breathing practices can serve as a very comfy bridge between asana practice and seated meditation, and for aspiring students, it’s a shame to to miss this bridge. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, record-holding free diver, Sara Campbell, joins us to share her experiences with breath-holding, breathing techniques and benefits. Sara Campbell is the founder of, Discover Your Depths, a training program and philosophy that uses yoga, meditation and freediving to help people achieve personal transformation in all areas of their lives. Sara discovered yoga and meditation over a decade ago when her own health was suffering, and just a few years later achieved a record of 90 meter free dive on just one breath of air. Sara teaches yoga, meditation, breath-work and free diving. In this Show, You'll learn: What the “dive reflex” is and how it impacts our breath & body  How safe and/or dangerous is it to reduce breathing? The real vs perceived risks of pranayama (on land)  How breathing can lead to personal and even spiritual experiences    Links & References from the Show: www.discoveryourdepths.com   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Thanks to our sponsors: www.Onzie.com   

Yoga teaching was dominated by men until Russian-born, Indra Devi, came to Los Angeles in 1947 and quietly changed the direction of modern yoga forever. Devi was not only the first woman to break through the gender barrier, she was also the first western woman to study and teach in India with Krishnamacharya, a modern master whose students spread yoga throughout the world. On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, writer and researcher, Michelle Goldberg, shares highlights from her newest book all about the exceptional life of Indra Devi who is affectionately referred to as the grandmother of modern yoga.  Michelle Goldberg is an author and senior contributing writer for The Nation and her work has appeared in Salon.com, The New Yorker, The New York Times Book Review, Glamour, Rolling Stone,  New York, The Guardian (UK) and The New Republic.  Her books include: Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism, The Means of Reproduction: Sex, Power and the Future of the World, and her newest title, The Goddess Pose: The Audacious Life of Indra Devi, the Woman Who Helped Bring Yoga to the West   In this Show, You'll learn: How a Russian-born woman became a leading voice for yoga in the West during a time when Indian men were considered the authorities on yoga The peculiar India-Los Angeles connection in most modern yoga What it meant to be a yoga teacher over 50 years ago Why modern yoga is much “younger” than most people believe   Links & References from the Show: www.MichelleGoldberg.net     Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com

Environmental toxins, genetically modified food, chronic stress, and the rise in autoimmune conditions have all contributed to an explosion of thyroid problems. Dr. Will Cole joins Lucas on this week’s Yoga Talk Show to explore thyroid health, how you can get tested, treatment options, and the importance of your microbiome.  Dr. William Cole D.C, graduated from Southern California University of Health Sciences in Los Angeles, California. He has his post doctorate education and training in Functional Medicine and Clinical Nutrition. Dr. Cole consults in the Pittsburgh area and phone or webcam consultations for people around the world. He specializes in clinically investigating  underlying factors and customizing health programs for chronic conditions such as thyroid issues, autoimmune, hormonal dysfunctions, digestive disorders, diabetes, heart disease and fibromyalgia. Dr. Cole has been featured numerous times on Pittsburgh news affiliates WTAE-TV, KDKA-TV and WPGH-FOX. He is a health writer for international publications and lectures nationally. In this Show, You'll learn: Why there is a rise in thyroid problems Warning signs to look out for, and how to get yourself tested  To what extent it is possible to improve thyroid function with natural medicine What you can start doing right away to start nursing your body back to health   Links & References from the Show: www.drwillcole.com  Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com

People use the term "eat clean" in different ways, but what does a healthy diet entail? One of the biggest challenges many people face is reducing their sugar intake. Sugar in all its forms, not just the refined white crystals, is so difficult to avoid, so addictive, and so harmful to our health. In this week’s episode, Lucas Rockwood and Tosca Reno talk about how to identify “food” that is harmful for you, how to pull yourself off of sugar and beat the cravings. Tosca is the New York Times best-selling author of Your Best Body Now and the Eat-Clean Diet® series, and The Start Here Diet, selling more than two million copies globally. Tosca is the pioneer of the Eat-Clean Movement and one of North America’s most renowned health and wellness experts leading the pack in the battle against obesity.   Tosca is also a popular guest on numerous national television, radio and web programs, including Dr. Oz, Good Morning America, The Doctors, Steven and Chris, The Early Show on CBS, and Fox and Friends. She appears regularly as a Lifechanger on the entertainment news program Extra.   Her Gemini award-winning reality show Tosca: Flexing at 49, is now featured on Canada’s Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).   In this Show, You'll learn:   What it really means to “eat clean” How you can quit sugar without the cravings To what extent a fruit-only diet is healthy, especially if you have a sweet tooth Which micro nutrients we should be sneaking into our diet   Links & References from the Show: www.toscareno.com     Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Visit us on: www.YogaBody.com www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals   www.instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

Over-the-counter drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen are cheap, easy to obtain and provide instant pain relief - but they are more of a coverup than a cure. For these reasons, it’s no surprise that yoga students often look toward natural remedies first, and to help you with this area of study, Susun Weed joins this week’s Yoga Talk Show to share her wisdom about herbal medicine with a specific slant toward yoga students.  Susun Weed began studying herbal medicine in 1965 and wrote her first book, Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year (now in its 29th printing) in 1985 followed by a series of books including: Healing Wise, New Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way, Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way, and Down There: Sexual and Reproductive Health the Wise Woman Way. Susun Weed is a contributor to the Routledge International Encyclopedia of Women's Studies, peer-reviewed journals, and popular magazines, including a regular column in Sagewoman. Susun appears on many television and radio shows, including National Public Radio and NBC News. In this Show, You'll learn: What types of herbs help with sore muscles, sore joints, and connective tissues Which kind of teas and infusions are the most beneficial for you Whether plants can help with nervous system health and nervous system training Coffee and cannabis: friend or foe?    Links & References from the Show: www.WiseWomanMentor.com    Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com Visit us on: www.YogaBody.com www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals www.instagram.com/yogabodyfitness  

Ayurveda, often referred to as traditional Indian medicine, offers us a truly holistic look at health and wellness. From understanding your own personal constitution to the food you eat and the energies impacting you continuously, Ayurveda is truly a perfect pairing for yoga-minded students. My guest today is, Ananta Ripa Ajmera, founder of "Whole Yoga & Ayurveda" a health practice using Ayurveda Health Consultations, Private Yoga Classes, and workshop series to help clients transform. Ananta is a certified yoga teacher, Ayurvedic Health Practitioner, and a graduate from NYU Stern Business School. You may have seen her writing on ElephantJournal, MindBodyGreen, CureJoy.com, Vivid Life, DoYouYoga.com, ABCNews.com, and LIVESTRONG.com.   In this Show, You'll learn: What is Ayurveda, and why is it of interest to yoga students The elemental energies at play in our world, bodies and lives Quick tips to getting started with Ayurvedic principles to your life Tri-doshic or sattvic foods and activities Strengths and drawbacks of practicing Ayurveda Links & References from the Show: Ananta’s site: www.wholeyoga-ayurveda.com  Online dosha test: http://doshaquiz.chopra.com/   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Visit us on: www.YogaBody.com www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals www.instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

Everyone from trainers to medical doctors is touting the benefits of lifting, not just for cosmetic reasons, but for metabolic health, hormonal health, bone density, and more. Nia Shanks joins to Lucas on the Yoga Talk Show to share her experiences with weightlifting, and the impact that continuous exercise can have on your overall well-being.   Nia Shanks is a coach, health and fitness writer, and founder of "Lift Like a Girl" website and popular podcast. She is busting the myth that women can’t develop strong bodies in a healthy way and she wants them to embrace who they are and become even stronger, more awesome versions of themselves.   Nia has a degree in Exercise Physiology and has written for and been featured in: Burn the Fat Blog, Tribe Sports, Breaking Muscle, Experience Life Magazine, EliteFTS, Muscle and Strength, Contributor to TNation, Beautifully Hardcore, BodyBuilding.com, and more.   In this Show, You'll learn: The benefits of weight training for women (and men) Why injuries are so common in lifting and how to avoid them Gettings started 101 3 resistance training exercises to start now   Links & References from the Show: www.LiftLikeaGirl.com   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   Visit us on: www.YogaBody.com www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals www.instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

Poor sleep quality has reached critical mass, and the problem seems to be getting worse with our modern lifestyles. Whether it’s stress, anxiety or diet-related, millions are struggling each night. In an effort to improve your sleep, Dan Pardi shares his professional work experience and research into insomnia and narcolepsy, and the crucial role of sleep quality and good health.  Dan is a health researcher, educator and facilitator. Early in his career, he served as a Division 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach where he designed year-round training protocols for 13 different athletic teams. More recently, Dan developed the Loop Model to Sustain Health Behaviors that help people live a healthy lifestyle in our modern world. Dan  does research with the Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Department at Stanford, and the Departments of Neurology and Endocrinology at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Dan works with Naval Special Warfare to help elite fighters maintain vigilant performance in both combat and non-combat conditions. His current research looks at how sleep influences decision making.   In this Show, You'll learn: The underlying causes behind insomnia How good sleep (or lack thereof) can impact your health Quick remedies you can implement to improve the quality of your sleep High tech solutions & sleep hacking - does it work?    Links & References from the Show: www.dansplan.com   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals  http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

Running and injuries go hand-in-hand, but it’s such a fundamental, functional movement practice - and so good for you - there must be a way to spend your “life on the run.” On this week’s Yoga Talk Show, Lucas interviews, Bart Yasso, about the benefits and physical challenges of a life spent running across the world (literally).   Yasso joined Runner's World in 1987 to develop the "Runner's World Race Sponsorship Program," creating a vehicle for Runner's World to work with over 7,000 races representing 4 million runners per year. Inducted into the Running USA Hall of Champions.   Yasso also invented the Yasso 800s, a marathon-training schedule used by thousands around the world. He is one of the few people to have completed races on all seven continents from the Antarctica marathon to the Mt. Kilimanjaro marathon.   In 1987, Yasso won the U.S. National Biathlon Long Course Championship and won the Smoky Mountain Marathon in 1998. He has also completed the Ironman five times and the Badwater 146 through Death Valley.   He has also cycled, unsupported and by himself, across the country twice. In this Show, You'll learn: ✓The benefits and physical challenges of competitive running ✓ What its like to dedicate your life on the road racing ✓ Whether the minimal footwear and barefoot running movement makes sense ✓ What foods you should be eating when doing a ultra-running event Links & References from the Show:   www.BartYasso.com   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals     http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness  

Moringa is known as the “miracle tree” due to its many healing properties. With over 92 macro and mirco-nutrients, nearly every part of the tree can be used to heal and sustain life. This week, Lucas and Lisa Curtis discuss the power of moringa, and how the tree of life can help with malnutrition globally.     Lisa Curtis is the founder of a Morgina-based nutrition company called, Kuli Kuli. She began working on Kuli Kuli while in the Peace Corps in West Africa. As a volunteer in her village’s health center, she gained a first-hand understanding of the common nutritional challenges faced in West African villages and how moringa can play a role in helping to address those challenges.   Prior to Kuli Kuli, Lisa served as the Communications Director at Mosaic, wrote political briefings for President Obama in the White House and worked at an impact investment firm in India.   You can learn more about her company at KuliKuliFoods.com   In this Show, You'll learn: All about moringa, and other micro and macro nutrient dense plant foods To what extent moringa can help with malnutrition, and other diseases How much moringa you should be consuming What is the future of food? Links & References from the Show: http://www.yogabody.com/yoga-talk-show/   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals   http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

Pop health losing weight advise tells us to, "eat less and exercise more" - but research has shown this rarely works. This week, Lucas and Dr. Lori Shemek deep dive into the research around inflammation on our waistline, which anti-inflammatory exercises and foods are best for “cooling” off, and lesser-known tips for finding balance.   Dr. Shemek has been a featured health expert on numerous radio and televisions programs including: Ladies Home Journal, Shape Magazine, Woman's Day Magazine, Health Magazine, I-Village, Yahoo, Livestrong, CNN, Fox News, The Ricki Lake Show and many others. Lori also has a new book, How to Fight FATflammation, which is available now on Amazon.   While you're listening, you can check out her site at:  www.dlsHealthWorks.com   In this Show, You'll learn: How inflammation can contribute or even cause weight gain Why inflammation is a modern day pandemic   Which forms of exercise are good and which are bad for inflammation The superfoods that “cool” your inflamed body Links & References from the Show: http://www.yogabody.com/yoga-talk-show/   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals    http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

The art of Feng shui was developed in China over 3,000 years ago, and it’s based on the notion that what's happening in our homes is essentially a reflection of what’s going on inside us. The idea is that if we succeed in achieving good Feng Shui in our living and working environments, this will invite happiness, health and fortune in our lives.   In this week’s episode, Lucas talks to Dana Claudat about the ancient art of Feng Shui. Dana Claudat is a Feng Shui and art expert that helps people create harmonious homes and lives using this ancient Eastern practice. Dana is the founder of, The Tao of Dana, a popular blog on Feng Shui, and a contributing writer and editor to a number of popular sites. The Tao of Dana was a Finalist in the 2014 Apartment Therapy Homie Awards for Best Home Design & Inspiration.   While you're listening, you can check out her site at:  www.fengshuidana.com     In this Show, You'll learn: the basics behind the art of Feng Shui how to improve the energy of your home what you can do to improve the Feng Shui at work   Links & References from the Show: http://www.yogabody.com/yoga-talk-show/   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals    http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

Fear is one of the most powerful motivators on the planet. Unfortunately, it usually motivates us to play small, hide in our own shell, and avoid the awkward and personally challenging situations needed for us to self actualize. But to face your fear, almost by definition, means to embrace rejection. And for most people, rejection is scary.     This week, Lucas and guest Jia Jiang discuss the power of “rejection therapy”. Jia Jiang is an entrepreneur, blogger, speaker and writer. He's the founder of the online site Fearbuster.com that aims to beat fear one rejection at a time. He conducted a personal experiment where he asked for 100 different whacky things 100 days in a row just to completely break down the fear of reaction and welcome the world of possibilities—and that's why I have him on the show here today.   While you're listening, you can learn more about his work at Fearbuster.com   In this Show, You'll learn: What is “rejection therapy” , and where the idea came from How you can go about defeating your fear of rejection Some exercise you can start practicing at home to improve your self-confidence   Links & References from the Show: http://www.yogabody.com/yoga-talk-show/   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals    http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

The Yoga Talk Show had over 200,000 listeners in 2014, and we’ve had the pleasure of hosting a number of amazing experts. From best-selling authors and medical doctors to yoga misfits and mind-body researchers, The Yoga Talk Show continues to attract thought leaders around the world. In this special episode, we compiled “best of” soundbites to highlight interviews you may have missed. We hope you enjoy these little gems of knowledge.   In this Show, You'll learn: The challenges faced by our food system, agriculture and sustainability The impact of stress and anxiety in our lives - and how to deal with it The benefits of a healthy, raw food diet Yoga, handstands, practice, meditation, teaching children, and more!   Links & References from the Show: http://www.yogabody.com/yoga-talk-show/   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals  http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

We all know green juice is good for you, but you can take it much deeper and actually “reboot” your health and detoxify your body. This week, Lucas Rockwood talks with Joe Cross about juicing for health, and the powerful impact of an all-plant diet. Joe Cross is an Australian entrepreneur, author, filmmaker, and wellness advocate. You probably know him from his documentary Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead in which he tells the story of his own 60-day juice fast and road trip . He is the founder of Reboot with Joe, a health and lifestyle company, and he's just released a new book called, The Reboot with Joe Juice Diet: Lose Weight, Get Healthy and Feel Amazing that is a best-seller.   In this Show, You'll learn: The benefits of juicing for health All about Joe’s 60-day juice cleansing story What juices you should be drinking if you want to reboot Blended drinks: juices vs. smoothies   Links & References from the Show: http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals     http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

Back pain is pandemic, and it’s one of the top reasons people come to yoga class. In this week’s Yoga Talk Show episode, Lucas Rockwood and Esther Gokhale discuss how primal posture can help with chronic back pain. Esther Gokhale (Go-clay) has been involved in integrative therapies all her life. She studied biochemistry at Harvard and Princeton and, later, acupuncture at the San Francisco School of Oriental Medicine. After experiencing crippling back pain during her first pregnancy and unsuccessful back surgery, Gokhale began her lifelong crusade to vanquish back pain.   She is the founder and creator of, The Gokhale Method®, a unique, systematic approach to help people find their bodies’ way back to pain-free living.   Gokhale's book, 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back, has sold over 100,000 copies and has been translated into eight languages. In 2010, Gokhale hosted the nationally televised program Back Pain: The Primal Posture Solution (available on DVD).   In this Show, You'll learn: how primal posture can help with back pain the benefits of "tucking in your tailbone" and other exercises for the back Esther’s thoughts on ergonomic chairs, body-forming mattresses and lumbar spine pillows   Links & References from the Show:   http://gokhalemethod.com   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals   http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

Do you have an irregular spinal curve? This week, Lucas Rockwood and Deborah Wolk talk about holistic healing and yoga. Deborah Wolk has been teaching students with scoliosis and other back conditions since 2000. She was the co-founder and co-director of the successful Yoga Union Center for Backcare and Scoliosis, and is founding member and manager of Samamkāya Yoga Back Care & Scoliosis Collective in New York City.   In this Show, You'll learn:   To what extent yoga can help with back pain Which poses are helpful or harmful if you suffer from scoliosis How much yoga you should be committing to on a daily basis to see results More about Deborah’s work and her success stories   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals   http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

  Chocolate-covered ants and other novelty foods have been around for ages, but is anyone moving beyond the novelty foods and taking a deeper look at the real nutritional benefits of edible insects? This week, Lucas Rockwood and Kevin Bachhuber discuss the topic of insects-as-food. Kevin has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin Steven's Point, one of the nation's top schools for wildlife conservation and natural resources.   A lifelong urban farmer, Kevin founded Big Cricket Farms in response to growing water shortages, the rising costs of protein production, and a simple desire to eat bugs with friends. In 2006 his travels to Thailand, Kevin was able to sample a variety of edible bugs including crickets, and found them to be delicious! Upon returning to the USA, he also discovered that there were essentially no commercial sources of crickets for people to eat, so he decided to create one. In 2014, the time was ripe, and Big Cricket Farms was born.   In this Show, You'll learn: Why bugs might just be the future of food The farming of bugs in real life (what it’s like) Whether insects-as-food is truly sustainable Living off bugs: is it actually possible?   Links & References from the Show   http://nutritionstudies.org/ www.BigCricketfarms.com   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals    http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

This week, Lucas Rockwood and Dr. Thomas Campbell discuss food, nutrition and the health of our planet. Dr. Campbell is the co-author of, The China Study, an extremely influential and highly-debated book on food, nutrition, and plant-based diets specifically. He is an instructor of clinical family medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. A board certified family physician, he has a primary care practice in Rochester, NY.   In addition, Dr. Campbell is the executive director and an educator at the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, a nonprofit organization in Ithaca, NY, which promotes optimal nutrition through science-based education, advocacy, and research in partnership with eCornell, Cornell University’s online course provider. In this Show, You'll learn: The benefits of plant-based nutrition, raw foods and living foods The challenges of a wheat, soy, and starch-based approach to eating The healing impact of a plant-based diet on the human body The future of nutrition: how are we going to feed the world? All about Dr. Campbell’s new book, The Campbell Plan” Links & References from the Show   http://nutritionstudies.org/ http://www.thecampbellplan.com/   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals    http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

If you hang out on social media, it’s easy to get caught up in the seeming importance of the outward appearance of yoga. It’s easy to develop ideals of what a yoga body should look like when in reality, you don’t need a skinny, perfectly-toned body to be a great yoga student - and as most yoga teachers will tell you, it’s irrelevant. Join Lucas Rockwood and Anat Geiger as they demystify the stereotypical notions of body image and yoga.   Anat Geiger teaches Taoistic principles of Yin and Yang in her classes. Anat has a background in dance, performance, and theater. She is certified at the 500hr level and has studied with Teresa Caldas, Dona Holleman, Paul and Suzee Grilley. She lives in Amsterdam and her "home studio" is called, YogaGarden.   In this Show, You'll learn: That yoga is open to all, regardless of body shape Anat’s view on the topic of yoga for yoga people vs yoga for everyone More about the trend of “Big-bodied” yoga classes Mainstream yoga: the good and the bad   Links & References from the Show www.Anat.nl   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals    http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

When you feel stiffness, pain, and aches in your body, it can often be caused by connective tissue dehydration, a little-known, extremely-common condition that’s no good for yoga students. Join Lucas Rockwood and Sue Hitzmann as they deep dive into connective tissue hydration, corrective exercise, training “safe” rather than hard, and to heal your body.   Sue Hitzmann in the New York Times best-selling author of the MELT METHOD, a book that teaches her signature self-treatment technique for rehydrating your connective tissues, overcoming pain and injuries, and preventing future problems.   Sue is a nationally-recognized somatic-movement educator and manual therapist. She has decades of experience in practice, research, and study of anatomical science and alternative therapies all of which have gone into the creation of the MELT Method® (MELT).   In this Show, You'll learn: Why tissue hydration is so important for yoga Foam Rolling 101: what it’s all about Chronic pain: causes and treatment ideas Food, exercise, flexibility and stress The “Melt Method” and its benefits   Links & References from the Show http://www.MeltMethod.com   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabody.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals    http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

Want to learn more about functional anatomy, yoga, movement, and how all this impacts your range of motion and flexibility? Join Lucas Rockwood & Dr. Andreo Spina as they dive deep into soft tissue work, stretching vs flexibility, the nervous system, and much more. Dr. Spina holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology from McMaster University. He later graduated with summa cum laude and clinic honors from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College as a Doctor of Chiropractic and completed a two-year post-graduate fellowship in sports sciences.   In addition to being both the creator and head instructor of Functional Anatomic Palpation Systems (F.A.P.™), Functional Range Release (F.R.®) Techniques, and Functional Range Conditioning (FRC)™, Dr. Spina has also authored chapters in various sports medicine textbooks, is a published researcher, and internationally renowned speaker on the topics of manual therapy, soft tissue assessment and treatment, mobility/flexibility training, and physical conditioning.   In this Show, You'll learn: How we can maximize the efficiency of our anatomy so that we can improve movement and maintain health. All about functional range release and functional range conditioning, and why they are relevant for yoga students and athletes Why our actual soft tissue length and elasticity play such an important role when it comes to range of motion   Links & References from the Show http://www.functionalanatomyseminars.com   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabodynaturals.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals    http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

Ready to find out the scary truth about the food industry? In today’s episode, Vani Hari (aka "The Food Babe") talks about why it’s so important that we investigate what we eat. Vani is a food journalist and author taking on big food companies—and winning. To date, she has helped change foods produced by Kraft, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Subway. She has made appearances on CNN, ABC News and the Dr. Oz show, and her success stories have been covered by important papers such as the Washington Post, The New York Times and USA Today. Vani’s blog and her investigations have garnished international attention, and most importantly, helped lead to real change.   Tune in and find out more about why you should stay away from processed foods and what it is that you can do to help pave the way for positive change in the food industry.   In this Show, You'll learn: All about the investigations Vani Hari has carried out and her success stories The scary truth about additives and chemicals that are found in our food Why a world without processed foods in unlikely due to present socio-economical issues How you can hold big food manufacturers accountable, and help pave the way for change   Links & References from the Show www.FoodBabe.com   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabodynaturals.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals    http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

Do you struggle to find significance in you life? Meaning in your work? Purpose in your day-to-day routines? Living a life of purpose is something I think we all strive for, but it’s easier said than done. Listen in on this week’s Yoga Talk Show to learn more about the impact of food on our health from Ocean Robbins, the CEO of Food Revolution Network. Ocean is a an adjunct professor of Peace Studies at Chapman University, a blogger, a speaker, and a facilitator.   Ocean's grandfather founded, Baskin-Robbins (31 flavors) ice cream company, and his father is John Robbins, author of Diet for a New America which has inspired millions of people to live and eat in a more compassionate and sustainable way.   In this Show, You'll learn: What is “Food 2.0” and why it’s killing us All about the severity of today’s “toxic food culture” Why ethics are interwoven with the food choices we make How opting for a healthier lifestyle can impact our lives and planet for the better   Links & References from the Show www.OceanRobbins.com www.FoodRevolution.org   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabodynaturals.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals  http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness    

Are you as supple a leopard or as bendy as a tortoise? The “supple leopard” himself, Kelly Starrett, joins YOGABODY for an insightful class on the importance of listening to your body whether practicing yoga or working out. Kelly is a coach, physical therapist, author, speaker, and creator of MobilityWOD, an amazing online resource center for athletes, cross-fitters, and anyone who is obsessed with movement and performance.   Learn how to bridge the divide between fitness folks and yoga students, finding the similarities and differences between the two practices. You’ll discover why self-care is essential and how to avoid potentially dangerous movement patterns, particularly if you’re a newbie. Kelly is the author of, Becoming a Supple Leopard a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, and he's got a new book out now called, Ready to Run.   In this Show, You'll learn: Why “corrective exercise” is a form of self-administered physical therapy How to stay safe with any movement practice (yoga included) Why body workers and therapists are there to help, not heal you Why the traditional R.I.C.E advice for recovery is completely flawed   Links & References from the Show www.MobilityWod.com   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabodynaturals.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals  http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness  

Can broccoli “talk” to your DNA? Listen and find out more about epigenetics, candida and GMO food with special guest, Tom Malterre. Tom is a certified nutritionist who travels throughout the United States and Canada lecturing on topics such as Vitamin D, Gluten Intolerance, and Digestive Health. He empowers people through classes, seminars, and private counseling with his insight and depth of knowledge on the biochemical interactions within our body and their relationship to our diet.   In this Show, You'll learn:   How food has an epigenetic influence that could be more important than your genetics Why yeast, fungal overgrowth and candida are such huge problems Vitamin D 101: why we need it, how much to tak, how to get tested   Links & References from the Show www.wholelifenutrition.net     Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabodynaturals.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals    http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

Listen and learn all about acrobatics, inversions, hand-balancing and flexibility. This week’s guest, Andralyn Zayn, grew up as a competitive gymnast worked and trained with, The Underground Circus, in Vancouver before heading to circus school, where she specialized in hand-balancing and flexibility. During her studies, Andralyn created a new specialty that combined acrobatics and hand-balancing, and later developed a class that focused on increasing people’s ranges of motion and flexibility. She is now a PICP Level 1 and 2 Certified Personal Trainer, Agatsu Certified Kettlebell Instructor, and Certified Gymnastics Coach.   In this Show, You'll learn:   Flexibility “training” vs. stretching (they’re not the same!) Basic hand, shoulder positioning for yoga vs gymnastics Use of the wall, props, and strength training Passive, dynamic, PNF & balistic stretching - who wins? g   Links & References from the Show http://deflyingfitness.com/   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabodynaturals.com     http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals    http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness  

Learn the importance of functional anatomy, correctives exercises and self-treating your body. Jill Miller is the co-founder of TuneUp Fitness Worldwide and creator of the corrective exercise format Yoga Tune Up®. With more than 28 years of study in fitness, yoga therapy and anatomy, she is a pioneer in forging relevant links between the worlds of fitness, yoga, massage, and pain-management. She trains teachers and high level athletes as well as average working people who simply want to learn how to move and live better in their bodies. Jill has also created various practice, self-care and fitness programs, and is the author of The Roll Model- A Step-by-Step Guide to Erase Pain and Live Better in your Body.   In this Show, You'll learn:   All about the Roll Model Method Anatomical basics that yoga students should know Stretches and poses to heal & rehab shoulders How to beat chronic lower back pain   Links & References from the Show https://www.yogatuneup.com/   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabodynaturals.com   http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals    http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

Mark McClusky is the author of the new book, FASTER, HIGHER, STRONGER, and the Editor at WIRED.com in San Francisco. Prior to his work at WIRED, Mark was an editor at Mobile PC magazine, Editor in Chief of EA.com, and a reporter and editor at Sports Illustrated and SI for Kids magazines. He’s appeared on a lot of different shows, including Today, NBC Nightly News, PBS NewsHour, CNN, MSNBC, ABC News, and NPR.   In this Show, You'll learn:   What is more important in fitness, nature or nurture? How the world of video games and social media lead to great gains in fitness Why beetroot juice is currently the hottest performance-enhancing drink How the advancements in sports science will affect kids choices in sports Mark’s opinion on recent genetic and scientific breakthroughs   Links & References from the Show http://www.mcclusky.com/   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabodynaturals.com     http://YogaBody.com   https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals  http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

Rich Goldstein has been practicing yoga since 1981 and teaching Kundalini yoga since 2001. In 2000 Rich partnered with the founders of Yoga Yoga and has overseen the growth of the business from one yoga studio to five, building out the yoga wellness spa and initiating the development of Yoga Yoga Now, an online yoga studio. Rich received his Masters in Public Health at the University of Texas, and is a leader in providing programs that support lifestyle health in collaboration with traditional healthcare.   In this Show, You'll learn: What Kundalini and Ayurveda yoga are and why they are beneficial The importance of vegetarianism in your yoga practice Rich’s findings in the importance of ancient Indian medicine Why the average yogi’s diet is actually bad for you How to make your diet more healthy with four simple changes   Links & References from the Show http://www.YogaYoga.com http://www.naturalepicurean.com   Got questions?   Write to us: podcast@yogabodynaturals.com    http://YogaBody.com  https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals    http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

Nomi Shannon has been eating raw for over 25 years and still going strong at age 70. She is an award winning author and world renowned coach. Her best-selling book, The Raw Gourmet, has sold over 250,000 copies, making it one of the best-selling raw food books of all time.In this Show, You’ll learn: What to look out for when following a plant-based diet The benefits and risks of fermented and dehydrated food How to incorporate raw food into your diet without allowing it to dominate your life The essential kitchen utensils for starting out with raw food Links & References from the Showwww.RawGourmet.comGot questions? Write to us podcast@yogabodynaturals.com

Suzanne Bryant is a former journalist from New York City and became a certified yoga teacher in 2000 with Alan Finger of Ista Yoga. Suzanne has a Masters in Spiritual Psychology and Nutrition, and is the creator of the film YOGA IS, a modern yoga journey featuring celebrities such as Russell Simmons, Christy Turlington, Michael Franti and Buddhist scholar, Robert Thurman. The film in many ways captures the modern yoga experience so I’ve invited Suzanne on the show today to share her experience, her story, and role of yoga as she sees it through her lens. In this Show, You’ll learn: How yoga can help with emotional understanding and breakthroughs The influence of the guru system of yoga and its path for the future The importance of focusing on more than the physical aspects of yoga How yoga has changed in the past decade or so and where it is going in the future Links & References from the Show http://suzannebryant.com/ http://www.yogais.com/ Got questions? Write to us podcast@yogabodynaturals.com   www.YogaBody.com www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals   www.instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4   Angela Stokes-Monarch is a raw food-ist with an inspiring story about how starting a plant-based diet changed her life. She and her husband run a business together, The Raw Food World, along with a blog and YouTube channel, all promoting the amazing benefits of raw food. In 2002, prior to changing her diet and her life, Angela was morbidly obese due to a thyroid problem. Over the past 12 years, she has completed transformed her life. Speaking with Lucas, she explains her story and how you can improve your life, lose weight, and get healthy.   In this Show, You'll learn:   ·      How to use green foods daily for weight loss   ·      Why the REAL food is on the outskirts of the supermarket   ·      The importance of movement and exercise   ·      How to find support and guidance   ·      Why you should “live-it” not “die-it”   Links & References from the Show http://www.therawfoodworld.com/   Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabodynaturals.com http://YogaBody.com https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness           /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language:ES;}

Leslie Kaminoff is a yoga educator inspired by the tradition of T.K.V. Desikachar. He is an internationally recognized specialist with thirty five years’ experience in the fields of yoga, breath anatomy and bodywork.  Leslie currently practices in New York. He is the founder of the yoga blog, “e-Sutra,” and The Breathing Project, an educational non-profit in New York City dedicated to the teaching of individualized, breath-centered yoga. Leslie teaches The Breathing Project's unique year-long courses in yoga anatomy, which are  available online at yogaanatomy.net.  He is the co-author, with Amy Matthews, of the best-selling “Yoga Anatomy,” with nearly 500,00 copies in print. In this show you will learn: §  Why there is so much growing interest in yoga anatomy among students and teachers §  The difference between new school teachers and old guard yoga teachers §  The sustainability of yoga as an exercise for your body §  What new students should look out for in their body and breathing §  All about Leslie’s The Breathing Project

Dr. Vaughan Dabbs holds a Doctorate of Chiropractic and specializes in diversified and flexion-distraction techniques, muscle and joint rehabilitation and in treating low back, whiplash and sports injuries. Dr. Dabbs has published work in some of the most respected orthopedic journals in the country. He created a program called, the Accelerated Back Care System and he's also the author of the book, This is Why Your Back Hurts. In this Show, You'll learn: ✓ To understand the good, the bad and the complicated of being a chiropractor. ✓ How to identify the differences between "slipped disk", "bulging disk", and "herniated disk". ✓ If back pain has any root in emotions or psychology. ✓ When a back surgery is necessary. ✓ The 3 ways to tell what may be causing your back pain. --------------------------------------------------- Links & References from the Show Dabbs Rehab Center of Maryland http://www.dabbsrehab.com --------------------------------------------------- Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabodynaturals.com  

Esther Ekhart and her partner Bas started creating short, free Yoga videos for YouTube in 2008 while living in Ireland. The videos became very popular very quickly with over 20 million views and counting. In 2012, Esther and Bas moved back to the Netherlands and began fulltime work on EkhartYoga.com, a at-home practice site with extensive, full class and pose tutorials for student of all levels. In this Show, You'll learn: ✓ How to get started with an at-home yoga practice. ✓ The most important environmental elements for a home yoga practice. ✓ The role yoga can play on the lives of older people. --------------------------------------------------- Links & References from the Show ✓ Ekhart Yoga - http://www.ekhartyoga.com ---------------------------------------------------  Got questions? Write to us: podcast@yogabodynaturals.com --------------------------------------------------- 💻 http://YogaBody.com 💻 https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals   💻 http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness  

Eric Goodman is a Doctor of Chiropractic and also holds a degree in Health Sciences and Physiology.  Dr. Goodman is the creator of Foundation Training, a system where he combines his experiences as a strength coach, personal trainer and Chiropractor to create a simple strengthening program that facilitates the body’s natural healing ability and quickly improves degenerative movement patterns.  While we're talking, you can visit his website at http://FoundationTraining.com In this Show, You'll learn:  ✔ The good, the bad and the complicated of being a chiropractor. ✔ What does all this "slipped disk", "bulging disk", and "herniated disk" really mean? ✔ If back pain is rooted in emotions or psychology. --------------------------------------------------- Questions - podcast@yogabodynaturals.com --------------------------------------------------- 💻 http://YogaBody.com 💻 https://www.facebook.com/Yogabody.Naturals 💻 http://instagram.com/yogabodyfitness

Van is the founder of Mind-Body Fitness, Inc., a Canadian company that has been teaching advanced health and fitness techniques to clients like the Canadian National Snowboard Team, Olympic athletes and coaches, and corporations like VISA and Intrawest since 1996. In this Show, You'll learn: ✓ How yoga keeps runners injury-free   ✓ How shorter practices can be better for runners ✓ The power of consistency (and the dangers of “weekend warrior” training ✓ Real yoga plans for real runners YOGABODY Naturals 💻 www.YogaBodyNaturals.com  

Judy Gaman is an award winning author and public speaker. She has influenced and entertained audiences of all sizes, and her books can be found on the shelves at most national book chains as well as on Amazon.com In this Show, You'll learn: The truth about what makes (or breaks) the passionin your life 8 foods that are proven to turn on the fire Real stories of people who’ve lost their mojo and then found it again Real-world tips for busy people who want to get busy at home too

Sarah Lobisco is a naturopathic doctor who speaks professionally on integrative medical topics, has several journal publications, and is a candidate for postdoctoral certification in functional medicine.   She currently has a private integrative medicine consulting practice in Ballston Spa, New York, where she incorporates her training in holistic medical practices with conventional medicine.   In this Show, You'll learn: Why some people are more sensitive to smells. How to discover which oils are more suitable for you. If edible essential oils are good or bad for you. How to start utilizing essential oils.

Dr. John Douillard, DC has written and produced numerous health and fitness books, CDs, and DVDs. He has been teaching and lecturing internationally for 25 years and publishes a free wellness video-newsletter filled with the latest studies and research. He was the Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Nets in the NBA and currently directs the LifeSpa-Ayurvedic Retreat Center in Boulder, CO, where he lives with his wife and six children. In this Show, You'll learn: Telltale signs of protein deficiency Why some people use meat medicinally How to find a healthy balance in your with protein Best sources for protein

Rolf is certified by David Swenson to teach Ashtanga Yoga. He’s also certified at the 500hr level witih Embodyoga. Rolf has studied also studied with Ana Forrest, Dharma Mettra, Beryl Bender Birch, Tias Little, Pattabhi Jois, Richard Freeman, and Rodney Yee. In this Show, You'll learn: The importance of the vagus nerve for relaxation and life balance How yoga, breathing, and mind-body practices stimulate your nervous system—in a good way! The often-overlooked science of yoga The physiology of emotional dysfunction and how yoga can help

Stephanie Johnson is a primary school teacher and yoga teacher in Sydney Australia and the founder of an organization called, That Yoga Feeling.   Last year, Stephanie took the plunge, took leave from her job and went to India to study to be a yoga teacher. Now, she teaches yoga at a community class in after school to children. In this Show, You'll learn: If kids can really be taught yoga. Why you need to teach children to meditate. How to teach kids to meditate.

Jen Kluczkowski is an 800-Hour Certified Jivamutki Yoga teacher, the co-founder and yoga director of Yoga Means Business, a new concept that brings yoga to the workplace. Her organization has been featured in Fast Company, Men's Fitness, The Huffington Post, and many more publications. Their corporate clients include Facebook, L'Oreal, and the Gilt Groupe, and for anyone stuck in an office most of the day, we're going to talk about some ways to bring yoga to your life.   In this Show, You'll learn: The life experiences that lead to starting the business of taking yoga to the workplace. How Yoga Means Business merges fitness with the work environment. Why yoga is more accessible today than ever. How a company’s staff integrates yoga into their daily routines.

David Epstein is an investigative reporter who has won numerous awards including the Society of Professional Journalists 2010 Deadline Club Award, Time Inc.’s Henry R. Luce Award for public service, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association’s “Big Hearted Journalism” award among others. Epstein is currently best-known for his New York Times bestselling book, The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance, and we're going to be talking about human performance, and discussing nature versus nurture in athletics. In this Show, You'll learn: If people are really getting physically faster and athletically superior each year. What makes athletes anatomically and genetically different? If it’s hard work, genetics, or both when it comes to athletics? How the research in genetics and performance is impacting out lives.

Jenni Rawlings is a highly-experienced yoga teacher and the founder of the first dedicated yoga store in the U.S. called, Drishti in Santa Barbara. She's done extensive training with a particular emphasis on anatomy and biomechanics. In this Show, You'll learn: Whether or not you should aim to have your mula bandha engaged for your entire practice. How to better instruct yoga students to engage their core. What exercises can be complementary to a yoga practice. 

Peggy Kwisuk Hong has been teaching Iyengar Yoga since 2001 and is certified as an Intermediate Junior II teacher by the Iyengar Yoga National Association. She lives in Detroit where she founded, taught, and directed a nonprofit Iyengar Yoga center, Riverwest Yogashala, from 2003-2012. Peggy has done very interesting work with Karma yoga, or yoga of service, and with my company, we're always trying to find new and effective ways to donate our time and funds, so this is why I've invited Peggy on the show today.   In this Show, You'll learn: How Peggy is democratizing yoga so it’s available to everyone. What makes Iyengar Yoga special and why you should practice it. What “Community Gift Yoga” is and how it’ll change the world.

Paul Rodney Turner, the “Food Yogi” is the international director of Food for Life and the co-founder of Food for Life Global, the world headquarters for the charity. Food for Life is the largest plant-based food relief project in the world with helping people in over 50 countries and serving up to 2 million meals daily. In this Show, You'll learn: Why Paul is called the “food yogi” and what it means to him. How Food for Life is serving millions of meals to people in need. The easy and hard things of having been a monk for 14 years. How food can be meditative and spiritual.

Gary and Valerie are the cofounders of the Grow Your Own Food Summit. Gary Heine is the co-founder of Heine Brothers’ Coffee an importer and roaster of organic, fair-trade coffee with distribution in nine Louisville, Kentucky cafes. Valerie is the co-founder of the not-for-profit 15Thousand Farmers which teaches people how to grow food simply at home. She has also served as Executive Director for Eco Soul for many years supporting sustainable energy projects.   In this Show, You'll learn: What fair trade means and why is it so important particularly on coffee, chocolate, and cotton. Why they're so passionate about teaching people to growth their own foods. How to get started planting and growing your own food at home.

Daniel Vitalis is a Health, Nutrition, and Personal Development Strategist. He encourages people to “ReWild Themselves”. He is the creator of FindASpring.com, a great resource to help people find fresh, clean, wild water wherever they live, and the founder of Surthrival, a lifestyle, health and adventure brand.  Daniel was recently featured in the documentary film, “Hungry For Change”.  You can find him at Surthrival.com or DanielVitalis.com. In this Show, You'll learn: What “rewild” means and why it’s more important than ever. How to blend food and exercise into a more holistic plan.  Why eating locally grown superfoods beats the imported stuff.  

David Kyle has developed a wonderful yoga practice and will teach you all he knows about handstands and inversions. David is a professional yoga teacher and trainer who lives and works in Puerto Rico. He evolved from break-dancer to yogi and learned that it was much more complicated to stand still in a handstand than to jump around in it. In this Show, You'll learn: The truth about strength, size and yoga (a.k.a. do you need huge muscles?) Overcoming the “fear of falling” and how to take it step-by-step when learning to be upside down The “mental game” of inversions and the importance of concentration and visualization

Many people join yoga to get fit and toned but a large portion also do it to get rid of cellulite. Joey Atlas is an expert in reversing the causes of cellulite. Joey is the author of a bestseller on Amazon.com and has 2 degrees in exercise physiology. In this Show, You'll learn: What exactly is cellulite? Whether cellulite is genetic or not? Who’s more prone to cellulite? If beauty products for cellulite are effective?

David Simon is a lawyer and advocate for sustainable consumption. He's the author of the book, Meatonomics, a book about the economic impact the meat, fish, egg and dairy industry is having on our economy and lives. In this Show, You'll learn: If grass fed meat is really better socially and economically. Which has the biggest impact, meat or dairy. How a hamburger costs $1, the reality behind that price. Possible solutions to a broken food market.

Have you ever wondered why some people look and feel great on a plant-based diet long term while most people end up quitting? Trevor Justice has dedicated a large portion of his life promoting a healthy vegetarian lifestyle and is the director of The Vegetarian Health Institute. In this Show, You'll learn: The truth about B12 1 simple trick for absorbing iron Where to get Vit D in plant foods The big problem with Omega-6 plant oils

Donna Gates, writer of The Body Ecology Diet speaks about how to restore and maintain the important "inner ecology" your body needs to function properly and to eliminate or control the symptoms that rob you of the joy of living.

Roger Fredericks is golf instructor who's worked on flexibility with over 20,000 golfers and 60+ Tour Players, which include such Hall of Famers as Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus. In this Show, You'll learn: The #1 most neglected aspect of health & fitness. How to identify poor posture in yourself and others. A quick and easy flexibility test.

Steve Meyerowitz is considered the “sproutman”  He began teaching indoor gardening and sprouting in New York, he’s the author of Sprouts the Miracle Food, Sproutman’s Kitchen Garden Cookbook, and Wheatgrass Nature’s Finest Medicine. In this Show, You'll learn: How to mineralize your body through young sprouts. The role of fasting and juicing as natural medicine. The energy boost that comes from eating live sprouts.

Jon Gabriel was a Wal Street trader that weighed over 400 pounds until he began researching everything he could about the hormones, enzymes, neurotransmitters and chemical massagers that cause weight gain. Over a two-and-half-year period he lost 220 pounds, without dieting and is now the creator of The Gabriel Method. In this Show, You'll learn: How to stop dieting and start nourishing. Why it’s important to improve digestion. The importance of a mind-body approach to weight loss.

Tina Leigh is wellness counselor, yoga teacher, therapeutic chef. Having contended with her own health challenges, she is deeply empathetic and resonates with others who are on their journey to whole body wellbeing. She is the author of 2 books, Balance Raw and Superfood Juices & Smoothies. 

Erin is the creator of Shrink Session, a fitness program available in gyms across the country—and an at-home version is available on demand. Erin is the featured trainer in the popular fitness app, PUMP ONE. She has created video workouts for SHAPE.COM and has appeared as a lifestyle and fitness expert for the HEALTHGURU.com. Erin’s mission is to inspire, educate and empower people in a fun, and entertaining way. In this Show, You'll learn: How to use positive affirmations with your fitness Why self-talk combined with self-practice lead to big changes How to keep your daily fitness routine mind-body focused

Laurentine ten Bosch and James Colquhoun are nutritionists become filmmakers that felt compelled to share the real world story of food and nutrition. Today Food Matters has launched FMTV where you can find the very best films and documentaries about health and wellness. In this Show, You'll learn: What is in the soil where your plants are being grown. How we’ve strayed from natures natural design. The benefits of permaculture as food production. How agriculture and our bodies are interconnected. 

Ger Van Der Wal is one of the biggest proponents of eating bugs, insects and things that will normally make your skin crawl. He’s the founder of Deli Bugs and online shop where you can try some crickets, grasshoppers, ants and even worms. In this Show, You'll learn: Why insects are the future of food Why insect protein might just be better than any other protein on the planet How bugs can be tasty & delicious How to experiment with bug eating  

Rubin Naiman, PhD is an internationally recognized leader in integrative sleep and dream medicine. He is director of Circadian Health Associates, an organization that provides information, goods and services in support of sleep health. In this Show, You'll learn: Why we physically and spiritually need sleep. How to setup an appropriate sleep environment. How and why sleep is important for your health. The role of waking, dreaming and sleeping. 

After horrible back injuries Diamond Dallas Page went from pro wrestler to passionate yoga teacher. Page’s mission it to make yoga available for the “regular guy” and his book, DVDs and education do just that. In this Show, You'll learn: How Dallas healed a major L4/L5 injury using yoga How Dallas helped a disabled war vet regain his ability to walk  (and run, and teach and practice yoga) How Dallas’ “everyman” style is opening up yoga to “non-yoga” people all over the world

Howard Jacobson, PhD, is an online marketing consultant, health educator, and ecological gardener from Durham, N.C. He earned a Masters of Public Health and Doctor of Health Studies degrees from Temple University, and a BA in History from Princeton. Howard cofounded VitruvianWay.com, an online marketing agency, and is a coauthor of Google AdWords For Dummies. His current life goal is to turn the world into a giant food forest.   

Medical Doctor, Joel Kahn is a leading authority in heart disease prevention and reversal. He's the author of the soon-to-be released book called, The Holistic Heart Book. You may have also seen him on TV or read his Reader's Digest column.  

Stella Grizont is the founder and CEO of Woopaah, a company that focused on The Science of Happiness, "hacks and skills to flourish." She creates immersive play experiences for people at work to feel happier, more creative, and connected.  Her clients include Google, Columbia University, and New York City's Department of Transportation. Stella was one of the first people to earn a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.  

Steven Kotler is a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and co-founder and director of research for the Flow Genome Project. His books include the non-fiction works "The Rise of Superman," "Abundance," "A Small Furry Prayer".  

Jasmin Singer is the co-founder and director of, Our Hen House, a non-profit animal rights activist organization as well as an extremely popular podcast by the same name. Jasmin also has a really amazing personal story of health transformation.     

Karen X rose to notoriety after one of her YouTube videos went viral. In that video Karen taught herself to dance in a year. Now she’s on a mission to encourage people to practice something for 100 days.  

Sarah Fragoso, best-selling author of EVERY DAY PALEO, author of the Every Day Paleo Family Cookbook as well as Everyday Paleo Around the World: Italian Cuisine and the soon to be released Everyday Paleo Around the World: Thai Cuisine. In this Show, You'll learn: The importance of a paleo diet About incorporating paleo into daily life What to consider before going paleo Yoga trapeze exercises for hips Yoga for neck pain and strength  

Dave Asprey is a biohacker who has spent more than $300K on weird pills, science experiments, at-home quantified self gizmos, and extreme brain training sessions. Perhaps best known for his "Bulletproof Coffee," Dave is a pioneer in nutrition for cognitive performance not just physical performance. Basically, he's the guy CEO's go to when they want to get more stuff done and not die in the process.    

After 10 years of research, analyzing over 1,300 studies, and garnering endorsements by top doctors from Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins, Yale, and UCLA, Jonathan Bailor is a nutrition and exercise expert and  former personal trainer who specializes in using high-quality food and exercise to simplify wellness and weight loss. He is an extremely popular podcaster. His show is called, and that is also the name of his soon-to-be released book which I'm excited to be getting a review copy of later this week.  

The Caltons are among the world's leading experts on the topics of weight management, lifestyle medicine and micronutrient deficiency. Their high success rate working with adults and children to achieve sustainable weight loss and reverse health and disease conditions has made their consultancy highly sought after by celebrities, athletes and top corporate executives around the world. It is their belief that becoming micronutrient sufficient is the first step towards preventing and reversing many of today's most prevalent health conditions and diseases.  

JJ Virgin is a fitness and nutrition expert, a speaker and media personality. She has over 25 years experience and is the author of The NY Times bestseller The Virgin Diet: Drop 7 Foods, Lose 7 Pounds, Just 7 Days. The Virgin Diet has also been a bestseller in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, and numerous other media outlets. JJ is also the author of  Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy, published by Simon & Schuster Gallery, and co-starred on the TLC reality series, “Freaky Eaters”.  

Emily Fletcher is a mediation teacher with extensive training in Vedic meditation, she had a 10-year career on Broadway including roles Chicago, The Producers, A Chorus Line and many other shows. She first experienced the benefits of meditation as an actress and she now helps every day people, celebrities, and everyone in between discover the powerful benefits of meditation in their lives.  

Jonathan has been practicing yoga since 1995 and has been teaching since 2000, having studied with some of the yoga community’s leading teachers. He owned and operated the Yoga Center of Brooklyn from 2001-2009 and created the CoreWalking Program in 2005 because walking is something we all do and walking correctly is an amazing way to bring positive change to our ageing bodies.  

Dr. Axe’s calling to natural health and medicine came when he was a child and saw his mother battle an illness. He has since founded the Exodus Health Center one of America’s largest wellness clinics as well as being the co-founder of BurstFit. Lucas also answer listener questions about yoga and flexibility. This week’s nutritional tip is all about MSG.  

Katrina struggles through her teenage years with her body, weight and self-image. She admits to dieting from very young and very unsuccessfully. Katrina delves into how she changed her life after a frightening situation in Australia. We also have lots of answers to your question ranging from how to do a behind the back arm reach and tips on proper headstand technique to whether or not yoga is appropriate for people with hip issues. The nutritional tip is regarding aspartame, an artificial sweetener, you won’t want to miss this episode.  

In episode 76 Lucas speaks with Ike Allen, founder of Avaiya, filmmaker, philosopher and creator of Super Shrink Me, a film where Ike eats junk food for 30 days and he does just fine. In our Q & A we get answers to, yoga and boxing, downward facing dog technique, best time of day for yoga and so much more. The nutritional tip has to do with: reverse vegetarianism. Listen to learn more about all that stuff.  

Welcome to the Yoga Talk Show.  Your one-stop destination for all things yoga, health and wellness.  

Welcome to the Yoga Talk Show.  Your one-stop destination for all things yoga, health and wellness.  

Lucas:              Welcome to the Yoga Talk Show, your one-stop destination for all things yoga, health and wellness.  So hello and welcome, everyone.  This is Lucas Rockwood, and I'm here today with Nick Polizzi, who is the creator of Sacred Science and he was also heavily involved with Simply Raw, two films that most of you are probably very familiar with.  And if you're not familiar with them, you'll be familiar with them very soon.                           I met Nick about a year ago in New York city at a conference, and it's really interesting.  There's kind of frontline people and then behind the scenes people, and it's interesting because the behind the scenes people do a lot of the heavy lifting and a lot of the conceptual work and so it was really interesting and exciting for me to meet Nick, who was involved in the film Simply Raw, which already had a huge impact on me and my life and on a lot of our listeners' lives as well.                           In any case, Nick's going to be talking to us today about his wild adventures in alternative health, raw food, herbal medicine and medicinal healing.  So thanks for joining us, Nick.   Nick:               Oh, it's a pleasure to be here.   Lucas:              So as we're having this chat, you're right in the middle of a big launch of Sacred Silence, which is a film that you shared with me about a year ago.  And for people who are listening who have never heard of anything kind of off the wall, medicine man, healers, (01:23) give us an overview of what that whole project was all about.   Nick:               So just going back to Simply Raw, I've been involved in a couple films before The Sacred Silence, and both of them were about alternative healing strategies.  One is the Tapping Solution that's all about meridian points and tapping on different spots on your upper torso while going through traumatic events from your past and releasing pain that way, which is more of a Chinese medicine style.                            Then Simply Raw came along, and that was more of a nutrition-based, super food-based film.  As we made those movies, while we were interviewing the different experts that you saw in each of those, (02:05) it felt like a lot of them, when we asked them about the origins of their teaching, were turning to more indigenous practices, in particular Shamanism.                            So we kind of took note of it, but when we were making those films you kind of keep your eye on the ball and keep creating the film that you're making.  But I was really curious about Shamanism by the time I had finished making those two films, or being involved in those two films.  So once those films were out, the next project for me was, hey let's at least take a look at Shamanism, figure out what it's all about.                            And we sort of scoured the globe for the most Shamanic-rich cultures, and the Amazon has one of the most, if not the most, dense percentage of Shamans per capita on the planet.  So we went down to the jungle, started doing some research.  Not only is there a really thriving culture of Shamanism, medicine man, I'm not sure if your viewers are familiar with this idea of the indigenous healer.  (03:14) The Shaman is somebody who plays the role of both the priest, the healer and the wisdom keeper in any given tribe.                           If you look into different parts of the world, most indigenous cultures have a Shamanic-type structure, where there isn't really a government, there isn't really a -- what interested us most about the Amazon was that not only does it have a very rich lineage of healing in a lot of the remote cultures that live within the jungle, (03:50) but the jungle itself is home to over 44,000 species of plants, less than 3% of which have been studied by modern medicine for their medicinal value.                            So we thought to ourselves, okay so on one hand we have what we're looking for.  There are amazing medicine men, medicine women in this culture that are doing incredible work, but on top of that they have the benefit of a pharmacopeia of amazing healing plants that haven't been studied by modern medicine yet.  That's what led us down to the jungle, and that's what pretty much culminated in the film, The Sacred Science.   Lucas:              So you're this guy and (04:25) what makes you want to make movies about energy healing, about raw food, about medicine men?  Most independent filmmakers are making movies about two disturbed teenagers wandering across the Brooklyn Bridge and things like this.  What prompted you to do this?  Did you have a health crisis in your life?  Is there a health crisis in somebody else's life?  Is it just something that's always fascinated you?   Nick:               I never really knew what it was until at one of the film festivals we were in, during the Q&A it just popped out and I realized that that was probably what it was.  I realized what it was.  (04:59) I was hit by lightening when I was 16, and it's really interesting how we a lot of times forget or compartmentalize and disregard some of the significant things that have happened to us in our life as just being, 'Oh, that can't possibly be contributing to where I am now.'                           But once I got hit by lightening, and it wasn't some crazy, sacred thing where I was on top of a mountain and it just happened and it was this amazing, enlightening experience.  I was playing basketball in my driveway and it was during a thunderstorm, and lightening came up as I was going up for a lay-up and hit my basketball hoop.  I was after that, a much different person.  It did something.  I don't know how woo-woo you want to get, but it definitely shifted something inside me, and there were a lot of episodes I had that were unexplainable.  Nick Ortner, producer of The Tapping Solution, a good friend of mine, helped me through and was fascinated by.  He had no way of understanding them, neither did I.                           I didn't need to be sold on holistic medicine.  Let's put it that way.  I didn't need to be sold on energy work.  That was something I already had a dose of, probably too soon, without having any way of understanding what it was.  But I probably was initiated into some sort of spiritual healing practice when I got hit by lightening when I was 16.   My career has somehow manifested in such a way that I get to make films about this stuff.  So that's the origin probably of how I started on this path, and then once I started making films about alternative medicine all the rest of my career kind of just filled in by itself and that's where I am right now.  (07:11) I'm on this path of trying to figure out how to legitimize a lot of these archaic, traditional healing methods that have been kind of discarded over the last 1,000 years.  So I don't know why I love this so much, but it's kind of all I ever want to do.  It's really all I want to do is create films that explore new healing modalities.  Sorry, that was a long answer.   Lucas:              No, no, it's interesting.  I think if the sky parts and strikes you down, I can imagine that would have a profound impact on everything thus forward.  One thing that I'd like to ask you about, because you've gone down in the Amazon, you experienced some really freaky, alternative stuff.  One thing that I find in the alternative world, and this is me speaking as somebody who's guilty of this, as anybody else, but as soon as we get into the alternative world we immediately assume alternative is better.  We throw away all the conventional stuff.  So I'm just curious.  You took some pretty ill people into the jungle and you took some people who would normally be on very, very conventional medicines to very alternative medicines.  I'm wondering your totally biased opinion, how did you walk away from that?  (08:26) Did you walk away thinking, hey this is the answer or this is an answer or how did your perception change in terms of finding a balance between allopathic medicine and traditional healing medicine?   Nick:               I think I walked away with a feeling that might not be as interesting as I wish it was.  I think my feeling was that some of these methods are extremely effective at treating certain illnesses.  The neurological disorders, like Parkinson's, incredible.  (08:59) There are things going on in the jungle right now that are going to be probably heard about relatively soon, plants that are being discovered that it's like night and day with what you're seeing right now on the market for Parkinson's and MS and things like that.                           But other things, like cancer, one of our patients in the film had extreme results, beneficial results from cancer.  A few of the other patients didn't, and that was kind of how it was.  And I think that's probably why people look at our film as being reliable or trustworthy, is because we show you both.  We're showing you what does work, what doesn't work.   But I think that my overarching feeling about these modalities is probably a little bit more boring now than it was before I went down there.  I think I went down there with this idea that, wow this is all going to cure everybody.  (0948) But I think that my feeling right now is that modern medicine and natural medicine are both very important, and modern medicine is extremely good at treating acute conditions but it's terrible at treating chronic ones.  I think that Amazonian medicine and indigenous medicine in general is really good at treating the chronic conditions.   So I think they both have a very substantial role to play.  It's just that one of them is dominating right now, and we need to sort of leave some breathing room for the natural medicines to come in.  David Wolfe says it really well.  He says 200 years ago, if Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall you wouldn't be able to put him back together again.  Now you can.  But you also have ridiculous increases in chronic conditions, too, right now.   So I think that both of them are very valid, and I think our mission really is to just give voice to the natural medicines that have sort of been ignored or discarded, discredited over the last 200 years.  So that's how I feel about it.  Just as a wrap up, the beautiful thing about the Amazonian traditions and other indigenous healing traditions, in Siberia and in Australia, is that they treat you from within, so that even the patients that didn't get healing results in our film still email me now talking about how even though their body didn't heal the way they wanted it to there were life-changing spiritual transformations that happened that they continue to feel the benefits from.   Lucas:              Yeah, I think there's no question that the mind aspect in healing is just really coming to the forefront right now and it's pretty undeniable to bring that into any kind of healing modality.  When I was a teenager, I used to spend summers in the Sierras in California, working at about 10,000 feet with a string of burrows.  One summer I was up there and I met this guy.  He scared the pants off me, actually.  He would spend the entire winter in the cabins that I would live in when I was up there.  And spending a winter at 10,000 feet in the California Sierras is like spending a winter on the moon or Antarctica or something.  Nothing should live.  In May, there's still snow everywhere.                           He was this big, big, giant guy, nearly seven feet tall, didn't have any meat left on his body.  I kind of got his story, and he'd been coming there and he considered himself the caretaker of this cabin.  Nobody had ever hired him, nobody ever knew he came but he'd been the winter caretaker for something like 25 years.  He had really, really bad gear, so he would come in on cross-country skis, come in about 35 miles on cross country skis.                           In any case, I thought this guy is going to know these plants.  I was spending all this time on the land and I was fishing in the creeks and I was really trying -- the truth is, there isn't much.  When you get that high, things really start to die.  But I figured this guy's going to know the land.  It was interesting, he did.  He knew every single thing you could eat, and again, there weren't many.  And he knew about the different kinds of fish and how the fish were originally brought in and they weren't native and all these kind of things.                           What was interesting to me, I think it kind of relates to what you were saying, is (13:27) a lot of times the biggest revelations are really pretty subtle.  His big thing, his big take away from the Sierras was this willow bark.  This willow bark, he discovered, was similar to aspirin, which was helpful in terms of pain from his walking around in bad shoes, but he also found that it had this anti-aphrodisiac property, which he thought, of course, a solitary male basically living like a monk in a hut.  He thought this was going to be the next big thing.  He thought if they just gave this to teenage boys, like the truancy and the delinquency rates were going to completely drop through the floor.  But it was interesting and it was really, really subtle.  He'd find a natural form of pain relief and a natural way to deal with what would normally drive a man from the forest, which is his libido.                           Interesting stuff.  (14:29) So I also know in the film, there was one gentleman who didn't make it.  Is that right?   Nick:               Yes, that's true.   Lucas:              That's pretty heavy.  How did that impact you?  How did that impact the group?  Were you prepared for that?  How did that go down?   Nick:               I was not prepared for that.  (14:49) As much as we knew it was a possibility, obviously we took very sick patients down to the jungle, we were prepared for it in terms of on the ground with the right services and everything that somebody would need, but in terms of emotionally I wasn’t prepared for it.  I'm an optimistic guy.  Even though I throw myself into pretty intense situations, I always like to sort of expect the best result to happen.  I wasn't mentally or emotionally prepared for it, and it was a really intense experience.    The gentleman who died, he was suffering from neuroendocrine cancer, and he was one of my -- I hate to say this, but he was one of my favorites of the patients.  He and I bonded really well beforehand during our interview.  We visited each patient in their home before we went down there, and got a read on who they really were and he was just such an incredible guy.  And of all the people that you see in the film, he's probably the guy, even though he's got a serious health condition, he's probably the guy you least expect to be the one that passes away.   In the beginning of the film, we tell everyone five people get real healing results, two people leave disappointed and one person doesn't come back, period.  So everyone knows that somebody's going to pass away.  Some people think what we mean by that is they're going to stay down there and become a Shaman, but I think most people understand that there probably is going to be somebody that passes away.  Most people don't think it's going to be this person.   In a really kind of tacky or inappropriate way, the fact that he passed away was incredible for the shaping of the movie, and I think that he's the kind of guy who is probably humorously, from wherever he is now, looks at it as being the perfect addition to this project, because he was so about what we were doing and he was such a sweet soul and he knew, later on after talking to his family, his loved ones, they had all said goodbye to him before he even came down because his condition had worsened since we had seen him during the interview.  So he knew, his family knew that he was going to pass away.  He just didn't let us in on it, so it was kind of a surprise.   So yeah, he's an awesome guy and it's really more sad for me, not from the project's perspective but because I just wanted to spend -- I wanted to be friends with him.  He and I had plans to hang out afterwards.  But from the perspective of the film, I think it really gave us the opportunity to talk about our society, conventional Western society's relationship with life and death, and that was a gift because a lot of what the healers in the jungle talk about is this dying process.  It's this fear of the unknown.  (17:50) The dying experience, when you boil it down to its essence, really comes down to the fear of the unknown, which is a fear that we experience every single day.  It's just that when you die you really have no way of peaking around the corner and seeing where you're doing.   So Gary's passing gave us the opportunity to really go into that, because it shocks the audience.  When you see somebody pass away in a documentary that you're attached to, in real time, it brings up a lot of issues.  So it gave us the perfect opening for one of the medicine men, named Habin, to talk about life and death and all the misconceptions and all the crazy storylines and how desperately we avoid even thinking about it here in the West and how alive and part of the healing culture it is down in the Amazon.  Something that is looked at as being a gift, and it's not nearly as feared as it is here.  So it was a really mixed bag, but like everything that's happened with this film, it really turned out to be perfect.   Lucas:              (18:56) So I guess the million-dollar question is if you had to do it all over again, would you cast him?  Would you bring him down again?  Do you think you made the right choice?   Nick:               Yes, I do, 100%, 100%.  Listen, if I had reason to believe that his passing could have been avoided by him staying up here or having some other course of treatment, then I would obviously not have brought him down.  But this man had tried everything, and he was paying like, gosh, I'm trying to remember what the figure is, I don't want to misquote him because he says this in the film, but I think he says he was paying $2,000 or $3,000 a month for a shot that he was getting to sort of keep the cancer at bay a little bit, but it was still failing.  And he had no money.  He had no ability to afford it.  It was not something that was covered by his healthcare.  And he said he was sick of it and it made him feel terrible and he was in pain every day, and this was his last and final option.  (19:51) So 100%, I would have brought him down, I think it was a perfect way for him to make his transition.   Lucas:              Interesting.  (20:02) Nick, before we wrap up here, tell people about what you're working on next, how they can get a hold of you and if they want to see what you're up to and how they can connect with your films.   Nick:               Sure.  First of all, we have a free screening going on right now.  It ends tomorrow, Thursday, October 17th.  So if you want to watch Sacred Science for free, just come visit us, TheSacredScience.com/screening and you'll get the information you need to register and we'll send you all the details you need to tune in not only to the film but also to a bunch of really awesome guest speakers that we have presenting.  Most of them have already presented their material, but we have links to all those things that will be sent to you via email.  So again, TheSacredScience.com/screening and you can watch the film for free.                           In terms of what we're working on next, this film has really opened up a lot of doors.  The first two films were great, in terms of giving us great experience on how to actually go about making film, but this one has been in a ton of film festivals and we've had a lot of opportunities surface since it's been released.  It's kind of a tough decision for us.  (21:13) We want to either go further into Shamanism itself or start making a film or two about some of the lessons we've learned that have come up from the ceremonies we sat in, things that we've noticed about society that are really quirky and conspicuous that we'd like to point our cameras at.                           (21:38) One of our next films is most likely going to take us to the Siberian Steppes and into some remote regions of China and Mongolia, to sort of track down the earliest and potentially the most Shamanic traditions there are on the planet.  (21:57) One of our other films are going to be addressing an institution that has existed for thousands and thousands of year and that may or may not be serving us.  So there's two different films.  We'll keep you posted.                           If you join us for the Sacred Science free screening, you'll get all kinds of updates about future films as well.   Lucas:              Sounds great, Nick.  Thanks for all the information.  Speaking of your new films, one thing that resonates with me is everywhere I go I feel like people are desperate for rites of passage and ceremonies, and I think a lot of the interest in ayurvedic medicine, in medicinal healers, in Shamanism, I think a lot of it comes back to that.  So many people have lost their faith in whatever it is, so it's interesting stuff.  I'm excited to see what comes next.                           Again, thanks so much for joining us.  (22:49) Everybody listening, check out SacredScience.com, and thanks, Nick, and we'll talk to you real soon.         You've got questions?  We've got answers.  Welcome to the FAQ round.  If you've got something that you want to ask, send your questions to Podcast@YogaBodyNaturals.com.  And now, let's hear what's going on with our listeners.   Miranda asks:   Q: (23:14) I've done a bit of research, and the correct term for my condition is Lordosis.  I can't stretch my arms or shoulders back very far.  I'm not sure if this is connected to that or something different.  Wondering if the yoga trapeze will help to straighten this out.     A: If you don't know, the yoga trapeze is an inversion device that we manufacture and we teach students how to use.  It's really fun for spinal decompression.  It gives you traction on your spine.  It's really great for passive backbends.  We actually do core work and upper body strengthening poses on it as well.  It's great for functional strength.  It's kind of like a yoga version of a TRX, if you've ever seen one of those at a gym.  You can do a lot more on this than you can do on a TRX.   In any case, Miranda, in terms of Lordosis, is this going to help?  It's really hard for me to say.  I'm not a medical expert in terms of that condition.  The thing I would recommend is working with a teacher, if you can, and perhaps working with a physio or a chiro who could perhaps give you more structural integration information.   Jola asks:   Q: (24:18) I would like to take up yoga class, but which one would you recommend?  I've never done it before.  I'm 64.  I walk my dog every day, and I'm reasonably fit.  I've had back problems in the past, so I have to be careful about bending down.  I'm an anxious sort of person and get a lot of tension in my shoulders, and it takes me ages to get to sleep at night.  Sometimes I don't sleep at all.   A: Great question, Jola.  In terms of what type of class I'd recommend, I always say the same thing.  Do the type of class you love.  So if you're somebody who likes something intense and strong and athletic, no matter what your age, I'd take a look at hot yoga, take a look at power vinyasa, ashtanga-style yoga.  The great thing about yoga is it's great for any ages.  We have students even coming to our yoga teacher training courses in Thailand who are well into their 60s.  We've had people in their 70s.  So it's not an age-restrictive thing.  Of course, your body's not the same at 64 as it was at 24, let's be honest here, but you can still do a lot of things with yoga and you can get all the benefits.  So that's if you're on the athletic side of things.   If you prefer a more calming practice, if you like meditation and if you like quieter classes, take a look at local classes that might be called hatha yoga, they might be called yin yoga, they might be called restorative yoga, sivananda or integral yoga.  Some of these classes might have chanting and they might have Sanskrit words and perhaps even things connected to deities and religion.  That may or may not be of interest to you, just as a word of warning, but many of them will not as well.  You can always feel comfortable asking the studio about those things.  It's always a good thing to ask, if you do have concerns about that.   In terms of your nightly sleep, using gravity yoga right before bed is very, very effective.  We also teach a belly breathing routine that's very, very effective for falling asleep at night.  We'll try to link to it here in the show notes.  Belly breathing is when you lay on your back, you relax your belly completely and you breathe in and out through your belly, usually to a four count.  So you inhale for one, two, three, four, and then exhaling for four, three, two, one.  You keep your chest still, your face relaxed and you breathe just into your lower abdomen.  So your belly swells and fills on the inhale and it falls and collapses on the exhale.    And what this does is it has a very strong effect on your central nervous system, and again, you switch from that sympathetic to the parasympathetic nervous system.  You switch from your right nostril preference on the exhale to your left nostril preference on the exhale, and your body starts to really calm down.  So that would be my suggestion for you.   Susan asks:   Q: (27:02) I had pots break 14 years ago and never healed properly, so cannot walk for more than a block without so much pain.  I cannot use this foot in the yoga swing but could use the knee.  I have carpal tunnel in both wrists.  I cannot lift weights, use bands, do push-ups, et cetera, and will not be able to use my hands in a yoga trapeze.  Do you have any tips for using the trapeze that way?  I bought it to release my back pain.   A: Okay, Susan, this is a great question.  I'm not sure.  You said you had a break.  I'm not sure what kind of break this was.  I'm guessing you broke something in your spine.  I'm not really sure.  In any case, it sounds like you have quite a bit of pain in your body.  The yoga trapeze is fantastic for getting traction on your spine.  The one caveat to that is you do need to be able to get in and out of it and you do need a fair amount of mobility to be able to utilize it.   Now, there is another inversion device which is very, very common.  It's just a lot bigger and a lot more expensive, but it's called an inversion table.  You might have seen them before at a chiropractic office or at a health fair.  It's a long table.  It looks like a massage table, and it tips and goes all the way back and you can invert on the table.  This might be something that might be more appropriate for you.  With carpel tunnel, with pain, if you can't do any kind of resistance training, this might be a safer thing for you to try.  So think about that.   Q: (28:27) I'm morbidly obese, I'm 5'2" and 223 pounds.  I'm on a disability pension so I'm limited on the food we can afford.  I eat lots of tuna, chicken, potatoes, frozen veggies, et cetera, because the fresh stuff is out of my price range.  Would you have any tips on losing weight?  Also, what other products other than the yoga trapeze would you recommend for me?   A: In terms of other products, I wouldn't recommend anything.  If you're on a tight budget, just to natural activities that you love.  If you like to walk, go for a walk.  If you like to dance, put on a DVD and dance.  Put on some music and dance.  If you like to play with the neighbors or the kids or whatever it is, do that.  There's this myth that in order to be thin or lose weight you have to do extreme exercise.  It's almost never true.  In fact, almost always the opposite is true.  We have a sister business that I own and we do a lot of work with obesity and weight loss, and our most successful clients do little or no extreme exercise at all.  Usually they do natural activities, just like walking around, playing in the park, very, very natural things.  It's not necessary to get extreme.  So that's the first thing.   In terms of eating healthy on a budget, this is a real challenge.  Cheap food is fattening  food, and that's a really, really sad state of affairs but it is a reality.  Healthy food is more expensive, and people like to tell you that it's not but good food costs more.  And that's just part of the situation.  Now all of that said, there are plenty of options that are lower in cost and almost equal in terms of nutritional value.  It sounds like you found quite a few of them.  Frozen vegetables, for example, are nearly as good as fresh vegetables.  So that's perfectly fine.  Your cheaper meats, like tunas and chickens they're not too bad either.  What I might recommend, if you're a meat eater, is go and try to get less common meats, like organ meats and like leftover pieces from really high-quality meats, for example you might get organ meats from grass-fed cows which would normally be very expensive.  The organ meats will be very inexpensive and they're very, very nutrient-dense.   But all things considered, if you're thinking about investing in products, I would for sure invest in good food.  And it doesn't need to be super expensive, but for sure it's going to cost more than even takeaway food from a restaurant.  So with all that said, please keep in touch and let's see if we can figure out some good tools to help you and we'll go from there.   Esther asks:   Q: (30:56) What is your view on eggs?  I'm eating organic, free-range, cruelty-free eggs pretty much every day for breakfast with spinach and avocado.  What alternative, high-protein, vegetarian breakfast could I eat?   A: Eggs are really, really interesting.  If you've been hanging around YOGABODY for a while, you know for over decade I just eat plants, so I haven't eaten eggs in a really long time.  But in my day, I've eaten plenty of eggs.  Eggs are interesting in that they have a very, very bioavailable protein.  They seem like an animal food that we are made to eat, more so than other foods even in that they're very easy to digest.   A couple of problems with eggs.  First of all, they come from chickens.  Chickens are a really messed up animal.  It's kind of like a poodle.  You know when you see a poodle, like you go to Central Park in New York and you see these poodles getting walked around and this poodle looks sort of like an Easter Bunny/fur coat/I don't know what it is.  It's really a mutant, and a chicken is very much like that.  It's a very strange animal, and it's fed terrible, terrible foods like GMO corn and all kinds of really crappy grains.  A chicken in the wild eats all kinds of things, like rats and mice and bugs and grasshoppers and leftover garbage.  Chickens are really wild scavengers.  And then they put them in cages and feed them really crappy food and antibiotics, and it's really a disaster.   In terms of eating organic, free-range eggs, I feed these to my kids.  You've just got to be careful.  A lot of the free-range is kind of a joke.  A lot of the free-range just means that instead of being in cages, the chickens are just all on the floor smashed into each other.  It's really no better.  There are more and more and more truly cruelty-free eggs available, and I'm a huge supporter of that.   So here's the deal with eggs.  Eggs are a great source of protein.  Eggs are also very allergenic, and people develop allergies to them.  The breakfast you talked about, eggs with spinach and avocado is something that my daughter loved beyond belief.  For two years straight, every day she wanted eggs with spinach for breakfast, and suddenly now she won't eat eggs and it hurts her stomach.  She's developed an egg allergy, and it's very common.  If you talk to body builders, weight lifters, they often develop egg allergies as well, from over eating eggs.  It's the white of the eggs that people develop an allergy to, the protein.  I'm not sure why.  I haven't seen any compelling research to explain why.  I have a feeling it's because, like I said, the chicken is a funny animal.  I don't believe in it as an animal.  I think there's something wrong with it.    So that said, eggs from any other animal are better.  If you can get duck eggs, for example, if you can get ostrich, any other kind of egg you could possibly get are going to be more nutritious and more natural than a chicken egg.    In terms of other high-protein, vegetarian breakfasts, the best breakfasts are not breakfast.  Breakfast food is crappy food, by definition.  The sweet cereals, the breads, the grains, all that stuff is gross.  Eat dinner for breakfast.  I like to eat leftovers from dinner for breakfast.  Anything is great.  Since you're a vegetarian, you just want to avoid the dairy.  Dairy is so inflammatory.  It's really a disaster of a protein.  So if you're not eating meat, you want to make sure you're getting a good high-fat, high-protein breakfast.  One thing that I like to use are sprouted lentils.  Sprouted lentils are really, really great because a lot of the starch has been eaten in the sprouting process, so they're protein-dense, very, very easy to digest, very inexpensive and very fast to make.  But the best breakfast food is not breakfast at all; it's dinner eaten for breakfast.   Q: (34:31) I'm confused about conflicting information about fruit.  There's been a lot in the news about how fruit has too much sugar and should be avoided.  What's your view on this?   A: Yeah, so fruit is really controversial.  There's this guy out there called Durian Rider, and he says you should eat 30 bananas a day and then there's other people out there, Dr. Mercola tells you if you eat more than 5 pieces of fruit a day you're going to explode.  I guess I fall somewhere in the middle.  I come from a raw food background, so there's been periods of my life where I lived exclusively off of fruit, and at certain periods in my life I did really, really well off just fruit.  At one point, I had less than 5% body fat, really great energy.  I was able to work about 12 hours a day and maintain about a 3-hour per day yoga practice.  Kind of extreme, but I was fueled by fruit during those days.   These days I'm a lot more conservative about fruit.  First thing I'll tell you is it has a lot to do with climate.  Where you live really affects your sugar metabolism dramatically.  Your age dramatically affects your sugar metabolism.  So what I mean by that is on the internet if you search around for these 80/10/10 guys or these fruitarians, the ones that look really, really good, and there's some really, really healthy-looking people out there, women in particular that people get really excited and they say, wow these people look like models.  They look fantastic, and they're eating bananas and peaches all day, so maybe I should go do that.   The truth is, that might work for you.  It might work for you in the short term.  I've never seen it ever, ever, ever work in the long term, and I'm paying attention and I know people who've tried and they really deteriorate with age.  So if you look at that fruitarian community and you look at the people in their later 30s, in their 40s and especially the people in their 50s, it's a train wreck and they have oxidative stress and they're aging really rapidly.  And I haven't seen their blood work, but I promise if you were to do a glucose tolerance test it would be a disaster.  Your weight, if you're only eating fruit, tends to be manageable.  On any kind of whole food diet, your weight usually stays under control.  But that has nothing to do with your hormones and that says nothing about your fatty acid levels and things like this.    I went off on a little bit of a rant there, but let me just tell you thing about fruit is that the fruit we're eating today is nothing like the fruit we had even 100 years ago.  Let's talk about an apple, for example.  A wild apple is a bitter, mealy, barely edible thing.  A modern apple, I can eat literally five or six of them in one sitting and I can still want more.  So yes, our fruit is way, way, way sweeter than it used to be.  This has been done through selective breeding, in some case GMOs, but mostly just selective breeding.   And so what this means is when we're eating fruit, we want to focus on low-sugar, high-micronutrient fruits.  That tends to be things like your berries, like your cucumbers, like your tomatoes.  Yes, cucumbers and tomatoes are fruits.  Anything seed-bearing is a fruit.  And so you want to try to avoid the really, really, really sweet ones like watermelon and bananas.  Those are very, very sweet.  They're not bad for you, but it's a lot of sugar.  That said, if you're an athlete, if you're very active, that can be a great source of carbohydrates for you.    The thing about fructose, especially concentrated fructose, is it's one of the most lipogenic things on the planet.  What lipogenic means is lipogenesis, it goes into your liver and starts forming belly fat very, very quickly.  So were you to try to gain a lot of belly fat really fast, let's say you were a method actor and you wanted to gain a bunch of weight really, really quickly, the absolute best way you could do that is to eat a whole bunch of fructose.  It would be really, really easy to gain a bunch of fat.  And the reason is, is because of the way it's metabolized.  And so you need to be careful with fructose, especially isolated and concentrated fructose.  So high-fructose corn syrup, like the stuff that's in soda pops, everybody knows you should avoid that.   But if you're eating fruit, here's just a general, general rule.  You shouldn't be eating more than five pieces of fruit per day, and if you're eating other kinds of processed carbs, if you're eating any kind of grains, any kind of starches like breads or rices or pastas or any of that stuff, you need to be even more careful.  So sometimes you'll hear people about going on a fruit-free diet and losing weight.  Well, this is true and this does happen, but a lot of these people, they haven't given up their processed carbs.  So they stopped eating fruit, but they're still eating lots of bread and lots of pasta and lots of rice.  I would be much more interested in you getting rid of the grains and eating more fruit, because they're more healthy, they're more micronutrient-dense.    But as a general rule, again, I've gone on a real rant here, but about 25 grams of fructose a day or less is a good rule of thumb.  Depending on the fruit, that could be just a couple of pieces or it can be about five pieces of fruit, if you're eating low-glycemic fruits.  High-glycemic fruits, there's nothing wrong with them as long as you're active and as long as you're not eating too many other starchy foods.  When people get into plant-based diets, oftentimes they end up eating all kinds of crazy starchy foods all day long and their blood sugar levels get all out of whack.   Q: (39:53) Is there any limit on how often we should be eating beans?   A: Beans or legumes are a really interesting food.  We tend to think of them as a protein food, but they're actually pretty starchy.  Most beans are around 10% protein, so not that high.  Certain beans, like soy beans, are extraordinarily high in protein, but of course they have a couple of drawbacks that make us not want to eat them all the time.  I like legumes a lot.  I've come to like them more and more over the years, and I'll tell you why.  I've learned how to prepare them better.  Most beans give you terrible gas and bloating.  They have oligosaccharides, which is a form of sugar, that we're unable to digest.  But there are simple ways to overcome those digestive issues.   It takes a little bit of work.  Specifically, buying beans dry, soaking them overnight and then cooking the snot out of them.  That's one option.  So you buy beans, you soak them overnight and you cook the crap out of them.  It really, really helps with digestion.  Of course, that cooking is not that great for the protein, not really that great for the micronutrients.  But anyway, that's the way to do it.  The other option, which I'm a huge fan of now and at any given time I have fresh lentil sprouts in my kitchen, is sprouting lentils.  Lentils come in quite a few different varieties.  They have very, very unique flavors.  Some are peppery, some are more sweet.  And when you sprout them it eats quite a bit of this starch.  It makes them much more protein-dense, makes the protein more bioavailable, it eats a bunch of the sugars, it's predigested.  And then I'll very likely cook them, stir-fry them or boil them in soup and they're very fast to cook, very easy to cook.  You don't have to cook them nearly as much, and they're great for you.  So I'm a huge fan of legumes.   They do have some anti-nutrients and things, which people get a little bit too hung up on them.  You just need to learn how to cook.  If you don't know how to cook, I would say beans are not for you.   Marilou asks:   Q: (41:43) Why is it so hard to lift up your upper body when on the floor doing bekasana?   A: Bekasana is a frog pose.  You lay on your belly, you bend your legs, you reach back and you grab your feet and you lift your chest up.  That all sounds fine.  Do a Google search for it, bekasana, it looks really easy and then you go to do it and you feel like you're dying.  It feels like your kneecaps are going to explode and your heart's going to burst.  Why is it so hard?  There are a couple of reasons, Marilou.  Your shoulders tend to be tight, and your upper back tends to be tight and you really need to open up there to lift up and it's just a really intense, awkward position.  So that's about all I have there.   I will tell you, you'll make progress really quickly.  If you practice it every day, you'll make progress really quickly.  Just be careful with your knees.  Be really careful with getting adjustments in this pose.  A lot of teachers like to sort of sit on you, and I do not like that in terms of your knees.  It could be really risky there.  I hope that's helpful.   If you have questions, please send them to Podcast@YogaBodyNaturals.com.          It's now time for the bendy body nutritional tip of the day.  Raw food, edible insects, tropical oils, why not?  It's all fair game.  Here we go.  Let's talk nutrition.   (43:03) Today's nutritional tip is all about water.  The conventional wisdom is drink eight glasses of water per day.  The only problem is, what the hell does eight glasses of water mean?  Is that 8, 8-ounce glasses?  Is that 8 liters of water?  Is that 8, 12-ounce glasses?  Who knows what that is?  So here's my thing with water.  You need to drink a lot more than you think.  There's a couple of reasons for this, but one of the biggest reasons is the food that you're eating right now tends to be very dehydrated.  A lot of people eat packaged and processed foods, and even the meats and things like that that they're eating tend to be dried.  They're not nearly as wet and as water-dense as they should be, which means we need to drink more water.     (43:46) So how much water?  Well, I like to drink about two liters per day.  When I'm in Thailand, I might drink as much as five or even six liters per day, which sounds crazy but it's really hot there and I do a lot of yoga and I sweat a lot.  It really depends on you.  But for almost everybody, I find that a little bit over hydrating makes them feel really, really great.  It reduces your hungry, it helps with elimination, helps you clear up your digestion and your skin.  So it can be really great.  So if in doubt, I'd ere on the side of drinking too much.   (44:17) So how do you do this?  People get really stuck.  The first thing is keep a bottle of water on your desk, and at your home keep a bottle of water on the counter.  And by bottle of water, I don't necessarily mean a store-bought bottle of water.  I have glass bottles at home that I filter water and put them in, and when I just leave them around on the table I end up drinking them all.  There seems to be no limit to the amount of water I'll drink if it's sitting around.  So literally, a jug of water on the counter, on my desk and I will drink it down no problem at all.  I'd encourage you to do the same.  If you're somebody who's out and about all day long, carry around with you a water bottle and carry a large water bottle, a nice big one.  That will help you to drink more water.   (44:57) The second thing is, add something to your water.  The things that I like best are lemon, fresh lemon, cucumber, sounds gross but it's good and then the last thing is we have something called Total Hydration, which is an electrolyte formula.  It actually helps you absorb 43% more water.  They've done clinical trials with firefighters.  It's not necessary for everybody, but if you're somebody who struggles to drink water, is chronically dehydrated, the signs of that are constipation which is very, very common, and headaches, it can be a big help.  If you're a hot yoga student, if you're an athlete, it can be really effective as well.  You can learn more about that in the YOGABODY store.  Regardless of whether you use Total Hydration or not, the key thing is drink more water.  Keep it around.  That's the simplest way to get it down.   You've been listening to the Yoga Talk Show with Lucas Rockwood.  You might not know this, but I live and die for your iTunes reviews and ratings.  So help me out.  Head over to the iTunes Store and give me some love.  And when you're done with that, you can grab the complete show notes, links to everything mentioned in this show, plus all kinds of other yoga shenanigans, at YogaBodyNaturals.com.