From YTT to Studio Owner in LA: Lara Estrada

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Sober Yoga Girl, I’m joined by the incredible Marci Hopkins—Emmy-nominated host of Wake Up with Marci, author of Chaos to Clarity, and a powerful voice in the recovery and mental health space.Marci opens up about her journey from childhood trauma and addiction to finding purpose through sobriety, healing, and service. We talk about the importance of inner work, the courage it takes to share your story, and how Marci transformed her pain into a platform for empowerment. Through her show, books, and advocacy, Marci is on a mission to bring light to darkness and help others reclaim their lives.Whether you're navigating your own healing journey or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a reminder that it’s never too late to wake up to your worth, your voice, and your power.✨ Learn more about Marci: wakeupwithmarci.comSupport the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://thedailydharma.substack.com/Check Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

In this episode we welcomed Julie Miller, RCP, an addiction recovery coach and podcaster from Colorado. After overcoming a decade-long battle with alcohol addiction, Julie transformed her life by facing shame, embracing authenticity, and creating a purpose-filled existence. Now, she dedicates herself to helping others find freedom from addiction through coaching, podcasting, and fostering a supportive recovery community.Tune into this episode for an engaging discussion about what comes after the initial step into sobriety. We’ll explore how to move beyond sober curiosity in January, embrace long-term lifestyle changes, and build a life so full there’s no space left for alcohol. Together, we’ll delve into integrating yoga, mindfulness, and intentional practices to sustain sobriety throughout the year.Learn more about Julie and her podcast at: https://throughtheglassrecovery.com/Support the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://thedailydharma.substack.com/Check Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

I was so excited to have Lara Estrada on the podcast! Lara and I met in Los Angeles in 2023 from an unexpected layover (read: I missed a flight coming back from the Mexico retreat and ended up having 24 hours to kill, and I ended up taking Lara's yoga class at her studio, LA Bliss!) In this podcast episode, Lara opened up about: the life-changing impact of yoga teacher training, her vision for creating a nurturing community at Yoga Bliss LA, and how yoga and mindfulness shaped her life, and can inspire yours!Support the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://thedailydharma.substack.com/Check Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

In this episode of Sober Yoga Girl Podcast, Rory Kinsella takes over the pod! He interviews Alex on yoga philosophy, and she does a basic intro into the yama & niyama - which are the starting point for a lot of beginning yoga philosophy students. In the episode we talk about our upcoming programs:Our May 25 - 31 Bali Sober Yoga/Meditation Retreat: We have a couple rooms left which you can book onto here! https://www.wisemonkeyway.com/a/2147781106/wGVhfYH8In July 2025 Rory will be teaching Vedic Meditation with Alex on the 200 Hour YTT. We have a few spots left in the 200 Hour YTT - join us! https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/bali-200-hourWe also talk about my Yoga Sutra Study course that I teach online - next cohort starts this week! You can sign up here. https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/yoga-sutra-studySupport the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://thedailydharma.substack.com/Check Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

Lots of you have been asking questions about Vedic meditation, after hearing how profoundly impactful it's been for me, so I took the time to sit down with my friend Rory Kinsella to learn more about the practice. Vedic Meditation uses a mantra and you sit comfortably in a chair rather than in a classic meditation pose like lotus, so many people find it more accessible than other styles. In this episode, Rory will talk about learning to meditate ten years ago, how it changed his relationship with alcohol and what he’s learned from teaching thousands of people to meditate over the last eight years. Alex will also share the impactful experience she has had with Vedic Meditation learning from both Rory on his retreat and Jenn Agostini online. Alex has now chosen to integrate Vedic Meditation into her Yoga Teacher Trainings going forward because of how impactful it is, and she is excited to share it with you!Join Alex and Rory's retreat in May of 2025 in Bali at: https://www.wisemonkeyway.com/a/2147781106/wGVhfYH8Support the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://thedailydharma.substack.com/Check Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

Lots of you have been asking questions about Vedic meditation, after hearing how profoundly impactful it's been for me, so I took the time to sit down with my friend Rory Kinsella to learn more about the practice. Vedic Meditation uses a mantra and you sit comfortably in a chair rather than in a classic meditation pose like lotus, so many people find it more accessible than other styles. In this episode, Rory will talk about learning to meditate ten years ago, how it changed his relationship with alcohol and what he’s learned from teaching thousands of people to meditate over the last eight years. Alex will also share the impactful experience she has had with Vedic Meditation learning from both Rory on his retreat and Jenn Agostini online. Alex has now chosen to integrate Vedic Meditation into her Yoga Teacher Trainings going forward because of how impactful it is, and she is excited to share it with you!Join Alex and Rory's retreat in May of 2025 in Bali at: https://www.wisemonkeyway.com/a/2147781106/wGVhfYH8Support the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://thedailydharma.substack.com/Check Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Jessica Jeboult, creator of A Sober Girls Guide, and hear her inspiring sober story. Jessica was a full time, travelling DJ in a past life. She's now an inspirational speaker, podcaster, and author. Tune into this episode to hear how she did it, and what wisdom and advice she has for those who are just beginning their sober journeys.You can find out about Jessica's community at: https://www.asobergirlsguide.com/Support the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://thedailydharma.substack.com/Check Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

This episode, recorded live in Sober Soul Sundays, was a deeply meaningful Sober call as we explored the profound intersection of trauma, grief, and healing with our guest, Angela Ogle. Angela and Alex met in Bali this past year. She is a yoga teacher and lost her son in 2015. She is running her first Grief and Trauma Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica in February! In this call we discussed how practices like yoga, mindfulness and community connection can help us navigate the journey of recovery and transformation. You can learn more about Angela's work here:https://www.mamayogibear.com/Support the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://thedailydharma.substack.com/Check Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

On today’s episode, I reflect on my second day of stepping away from social media and the parallels between Instagram addiction and my sobriety journey from alcohol. Inspired by Cal Newport's Digital Minimalism and Joseph Goldstein's Mindfulness, I dive into the true costs of social media, how it fuels craving, and ways to let go.Social media, much like any addiction, feeds on craving—whether it’s for likes, validation, or endless stimulation. Drawing on Buddhist teachings, the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, and the 12 Steps, I explore how freedom from craving leads to inner peace and balance.I share my personal story of how social media once helped build my sobriety and business but has now become a vortex of comparison and distraction. Through mindfulness, meditation, and reflection, I’m working to approach my digital life with awareness and equanimity—or perhaps detach from it entirely.I’ll leave you with this powerful thought from Newport: “Checking your likes is the new smoking.”Join me as I unpack these ideas and invite you to reflect on your relationship with social media. If you’re part of the detox group, I’d love to hear about your experience!https://stan.store/alexmcrobs/p/join-the-30day-social-media-detox-in-january-2025Support the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://thedailydharma.substack.com/Check Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/

In this episode, I share the raw and honest story of why I’m stepping away from social media for 30 days. As someone who has built a business and community online, this decision wasn’t easy—but it feels necessary. I dive into my complicated relationship with Instagram, how it mirrors my struggles with addiction, and the  ways it’s impacted my mental health and relationships.You’ll hear about the inspiration behind this detox, the ancient wisdom from the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, 12 Steps, and Buddha Dharma that guides me, and the incredible community that has joined me on this journey. I also explore how this isn’t just about rejecting technology but reclaiming attention, setting boundaries, and reconnecting with what truly matters.If you’ve ever felt addicted to your phone or overwhelmed by the pressures of social media, this episode will resonate deeply. Tune in to hear my first reflections on this detox, how it’s already shifted my habits, and what I hope to discover over the next 30 days.Join the Free 30 Day Social Media Detox Challenge Here: https://stan.store/alexmcrobs/p/join-the-30day-social-media-detox-in-january-2025Follow my journey on my new Substack, where I'll be writing daily during this time about the detox and how it connects us to yoga philosophy: Dharma Daily with Sober Yoga Girl. https://dharmadaily.substack.com/?r=jbwok&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklistSupport the showRead Alex's Writing at the Intersection of the Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali's Sutras, The Buddha Dharma and Mental Health at:https://thedailydharma.substack.com/Check Out All Our Upcoming Retreats, Programs and Offerings at:https://www.themindfullifepractice.com/