Guys Talking Yoga

In this conversation, Josh Blatter shares his journey into yoga, discussing how he transitioned from a restaurant chef to a yoga teacher. He emphasizes the importance of foundational practice, the benefits of yoga for men including learning how to connect with your body, learning to feel what you feel as you move, as well as discovering the deep inner strength in your smaller, stabilizing muscles that help with so many other activities. The discussion highlights the significance of yoga in personal growth and healing, encouraging listeners to explore their own practice, and that it is never too late to start one’s practice. Connect with Josh✩ Website: https://joshblatter.com/✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshblatteryoga/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshblatteryoga✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshblatteryoga/Support and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

Derek and Larry dive into the world of Bhakti Yoga with Josh Kane, founder of Gandiva Yoga based in New Haven, CT. Discover how Josh's journey from acting and music to yoga has shaped his life and teachings. Learn about the transformative power of yoga, the importance of spiritual practice, and the unique experiences at Esalen.Connect with Josh✩ Website: https://www.gandivayogact.com✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gandivayogac✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@gandivayogact✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gandivayogactSupport and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠

“One day I got a call from somebody who said, there's a problem with the yoga mats out there. They're very slippery, toxic, and not eco-friendly. Do you have any alternatives? I don't know why he called a rug pad business, but he called us and I just happened to answer the phone. As I chatted with him in the back of my mind I was thinking ‘Are there that many people doing this?’”Today’s guest is Dean Jerrehian, the CEO of Jade Yoga, the company behind the highly popular Harmony Mat that was rated in 2024 as the best mat for grip by Yoga Journal. Derek and Larry both use and highly recommend the Harmony Mat as well as Jade’s super-packable, travel mat, the Voyager, and enjoyed asking Dean about the origins of Jade Yoga and their mission of creating eco-friendly yoga mats and giving back to the earth with every product sold by planting a tree for every mat sold. Over two million trees have been planted so far.In this episode Dean shares Jade’s origin story beginning with his grandfather emigrating from Armenia and starting a rug business in 1904 that eventually became Jade Yoga, one of the top yoga mat makers in the industry and an example of how conscious capitalism can make an impact in the world.Connect with Dean and Jade Yoga✩ Website: https://alnk.to/ge8EdUG✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadeyogamats✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jadeyoga3959✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/jadeyogaSupport and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

Mark Oppenheimer, author and former columnist for The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Nation, GQ, Slate, and The Wall Street Journal, is a professor at Washington University in St. Louis, where he focuses on politics, religion, and Jewish life and culture. After reading his 2024 Wall Street Journal article, Embracing My Inner ‘Yoga Man’ — in which he reflects on discovering yoga and his local studio during the COVID years — Derek and Larry invited Mark to discuss the benefits he’s experienced as a newcomer to the practice. Their conversation explores his journey from initial skepticism to embracing yoga’s challenges, joys, and community, and how it has shaped his life beyond the mat.Connect with Mark✩ Website: https://www.markoppenheimer.com/Support and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

In this conversation, Las Vegas based yoga educator, yoga teacher, and massage therapist Jules Mitchell shares her journey from discovering yoga in college to becoming a leading voice in the field. She emphasizes the importance of understanding tissue behavior, effective stretching, and the broader implications of yoga practice. We explore the challenges and opportunities for men in yoga, touching on societal norms, the need for male role models, and the transformative power of yoga in fostering self-awareness and community. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, this episode offers valuable insights for integrating yoga into your life to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.Connect with Jules✩ Website: https://www.julesmitchell.com/✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julesyoga✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzcrq-Z6sTnO2g3M3fQkQ3g✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulesMitchellYogaBiomechanics/Support and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

Join the guys for their follow up discussion with tai chi, qi gong legend Dr. Roger Jahnke. In this conversation, Roger dives deep into the art of cultivating a practice and how to discover the power of small, consistent actions that often lead to profound personal growth that multiplies with steady commitment.Connect with Dr. JahnkeThe Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi Website: https://instituteofintegralqigongandtaichi.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjahnke/Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/user/iiqtcLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerjahnkeThe Healer Within: Using Traditional Chinese Techniques To Release Your Body's Own Medicine, Movement, Massage, Meditation, Breathing by Dr. Roger Jahnke: https://amzn.to/4fQl3ijThe Healing Promise of Qi by Dr. Roger Jahnke: https://amzn.to/4fSReO8Healer Within: Medical Qigong by Dr. Roger Jahnke DVD: https://amzn.to/427gMnJSupport and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

Today the guys interview Hope Zvara, trucking industry hall of famer and founder of Mother Trucker Yoga.In this conversation Hope shares her journey from struggling with addiction and depression to becoming a yoga practitioner, and later curious and passionate teacher, and ultimately creating Mother Trucker Yoga,  wellness and lifestyle company that incorporates breathwork, mindfulness, yoga fundamentals to support the health and wellbeing of the many drivers who make so many short trips and long hauls every day. She emphasizes the importance of integrating yoga and mindfulness into the lives of truck drivers, addressing their unique challenges and health issues including obesity, diabetes, mental health, and the general stress and obstacles while on the road.Connect with Hope and Mother Trucker Yoga✩ Mother Trucker Yoga Website: ⁠https://www.mothertruckeryoga.com/✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mothertruckeryoga/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MotherTruckerYoga⁠✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MotherTruckerYogaSupport and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

In today’s episode, a special Father’s Day edition, Kripalu CEO Robert Mulhall shares his unique journey into spirituality and yoga, which was significantly influenced by his unconventional education in Ireland, and his father's deep dedication to spirituality.The conversation touches on how Robert’s upbringing shaped his understanding and practice, the complexities of father-son relationships, the value of vulnerability, and the challenges of nurturing a spiritually aware child in today's environment. Robert emphasized the crucial role of nature and mindfulness in reconnecting with spirituality, particularly for fathers guiding their children.Robert also discusses the profound connection between nature, leadership, and parenting, stressing the importance of community for men. He shares valuable insights on how engaging with nature through questions can lead to personal growth and self-awareness. We also touch upon the spiritual dimensions of parenting and the necessity for men to find supportive and vulnerable spaces.We’re grateful to Robert for his role in Kripalu supporting men's journeys in yoga and spirituality and advocating for a move towards community-focused practices that encourage transformation and healing.Connect with Robert✩ Website: https://kripalu.org/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KripaluVideo✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wicklowcelt/✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.mulhall.5Support and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

Today’s guest is Ray Raghunath Cappo, a hardcore punk singer and pioneer of the straight-edge movement in NYC during the ‘80s who is now a devoted Bhakti yoga practitioner. Touching on his story in his recently published memoir, Punk to Monk (2024), Ray shares his transformative journey from being a leader of the globally-recognized punk band Youth of Today to a spiritual leader, teacher, and advocate of yoga.In this conversation, Ray reflects on his journey as a monk, the importance of finding balance in life, and the concept of Seva – service – in spirituality. The discussion also highlights how yoga serves as a path to self-discovery and the significance of serving others as a means to connect with a higher purpose and why men should get into yoga.Check out Ray’s book, on our website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/recs-books-gearConnect with Ray✩ From Punk to Monk by Ray Cappo: https://amzn.to/43hAYlz✩ Website: https://www.raghunath.yoga/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/raghunathyoga✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raghunathyogi/✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaghunathYogaSupport and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

As a complementary bonus to episode 76 (“Becoming Fearless with the Bhagavad Gita”), Hari shares his own path and story with devotional yoga beginning with his curiosity spark while watching The Adams Family as a kid and seeing Gomez performing headstand and other yoga poses. A decade-lius later, as a young New Yorker during the hey day of late 70s and early 80s, his spiritual awakening started to root while zig-zagging and chanting mantras on foot across Manhattan as courier – a foreshadowing of his true calling as one who delivers ancient philosophy packed in contemporary wisdom, and evolved into a bhakti practice, and his eventual discovery of a Hare Krishna temple.Connect with Hari✩ Website: https://hari-kirtana.com/✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hari.kirtana/✩ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Harikirtanadas✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harikirtana✩ Free Chapter of Journey Into the Bhagavad gita: https://bit.ly/3EqUNyt✩ Journey Into the Bhagavad-gita: A Guide to Exploring Timeless Principles of Transcendental Knowledge and Integrating Them Into Your Life by Hari-Kirtana Das: https://amzn.to/3QBcOwr✩ In Search of the Highest Truth: Adventures in Yoga Philosophy by Hari-Kirtana Das: https://amzn.to/3GrwQYrSupport and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A