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At The Heart of Yoga with Julie Smerdon
At The Heart of Yoga with Julie Smerdon
Author: Julie Smerdon
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© 2024 At The Heart of Yoga with Julie Smerdon
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Julie Smerdon has spent more than two decades on the front lines of the yoga world, earning a reputation as a world-class educator and community builder. After years of working with some of the world's most inspiring teachers, creative thinkers, and heroic students, Julie brings these incredible humans to the table for an intimate look at their thoughts about life, about yoga, and about what lies at the heart of it all.
32 Episodes
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If you're a Yogi, chances are you've heard of J Brown's Yoga Talks Podcast. Although we have tons of mutual friends, J and I never really connected until 2020, when J was set to come to Brisbane to teach a workshop that was interrupted by the Pandemic. I was a guest on his show last year, and when I finally started recording this podcast I knew he would be a wonderful guest, and he did not disappoint! We talk about J's first experience of Inner Knowing, and how that experience helped gu...
I first met Lizzie Lasater when she came to Brisbane to do a Restorative Yoga Teacher Training back in 2015. She has carved out a place for herself as a renowned yoga teacher, writer, and advocate for mindful living. Lizzie, daughter of the legendary Judith Hanson Lasater, carries forward a rich legacy of restorative yoga and therapeutic practices, which have become even more useful in the years following the birth of her twin boys! With insight and a holistic approach, Lizzie shares how rest...
There’s so much to say about Dr. Lauren! In addition to being a Clinical Psychologist, Life Coach, Author, and Yoga Teacher; she is the founder of The Yoga Psychology Institute, an organisation that offers programs that explore the intersection between yoga and psychology. Lauren and I first connected back when I had the studio, and we planned on offering her well-known course for yoga teachers “Mental Health Aware Yoga” in Brisbane in 2020, but then…COVID. This is Lauren’s second visit...
This was my first time ‘meeting’ Jivana Heyman. He’s the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an organisation dedicated to increasing access to yoga, and to supporting yoga teachers. I first heard Jivana on Daniel Simpson’s podcast “Ancient Futures, and what he was saying resonated so deeply with me that I immediately ordered his latest book, “The Teachers Guide to Accessible Yoga.” In this episode we chat about everything from his beginnings teaching yoga to AIDS patients during th...
In this episode, we dive into the world of a guest whose life story elevates us all - Lydia Lassila, Australia’s aerial skiing champion whose feats have not only carved her name in snow but also in the halls of resilience and determination. Our paths crossed in Byron Bay, where I was guest teaching on a retreat that she was part of. I had the honour of practising with Lydia after class one day, it was a humbling experience, her physical and mental discipline as an Olympic athlete was pa...
In this short, heartfelt episode titled I break my long silence on social media to share a deeply personal journey. Over the last three months, our lives have been consumed by Layne's ongoing health challenges. Up until last week, my days were a mix of hospital corridors, work, and the lovely chaos of daily life. Faced with numerous unknowns and the unpredictability of his treatment and recovery, both of us have been challenged to embody the very heart of yoga during a frightening time. This ...
From homegrown Texas boy, to working actor in Los Angeles, to travelling the world teaching yoga, to marrying one of the world's premier dancer/choreographers, to being featured on Peleton, Ross Rayburn has lived quite a life! Despite his extraordinary story, Ross is one of the kindest, most humble people I know, and one of my all-time favourite colleagues. I loved having the chance to catch up with him, and to celebrate his new book "Turning Inward." Enjoy! FIND ROSS Instagr...
Laura Marjorie Miller and I first crossed paths at an Anusara Workshop in Atlanta back in the early 2000’s. We became friends instantly. Laura is truly one of the most genuinely inquisitive, intelligent people I’ve ever met. From her work as the speechwriter for the chancellor of Vanderbilt University, to a successful career as a gonzo journalist, her adventurous spirit has taken her everywhere from free diving to an ayahuasca ceremony in Peru. I LOVED having this time to bring you her story....
James is a new friend and a mentor to me, and I’m really thrilled to bring you this conversation. He’s had a fascinating journey, from taking his first class to ‘impress’ someone, to unexpectedly finding a profound sense of connection and purpose which lead him on a path of self-discovery and ultimately, becoming a teacher. We talk about James' early teaching experiences, including working with influential figures such as Tipper Gore and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, to his close relationship wi...
I'm so happy to welcome Pete Longworth back to the show! Tune in to hear how yoga teachers, fitness professionals and other independent small business owners can learn to harness the power of AI to get their message out into the world creatively and efficiently! My listeners get a discounted rate - just mention the podcast when you book! Find Pete: Create Content That Matters Course: https://www.petelongworth.com/cctm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petelongworth/ Facebook: https:/...
I honestly can't remember the first time I crossed paths with Noah Maze, but I do know that it was a very long time ago. Curious, open-minded, and with a dry wit that can take you by surprise, Noah has crafted his life with yoga woven through every fibre. From living in ashrams as a young man to having one of the most dedicated yoga practices I've ever seen, to tenderly raising his children, Noah is a yogi for the real world, and I so appreciate his wisdom and friendship. Enjoy! Find Noah: W...
I can’t even remember the first time I met Elena Brower, presumably it was at an Anusara event way back in the day. But over the years we’ve become fast friends, sharing our love of family, yoga, and service. She’s one of the most accomplished women I know, and I’m so pleased to bring you this chat in honour of the release of her first book of poetry, Softening Time. Find Elena… Website: https://elenabrower.com/ Instagram: @elenabrower Facebook: @ElenaBrowerTruth To order So...
I first met Maggie Gardener when she came to try a class of mine before committing to my teacher training. I was immediately struck by her warmth, presence and intelligence. Maggie has gone on to open a studio of her own where the focus is on creating a safe space where students can show up exactly as they are without the fear of being judged or even worse, ignored. We talk about the need for inclusivity in all areas of yoga, and how teachers can make students living in bigger bodies fe...
I first met Jackson when he was animal crawling across the floor at a gym where I was training, and I asked him what he was doing. That was 8 years ago and I’ve been working with him off and on ever since, most recently doing an online coaching program with him that has been amazing. Jackson walks his talk. His approach to movement, and holistic wellness has informed my teaching, and he’s personally helped me through more than one injury! We talk about his journey, his approach, and how movem...
Mazana Abraham is hands down the most inspiring “Zoomer” (Gen Z human) I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Artist, life-lover, and sexual assault survivor; her story of how art, creativity, and courage saw her through the kind of dark times that most of us will never experience will leave you in awe, as it did me. Don’t miss this one! Find Mazana: Website: https://www.flowaturestudios.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flowature Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowature/
Mark Breadner first encountered yoga as a 5-year-old in his rumpus room, where his mum taught some of the first classes in Australia. From there, to working with athletes like Ian Thorpe and Mick Fanning, to Ashrams in India, Mark has become one of the longest-lived teachers in Australia. His work now, called YogaCoach, is based on the idea that yoga is the ultimate life coaching system. He works with teachers from all over the world, helping them hone their skills, and providing strategies f...
Ohhh where to start…I first heard of Dr. Lisa Miller when a friend (thank you, Kate!) shared a podcast that Lisa was a guest on. Halfway through that podcast I went out and bought her book “The Awakened Brain, The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest For an Inspired Life” and read it…Twice. When I reached out to her over Instagram about being on my podcast, I held on very loosely to the hope that she would agree, and when she did agree I almost couldn’t believe it! I left this conversati...
I first met Claudia Perkins when she came to Brisbane to join one of the first yoga Immersions I taught in Australia. Since we first met, Claudia left a big job as an advisor to Julia Gillard, married her love Adam Bandt (head of the Greens party here in Australia), and gave birth to two daughters, in addition to teaching yoga in Melbourne. She’s now studying to be a nurse! We have a great discussion that covers everything from the changing face of yoga to life as a political wife...
Elana Robertson has had a remarkable journey that’s taken her from the insurance business to a week on Necker Island with Sir Richard Branson. In this episode, Elena shares her story, how yoga was instrumental in her most pivotal career moments, and how it informs her work with female executives today. Elana is the founder of foundher, equipping leaders of change with a toolkit designed for modern living. Find Elana Here: Website: https://www.foundher.co/ ResetYou Retreat: ...




