Finding Harmony Podcast

What happens when a tech executive building AI infrastructure has a profound spiritual awakening? Pete Sacco went from 368 pounds and type 2 diabetes to complete transformation—discovering that consciousness is eternal while designing the data centers powering the AI revolution. Pete shares his "Commit, Learn, Do" framework, why AI will force humanity to become MORE human, his mystical experiences with plant medicine, and what his 7-year-old daughter taught him about Zen. ABOUT PETE SACCO Pete Sacco is a data center designer, AI infrastructure specialist, author, father of four, and grandfather of three. After a health crisis at age 39, he transformed his life—losing 178 pounds, reversing type 2 diabetes, reconnecting with his estranged son, and experiencing spiritual awakening through plant medicine. Author of "Living in Bliss: Achieve a Balanced Existence of Mind, Body, and Spirit."   KEY TOPICS The "Commit, Learn, Do" framework for total life transformation From 368 pounds and type 2 diabetes to complete remission Why reconnecting with his estranged son was essential to transformation AI and the future: We're at "2 AM" on a 24-hour timeline Plant medicine experiences: MDMA, ketamine, and ayahuasca The ayahuasca vision where he watched himself die Why consciousness is non-local: "We are consciousness observing consciousness" Why AI will make us MORE human, not less What a 7-year-old knows about Zen that adults don't How to find "spacious stillness" in chaos The future of humanity in a post-scarcity world   CONNECT WITH PETE Website: PeteSacco.com Book: "Living in Bliss: Achieve a Balanced Existence of Mind, Body, and Spirit" SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode resonated with you, please leave a 5-star review and share your biggest takeaway. Your reviews help others discover these conversations! Subscribe to Finding Harmony on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

What happens when a board-certified medical doctor discovers energy healing—and realizes science and spirituality have been saying the same thing all along? Medical doctor Ana Baptista, MD (hematologist, 18 years experience) bridges Western medicine and energy healing. Discover the neuroscience behind spinal energetics, why your heart is a second brain, real healing stories (chronic pain resolved in one session), and the emotional roots of disease. Learn about co-regulation, alignment, and why science and spirituality are finally collaborating. For anyone seeking deeper healing or curious about energy medicine from a scientific perspective. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Introduction to Finding Harmony Podcast  [01:00] Meet Ana Baptista: Medical Doctor and Energy Practitioner  [03:00] The Impact of Unconscious Patterns on Health  [05:00] Ana's Medical Background and Shift to Alternative Medicine  [07:00] Growing Up with Science and Open-Minded Family  [10:00] Discovering Communication Gaps in Medicine  [11:00] Integrating Coaching and NLP into Medical Practice  [14:00] Discovering Spinal Energetics  [15:00] Experiencing Energy Work: Ana's First Session  [17:00] The Science Behind Mind-Body Connection  [19:00] Your Mind as Your "Claws and Teeth"  [22:00] The Heart as a Second Brain  [26:00] The Role of Intuition in Medicine  [29:00] The Evolution of Medical Practice: Intuition and Science  [32:00] The Future of Medicine: Integrating Science and Ancient Wisdom  [40:00] Science Meets Energy Healing  [43:00] Embracing AI as an Assistant  [44:00] The Role of the Nervous System [46:00] Science and Human Potential  [50:00] Spinal Energetics and Transformation  [54:00] Midlife Crisis and Purpose  [59:00] Healing Through Emotional Release (Real Case Studies)  [1:04:00] The Interconnection of Mind and Body  [1:08:00] Disease and Emotional Roots  [1:17:00] Alignment: Spine, Soul, and Self  [1:21:00] Where to Find Ana Baptista GUEST BIO: Ana Baptista, MD is a board-certified hematologist with over 18 years of medical experience. She has worked in emergency medicine, specialized consultations, and served as medical director for clinical trials in hematology and oncology. Trained in Portugal, Ana also holds certifications in coaching, neurolinguistic programming (NLP), and clinical hypnotherapy. After discovering spinal energetics, she now integrates energy medicine with her medical background, helping clients heal through nervous system regulation and embodied practices. Ana is passionate about bridging Western medicine with alternative healing modalities, proving that science and spirituality complement rather than contradict each other. CONNECT WITH ANA: Website: supportingpaths.com  Instagram: @supportingpaths  Location: Based in the Algarve, Portugal | Works online globally KEY TAKEAWAYS: Your mind is your evolutionary survival mechanism—like claws and teeth for humans  The heart has its own neural network and can sense magnetic fields independently  Energy work is your nervous system releasing stored tension and trauma  Chronic pain can resolve rapidly when the body feels safe to release  Autoimmune diseases may be connected to patterns of self-criticism  Midlife crisis is your purpose asking if you're aligned with your truth  Medicine is an art informed by science, not just science alone • Intuition is your nervous system processing faster than conscious thought  Disease often has emotional roots that Western medicine doesn't address  Alignment (spine, soul, life) is the key to reducing suffering  Science and energy medicine are complementary, not contradictory RESOURCES MENTIONED: "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise Hay • Gabor Maté's work on trauma and disease • Spinal Energetics (as healing modality) • NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming) • Clinical Hypnotherapy FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

What if your body has been trying to tell you something all along—and you just didn't know how to listen? Twenty-five years ago, Inna was trapped in chronic pain. Psoriasis covered her body. She could barely walk due to back issues. She struggled with anxiety, depression, and digestive problems. She was stuck in the medical system, being told her conditions were genetic and permanent, taking medications that didn't work. Then, at age 20, she lost her baby. And in the depths of that grief and physical agony, one statement from her chiropractor changed everything: "Your body wants to be stuck." That single sentence—which initially enraged her—became the doorway to her awakening. Because it made her realize: if her body WANTS something, it has intelligence. It has language. It's trying to communicate. That night, she placed her hands on her back, breathed, and asked a simple question: "What does my back look like? Why am I in pain?" What happened next awakened an ability that would eventually help tens of thousands of people across the globe. She could suddenly SEE inside her body. She understood the emotional, psychological, and ancestral patterns creating her physical symptoms. And within three weeks, she healed conditions she'd been told were permanent. In this deeply moving conversation, we explore: The Journey to Awakening Inna shares her full story—from growing up in Belarus and being raised to believe doctors were half-gods, to moving to Australia and being bullied, to the pregnancy and loss that became her breaking point, to the moment she took radical responsibility for her own healing and everything changed. How Medical Intuition Actually Works Inna explains how she learned to see into people's energy fields and bodies—from the first time she saw a cartoon liver above her friend's head, to working with a medical doctor who had her place acupuncture needles based on what she was seeing, to learning how to turn the ability on and off so she didn't go insane. The Logic of the Body This is one of my favorite parts of our conversation. Inna breaks down why the body is completely logical—not random, not punishing, but communicating with incredible intelligence. Every symptom has layers of meaning. Every disease has a story. And when you understand the logic, you can begin to heal. What Your Symptoms Are Really Telling You We dive deep into specific body parts and systems: Why your immune system breaks down (insecurity, inner conflict, self-neglect, stress, not being able to say no) What back pain is really about (lack of support—both emotional AND financial) Why skin issues appear (not feeling safe, not belonging, ancestral trauma) How your digestive system holds loss and grief The Power of Color Healing Inna teaches how color is directly connected to emotion, and how you can use color intentionally every single day to shift your state. She shares stories of using pink light for protection, green for manifestation, and how wearing different colors changes how you feel, think, and show up in the world. Taking Radical Responsibility We discuss what it really means to move from being a victim of your body to being the healer of your body. This isn't about blaming yourself for illness—it's about recognizing that you have power, intelligence, and the ability to participate in your own healing. Ancestral Trauma in the Body Inna explains how family patterns and generational trauma show up in your physical body—in your digestive system, your immune response, your nervous system. She shares her own story of recognizing her grandmother's trauma living in her body. Practical Self-Healing Techniques Throughout the conversation, Inna shares tangible practices you can use immediately—from breathing into pain, to asking your body questions, to using color intentionally, to working with pressure points and movement. The Difference Between Caring and Carrying One insight that really struck me was Ina's distinction between caring for people and carrying them. This is huge for healers, coaches, yoga teachers, and anyone in helping professions. Why Healing Pulls You Toward Knowing Yourself Ina's closing wisdom is so powerful: "Healing always pulls you toward knowing you. You cannot heal without self-knowledge. The more you dive in, the more you realize what a layered person you are and how beautifully colorful and complex you are on the soul level." This episode is for anyone dealing with chronic health issues, anyone who feels stuck in their body, healers and coaches who want to understand the deeper layers of what's happening with their clients, yoga teachers, energy workers, bodyworkers, and anyone curious about the profound intelligence of the body. GUEST BIO: Inna Segal is an internationally recognized healer, bestselling author, speaker, and intuitive guide. Born in Belarus and raised in Italy and Australia, Ina's journey to becoming a medical intuitive began after her own healing crisis at age 20. For over 25 years, she has worked with tens of thousands of clients across six continents, helping them decode their body's messages and activate their innate healing abilities. She is the author of The Secret Language of Your Body and is currently writing a book on the 8 Stages of Healing. CONNECT WITH INNA: Website: innasegal.com Free Masterclasses: innasegal.com/secret Instagram: @innasegalauthor  Book: The Secret Language of Your Body SPECIAL OFFER: Inna is offering FREE masterclasses for Finding Harmony listeners on: • The Secret Language of Your Body • Color Healing • Ancestral Trauma • Childhood Patterns • Soul Guidance & Purpose Register at: innasegal.com/secret KEY INSIGHTS: Your body has an intelligent language—symptoms aren't random • Taking radical responsibility for your health is transformative • The body is completely logical—every symptom has layered meaning • Color is directly connected to emotion and can be used for healing daily • Your immune system responds to how safe and supported you feel • Back pain often relates to lack of support (emotional and financial) • Skin issues connect to feeling safe in your own skin and belonging • Ancestral trauma lives in your physical body and can be healed • You can develop your intuitive abilities through practice • Healing always pulls you toward deeper self-knowledge • The difference between caring for people and carrying them is essential RESOURCES MENTIONED: • The Secret Language of Your Body by Inna Segal • Network Chiropractic (now Network Spinal Analysis) • Spinal Energetics • Caroline Myss and Anatomy of the Spirit • Donald Epstein's 12 Stages of Healing • Ina's free masterclasses at innasegal.com FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

What happens when a scholar who studies death for a living discovers she must learn to truly live in her body? This haunting conversation explores literature, yoga, and the long road to embodiment. IN THIS EPISODE: Introduction to Finding Harmony Podcast Meet Jessica Murphy: Gothic Literature Scholar & Ashtanga Practitioner Teaching English Literature at the University of Iceland Jessica's Literary Works: Wishbone, Ossa Vivi, Moss & Rose Poetry, Novellas, and the Gothic Genre Victorian Literature vs. Romantic Period: Claiming Jane Austen and the Brontës Existentialism, Death, and Childhood Philosophy with Her Father Father's Influence: TM, Hippie Culture, and Zen Catholicism Coming to Ashtanga Yoga at Age 39 The Challenge of Backbends vs. Hip Openers & Arm Balances Using the Body to Be Embodied: Balancing Cerebral and Physical Work Kapotasana and the Death Drive: Flirting with Mortality Eating Disorder History and Ongoing Body Image Work Why Backbends Bring Up Old Wounds and Feelings of Not Enoughness The Beginner's Mind in Yoga Practice Creating False Equivalencies: Yoga Series as Academic Degrees LSD, Academic Structures, and Her Father's Generation Jack Kerouac's Journey and the Beats Memorization in Education: What We've Lost Reciting Shakespeare: "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" William Blake's "The Tiger": Fearful Symmetry Reading from "The Face in the Window" (Gothic Short Story from Ossa Vivi) Visual Imagination and Playing with Language Meeting Her Husband: Two 19th Century Literature Scholars in Iceland Looking for Someone Like Herself vs. Someone Opposite Balancing Creative Writing with Academic Pressures The Difference Between Tenure Track and Department Member Positions Her Husband's Prolific Academic Output: Philosophy and Literature Writing as a Labor of Love vs. Academic Requirement Being "High on Life": Creativity and Sensitivity Why Creative People Struggle with Depression and Anxiety The World Feeling Like "Too Much": Colors, Sounds, People Artistic Pursuits as Protection from Overwhelming Sensations The Quiet Life with Cats and Writing and Yoga Russell's Invitation (That Got Declined) Victorian Tea Ceremonies and Paying for Art The Japanese Tea Ceremony as Art Form: Greg Kinsey's Story Bad Art, Bad Writing, and Bad Asanas Harmony's Inner Circle Mentorship Program Invitation This episode is a deep, insightful exploration of navigating life as a highly sensitive creative person, balancing intellectual pursuits with embodied practice, and finding home in your body after years of disconnection.   GUEST BIO: Having taught at Vanier College, Dawson College, and Université de Montréal in Montréal, Qc, Canada in the past, Jessica Murphy, Ph.D. currently lives in Reykjavík, Iceland and teaches English literature at the University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands). Her areas of interest and expertise are Victorian and Romantic literature as well as detective novels, gothic fiction, and children's literature. In addition to publishing a novella entitled Wishbone (available on Amazon) and having her poetry published in an anthology featuring the works of poets from around the world entitled Words Apart: A Globe of Poetry, she has co-authored an epistolary novella, Moss and Rose and a collection of gothic short stories, Ossa Vivi, with Mae Kellert. Her scholarly publications include "'[T]he world's a beast, and I hate it!': Naturalism in Amy Levy's The Romance of a Shop" and an article on Arnold Bennett's The Old Wives' Tale. At present, she is working on a chapter on the double in Susanna Kaysen's Girl, Interrupted that will be included in a book, published by Routledge, featuring various essays on the doppelgänger. A cat lover and an avid Ashtangi, she has been practicing Ashtanga yoga for the last seven years. CONNECT WITH JESSICA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjcats/ Books available on Amazon and major retailers KEY TAKEAWAYS: Gothic literature and yoga philosophy both explore transformation, duality, and the shadow self Backbends can bring up body dysmorphia and old wounds—this is part of the healing work The poses that challenge us most teach us the most about ourselves Writing autobiographical fiction can be a powerful healing practice Highly sensitive creative people often need embodied practices to balance intellectual work Surrender doesn't mean giving up—it means releasing control of outcomes You can care for people without carrying their burdens Success in yoga isn't about mastery—it's about growth and self-discovery Memorization and recitation connect us to literary tradition and embodied knowledge FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

Are you feeling like you're standing on the edge of something new as we enter 2026? Maybe you're uncertain about what's ahead or how to step forward with confidence. This episode is your cosmic guide to the year ahead.   Join host Harmony Slater and spiritual astrologer Monica Lorraine for a deep dive into the major astrological shifts happening in 2026 and what they mean for your emotional healing, relationships, and personal growth. Unlike predictive astrology that focuses on fear and fate, Monica uses astrology as a tool for emotional insight, self-trust, and aligned decision-making.   In this episode, you'll discover:   The three major planetary shifts happening in 2026 and how they'll impact your life Why the first half of the year is all about emotional healing and inner safety (Jupiter in Cancer) How the summer brings a powerful shift toward confidence and self-expression (Jupiter moving into Leo) What it means to release perfectionism and control (North Node in Pisces) and move toward trust The transition from external validation to authentic self-acceptance (South Node moving into Leo) How Saturn in Pisces has been teaching you emotional boundaries since 2023 Why Saturn moving into Aries in February 2026 is calling you to take brave action The difference between spiritual astrology and traditional astrology How to work with your personal birth chart to understand where these shifts are happening in YOUR life Practical ways to prepare for the fiery, action-oriented energy coming in summer 2026   Whether you're new to astrology or a seasoned student of the stars, Monica breaks down complex concepts into grounded, practical wisdom you can use immediately. This conversation will help you move through 2026 with more clarity, confidence, and alignment.   Resources mentioned: Monica is offering exclusive free online astrology gatherings for Finding Harmony listeners in January, February, and March 2026.  Visit: https://www.soulaligned.net/harmony-2026.html FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

Welcome to 2026! In this solo episode, Harmony Slater guides you through the powerful liminal space between the yin energy of the Wood Snake year and the dynamic yang energy of the Fire Horse year beginning February 17th. In This Episode, You'll Discover: Why January through mid-February is a crucial threshold period for spiritual and energetic preparation How to avoid burnout by working with your nervous system instead of against it The difference between false urgency and true intuitive guidance Why hustle culture won't serve you in the Fire Horse year and what to do instead Practical yin practices to balance the intense yang energy coming in 2026 How to identify your top values and create alignment in every area of your life The importance of capacity over desire when setting goals and making commitments Key Themes: Chinese astrology and energetic cycles, nervous system regulation, embodiment practices, spiritual alignment, sustainable growth, burnout prevention, yin and yang balance Join the Finding Harmony Community: Access complimentary Moon Day meditations, group spinal energetics sessions, and energy embodiment practices. Visit the Finding Harmony community to connect with like-minded spiritual practitioners on the path. FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

As we step into 2026, many of us feel the pull to create meaningful change—to eat better, move more, and build habits that truly support our wellbeing. Yet so often, these intentions don't stick. Why do most New Year's resolutions fail by mid-January? In this timely replay episode, host Harmony Slater reconnects with health and nutrition coach Layne Stowell for an honest, practical conversation about sustainable habit change. Together, they explore why the all-or-nothing approach sets us up for failure, what actually creates lasting transformation, and how to build realistic habits that you can maintain throughout the entire year. This episode is packed with actionable insights on mindful eating, movement, stress management, and creating small changes that lead to big, lasting results—without extremes and without burnout. What You'll Learn Understanding Why Resolutions Fail The psychology behind "Quitter's Day" in January Why doing too much too fast guarantees failure How our childhood food habits shape adult eating patterns The biochemistry of food cravings and comfort eating The Science of Sustainable Change "Act the way you want to feel": Why waiting for motivation keeps you stuck The power of "consistently good" over "inconsistently perfect" How pride and dopamine create lasting habit loops Why starting small actually gets you further than grand gestures Practical Habit-Building Tools The Ripple Effect Habit: Identifying the one habit that makes everything else easier The Pause Technique: Creating mindful awareness before reaching for food How to use your calendar to prioritize yourself (not give yourself the "scraps" of your day) Celebrating without food: Finding new ways to reward yourself Nutrition & Movement Wisdom The importance of protein-rich breakfasts (20-30g by 10am) Why movement after meals stabilizes blood sugar and boosts metabolism The truth about intermittent fasting for different bodies How to fight afternoon fatigue without caffeine or sugar Key Quotes "We change best by feeling good. We're going to change by feeling good, not by feeling bad." — Layne Stowell "Don't let perfect be the enemy of good. Doing something will always be better than doing nothing." — Layne Stowell "We're very good at giving ourselves the scraps of our day. There's no such thing as having leftover time in this day and age." — Layne Stowell "Act the way you want to feel instead of waiting for the feelings to show up and then take the action." — Layne Stowell "Every choice we make is a vote for the person we want to become." — Layne Stowell "You are the type of person who follows through, not the type of person that you can't trust your own word to." — Layne Stowell Guest Bio Layne Stowell is a health and nutrition coach specializing in weight loss through sustainable habit and behavior change. Based in Denver, Colorado, Layne is a mother of three and passionate advocate for simplifying healthy living in our busy modern world. She helps her clients break free from all-or-nothing thinking and yo-yo dieting patterns to create lasting transformation through small, consistent changes. Connect with Layne: Website:https://www.laynestowell.com/workshop Instagram: @layne_stowell FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

This Christmas, we did something completely different. Instead of planning our usual year-end reflection, we handed control to AI—specifically ChatGPT—and asked it to curate 15 topics based on who we are, what we've experienced this year, and what needs to be said. The result? Well, you’re just gonna have to give it a listen! Join Harmony Slater and Russell Case as they explore the intersection of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge technology through discussions that span quantum consciousness, psychedelic healing, the Ashtanga yoga world's reckoning, and the art of finding beauty in life's broken moments. This isn't your typical year-in-review episode—it's a deep dive into what happens when you let "Gaia Earth Consciousness" (as Russell calls AI) guide a conversation about transformation. What We Explore: 🌌 Consciousness as Fundamental Reality We dive into physicist Maria Rom's theory that consciousness isn't emergent—it's the foundational fabric of the universe itself. From the double-slit experiment to quantum entanglement, we explore why this changes everything about healing, relationships, and daily practice. 🍄 The Gen X Psychedelic Renaissance Russell shares his unexpected return to plant medicine in midlife as a tool for healing childhood trauma. We discuss the "fungal outbreak" of psychedelic healing spreading through society and what it means for the spiral of growth. 🧘 31 Years of Practice Revealed For the first time, Russell vulnerably shares what three decades of Ashtanga yoga practice actually felt like—and why he finally feels good after releasing the need to strive. ⚖️ Ashtanga Yoga's Year of Reckoning We address the women rising up to call out abuse in the Ashtanga community and why this moment matters for the future of teacher-student relationships. 💕 Relationship as Constant Friction The real gifts we give each other? Transparency, emotional holding, and healthy bickering that prevents resentment from festering. Plus: why we both like spicy food. 🌊 Tao Tourism & Missing Flights The philosophy of surrendering to flow, illustrated by our European food adventure, a missed flight in Amsterdam, and how mistakes become part of the beauty. ✨ Kintsugi: Painting Broken Things with Gold The Japanese art of repair as metaphor for life—weaving imperfection into the narrative instead of hiding it. 🎯 Identity as Fiction Existentialist perspective on personality as story, and the radical freedom to tell yourself different stories to become different people. 🙏 Love as the Only Reality Harmony's gift to listeners: experiencing at a cellular level that there is no separate "you"—only love, experiencing itself through infinite forms. Episode Highlights & Timestamps: [00:04:00] Introduction: The AI-curated episode concept [00:06:00] The problem of consciousness in philosophy [00:09:00] Gaia consciousness and AI as unified field [00:12:00] What Gen Xers are remembering this year [00:15:00] End-of-year ritual recommendations [00:19:00] Russell's 31-year practice journey [00:24:00] The gift of constant friction in relationships [00:27:00] Letting go while still gripping (the anabolic steroid story) [00:31:00] Harmony's mystical transformation [00:35:00] Tao Tourism philosophy [00:37:00] Finding awe in mundane objects (Chardin practice) [00:40:00] Identity as existential fiction [00:42:00] The Kintsugi moment: missed flights and beauty [00:45:00] Balance, yin-yang, and buying Canadian Resources Mentioned: Maria Ström's article on consciousness and quantum physics (Apple News) "Evaluate and Evolve" workbook - FREE download for year-end reflection: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/evaluate-evolve Finding Harmony Community - Join for December 28th complimentary event Live Group Energy Reset featuring breathwork and spinal energetic About Finding Harmony: Finding Harmony is a podcast exploring the intersection between ancient wisdom and modern everyday life, using mind-body practices to heal, awaken, and manifest dreams from the inside out. Hosted by yoga teacher and consciousness guide Harmony Slater, with co-host Russell Case. FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

What happens when you love a practice but recognize the harm within its structures? In this raw and revelatory conversation, Harmony sits down with Zoe Ward—long-time Ashtanga practitioner, authorized teacher, and the voice behind @unrulyascetic—to explore what it means to dismantle a tradition from within. Zoe spent years immersed in Mysore, studying with lineage teachers, and fully embodying the discipline that defines Ashtanga yoga. But somewhere along the way, she began to see the cracks: the privilege required to practice this way, the power dynamics that mutate devotion into dogma, the loss of autonomy when teachers dictate who you are and what's good for you. This conversation doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable truths—the hierarchy, the gatekeeping, the ways we've normalized abuse while failing to normalize talking about it. But it also offers something essential: a path forward. Zoe shares how she's rebuilding her relationship with practice, helping others reclaim their agency, and creating space for people to trust themselves again. Whether you're a devoted practitioner, a disillusioned teacher, or someone who's quietly stepped away from the mat, this episode offers permission to question, evolve, and find your own unruly path to freedom. Topics Discussed: • The privilege required to practice traditional Ashtanga yoga • Power dynamics and hierarchy in yoga communities • When devotion becomes dogma and disconnection • Confronting harm and accountability in spiritual communities • Reclaiming autonomy and trusting yourself in practice • Finding the intelligence in the system without rigid adherence • Building community that doesn't gatekeep or sort practitioners Lightworker Alignment Call: https://harmonyslater.as.me/quick-clarity FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

After more than 25 years of practice and 20 years of teaching, Harmony has found herself in a very different relationship with yoga than the one she started with. In this conversation, she sits down with her friend and co-facilitator, Lindsay Johnson, to talk honestly about what happens when a highly structured, discipline heavy practice stops feeling like home to your body. They trace the arc from Ashtanga and power vinyasa into somatic yoga, nervous system literacy, trauma sensitivity, and embodied energetics, and how those worlds are coming together in their new 100 hour Somatic Yoga and Embodied Energy Teacher Training at Yoga Passage in Calgary.  Harmony shares how the dogma and dualism she experienced in traditional Ashtanga left her feeling traumatized and disconnected from her own body’s wisdom, even as she continued to teach. Lindsay talks about growing up with medical trauma, discovering yoga as her first physical practice, and how chasing discipline, shapes, and handstands eventually gave way to a longing for freedom, expression, and true safety in her body. Together, they explore somatics as “coming home”: feeling instead of performing, building safety before “doing the work,” honouring the nervous system, and allowing movement, sound, and emotion to express in ways that look far less linear and far more like nature. They also speak directly to yoga teachers and long-time practitioners whose bodies are now saying no to old patterns, and how this training is designed as an initiation and a supplement to existing trainings rather than “just another certification.” If your yoga practice has started to feel like a grind, if your nervous system is already at capacity, or if you are curious about weaving subtle energy work, trauma literacy, and somatic language into the way you teach, this episode is an invitation to reimagine what yoga can be. In This Episode, You’ll Hear About When a beloved practice stops working Harmony’s honest reflection on feeling traumatized by the dogma and indoctrination around Ashtanga. What it is like when your body keeps saying “no” every time you get on your mat. Why so many midlife practitioners walk away from yoga entirely when the old way stops feeling safe. Lindsay’s path through discipline into somatics First teacher training at Yoga Passage back in 2005 and years of teaching linear, disciplined styles like power vinyasa and Ashtanga. How a Saturday power class turned into a somatic class the moment she invited everyone to shake, and never went back. The realization that she had been hypervigilant and disconnected from her body for most of her life, and how somatics helped her come home. Discipline, structure and their limits Why highly structured systems can initially feel like safety for nervous systems shaped by trauma, chaos, or disorganized families. How discipline taught them to cue, hold space, and show up, yet eventually began to feel like a cage rather than support. The shift from “I need to fix myself and prove my worthiness” to “I am already whole, and the practice is about remembering that.” Somatic yoga as nervous system literacy What it means to teach from a felt sense instead of from performance or achievement. Using pendulation, “islands of safety,” and choice to guide students in and out of sensation. Why learning to relax and feel ease is a prerequisite for true regulation and resilience. Trauma sensitivity and language in class How somatic language differs from traditional cueing, especially around choice and autonomy. Giving students sovereignty instead of pushing them into “no pain, no gain” territory. Letting go of rigid bilateral rules and allowing asymmetry, ease, and curiosity to lead. Feminine energy, Kundalini and non-linear movement Reframing vinyasa and “flow” as something guided by breath and sensation, not just choreography. How Kundalini and Shakti express through spirals, oscillations, and organic movement rather than straight lines. The role of self-touch, oxytocin, and nurturing practices in regulating women’s nervous systems. Embodied energetics and the subtle body Seeing the body as the densest part of the energetic field, not just a physical object. Working with the chakras, nadis, fascia, and spinal energetics as an integrated map. How teachers can sense the field, notice shifts, and differentiate between “my energy” and “the room.” The 100 Hour Somatic Yoga & Embodied Energy Teacher Training Who it is for: yoga teachers, healers, and coaches with a foundational training who want to go deeper. What it includes: somatic practices, nervous system education, subtle body mapping, trauma sensitive space-holding, and embodied leadership. How the in-person format at Yoga Passage in Calgary supports community, co-regulation, and live practice. About Our Guest: Lindsay Johnson Lindsay Johnson is a yoga teacher, somatic healing practitioner, and trauma-informed facilitator based in Calgary, Alberta. She has been practicing yoga for nearly 20 years and began teaching after her first training at Yoga Passage in 2005. Over the years, she has studied with teachers such as Shiva Rea and Baron Baptiste, taught power vinyasa and Ashtanga, owned her own studio, and eventually returned to Yoga Passage after major life changes in 2020.  Lindsay now focuses on somatic yoga, movement-based therapy, and nervous system literacy, helping students and clients reconnect with their bodies after trauma, burnout, and years of living in their heads. At Yoga Passage, she is listed as a practitioner offering somatic healing in their wellness program and teaches classes, workshops, full moon events, and her signature Soma Movement sessions.  Her work centres on sovereignty, choice, and collective healing. Through shaking practices, floor-based somatic sequences, and careful, choice-based language, Lindsay creates spaces where people can safely feel, express, and integrate their full emotional spectrum. You can find her teaching in person at Yoga Passage and sharing her work online at @lj_heals on Instagram.  Links From This Episode Somatic Yoga & Embodied Energy 100 Hour Teacher Training Hosted at Yoga Passage in Calgary, Alberta Check Yoga Passage’s Teacher Training and Workshops pages for details and registration: https://yogapassage.ca Yoga Passage (studio) Website: https://yogapassage.ca Instagram: @yoga.passage Connect with Lindsay Instagram: @lj_heals  Somatic healing offerings at Yoga Passage: Somatic Healing listing on the Therapists page FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

In this mind-bending, heart-opening conversation, Harmony and Russell welcome back author, former Benedictine monk, financial advisor, and Enneagram educator Doug Lynam. What begins as a discussion about money and spirituality quickly expands into psychedelics, ego structures, ancient Christian history, mystical experiences, and why our deepest personal wounds shape both our financial lives and our spiritual paths. Doug unpacks how his monastic vows, his monastery’s bankruptcy, and years of guiding others through financial distress led him to explore the emotional and psychological roots of money. He explains why money acts as “stored energy,” why it absorbs our intention, and why integrating spirituality with finance is essential for living a whole, aligned life. From there, the episode rolls into the psychedelic origins of the Enneagram, how different types experience altered states, and why Doug believes psychedelic journeys can reveal the deepest architecture of the ego. Harmony and Russell share their own recent experiences with 5-MeO-DMT, exploring consciousness, connection, lineage healing, and the dissolution of the self. This is one of the most surprising, expansive, and spiritually charged conversations ever recorded for the Finding Harmony podcast. In this episode: Setting the Stage: Who Is Doug Lynam Today? Harmony introduces Doug as a “monk, a money manager, and a mystic” wrapped into one. Doug’s backstory: 20 years as a Benedictine monk, vow of poverty, monastery bankruptcy. How reconciling money and spirituality became his life’s work. Money as Spiritual Energy Doug reframes money as “stored work energy.” Why separating spirituality and money leads to fragmentation. Russell shares his discomfort about mixing spirituality and money, prompting a rich dialogue about cultural conditioning and internal conflict. Psychedelics in Early Christianity Doug shares research from The Immortality Key. Evidence of psychedelic sacraments in early Christian rituals. Greek, Roman, and pagan traditions that shaped early Christianity. Understanding the Enneagram from a Psychological Lens Doug explains the Enneagram as nine ego-structures shaped by childhood stressors. The three emotional roots: anger, sadness, fear. Russell identifies strongly with Type Nine. How the Enneagram predicts emotional triggers and core wounds. Psychedelics and the Enneagram Doug’s theory: psychedelic experiences mirror your type’s greatest fear and greatest hope. Anger-triad types often benefit from dissociatives like ketamine. Shame-triad types often benefit from MDMA. Fear-triad types often resonate with psilocybin or LSD. The Untold Psychedelic History of the Enneagram The Enneagram’s modern lineage through Oscar Ichazo and Claudio Naranjo. Naranjo’s psychedelic clinic and collaborations with Alexander Shulgin. How psychedelic history was stripped out when the Enneagram entered Christian communities. Five-MeO-DMT, Ego Dissolution, and the Mystical Experience Doug outlines safe, trauma-informed approaches to 5-MeO facilitation. Why slow, intentional dosing may be safer than single “breakthrough” hits. How the Enneagram enriches psychedelic integration. Harmony and Russell share their own recent journeys, including lineage healing and somatic release. Trauma, Healing, and Union with the Divine Doug shares his own intense 5-MeO experience involving collective suffering and infinite love. Philosophical reflections on consciousness, non-duality, pain, and interconnectedness. A powerful closing on how expanded states reveal the architecture of the ego and the nature of reality. Guest Bio: Doug Lynam Doug Lynam is a former Benedictine monk turned financial advisor, author, and expert on the intersection of money, psychology, and spirituality. After spending two decades in monastic life, Doug unexpectedly became responsible for navigating his monastery through bankruptcy. This launched his mission to help others heal their relationship with money. He’s a partner at a New Mexico investment firm, an Enneagram specialist, and the author of From Monk to Money Manager and Taming Your Money Monster. Doug also integrates his deep interest in psychedelics, consciousness, and emotional transformation into his work. Relevant Links Taming Your Money Monster by Doug Lynam: https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/taming-your-money-monster/ Clarity Session with Harmony: https://harmonyslater.as.me/Clarity-Session Call to Action If this episode stretched your mind, cracked open your heart, or made you rethink your relationship with money and spirituality, share it with someone who loves exploring consciousness. And make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes where we keep expanding what’s possible. FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

This special Black Friday solo episode of the Finding Harmony Podcast invites you to step out of the frenzy of sales and into a much quieter revolution: transforming your relationship with money from the inside out. Host Harmony Slater reframes money as energy, a living current that wants to circulate, not stagnate. Drawing on her own history of growing up in a household marked by financial fear and scarcity, she shares three key insights that can help you reset your money frequency as the holidays, year-end reflections, and new intentions all converge. You will explore how gratitude shifts your nervous system out of threat mode, why energy must come before strategy when it comes to money and business, and how true generosity springs from a sense of inner enoughness rather than obligation or pressure. Harmony closes by inviting you into her 21 Day Money Magic and Manifestation Challenge, a structured container to rewire your money beliefs, calm your nervous system, and expand your capacity to receive. This is a beautiful listen for anyone who feels anxious about holiday spending, income, or “where you should be by now” and is ready to create a more grounded, spiritual, and truly abundant relationship with wealth. In this episode, Harmony explores: Money as circulating energy Why she chooses to talk about circulating money rather than spending it over Black Friday weekend How seeing money as energy, currency, and flow changes the way you relate to it Insight 1: Gratitude as a nervous system reset How childhood scarcity imprints connect money with stress, fear, and conflict A simple gratitude practice you can use right now to move from “surviving” into a sense of thriving and sufficiency How gratitude shifts your brain chemistry toward safety and receptivity Insight 2: Energy before strategy Why budgeting, hustling, or “doing more” rarely work when the underlying energy is fear The difference between a “strategy problem” and an energetic mismatch A somatic check-in to ask: “Does my body feel safe to receive more?” How breath, mantra, visualization, and nervous system calibration prepare you to take aligned action Insight 3: Generosity as a gateway to overflow The difference between reckless spending and aligned generosity A real-life story of making a scary, values-aligned investment in her first coaching program Why investing energy in what is truly aligned with who you are becoming tends to multiply Practical micro-practices from the 21 Day Money Magic and Manifestation Challenge Daily prompts, breathwork, visualization, and nervous system practices Repatterning your subconscious beliefs about money, safety, and worthiness Learning to become a channel for abundance in all forms: finances, health, love, opportunities, and community About Your Host: Harmony Slater Harmony Slater is a Certified Life Coach, Certified Ashtanga Yoga Teacher, and long-time practitioner who has spent more than twenty years exploring how ancient spiritual technologies can support our modern lives. Through in-depth conversations, solo teachings, and practical tools, Harmony helps you bring yoga, meditation, and subtle body practices into everyday life so that you feel more resourced, clear, and connected. You can learn more about Harmony, her programs, and upcoming retreats at harmonyslater.com. Resources And Links Mentioned Somatic Selling: A Spinal Energetics Workshop to Release Sales Fear + Embody Overflow https://harmonyslater.kit.com/somatic-bf25 For coaches, healers, and yoga teachers ready to release sales resistance, expand their capacity to receive, and confidently share their gifts with the world. 21 Day Money Magic and Manifestation Challenge https://community-harmonyslater.com/landing/plans/1542444 Use PROMO CODE: MONEYMAGIC60 for an additional $60 Savings You can jump into this challenge for only $48 - available ONLY for a limited time!  21 days of daily audio messages, journal prompts, and micro-practices\ Designed to uncover subconscious money blocks, recalibrate your nervous system, and align your energy with abundance On Black Friday special for three days Use promo code: MoneyMagic60 at checkout Call To Action If this episode helped you feel more grounded and hopeful about money during the holiday season: Join the 21 Day Money Magic and Manifestation Challenge Use the code MoneyMagic60 for the limited Black Friday offer Share this episode with a friend who feels anxious about finances, holiday spending, or “not being far enough along” in life. Subscribe and leave a review for the Finding Harmony Podcast so more people can find these conversations about spirituality, yoga, and everyday life. Come say hello on Instagram at @harmonyslaterofficial and @findingharmonypodcast and let Harmony know your biggest takeaway from this Black Friday episode. FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

In this episode of the Finding Harmony Podcast, Harmony and Russell sit down with longtime Ashtanga practitioner and certified financial planner Kathy Reisfeld to talk about money, dharma and what it really means to be wealthy. Kathy’s story moves from physics and finance in New York City, through the shock of 9/11, to decades of Ashtanga practice and the creation of a Mysore shala in a renovated barn in the Berkshires. Along the way she has guided clients through multiple market crashes, bear markets and bubbles, all while keeping one eye on their portfolios and the other on what truly matters to them. Together, Harmony, Russell and Kathy explore money as energy, the emotional baggage spiritual folks carry about finances, how to invest in a way that matches your time horizon and values, and why diversification is the financial equivalent of a well balanced yoga practice. They also ask tricky questions about capitalism, ethical investing and retirement, reframing them in terms of freedom, choice and dharma rather than fear. If you have ever thought “I am spiritual, so I should not care about money” or felt totally frozen when it comes to investing, this conversation will help you breathe, relax and start treating your financial life as part of your practice instead of something separate from it. What We Talk About Wealth as energy, not just money Kathy’s path from physics to finance to Ashtanga yoga New York, 9/11 and the first bear market she had to guide clients through Balancing a finance career and a serious practice The basics of investing for spiritual people who feel scared of money Ethical investing and spiritual discomfort with capitalism Retirement, risk and planning for contingencies rather than escape Money, houses and diversification Investing in education, travel and your own human capital Money as circulation and prana Kathy’s life now: a barn, a shala and a wealth advisory firm Guest Bio: Kathy Reisfeld Kathy Reisfeld is a financial advisor and dedicated Ashtanga Yoga practitioner who helps people find balance—both in their financial lives and on the mat. As co-founder of Berkshire Wealth Group, she brings over 27 years of experience guiding clients through personalized investment planning. She holds both the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and Certified Investment Management Analyst® certifications. Kathy discovered Ashtanga Yoga in 2001 as a complement to running while working as a financial advisor in New York City. Initially somewhat resistant to the idea of yoga, she found this moving meditation practice transformative for managing stress and anxiety. She studied with renowned teachers including Eddie Stern, Nancy Gilgoff, and Christine Hoar—whom she's known for over 22 years and who has been her main teacher for the past decade. Kathy traveled to Mysore, India in 2005 to deepen her practice. Kathy's yoga practice has been the anchor that helped her navigate the demands of motherhood and a thriving career. In 2024, Kathy and her husband Scott began renovating their barn to house both their financial advisory office upstairs and a dedicated Ashtanga Yoga space. Whether she's helping clients reduce financial stress or maintaining her own daily practice, Kathy's approach centers on the same principle: creating strength, healing, and freedom through mindful, values-based practices. Kathy lives in Great Barrington with Scott, their daughter Ruthie, and their menagerie of pets. When not working or practicing yoga, you'll find her hiking, biking, or sailing in the Berkshires. Berkshire Wealth Group | berkshirewealthgroup.com 250 Maple Ave, Great Barrington, MA 01230 | 845-263-3996 | kathy@brkwealthgrp.com Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Berkshire Wealth Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.   Relevant Links Mentioned Ashtanga Yoga https://www.instagram.com/ashtangagb/ https://www.facebook.com/astangagb/ https://www.ashtangayogagb.com/ Yoga and Finance: yogaandfinance.com FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

On Remembrance Day, Harmony and Russell sit down with longtime friend and teacher Faith Scimecca to explore how daily practice steadies us through love, loss, and the mystery of dying. Faith traces her path from NCAA figure skater to Ashtanga practitioner and shala owner, and shares how a sincere prayer to “be of use” led her to chaplaincy. She speaks candidly about being present at Sharath Jois’s final workshops, the day he passed, what it feels like to sit with the dying, and the simple energetic hygiene that allows empaths to serve without taking on everyone else’s pain. This episode honors teachers, ancestors, and the living bond of community. Faith Scimecca is a Level 2 Authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher and the founder of Woodley Park Yoga in Washington, D.C. She studied extensively in Mysore, India, with Shri K. Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Jois, and has led the city’s longest running Mysore style Ashtanga program since 2007. In addition to her yoga teaching, Faith is a board certified hospital chaplain, trained at a Level 1 trauma center and now specializing in palliative and end of life care. Conversation highlights Origins of practice: figure skating discipline, Ohio to NYC to first Mysore trip Becoming a teacher: opening Woodley Park Yoga in 2007, authorization and lineage memories Remembrance: being with community around the passing of Sharath Jois, how joy showed up in his final tours Chaplaincy calling: returning to school, clinical work in trauma and palliative settings What matters at the end: relationships, meaning, the peace Faith often feels when a spirit crosses Energetic boundaries for empaths: prayer, simple light visualizations, and “service mode” Practice today: how Faith balances shala life, hospital work, and personal practice About our guest Faith Scimecca has taught Ashtanga for over two decades and runs Woodley Park Yoga in Washington, DC. She is an interfaith hospital chaplain supporting patients and families through palliative and end-of-life care. Faith integrates devotional practice, clear energetic boundaries, and steady daily sadhana to serve her community with clarity and compassion. Resources and mentions Woodley Park Yoga: https://www.woodleyparkyoga.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodleyparkyoga/ FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

Harmony and Russell sit down with long-time friend and teacher Krista Shirley to explore what it truly means to feel at home in your body. Krista recounts a devastating shoulder surgery complication that severed her suprascapular nerve, the long journey through pain and medical dead ends, and the mind-body tools that helped her rebuild function and joy. She shares how meditation, mental rehearsal, pranayama, and small, precise movements became a bridge back to daily practice, and why her Body Mechanics classes now offer a soft landing for people who think yoga is out of reach. The conversation gets real about grief in the Ashtanga community, aging, acceptance, and trusting the work you have already done. Episode breakdown What it takes to feel at home in your body A candid account of nerve injury, infection, and the “FU door” moment of choosing a new path Mental rehearsal, meditation, and pranayama as practical rehab tools The case for micro-movements, scapular and hip focus, and brain-body connection Aging with practice, releasing performance pressure, and keeping the joy Why “trust the investment” can change everything when you return to the mat Making practice accessible, how Body Mechanics leads people back to Mysore Community, lineage, loss, and what sustains us now About our guest Krista Shirley is a Level 2 Authorized Ashtanga teacher, Pilates instructor, and founder of The Yoga Shala in Orlando, Florida. After a surgery severed her suprascapular nerve, she developed a brain-body approach to rehabilitation that became her Body Mechanics method, helping students reduce pain, restore function, and reconnect with practice. Krista teaches Mysore and Body Mechanics classes, offers tutorials on her YouTube channel, and leads retreats, including a July 10–16 program in Lefkada, Greece. X / Twitter link: https://www.x.com/kristayogini Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/kristashirleyyoga Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/kristashirleyyoga YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/@yogawithkrista Listen to episode 36 with Krista Shirley on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-harmony-podcast/id1508928138?i=1000579088315 or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2TISeuK3dGPFxL8nsykLzN?si=675435af5b0847a Health Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode of Finding Harmony Podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, injury, or wellness program. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

Harmony and Russell talk with researcher and author Matt Zemon about psychedelics as catalysts for change, not cures. They explore what current studies suggest about anxiety, PTSD, repetitive thinking, and addiction, then ground the conversation in practical guidance: source, set, and setting, medical intake, and the role of preparation and integration. The trio also contrasts medical and ceremonial lanes, the spiritual significance of entheogens, and how community transforms the healing arc—especially for veterans and for people navigating midlife transitions. What You’ll Learn Catalyst vs. cure: why altered states create openness for change, and why integration is the practice that makes it stick Repetitive thinking patterns: how psychedelics may interrupt ruts that manifest as anxiety, depression, OCD, compulsions, or workaholism Source, set, and setting: a clear safety-first framework echoed by research institutions Preparation: clarifying intentions, tending physical space, and naming post-ceremony supports Integration: bringing insights into dishes, deadlines, and relationships, plus finding community that fits your path Medicine personalities: distinctions between ketamine, MDMA and MDA, psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, iboga/ibogaine, wachuma and peyote Risk basics: why independent medical consults matter, medications that conflict, and when supervised care is non-negotiable Spiritual context: clinical findings alongside living spiritual traditions, and why collaboration between science and spirit is needed now The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or legal advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Psychedelic substances remain illegal in many jurisdictions, and their use carries physical, psychological, and legal risks.  If you are struggling with your mental health or substance use, please seek support from a licensed professional or contact your local mental health helpline. About Our Guest — Matt Zemon Matt holds a Master’s in Psychology and Neuroscience from King’s College London and is completing a Doctorate of Ministry at the Pacific School of Religion. He’s the author of Psychedelics for Everyone, Beyond the Trip, and The Veteran’s Guide to Psychedelics created with the Heroic Hearts Project. Matt works at the intersection of spirituality and mental health, helping communities and providers reduce risk and support meaningful, safe experiences. Resources Mentioned (pulled from the convo) Guest site: mattzemon.com Books: Psychedelics for Everyone, Beyond the Trip, The Veteran’s Guide to Psychedelics Organizations and references mentioned: King’s College London Pacific School of Religion Heroic Hearts Project Johns Hopkins, NYU, UCSF psychedelic research programs spiritpharmacist.com (Dr. Ben Malcolm), Dr. Emily Kopa On safety frameworks: source, set, and setting On community and faith-based contexts: Christian, Jewish, and Islamic psychedelic groups were referenced generally Call to Action Join Harmony’s 21-Day Money Magic and Manifestation Challenge starting November 3 with a bonus live activation on Sunday, November 2. Check the show notes link to register, get the Manifestation Activation right away, and meet the community. Subscribe, rate, and review the show. Turn on automatic downloads. Say hello on Instagram: @findingharmonypodcast and @harmonyslaterofficial. FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

What happens when devotion slips into blind obedience? Harmony opens this episode with a frank reflection on power, consent, and autonomy in yoga. She then welcomes Tamara Cole, a yoga teacher and former boat captain whose journey took her from Bikram’s hot rooms to a life of freedom and integrity in the Galápagos Islands. Together, they unpack how groupthink, hierarchy, and manipulation take root in spiritual spaces — and what it looks like to rebuild a practice grounded in awareness, consent, and community. Tamara also shares her upcoming Galápagos Yoga Retreat, where participants reconnect with nature through snorkeling, island exploration, and mindful movement. The conversation closes with Harmony’s 21-Day Money Magic & Manifestation Challenge, an embodiment-based program that helped Tamara rewire her scarcity stories and rediscover self-worth, grace, and generosity. Episode Breakdown Devotion vs. Obedience in Yoga: Harmony explores where trust becomes compliance Tamara’s Story: From Florida business owner to devoted Bikram practitioner Inside Bikram Training: Bootcamp culture, sleep deprivation, and witnessing abuse Moments of Resistance: Choosing to walk out when a teacher crosses the line Groupthink and Belonging: Why students stay, even when boundaries are broken Life in the Galápagos: Conservation, connection, and the beauty of coexisting with nature Retreat Highlights: Three uninhabited islands, snorkeling, cacao ceremony, yoga, and rest Money Magic Challenge: Healing inherited beliefs and redefining abundance Community as Medicine: Why doing the work together creates lasting change Guest Bio Tamara Cole is a yoga teacher and 100-ton licensed boat captain who spent nearly two decades teaching in Hawai‘i before relocating to the Galápagos Islands. She began practicing yoga in 2008 and trained in the Bikram system before shifting toward more holistic, heart-centered approaches. Tamara now leads transformative yoga retreats that weave movement, mindfulness, and connection to nature. She is also a graduate of Harmony’s Lightworker Mastermind program, where she deepened her somatic and energetic practices while developing her signature Galápagos retreat. Find Tamara on IG: https://www.instagram.com/yoga.with.tlc/ Find Tamara on FB: https://www.facebook.com/tami.cole.31 Call to Action If you’ve ever questioned a teacher, lineage, or practice that no longer feels aligned, this conversation will help you find language for your intuition. 👉 Listen, share, and reflect. Then explore the 21-Day Challenge to bring that same integrity to your relationship with money, creativity, and leadership. FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

Harmony and Russell talk with teacher and studio co-leader Joseph Armstrong about recovery, identity, the discipline that actually changes lives, and building inclusive community through the Queer Yoga Club at Miami Life Center. Joseph shares how a strong recovery container and a steady Mysore practice worked together, why expectations and boundaries matter, what it is really like to run a studio, and how to expand programs without losing lineage. In this conversation Addiction, relapse, and the turning point that made sobriety stick “90 in 90,” daily Mysore, and why discipline is the bridge Adjustments, consent culture, and student autonomy Running a studio in 2025, consumer expectations, and aggregator pressures Creating Queer Yoga Club, safety signals, and true welcome Community circles, story bowls, and being witnessed Travel, teaching, and what is next for Joseph and Edgar Guest bio Joseph Armstrong teaches yoga with feet planted firmly in tradition and gaze turned towards the future. His search for a more present and peaceful life first led him to the practice in 2008 and soon after he was studying in India. After finally overcoming a years long struggle with addiction, Joseph began experimenting with Ashtanga Yoga. He is Authorized Level 2 by his teacher, the late Sharath Jois. He and his husband Edgar are co-owners of Miami Life Center and teach workshops worldwide. Joseph teaches yoga because attempts to do any and everything else ended disastrously. But when he finally devoted himself to his passion, he became an asset to himself and others. His teaching is rooted in the hope that practice helps us become more loving, more awake, and, ultimately, able to exist gently. Links mentioned Joseph’s Website: https://www.josepharmstrongyoga.com Joseph’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/josepharmstrongyoga?igsh=MWE2MXNtYnU4OXh4Nw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Joseph’s YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCvV7ez9he51upLEc49U67_g Miami Life Center (studio home base): https://miamilifecenter.com/ LINKS   21 Day Money Magic Manifestation Challenge: https://community-harmonyslater.com/landing/plans/1542444 Use PROMO CODE for additional $20 Savings: MANIFESTATIONMAGIC  FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation Rewire Your Mind & Magnetize Aligned Wealth. ​A subconscious reprogramming meditation to unlock abundance, raise your frequency, and collapse time around your desires. FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

In this inspiring episode of the Finding Harmony Podcast, hosts Harmony Slater and Russell Case sit down with David Knee, author of The Next Asana. David shares his deeply personal journey of living with multiple sclerosis, navigating forced retirement, and finding new vitality through the practice of Ashtanga Yoga. From his first Groupon yoga class in Victoria to studying with Tim Miller and writing poetry inspired by the moon cycles, David’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and hope. Along the way, he reflects on family life, the challenges of step-parenting, and the healing power of consistent, adapted yoga practice. David reminds us that practice doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective—it simply has to be yours. His story is not only inspiring for those living with MS, but also for yoga teachers, caregivers, and anyone seeking a path of renewal in difficult times. Topics Covered in This Episode: David’s diagnosis with multiple sclerosis and his early symptoms How yoga supported his physical, cognitive, and emotional health The importance of adapting practice for chronic illness The role of breath, pranayama, and meditation in healing Lessons learned from teaching and community service in the MS world Transformation, patience, and the importance of cultivating hope The meaning behind the dragonfly on his book cover David’s moon poems and reflections on love, practice, and resilience Resources & Links: David’s blog: Poem: Harvest Moon by David Knee Harvest Full Moon it’s a ray of light Farmers use it to work late at night It’s harvest time, they reap what they sow They work underneath this Moon’s bright glow Neil Young does sing that tune It goes like this: On this Harvest Moon I’d love to dance with the one I love This song’s perfect under what is above On a warm late summer’s eve underneath its glow Wouldn’t it be awesome for us all to know To dance, to love, is all we really need This romantic mindset I think you believe I’ve gone on a tangent I love that song It embodies to me of a love so long Feel it, be it, take that big chance Just let it in, you bet it’s romance I’ll get back on track as I’m sure you know A breather’s required it’s not just for show Love is a song that we all know best Sing it out loud, then enjoy a good rest Links to Amazon - David's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Next-Asana-Ashtanga-Multiple-Sclerosis/dp/1779629974 https://www.amazon.ca/Next-Asana-Ashtanga-Multiple-Sclerosis/dp/1779629974 FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

This conversation traces what happens when yoga is not just a class but a way of living. Harmony speaks with nutritionist and longtime Ashtanga practitioner Karolina Zakrzewska about two decades in India, managing Purple Valley in Goa, opening the Tenerife sister center, and how dedication to practice intersected with her recovery from disordered eating. They explore the “fire” that fuels Ashtanga, the risk of letting that fire consume us, and practical, compassionate ways to nourish body, mind, and spirit through seasons of change, including perimenopause and midlife. What We Cover Finding yoga in India and studying closely with Rolf Naujokat What Purple Valley means to the Ashtanga community and how Tenerife came to be The helpful and harmful sides of “too much fire” in practice Karolina’s personal story with anorexia and bulimia, and why radical honesty is a turning point in healing How yoga can replace, or heal, other addictions depending on mindset Working with “trigger foods,” fear foods, and mindful eating without moralizing food Why vegetarian or vegan patterns can be fraught for some teens, and how parents can keep an eye out Midlife shifts: protein, gut health, nervous system regulation, and sustainable routines The spiritual dimension of nourishment and why “your body is a portal” About the Guest Karolina Zakrzewska is a nutritionist specializing in dysfunctional eating and eating disorders. A longtime Ashtanga practitioner, she managed Purple Valley in Goa for many years and helped launch its partner retreat in Tenerife. Karolina works with individuals and yoga teacher trainings to build compassionate awareness around food, body image, and sustainable practice. Resources & Links Mentioned (from the episode) Purple Valley Tenerife Workshops 3 January to 10 January 2026  https://yogagoa.com/clearing-the-path-purpose-practice-presence/ 10 January to 17 January 2026 https://yogagoa.com/embodying-your-practice-from-intention-to-transformation/ Karolina’s website: https://www.karolinanutrition.com Karolina on Instagram: https://instagram.com/karolinakatzakrzewska Purple Valley (Goa: https://yogagoa.com/ If any link above needs a specific URL on publish, drop it in and I’ll slot it cleanly into the notes. Call to Action Reserve your spot for Harmony’s January Tenerife retreats. DM Harmony at @harmonyslaterofficial for the booking link and details. If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who practices. To explore nutrition support around disordered eating or mindful nourishment, reach out to Karolina via her website or email. FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation