We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. In this episode, I am joined by Danielle of Venus Rising. Together we unpack Taylor Swift’s latest era through the lens of healing and self-discovery. We pair The Tortured Poets Department’s gray skies with The Showgirl’s bright hooks, tracing the thread that runs through love, boundaries, and the everyday practice of nervous system regulation. From the echo of The Fate of Ophelia to the quiet bravery of Wi$hLi$t, we explore how music becomes ...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. In this episode, I’m joined by Tiffany Baskett—a yoga therapist, healer, and advocate for diversity in the wellness space—for a deep and inspiring conversation. Tiffany shares her journey from dancer to holistic healer, including how she became disillusioned with what she calls the “sick care system”—a system that often treats symptoms but misses the root causes. She reminds us that when we only focus on one isolated part of the body, we lose ...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. Giana and Dee are back together, reflecting on their recent 30-day Deepen Your Practice yoga challenge and the lessons that unfolded—on and off the mat. This isn’t just a conversation about yoga postures—it’s about the kind of transformation that starts with intention and ripples into every area of life. They kick things off by talking about mindful consumption—from collagen to coffee—and how being more intentional with what we buy, eat, and ...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. What happens when the birthday girl doesn't want to celebrate? In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Giana confesses her unexpected anxiety about turning 34, while birthday enthusiast Kat Parks tries to reignite her excitement. Together, they peel back the layers of what makes birthdays both magical and terrifying as we age. The discussion ventures into unexpectedly deep territory as both women reflect on how COVID disrupted our celebration o...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. In week four of the Deepen Your Practice Challenge, Dee and I are going inward—way inward. This episode is all about the subtle (and often skipped) limbs of yoga: pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi. These advanced practices invite us into stillness, deeper awareness, and connection to the Self. And honestly? In today’s overstimulating, always-scrolling, burnout-on-the-rise world… these might just be the most important tools yoga has to o...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. Ever feel like you're stuck in the same patterns, facing the same emotional triggers or life challenges on repeat? You’re not stuck—you’re moving through the sacred spiral of healing. In this deeply insightful episode, Giana sits down with Danielle to explore the cyclical nature of personal growth and how we can find empowerment, not frustration, in revisiting familiar themes with fresh eyes. Together, we unpack what it means to move through c...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. Think yoga is just about touching your toes or striking the perfect pose for Instagram? Think again. In this episode of the Deepen Your Practice challenge, Dee and I dive into the two most visible – yet often misunderstood – limbs of yoga: asana (physical postures) and pranayama (breathwork). While these are the most recognized aspects of yoga in the West, their true purpose goes far beyond flexibility or aesthetics. Many people believe they c...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. What if one hour of true presence could change everything? In this week’s episode of the Deepen Your Practice Challenge, Dee and Giana unpack the powerful (and often misunderstood) concept of discipline—not as punishment, but as devotion. Through the lens of the Niyamas, yoga’s personal observances, they explore how small, intentional rituals can lead to big inner shifts. ✨ Saucha (Cleanliness): Discover how morning practices like tongue scrap...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. In this eye-opening episode, Giana Giarrusso is joined by fellow yoga teacher Dee Doyno to explore the Yamas, yoga’s often-overlooked ethical foundation from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. These five powerful principles—Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha—were written over 2,300 years ago, yet they remain deeply relevant to how we live, love, and show up in today’s world. Think of the Yamas as yoga’s moral compass—offering a framewor...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. What happens when ancient wisdom meets modern wellness? In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Crystal Cerrato—founder of Body of Light Yoga School and creator of BODYWELL a virtual wellness platform— explore how integrated wellbeing practices can completely transform your relationship with your body, mind, and spirit. We kick things off with a little confession: neither of us has ever been the “fitness type.” But yoga opened a doorw...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. Embracing YOUR Face: Kat Parks joins us to chat about expression, aging, and the freedom to be seen What if the lines on your face aren’t flaws to fix, but stories to honor? Kat Parks is back on the Nearly Enlightened Podcast, and this time we’re diving deep into Face Freedom—her revolutionary approach that moves way beyond traditional face yoga. This isn’t about chasing youth or smoothing out every wrinkle. It’s about reconnecting with your n...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. BIG NEWS ✨ Dee and I have been waiting to share this with you... If you've been craving a deeper connection to your practice—beyond just the poses—this is for you. We’re SO excited to invite you to join us for our Free 30-Day Yoga Challenge, starting May 1st! This challenge was born from a shared desire to return to the roots of yoga—to explore the full 8 limbs of this sacred tradition, not just what we see on Instagram. Because let’s be real...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. Feeling the weight of unfulfilled New Year’s resolutions? You’re not alone. The truth is, January isn’t the real start of the year—Aries season is. As the final sign of the zodiac, Pisces marks the true ending, a time for reflection, release, and deep inner work before the fresh energy of Aries season and spring’s renewal. In this episode of The Nearly Enlightened Podcast, host Giana Giarrusso explores why so many resolutions fail and how to a...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. After a life-changing car accident took away her sense of taste and smell, Kelly McMenamin, founder of Forest Farms, embarked on a transformative journey into beekeeping, clean beauty, and holistic wellness. In this inspiring episode, Kelly shares how nature became her greatest healer, leading her to embrace organic living, herbal remedies, and intentional self-care. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🌿 How Kelly turned adversity into a thrivi...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. Discover How Cosmic Events Shape Your Inner World on the Nearly Enlightened Podcast Ever wondered how the Cancer full moon or natural events like the California fires influence your emotions and energy? Join me, Giana Giarrusso, on the Nearly Enlightened Podcast as I sit down with intuitive healer Danielle Manseau of Venus Rising. Together, we explore the deep connection between cosmic and earthly events and how they mirror our internal emotio...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. How do you navigate feedback that feels more like a personal attack than helpful guidance? In this candid and thought-provoking episode, I’m joined by Deirdre "Dee" Doyno, a yoga teacher living off-grid life in Panama, as we explore the realities of navigating criticism while staying true to our teaching styles. Together, we dive into the delicate balance of authenticity and growth, honoring yoga’s rich traditions while adapting to moder...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. Discover how embracing the natural rhythms of the earth can transform your life and business as we welcome Jayme Rose Gray, a soul purpose guide and business coach, to our Nearly Enlightened podcast. We promise you'll gain insights into aligning with the true wheel of the year and be inspired to pause and reflect during winter's restful embrace. Jayme shares her wisdom on balancing society's relentless pace with nurturing feminine energy, lead...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. Marissa Lynn returns to share her incredible journey of transformation and empowerment through her training in sexological bodywork and somatic sex education that brought her all the way to Australia. Her adventure begins in Hawaii, where she rekindled a cherished friendship and discovered the magic of traveling solo. Marissa shines a light on the integrity and ethics of the Institute of Somatic Sexology, highlighting their trauma-informed app...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. Amidst the chaos of today's political and media landscape, can we find common ground that transcends our differences? Join me, Giana Girrusso, as I share my personal insights on how we can harness our shared values for societal progress. By weaving spirituality into our daily lives, we explore how to engage in tough, respectful conversations that pave the way for constructive change. Through my own experiences of evolving perspectives, I empha...
We want to hear from you! Send us a text message. Imagine the profound connection between motherhood, spirituality, and faith as we embark on this enlightening journey with Adrienne, a devoted mother of five. She shares her reflections on divine motherhood, drawing beautiful parallels with the story of Mary and Jesus, and candidly recounts her experiences with giving birth without medication. Adrienne’s insights remind us of the powerful role mothers play as life teachers and the sacred partn...