The Lucas Rockwood Show

Recently, my friend returned from a family member's funeral 8 lbs heavier and asked, "What's going on?" Weight gain from stress can be clinically explained by a few different mechanisms. There is emotional eating, where you eat to distract yourself and bury your sorrows, but there is also emotion-induced weight gain, where, during a period of high stress, your psychological state chemically disrupts your hormones. This imbalance can increase (or decrease) hunger and change your body's propensity to store fat. My friend's follow-up question was: "What should I do to lose the weight?" On this week's show, I'll share my advice (food, vitamins, and blood tests) with you. This is by no means a comprehensive solution, but it's a very simple and non intimidating starting point for a journey back to a healthy weight. ------------ Listen & Learn: The plus one/minus one approach to making healthy choices Which vitamins are a smart choice for almost everyone How to see what's actually going on with your body from a blood test ABOUT THE HOST In 2002, I worked for a New York City book publisher doing a job I hated. I drank seven nights a week, abused drugs, and smoked a pack of cigarettes a day. For food, it was pizza and takeout—anything quick and easy to keep me going. No one consciously decides to destroy their health, but over the years, that’s exactly what happened. I was bloated and flabby, unable to sleep without alcohol. My eyes were red and puffy, and I struggled to get excited about anything. I had so much potential, so many opportunities, but when you’re sick and numb to the world, everything feels impossible and uninteresting. Enter yoga. A friend dragged me to a yoga studio, where I suffered through one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life. In that first class, I was sweating and dizzy, unable to do even the most basic postures. I was the youngest person there, but the way I moved, I felt like I was 90 years old. I couldn’t bend forward, sit cross-legged on the floor, or balance in a tree pose. Looking at myself in the mirror, I remember thinking, “How did I end up in such bad shape?” I hated that first class so much, I knew it was exactly what I needed—so I kept going. People assume yoga classes are meant to be wonderful, peaceful experiences. This is not true. A good class should be the most challenging and uncomfortable hour of your entire day. When you push yourself on the mat, real-life problems become lighter and more manageable almost immediately. Hard yoga = easy life. For the next 380 days, I practiced yoga every single day. While traveling, I used audio or video recordings. If I was in a new city, I’d go to any studio I could find. When my teacher told me to take a day off to rest, I’d ignore the advice and go to a class at another studio. The same way I’d fallen in love with things that were killing me (drugs and alcohol), I’d now fallen in love with something that was feeding me and fueling my growth. And it worked. In six weeks, I lost almost 40 pounds (and had to replace my whole wardrobe). I quit drinking and smoking altogether, and most importantly, I found a renewed passion for life that is truly priceless. I remember walking around New York, still dripping with sweat from class, with a big, stupid grin on my face as if I’d unlocked a special secret. My life was changing. Within six months, I’d quit my job and moved to Thailand. Within a year, I was teaching full-time to packed classes in Bangkok and later, Hong Kong. I opened my first studio in 2006 and that same year began training teachers. To date, I’ve taught more than 30,000 students and trained more than 3,000 teachers in 41 countries. I love my life and my work, and as a result, I’m in better health mentally and physically than I was in my early 20s. YOGABODY was built on practice, sweat, and struggle. It’s the physical manifestation of everything I care about in life, and my greatest hope is that some of my passion for this practice and lifestyle rubs off on you when you walk through these doors. Nothing worth doing in life is easy. Movement is more powerful than meditation. And practice is everything. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Rinse Tea Rinse Rice Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Four Sigmatic - makes delicious Mushroom Superfood Blends and Mushroom Elixirs. Four Sigmatic believes in the real magic of functional mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane, as well as other superfoods and adaptogens like rhodiola, eleuthero, and schisandra to help us live healthier, more enhanced lives. Visit: FOUR SIGMATIC and use coupon code "yogabody" for 15% off your order. Learn More

I feel I’ve let you down. I’ve hosted pretty much every renowned breathing expert in the world on this podcast, and yet most of my listeners are still not sure exactly how yoga breathing works. On this week’s show, my goal is to break down the fundamentals of yoga breathing in a way that you can easily remember and apply to your practice. ------------ Listen & Learn: How all breathing practices are either water, whiskey, or coffee Why it’s easy to get confused with gurus and brand names Why most of us over-breathe (and what to do about it) Why the most popular breathing techniques tend to be too extreme How to incorporate all three breathing patterns into your life ABOUT THE HOST Lucas Rockwood is a yoga teacher trainer, digital nomad, green food junkie, and serial entrepreneur. With a formal yoga training background in Hot Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Gravity Yoga, and the Yoga Trapeze, Lucas has studied with some of the most well-respected teachers on the planet. His most influential teachers (all of whom he studied with personally) include Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Paul Dallaghan, Alex Medin, Gabriel Cousens MD, and SN Goenka. Lucas founded Absolute Yoga Academy in 2006, one of the top 10 yoga teacher training schools in the world with 2,000 certified teachers (and counting) and courses in Thailand, Holland, United Kingdom, and The Philippines. In search of nutritional products designed specifically for achy yoga students’ bodies, Rockwood worked with senior nutritional formulator, Paul Gaylon, and founded, YOGABODY Naturals, in the back of his yoga studio in 2007. The company has gone from strength-to-strength and is now an internationally-renowned nutrition, education, and publishing organization serving 81 countries. In 2013, Lucas founded YOGABODY Fitness, a revolutionary new yoga studio business model that pays teachers a living wage and demystifies yoga by making the mind-body healing benefits of the practice accessible to everyone. A foodie at heart, Lucas was a vegan chef, and owned and operated health food restaurants prior to diving deep into the yoga world. Lucas is also a highly-acclaimed writer, radio show host, TV personality, business consultant, weight loss expert, and health coach. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Marshmallow Links & References from the Show: FREE download & reference guide Patrick McKeown, The Oxygen Advantage Patricia L. Gerbarg, The Healing Power of Breath Wim Hof, Wim Hof Method Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga International, a community of 300,000 students learning about yoga, meditation, and mindful living from hundreds of expert teachers. It has more than 1,000 classes, the most popular of which are 30 Classes in 30 Days Challenge, The Busy Yogi Challenge, and Yoga to Soothe Sciatica with Doug Keller. Yoga International is offering listeners of the Yoga Talk Show a free Essentials of Yoga Therapy course when you sign up for a 30-day trial membership. Learn More

Have you ever used a scalp massager made of long, thin wires? For most people, it causes quite the sensation, sending tingles from the back of their neck down their spine. Or maybe you have this reaction when someone whispers in your ear? This pleasurable response to specific auditory and visual stimuli is known as autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR), and is likened to meditation. ASMR is exploding on the internet right now because it is deeply relaxing, extremely pleasurable, and can serve to relieve anxiety and depression in some cases. The ASMR movement is mostly made up of YouTubers and DIY fanatics, but there are also a handful of researchers out there gathering information about the real, therapeutic benefits of this response. On this week's show, you'll meet Craig Richard, PhD, the founder of ASMR University. ------------ Listen & Learn: Why ASMR might be helpful to relieve stress and anxiety Why ASMR audio tracks could be more effective than the viral videos online How this deeply relaxing, neck tingling sensation can help you relax ABOUT OUR GUEST Craig Richard, PhD, first learned about ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) in 2013, but has been experiencing its triggers and effects since childhood. In 2014, he launched ASMRUniversity.com to encourage and report ASMR research and to provide helpful resources to assist with the further understanding of ASMR. Craig is the cofounder of the ASMR Research Project and has produced several ASMR podcasts. He is a professor in the department of biopharmaceutical sciences at Shenandoah University, School of Pharmacy in Winchester, Virginia and the author of a new book, Brain Tingles, available soon on Amazon. Nutritional Tip of the Week: Chili Peppers Links & References from the Show: ASMR University The ASMR Podcast Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com  Like the Show? Leave us a Review on iTunes Thanks to our sponsor: Yoga International, a community of 300,000 students learning about yoga, meditation, and mindful living from hundreds of expert teachers. It has more than 1,000 classes, the most popular of which are 30 Classes in 30 Days Challenge, The Busy Yogi Challenge, and Yoga to Soothe Sciatica with Doug Keller. Yoga International is offering listeners of the Yoga Talk Show a free Essentials of Yoga Therapy course when you sign up for a 30-day trial membership. Learn More

Finland has been dubbed the happiest country in the world, but in reality Finns are content, not overwhelmed with joy. They have a high GDP per capita, good healthcare, low corruption, and a decent amount of personal freedom - all great things, but not necessarily a recipe for joy and happiness. Most people claim their biggest aspiration in life is to find happiness. This is a beautiful sentiment, and while we all love positive emotions like joy, laughter, celebration, adventure, and curiosity; these only exist because they are juxtaposed with negative and challenging experiences. My guest on this week’s podcast suggests that rather than look toward happiness for a more fulfilled life, we should focus more on wonder.   Listen and learn: How nature promotes wonder The difference between superficial vs. epistemic curiosity The tyrannical pursuit of happiness Trait openness and its role in wonder Links Monica’s site ABOUT OUR GUESTS Monica Parker is a speaker, writer, and authority on the future of work. She is the author of the book, The Power of Wonder, and founder of HATCH, an organization that helps companies with culture change and workplace strategy. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

If you’re struggling with chronic pain and trying to find help, you’ve probably noticed that the pain management industry is a big minefield with hardcore drugs on one end of the spectrum and questionable potions and placebos on the other. In an ideal world, pain is adaptive and part of our body’s defense mechanisms, but all too often it can become untethered to the original insult and begin to attack your quality of life.   Listen and learn: The purpose of pain in our bodies  When to medicate and when to ignore The confusing connection between pain and healing Why some people are prone to opioid abuse more than others Links Amy’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Amy Baxter is a medical doctor and entrepreneur known for her research on pain. She is the inventor of Buzzy, a simple device to help kids get injections. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

In the 1980s, Nancy Reagan coined the term, “Just say no!” and spearheaded the social aspect of the so-called war on drugs. It didn’t work, nor have any of the dozens of public, private, and international efforts to curb the disease of despair. Things have become so much worse that today, almost every single person listening has a friend or family member affected by addiction. My guest on this week’s podcast is a recovered addict herself and uses yoga as part of an integrated 12-step program to support others. Listen and learn: The importance of support for addiction recovery The benefits of talk therapy vs. movement based therapy How trauma can feel like it’s stuck physically The integration of past, present and future self Links Y12 ABOUT OUR GUEST Nikki is the founder of Yoga of 12-Step Recovery (Y12SR). Her approach is based on her personal journey through addiction and recovery, leading her to blend the somatic aspect of yoga with the cognitive approach of 12-step programs. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

Injuries can derail your best healthy lifestyle plans, and if you’re not careful, they can lead to deconditioning and loss of function. But here’s what you need to understand and accept: everyone with an active life gets injured - everyone. So rather than feeling guilt or regret about your aches and pains, it’s a much smarter approach to swiftly move into healing mode and take full ownership of the process. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a career yoga teacher and physical therapist whose work focuses on overcoming injuries. Listen and learn: Why many injuries simply require time to heal The importance of things like shoes, sleep position, and lifestyle choices The power of walking and how to titrate movement vs. pain How to potentially get help from a physical therapist or qualified professional Links Ariele’s Anatomy Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Ariele Foster is a physical therapist and yoga teacher with over two decades experience helping people recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and rehab from surgeries. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night, and we need good sleep quality as well, which means cycling through light, deep, and REM phases. While sleeping is the most natural of all human behaviors, many of us continue to struggle for a variety of reasons, including stress, anxiety, hormonal changes, and more. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a medical doctor whose work is focused on improving sleep for kids and adults. Listen and learn: Sleep hygiene 101  deal sleeping positions Kid vs. adult sleep - what changes? How to know when you need medical help Links That Sleep Doc (Instagram) ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Sujay Kansagra specializes in sleep medicine. He is Director of Duke University's Pediatric Neurology Sleep Medicine Program and author of a number of books, including My Child Won't Sleep: A Quick Guide for the Sleep-Deprived Parent. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

In regenerative medicine and longevity, it’s difficult to separate signal from noise. The search for the fountain of youth is a story as old as humanity, and while we’re all clearly aging, there are some technologies that hold real promise, particularly when it comes to things like joints and skin. On this week’s podcast we’ll discuss stem cells, specifically how specific nutrients can boost endogenous production. Listen and learn: How adaptogenic plants can measurably boost your own stem cells Why a reduced ability to heal is a hallmark of aging The difference between umbilical cord vs adipose tissue derived cells Legal, ethical and access concerns Links Christian’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Christian Drapeau is a stem cell biologist and a pioneer in the study of plant-based stem cell enhancement therapies. He is also the author of Cracking the Stem Cell Code. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

If you’re interested in meditation and have downloaded an app or purchased a book, yet fail to consistently follow through, this week’s podcast is for you. We’ll discuss meditation for average people living in the real world with recurring guest, Ann Swanson. Listen and learn: Meditation practice vs. meditative practices How to manage rumination Why different meditation practices can serve you in different scenarios How to start small and link your practice to an existing habit Links Meditation for the Real World Get your bonus here ABOUT OUR GUEST Ann Swanson is a certified yoga therapist and author of the best-selling book, Science of Yoga. She specializes in helping people manage stress, pain and arthritis. Her new book is called, Meditation for the Real World: Finding Peace in Everyday Life. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

The quality of our lives is determined by the quality of our relationships. While most people would probably agree with that statement, they would also admit that their relationships are often troubled. From a psychological perspective, attachment theory can be a helpful frame for understanding our patterns of emotional connection and strife, and it can also provide a path forward toward balance and security. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet an author whose work is centered around understanding yourself to create space for healthier relationships. Listen and learn: How to identify your attachment style as secure, anxious, avoidant, or dismissive Why we’re often attracted to people who struggle in similar or familiar ways Why our fundamental needs must be met Links Thais Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Thais Gibson is an author, counselor, speaker, and founder of The Personal Development School. She has a background in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), underscoring her deep commitment to understanding and teaching the principles of psychological wellbeing and personal growth​. She’s the author of Attachment Theory: A Guide to Strengthening the Relationships in Your Life.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

Health education is lacking in most school systems, to the extent that most high school graduates can’t name 10 muscles in their own bodies. Anatomical learning has historically been seen as boring, complex, and difficult to make relevant. Today, things have changed, thanks to 3D software, inexpensive models, and cadaver dissections freely available around the world. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet an online educator reaching millions monthly with anatomy and physiology videos using real human cadavers. You'll learn: How cadavers are donated and used ethically (or not) in science The anomalous nature of all of our bodies Why real human bodies are still an invaluable resource in learning How to use LLMs / AI to advance your learning Links Institute of Human Anatomy Dissection Room on Youtube Substack ABOUT OUR GUEST Justin Cottle is the Lab Director at the Institute of Human Anatomy, a private human cadaver lab located in Salt Lake City, Utah. He and his IOHA team reach millions each month through educational social media videos, often using real human cadavers. He is also the creator of The Dissection Room on Substack and YouTube.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

I’m an introvert. In my private life, I don’t talk much and am mostly in my head. But since the forced isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve come to re-appreciate the power of community. Every single health goal I have becomes so much easier when I’m around positive, supportive people. So once a week, I force myself to practice yoga, take a run, ride my bike, or paddle surf with other people. On one of those runs, I joined up with 120 people on the beach in Barcelona running, doing burpees, and dancing to pop songs. The group is called Midnight Runners, and it turns out it’s a long-standing event that happens all over the world. On this week’s show, you’ll meet the founder to learn about the power of fitness and community.   Links: Midnightrunners.com @gregexplores ABOUT OUR GUEST Greg Drach is the co-founder of Midnight Runners with a mission to make fitness more engaging and fun. Drach is an avid traveler and adventurer having visited 65 countries across five continents. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

There is no such thing as a perfect human diet because we are all unique and have unique objectives. The bodybuilder eats to build mass, the dieter plans meals to lose weight, while others use food to manage their mental health. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a metabolic psychiatrist who takes a food-first approach in her work with clients. Listen and learn: How to determine if an extreme or moderate approach is best for you How ketosis can fuel the brain and cool inflammation Why low carb approaches can be helpful for depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD Short term treatment or long term fix? Sustainability questions explored Links Dr. Ede’s site ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Georgia Ede is a nutrition and metabolic psychiatrist. She has done extensive research on ketogenic diets, and is the author of the book, Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

“I don’t know the meaning of life, but I know the purpose of life: to survive and procreate.” This quote was from a biologist on the podcast eight years ago, and it stuck with me because if he’s right, I’ve achieved my biological imperative and I’m now on borrowed time. While that may sound soulless and even nihilistic, it’s also a helpful frame (for me) as I attempt to make choices to optimize my life in the second half - my bonus time. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a researcher who debunks many pop longevity myths and also shares some compelling research around the supplement nicotinamide riboside. Will it make you live forever? No, but it might help you live better for the time you are here. Listen and learn: Why “biological age” tests are inaccurate How we’re unlikely to experience “escape velocity” Metformin, rapamycin, and resveratrol debunked Why so-called longevity clinics giving TRT and HGH are almost certainly reducing - not extending - lifespan   Links Brennerlab.net ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Charles Brenner, the Alfred E. Mann Family Foundation Chair in Diabetes and Cancer Metabolism at City of Hope National Medical Center, discovered nicotinamide riboside (NR) as a crucial precursor to NAD+ in 2004 and a second NR-to-NAD+ conversion pathway in 2007, enhancing yeast cell lifespan. Currently, Dr. Brenner leads groundbreaking clinical trials on NR, focusing on its maternal and neonatal effects and translating animal model findings into safe, evidence-based clinical practices for human metabolic stress conditions. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

You’ve got a bum knee or wonky hip. Your doctor says you’re a candidate for a joint replacement, and your insurance has approved the procedure - but you’re not sure if you’re ready for that. You know that joint replacement success rates are extremely high. But you also know this is a major surgery with long-term effects, and you’d like to dig your heels in a little longer. What about platelet rich plasma (PRP)? What about stem cells? On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a regenerative medical doctor whose work is focused on healing ailing joints. You’ll learn: Where stem cells come from Exosomes, stem cells, and PRP - what’s the difference? Ethical and legal issues surrounding stem cell harvesting Why bone, rather than tissue, injections are preferred Cost and recovery considerations Links Dr Gross Site About our guest Dr. Jeffrey Gross specializes in regenerative stem cell medicine and anti-aging. He has an extensive background in treating athletic injuries across many areas such as hips, knees, shoulders, and spine.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Osteoarthritis, the wear and tear inflammation of your joints, is so common that some research suggests half of us over the age of 65 will be affected. You’ve probably heard that movement is medicine, but how much movement? And while ibuprofen helps, is long-term use safe? What about all the weird and expensive treatment options? On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a Professor and rheumatology expert whose work is focused on finding solutions for this common disease. Listen and learn: Which helpful medications might be approved Risk vs reward of ibuprofen and injections Joint distraction Practical planning for managing your condition   ABOUT OUR GUEST Tonia Vincent, a Professor of Musculoskeletal Biology at the University of Oxford specializing in Rheumatology. She focuses on understanding osteoarthritis. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

The top New Year's resolutions involve weight loss and fitness. In my industry, January is boom time and February is gloom time as most people have given up on their New Year energy by Valentine’s Day. On this week’s podcast, you’ll meet a non-dogmatic weight loss coach who takes a sustainable, forever approach to sane weight management. You’ll learn: The importance of eating high satiety foods Why cinnamon can be a great addition to your morning coffee How to navigate liquid calories Links Nagina’s Site ABOUT OUR GUEST Nagina Abdullah is a weight loss coach who incorporates natural, wholesome foods and practical lifestyle changes, and mindfulness to help clients achieve sustained results. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

Alcohol is involved in 28 percent of all fatal car accidents, 37 percent of all violent crime, and is responsible for an unknown number of mental and emotional health challenges. On the flip side, it also has a rich tradition of craftsmanship and cuisine, culture and celebration. In moderation, alcohol has pro-social benefits, lowers social anxiety, and is loved by billions. If you’re one of those people who can have a drink now and then without much of a thought and certainly no problem, this podcast is not for you. If drinking is causing you to gain weight, struggle the next morning, or is creating big problems in your life and you want to stop, my guest on this week’s show can help. Listen to learn Why social pressure to drink is stronger than almost all other lifestyle pressures Helpful language to use during a dry experiment How to “test the waters” of sobriety with a dry month or dry 3-month challenge The harsh reality of sober life in terms of friends and activities Links Rachel’s site ABOUT OUR GUEST Rachel Hechman has a troubled history with alcohol, and after three years sober, now helps support other people on their journey to healthier living.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com

If weight loss is one of your New Year’s resolutions, you’re probably as frustrated and confused as the rest of us with all the conflicting advice and extreme approaches being touted as a forever solution. In 2023, calorie counting resurfaced as a popular approach to weight loss - and that’s just fine - but many people find that their calorie math somehow doesn’t work and are left feeling discouraged. If you can relate, this solo podcast is for you. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why calories in / calories out is true but oversimplifies the process Five variables that can muddle up your calorie math The real reason we eat (hint: it’s not for nutrition, unfortunately) Five tips to try instead of (or in addition to) calorie counting  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel Visit www.yogabody.com