Black on the Mat

In the final episode of season one, hosts Danielle and Saisha chat about  the profound connections between Juneteenth and the practice of yoga. They explore how yoga serves as a powerful tool for personal liberation and reflection, especially within the Black community. The episode features heartfelt discussions on how yoga aids in emotional processing, bodily awareness, and finding inner strength...

In this enlightening episode of Black on the Mat, hosts Danielle and Saisha sit down with Timothy, a mindfulness coach. Listen in as they discuss the true essence of mindfulness—being present without judgment—and how it can be a transformative practice for busy Black lives. They explore the challenges Black men face within societal filters and how mindfulness can open doors to new perspectives and...

In this episode of Black on the Mat, Danielle Washington shares her journey from yoga teacher to yoga therapist, shedding light on the transformative power of yoga therapy. She discusses the profound difference between yoga classes and yoga therapy sessions and how yoga therapy is tailored to meet the unique physical, mental, and emotional needs of each individual. Danielle highlights the rigorous...

We sat down with Kat, a new yoga teacher, to discuss her journey from student to teacher. Kat shares how she initially started practicing yoga to spend time with friends but eventually found a deep love for the practice. She opens up about her experiences feeling unseen in yoga spaces and how she was inspired to become a teacher. Kat reflects on a shocking moment from her first class and yoga’s im...

Online Yoga has opened up a world of possibilities for practicing in your own individual way. In today’s episode, we discuss everything from the practicalities of setting up your home practice area, using everyday items like towels and books as props, to the vast benefits of incorporating online yoga into your routine. We explore how online yoga offers flexibility, accessibility, and the freedom t...

Imposter syndrome on the yoga mat is more common than you think. In today’s episode, Saisha and Danielle discuss the feelings of inadequacy that many of us experience when stepping onto the yoga mat. They share their personal journeys and struggles with imposter syndrome in the world of yoga, where it can often feel like you're not enough or don't quite belong. This episode unpacks the challenges...

Whether you've ever felt torn between different yoga styles or pondered the hierarchical dynamics of spiritual mentorship, this episode offers fresh perspectives on the role of a guru in contemporary yoga practice. The hosts tackle challenging questions about cult-like behaviors in yoga communities, the ethical pitfalls of blind allegiance, and the potential financial motivations of modern-day gur...

In this enlightening episode of "Black on the Mat," where Danielle and Saisha unpack how yoga has fundamentally transformed their relationships and personal growth. From a life-changing journey in Bali to confronting and releasing toxic ties, they share their powerful stories of finding self-love, respect, and clarity through authentic yoga practices. Yoga has been pivotal in reshaping how they sh...

Yoga is much more than a physical practice; it’s a crucial act of self-preservation in a society that often glorifies the grind over genuine well-being. Danielle shares her own transformative experiences with yoga, highlighting it as a sanctuary from stress and a life not solely focused on survival. Saisha, with her insightful approach, warns against the pitfalls of engaging in self-care simply be...

For those intrigued by the intersection of cannabis and yoga, this episode is a must-listen! Our distinguished guest, Jennette Haynes, shares her insightful journey towards integrating cannabis into yoga to enhance both mental and spiritual well-being. Jennette opens up about using cannabis to alleviate anxiety and how it led her to a more profound, connected state of meditation. Throughout this e...

In this warm and engaging chat, Saisha sits down with Danielle to get to the bottom of her favorite mantra: "breath is BAE." Danielle opens up about the transformative power of breathing, highlighting its importance not just for our physical state but as a fundamental part of our mental and emotional health, particularly within the black community. Together, they merge perspectives from both scien...

Today, Danielle and Saisha ask the question many of us have pondered: How do you find the yoga teacher that's just right for you? With their rich backgrounds in diverse yoga traditions, they share enlightening anecdotes from their own journeys across various teaching styles, shedding light on the crucial importance of aligning with a teacher who meets your unique needs. They explore the standout q...

Today, we explore yoga as a path for self-discovery and spiritual growth, consciously avoiding the trap of spiritual bypassing, with the inspirational Faith Hunter. Faith opens up about her transformative journey from confronting personal tragedy to finding peace and resilience through yoga, leading to the creation of her "Spiritually Fly" philosophy that awakens the brilliance within the soul. Yo...

Where's the line between cultural appropriation vs. cultural appreciation? That's what we explore with this week's guest, Susanna Barkataki, author and a trailblazing yoga leader, where she shares her insights on living the yogic ethics in real life, addressing the complexities of cultural appropriation within yoga and promoting inclusive and welcoming yoga communities. She discussed her journey w...

In today’s episode, we explore the necessary conversation about Body Positivity in the world of yoga. Our very own Saisha @ThickThighYoga sheds light on the pressing issue of inclusivity in the yoga community. Saisha shares her poignant experiences of overcoming skepticism and creating the representation she sought in the yoga space. Listen as we discuss the gratitude from those who finally see th...

Alicia Dugar Stephenson (aka Afro Yoga Queen), our guest, shares the challenges and revelations she's encountered while intertwining her Christian faith with yoga. Diagnosed with lupus and faced with physical adversities, she transformed her pain into a passion for yoga that not only soothed her own discomfort but also ignited a mission to break barriers that have historically made yoga less acces...

Examining the financial barriers that may prevent some individuals from accessing yoga classes or resources Discussing strategies for finding affordable or free yoga classes, such as community classes, online resources, or donation-based studios Offering tips for creating a home practice or using everyday objects as props   Let's discuss the costs of yoga and what’s really needed to start your pra...

In this inspiring episode, we shed light on the powerful narratives of Black men reshaping perceptions of strength and masculinity within the world of yoga. Our insightful guests, seasoned yoga instructors Marcus and Clyde, share their personal stories of vulnerability and growth. They discuss their mission to carve out spaces where Black men are seen, valued, and can authentically express their f...

We're tearing down misconceptions that have historically kept many in our community at arm's length from embracing yoga. We confront the myths head-on - the misconceptions that cast yoga as an elite practice reserved for white women, reduce it to mere stretching, label it a religion, or wrongly suggest it's only for the flexible, skinny, and inherently spiritual. We carefully navigate the balance...

Join us as we navigate the essentials of starting your yoga practice, emphasizing the value of finding culturally aware teachers and finding a space that makes you feel welcome. If you thought there was only one type of yoga, we explore a range of styles, from the dynamic flow of Vinyasa and the energetic connection of Kundalini to the calming depths of Yin and more. Yoga is a journey of discovery...

Welcome to the unique journey of the Black on the Mat podcast, the space where culture, community, and yoga intersect through lived experiences. In this episode, hosts Danielle and Saisha delve into their personal yoga journeys, from stumbling upon yoga to creating a thriving, representative community in the wellness space. They share their stories, challenges, and triumphs with raw honesty, setti...