Raff's Brain

In this short but soothing installment of Hot Yoga Problems , Rob Raffety steps off the heated mat and into the heart of West Virginia. Broadcasting from the cozy confines of his Subaru, he recounts a mellow yet meaningful session at Soul Shine Yoga , held inside an old elementary school in Buckhannon. From deep-breathing through punishing chair poses to drifting off in a 15-minute shavasana (with...

In this Drive and Jive episode of the Raff's Brain Podcast , Rob Raffety drives home from the Outer Banks and takes you on a spontaneous, fast-paced and (allegedly) insight-laden ride through his thoughts. From the meaning of OBX to personalized license plates, autonomous vehicles, and a tribute to the Wright Brothers (plus their under-credited sister), this episode veers, merges, and acceler...

This episode of Hot Yoga Problems brings the heat—literally. Rob recounts a soul-crushing 90-minute Barkan Flow session at OBX Hot Yoga and unpacks the physical, mental, and existential crises that unfolded. Whether it's gasping through Vinyasa progressives, contemplating core weakness, or observing the ripped bodies of beach yogis, Rob reflects with humor and honesty. The second half of the...

In this episode of Hot Yoga Problems , Rob takes you on a post-class ride through the sweaty streets of the Outer Banks, musing on yoga-induced suffering, killer traffic, and his undying loyalty to Gen X trivia. What starts as a rant turns into a real-time collaboration with ChatGPT, solving an ‘80s movie mystery and brainstorming a new AI-powered tough-love coach called "KOBI BIGHT." Co...

In this episode of Raff’s Brain: Walk & Talk , Rob riffs on his evolving fitness habit, celebrates KISS receiving a Kennedy Center Honor, and dives briefly into how the band's story reflects the promise and potential of the American Dream. From battling ring closures to battling cultural criticism, it's all about resistance, resilience, and recognition. Got something to add? Call the...

In this Riffin’ with Raff episode, Rob catches up poolside with his niece and top repeat guest, Mallory Moss. They talk about her transition into senior year, balancing two jobs, exploring new activities like being a majorette, and why health and wellness are already a big priority for her at 17. Rob shares a hilariously humiliating high school baseball tryout story involving too much Wheaties, sl...

Rob Raffety turns Hot Yoga Problems into a family sweat session with sister Jenn Whitehair and niece Mallory Moss. Together, they dive into the CorePower check-in gauntlet, survive a surprisingly manageable class, and hit the grocery store for a bacon victory lap. Along the way, they debate bacon prices, discuss coffee foam artistry, revisit the Blair Witch Project, and question the sanity of doin...

In this episode of Hot Yoga Problems , Rob reflects on a nearly empty 6AM class and the surprise return of the Bird Dog pose. Once a simple favorite, Bird Dog turns sinister with crunchy modifications and burning limbs. Rob explores why August makes everyone disappear, how yoga metaphors bleed into daily life, and why multitasking through the pain might be his brand. Plus, he teases a potential sp...

On this episode of Hot Yoga Problems , Rob Raffety wrestles with the moment every seasoned yogi faces: when the flow starts to feel too... automatic. A surprise sub teaches class, the sweat pours, but Rob’s brain? It’s off planning dinner. Why do we zone out just when we should be zoning in? What does it say about mastery, mindfulness, and the quiet mediocrity of the plateau? This funny, observant...

Just when you thought hot yoga couldn’t throw any more surprises at him, Rob Raffety faces off with one-legged crow, mysterious yoga straps, and a late-night candy binge that ends in kidney mutiny. This episode captures the full absurdity of the practice—from strange new poses to pop culture misconceptions—with a mix of heartfelt honesty and perfectly placed sarcasm. Oh, and when Bowie comes on du...

Hot yoga said, “Not so fast, buddy.” In this episode, Rob Raffety gets steamrolled by a ruthless Sun B sequence that crushes his confidence and leaves him gasping for mental clarity. He talks through the pain, shares a small but mighty yoga victory, and unpacks the irony of both his and his dad’s cars breaking down within a week. With wit, humility, and just enough sarcasm to make it sting, Rob re...

In this wide-ranging Drive & Jive episode of Raff’s Brain, host Rob Raffety takes listeners on an emotional and nostalgic ride through the mountains of West Virginia — and through his mind. After an unplanned but unforgettable reunion with three lifelong friends in his hometown of Buckhannon, Rob reflects on friendship, family, aging, and the surprising power of dune buggies (sorry, side-by-si...

After weeks of silence, Raff reemerges from the hot room—and possibly his own ashes—to share an epic tale of yoga triumph and personal rejuvenation. In this zany and heartfelt comeback episode, he dominates CorePower Yoga 3, deciphers the mystery of Apple branding, flirts with Pizza Hut self-sabotage, and previews some serious life moves ahead. Plus, will a legendary reunion with Code H, Nate Dogg...

In this episode of Hot Yoga Problems , Rob Raffety sweats through a mystery of his own making: the case of the missing yoga mat. With the heat rising and the clock ticking, Rob invokes Sherlock Holmes and Occam’s Razor to make sense of his early-morning brain fog. It's a raw and humorous reflection on forgetfulness, habit loops, and the fine line between chaos and calm on the way to the yoga...

Rob returns to the mat—and the mic—for another episode of Hot Yoga Problems , where today's challenge is Cow Face Pose: the silent destroyer of knees, hips, and egos. It's a seated pose, sure, but don't let that fool you. From anatomical impossibilities to nostalgic riffs on puppet masters and board games, this episode is a hilarious and brutally honest reflection on yoga limitation...

In this episode of Hot Yoga Problems , Rob starts strong with a sweaty 6AM session before diving into a week full of travel, transitions, and tech speculation. He’s heading back to Elkins, WV to move his dad into assisted living—and reminiscing hard about Taco Bell runs and hometown hierarchy. Meanwhile, his car’s sending cryptic signals, and society’s heading full throttle toward driverless vehic...

Hot Yoga Problems returns with a vengeance as Rob Raffety reflects on a rough few weeks marked by hospital stays, caregiving stress, and a long-overdue return to the mat. In true Raff’s Brain style, he blends heartfelt updates with hilarious hot yoga humility, offering insights into physical regression, motivation, and why he thrives on in-class competition. Also: a triumphant sequence that proves...

On this Drive and Jive edition of Raff’s Brain , host Rob Raffety blends introspection, media strategy, and a healthy dose of comedic detour as he makes his way through the mountains of West Virginia. Along the way, he shares a personal pitch to longtime friend and Political Orphanage host Andrew Heaton: let Rob run a 30-day short-form content campaign using clips from Heaton’s podcast—no strings...

Hot yoga redemption! Rob Raffety returns to the mat and finds himself in the elusive zone — focused, balanced, and dominating every sequence from crow to tree pose. In this episode of Hot Yoga Problems , Rob wonders what triggered the magic: a Turkey Tom sandwich? No IPAs? Or just cosmic alignment? He reflects on how rare these peak moments are and how he might replicate them in the future. Also,...

This episode of Raff’s Brain taps straight into the nostalgia vein. Rob Raffety opens a “mystery box” of sports cards and stickers from the 80s and 90s, gifted by childhood friend Johan Sebastian Herring, III aka Jon Herron. Alongside baseball legends like Steve Avery, Jose Canseco, and Kirby Puckett, Rob finds a blast from his own past — Italia 90 World Cup stickers he may have collected as a kid...

In this episode of Hot Yoga Problems , Rob Raffety confronts the trials of early morning yoga, from dodging chin stands to regrettable mat placement decisions. Join Rob as he reflects on being both broken and triumphant after a 6AM class that left him physically crushed but spiritually smug. He skewers the absurdity of peak poses (we see you, camel), wrestles with inclusive yoga lingo, and explore...

Rob Raffety is back from another sweaty CorePower session, and this time he’s got more questions than answers. From his mid-level yoga effort to a game-show concept called “Name That Rain,” Rob dives into the subtle social science of mat placement in hot yoga studios. What does your spot say about you? Could there be an app for that? Why are yawns so contagious? This episode is a stream-of-conscio...

In this episode of Riffin’ with Raff , Rob Raffety connects with art historian and educator David Gliem for a fascinating conversation about the evolution of a career, the magic of mentorship, and the joy of collecting Japanese woodblock prints. From college days in Pennsylvania to current life in the mountains of North Carolina, David recounts his journey from aspiring doctor to devoted professor...

This Drive & Jive episode of Raff’s Brain takes you on a scenic and emotional journey through the hidden gems of the Carolinas. Rob reflects on reconnecting with an old friend after 25+ years, compares the aesthetics and vibes of Asheville and Greenville, and shares powerful moments from his wife’s stirring commencement address at Warren Wilson College. Expect humor, introspection, rock-n-roll...

What happens when a certified-but-rusty yoga teacher gets asked to lead a chair yoga session at the office during Mental Health Awareness Month? In this silly and heartfelt Hot Yoga Problems episode, Rob Raffety reflects on his personal yoga evolution, the sudden opportunity to lead a wellness event, and how he prepared to guide coworkers through mindful movement. The episode features a full pract...