Going Pro Yoga Podcast

What if the thing you’re avoiding—being truly seen—is actually the key to healing? In this powerful episode, the speaker explores the contrast between isolation and intimacy , and how both can impact our relationships, our work, and our inner world. While isolation often feels like protection—especially in times of burnout, heartbreak, or exhaustion—it can eventually lead to loneliness and numbnes...

What happens when ancient wisdom meets a modern heart that's ready to listen? That’s exactly what unfolded for Lucy St. John. At just 23, a spontaneous experience of unity consciousness during a trip to India shifted the entire course of her life. Suddenly, she saw herself reflected in every human being—and that sense of deep connection lasted for months. In this heartfelt conversation, Lucy share...

Ever feel like someone else’s success means you’re falling behind? You're not alone. In this episode, we explore the emotional trap of comparison—and how it often leads to scarcity thinking, self-doubt, and isolation. Whether you're a yoga teacher, creative, or entrepreneur, it’s easy to wonder, “Am I doing enough?” But comparison, when left unchecked, can shrink our sense of possibility a...

What if starting over wasn’t a sign of failure… but an act of courage? This episode dives deep into the emotional and psychological journey of beginning again—whether it's a new habit, role, relationship, or mindset. It explores how fear of failure often blocks us from saying “yes” to new opportunities, and how adopting a beginner’s mindset can help us stay curious, resilient, and open to growth....

What if stress, overwhelm, and the pressure to “push through” are signals—not signs of weakness, but invitations to slow down? In this powerful episode, Ethan Brown shares his personal experience with burnout and anxiety, including the moment that made him step away from teaching yoga and return to healing. Ethan talks candidly about the illusion of perfection, especially for yoga teachers, and th...

Do you speak to yourself the way you speak to a friend? In this episode, you'll be invited to gently explore the way you treat yourself—especially during moments of failure, doubt, or pressure. It’s a powerful reminder that self-compassion is not weakness; it’s wisdom in action. The conversation centers around the contrast between self-criticism and self-kindness , especially for teachers, fac...

What if you didn’t have to earn belonging—because it was already inside you? This episode explores the difference between seeking approval and trusting your own worth. So many of us shrink ourselves, wear masks, or change who we are just to feel accepted. But belonging isn’t something we gain from others—it’s something we remember within ourselves. The conversation dives into the idea that molding...

Have you ever heard a voice inside you whisper, “You’re not good enough”? This episode is a gentle and powerful reminder that your inner critic is not who you really are. It explores how that harsh inner voice—the one that tells you you’re not ready, smart enough, or worthy—can sound convincing, but it isn’t the truth of your being. That voice comes from fear and old patterns, not from your deepes...

What’s really keeping you stuck—fear of regret or fear of change? In this powerful episode, the emotional journey of letting go reaches its final stage. It explores the tension between attachment and freedom , and regret versus relief —those final moments of decision when you’re standing at a crossroads. Attachment feels safe because it’s familiar, even when it’s no longer helping us grow. Freedom...

What if your pride is holding you back from growing into who you're meant to become? This episode explores the emotional tug-of-war between pride and humility —and how these internal forces show up when we’re faced with tough decisions, like whether to keep pushing forward or finally let go. Pride can give us confidence, but it can also isolate us, especially when it turns into fear of failure...

Ever feel torn between holding on and letting go? This episode explores two emotional pairs that show up during life’s toughest decisions: hope vs. grief and determination vs. surrender . These moments often arise in relationships, jobs, or personal goals—when you're not sure if pushing forward is strength or if letting go is the wiser path. The discussion reflects on how hope can be uplifting...

Difficult conversations can feel overwhelming, triggering anxiety, defensiveness, or avoidance. Why does this happen? This episode explores the biology behind conflict, explaining how the brain and nervous system react to confrontation. When emotions take over, we often react impulsively rather than responding with clarity and confidence. The discussion breaks down why we avoid tough conversations...

Why is it so hard to admit when we’re wrong? Why does vulnerability feel so uncomfortable? This episode explores the deep connection between ego, pride, shame, and the fear of being seen. Michael shares insights on why people struggle to admit mistakes, how societal norms shape our behaviors, and how the nervous system reacts to feelings of embarrassment or defensiveness. From a yogic perspective,...

What keeps us moving forward when motivation fades? This episode explores the key differences between motivation, inspiration, and discipline , and how they work together to shape personal growth. The discussion highlights how motivation is the emotional drive to act, inspiration is the spark that excites us, and discipline is the consistent effort that turns ideas into lasting habits. The guest s...

What if the best approach to health wasn’t about choosing between Eastern and Western medicine, but embracing both? This episode explores how these two medical philosophies complement each other—Eastern medicine focuses on prevention, balance, and holistic well-being, while Western medicine excels in emergency care, diagnostics, and treating acute conditions. The discussion highlights how integrat...

Do you ever feel like perfectionism is holding you back? This episode dives deep into the emotional, psychological, and even neurological impact of perfectionism—why we crave flawlessness, how it affects our well-being, and ways to break free from its grip. The discussion covers the three main types of perfectionism, the role of fear and self-doubt, and how the brain reinforces these patterns. The...

Grief is one of the most profound human experiences, yet many struggle to fully process and embrace it. In this episode, the speaker shares their personal journey of losing a close friend and the deep emotional impact that followed. They explore the universal nature of grief, whether it stems from the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or personal transformation. The discussion dives...

Managing expectations can deeply impact our emotions and well-being. In this episode, Michael explores how unmet expectations—whether in relationships, work, or daily life—can lead to frustration, disappointment, or even physical stress. He explains how the brain's predictive nature forms expectations and how a mismatch between expectations and reality triggers emotional responses, including a...

Stress and overwhelm are part of life, but how we approach them can make all the difference. This episode explores the transformative role of acceptance in managing these emotions. Stress is a natural response to challenges, but when it becomes chronic, it can harm both physical and mental health. Overwhelm, on the other hand, often leads to feelings of paralysis and being stuck. The discussion hi...

Ping, a yoga teacher from Thailand, shares her transformative journey from growing up in chaotic Bangkok to finding healing and authenticity through yoga, psychedelics, and personal growth. After moving to Canada in her 20s, Ping began a profound exploration of altered states of consciousness, including experiences with psilocybin and DMT, which helped her confront themes of death and rebirth. The...

Discover the profound connection between breath, energy, and consciousness in this insightful discussion with Akshay Bhatt, a practitioner of yoga and Ayurveda. The conversation explores the transformative practice of pranayama, or breath control, as a gateway to understanding the mind and body on a deeper level. Akshay explains how the practice of elongating the breath, retaining exhalations, and...

Emotions like anger, frustration, and rage are part of the human experience, but how can we navigate them in a healthy way? In this episode, the guest dives deep into understanding these intense emotions, sharing practical tools to process them constructively and avoid their negative impacts on the body and mind. The discussion explores how emotions like annoyance and anger trigger physical respon...

This episode offers a deep dive into the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine, focusing on balance as the key to physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Jocelyn Keoh, a Chinese medicine practitioner, shares profound insights into how elements like fire, metal, and water influence our well-being. The discussion explores the fire element, associated with passion and warmth, and its connection to th...

Imagine understanding health not as a fixed state but as an ongoing journey of balance. This episode dives into the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine, where harmony between yin and yang is the cornerstone of well-being. Jaclyn Keoh, a practitioner of Chinese medicine, shares profound insights into how balancing our body’s energy, or "chi," can lead to improved health and happiness. The...

Imagine reaching a 5,400-meter summit in the Himalayas, finding a powerful sense of pride that goes beyond the climb itself. In this episode, Michael shares insights from his journey about cultivating self-worth and finding balance between internal and external validation. Michael explores the importance of self-compassion and how we can appreciate ourselves without relying solely on big achieveme...