Guys Talking Yoga

In this conversation, Josh Blatter shares his journey into yoga, discussing how he transitioned from a restaurant chef to a yoga teacher. He emphasizes the importance of foundational practice, the benefits of yoga for men including learning how to connect with your body, learning to feel what you feel as you move, as well as discovering the deep inner strength in your smaller, stabilizing muscles...

Derek and Larry dive into the world of Bhakti Yoga with Josh Kane, founder of Gandiva Yoga based in New Haven, CT. Discover how Josh's journey from acting and music to yoga has shaped his life and teachings. Learn about the transformative power of yoga, the importance of spiritual practice, and the unique experiences at Esalen. Connect with Josh ✩ Website: https://www.gandivayogact.com ✩ Insta...

“One day I got a call from somebody who said, there's a problem with the yoga mats out there. They're very slippery, toxic, and not eco-friendly. Do you have any alternatives? I don't know why he called a rug pad business, but he called us and I just happened to answer the phone. As I chatted with him in the back of my mind I was thinking ‘Are there that many people doing this?’” Today...

Mark Oppenheimer, author and former columnist for The New York Times , The New Yorker , The Nation , GQ , Slate , and The Wall Street Journal , is a professor at Washington University in St. Louis, where he focuses on politics, religion, and Jewish life and culture. After reading his 2024 Wall Street Journal article, Embracing My Inner ‘Yoga Man’ — in which he reflects on discovering yoga and his...

In this conversation, Las Vegas based yoga educator, yoga teacher, and massage therapist Jules Mitchell shares her journey from discovering yoga in college to becoming a leading voice in the field. She emphasizes the importance of understanding tissue behavior, effective stretching, and the broader implications of yoga practice. We explore the challenges and opportunities for men in yoga, touching...

Join the guys for their follow up discussion with tai chi, qi gong legend Dr. Roger Jahnke. In this conversation, Roger dives deep into the art of cultivating a practice and how to discover the power of small, consistent actions that often lead to profound personal growth that multiplies with steady commitment. Connect with Dr. Jahnke The Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi Website: https://i...

Today the guys interview Hope Zvara, trucking industry hall of famer and founder of Mother Trucker Yoga. In this conversation Hope shares her journey from struggling with addiction and depression to becoming a yoga practitioner, and later curious and passionate teacher, and ultimately creating Mother Trucker Yoga,  wellness and lifestyle company that incorporates breathwork, mindfulness, yoga fund...

In today’s episode, a special Father’s Day edition, Kripalu CEO Robert Mulhall shares his unique journey into spirituality and yoga, which was significantly influenced by his unconventional education in Ireland, and his father's deep dedication to spirituality. The conversation touches on how Robert’s upbringing shaped his understanding and practice, the complexities of father-son relationship...

Today’s guest is Ray Raghunath Cappo, a hardcore punk singer and pioneer of the straight-edge movement in NYC during the ‘80s who is now a devoted Bhakti yoga practitioner. Touching on his story in his recently published memoir, Punk to Monk (2024), Ray shares his transformative journey from being a leader of the globally-recognized punk band Youth of Today to a spiritual leader, teacher, and advo...

As a complementary bonus to episode 76 (“Becoming Fearless with the Bhagavad Gita”), Hari shares his own path and story with devotional yoga beginning with his curiosity spark while watching The Adams Family as a kid and seeing Gomez performing headstand and other yoga poses. A decade-lius later, as a young New Yorker during the hey day of late 70s and early 80s, his spiritual awakening started to...

Hari-kirtana Das — yoga teacher, spiritual mentor, and author of two books on yoga philosophy — delves into yoga philosophy and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, and shares how such ancient wisdom still relates to the challenges of modern life. An eighteen chapter dialogue between Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, the Bhagavad Gita is a story about following your dharma and being fearless in the f...

Known professionally as Amandi Music, “Mandi” is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer based in Boston. His transformative journey began while sitting at a gas station on the Mass Pike, en route to the Berkshires, debating whether to attend a yoga retreat at the Kripalu Center. At the time, Amandi tipped the scales at 400 pounds and was determined to break old patterns and prioritize...

In 2008, Mark Stefanowski sought a life change after a DUI charge on Christmas Day. He began watching VHS tapes of Bryan Kest’s power yoga classes, which led him from a basement practice to the systematic and consistent practice of Bikram yoga. Eventually, he found his place—and later completed his training—at CorePower Yoga. Now a Harley-riding, charismatic, and thoughtful yoga instructor, Mark t...

Repeat guest Dave Johnson returns following his 2022 GTY conversation to share his journey and practice with handstands. In this episode, Dave reflects on how handstands have taught him not only commitment to a goal but also the importance of patience and staying calm to release tension while balancing in one of the most challenging inversions. He also explores the benefits of incorporating handst...

A teacher and lecturer in  Kinesiology, Religious Studies, and Sociology at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan, Colin Hall is also a yoga teacher and co-director of Bodhi Tree Yoga and Bodhi Tree Yoga College in Canada. Derek and Larry came across Colin’s informative and entertaining Yoga History Podcast during the pandemic, and were blown away by his passion and knowledge of yoga history. T...

Four years of service in the United States Marine Corps, extensive martial arts training, and a back injury sustained from snowboarding left Tim McDevitt's body broken, weak, and in pain. Tim sought out yoga simply to strengthen his core, back, arms, and legs, but his practice evolved into the exploration of a deeper path with the holistic powers of sound baths, chakras, and breath work. In ad...

In this conversation, Andrew Tanner, a longtime practitioner and founder of the Berkshire Yoga Festival, shares his journey into yoga and spirituality. He describes how witnessing the positive impact of alternative healing practices during his father’s battle with cancer transformed him into a believer in the power of aligning the mind, body, and spirit. Covering a range of topics that reflect his...

In this conversation with the guys, Dr. Roger Jahnke shares his journey into the realms of yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong in the late 1960s. He reflects on how personal experiences as a young man in Ohio, along with a road trip across the country, shaped his spiritual growth. He recounts the ‘mesmerizing’ experience of watching a young Chinese engineering student lead a small Tai Chi class in a park in...

Frequent guest Johnny Gillespie revisits the show to reflect on the success of last year's men's yoga workshop at Kripalu, The Way of the Empowered Man, and share his plans for the follow up retreat in January.  The discussion covers the integration of yoga and fitness, the importance of adjusting to participants' needs and the common challenges faced by men in health and wellness, and the unique...

In this conversation with Derek and Larry, renowned yoga instructor, author, and veteran, Rolf Gates shares his transformative journey from a troubled youth to a successful yoga teacher and author. Gates discusses the pivotal moments in his life, including his experiences with sports, addiction, and the military, which shaped his understanding of discipline, self-regulation, and personal growth. E...

In this conversation with power yoga pioneer Bryan Kest, Derek and Larry discuss the evolving perception of yoga among men, emphasizing its multifaceted benefits as a workout that addresses strength, flexibility, and mental well-being.  Kest shares his insights on different styles of yoga, particularly Yin Yoga and Power Yoga, and on how a personal practice can transform over time, especially in r...

In this episode of Guys Talking Yoga, hosts Derek and Larry discuss essential tips for men starting their yoga practice. They emphasize: The importance of setting intentions Choosing the right yoga mat Finding a suitable studio What to expect during the first class and how to navigate the studio experience Essential tips for yoga practitioners, studio etiquette, class structure, and the importance...

What’s stopping more guys from doing yoga? It often comes down to some common misconceptions and excuses. In this episode of the Guys Talking Yoga, co-hosts Derek Vanderwarker and Larry Milburn share the many ways yoga practice has transformed their lives off the mat. Listen as they offer practical tips for men who are yoga-curious but a little hesitant to take the plunge. Derek and Larry also tal...

Get ready for a new season of the Guys Talking Yoga podcast, where hosts Derek and Larry continue their mission to make yoga accessible to every man. Tune in THIS FALL for engaging conversations and expert insights to help you step on the mat and live a more balanced life practicing yoga. Join the GTY Community: Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/ Email: info@gtypodcast.com Instagram: https://www...

When Matt Giordano taught his first yoga class in his mom's Long Island basement, he had no idea he’d inspire a movement. He just wanted to share the practice that had transformed his life. In this episode with guest host Larry Milburn, Matt reflects on his unlikely journey from touring musician to yoga teacher to influencer and entrepreneur. You’ll learn about how Matt discovered yoga, how it...