Off the Mat Pod

What is yoga beyond the poses? In this episode of Off the Mat , Frank and Ashley explore the Eight Limbs of Yoga from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — a foundational framework that extends far beyond physical movement and into ethics, breathwork, meditation, self-study, and spiritual awareness. The conversation begins with honest reflections on anxiety, “dark nights of the soul,” and how yoga can be...

What happens when the guest flips the script? In this deeply reflective episode, Julianne steps into the interviewer's seat and turns the conversation toward mindfulness, yoga culture, dance, community, religion, vulnerability, and the messy reality of personal growth. Ashley and Frank open up about their own journeys through yoga, teaching, identity, burnout, and healing while exploring some toug...

What if your hobby could become a doorway to healing, clarity, and even the divine? In this episode, Frank welcomes his first guest, Julianne—aka “Road Runner”—a former ballroom dance instructor turned thru-hiker who’s completed thousands of miles on trails like the Appalachian and Pacific Crest. What began as burnout from constantly pouring into others became a radical journey inward—one step at...

What if your body has been speaking to you all along—you just didn’t know how to listen? In this introductory episode, we explore the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, yoga’s “sister science,” and how it helps bring the body and mind back into balance so we can live with greater ease and clarity. Ashley breaks down the three doshas—Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (earth)—and explains why there’s no...

Is yoga just stretching—or something more? In this episode, Ashley and Frank break down the meaning of yoga in simple, real-life terms. Moving beyond the common misconceptions—like needing to be flexible or fit—they explore yoga as a practice of connection: between body, mind, and breath. Through personal stories, beginner-friendly insights, and a guided three-part breath, they demystify the deepe...

What does yoga look like off the mat —in the middle of sickness, parenting, graduate school, and real-life chaos? In this first episode, Frank and Ashley pull back the curtain and introduce themselves—not just as teachers, but as humans navigating busy, imperfect lives. From deep breaths during a hectic move to chair yoga, yoga nidra, and the challenges of staying consistent, they explore what pra...