This is Yoga Therapy

What if the secret to your next professional breakthrough isn't doing more—but mastering the art of the somatic off-switch? In a high-intensity culture that treats "the hustle" and sleep deprivation as badges of honor, ambitious women are facing a quiet epidemic of chronic exhaustion, nighttime panic, and the dreaded 3:00 AM wake-up call. In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy , ho...

In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy , host Michele Lawrence sits down with Renata Sumar Gaertner, C-IAYT , the director and lead teacher of Yoga for All Abilities , carrying forward her mother’s legendary Sonia Sumar Method . Renata began her yoga journey at just three years old and completed her first Hatha training at twelve. Raised alongside her sister, Roberta, who was born with Down Syndr...

What happens when traditional public health science meets ancestral wisdom? In this episode, host Michele Lawrence sits down with Melissa Shah, MPH, C-IAYT, the founder of Find Your Breath , to explore the intersection of modern healthcare, lineage reclamation, and the physiological power of sound. Melissa breaks down the Western misconceptions surrounding mantra, reclaiming it as a potent, therap...

What does it mean to age well? In 2026, the conversation has officially shifted from lifespan —how many years we live—to healthspan —how well we live those years. In this episode, host Michele Lawrence sits down with pioneering medical doctor and certified yoga therapist Dr. Baxter Bell to discuss the intersection of Western medicine and yoga. Baxter shares his personal evolution from working as a...

What happens when we stop trying to "fix" our bodies and instead learn to negotiate our own terms of healing? In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy , host Michele Lawrence sits down with legendary movement educator, physical therapist, and yoga therapist Sherry Brourman, PT, C-IAYT. With an astonishing 53 years of clinical experience, Sherry shares her profound evolution from the rigid...

What happens when a legacy of "radical rest" meets the modern era of constant noise? In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy , Michele Lawrence sits down with Lizzie Lasater —Restorative Yoga teacher, architect by training, and a vital voice in the evolution of modern yoga. As her mother, yoga pioneer Judith Hanson Lasater , prepares to retire at age 80, Lizzie reflects on the longevity...

Are you a brilliant yoga teacher or therapist who feels paralyzed when it comes to the business side of your practice? You’ve done the trainings, you have the heart, and you’re ready to reduce suffering—but the logistics of running a viable business feel like a separate, cold world. In this episode, Michele sits down with Erin Alexander and Katie Pine , both graduates of Inner Peace Yoga Therapy a...

What happens when deep academic study meets 20 years of dedicated practice? In this episode, Michele sits down with Tova Olsson , a religious studies scholar, author, and PhD candidate at Umeå University. Known for her "user-friendly" approach to yoga and tantra studies, Tova explains how mythology serves as a mirror for our "stuckness," why humor is an essential ingredient for...

This episode is a vital deep dive into a life transition that has been underserved and misunderstood for far too long. Michele sits down with Petra Coveney , the pioneering founder of Menopause Yoga ™ and author of the new book, Menopause Yoga and Wellbeing . Together, they explore why standard yoga often falls short during the menopausal transition and how a specialized, therapeutic approach—root...

This episode is an exploration of what it means to be truly seen. Michele sits down with world-renowned photographer and yoga practitioner Robert Sturman to discuss the intersection of art, trauma, and the human spirit. Robert doesn’t just document yoga; he captures what he calls "figurative poetry." From the halls of maximum-security prisons to the lives of breast cancer survivors and v...

In this episode, I sit down with the legendary Nikki Myers —MBA, Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner, and founder of Y12SR: The Yoga of 12-Step Recovery . Nikki has spent decades at the crossroads of addiction recovery and somatic wisdom, teaching us that while the 12-Step meetings provide the "cognitive map," the yoga mat provides the "somatic laboratory" for true healing. We d...

In this soul-stirring conversation, I am joined by Mark Gardett, PhD , a yoga scholar, teacher, and author of the transformative new book, A Necessary Joy: Yoga and the Quest for Transformation . Mark sits at the powerful intersection of trans identity and ancient yogic philosophy. Together, we explore the idea that "transness" is not just a destination, but a spiritual practice of expan...

What happens when the goal of yoga isn't to "fix" or "cure," but to navigate the complex reality of a chronic condition with grace, humor, and agency? In this episode, we are joined by bestselling author and health journalist Kayla Kurin . Kayla shares her global journey of navigating 50+ countries while managing chronic health issues, offering a refreshing perspective on...

In this  episode, Michele Lawrence sits down with wellness coach, author, and ecotherapy trailblazer Carrie Asby to explore the profound journey of remembering our connection to the wild. In an age dominated by digital noise and perfection burnout, Carrie invites us to move toward the power of presence by making nature a formal partner in our healing work. We dive deep into how Ecotherapy serves a...

In this episode, Michele Lawrence sits down with Radhika Mukhija , founder of Holistic Prana and author of the upcoming book Radiant Rituals (Shambhala/Penguin Random House). Radhika shares her journey from corporate leadership to becoming a leading voice for professional women seeking sustainable well-being. This conversation bridges the gap between ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern neuroscienc...

In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy , Michele Lawrence sits down with Susanna Barkataki , C-IAYT—a #1 bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Ignite Institute. Together, they explore the intersection of ancient wisdom, social change, and the ethical responsibility of the modern yoga therapist. Susanna shares her profound journey, from being ordained by Thich Nhat Hanh to her curre...

In this episode, I sit down with a true pioneer in the integrative health space, Dr. John Douillard , DC, CAP . As the creator of LifeSpa.com , Dr. Douillard has spent decades proving that the "preventative wisdom" of Ayurveda isn't just tradition—it’s cutting-edge biology. We dive deep into: The Longevity Mirror: How modern research on telomeres and cellular health is finally catch...

In this episode, I sat down with international educator Kali Basman to explore the profound terrain of inner coherence. Kali seamlessly bridges Yin Yoga, Buddhist psychology, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), teaching us how to meet our inner 'parts' on the mat. We discussed the power of somatic inquiry, nervous system regulation, and how this holistic approach guides students back to t...

Have you ever wondered how yoga and social justice intertwine? In this video, we dive deep into the transformative power of Inclusive Yoga and its impact on communities. Join us as we explore the profound connections between these practices. Our guest, Jacobe Ballard, shares insights on how queer and trans yoga can foster inclusivity and healing. Discover how yoga poses for trans and queer persons...

In this episode we welcomed back the amazing Dr. Katy Jane (The Intuitive Vedic Astrologer) to dive into her new book, Moon Signs for the Soul ! We explore how the 27 Vedic Moon Signs (Nakshatras) offer a deeper, more accurate roadmap for aligning with your true purpose. Plus, get the scoop on her powerful planetary predictions for 'The Year of Miracles' in 2026 and how practitioners can...

In this episode I interviewed with Dr. Carrie Demers . Dr. Carrie is a true pioneer, holding dual board certifications in both Internal Medicine and Integrative Medicine. She seamlessly blends modern science with traditional approaches like yoga, Ayurveda, nutrition, and herbal medicine. Carrie currently serves as the Medical Director of the Himalayan Institute's PureRejuv Wellness Center , a...

Michele Lawrence interviews Amadea Morningstar , a pioneer in Ayurvedic nourishment and self-care, about her journey and contributions to the field. Amadea, who has a BS in Nutrition and an MA in Counseling, founded the Ayurveda Polarity Therapy and Yoga Institute in Santa Fe. She discusses her books, including "Ayurvedic Cooking for Westerners" and "Easy Healing Drinks from the Wis...

In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Ram Rao . Dr. Ram holds a PhD in Neuroscience and presently serves as a Principal Research Scientist at Apollo Health which uses a systems-based, integrative approach to prevent, treat, or reverse Alzheimer’s disease. Ram is also a Board-certified Ayurveda Practitioner (AP), and a Registered Yoga Teacher and teaches Ayurveda and Yoga at the California College of...

Join us on the latest episode of This is Yoga Therapy for a conversation with the insightful Doug Keller . We explore the therapeutic wisdom of yoga and what it offers for those navigating chronic pain and health issues. Tune in to learn how this evolving field is set to become a vital part of the future of yoga! Support the show Connect with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy Email us: info@innerpeaceyogat...

In this podcast episode, I spoke with Sarah Kruse . Sarah is an Ayurvedic Doctor and she assists clients in returning to their true nature through the principles applied in Ayurvedic Consultations and Ayurvedic Health Coaching programs. Sarah is a graduate of The Ayurvedic Institute, where she studied under Dr. Vasant Lad , and has traveled extensively throughout India, studying with renowned Ayur...