Jessica Rigal: Uniting Trauma Care, Ashtanga Yoga & Meditation

Maria De Los Angeles | Somatic Breathwork for Nervous System Regulation & Anxiety Relief

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/950785/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Native Yoga Toddcast, licensed clinical social worker and somatic breathwork practitioner Maria de Los Angeles explores powerful body-based tools for nervous system regulation, emotional healing, and holistic wellness. Maria blends her clinical expertise in mental health with somatic breathwork and yoga practices that go beyond traditional talk therapy. Drawing from CBT, DBT, and years of dedicated study, she shares practical guidance on how to release stored tension, reduce anxiety, and cultivate deeper balance through breathwork, mindful movement, and somatic awareness. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers accessible techniques to support your mental health, process emotions, and reconnect with your body. Discover how somatic breathwork and yoga can become essential tools for lasting inner peace and resilience. Topics covered: • Nervous system healing • Somatic breathwork techniques • Yoga for mental health and anxiety relief • Integrative approaches combining CBT, DBT & body-based practices Perfect for anyone seeking mindfulness, stress relief, trauma-informed yoga, or embodied wellness practices. Visit Maria at her website: https://smwellnessco.com/ [https://smwellnessco.com/] on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/somaticandmentalwellnessco/ [https://www.instagram.com/somaticandmentalwellnessco/] Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇 8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online- Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days - Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ [https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/] Practice with Native Yoga Online - New classes EVERY day - Use Code FIRSTMONTHFREE https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class [https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class] Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube [https://youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter]. Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.com [https://bryceallynband.com/]and sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4IOp11OGJu17ORbUA6FqsK?si=7Q84kTnKRMutyGNVG-IOCQ&nd=1], B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify. Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com [info@nativeyogacenter.com?subject=Native%20Yoga%20Toddcast] https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ Support the show [https://www.paypal.me/nativeyogacenter] Native Yoga website: here [https://www.nativeyogacenter.com] YouTube: here [https://www.youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter] Instagram: @nativeyoga [https://www.instagram.com/nativeyoga/] Twitter: @nativeyoga [https://twitter.com/nativeyoga] Facebook: @nativeyogacenter [https://www.facebook.com/nativeyogacenter/] LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-mclaughlin-503686126/]

Jessica Rigal: Uniting Trauma Care, Ashtanga Yoga & Meditation

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/950785/fan_mail/new] Jessica Rigal is a seasoned clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience specializing in trauma care, particularly in hospitals. Raised amidst a milieu of activism and scientific inquiry in New York City during the 60s and 70s, Jessica was introduced to meditation early on, a practice that has become central to her professional and personal life. She studied pre-med and journalism and holds an advanced degree from the New School of Social Research. Jessica is an advocate of blending meditation with Ashtanga yoga, and she actively practices and teaches these methods, emphasizing their therapeutic benefits. Visit Jessica here: https://yogabyjessica.com/ [https://yogabyjessica.com/] Key Takeaways: * Jessica Rigal’s life reflects a unique blend of activism, scientific curiosity, and holistic healing practices. * Meditation and yoga are central to Jessica's approach, offering profound tools for recovery and personal growth. * Listening to the body and maintaining a mindfulness practice can be crucial in overcoming physical limitations and improving mental health. * Jessica emphasizes a flexible approach to both yoga and life, focusing on finding joy in the present and accepting each moment as it comes. * The idea of practice as a reflection of daily life, rather than a set series of poses, invites listeners to integrate mindfulness into every aspect of their being. Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇 8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online- Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days - Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ [https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/] Practice with Native Yoga Online - New classes EVERY day - Use Code FIRSTMONTHFREE https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class [https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class] Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube [https://youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter]. Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.com [https://bryceallynband.com/]and sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4IOp11OGJu17ORbUA6FqsK?si=7Q84kTnKRMutyGNVG-IOCQ&nd=1], B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify. Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com [info@nativeyogacenter.com?subject=Native%20Yoga%20Toddcast] https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ Support the show [https://www.paypal.me/nativeyogacenter] Native Yoga website: here [https://www.nativeyogacenter.com] YouTube: here [https://www.youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter] Instagram: @nativeyoga [https://www.instagram.com/nativeyoga/] Twitter: @nativeyoga [https://twitter.com/nativeyoga] Facebook: @nativeyogacenter [https://www.facebook.com/nativeyogacenter/] LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-mclaughlin-503686126/]

Maria Margolies | Body Positive Yoga: Embracing Your Natural Body & Self-Love

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/950785/fan_mail/new] Maria Margolies is a seasoned yoga teacher with over 25 years of experience. Based in New York, Maria has carved a niche for herself as an advocate for celebrating the natural human body and all its changes. She is known for her engaging and empowering workshops and retreats for women globally, emphasizing body positivity, connection with nature, and holistic well-being. With a background in Ashtanga yoga, Maria has evolved her practice to focus on more inclusive, body-positive yoga forms. She is also a vocal critic of unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by various industries and is committed to fostering an environment where individuals can embrace and honor their natural selves. Visit Maria: https://www.holixtic.com/ [https://www.holixtic.com/] Key Takeaways: * The Power of Reframing Beauty: Maria encourages redefining beauty standards that have been historically shaped by industries seeking to profit from insecurities, emphasizing the beauty seen in nature's imperfections. * Yoga's Role in Self-Acceptance: Utilizing yoga as a tool for fostering self-love and acceptance, Maria shifts her focus to practices that embrace all body types and physical changes. * Pelvic Floor Health Awareness: Maria highlights the lack of education surrounding pelvic floor function in yoga practices, advocating for a more balanced approach that focuses on natural body awareness. * Unity in Diversity: Maria calls for collective action to change societal narratives, emphasizing collaboration between genders to redefine beauty and embrace human diversity. Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇 8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online- Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days - Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ [https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/] Practice with Native Yoga Online - New classes EVERY day - Use Code FIRSTMONTHFREE https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class [https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class] Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube [https://youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter]. Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.com [https://bryceallynband.com/]and sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4IOp11OGJu17ORbUA6FqsK?si=7Q84kTnKRMutyGNVG-IOCQ&nd=1], B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify. Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com [info@nativeyogacenter.com?subject=Native%20Yoga%20Toddcast] https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ Support the show [https://www.paypal.me/nativeyogacenter] Native Yoga website: here [https://www.nativeyogacenter.com] YouTube: here [https://www.youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter] Instagram: @nativeyoga [https://www.instagram.com/nativeyoga/] Twitter: @nativeyoga [https://twitter.com/nativeyoga] Facebook: @nativeyogacenter [https://www.facebook.com/nativeyogacenter/] LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-mclaughlin-503686126/]

Molly Kranovich: Building a Heart-Led Yoga Studio & Retail Shop at Lumi Studio Shoppe

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/950785/fan_mail/new] Molly Kranovich, owner of Lumi Studio Shoppe in Mount Prospect, Illinois, joins Todd McLaughlin for an honest and inspiring conversation about what it really takes to build a thriving yoga business. In this episode, Molly shares her journey from stay-at-home mom to successful studio owner. She created a unique multi-functional space that beautifully combines yoga classes, a retail shop featuring local artisans, and a warm community event hub just outside of Chicago. Molly opens up about the real challenges and victories of small business ownership — rethinking studio layouts, negotiating leases, balancing family life with entrepreneurship, supporting local makers, and standing out against big corporate studios. Her story is filled with heart, creativity, and a deep commitment to building authentic community through yoga and wellness. You’ll hear: • How she transitioned from managing her home and children to running a thriving studio • The power of blending yoga, retail, and community events in one welcoming space • Practical strategies for overcoming early business setbacks • How she balances family life while growing her business • Why supporting local artisans matters in today’s wellness world Whether you’re a yoga teacher, studio owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who values heart-led businesses, this episode will uplift and motivate you. Visit Molly at: https://lumistudioshoppe.com/ [https://lumistudioshoppe.com/] Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇 8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online- Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days - Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ [https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/] Practice with Native Yoga Online - New classes EVERY day - Use Code FIRSTMONTHFREE https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class [https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class] Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube [https://youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter]. Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.com [https://bryceallynband.com/]and sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4IOp11OGJu17ORbUA6FqsK?si=7Q84kTnKRMutyGNVG-IOCQ&nd=1], B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify. Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com [info@nativeyogacenter.com?subject=Native%20Yoga%20Toddcast] https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ Support the show [https://www.paypal.me/nativeyogacenter] Native Yoga website: here [https://www.nativeyogacenter.com] YouTube: here [https://www.youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter] Instagram: @nativeyoga [https://www.instagram.com/nativeyoga/] Twitter: @nativeyoga [https://twitter.com/nativeyoga] Facebook: @nativeyogacenter [https://www.facebook.com/nativeyogacenter/] LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-mclaughlin-503686126/]

Sky Swisa | Global Yoga Journey, Healing Trauma & Holistic Wellness

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/950785/fan_mail/new] Join Todd McLaughlin for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Sky Swisa, founder of Ananda Sky Yoga and a truly global yoga teacher. With a rich multicultural background spanning Russia, Israel, China, and the USA, Sky brings a unique perspective to holistic health and wellness. From working in the diamonds industry in Shanghai to becoming fluent in Mandarin, Hebrew, Russian, and English, her journey into yoga began at age 14. She later completed teacher training in Navakarna Yoga and studied under legendary instructor Dharma Mittra in New York. In this episode, Sky shares her personal path through cultural experiences, teacher training, and the integration of yoga with other healing practices like lymphatic massage. Todd and Sky explore how yoga, community, and spiritual practices help navigate life’s biggest challenges — including personal trauma, grief, loss of loved ones, and mental health. They discuss the evolving nature of yoga practice, the importance of grounding and self-discovery, building supportive community, and adopting a non-judgmental approach to diet and personal growth. Sky emphasizes continual evolution in our practices and perspectives so we can stay aligned with our true selves. Key Takeaways: * How a multicultural background and global experiences shape a deeper approach to yoga and wellness * Integrating yoga with holistic practices for mental and physical well-being * The transformative power of community and spiritual practice during times of tragedy and trauma * Why a non-judgmental mindset around diet and personal choices matters in the yoga world * The value of lifelong growth and updating our perspectives as we evolve Whether you’re a yoga practitioner, teacher, or simply on a path of personal growth, this episode offers powerful insights into resilience, healing, and living with greater awareness. Visit Sky: https://www.anandaskyyoga.com/ [https://www.anandaskyyoga.com/] 🎙️ Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to support the show! About the Podcast: The Native Yoga Toddcast explores yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and personal growth through conversations with teachers, creators, and thought leaders. https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ Support the show [https://www.paypal.me/nativeyogacenter] Native Yoga website: here [https://www.nativeyogacenter.com] YouTube: here [https://www.youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter] Instagram: @nativeyoga [https://www.instagram.com/nativeyoga/] Twitter: @nativeyoga [https://twitter.com/nativeyoga] Facebook: @nativeyogacenter [https://www.facebook.com/nativeyogacenter/] LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-mclaughlin-503686126/]