5.6K
Downloads
26
Episodes
In these uncertain times, familiar foundations seem to be shifting. Welcome to Yoga Solutions! I’m Susanna Barkataki, your host, inviting you to explore how yogic tools can help navigate these shifts. What stories are you telling yourself about the world? What practices or tools are you reaching for? This podcast explores how yoga can address daily life challenges, offering practical tools and insights for personal and collective growth. We’ll draw from yoga tools, philosophy, world civilizations, and the vibrant Yoke Yoga community to provide keys to success in this new Era of Empathy and Intelligence. Join me in solo episodes and expert conversations to uncover the wisdom needed for a future-forward life, focusing on wisdom and empathy in action for personal and collective growth and healing. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to yoga, you’ll find valuable insights to support and inspire your journey. Let’s embark on this path together to shape our stories and heal ourselves and the world, exploring skills for optimal health and wellness in the new Era of Intelligence and Empathy.
Episodes
6 hours ago
6 hours ago
In today’s episode. I’m so excited to connect with the amazing Diandra Marizet Esparza—poet, cultural writer, and ecofeminist. Diandra is the co-founder of Intersectional Environmentalist, a movement that’s transforming the way we approach environmentalism by weaving together intersectionality, storytelling, and community-led solutions. Her work is a powerful blend of education, advocacy, and liberation, inspiring us to reconnect with our roots and reclaim our relationship with the earth.
In our conversation, we cover ecofeminism, the healing power of storytelling, and the wisdom carried through ancestral practices. Diandra opens up about her journey from the fashion industry to leading Intersectional Environmentalist and shares profound insights on how yoga and liberation movements intersect. Together, we explore what it means to live with purpose, build community, and create a world that honors justice, care, and connection.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- [02:25] The Connection Between Yoga and Environmental Justice
- [04:22] Storytelling as a Tool for Liberation
- [17:15] Reclaiming Communal Rituals Like Dia de Muertos
- [27:08] Breaking Down Cultural Appropriation in Yoga and Beyond
- [33:50] Ecofeminism: Redefining Nurturing as a Collective Responsibility
Quotes from the Episode:
“When I realized my work wasn’t accessible to my own family, I knew I needed to reconnect with storytelling. Poetry became a way to bridge that gap.”
“Intersectional environmentalism is a lens that centers those most vulnerable, recognizing that their harm is deeply interconnected with the harm done to the earth.”
Yoke Yoga
This episode is brought to you by Yoga Yoga The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.
Buttons to Download
Connect with Diandra:
Susanna’s Socials:
Medical Disclaimer:
Please know any yoga wellness or health advice presented is not meant to replace the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare professional always seek competent medical care.
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
In this episode, I connect with the compassionate and insightful Diana May to explore how yoga can support healthy aging, pain management, and profound life transitions. Diana, a somatic movement and anatomy specialist, shares her unique approach to integrating traditional yoga wisdom with modern somatic and neurological techniques, offering a deeply personalized and healing path for her clients.
Diana opens up about her personal journey through premature menopause and how it reshaped her relationship with yoga. She also reflects on the transformative power of practices like Satya (truthfulness) and Santosha (acceptance), and shares her expertise in working with cranial nerves to alleviate chronic pain and improve overall well-being.
Key Takeaways from This Episode
- [02:02] The Role of Yoga in Chronic Pain Management
- [05:07] Understanding Cranial Nerve Exercises for Nervous System Regulation
- [15:20] How Early Menopause Reshaped Diana’s Yoga Practice
- [18:30] Shifting from Caregiving to Self-Care Post-Menopause
- [23:33] The Importance of Radical Honesty and Self-Acceptance in Yoga
Quotes from the Episode
“Yoga asks us to meet ourselves exactly where we are—honestly and with compassion.”
“Menopause, whether early or on time, is a powerful opportunity for radical self-determination and self-care.”
Yoke Yoga
This episode is brought to you by Yoga Yoga The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.
Buttons to Download
Connect with Diana:
Susanna’s Socials:
Medical Disclaimer:
Please know any yoga wellness or health advice presented is not meant to replace the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare professional always seek competent medical care.
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
In today’s episode of Yoga Solutions, I reflect on the essence of spiritual connection as we move into a new year. Together, we explore how yoga can deepen our bonds—with ourselves, our communities, and the earth—while nurturing resilience and transformation in our lives.
I discuss the Sanskrit concept of Kalyanamitra—spiritual friendship—and how it can guide us toward building stronger, more meaningful relationships rooted in mutual growth and support. I also share stories from my own journey of cultivating community through yoga and activism, highlighting the beauty of collaboration, shared challenges, and the transformative power of connection.
Join me in grounding yourself with intention for the year ahead and embracing practices that honor both personal and collective well-being.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- [00:53] Reflecting on the Past Year
- [01:42] Building Community Through Yoga
- [04:09] Introducing the Word of the Year: Kalyanamitra
- [04:56] Embracing Spiritual Friendship in 2025
Quotes from the Episode:
“We are not just who we are today; we are always becoming something greater through connection and practice.”
“Your Kalyanamitras are all around you—in your community, in nature, and in the sacred practices that nourish your soul.”
Yoke Yoga
This episode is brought to you by Yoke Yoga The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.
Buttons to Download
Susanna’s Socials:
Medical Disclaimer:
Please know any yoga wellness or health advice presented is not meant to replace the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare professional always seek competent medical care.
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
In today’s episode of Yoga Solutions, I have the pleasure of speaking with Kat Heagberg, a yoga teacher, writer, and advocate for inclusivity in the practice. Together, we discuss how yoga can be a powerful tool for cultivating joy, embracing diversity, and fostering self-discovery.
Kat opens up about her personal journey with ADHD, rejection-sensitive dysphoria, and perfectionism, offering heartfelt and practical insights into how yoga has provided her with both grounding and liberation. She also shares valuable lessons from her time as editor-in-chief of Yoga International, highlighting the vital role of inclusivity, compassion, and creativity in shaping the modern yoga landscape. Through her experiences, Kat reminds us that yoga is a practice for everyone, regardless of ability, background, or life circumstances.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- [02:32] The Role of Fun in Building a Consistent Yoga Practice
- [04:51] Overcoming Perfectionism Through Yoga
- [09:54] Embracing Neurodiversity in Yoga Practice
- [13:20] Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
- [25:47] Reflections on Leadership and Advocacy in Yoga Media
Quotes from the Episode:
“When things are fun, I stick with them. It’s not just for the future me—it’s for the me right now.”
“You can take your practice seriously, but you don’t have to take yourself seriously.”
Yoke Yoga
This episode is brought to you by Yoga Yoga The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.
Buttons to Download
Connect with Kat:
Susanna’s Socials:
Medical Disclaimer:
Please know any yoga wellness or health advice presented is not meant to replace the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare professional always seek competent medical care.
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
In today’s episode of Yoga Solutions, I connect with Sangeeta Lerner, a yoga teacher, social justice activist, and the visionary behind Annapurna House. Sangeeta’s work integrates yoga, anti-oppression, and community care, creating spaces for repair, restoration, and collective well-being. She brings her lived experiences as a creative director turned yoga teacher, a survivor of personal trauma, and a mother to the forefront of her teachings, weaving together the personal and the political.
Sangeeta and I explore how yoga serves as a practice of liberation and resistance, grounding us in our humanity while challenging the systems that demand endless optimization. She shares deeply personal stories of resilience and transformation, offers practices to reconnect with our breath and natural rhythm, and calls on us to slow down, rest, and resist the pressures of capitalist culture.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- [00:03:29] The Role of Yoga in Navigating Injustice and Trauma
- [00:05:20] How Breath Awareness Builds Resilience in Moments of Crisis
- [00:10:00] Recognizing and Returning to Your Natural Rhythm
- [00:16:35] The Power of Co-Regulation in Parenthood and Community
- [00:19:19] Why Yoga Should Center Rest, Repair, and Anticapitalism
- [00:23:00] Understanding the Harm of Misrepresenting Yoga in Modern Culture
Quotes from the Episode:
“Capitalism always makes us move faster than our rhythm. But we can reclaim our pace, even in small moments—waiting for a bus or sitting in the toilet.”
“Yoga isn’t about bettering yourself endlessly. It’s about slowing down, resting, and repairing—becoming a better human, not a better machine.”
Yoke Yoga
This episode is brought to you by Yoke Yoga The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.
Buttons to Download
Connect with Sangeeta:
Susanna’s Socials:
Medical Disclaimer:
Please know any yoga wellness or health advice presented is not meant to replace the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare professional always seek competent medical care.
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
In today’s episode of Yoga Solutions, I speak with Daniel Chandranayagam, a deeply compassionate yoga teacher, writer, and fitness professional who specializes in bringing yoga’s grounding presence to those facing significant life challenges. With a background spanning personal training and extensive yoga instruction, Daniel has devoted much of his life to teaching yoga as a means of support, especially to vulnerable communities like the visually impaired, at-risk youth, and survivors of human trafficking.
In our conversation, Daniel shares profound insights into how yoga has helped him navigate grief, especially through experiences of caring for his parents during illness and loss. We delve into the powerful ways yoga can guide us through anticipatory grief, the importance of grounding practices, and the role of breathwork in processing difficult emotions. Daniel also emphasizes yoga as a service, reflecting on his work with various communities and how these experiences continue to shape his approach to teaching.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
[01:57] - How Yoga Supported Daniel During His Parents’ Illnesses
[04:46] - Techniques for Anticipatory Grief: The “Inhale for Me, Exhale for You” Practice
[13:58] - Embracing Yoga as Service: Teaching Vulnerable Communities
[27:18] - Working with Human Trafficking Survivors: Building Trust and Relief through Yoga
[32:57] - Embracing Grief and Collective Healing in Today’s World
Quotes from the Episode:
“Yoga teaches you to take a step back and see everything as a connection of love, even when it’s difficult. It gives you the tools to hold space, for yourself and others.”
“Grief isn’t just letting go—it’s a way to honor those who’ve shaped you, carrying forward the light they left in you.”
Yoke Yoga
This episode is brought to you by Yoke Yoga The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.
Buttons to Download
Connect with Daniel:
Susanna’s Socials:
Medical Disclaimer:
Please know any yoga wellness or health advice presented is not meant to replace the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare professional always seek competent medical care.
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
In today’s episode of Yoga Solutions, I have the pleasure of connecting with Alysia Makhani, a compassionate and skilled integrative health nurse, therapeutic yoga teacher, and the visionary founder of Flor Verde Healing. With a deep commitment to holistic wellness, Alysia draws from her expertise in health and therapeutic practices to guide patients and clients alike toward greater balance and healing. As a creator on Yoke Yoga, she offers tools for individuals to connect body, mind, and spirit, emphasizing mindful self-care that truly meets people where they are.
In our conversation, we explore how yoga and mindfulness techniques can be seamlessly woven into daily life as anchors for mental and emotional support. Alysia shares insights into managing anxiety and stress in real-time, offering tools and techniques she uses with patients in high-pressure environments, like hospitals, as well as with nursing students and other practitioners.
We also discuss the social and systemic elements that shape our well-being, from the challenges of late-stage capitalism to the often-hidden barriers in Western healthcare that yoga and mind-body practices can help to address.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- [06:41] Defining Anxiety and Its Impact
- [10:07] The Role of Capitalism in Anxiety
- [13:39] Humanizing Yoga Teachers
- [18:22] Normalizing Mind-Body Practices in Healthcare
- [22:16] Evidence-Based Practices in Yoga
- [27:02] Pranayama Practices for Anxiety
Quotes from the Episode:
“Our bodies are listening to us, so when we slow our breath, it’s like we’re giving our nervous system a gentle hug.”
“When we integrate mindfulness and breathing into healthcare, we’re not only treating symptoms but supporting the whole person.”
Yoke Yoga
This episode is brought to you by Yoke Yoga The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.
Buttons to Download
Connect with Alysia:
Susanna’s Socials:
Medical Disclaimer:
Please know any yoga wellness or health advice presented is not meant to replace the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare professional always seek competent medical care.
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
In today’s episode of Yoga Solutions, I guide you through practical yoga techniques to help manage election anxiety and related stress. Whether you’re feeling tightness in your chest, struggling with sleeplessness, or simply overwhelmed by the weight of the world, this episode is here to remind you that you are not alone. These physical and emotional signs of anxiety reflect the imbalance in the world around us. Together, we acknowledge the added burden on marginalized communities during election cycles and learn how to use yoga not just for self-soothing, but for radical personal and societal transformation.
In this episode, we practice mindful breathing, grounding yoga postures, and deep listening—all aimed at soothing anxiety and fostering community care. I introduce you to the concept of Satya (truth) and how we can use our voices for justice, Aparigraha (non-attachment) to release fear of the unknown, and Ahimsa (non-harm) to stay engaged in activism without burning out.
Join me in harnessing the transformative power of yoga to stay grounded, strong, and committed to justice during turbulent times.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- [01:48] Understanding Collective Anxiety
- [05:11] The Power of Ahimsa and Community Care
- [06:16] Pranayama Practice: Simhasana (Lion's Breath)
- [07:22] Transforming Anger with Lion's Breath
- [08:40] Centering with Heart Space and Gyan Mudra
Quotes from the Episode:
“This is not just personal. This is part of a larger collective anxiety around justice, fairness, and human rights. You are not alone.”
“Yoga is not only about feeling better personally, but about showing up for others. It’s about embodying justice in all aspects of life.”
Yoke Yoga
This episode is brought to you by Yoke Yoga The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.
Buttons to Download
Susanna’s Socials:
Medical Disclaimer:
Please know any yoga wellness or health advice presented is not meant to replace the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare professional always seek competent medical care.
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
For today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Monica Bright to explore how yoga can address chronic pain and deepen our connection to our bodies. Monica brings her extensive background in education and movement modalities to her yoga practice, enriching her teachings with a unique focus on body awareness and intentional movement.
Monica shares her journey from being an elementary school teacher and educational consultant to becoming a yoga teacher in 2012. Her passion for studying the human body and various movement modalities has set her apart in the yoga community. Now, she teaches online through her studio and has classes available on the Yoke Yoga app. Throughout this episode, Monica reminds us of the importance of slowing down, being intentional, and fostering a deeper connection with our bodies.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- [04:13] The Importance of Proprioception and Interoception
- [09:48] Yoga for Chronic Pain
- [13:30] Handling Common Yoga Injuries and Teaching Modifications
- [16:23] The Benefits of Yoga: Research and Insights
- [23:18] Monica's Yoga Classes on Yoke Yoga
Quotes from the Episode:
“Practicing yoga is not just about the physical poses; it’s about tuning into our bodies, understanding our feelings, and being more intentional.”
“Always be in the inquiry. Always be questioning how does this feel? Does it feel okay? Does it feel different on one side compared to the other?”
Yoke Yoga
This episode is brought to you by Yoke Yoga The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.
Buttons to Download
Connect with Monica:
Susanna’s Socials:
Medical Disclaimer:
Please know any yoga wellness or health advice presented is not meant to replace the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare professional always seek competent medical care.
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Welcome back to another episode of the Yoga Solutions Podcast. For today's episode, I had the pleasure of connecting with Raina LaGrand, a remarkable trauma therapist and yoga teacher who specializes in somatic approaches to psychotherapy. Raina is passionate about helping people, particularly those who are multiracial or multicultural, find a sense of belonging in their bodies and identities. Her work bridges the worlds of therapy and yoga, creating a space where healing can happen from the inside out and the outside in.
We explore a wide range of topics in this episode, from the transformative impact of somatic practices in both therapy and yoga to the crucial importance of belonging and identity. We discuss how embracing a strong sense of self, particularly for mixed-race individuals, can be a powerful catalyst for healing and personal growth.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- [01:02] Guided Somatics Practice
- [05:50] Raina’s Journey to Belonging and Identity
- [09:53] Exploring the Intersection of Yoga and Therapy
- [14:14] The Importance of Community and Connection
- [16:20] Somatics and the Wisdom of the Body
- [24:42] Research Insights on Mixed Race Identity
Quotes from the Episode:
“We become less creative, less curious, less experimental when trauma is present. But yoga, when honored in its roots, allows for experimentation, curiosity, and play.”
“Yoga is a reciprocal process of doing the work inside and also doing the work outside for the betterment of humanity.”
Yoke Yoga
This episode is brought to you by Yoke Yoga The only FREE social yoga app. You deserve wellness. Enjoy your yoga today.
Buttons to Download
Connect with Raina:
Susanna’s Socials:
Medical Disclaimer:
Please know any yoga wellness or health advice presented is not meant to replace the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare professional always seek competent medical care.