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 relationships, the value of vulnerability, and the challenges of nurturing a spiritually aware child in today's environment. Robert emphasized the crucial role of nature and mindfulness in reconnecting with spirituality, particularly for fathers guiding their children.

Robert also discusses the profound connection between nature, leadership, and parenting, stressing the importance of community for men. He shares valuable insights on how engaging with nature through questions can lead to personal growth and self-awareness. We also touch upon the spiritual dimensions of parenting and the necessity for men to find supportive and vulnerable spaces.

We’re grateful to Robert for his role in Kripalu supporting men's journeys in yoga and spirituality and advocating for a move towards community-focused practices that encourage transformation and healing.

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 advocate of yoga.

In this conversation, Ray reflects on his journey as a monk, the importance of finding balance in life, and the concept of Seva – service – in spirituality. The discussion also highlights how yoga serves as a path to self-discovery and the significance of serving others as a means to connect with a higher purpose and why men should get into yoga. 

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 root while zig-zagging and chanting mantras on foot across Manhattan as courier – a foreshadowing of his true calling as one who delivers ancient philosophy packed in contemporary wisdom, and evolved into a bhakti practice, and his eventual discovery of a Hare Krishna

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 face of life’s many challenges, by recognizing your essential nature and call to duty.

Additionally, the conversation touches on how individuals can find their unique paths in yoga, especially during times of identity crisis, to become fearless in the face of uncertainty. The themes of masculinity, fearlessness, and the transformative power of yoga as illustrated in the Bhagavad Gita are the backbone of Hari’s conversation with Derek and Larry.

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 his health. That weekend retreat became a turning point. Since then, the practice of yoga — and its ability to harmonize mind, body, and spirit — has completely transformed his life. He has become a source of energy and frequency to those around him.

Amandi shares his story and insights into how yoga helped him lose weight, feel younger, move more freely, improve his fitness, shift his mindset, and ultimately, save his life.

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 teaches online classes, in-person donation-based sessions at breweries, and maintains a regular schedule at CorePower Yoga in Colorado. Passionate about making yoga both accessible and challenging, he brings his signature Full Throttle style to the greater Boulder area, helping others embrace the practice as he has.

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 handstands into a yoga practice, offering insights on preparation, building strength, and the essential role of recovery.

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.

The guys discuss Colin’s path in yoga, the inspiration behind his Yoga History Podcast, his academic background in religious studies and kinesiology, and the philosophical aspects that have shaped his practice. They also explore the cultural differences between yoga practices in India and the West, highlighting the contributions of key figures like Vivekananda and Krishnamacharya in shaping modern yoga. Lastly, Colin emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the benefits of yoga for men, encouraging them to embrace the practice for both its physical and mental health advantages.

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 addition to touching on the community and mission of the Empowered Wellness Studio after he completed his teacher training in 2016, Tim shares his perspective on various aspects of fitness, teaching methods, and the historical significance of and working with Indian clubs.

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 deep background in yoga over the past two decades, Andrew discusses the healing of injuries through yoga, cultivating inner wisdom, letting go of the ego, speaking one’s truth, making better choices, and connecting mind, body, and spirit. These practices, he believes, help men become better versions of themselves and discover their Dharma in life.

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 Berkeley, and how that moment sparked his interest in Chinese medicine. Dr. Jahnke discusses how the Eastern arts influenced his career within "the medical industrial complex," ultimately leading him down a path toward alternative healing practices with the discovery of Tai Chi and Qigong.

Dr. Jahnke also explores the historical roots and benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi, their similarities to the practice of yoga, and the importance of engaging with one's inner self. He emphasizes managing consciousness and embracing the physiological benefits of these mind-body practices, which foster discernment and personal empowerment, enabling individuals to experience life more fully.

Frequent guest Johnny Gillespie revisits the show to reflect on the success of last year's mens 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 benefits of yoga retreats for men where they can deepen their practice. Johnny and the guys emphasize the significance of community, breathing techniques, and mobility in achieving overall well-being. 

With a deeper understanding on the significance of biomechanics and movement, Johnny emphasizes the connection between the feet, legs, hips, and spine while highlighting the critical role of breathing mechanics in overall health, including the diaphragm and pelvic floor, and the ability to experience significant shifts in their neurological patterns. Johnny also shares insights about the building his business and community at his studio, Empowered Wellness, and celebrating over 25 years in the industry, along with reflections on personal and professional growth for 2025.

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. Emphasizing the importance of exercise in his recovery from addiction, Gates touches on how yoga became a vital part of his life and spiritual awakening, as well as the evolving landscape of yoga, particularly regarding male participation in the practice.

In addition to sharing various insights on the practice of yoga, the importance of letting go, finding balance, and trusting the process of life, Gates speaks to the writing of his best-selling book, 'Meditations from the Mat,' and the power of daily reflections and motivational quotes as tools for wisdom and personal growth.

In this conversation with Bryan Kest, Derek and Larry discuss with the California-based power yoga pioneer 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 relation to aging and injury. The discussion highlights the importance of adapting yoga practices to individual needs and the long-term health benefits of maintaining a consistent yoga routine. In addition, Kest challenges the conventional notions of strength and success, urging listeners to appreciate the simple joys of life and prioritize wellness over societal expectations.

Other topics include (1) the profound impact of yoga on personal growth; (2) the importance of quieting the mind; (3) breath as a focal point in a practice; (4) the balance between strength and calmness; (5) the cultural pressures that often lead to ego-driven behaviors; and (6) the need to find a personal practice that resonates with individual needs.

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 of listening to one's body and breath.

• The need for respect in the yoga space, the significance of punctuality, and the human aspect of yoga teaching.

• Encouraging practitioners to connect with their breath and being mindful of their physical limits.

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 talk about:

• How yoga builds strength and body awareness

• Yoga and breathwork for better performance

• How yoga helps with stress and anxiety

• The spiritual side of yoga and building community

• Yoga for midlife men

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.

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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 its benefits radiated into every area of his life, and how his relationship with a mentor helped launch his own teaching career and attract a massive online following.

Matt also talks about:

• How yoga has made him a much better (and less injury-prone) ice hockey player

• What he learned from his mentor, yoga legend Marco Rojas

• How he went from teaching informally to leading international trainings

• The barriers that prevent more men from trying yoga and how to overcome them

These days, yoga is a mainstream phenomenon practiced by many. But back in the 1970s, when actor and filmmaker Campbell Scott first discovered it, it was still a fringe practice associated with hippies and gurus.

In this episode with guest host Larry Millburn, Campbell shares how a yoga book by Richard Hittleman nourished him physically, mentally, and spiritually.

As a teenager struggling with anxiety and self-doubt, Campbell was drawn to yoga's promise of inner peace and resilience. Over the years, his practice became an anchor, and a way to stay grounded in the face of the challenges and uncertainties of life as a performing artist.

Campbell also talks about:

• How yoga helped him quit smoking and manage the pressures of an acting career

• Getting over the discomfort of being a man in female-dominated yoga spaces

• How his practice has evolved over decades

• How yoga fosters a sense of presence and connection

• Why more men should give yoga a try

Links:

Campbell Scott's IMDb page https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001714/

Richard Hittleman's Yoga book https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Hittlemans-Yoga-Exercise-Plan/dp/0553277480

Larry’s Yoga for Dudes website https://www.yogafordudes.com/

Way of the Empowered Man Retreat GTY Episode https://www.gtypodcast.com/podcast-episodes/52-johnny-gillespie

Back from a couple months off with a quick update on the summer season with guest host Larry Milburn, former host of Roadie Free Radio and the online site, Yoga for Dudes.

Derek and Larry share their initial thoughts from the Kripalu Yoga Center in Western Massachusetts where they just completed the Way of the Empowered Man led by frequent guest, Johnny Gillespie.

The guys talk about the intense core work of the weekend, the heat, the surprisingly high turnout from guys who are totally new to yoga that joined the retreat, and offer a quick preview for the fall.

Also, Derek is handing the mic to Larry as guest host for the summer as he takes paternity leave with his newborn daughter and wife.

So stay tuned right for Larry’s summer interviews with some great Connecticut-based guys with more stories and offerings, and future new content and programming GTY is developing for the fall.

Be sure to check out our fully redesigned website for more episodes, resources and links to get your practice started.