In this conversation, Josh Blatter shares his journey into yoga, discussing how he transitioned from a restaurant chef to a yoga teacher. He emphasizes the importance of foundational practice, the benefits of yoga for men including learning how to connect with your body, learning to feel what you feel as you move, as well as discovering the deep inner strength in your smaller, stabilizing muscles that help with so many other activities. The discussion highlights the significance of yoga in personal growth and healing, encouraging listeners to explore their own practice, and that it is never too late to start one’s practice.

Derek and Larry dive into the world of Bhakti Yoga with Josh Kane, founder of Gandiva Yoga based in New Haven, CT. Discover how Josh's journey from acting and music to yoga has shaped his life and teachings. Learn about the transformative power of yoga, the importance of spiritual practice, and the unique experiences at Esalen.

“One day I got a call from somebody who said, there's a problem with the yoga mats out there. They're very slippery, toxic, and not eco-friendly. Do you have any alternatives? I don't know why he called a rug pad business, but he called us and I just happened to answer the phone. As I chatted with him in the back of my mind I was thinking ‘Are there that many people doing this?’”

Today’s guest is Dean Jerrehian, the CEO of Jade Yoga, the company behind the highly popular Harmony Mat that was rated in 2024 as the best mat for grip by Yoga Journal. Derek and Larry both use and highly recommend the Harmony Mat as well as Jade’s super-packable, travel mat, the Voyager, and enjoyed asking Dean about the origins of Jade Yoga and their mission of creating eco-friendly yoga mats and giving back to the earth with every product sold by planting a tree for every mat sold. Over two million trees have been planted so far.

In this episode Dean shares Jade’s origin story beginning with his grandfather emigrating from Armenia and starting a rug business in 1904 that eventually became Jade Yoga, one of the top yoga mat makers in the industry and an example of how conscious capitalism can make an impact in the world.

Welcome to Season Five of Guys Talking Yoga! Join hosts Derek and Larry as they kick off another season of conversations dedicated to inspiring more men to embrace yoga.

This season promises engaging content, launching next week with Dean Jerrehian, founder and CEO of Jade Yoga (https://www.instagram.com/jadeyogamats). We’ve also got Josh Kane, founder of Gondiva Yoga in New Haven, CT (https://www.instagram.com/gandivayogact) and yoga and meditation teacher Josh Blatter (https://www.instagram.com/joshblatteryoga/) queued up and ready to go.

Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this podcast is your community to learn, connect, and grow.