The Flow Artists Podcast by Garden of Yoga – Details, episodes & analysis

Grief, Healing, and Finding Light in the Darkness: A Conversation with Amy Pickett-Williams In this moving conversation, psychotherapist and yoga teacher Amy Pickett-Williams shares her remarkable journey through personal tragedy to creating meaningful change in the grief support community. With 26 years of experience in therapy work, Amy's path took an unexpected turn during the COVID-19 pandemic when she lost her father in a tragic accident. As she navigated her own grief while supporting her mother and children, a hiking accident led to the discovery of kidney cancer - a moment she poignantly describes as being saved twice by a juniper tree. Through her personal experiences of loss and healing, Amy founded the Light Movement, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting those experiencing grief and trauma. The organisation's name beautifully captures its essence - "Love in Grief held together." Amy's approach combines traditional therapy with somatic practices, emphasising that healing through movement isn't limited to yoga but includes activities like singing, walking, swimming, and even gardening. As she puts it, "There are no words when someone grieves," highlighting the importance of being present and offering practical support rather than trying to fix the unfixable. What makes Amy's work particularly impactful is her holistic approach to grief support. She emphasises the importance of community and practical assistance, suggesting simple yet meaningful ways to help those who are grieving, like providing meals or offering specific help rather than vague promises. The Light Movement has evolved to include innovative programs, including a unique 300-hour yoga teacher training focused on trauma and grief, creating a new generation of practitioners equipped to support others through their healing journeys. Through it all, Amy's message remains clear: healing from grief is a deeply personal journey that requires both individual attention and community support. Links Fundraiser Event - https://lightmvmt.com/summer-solstice-2025/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lightmvmt Website - https://lightmvmt.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lightmvmt

In a deeply moving conversation, Utkarsh Narang shares his remarkable journey from being a physiotherapist in India to becoming an influential executive coach and TEDx speaker in Australia. His story resonates with anyone seeking meaningful change, as he describes how a LinkedIn message unexpectedly opened the door to a new life abroad, proving that sometimes the most significant opportunities arise when we least expect them. Through his personal experiences with fear and uncertainty, Utkarsh demonstrates that courage isn't about the absence of fear, but rather about taking small, intentional steps forward despite it. The heart of Utkarsh's message lies in his unique perspective on leadership and purpose, beautifully illustrated through the story of a NASA janitor who saw his role not just as cleaning floors, but as contributing to putting a man on the moon. This powerful anecdote underscores his belief that true leadership is about becoming the best human being possible, creating safe spaces for others, and approaching challenges with empathy and authenticity. His insights remind us that every role, no matter how seemingly small, can contribute to something greater when viewed through the lens of purpose. Drawing from the ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and yogic philosophy, Utkarsh offers transformative insights about living in the present moment and embracing non-attachment. His message is both profound and practical: purpose doesn't need to be grandiose; it can be found in the simple act of doing our best and being fully present in each moment. Through his words, we learn that true fulfillment comes not from external achievements, but from stripping away societal expectations and connecting with our authentic selves. The conversation serves as a powerful reminder that in our quest for meaning and success, the most important journey is becoming the best version of ourselves while helping others do the same. Links: Website: https://www.ignitedneurons.me/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignitedneurons Patreon supporters get FREE access to Utkarsh's "Ignite your life in 7 days" program: https://www.patreon.com/posts/free-access-to-7-128099052

There's a reason we're called the Flow Artists Podcast, and that's because we're all about flow. In this fascinating episode of the Flow Artists podcast, we chat with Justine Elizabeth, a multi-talented flow artist and teacher. Justine's journey from psychology student to digital nomad and flow expert is truly inspiring. She defines flow states as the sweet spot where peak performance meets peak experience - it's where we're at our best and loving every minute of it. Justine's insights into the science behind flow are really eye-opening. She talks about her time at the Flow Centre in Australia, which sounds like a "digital pilgrimage" with people from all over the world. One cool tip she shares is using "functional music" to help induce flow states. There's even an app called Brain.fm that can help align your brain waves to get you in the zone. But it's not all about performance - Justine emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation and self-care, especially when you're pushing yourself. Her "triple A" approach (Acknowledge, Ask, Act) is a great tool for dealing with emotional challenges. She also talks about "dosing discomfort" to build resilience, which is a really interesting concept. At the heart of it all, Justine's message is about mind-body connection and integration. Whether you're a flow artist, a busy professional, or just someone looking to get more out of life, there are lots of practical tips here for creating more flow in your daily routine. From decluttering your space to reconnecting with childhood passions, it's all about setting yourself up for success and enjoyment. Links: Website: https://theflowcodes.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theflowcodes/

Melanie Mackintosh is a yoga teacher, co-owner of the Australian Yoga Academy and their Director of Education, where she manages AYA’s Advanced Diploma of Yoga Teacher training program. Melanie was one of Rane's teachers and mentors while he was doing his yoga teacher training and she specialises in pre and postnatal yoga, the topic of today's episode. In this episode, we cover the core principals of prenatal yoga and it's benefits. We discuss some alternative viewpoints over different aspects of prenatal yoga which can make it a complex and sometimes confusing style to teach. We learn some strategies for working with a general class that may include pregnant women, so everyone feels safe and included. Rane shares the anxiety he sometimes feels when pregnant women come into his class, and we know he is not alone, so there is information in this episode that will help many teachers. Finally, we discuss Mel's upcoming 50 Hour Advanced Pre/Post Natal Yoga Teacher Training at Australian Yoga Academy in Prahran, Melbourne, and who may benefit the most from it! Links: Mel's upcoming workshop: https://australianyogaacademy.com/special-events/workshops/ Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/flowartistspodcast Music by Ghostsoul: https://ghostsoul.bandcamp.com Yoga Life Satsang: https://www.janetlowndes.com.au/yoga-life-satsang

Emma Kenna is a globetrotting hoop dance teacher from the UK who also holds a PhD in immunology. In this conversation, we learn all about what set her on the path she is on today as well as what it’s like running a business where you are essentially the product. Emma travels the world teaching hoop dance full time and we talk about some of the misconceptions that people may have about this lifestyle and how she makes it work. We also talk about staying inspired and keeping your workload sustainable when you're a one-person operation and the importance of delegating. Emma has lots of great advice which would definitely apply to yoga teachers or anyone else who is running their own small business. Congratulations go to Barbara Courtille will be receiving a signed copy of The Good Hustle by Polly McGee! Links: Emma's Website: http://www.hoopingmad.co.uk/ Emma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoopingmad/ Our Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/flowartistspodcast Amy Wheeler Workshop: https://www.janetlowndes.com.au/amy-wheeler-workshop Melanie Mackintosh's Pre/Post natal workshop: https://australianyogaacademy.com/special-events/workshops/

Polly McGee is a yogi, entrepreneur, teacher and author of the book The Good Hustle. We first met Polly when she was leading a Yoga Business Planning Intensive workshop in Melbourne recently, and it was an amazing experience. Polly has a way of really cutting through to the core of what it is that you as a heart centred business owner are trying to achieve - even when you aren’t quite sure how to articulate it. Polly is a bundle of joy and energy and just a pleasure to be around, so we were really looking forward to catching up with her for this interview. In her book The Good Hustle, Polly combines the ancient wisdom and philosophy of yoga with contemporary business practices in a compelling blend of mindfulness, spirituality and entrepreneurial action. It really is a great read and we have a signed copy to give away! To win a copy of the book all you have to do is like our facebook page and while you’re there Tag a friend with a heart centred business who has a good hustle going. Links: Polly's Website: https://pollymcgee.com/ Polly on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pollymcgeewriter/ Polly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pollymcgee/ Win a copy of "The Good Hustle": https://www.facebook.com/flowartistspodcast/posts/2238806852876139 For some bonus content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/25952124

William Wong is a Melbourne based Yoga teacher with a passion for functional movement, gymnastics, Qi Gong, Reiki and sound healing. He has the wonderfully named Instagram profile Willy Wongka, and the equally wonderfully named website yogathewongway.com. William has a very strong practice but is equally committed to the more subtle aspects of yoga and meditation, and projects a welcoming and often hilarious sense of humour in his teaching and his online presence, so we were very excited to have the chance to speak with him recently. In this episode, we learn about William's background growing up in Melbourne, how he studied landscape architecture for 6 years before deciding it wasn't for him. We learn how he discovered fitness and yoga after a stint as a Flight Attendant. We learn how William's teaching and practice have evolved and how he has learned from and managed injuries along the way. We love William's light-hearted approach and deep dedication to these practices and we think you'll really enjoy this conversation! Links Website: https://www.yogathewongway.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willy_wongka_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogathewongway/ Retreats: https://www.yogathewongway.com/retreats Flow Artist's Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/flowartistspodcast Adrenal Healing Workshop: https://www.gardenofyoga.com.au/workshops/adrenal-healing/

Amy Wheeler is a Yoga Therapist, holds a PhD in Educational Psychology, a sports psychologist and the developer of Optimal State system of health and healing. Amy is also President of the Board of Directors to the International Association of Yoga Therapists. Amy is a leader in the field of yoga therapy, so this is a conversation you’ll want to hear. We speak with Amy about her journey of discovering yoga, and how she came from a background working in sports psychology to eventually become a yoga therapist. We learn about anxiety, the relationship between anxiety and sleep, and how yoga and yoga therapy may help. We get a great reminder of the scope of practice of yoga teachers and therapists, and how we can best serve students or clients who may be struggling. Also in this episode, we are announcing the launch of our Patreon page! Patreon is a way that you can help financially support the podcast. The Flow artists Podcast will always be free and we love doing it, but creating this podcast does take time and energy - from booking, researching and interviewing guests, writing great questions to editing and processing audio, writing show notes and sharing on social media - it can take around 8-10 hours to create each episode. For more information go to https://www.patreon.com/flowartistspodcast Links: Amy Wheeler's website: https://amywheeler.com Assessing and Balancing the Human System: https://www.janetlowndes.com.au/amy-wheeler-workshop

Ann Swanson is a yoga teacher, holds a Masters of Science in Yoga Therapy and is the author of the recently released book Science of Yoga. We were lucky enough to get an advance digital copy of the book and we loved it. It’s full of great information and beautiful illustrations, and it really marries together the worlds of science and yoga quite wonderfully. Rane genuinely wishes he had a copy of this book when he was doing his teacher training, and we ordered a physical copy once it was released. We can definitely recommend that you do the same. In this conversation we learn about how Ann grew up the daughter of a NASA Scientist, but had an early love of art and illustration. We learn how Ann found her path of Yoga, how she came to specialise in yoga for arthritis, and her inspirations for writing the book. Finally, we hear how Ann's loves of art, science and yoga all combined to make writing and developing this book a wonderful experience. Bio Ann is a yoga therapist, mind-body science educator, and author of Science of Yoga. She is part heart-based healer and part science nerd. Ann supports people living in living happier, healthier lives by making wellness non-intimidating and accessible to everybody. With a Master of Science in yoga therapy and roots studying yoga in India and qi gong China, Ann uniquely applies cutting-edge research to mind-body practices while maintaining the heart of the traditions. She internationally speaks and teaches on the science supporting yoga’s benefits to both the public and yoga professionals. Ann trains yoga professionals in workshops on yoga anatomy, Yoga for Arthritis, and accessible yoga. In her private practice, Ann specializes in helping busy people worldwide relieve pain, manage stress, and find ease through one-on-one online yoga therapy online . Specialties: Yoga for Arthritis + Chronic Pain Relief • Research Science Supporting Yoga • Neuroplasticity + Mindfulness • Accessible Yoga • Office Yoga Links: For more on Science of Yoga, including the book and courses: www.scienceof.yoga Science of Yoga on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ST9gJV For free videos, including a relaxing meditation for pain relief, and more on one-on-one yoga therapy online with Ann: www.AnnSwansonWellness.com Follow Science of Yoga on Instagram: bit.ly/instagramSOY Follow Ann's Youtube Channel: bit.ly/youtubeann

Jo Tito is an artist, photographer, meditator and generally amazing person, and we're not just saying that because she is related to Rane! Jo's work has a real sense of nature, Maori spirituality and groundedness which is why Jo and Rane have some of her photography in their studio Garden of Yoga. In this episode, we learn about Jo's background growing up in rural New Zealand. We learn how she discovered meditation and how it informs her art and life. We learn how she found a global following while working on her Hand Painted Rocks project - painting a rock, photographing and writing every day for a year. Jo has much wisdom and has been lucky enough to travel the world sharing her art and collaborating with other Indigenous artists. Links: Wondering Earth: http://wonderingearth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wonderingearth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARTISTinNATURE/ Hand Painted Rocks: http://www.handpaintedrocks.com/ Hand Painted Rocks on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoTito/media_set?set=a.496280546552&type=3 https://www.facebook.com/JoTito/media_set?set=a.10150258314371553&type=3 Walking in Circles Project: http://walkingincircles.org/ Dhamma Medini Vipassana Meditation: http://medini.dhamma.org/