The Flow Artists Podcast - Yoga, activism and more

Chris Cheers is a psychologist and educator who is passionate about creating accessible, accepting and safe spaces where people become empowered to reach their life goals. He is also dedicated to increasing community education around mental health, specialising in the arts and LGBTQI+ communities. We discovered Chris through instagram - he is able to distill some deep and helpful insights into a succinct message that is easy for people to access. We were grateful to expand on these and ask our own questions. So much happened in the week between recording and releasing this episode - complicated feelings about the roadmap release, riots and even an earthquake. We’ve personally found Chris’s insights in these challenging times, and we hope that you do too. LINKS AND RESOURCES Offering Tree: https://www.offeringtree.com/flowartists Chris's Website: https://www.chrischeers.com/ Chris's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrischeerspsychology/ Finding a therapist or psychologist: Find a Psychologist - https://psychology.org.au/find-a-psychologist Psychology Today - https://www.psychologytoday.com/au Victorian Inclusive Practitioners Therapist Directory a list of therapists and health practitioners in Victoria, Australia, who have expertise, training, and/or lived experience in various marginalised social groups. This includes LGBTQIA+, neurodiversity, sex work, kink and BDSM, non-monogamy, immigrant and/or asylum seeker, disability, specific ethnicity and/or religion, and other elements of identity or practice. https://www.vicinclusivepractitioners.com/ Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) Equity Health Database: https://www.meaa.org/download/the-equity-health-database/ This therapist directory from Pola Psychology: https://polapsychology.com/therapist-directory/ Books and Podcasts mentioned: The Rise: Creativity, the Gift of Failure, and the Search for Master, by Dr Sarah Lewis (also featured on this podcast with Brene Brown) Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski (also featured on Brene Brown's podcast) Emotional Agility by Dr Susan David. Ted Talk on Shame by Brene Brown Chris Cheers Psychology Resources I’ve got a few resources on my website that might be helpful to check out. I’d suggest starting with Mental Health Guide for the Arts Community, my introduction to Mindfulness, an article on adjusting to the new (COVID) normal, and the Wellbeing Guide I put together for Melbourne Fringe. https://www.chrischeers.com/resources Finding a psychologist or therapist is not the only way to do therapy. A range of online programs are now available that offer free, effective and evidence-based programs for stress, anxiety and depression. Head to Health is great place to start searching. Some programs I’d suggest checking out include MindSpot https://mindspot.org.au/ This Way Up https://thiswayup.org.au/ MyCompass https://www.mycompass.org.au/ MoodMission https://moodmission.com/and MoodGYM https://moodgym.com.au/ When you need to talk to someone right now. Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/ or 13 11 14 (24/7) Trained counsellors offering crisis support and suicide prevention. Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Health Support: https://coronavirus.beyondblue or 1800 512 348 (24/7) Trained counsellors available and online resources. Rainbow Door/Switchboard Victoria: https://www.switchboard.org.au/rain or 1800 729 367. QLife: https://www.switchboard.org.au/qlife 1800 184 527 provide peer-driven support services, counselling and referral for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) people, their families, allies and communities. The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline (1800 959 500) a free, confidential phone counselling service, available 24/7 to anyone anywhere in Australia who works in music, the performing arts or other creative industries.

Use our discount code MAKFLOW at http://makarlu.com to get 10% off! In this episode, Rane and Jo share the books, projects and resources that are helping them navigate life in lockdown. These are challenging times, and we send out our support and solidarity to you all. Here are some of our favourites that might spark a little joy. What is helping your mental health right now? While these resources have been helping our state of mind, if you need support please call: Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Health Support. 1800 512 348. Lifeline. Crisis Support. 13 11 14. Rane: Learning Maori - Happy Maori Language Week! Korero Maori - Maori Made Easy: Scotty Morrison https://www.maorilanguage.net/maori-made-easy/ Waka Huia, Te Karere, view on the Maori TV app: https://www.maoritelevision.com/download-maori-plus Jo: Gua Sha - Sandra Lanshin Chiu TCM ​​https://www.instagram.com/treatmentbylanshin/ Chris Cheers Psychology - elevating mental health in the arts and LGBTQI+ communities. Helpful insights and suggestions like: ‘Notes from a psychologist trying to find a way through a lockdown low day’ https://www.instagram.com/chrischeerspsychology/ Em Swami - art + activism from an intersectional perspective. Jo just bought the ‘Stop imagining the apocalypse start imagining the revolution’ print. https://www.instagram.com/em_swami/ Danielle Coke - visual and poetic representation of social justice issues. A helpful, visual way to make sense of complex social issues. https://www.instagram.com/ohhappydani/ Christopher - a Brooklyn based Black, queer femme kween building - community through plants. Joy, sparkles, plant care and self care tips. https://www.instagram.com/plantkween/ Feel good viewing Jo: Beryl Shereshewsky, a youtube channel cooking and exploring foods from different cultures. https://www.youtube.com/c/BerylShereshewsky Pick Up Limes - a youtube channel sharing simple and inspiring vegan dishes, with lots of quick and low budget options. We love Sadia’s episode sharing Afghan dishes from her childhood. https://www.youtube.com/c/PickUpLimes Back to Nature: ABC Iview A journey through the Australian landscape and the unique stories of the land, deepening our connection with nature and culture. Beautiful scenery, insights from the original inhabitants of each location and creative guests. https://iview.abc.net.au/show/back-to-nature Jo’s recently enjoyed books: Taylor Jenkins Reid - Daisy Jones and the Six, Malibu Rising https://taylorjenkinsreid.com/ Utopia Avenue - David Mitchell https://www.davidmitchellbooks.com/ Justina Blakeney - Jungalow https://www.jungalow.com/pages/jungalow-decorate-wild-justina-blakeney Although buy from somewhere local or booktopia to save on shipping. Jivana’s new book - Yoga Revolution, it will be released in November (Jo was reading an advance copy for an upcoming podcast episode). Who is inspiring you right now? Online Trainings: Accessible Yoga Training Accessible Yoga Conference - September 22 https://www.accessibleyogatraining.com/ Asanas for Autism and Special Needs https://www.asanasforautismandspecialneeds.com/ Yoga for Humankind https://yogaforhumankind.org/ Jill Miller and Tom Myers rolling along the anatomy trains https://www.anatomytrains.com/product/rolling-along-the-anatomy-trains/ Rane: Youtube: patrickisanavajo https://www.youtube.com/c/patrickisanavajo Reservation Dogs https://www.finder.com.au/where-to-watch-reservation-dogs-online Jo: Aboriginal creator and story teller. Mermaid queen on Kariyarra country. Art, design, photography tips, celebrating Aboriginal women and families. https://www.instagram.com/bobbilockyer/ Inspiration from Fipe Preuss! https://podcast.flowartists.com/

Dee Dussault is an internationally known yoga teacher, sensuality coach, and is the author of Ganja Yoga book. She also extensively promotes anti-racism work, so we were very interested to get her perspectives on everything from yoga, cultural appropriation, the racism inherent to the war on drugs, and much more. We have said that we are branching out from yoga-themed episodes, but we really think that the work that Dee Dussault is doing is very interesting and she is working with a side of yoga that has been relatively unexplored in the west. We know this is a topic that people may have strong opinions on and we would love to hear from you - you can comment below or join us on Facebook in the Flow artists podcast group - let us know your thoughts! Links Dee's website: https://www.deedussault.com/home Ganja Yoga Book: https://www.ganjayoga.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ganjayoga/ Offering Tree: https://www.offeringtree.com/flowartists

The podcast has been on an extended break lately. This was partly due to Rane's recent trip back to New Zealand. And what a trip it was! In this episode we change the format slightly - we hear Rane speaking with Jo about the chaotic events that occurred while he was in New Zealand - from calling the ambulance at 4 am for his father, to jetting around the country to visit various hospitals, and concluding with the funeral of another family member. Rane also shares about the sad but ultimately rewarding time he spent with his mother and his learning to come to terms with her dementia. It was a tumultuous journey with emotional highs and lows. Please enjoy...

Fipe Preuss is a Polynesian dancer, an activist, a chocolate maker, a scuba instructor(!), and a business woman who also goes by the stage name Fipe Keanu. Fipe is of Samoan and German heritage and hails from both Samoa and New Zealand. We were really excited to talk to her in particular about what she is doing with her business Living Koko, combining sustainability, food sovereignty, cultural education, and chocolate! Fipe brought an amazing energy to our conversation, so we are excited to be sharing it with you today! LINKS Living Koko: https://www.livingkoko.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/living_koko/ Fipe's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fipekeanu/ Vaiusu: https://www.vaiusu.com/ Vaiusu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaiusu_melbourne/

We recently recorded a live stream to celebrate our 100th episode live from the Rane Room! We get a little bit more personal in this episode and speak about some aspects of the yoga world that have really been on our minds. We also reminisce about some of our favourite episodes and we discuss where we are going from here.

In our latest episode, we speak with Beata Heyman. Beata is a yoga teacher, a yoga teacher trainer, and the creator of Breath Circle. Breath Circle is a health and wellbeing organisation, teaching mindful breathing in schools to support emotional regulation and mental health in young people. They work directly with schools to empower students and teachers to use mindful breathing as a tool for self-regulating emotions and building resilience. Beata is doing amazing work teaching breathwork to children, teenagers, and their teachers so we were excited to get the chance to speak with her. Trigger warning: Beata’s story does involve a very intense memory of family violence, and the mental health of a family member. Her healing from this time really informs a lot of the work she does today, and we are honored that our guests trust us to hold space for this kind of sharing. Links Breath Circle: http://www.beataheymann.com/breath-circle Breath Circle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breathcircle/ Embodied Yoga Summit: https://learn.theembodylab.com/a/46268/AfQ2FeF9 Amazing Aerial Intro Pass: https://gardenofyoga.com.au/pass-purchase/amazing-aerial-intro Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/ This episode is sponsored by Yoga Australia: https://www.yogaaustralia.org.au/ https://www.instagram.com/yogaaustralia/ The opinions expressed in this podcast do not reflect the view and opinions of the sponsor.

Jo started learning Ink Brush Painting from Richard Liddicut when she was about 7 and as you’ll hear, his classes were really an introduction to yoga and meditation as well. Richard has been practicing yoga for almost 50 years after discovering creative dance with Mrs Mangiamele at the iconic Mangala studios while he was at art school. We discuss the early days of Mangala studio, and how it has evolved, as well as Richards earlier teaching career. We also delve into the history and practice of Sumi - ink brush painting and calligraphy and it’s connection to Zen buddhism and meditation. Creativity, and the exploration of our true nature have always been central to Richards's movement and art practice. One of the topics we discuss is ‘The Unfolding Self’ workshop which combines yoga and brush and ink techniques, meditation, sound, and poetry to facilitate awareness of an inner, fluid, and interconnected world where the outer layers of the ego melt away to reveal our inner nature. Richard has an auditory processing disorder which makes him very sensitive to electronic equipment, which we speak about in our conversation. We’ve actually wanted to speak to Richard since we began the podcast and I’m glad we finally found a way that would work for him - so rather than an online chat or at our home surrounded by technology, this interview took place in his small garden studio, shaded by a huge jacaranda tree and lined with many, many years worth of paintings and calligraphy. We hope you enjoy the conversation! Links www.beholdart.com.au https://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/connect/beholdart/art_therapy/meditative-brush-ink-workshops Mangala Studios https://www.mangalastudios.com.au/ Green Monday Studios https://www.facebook.com/greenmondaystudios/ This episode is sponsored by Yoga Australia: https://www.yogaaustralia.org.au/ https://www.instagram.com/yogaaustralia/ The opinions expressed in this podcast do not reflect the view and opinions of the sponsor.

This is a deep and powerful conversation that we were honored to share. Phil Kayumba is a Melbourne based trauma-informed Yoga teacher with a passion for shared community building and cultivating individual expression through collective movement and breath, hence his motto “Everyone, come as you are.” Phil's teaching is imbued with lessons from an extraordinary life, from leaving his home in Rwanda at the age of 10 for soccer and education in England to discovering yoga in India while his father worked as an ambassador. His travels through India continued to inform his practice and life, which only continued as he moved to Australia for study and became a father. Phil's resilience and compassion shines through as he shares about the effects of political violence in Rwanda, losing many much-loved family members, numerous assassination attempts on his father's life and becoming a refugee in Australia during his studies. While Phil touches on many difficult and painful topics, this is an uplifting and inspiring conversation, filled with many unexpected turns and layered with Phil's love for his son, the practice of yoga, and life itself. Note: This episode contains discussions of genocide, violence, mental health issues and other adult themes. This episode is sponsored by Yoga Australia: https://www.yogaaustralia.org.au/ https://www.instagram.com/yogaaustralia/ The opinions expressed in this podcast do not reflect the view and opinions of the sponsor.

Chara Caruthers is a yoga teacher, certified yoga therapist and the author of the book “Eat like you love yourself: a guide to ayurvedic cooking and living”. Maria Kirsten is a yoga teacher, specialised teacher trainer and is the creator of Yoga for Grownups. Together they host the podcast "Live Like You Love Yourself", a podcast where they have conversations and interviews dedicated to uncovering what it takes to “grow up” in a way that feels balanced, authentic, graceful and juicy! We had a great conversation on their podcast last week (Link Below), and we are excited to get to know Maria and Chara a little better in this episode! We begin this conversation discussing the inspiration behind their podcast and their life philosophies. We explore how they have both navigated COVID-19, and the lessons it has taught them. We also discuss Maria's recent cancer diagnosis and the impact that has had on her life. Maria and Chara both have so much wisdom and humour to share, We know you'll enjoy listening to this one! Links Live Like You Love Yourself Podcast: https://www.blissbodyandsoul.com/podcast/#EP29 Chara's Website: https://www.blissbodyandsoul.com/ Chara's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blissbodyandsoul/ Maria's Website: https://www.yogaforgrownups.com/ Maria's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogaforgrownups/ This episode is sponsored by Yoga Australia: https://www.yogaaustralia.org.au/ https://www.instagram.com/yogaaustralia/ The opinions expressed in this podcast do not reflect the view and opinions of the sponsor.

Marsha Banks-Harold is an Electrical Engineer, a trauma-informed yoga therapist and yoga teacher, and the owner of PIES Fitness Yoga Studio, based in Alexandria Virginia, USA. We were introduced to Marsha through the Global Yoga Therapy Day conference, where she was on a panel alongside Rane in a discussion of diversity in yoga therapy. Marsha sees herself as an intuitive healer called to empower clients to fortify one’s strength of awesomeness; to learn to rely on one’s authentic self; and to cultivate everlasting physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual (PIES) peace. She is the creator of the flagship yoga class My Body Don’t Bend That Way designed for clients who don’t believe they are flexible enough for yoga, who are afraid to get onto the floor, who are living with physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual pains or those who have restricted range of motion. She thrives in creating a supportive, inclusive, diverse, adaptive and accessible yoga and yoga therapy experience for all. In this conversation, we learn about her background growing up in Alexandria VA, how she was introduced to yoga, and how it helped her cope with her high pressure job in Electrical Engineering. We learn about how her community was affected by the George Floyd murder, and her thoughts on the (then) upcoming US presidential election. Links Marsha's Website: https://www.piesfitnessyoga.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piesfitnessyoga/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PIESFitness This episode is sponsored by Yoga Australia: https://www.yogaaustralia.org.au/ https://www.instagram.com/yogaaustralia/ The opinions expressed in this podcast do not reflect the view and opinions of the sponsor.

In this episode, we speak to Amy Weintraub. Amy is the author of Temple Dancer, a fascinating story about the tradition of the Deva desi, as well as the nature of creativity, sacred sexuality and two women living in very different times who’s stories intertwine. Amy Weintraub is also the creator of Lifeforce yoga - accessible yoga for anxiety and depression, so we also explore mental health and how it informs her writing. You may also know Amy’s other books which include Yoga for Depression and Yoga Skills for Therapists We begin by talking to Amy about her earlier life as an award-winning but depressed television producer, how she discovered yoga and how she is using these practices to help her navigate the challenges of 2020. We also discuss the inspiration and research that went into creating Temple Dancer. We have an in depth discussion about the themes of Temple Dancer, Amy’s research and creative process, including thoughts around writing about another culture. Links https://www.amyweintraub.com/ https://www.amyweintraub.com/temple-dancer/ https://www.facebook.com/amyweintraubauthor https://www.instagram.com/amylifeforceyoga/ This episode is sponsored by Yoga Australia: https://www.yogaaustralia.org.au/ https://www.instagram.com/yogaaustralia/ The opinions expressed in this podcast do not reflect the view and opinions of the sponsor.

Mark Workman has lived as a solitary Daoist monk for 16 years in Outback Australia and has followed a traditional Daoist path as well as living a Yogic lifestyle. In that time he practised yoga therapy, taught Yoga and Qi Gong and also taught various forms of meditation. Mark’s approach to Yoga is intensely practical. He has used Yoga to deal with major physical and psychological issues in his own life and is passionate about passing on what he has learnt to others. Mark had his leg amputated in 2017 and during a long stay in the hospital, he adapted yoga to the physical and psychological needs of amputees and people suffering mobility problems. In this episode, we learn about Mark's background growing up in Sydney, before he left for the outback at the age of 16. We hear how he cultivated an early interest in Zen Buddhism, Christian Theology and Daoism. We learn about the circumstances leading to his leg being amputated, and how he found he could use his knowledge to help other amputees. Links Mark's Website: https://yogaformobility.org/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmLyrY6-PvDEB-rUtwi8m_A Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/yoga4mobility/ This episode is sponsored by Yoga Australia: https://www.yogaaustralia.org.au/ https://www.instagram.com/yogaaustralia/ The opinions expressed in this podcast do not reflect the view and opinions of the sponsor.

Divya Kohli is a yoga teacher, a former newspaper journalist with a Masters in English Literature from Cambridge University, and the author of the book “Finding Peace in Difficult Times: grounding techniques for inner calm” For this episode, we spoke to Divya about strategies for maintaining peace of mind and helping your community during COVID-19. She also shared her journey to becoming a yoga teacher, including her training in Mysore, India, the commonalities of yoga and journalism and of course her wonderful book. LINKS Divya's Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B087YY9ZJG/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_nsnxFbGMH5K58 Divya's website: https://yogawithdivya.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogateacherdivya/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogawithdivya/ This episode is sponsored by Yoga Australia: https://www.yogaaustralia.org.au/ https://www.instagram.com/yogaaustralia/ The opinions expressed in this podcast do not reflect the view and opinions of the sponsor.

October marks 3 years since we started the Flow Artists Podcast with our episode "I'm a Yoga Teacher, Now What?", so we are celebrating! For this special anniversary episode, we are the ones answering the questions! We have questions from Jivana Heyman, Amy Wheeler, Alice Williams, Jesal Parikh, Cora Geroux, Taryn Siriana, Nicole Blythe, Gina Macauley and Gabrielle Boswell! It's a great episode, so check it out! We humbly acknowledge the true custodians of the land where this podcast is recorded - the Wurrunderi people of the Kulin nation. Links Garden of Yoga: https://www.gardenofyoga.com.au/ Thrive Northside: https://thrivenorthside.com/ This episode is sponsored by Yoga Australia: https://www.yogaaustralia.org.au/ https://www.instagram.com/yogaaustralia/ The opinions expressed in this podcast do not reflect the view and opinions of the sponsor.