Finding Harmony Podcast

Yoga, Suffering, and the Search for Meaning in a Changing World

Harmony and Russell sit down with Paul Bramadat — professor, anthropologist, and longtime yoga practitioner — to explore the spiritual, cultural, and deeply human dimensions of modern yoga. Paul, who began his yoga journey in Harmony’s studio in Victoria, BC, now returns not as a student, but as the author of Yoga Lands, a fascinating book that blends memoir, ethnography, and cultural critique.
Together, they dive into the real reasons people are drawn to yoga: not just for fitness or flexibility, but as a response to suffering. From the spiritual to the sociopolitical, this episode weaves personal stories and academic insights into a rich discussion of cultural appropriation, inclusivity, identity, and the subtle energies that shape how we relate to each other in the yoga room.
This episode is essential listening for yoga practitioners, teachers, and anyone who’s ever felt the transformative pull of the practice — even when the reasons are messy, complicated, and rooted in pain.
🔍 Topics Covered:
The origins of Paul’s yoga journey—and his unexpected return as a scholar and teacher
How suffering draws people to yoga across cultural and class lines
The subtle politics of yoga spaces in North America
Cultural appropriation vs. respectful integration of Indic traditions
The rise of yoga among women and what that says about modern spirituality
Differences between Canadian and American views on wellness and healthcare
How yoga spaces function as secular sanctuaries
The “erotics of proximity” in yoga rooms—and why we need new language for it
What it means to honor yoga’s roots while making space for modern evolution
Why inclusivity matters—and how to create truly welcoming spaces
🧘 About Our Guest:
Paul Bramadat, PhD is a professor of religious studies at the University of Victoria, specializing in the cultural and political intersections of religion and public life. He is the director of the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society and a long-time yoga practitioner. His new book, Yoga Lands: In Search of Practice on the Mat and in the World, brings academic rigor and personal insight to the complex and beautiful messiness of modern yoga culture.
Learn more about Paul and his work:
🌐 Paul Bramadat Faculty Page at UVic: https://www.uvic.ca/humanities/history/people/faculty/profiles/bramadatpaul.php
 
The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc Join the Lightworker Mastermind:  https://harmonyslater.com/lightworker-mastermindFIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

From Hyperfocus to Chaos: Real Talk About Neurodivergence

In this episode of the Finding Harmony Podcast, Harmony Slater and Russell Case sit down with Raquel Devillé, a skilled therapist specializing in neurodiversity. They explore the complexities of living with ADHD, autism, and sensory sensitivities, and how these experiences can manifest in daily life—especially for highly sensitive individuals.
Key Topics Covered:
The meaning and nuances of neurodiversity (beyond labels and diagnoses)
Executive functioning, rigid thinking, masking, and sensory overload
How somatic therapies like TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) and brainspotting support trauma healing
The difference between neurotypical and neurodivergent experiences, and why “normal” might not exist at all
Raquel’s perspective on labels and diagnosis—why she prefers to avoid them
The spontaneous tremoring response and its impact on healing
The overlap between ADHD and autism, especially in women
Managing everyday challenges like disorganization, distraction, and overwhelm
How Raquel organizes her spices alphabetically—and what that says about her brain!
How tremoring can reduce stress, sugar cravings, and even trauma-related symptoms
The importance of recognizing your own needs and finding therapies that work for your unique wiring
Raquel’s Approach:
Raquel explains her integrative approach, combining TRE, somatic experiencing, and brainspotting to help clients release trauma and stress stored in the body. She discusses why spontaneous tremoring can be a powerful reset for the nervous system and how somatic work differs from cognitive therapy by engaging deeper brain regions like the limbic system and the brainstem.
Connect with Raquel Devillé
https://encorps.be/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquelDevillé/ 
hello@encorps.be
 
 
The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc Join the Lightworker Mastermind:  https://harmonyslater.com/lightworker-mastermindFIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

Moving Beyond Grief: The Spiritual Practice of Letting Go

Join Harmony Slater for a deeply transformative conversation with author and mentor Sara Avant Stover. In this heartfelt episode, they explore Sara’s powerful book, Handbook for the Heartbroken: A Woman’s Path from Devastation to Rebirth, offering profound insights into how grief and loss can be the gateways to our greatest personal and spiritual transformations.
Sara shares her personal journey through heartbreak, revealing how loss—whether through death, the end of relationships, or major life changes — often triggers a deep identity crisis. Drawing on wisdom from yoga, Buddhism, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, Sara offers compassionate strategies for navigating grief, understanding trauma, and embracing emotional healing as a sacred rite of passage.
Listeners will learn:
Why grief is essential to personal evolution
How IFS can heal past traumas and reintegrate lost parts of ourselves
The risks of spiritual bypassing and how to cultivate true emotional integration
Practical tools for befriending difficult emotions and finding inner harmony
Sara Avant Stover also shares her personal experiences studying yoga with renowned teachers Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor, offering a poignant reflection on community grief within the yoga world.
Whether you're experiencing loss, supporting someone who is grieving, or simply seeking deeper emotional wisdom, this episode is filled with soulful guidance and actionable insights.
Connect with Sara Avant Stover:
Website: saraavantstover.com
Book: Handbook for the Heartbroken
Podcast: https://www.saraavantstover.com/podcast
Resources Mentioned:
Ancient Breathing 2.0 Program (open for enrollment): Visit https://harmonyslater.com/ancient-breathing-2-0 or DM Harmony on Instagram.
The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc Join the Lightworker Mastermind:  https://harmonyslater.com/lightworker-mastermindFIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

Energetic Shifts That Change Your Relationship With Money

Your relationship with money runs deeper than spreadsheets or strategy—it’s stored in your body.
In this insightful and energizing episode, Harmony Slater shares an excerpt from a powerful conversation with business coach Danielle Leigh about money, worth, and the energetic patterns that shape how we show up in business. From Harmony’s early childhood imprint of financial fear to the science of dopamine and gendered money responses, this dialogue unveils the invisible beliefs that keep women playing small.
Through compassionate coaching and practical somatic exercises, Harmony and Danielle explore what it means to rewire your nervous system for abundance. You’ll learn how money is simply energy—prana—and why regulating your frequency is the key to creating sustainable, aligned success.
This conversation goes beyond mindset, touching on the spiritual, emotional, ancestral, and embodied roots of wealth. Whether you’re a healer, creative, entrepreneur, or simply ready to stop chasing and start embodying, this episode will change how you relate to money, power, and self-worth.
Topics Explored:
How subconscious beliefs about money are formed
The link between self-worth and net worth
Somatic practices for financial healing
Why women often feel unsafe receiving money
Nervous system regulation and income ceilings
Practical visualization, breathwork, and daily rituals
Money mantras that actually work
Danielle Leigh is a wife, a boy mom, and a business coach and strategist who helps women grow their businesses and build lives they love. After a decade rising through the corporate ranks as a seasoned brand strategist, she now uses her unique blend of mindset coaching and actionable planning to help entrepreneurs attract dream clients, scale sustainably, and create waitlists—all while still making it to their kiddos’ soccer games.
Danielle’s work has been featured in U.S. News and World Report, Medium.com, and she was named one of the “Top 30 Coaches to Look Out For” by NYC Journal. Her approach has helped clients reach 6+ figures in income by aligning strategy with soulful ambition.
Connect with Danielle:
🌐 Website: danielleleighcoaching.com
📱 Instagram: @danielle_leigh
The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc Join the Lightworker Mastermind:  https://harmonyslater.com/lightworker-mastermindFIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

Living Your Yoga: Integrating Breath, Shiatsu and Energy Healing

 In this powerful episode of the Finding Harmony Podcast, Harmony Slater sits down with Ramona Rouhdoust, a healer, teacher, and founder of Let’s Yoga Shiatsu. Ramona shares her incredible journey from her early life in Iran to her transition from a career in biopharmaceutical research to becoming a spiritual teacher and healer.
Ramona discusses the pivotal moment when she left her high-powered job to pursue healing practices like Shiatsu, yoga, and breathwork—ultimately creating a life of deep presence, purpose, and peace. She opens up about the transformative power of breath, her connection to energy healing, and the profound impact of spiritual practices like meditation, pranayama, and spinal energetics.
This episode is a deep dive into how energy healing, yoga, pranayama, and spinal energetics can help us reconnect with our bodies, calm our nervous systems, and rediscover a sense of inner sanctuary, no matter how chaotic life may become.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How Ramona’s journey from science to spirituality transformed her life
The impact of breathwork, pranayama, and Shiatsu on healing
Why energy healing can be a powerful tool for personal growth
The importance of balance between Yin and Yang practices
How yoga and meditation can support nervous system regulation
The role of presence and stillness in spiritual transformation
Links Mentioned:
Ramona Rouhdoust's Website: https://www.ramonarouhdoust.com
Ramona’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lets_yoga_shiatsu_brussels/
Ramona’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsyoga.info/
Ramona’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RamonaRouhdoust
Ramona’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramona-rouhdoust-15843a1/
Join Harmony in Brussels:  https://www.lets-yoga.info/workshops2025-1
 Harmony will be teaching a 4-day immersion in Brussels, Belgium, from October 16-19. Explore pranayama, energy healing, and somatic practices with Harmony in person.
The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc Join the Lightworker Mastermind:  https://harmonyslater.com/lightworker-mastermindFIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

Only Dead Fish Go with the Flow: A Guide to Authentic Living

In this episode of the Finding Harmony Podcast, Harmony Slater and Russell Case are joined by David Swenson, one of the most respected and beloved Ashtanga Yoga teachers in the world. With over four decades of practice and teaching, David shares stories from his new book, "Why Only Dead Fish Go with the Flow," offering a candid look into his life, his family, and his journey through the world of yoga.
 
David’s insights are both humorous and profound, covering his early years in Texas, his connection to Ashtanga Yoga, his experience with the Hare Krishnas, and his reflections on life, death, and personal growth. He also shares stories of resilience, from his family’s struggles to his own journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.
 
In this Episode, You’ll Learn:
 
* Why David Swenson believes only dead fish go with the flow.
* The struggles and triumphs of his early life, from family challenges to spiritual exploration.
* How David inspired many yogis through his teaching of Ashtanga Yoga.
* His thoughts on balancing discipline and freedom in yoga practice.
* The surprising stories behind his new book and the wisdom he gained along the way.
 
Listen now to hear a rich and inspiring conversation with David Swenson.
 
Mentioned in this episode:
Get David’s book Only Dead Fish Go With the Flow
Ancient Breathing 2.0 begins May 18 – Register HERE
Connect with David Swenson
David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidswensonashtanga
David on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidswensonashtangayogapr4920
The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc Join the Lightworker Mastermind:  https://harmonyslater.com/lightworker-mastermindFIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

Look Again: The Practice That Changes Everything

In this deeply resonant episode of the Finding Harmony Podcast, hosts Harmony Slater and Russell Case are joined once again by two of the most beloved teachers in the world of yoga and Buddhist philosophy—Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor. Together, they explore the eternal question: What does it mean to be truly happy?
Drawing from decades of yoga practice, philosophical inquiry, and embodied living, Richard and Mary illuminate how joy, contentment, and interconnection arise not from seeking, but from sensing—from tuning in to the subtle patterns of breath, body, and awareness.
From stories of moody teenagers and Michelin-star meals to the nature of embodiment, the group shares moments of insight, hilarity, and grace. You’ll hear how depression and suffering shape our paths, why mindfulness without embodiment can sometimes harm more than help, and how “looking again” may be the most profound spiritual practice of all.
Whether you’re a longtime yogi or simply curious about how to live with more presence and compassion, this episode offers a grounded, heart-opening invitation into the field of happiness that lives within each of us.
Mentioned in this episode:
Feeling Happy: The Yoga of Body, Heart, and Mind by Richard Freeman & Mary Taylor
Pranayama Masterclass with Harmony Slater (May 10 & 11)
Ancient Breathing 2.0 begins May 18 – Register here
 
*** Sign up for Harmony’s FREE Pranayama Master Class!***
The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc Join the Lightworker Mastermind:  https://harmonyslater.com/lightworker-mastermindFIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

Carrying Ashtanga Yoga Forward: Navigating Grief, Legacy, and Lineage

When a beloved teacher passes, what remains? In this poignant conversation, Harmony and Russell sit down with fellow Canadian Ashtanga teachers David Robson and Jelena Vesic to explore how a community carries the torch of tradition through grief, transformation, and time.
They share personal stories about lineage, legacy, and leadership following the sudden loss of Sharath Jois. Together, they reflect on the challenges of upholding authenticity, adapting practices, and fostering community while honoring a tradition that shaped their lives.
Whether you are a seasoned Ashtangi or new to the practice, this conversation offers a deeply moving and honest look at what it means to continue walking the path when the road ahead feels uncertain.
Episode Breakdown
How grief and lineage shape a yoga community
David and Jelena’s journey through authorization, certification, and responsibility
How the loss of a teacher changes the role of students and senior teachers
Stories of vulnerability, growth, and learning to lead without rigid structures
Reflections on community, tradition, and finding new meaning after loss
The evolution of Ashtanga Yoga in a changing world
The importance of Sangha (community) in sustaining spiritual practices
Guest Bios
David Robson is a senior Ashtanga Yoga teacher based in Toronto, Canada, with more than two decades of dedicated study and teaching. Known for his traditional approach and deep devotion to the Ashtanga lineage, David has guided thousands of students worldwide and was recently certified by Shruti Jois and the Joyce family following Sharath Jois’s passing.
Jelena Vesic is an authorized Level 2 Ashtanga Yoga teacher who brings a background in dance, discipline, and devotion to her teaching. She is passionate about creating safe, structured, and welcoming spaces for students while preserving the authenticity of the Mysore method.
Relevant Links
Learn more about David Robson: Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto
Follow Jelena Vesic on Instagram 
Follow David Robson on Instagram
 
*** Sign up for Harmony’s FREE Pranayama Master Class!***
Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)
Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
Finding Harmony Community 
https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠
Book a Clarity Call with Harmony: https://harmonyslater.as.me/Clarity-Session
Find your Spiritual Archetype! What is your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype? Take the Quiz!
Call to Action
If today’s conversation moved you, please share this episode with your friends or yoga community. You can also leave us a review to help others find Finding Harmony and be part of this ongoing story of resilience, devotion, and growth.
Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss upcoming episodes!
The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc Join the Lightworker Mastermind:  https://harmonyslater.com/lightworker-mastermindFIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

When Yoga Gets Scientific: The Real Effects on Stress and Aging

Harmony Slater reconnects with longtime friend and fellow teacher Paul Dallaghan to explore his journey from Ireland to India, from business school to biology, and from asana to advanced Pranayama. Paul shares the inner current that drew him to spiritual practice, his years immersed in India and Thailand, and his groundbreaking research on how breath-based yoga practices affect longevity, telomere length, and mental health.
The episode is filled with insights on what it means to be truly engaged in your practice, how ancient yogic techniques translate into measurable physiological benefits, and why sincerity may be the most essential ingredient in personal transformation.
Whether you're a seasoned yoga practitioner or someone looking to understand how the breath can change your brain and your life, this episode will spark curiosity and offer grounded, heart-centered wisdom.
In This Episode, You'll Hear:
Paul’s early spiritual awakenings from farms in France to kibbutzim in Israel
How yoga found him in New York City and redirected his life path
His years in India, spiritual pilgrimages, and devotion to Pranayama
The influence of Sri O.P. Tiwari and the Kaivalyadhama lineage
His PhD research at Emory University: what ancient yogis knew and science now confirms
Why telomere length matters and how breath practices directly impact it
What sincerity in practice really looks like, and why it’s essential
Surprising stories about psychedelics and why they had little effect on him
Guest Bio: Paul has spent 30 years in the wellbeing arena, from immersion in original breath-body-mind practices to cultural and scientific study.  He is CEO and founder of Samahita Retreat since 2003, the first full wellbeing retreat center in Asia, known for breath, yoga, wellness and fitness, thriving today on Ko Samui, Thailand.  Paul spent many years in India, including in Mysore with P Jois, being the last to be certified by him in his lifetime (in 2007). He learnt pranayama in-depth with his primary teacher, O.P.Tiwari. Paul was  acknowledged in 2022 in the Indian tradition as “Master Yogi: Pranacharya (Breath Expert)”.  Paul was aware of the need for robust research and deep study in this field and devoted himself to academic scholarship, earning a Ph.D in Biological Anthropology from Emory University. His area of specialty was the breath and related practices, their history and origins, as well as a scientific analysis where he developed protocols and carried out a clinical trial study assessing psychological and physiological markers on mental health, stress, and longevity outcomes. Paul has taught practical workshops all over the world as well as at the University level while being an invited speaker to events, conferences or by private organizations. The ability to laugh and banter and not take yourself seriously are key to his philosophy of life. All this while being a devoted father to two sons.
Relevant Links:
Samahita Retreat: https://www.samahitaretreat.com
Connect with Harmony:
 
Book a Clarity Call with Harmony: https://harmonyslater.as.me/Clarity-Session
Find your Spiritual Archetype! What is your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype? Take the Quiz!
Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)
Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
Finding Harmony Community 
https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite platform. Share it with someone who would love to learn more about the power of the breath. And don’t forget to follow the Finding Harmony Podcast so you never miss an episode!
The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc Join the Lightworker Mastermind:  https://harmonyslater.com/lightworker-mastermindFIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

How to use Pranayama to Balance Hormones and Regulate Your Nervous System

Harmony sits down with Siobhan Fitzgerald, a dedicated yoga teacher and breathwork practitioner whose work explores the ancient wisdom of Pranayama and its profound relevance to modern life—especially for women in midlife.
Siobhan shares how traditional Pranayama practices and kriyas can support women’s health through perimenopause and beyond, helping to regulate digestion, balance hormones, calm the nervous system, and heal emotional trauma.
She and Harmony dive into how breath becomes a pathway for energy management and how subtle energetic shifts through practice can lead to increased stability, vitality, and inner resilience.
With warmth and clarity, Siobhan discusses the importance of working with a teacher, understanding energetic imprints, and reclaiming embodied practice as a form of sacred remembrance and healing.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why Pranayama is so effective for emotional regulation and hormonal health
How specific breathing practices support digestion and nervous system function
The difference between general breathwork and prescriptive yogic Pranayama
Why perimenopause is a powerful time for spiritual practice and transformation
The energetic imprints that live in our tissues—and how breath can help release them
How kriyas and subtle energetics offer tools for trauma healing and vitality
Disclaimer:
This episode contains discussion of eating disorders, which may be sensitive or triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening. The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or wellness routine. 
Learn more about Siobhan Fitzgerald: @yogawithsiobhan
Buy Siobhan’s Book Today!
 
Connect with Harmony:
Join the Pranayama Masterclass: https://harmonyslater.com/free-90-minute-pranayama-masterclass
Book a Clarity Call with Harmony: https://harmonyslater.as.me/Clarity-Session
 
Discover your Spiritual Entrepreneur Archetype! Take the Quiz!
Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)
Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
Finding Harmony Community 
https://harmonyslater.com/harmony-slater-coaching
Find Harmony on Instagram⁠
Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
⁠Two Minute Breathwork Session⁠
Subscribe to the Finding Harmony Podcast wherever you listen, and if you love the show, please leave us a review! Your support helps others discover the podcast and encourages these meaningful conversations to continue.
The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc Join the Lightworker Mastermind:  https://harmonyslater.com/lightworker-mastermindFIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation