mindfulCITY: Recent Episodes
minfulCITY
These days it’s hip to look for experiences of happiness, personal growth and increased awareness. Some describe it as seeking spirituality, at mindfulCITY we call it tuning into life. Many practice yoga, meditation and eat organic; while others achieve attunement through workshops and artistic creation. With so many opportunities and growing mass appeal, mindfulness has become the leading movement of our time.
In this episode of Tuning Into Life, we sit down with Jason Demchock—functional nutritionist to explore the fascinating relationship between your gut and your mind. From chronic digestive issues to emotional turbulence, Jason breaks down how gut imbalances can impact everything from mood to mental clarity. We talk about healing from the inside out, practical tools for better digestion, and why your gut might actually be your first brain. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking true holistic well-being.
In this powerful episode of Tuning Into Life, we sit down with Rod and Josh from CFVWW — a remarkable organization dedicated to providing life-saving vests to those who need them most. Through heartfelt stories and firsthand experiences, Rod and Josh share the urgent need for protective gear, the lives it has already saved, and the reality faced by many who go without.We explore the heart behind their mission, the challenges they overcome, and how each of us can play a part in bringing hope, safety, and support to those on the front lines. This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the simplest acts of generosity can truly save lives.Tune in, be inspired, and find out how you can help make a difference.
In this inspiring episode of MindfulCITY’s Tuning Into Life, we sit down with Rhiannon of Aurora Consulting—an activist, dancer, fundraiser, and community-driven consultant who’s redefining what it means to lead with heart. We talk about the courage it takes to stand up for ourselves, the surprising places funding can come from, and the often-overlooked power of community. Rhiannon shares how she weaves activism into her everyday life and offers free weekly support sessions to her community—reminding us that generosity, clarity, and conviction can coexist. If you’re someone who wants to make a difference but doesn’t know where to start, this one’s for you.
In this episode, we sit down with Bryan May — business consultant, coach, and spiritual guide — to explore the profound transformation that took him from the high-pressure hustle of New York’s business world to a life rooted in intention and service. Bryan shares how personal trauma cracked open a deeper path of healing and purpose, and how he now helps others bridge the gap between spirituality and business. Together, we unpack the stigmas that surround success, redefine the language of leadership, and offer tools for building a mindful, values-driven business. This is a conversation about grit, growth, and the power of authenticity in entrepreneurship.
How does music enhance a yoga practice rather than distract from it? In this episode, I sit down with DJ Taz Rashid, a master of blending beats with breath, to explore the deep connection between music and yoga. We dive into what it takes to create a harmonious soundscape for practice, why some music can feel disruptive while others elevate the experience, and how he intuitively weaves rhythm, melody, and presence into movement.
What if writer's block isn't just in your mind but also in your body? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Jefferis founder of "Mat to Pen", an author, poet, editor, and yoga teacher who blends movement with creative expression to help writers unlock their most authentic voice. We explore the fascinating connection between yoga and the writing process, how physical postures can clear mental blockages, and why breathwork might just be the key to your next breakthrough. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just beginning your creative journey, this conversation offers fresh insights on how to tap into your inner flow and write with greater ease and freedom.
In this episode, we sit down with Monica from Strength and Shanti, the powerhouse behind Love My Fat Asana, a workshop dedicated to creating truly inclusive yoga spaces. She's on a mission to reclaim the word fat with confidence and power, ensuring that yoga is accessible and welcoming for every body, no exceptions. We talk about the importance of representation, the challenges and joys of making movement spaces truly inclusive, and how we can all contribute to a more accepting and loving yoga culture. Tune in for a heartfelt, eye-opening conversation that challenges the status quo and invites us to embrace ourselves fully.
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with the co-owner of the Yoga World Expo to hear about their incredible journey of overcoming adversity. Originally scheduled for January, the expo faced unexpected challenges due to catastrophic fires in California. Hear how the team quickly pivoted, shifting the event to April and transforming it into a community-focused gathering. The Yoga World Expo has become a space where practitioners, facilitators, and enthusiasts come together not just to share knowledge, but to create deep connections that extend beyond the mat. Tune in to hear about how these challenges were faced with resilience, and how this event continues to empower the yoga community in meaningful ways.
In this episode, I sit down with Heather Grutzmacher, a passionate advocate for movement and somatic dance, to explore her journey into dance and how it has profoundly healed and transformed her life. Heather shares the power of movement as a tool for self-discovery, emotional healing, and overall wellness. From her personal story to her work in guiding others through somatic practices, Heather reveals how this transformative art form has become a deep source of inspiration for her and many others. We also dive into the exciting collaboration between us, as we bring our collective energies to offer healing through movement in our communities. Whether you’re a dancer or new to the world of somatic practices, this conversation is sure to ignite your own passion for movement and self-healing.
Mindfulness in Motion is an approach to movement that ignites the innate capacity of both body and soul to heal from the effects of trauma and stress, which are stored in our cells. In this podcast we speak with Tanya and Judi Rich, long time meditation teacher and practitioners as well as movement facilitators about their retrreat. Their approach to movement empowers alignment between body and spirit, releases tension, and energizes every cell. But more importantly, it promotes healing and empowerment of the being in that body, that we may live and express our full, elevated potential.
In "Embracing Your Money Power," Monique Frederick, a seasoned wealth manager with a quarter-century of investment experience, invites you on a transformative journey to financial liberation. With an MBA and prestigious designations like Chartered Financial Analyst and Financial Risk Manager, Frederick dismantles the intimidating world of investing, making it accessible regardless of where you start. Through her engaging, story-rich guidance, learn to navigate investment myths and master the lingo, all designed to empower you, the investor. Join her and step confidently toward your financial future.
The Divine Feminine within all of us is overshadowed with the obsessive strive for "perfection", as if we know what that perfection is. This desire for perfection is present in our struggles with weight, food issues, eating disorders, disconnection from our bodies. Pamela Wasabi in her book "The Wild Woman" ( https://www.pamelawasabi.com/) guides us to heal by nourishing the feminine soul and understanding and recognizing our need for both feminine and masculine energy for a more balanced, healed life.
Society has created an entire system around nudity, a profitable one. We are trained to fear nudity, yet industries profit tremendously from exposing it. On this episode, we speak with Melissa Vogt, @fashion_yogini, Creator of Natrul Moves Yoga and Wellness about the the stigma of nudity, why we fear it so, and how we can begin to overcome it.
We all know how good we feel by being on the beach breathing in the ocean air and dipping in the ocean. Salt therapy, or halotherapy, is an all-natural approach to finding relief that involves breathing in dry salt deep into your airways and lungs. On this podcast we speak with Mike, the owner of Seminole Salt Suite https://thesaltsuite.com/locations/seminole about the benefits of salt therapy.
Conscious cooking and mindful eating are the primary ways that Ayurveda helps to regain and maintain doshic balance (everyone's unique mind/body elemental make up). Ayurvedic nutrition provides an awareness of food selection, preparation and consumption based on the unique make-up and circumstances of the individual. Emily from (https://www.emilyobrienwellness.com/) joins us to dive in the integrating ayurvedic cooking into our wellness lifestyle.
Community Gardens are a great tool for bringing communities together, for creating social ties with many health & mental health benefits. We speak with Estrella (Star) Lastre, Environmental Policy Management, about what it takes to start or support community gardens as well as simple steps we can take to start growing at home.
The pandemic has only affirmed more intently that we are social beings. Being forced to retreat has had various impacts on our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing as individuals and as communities. Dr. Tanya Pergola (https://www.tanyapergola.com/) breaks down the impact and where we go from here through her own unique lens as sociologist, coach and meditation teacher splitting her time between the United States and Tanzania.
How did you spend your stimulus check? Well Spirit Mike from Tampa used his to start an Urban Farm (https://newworldgrowers.com/) in and for his community. In this podcast we speak to Spirit Mike about what inspired him to build in his community and how he is using his farm to educate and encourage the community.
Intermittent Fasting is popular these days, but why and which one? How many days? How many hours? We broke down the IF process on the last interview: https://mindfulcity.libsyn.com/intermittent-fasting-for-vegans with Just James from Intermittent Fasting for Vegans (https://www.intermittentfastingforvegans.com/) and on this episode we dig a little deeper with answering questions from the Intermittent Fasting for Vegans Facebook Group and discussing weight loss and IF from Just James new book https://www.intermittentfastingforvegans.com/product/vegan-14-day-rapid-weight-loss-program/.
Hapé is a sacred shamanic medicine, made by indigenous tribes of South America, primarily found in Brazil and Peru. It is used for deep connection to the spirits, animals and Mother Nature, it is very cleansing and powerfully healing. On this episode we speak with Medicine Woman and owner of Tribu Spirit https://tribuspirit.com/ Shaundra Hyre about this sacred medicine and how it works.
Urban E Recycling ( https://urbanerecycling.com/) has locations in Tampa, Orlando and Sarasota. On this episode we speak with Greg about the process of properly disposing of electronics and the major concern of data destruction and we pick his brain about the challenges he encounters and how we as consumers can help the community in recycling properly.
Recently a patient asked Dr. Shyam why an Ayurvedic treatment appeared to take longer than a western approach. This started a much needed conversation about the Ayurvedic holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment of disease. Dr Shyam takes us through the 6 stages of disease and how we can recognize the symptoms at an early stage. He detailed how the same symptom could have a different root cause depending on the Dosha (mind/body constitution) of the patient.
Come Back Better !! is @c.hamp.ionyogi Clyde Hampton Jr.'s personal mantra. In his work guiding people in their fitness and wellness journey or while encouraging others to overcome challenges in the www.ninjafitgyms.com , Clyde's experience has given him a unique approach to fitness and wellness. In this episode he breaks down those mindsets that keep us from making those first steps.
Penn Johnson’s music (https://www.pennjohnson.net/)is fuel for the great awakening. His debut single, “Burn a Little Sage,” was a semi-finalist in the worldwide 2018 Music City Star Song Competition. His recently released second EP, “Tampa Sessions 2 (Live),” is a collection of self-reflective medicine songs. Penn sees his music as mantras to himself — reminders to stay connected to the earth and to walk with spirit through life.
MindfulCity is excited to present our latest podcast, featuring Alexa Carlin, founder of Woman Empower X, which helps female entrepreneurs reach their highest potential through coaching, marketing, and all-around hype generation. Alexa's story is remarkable. She became a creative entrepreneur at a young age, but got sidelined when, while still in college, she fell into a coma, with slim odds of survival. She came away from the experience with an outlook of gratitude, and a focus for helping women with purpose live their mission. Today, she speaks at conferences, has been featured in numerous publications, and continues gaining momentum on her personal mission to make a real difference in at least one person's life each day.
There is a unique blend of knowledge when Tarot and Astrology come together. Our guest today, Sally V Kent (https://sallykent.co.uk/) blends tarot, meditation, emotional intelligence and psychology when working with clients. She sheds some light on her process and provides us insights to use the variety of tools given to us to guide us on our individual journeys.
As a society, we’re conditioned to fear being nude around our peers, but there is a special kind of power that comes from the vulnerability of being exposed. By allowing ourselves to step out of our clothing and be seen exactly as we are is an exercise in taking back our power and becoming comfortable in our own skin. Nude yoga, above all else, is about learning to love ourselves, just as we are. Melissa Vogt @fashion_yogini breaks down the myths of nude yoga and shares the break throughs.
During these incredible times, more than ever, our wellness has to be a priority to thrive in these times. Our physical, mental and spiritual wellness must work together for our overall wellbeing. My guest today continues to inspire me to be mindful about my wellness. Chantel Rodriguez, wellness entrepreneur, educator artist and the creative behind Choose Love Blog ( https://chooseloveblog.com/ ) centered on helping others thrive in health, wealth and mindset in a down to earth way.
The practice of intermittent fasting has gained popularity in the US due to its many benefits in terms of physical and mental wellbeing. Just James from Intermittent Fasting for Vegans shares some of the foundational aspects of this practice, breaking it down so we realize how attainable this is.
There are not enough adjectives to describe the conundrum of the times we are living in. Yet the planets and their alignment tell us so much about why we are here, what is required of us to move through it and where we are going next. I've invited Laura from Ayamveda back to take us back over the last few months to showing us what vedic astrology has been trying to tell us and how this information can actually empower us to thrive.
These unprecedented times require us to set aside time to care for the self, to care for the mind, yes to acknowledge the hurt and anger but to take myself back to my truth, my most natural and original state, a peaceful state. Charles Hogg, Director of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization Australia, shares how meditation can help us in this journey.
An insightful conversation with L'Aura Pravs, Vedic Astrologer, giving us a basic understanding of vedic astrology. L'Aura's practice, Ayamveda, is a center for traditional Vedic healing based on the 10,000 year old ancient practices of Ayurveda, Jyotish & Yoga-Meditation.
An insightful look into yoga and it's journey to more accessibility and adaptivity towards a community that no longer fits into boxes. In my conversation with Melanie, we learn through their journey how we can all heal from the forced identification of society and step into our power.
There is a revolution in healing and The Gaia Revolution wants to assure that both healers and those needing healing are continually sustained and growing on their healing journey. Join me in this podcast as they share theirs vision to facilitate self mastery through retreats, events, and workshops designed to promote learning, healing and growth.
An eye opening conversation with Carissa Kranz from BeVeg Vegan Certification on the challenges facing the vegan industry with its increased popularity. Carissa is a former professional ballet dancer-turned lawyer who is licensed to practice law in New York, Washington D.C., and Florida. Carissa is a lifelong vegan, and believes empathy and compassion are what matters most.
Sans Market is a zero waste lifestyle store. They believe that people can live a fuller, healthier life sans plastic, packaging, and toxins. Because it isn’t stuff that makes us happy, it’s experiences.
Balance and Bliss is passionate about serving humanity by creating a reality where all people know their true nature and with that awareness, are able to maintain their personal balance and bliss on every level of their beings. They provide support to each by providing professional services that uphold the time proven practices of Ayurveda and Yoga.
This episode I am honored to have my friend Maria from Atomica Arts as she shares her healing journey through the arts and why she started Atomica Arts. Atomica Arts is an organization focused on developing the pure potential of all people by helping them understand their relationship with themselves and the world through meditation, theater and ayurveda.
On today's episode our special guest, Jodi Rehm, creator of GreenTree Goddess, shares with us why and how she developed The Body Code as a method to heal structural, emotional and psychological traumas.