Monthly Archives: February 2026

Anne Marie Gordon | The Alchemy of Heat: How Hot Yoga Transforms Mind, Body & Spirit

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Listen to Toddcast with Anne Marie for FREE here

Anne Marie Gordon is a veteran yoga teacher and pioneering studio owner with over two decades devoted to spirituality and 15+ years immersed in yoga practice. Originally from New York, her path blends traditional yoga, Tai Chi, and the intensity of hot yoga into a deeply transformative approach. Now based in Sheffield, she founded and leads Soul Fire Studios — the city’s first hot yoga studio. Trained in the lineage of Sri Dharma Mittra (500-hour certification), Anne Marie also developed the groundbreaking Hot Yoga Alchemy method, fusing trauma-informed principles with the traditional heat-based practice to create a powerful environment for healing, resilience, and personal transformation.

Why listeners tune in: real-world wisdom, lineage-based teaching, trauma-aware insight, and the story of building a thriving yoga community from the ground up.

Visit Anne Marie: https://www.soulfirestudios.co.uk/ & https://www.hotyogaalchemy.com/ 

What happens when you combine the vibrant heat of hot yoga with the profound depth of spiritual practice? This insightful conversation between Anne Marie Gordon, a seasoned yoga practitioner and studio owner, and Todd McLaughlin, explores this intersection. The dialogue delves into the transformative journey through yoga, the nuances of running a yoga studio, and the holistic integration of heat and meditation to cultivate a deeper sense of self. Whether you are a yogi, a studio owner, or simply someone on a spiritual quest, this discussion offers a rich tapestry of wisdom and practical insights.

Key Takeaways

  • Integration of Heat and Spirituality: Combining the physical intensity of hot yoga with spiritual elements can redefine personal growth and healing.
  • Yoga Business Dynamics: Navigating the business aspect of yoga studios involves balancing ethical practices with financial sustainability.
  • Cultural and Personal Insights: Recognizing and respecting different cultural approaches to yoga can enrich personal practice and community connections.

The Synergy of Heat and Meditation in Yoga

Unlocking the Potential of Heat-Enhanced Practice

Anne Marie Gordon brings a refreshing perspective on how heat can serve as a catalyst for deeper meditative states in yoga practice. By combining her experiences from traditional hot yoga spaces with a commitment to holistic well-being, she charts a path that goes beyond the physical. “We use it now to alchemize,” she notes, steering away from the commercialized aspects of hot yoga that emphasize detoxification and weight loss.

She envisions the heated room as more than just a space for physical exertion. It becomes a sanctuary where “the practice begins” and individuals can explore their internal landscape. The warmth isn’t merely about sweating out toxins but about nurturing a safe environment for introspection. “It’s beautiful,” she suggests, intertwining the physical with the spiritual, allowing participants to experience a “moving meditation” similar to the serenity found in Tai chi.

A Trauma-Informed Approach to Hot Yoga

Anne Marie’s dedication to overlapping the physical and spiritual dimensions of yoga also extends to addressing trauma within the practice, a bold stride that reveals the evolving nature of yoga as an inclusive, healing art form. She acknowledges, “In my hot yoga training… I’ve basically cultivated my own sequences,” promoting practices that honor individual boundaries and foster a sense of empowerment.

This trauma-informed approach emphasizes providing practitioners with “permission” to listen to their bodies, to hydrate, and to rest, moving away from the stringent, endurance-test mentality of earlier hot yoga paradigms. She aims to redefine the hot yoga experience as one that not only respects but encourages mental and emotional resilience, helping yogis “reconnect to the truth of feeling their own experience.”

Navigating the Business of Yoga Studios in a Capitalist Context

Sustaining Authenticity in a Commercial World

Owning a yoga studio comes with its unique challenges, especially when straddling the lines between business sustainability and authentic practice. Anne Marie encapsulates this duality by emphasizing the need for integrity while managing financial viability. She compares the capitalist notion of expansion to the more soulful mission of sharing yoga’s authentic ethos: “what do you really need?” questions Anne Marie, challenging the conventional motivation to franchise for the sake of profit.

She sees the potential growth of yoga businesses as more than a venture for financial success. Instead, it is about cultivating spaces where the teachings can deeply resonate with diverse audiences. Her reflections delve into “bringing people together to do yoga,” a prime example of how community building can coexist with smart business practices, creating a sustainable platform that honors yogic values.

The UK vs. US Yoga Scene Dynamics

The geographical shift from the dynamic, bustling New York yoga scene to the more conservative environment in Sheffield, UK, highlights the adaptability required in running a yoga business. Anne Marie talks about the “entrepreneur’s paradise” that Sheffield initially represented. The difference in market density, cultural perceptions of yoga, and business operations shaped her approach. She had to innovate by introducing various business models such as “intro offers,” an approach previously unfamiliar in the UK.

Her insights reveal that adapting to local culture doesn’t mean diluting yoga’s essence. Instead, it involves interpreting yoga’s universal truths in a locally resonant way, ensuring alignment with community values while maintaining integral business operations.

Bridging Trans-Atlantic Yoga Practices and Wisdom

Transcending the Divide Through Adaptability and Inclusion

Anne Marie’s journey elucidates the rich tapestry of possibilities when blending diverse cultural practices and finding common ground in yoga’s core teachings. Her experiences from the US inform her adaptability in the UK, allowing her to cater to varied cultural understandings of yoga without losing the practice’s authenticity.

The trans-Atlantic trajectory becomes a powerful symbol for inclusivity, offering a yoga experience that speaks across borders. By merging American innovation with British receptivity, she brings a holistic model that espouses yoga as both a personal and community-oriented practice.

Creating a Universal Dialogue in Yoga

At its essence, this dialogue between Anne Marie and her interviewer underscores the importance of creating spaces for universal dialogue within yoga. The conversation revolves around respecting the diverse approaches individuals and cultures bring to their practice. “Yoga is yoga,” she quotes, highlighting each practitioner’s unique path to enlightenment, whether through traditional methods or innovative practices like hot yoga.

The implications of her work emphasize the necessity for yoga communities to embody empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and inclusivity, echoing a world where yoga is not confined to physical spaces or rigid traditions but expands toward broader truths and higher consciousness.

Reflections on Heat, Business, and Integrity

Anne Marie Gordon’s innovative narrative on integrating heat with spiritual mindfulness within yoga practice crafts a rich, multi-layered discussion that resonates deeply with the evolving nature of contemporary yoga. Her insights bridge traditional and modern interpretations, showing the transformative power of adaptability and integrity, whether within the realms of hot yoga, business practices, or cultural exchanges.

Amidst the changing landscapes of both the business and spirituality of yoga, Anne Marie’s journey reminds us to hold steadfast to our truths while embracing the abundant potential of collaboration, learning, and community building. Through an ethos that cherishes both the individual heart and the collective spirit, yoga, at its fullest, becomes a dance of unity, authenticity, and shared wisdom.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online– Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days – Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/

Practice with Native Yoga Online – New classes EVERY day – Use Code FIRSTMONTHFREE https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class

Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.

Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com

Richard Brook | Bridging Yoga & Traditional Chinese Medicine for Holistic Living

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Richard Brook is a distinguished wellness expert specializing in holistic health practices, including acupuncture and yoga. He manages and operates Moinhos Velhos, a renowned retreat center in Portugal. With a rich background in running yoga and acupuncture businesses in London, Richard relocated to Portugal in pursuit of a lifestyle that aligns with his holistic visions. His expertise covers a wide array of wellness practices, where he has integrated his knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern yoga teachings. Beyond his roles at Moinhas Velhos, Richard is recognized for his thought leadership in wellness, offering transformative experiences that merge healing with personal growth.

Visit Richard: https://www.moinhos-velhos.com/

Key Takeaways:

  • Richard Brook transitioned from a busy life in London to managing Moinhos Velhos in Portugal, seeking a holistic lifestyle aligned with nature.
  • The integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and yoga provides a deeper connection to the body’s internal systems, fostering both physical and mental wellness.
  • Shared vulnerability and heart-centered practices can build strong community bonds within wellness retreats.
  • Personal growth often arises from aligning one’s life with their true purpose, as demonstrated by Richard’s transition to a wellness-focused career.
  • Embracing holistic practices can generate a transformative impact on both personal health and community well-being.

The Journey to Purpose: Embracing Life’s Calling with Richard Brook

Navigating the complexities of transitioning from a city life to running a retreat center in Portugal, Richard Brook’s story is a testament to following one’s heart. Having managed a yoga and acupuncture business in London, Brook felt the city’s pressures weighing on him, prompting his move to manage and facilitate a retreat center named Moinhas Velhos in Portugal.

“I first came here in 2014,” Richard Brook recalls. “I had my own yoga and acupuncture business in London. But, eventually, the creative maelstrom of the city got on top of me.”

Brook’s journey underscores the importance of embracing one’s innate skills and following a path that aligns with personal values and passions. He describes the transformative experience of leaving London and finding solace in nature and community, explaining that engaging with people and environments that resonate with one’s true self can significantly impact overall well-being. “I was running my business in London before finally making the full transition to coming out here,” he says.

This transition was not without challenges. Initially, his heartstrings pulled him back to the city, but the stark contrast between urban life’s creative chaos and the peace in Portugal nudged him to reevaluate his sense of success associated with city life. Through introspection, Brook realized that the essence of happiness lies in following one’s calling, a lesson that inspires others to question societal norms and embrace their unique paths.

Integrating Yoga and Acupuncture: A Holistic Healing Approach

The mind-body connection is a central theme in Richard Brook’s work, where he expertly blends the principles of yoga and acupuncture. These ancient practices, each with distinct philosophies and techniques, converge in promoting holistic wellness—a concept Brook passionately advocates for.

“With both Chinese medicine and yoga, the heart is seen as the supreme controller,” Richard says. This holistic understanding emphasizes that an open heart leads to greater well-being. His experiences demonstrate that yoga and meditation are effective tools for fostering heart-space awareness, vital for personal growth and transformation.

Richard elaborates on how acupuncture complements yoga by tapping into the body’s energetic pathways, or meridians, akin to the nadis in yoga philosophy. Through these healing modalities, he aims to bring individuals closer to their creative voices, encouraging introspection and self-discovery. The end goal is to craft practices that address the body’s needs while offering spiritual rejuvenation.

In Richard’s words, “I think we actually do yoga to keep us flexible so we can dance.” This statement captures the dynamic and creative potential of combining these ancient traditions. His holistic approach resonates with individuals seeking an integrative wellness path, where mind, body, and spirit harmonize.

Building Community: Cultivating Shared Experiences and Connexions

A key aspect of Richard Brook’s retreat center is the emphasis on community and shared experience. Managing a retreat center involves juggling logistics and personal interactions—a role Richard has embraced despite its challenges. His philosophy underscores the importance of maintaining human connections within such environments, integrating both managerial responsibilities and genuine interpersonal relations.

“I used to see the managers come down super stressed every day,” Richard reflects, acknowledging the unseen pressures of leadership roles. Yet, he maintains, “There’s the connective vulnerability when you get people in that energetic climate.”

Creating a space where individuals can explore transformative journeys together fosters an environment of vulnerability, leading to authentic connections. The support from community and shared experiences amplifies personal growth, healing, and learning.

Richard’s vision for the future is clear: nurturing a supportive environment where individuals engage in transformative activities while enhancing their understanding of holistic principles. By maintaining a balance between managerial duties and personal interactions, Richard contributes to a thriving community that resonates with purpose and spiritual growth.

Richard Brook’s journey illustrates the profound impact of aligning with one’s purpose, fostering community connections, and integrating holistic practices. His work at the Moinhas Velhos retreat center exemplifies the beauty of pursuing a life aligned with the heart’s guidance, where personal and collective transformations unfold naturally and meaningfully. As Brook has shown, embracing one’s unique path and taking mindful steps towards a purpose-driven life holds transformative potential for both individuals and the communities they serve.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online– Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days – Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/

Practice with Native Yoga Online – New classes EVERY day – Use Code FIRSTMONTHFREE https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class

Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.

Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com

https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/

Enjoy new Native Yoga Center classes uploaded everyday on our online learning hub. Use code FIRSTMONTHFREE at checkout. https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class

Support the show

Native Yoga website: here
YouTube: here
Instagram: @nativeyoga 
Twitter: @nativeyoga 
Facebook: @nativeyogacenter 
LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin

Gerald Saluti | Surviving the Impossible: From Near-Death to Spiritual Awakening

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Listen to Toddcast with Gerald for FREE here

Gerald Saluti is a former criminal defense lawyer turned marketing consultant, skilled in resilience, motivational speaking, and breathwork coaching. With over 20 years of legal experience, Gerald pivoted after a significant health crisis, channeling his journey into writing, public speaking, and teaching. A dedicated family man, Gerald is 23 years sober and uses his life experiences to inspire others. His current endeavors include completing a memoir that highlights his transformative experiences and insights into overcoming life’s challenges.

Visit Jerry here: https://salutihealthwellness.com/

Key Takeaways:

  • Gerald Saluti transformed his challenging experiences as a caregiver and patient into profound lessons on resilience and spirituality.
  • Facing a severe health crisis allowed Gerald to tap into meditation and breathwork practices, leading to unexpected insights and self-discovery.
  • Gerald emphasizes the importance of kindness and community, crediting his survival to the outpouring of support from friends and family.
  • His journey has reinforced the belief that people can uncover their true potential and strength, even in the absence of extreme adversity.
  • Gerald’s upcoming memoir aims to share these learnings, offering a blueprint for others to lead empowered, victimless lives.

Exploring the Depths of Human Resilience

The conversation between Gerald Saluti and Todd reflects an exploration of resilience through intense personal tribulation. Gerald’s narrative is not merely one of survival but of transformational insight into the human spirit’s capacity to endure and evolve. His challenges are highlighted by a profound life-threatening experience, shared with vulnerability and sincerity.

Gerald recounts his hospitalization and the unraveling of his strength both physically and spiritually. “I went into the hospital last year, you know, really as a caregiver…And there is such a new perspective for the strength that my, my wife has as a patient now that I’ve been a patient like I was,” he shares with an openness about the transition from caregiver to one in need of care. Through these trials, he gained a new appreciation for life’s fragile beauty, underscoring the necessity of resilience: “I’m someone who’s been placed into some very special circumstances, a bunch of different times in my life, some of which were my fault. This one wasn’t.” This narrative captures the essence of resilience that transcends mere survival, pointing instead to thriving through adversity.

The Power of Love and Community in Overcoming Challenges

Central to Gerald’s transformation is the unwavering love and support from his wife, family, and community. The catalyst for his endurance is not confined to personal willpower alone but is significantly bolstered by the communal strength that envelops him. “My whole life with her has been as a caregiver, not someone getting care at all,” Gerald states, reflecting on his wife’s continuous health battles and the role reversal experienced during his illness.

The outpouring of support from friends of varied backgrounds and beliefs manifests in a powerful collective prayer that Gerald profoundly feels during his most vulnerable moments: “The second time I pass, you can feel everyone’s hands like, pushing you back into your body. And I felt individual people.” This communal act serves as a testament to the strength of interconnectedness and collective love, reinforcing a theme that love and support are formidable forces in overcoming life’s trials.

Unlocking Inner Strength Through Spiritual Insight

Amidst the storm of adversity, Gerald finds a sanctuary in spiritual practices, which serve both as his shield and his guide. The narrative dives into a rich tapestry of meditation, breath work, and spiritual awareness that guides him to a profound realization of inner strength and potential. “I used two mantras when I was in the hospital, very effectively… The first mantra when I was dying…was the words not yet,” he recounts, illustrating how mental fortitude guided his path in tandem with spiritual insight.

This experience is punctuated by his mantra “unbreakable,” which emerges as a powerful declaration of resilience and purpose. “The word unbreakable became the mantra that I got out of the hospital with,” Gerald explains, signifying the internal shift from victim to agent of his own story. His spiritual insights extend beyond personal survival, touching on the universal potential within each individual to access deeper realms of awareness and control over one’s body and mind. “I think we’re all right and nobody’s wrong. It’s whatever, however, you choose that you’re going to worship or you’re going to find a better version of yourself.”

Gerald’s story stands as a testament to the power of the human spirit and the untapped potential within each individual. Through his journey, we understand that life’s adversities are not mere endpoints but pathways to profound transformation. Gerald’s insights shine light on a path where love, resilience, and spiritual practice converge to reveal an unbreakable will that not only overcomes but thrives beyond the greatest of challenges. As he aptly concludes, the journey is less about the setbacks and more about the revelation of purpose and potential that these adversities unveil.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online– Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days – Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/

Practice with Native Yoga Online – New classes EVERY day – Use Code FIRSTMONTHFREE https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class

Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.

Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com

https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/

Support the show

Native Yoga website: here
YouTube: here
Instagram: @nativeyoga 
Twitter: @nativeyoga 
Facebook: @nativeyogacenter 
LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin