Podcast
BEYOND THE MAT
Two Yogis and a Mic
Because the practice of yoga doesn’t end when we roll up our mats. That’s where the conversation begins.
Yoga is far more than movement.
It’s a philosophy that invites us to examine how we live, how we treat others, how we respond to adversity, and how we connect with ourselves.
Each conversation offers a different perspective on the eight limbs of yoga, from ethical principles and personal discipline to breath, awareness, meditation, and the deeper search for meaning.
We won’t always agree.
We won’t always have the answers.
But we’ll keep asking questions.
EPISODE 01
Where Science Meets Yoga: The Art of Connection
What happens when science and ancient wisdom meet on the yoga mat?
In this episode of Two Yogis and a Mic, Desirae Pierce welcomes Dr. Raelynn Deaton Haynes, biology professor at Texas State University and owner of Willow Gardens Yoga Studios in Buda and Lockhart, Texas.
Together, they explore the Eight Limbs of Yoga, anatomy, healthy aging, and the connection between movement, nature, and longevity.
Raelynn shares how her scientific background and personal yoga journey have shaped her understanding of the body, mindfulness, and the transformative power of yoga.
At the heart of their conversation is a powerful idea: Understanding our bodies changes how we move, how we heal, and how we live.
Guest: Dr. Raelynn Deaton Haynes
Episode: Where Science Meets Yoga: The Art of Connection
“Science helps us to discover how our body works. Yoga invites us to explore how we live within them.”
-Dr. Raelynn Deaton Haynes
EPISODE 02
Beyond the Poses — Who Are We Really?
What happens when we move beyond the physical practice of yoga and begin exploring who we really are?
In this episode of Two Yogis and a Mic, Desirae Pierce welcomes Gudjon Bergmann, Icelandic-born yoga teacher, philosopher, and author of more than 30 books.
Together, they explore consciousness, meditation, self-discovery, and the deeper teachings of yoga that extend far beyond the physical postures.
Gudjon shares his personal journey of spiritual exploration, the importance of questioning what we believe, and why true understanding comes through experience rather than knowledge alone.
At the heart of their conversation is a powerful reminder: Yoga isn’t simply something we practice. It’s a way of discovering who we are.
Guest: Gudjon Bergmann
Episode: Beyond the Poses — Who Are We Really?
“Philosophy without experience is just mental gymnastics.”
-Gudjon Bergmann
EPISODE 03
Yoga Is for Every Body. But Does Everybody Belong?
Making yoga accessible is one thing. Making people feel they belong is something entirely different.
In this episode of Two Yogis and a Mic, Desirae Pierce welcomes Marsha D. Banks-Harold, certified yoga therapist, educator, author, and founder of PIES Fitness Yoga Studio.
Together, they explore accessibility, representation, trauma-sensitive yoga, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.
Marsha shares her philosophy behind My Body Don’t Bend That Way Yoga and challenges traditional ideas about flexibility, ability, and who belongs in a yoga studio.
At the heart of their conversation is a powerful message: Yoga becomes truly accessible when people are free to show up exactly as they are.
Guest: Marsha D. Banks-Harold
Episode: Yoga Is for Every Body. But Does Everybody Belong?
“Accessibility just makes the practice available to everybody. But belonging allows people to show up as their authentic self.”
-Marsha D. Banks-Harold
EPISODE 04
Finding Freedom Behind Bars
Can we experience freedom even when our physical surroundings are defined by confinement?
In this episode of Two Yogis and a Mic, Desirae Pierce welcomes Terry Cortés-Vega, yoga teacher, Buddhist practitioner, and author of Buddhism for Healing.
For approximately 35 years, Terry has brought yoga, meditation, and compassionate connection into the lives of incarcerated individuals.
Together, they explore the transformative power of mindfulness, the importance of human dignity, and how the teachings of yoga can create a sense of freedom beyond physical circumstances.
Terry shares the profound lessons she has learned from the people she teaches and how those experiences have deepened her understanding of compassion.
At the heart of their conversation is a powerful truth: Freedom isn’t always determined by where we are, but by what we discover within ourselves.
Guest: Terry Cortés-Vega
Episode: Finding Freedom Behind Bars
“They’ve taught me that I can be free wherever I am.”
— Terry Cortés-Vega
EPISODE 05
When the Body Forgets, Sound Helps Us Remember
What happens when an injury changes everything we thought we knew about our bodies?
In this episode of Two Yogis and a Mic, Desirae Pierce welcomes Noshin Jamal, owner of Blue Anjou Yoga Studio in Lewisville, Texas, yoga teacher, Reiki master, and sound healing facilitator.
Following a serious automobile accident, Noshin began a deeply personal journey of physical recovery and rediscovering trust in her body.
Together, they explore meditation, sound healing, self-acceptance, and the relationship between movement, mindfulness, and emotional well-being.
Noshin shares how her experience transformed her approach to teaching and why yoga begins with honoring the body we have today.
At the heart of their conversation is a powerful reminder: Healing begins when we learn to listen to our bodies rather than fight against them.
Guest: Noshin Jamal
Episode: When the Body Forgets, Sound Helps Us Remember
“I was determined to win my body back.”
— Noshin Jamal
EPISODE 06
Healing Beyond the Physical Body
Can we experience healing even when we cannot be cured?
In this episode of Two Yogis and a Mic, Desirae Pierce welcomes Mark Uridel, physical therapist, yoga teacher, and Director of the IYT 1000 Program at Practice Yoga.
After more than 30 years helping others recover from injuries and physical limitations, Mark found himself navigating an unexpectedly challenging healing journey of his own.
Together, they explore the Eight Limbs of Yoga, chronic illness, acceptance, and the emotional and spiritual dimensions of recovery.
Mark shares how his personal experience has deepened his understanding of patience, compassion, and the importance of asking for help.
At the heart of their conversation is a powerful realization: Healing isn’t always about returning to who we were, but discovering who we are becoming.
Guest: Mark Uridel
Episode: Healing Beyond the Physical Body
“Yoga teaches us that the real gold is in the internal world.”
— Mark Uridel
Beyond the Mat. Beyond the Poses. Nothing Off Limits.
Yoga is not a trend.
It’s an ancient tradition that has survived thousands of years, crossed continents, challenged beliefs, and transformed lives.
And it will outlive every one of us.
But somewhere along the way, yoga became more about the poses than the philosophy. More about how we look than how we live.
We think it’s time to change the conversation.