Off The Mat

I’m Christie, and this is Off the Mat - a podcast about the deeper, often unseen layers of Yoga. Every week I sit down with people working within this world to talk about Yoga not just as movement, but as a way of living. Because the physical shapes are just one part of the practice, Yoga is also a path to emotional clarity, inner connection, and purpose. Let’s explore how this ancient practise can support modern life, and help us navigate both the daily stresses and the bigger questions - off the mat.

Off The Mat is a health podcast hosted by Christie Knight Yoga, with 17 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Christie Knight Yoga hosts Off The Mat, a health show with 17 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #7

  S2 E7 | Kundalini Yoga, Sadhana, Spiritual Awakening & Self-Discovery with Amargi | Off The Mat Podcast

  Sep 28, 20261h 1mS1

  What is Kundalini Yoga? What does spiritual awakening really mean? And how can a daily yoga practice transform the way we experience ourselves and the world? In the Season 2 finale of the Off The Mat Podcast, I sit down with Ozel (AKA Amargi) - nomadic yoga teacher, meditation guide, and founder of Amargi Life - to explore kundalini, sadhana (daily practice), yoga philosophy, and the lifelong journey of self-discovery. Filmed in Ubud, Bali, this episode begins with a Kundalini-inspired breathwork practice before diving into one of the most remarkable stories we've shared on the podcast. Ozel opens up about growing up in a doomsday cult in Canada, the out-of-body experience that changed his life at just 11 years old, and how those experiences led him on a search for truth, purpose, and freedom. He shares how yoga became the "Venus flytrap of consciousness" - drawing him in through the physical practice before revealing something much deeper. Together, we explore the true meaning of Kundalini Yoga, why sadhana is the foundation of transformation, the role of discipline ( tapas ), and how to find a practice that genuinely resonates with you. We also discuss spiritual awakening, leaving behind false identities, and why curiosity is one of the greatest tools on the yogic path. What You'll Learn in This Episode What Kundalini Yoga is (and common misconceptions) His journey through Jivamukti, Tantra, Yin, and Kundalini Yoga Growing up in a doomsday cult and rebuilding his life Spiritual awakening and letting go of false identities Why daily sadhana creates lasting transformation Understanding tapas (discipline) in yoga How to choose the right yoga or meditation practice Bringing yoga beyond the mat into everyday life About Amargi Ozel is a nomadic yoga teacher, meditation guide, and founder of Amargi Life. His teaching blends Kundalini Yoga, breathwork, meditation, tantra, and yoga philosophy, helping students deepen their connection to themselves through accessible and experiential practices. Resources Mentioned Kundalini Tantra — Swami Satyananda Saraswati (Bihar School of Yoga) Connect with Amargi Instagram: @amargi.life ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 Season Finale Welcome 01:15 Guest Lead Breathwork 06:27 Why This Breath Works 07:17 Ozel Introduction 08:18 Finding Yoga First 09:53 Beyond the Physical 13:16 Paths and Practices 18:24 I Grew Up In a Cult 21:10 Spiritual Awakening 24:46 Breaking False Realities 31:17 Kundalini Misconceptions 32:23 Kundalini as Evolution 39:28 Sadhana Basics 41:12 Discipline - Tapas 44:23 Death Realisation 48:18 How To Choose A Sadhana 50:02 Spiritual Integration 53:24 Cult Parallels 58:46 Final Flow 01:00:33 Season Closing Message ✨ Final Thoughts If you're interested in Kundalini Yoga, yoga philosophy, meditation, breathwork, spirituality, and personal growth, this Season 2 finale is full of practical insights for deepening your practice and living yoga off the mat. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations around yoga, mindfulness, philosophy, and conscious living. #KundaliniYoga #YogaPodcast #Meditation #Breathwork #YogaPhilosophy #SpiritualAwakening #Sadhana #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #OffTheMatPodcast

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #3

  S2 E6 | Yoga Philosophy, Meditation, Sanskrit & Spirituality with John Slade | Off The Mat Podcast

  Sep 21, 202648 minS1

  What happens when yoga becomes more than a physical practice? In this episode of the Off The Mat Podcast, I sit down with John Slade - London-based yoga teacher, retreat host, and philosophy teacher - to explore how yoga can transform the way we relate to ourselves and the world around us. Filmed on Gili Meno, Indonesia in Oct 2025, John begins with a grounding meditation before sharing how he first discovered yoga 17 years ago in the Philippines and how a consistent practice in Sydney helped him process emotions, ease anxiety, and feel more at home in himself as a gay man. Drawing on years of study in asana, pranayama, meditation, Sanskrit, mantra, and yogic philosophy, John shares how his practice has evolved into a lifelong journey of self-study, spirituality, and authentic living. Together, we explore svadhyaya (self-inquiry), chanting, Brahman and Atman, the Yoga Sutras, and practical ways to live yoga beyond the mat. What You'll Learn in This Episode Using yoga to process emotions, anxiety, and self-acceptance Why yoga is more than physical movement The role of pranayama, meditation, and journaling Understanding svadhyaya (self-study) and yoga philosophy Sanskrit, chanting, and the spiritual roots of yoga Practical ways to apply yoga in everyday life Resources for deepening your yoga practice About John Slade John Slade is a London-based yoga teacher, retreat leader, and lifelong student of yoga. His teaching blends vinyasa, restorative yoga, pranayama, meditation, mantra, Sanskrit, and yogic philosophy, making traditional teachings accessible and relevant to modern life. With a background in movement and years of study with internationally respected teachers, John encourages students to see yoga not simply as exercise, but as a lifelong practice of self-awareness, compassion, and transformation. Resources Mentioned Books The Truth of Yoga — Daniel Simpson One Simple Thing — Eddie Stern Podcast The Truth of Yoga — hosted by Daniel Simpson Texts The Upanishads The Bhagavad Gita Patanjali's Yoga Sutras (Book 1, Sutra 33) Teachers Simon Borg-Olivier & Bianca Machliss Charlie Merton Lizzy Rumsey (Jivamukti) Elena Jessup (Sanskrit) Samadhi Collective Mina Asakawa Connect with John Website: johnsladeyoga.com Instagram: @johndoesyoga ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:18 Guest Lead Meditation 06:08 Meditation Simplified 09:07 How John First Found Yoga 10:59 Yoga + Emotional Connection 12:57 What Is The Ultimate Goal of Yoga? 16:12 How Practice Evolves With Age 18:05 Svadhyaya 20:01 Sanskrit And Chanting 23:17 Yoga And Spirituality 25:54 Universal Love And Hope 28:43 Daily Life Accountability 29:24 Sutra Wisdom in Action 33:16 John's Retreats 34:27 Being a Yogi in London 35:16 London Community and Teachers 37:27 Deepening Practice Tips 40:28 Final Flow 44:18 Resources + Where to Find John 46:41 Closing ✨ Final Thoughts If you're interested in yoga philosophy, meditation, Sanskrit, pranayama, spirituality, and personal growth, this conversation is full of practical insights for taking your practice beyond the mat and into everyday life. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations around yoga, mindfulness, philosophy, and conscious living. #YogaPodcast #YogaPhilosophy #Meditation #Pranayama #Sanskrit #Spirituality #YogaTeacher #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #OffTheMatPodcast

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #4

  S2 E4 | Yoga Philosophy, Purpose, Storytelling & Living Yoga | Off The Mat Christian Coelho

  Sep 7, 202648 minS1

  What happens when yoga becomes more than a physical practice? In this episode of the Off The Mat Podcast, I sit down with Christian Coelho - senior yoga teacher, educator, and co-founder of High Yoga School - to explore how yoga can become a guide for living with greater purpose, presence, and authenticity. Christian shares his journey from growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to becoming an internationally respected yoga teacher. After moving to the UK, he founded the Yoga Society at the University of Winchester before deepening his studies in India and later completing a Master's degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS, University of London. Today, he co-leads High Yoga School, delivering yoga teacher trainings and retreats around the world. In this conversation, we explore how Christian's practice has evolved from something physical into a philosophy that shapes the way he lives. Christian also shares how his Brazilian upbringing influenced his worldview, alongside practical tools that anyone can apply to cultivate a deeper connection with themselves - both on and off the mat. What You'll Learn in This Episode How Christian first discovered yoga and why he stayed with the practice How yoga evolves from movement into a way of life Using yoga philosophy to shape your values and purpose Practical tools for cultivating mindfulness and self-awareness The art of myth and storytelling and how it relates to his practice Why yoga continues loooong after you step off the mat About Christian Christian Coelho is a senior yoga teacher, educator, and co-founder of High Yoga School, an internationally recognised yoga teacher training school. He has taught yoga, meditation, philosophy, and breathwork for over a decade through retreats, workshops, and teacher trainings across the world. He blends traditional yogic wisdom with modern life, to helpsstudents understand yoga not simply as exercise, but as a lifelong practice of awareness, compassion, and intentional living. Yoga Off the Mat We explore how the practice can help you: Build greater self-awareness Clarify your values and purpose Strengthen your relationships Support mindful decision-making Help you live with greater authenticity Connect with Christian www.christiancoelhoyoga.com IG: @_christiancoelho / @highyogaschool ⏱️ Timestamps 00:51 Intro: Meet Christian 01:38 Guest Lead Meditation 04:54 The Benefits of Teaching Meditation 05:46 Christian’s Origins 08:08 Early Years of Practice 09:50 Drink Ritual 10:40 Yoga Beyond Physical 13:05 The Ultimate Goal of Yoga 16:03 Savasana Magic Explained 18:27 Sanskrit Ideas of Interconnectio 21:38 Yoga Off the Mat 24:34 Christian’s Personal Practice 24:54 Prayer + Mantra 26:51 How To Set Intention 29:15 Discipline + Community 32:48 Brazilian Joy + Resilience 34:38 Myth + Storytelling 38:47 Building HYS with Mona 43:38 Final Flow 45:21 Closing ✨ Final Thoughts Yoga doesn't end when class finishes. The real practice begins in how we think, relate, choose, and show up every single day. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations to come! #YogaPodcast #YogaPhilosophy #Meditation #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #YogaTeacher #SelfAwareness #IntentionalLiving #WellnessPodcast #OffTheMatPodcast Resources Mentioned Podcasts Green Dreamers The Emerald — with Joshua Schrei Books After the Ecstasy, the Laundry — Jack Kornfield A book by Donna Farhi (unspecified title) The Truth of Yoga — Daniel Simpson People/Teachers mentioned Martin Shaw (mythologist/storyteller) Anna Forest (yoga teacher) Daniel Simpson (historian, author) Nick Mulvey - musician Christian is loving Places to find Christian/High Yoga School High Yoga School — Instagram Love Supreme Projects (London studio) Home — both Notting Hill & Primrose Hill locations The Ark (community center in Islington, London) — base for High Yoga School trainings

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Off The Mat

  S2 E3 | Meditation, Sound Healing & Living Yoga with Shardae Veniece | Off The Mat Podcast

  Aug 31, 20261h 3m

  What if yoga wasn't just about movement? What if the deepest practice happened through meditation, breath, sound, and presence? In this episode of the Off The Mat Podcast, I sit down with Shardaé Veniece - yoga teacher, meditation guide, and sound practitioner - to explore the many layers of yoga beyond the physical practice. Filmed on Gili Meno, Indonesia, our conversation begins with a beautiful grounding meditation before diving into meditation, mudras, pranayama, Kundalini, sound healing, and embodied yoga philosophy. Shardaé shares how she initially resisted yoga through Ashtanga before discovering a more intuitive and expansive practice. She explains how breathwork, mudras, intentional movement, and mindful transitions have shaped both her personal practice and the way she teaches today. We also explore the profound effects of sound healing, discussing gongs, Tibetan singing bowls, and crystal alchemy bowls, alongside Shardaé's powerful experiences with Kundalini kriyas and spiritual awakening. Throughout the conversation, we return to one central idea: yoga isn't something that ends when you leave your mat—it's a practice of bringing awareness, compassion, and presence into everyday life. Whether you're new to yoga or looking to deepen your understanding beyond asana, this episode offers thoughtful insights and practical inspiration. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why meditation isn't about having an empty mind How yoga extends far beyond physical postures What mudras are and how they influence energy and awareness Shardaé's experience with Kundalini Yoga and kriyas The benefits of sound healing and vibrational practices How mindful transitions become part of the practice Bringing yoga into relationships and everyday life Why presence is the true heart of yoga About Shardaé Veniece Shardaé is a yoga teacher, meditation guide, and sound practitioner whose work blends vinyasa, yin yoga, pranayama, meditation, mudras, and sound healing. Her intuitive teaching style encourages students to explore yoga as a holistic practice that supports presence, curiosity, and self-awareness. Yoga Off The Mat In this episode we explore how yoga can: Deepen mindfulness and presence Support emotional wellbeing through breath and meditation Cultivate compassion and self-awareness Introduce sound as a powerful healing practice Help you embody yoga in everyday life Connect with Shardaé Instagram: @shardaeveniece Website: https://www.shardaeveniece.com/ ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 Welcome 00:47 Meet Shardaé Veniece 01:43 Guest Lead Meditation 08:04 Meditation and Sound 11:39 Shardae's Story 16:22 Beyond Physical Yoga 18:36 Evolving Personal Practice 22:02 Mudras Explained 28:55 Teaching Style and Embodiment 32:12 Mindful Transitions 33:48 Kundalini Story 38:27 Letting Go 40:36 Sound Practice 42:42 First Sound Bath 48:26 Crystal Bowls 52:18 Yoga as Tapestry 54:28 Goal of Yoga Is Presence 58:12 Where to Find Shardae 59:51 Final Flow 01:01:58 Closing If you're interested in meditation, sound healing, Kundalini Yoga, breathwork, yoga philosophy, mindfulness, and personal growth, this conversation is full of practical wisdom for taking your practice beyond the mat. ✨ Final Thoughts If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations around yoga, mindfulness, philosophy, and conscious living. #YogaPodcast #Meditation #SoundHealing #KundaliniYoga #YogaPhilosophy #Mindfulness #Breathwork #PersonalGrowth #YogaBeyondTheMat #OffTheMatPodcast

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #1

  S2 E2 | Dharma, Yoga Philosophy, Purpose & Living with Intention | Off The Mat with Mona Godfrey

  Aug 24, 202651 minS2

  What is your dharma, and how can yoga help you discover it? In this episode of the Off The Mat Podcast, I sit down with Mona Godfrey, senior yoga teacher and co-founder of High Yoga School, to explore the deeper meaning of yoga, purpose, and living with intention. Filmed on the beautiful island of Gili Meno, Indonesia, during my 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training with High Yoga School, this conversation explores how yoga evolves throughout our lives and how its philosophy can guide us through change, challenge, and transformation. Mona has an incredible ability to make complex yogic philosophy feel practical and accessible. Together, we discuss dharma (life purpose), ahimsa (non-violence), Yoga Nidra, self-discovery, courage, and how yoga can help us cultivate love, peace, and fulfilment both on and off the mat.Whether you're a yoga teacher, practitioner, or simply curious about mindfulness and personal growth, this episode offers thoughtful insights into living yoga every day. What You'll Learn in This Episode - What yoga truly means beyond the physical practice - How yoga evolves through different seasons of life - Understanding dharma and finding your purpose - Ahimsa (non-violence) and compassionate living - Why the deepest yoga practice is an "inside job"- Yoga, activism, and living with integrity - How Yoga Nidra supports rest and self-awareness - Books and resources to deepen your yoga philosophy practice About Mona Mona Godfrey is a senior yoga teacher and co-founder of High Yoga School, leading internationally recognised yoga teacher trainings rooted in traditional philosophy and modern practice. Her teaching encourages students to explore yoga as a lifelong path of self-inquiry, compassion, and meaningful living. Yoga Off the Mat Yoga is much more than movement. In this episode we explore how yoga can: - Help you discover your purpose (dharma) - Build resilience through life's changing seasons - Cultivate compassion through ahimsa - Encourage mindful, skillful action - Create greater peace, fulfilment, and self-awareness Resources Mentioned - *Bringing Yoga to Life* – Donna Farhi - *The Great Work of Your Life* – Stephen Cope - *Yoga as Pilgrimage* – Ranju Roy Connect with Mona Godfrey Instagram: @moncits / @highyogaschool Website: https://www.monalisagodfrey.com/ ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 Intro: Meet Mona Godfrey 01:09 Guest Guided Meditation 07:08 Welcome to Gili Meno 08:03 Mona’s First Gili Season 10 Years Ago! 11:57 A Decade Later Full Circle 15:28 How Yoga Evolves Over Time 20:57 The Ultimate Goal of Yoga 24:22 The Advanced Practice Is An Inside Job 27:51 Ahimsa / Nonviolence Explained 29:23 Yoga Beyond The Sutras 30:29 Bravery As Yoga Practice 31:45 Dharma And Skillful Action 32:41 Finding Purpose Through Practice 35:04 Yoga Meets Activism 38:32 Ahimsa And Responsibility 39:09 Showing Up On Hard Days 41:24 Yoga Nidra 43:14 Honouring Life Seasons 44:12 Resources To Go Deeper 46:35 Final Flow 49:48 Closing ✨ Final Thoughts If you're interested in yoga philosophy, dharma, Yoga Nidra, mindfulness, meditation, and personal growth , this conversation offers practical wisdom for living with greater purpose, compassion, and presence. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations around yoga, mindfulness, philosophy, and conscious living. #YogaPodcast #YogaPhilosophy #Dharma #YogaNidra #Mindfulness #YogaTeacher #Meditation #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #OffTheMatPodcast

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Off The Mat. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.