Love At First Science

Alba Yoga Academy

Hey there! Welcome to the newly revamped Love at First Science Podcast!

As you may know already I'm Celest, and I'm thrilled to introduce you to my amazing friend, Hannah Barrett. Together, we're on a mission to dig deep into people's passion, whether that's through the human body, science, business, art of spirituality.

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Avg 27 min
English

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August 14 · 36 min
Episode 95- Part 2 - Carbon Dioxide, Breathwork and Breathing Better with Abby Stewar
Could a breathing exercise designed to calm you actually make you feel worse? In Part 2, Abby explains why carbon dioxide is essential to healthy breathing and how overbreathing may contribute to dizziness, tingling, chest tightness, brain fog, air hunger and panic. She and Celest explore why popular techniques such as box breathing, resonant breathing, physiological sighs, Wim Hof-style breathing and breath holds are not appropriate for everyone. They also discuss abdominal gripping, pursed-lip breathing, hypermobility and why breathing better often starts with doing less, not trying harder. Learn more about Abby ⁠Visit Abby's website at The Breathing Physio⁠ ⁠Follow Abby on Instagram
August 7 · 23 min
Episode 95 - Part 1 Air Hunger and Dysfunctional Breathing with Abby Stewart
What happens when you feel like you cannot get enough air, even though your medical tests are normal? Hannah and Celest are joined by senior respiratory physiotherapist Abby Stewart, who specialises in breathing pattern disorders, long COVID, anxiety, panic attacks and complex respiratory symptoms. Abby shares how developing a breathing pattern disorder after COVID led her into clinical work and PhD research in this area. Together, they explore air hunger, overbreathing and why breathing difficulties are so often dismissed as anxiety. Abby also introduces her ABC approach to breathing retraining: About Alba Yoga Academy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Abby Visit Abby's website at The Breathing Physio Follow Abby on Instagram
July 31 · 35 min
Episode 94 - Part 2 -The Hidden Skills That Separate Good Teachers from Great Ones with Hie Kim
In part two, we go deeper into Hie’s teaching philosophy, his creative process and what it truly means to evolve as a teacher. We explore Inside Flow, the role of technique in teaching, and the tension between excellence and self-worth. This episode is full of insight, honesty and a few unexpected moments that will make you think differently about teaching, learning and even yourself. In this episode we explore: What Inside Flow is and why it’s such a powerful teaching method How music, movement and storytelling can transform a class experience Why technique, not talent, is what allows teachers to deliver consistently The idea of building “internal tools” rather than relying on inspiration Why there are no shortcuts to excellence, even in the age of AI The role of discipline, patience and working without reward The relationship between dissatisfaction and growth Imposter syndrome, humility and the fine line between confidence and ego Why your uniqueness as a teacher is your greatest strength How to support students without creating unrealistic comparisons About Hie Hie Kim is one of the main teacher trainers of the legendary Inside Yoga Studio, which holds its teacher trainings in more than eight locations. There, he takes the role of the compassionate teacher trainer, that will let you conquer obstacles with knowledge and uncomfortable moments with humor. Hie teaches hundreds of yoga teachers every year and is well known in german speaking Europe and Asia. Hie Kim writes poems, books on yoga specific topics and organises the Yunion Yoga Festival in Gastein, Austria. Furthermore, Hie teaches multiple video series on the premium online yoga platform tintyoga.com Hie’s biggest premise in his Yoga classes is, that the class itself is created in the space between teacher and student. This reactive teaching style called “ECHO SEQUENCING” is an advanced training, that Hie teaches to established Yoga teachers. With a keen sense of methodology and a sensitive mind Hie Kim picks up his students right where they are and takes off to a journey where body, mind and emotions cross roads. His self-written shavasana poems are especially popular. ⁠Learn more about Hie on Instagram⁠
July 24 · 35 min
Episode 94 - Part 1 - The Truth About Becoming an Exceptional Yoga Teacher with Hie Kim
In this first part of our conversation with Hie Kim, we explore the journey behind one of the most respected teachers in the global yoga space. From growing up as a second-generation immigrant in Germany to teaching 15+ classes a week for over a decade, Hie shares the experiences that shaped not just his movement, but his identity as a teacher. This episode is a deep dive into what it really takes to become excellent at something, and why there are no shortcuts. In this episode, we explore: Hie’s early years and how martial arts shaped his approach to movement and teaching The pressure of expectation and how it influenced his career path His transition into yoga and the reality of starting again from scratch The power of repetition, teaching volume and “earning your hours” Why experience still matters in a world driven by social media The difference between being a good mover and a great teacher What it really means to be a student-centred teacher The concept of echo sequencing and teaching in response to what you see Why the best classes aren’t always the most planned, but the most connected About Hie Hie Kim is one of the main teacher trainers of the legendary Inside Yoga Studio, which holds its teacher trainings in more than eight locations. There, he takes the role of the compassionate teacher trainer, that will let you conquer obstacles with knowledge and uncomfortable moments with humor. Hie teaches hundreds of yoga teachers every year and is well known in german speaking Europe and Asia. Hie Kim writes poems, books on yoga specific topics and organises the Yunion Yoga Festival in Gastein, Austria. Furthermore, Hie teaches multiple video series on the premium online yoga platform tintyoga.com Hie’s biggest premise in his Yoga classes is, that the class itself is created in the space between teacher and student. This reactive teaching style called “ECHO SEQUENCING” is an advanced training, that Hie teaches to established Yoga teachers. With a keen sense of methodology and a sensitive mind Hie Kim picks up his students right where they are and takes off to a journey where body, mind and emotions cross roads. His self-written shavasana poems are especially popular. Learn more about Hie on Instagram
May 4 · 24 min
Episode 93 - Part 2 How to actually use neuro drills in your classes (without overcomplicating everything)
In part two, Hannah and Celest take everything from the first episode and make it practical. If you’ve been curious about neuroscience in yoga but felt overwhelmed or unsure where to start, this episode breaks it down into something simple, usable and real. This is about integration, not disruption. You don’t need to overhaul your teaching. You just need to see it differently. In this episode, we explore: What “test and retest” means and how to use it to guide your teaching in real time How to weave neuro drills into a flow without interrupting the experience Why one small, well-placed drill can be more powerful than overloading a class The concept of dosage and why more is not always better How to adapt your teaching to individual nervous systems rather than fixed protocols Why breathwork, movement and even traditional yoga practices are already forms of neuro work The ethical responsibility of teachers to understand the nervous system How improving safety in the brain can change movement, confidence and even chronic pain They also explore the deeper question beneath it all: Are we fixing the body, or improving the conversation between the brain and the body? You’ll leave this episode with a clear starting point, a renewed sense of curiosity, and a reminder that good teaching isn’t about having all the answers, but about asking better questions. About Alba Yoga Academy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠
April 27 · 21 min
Episode 93 - Part 1 Creative sequencing, neuroscience and why your body isn’t the problem
In this episode, Hannah turns the mic on Celest to explore one of the most important shifts happening in modern yoga teaching: moving beyond muscles and into the nervous system. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your practice, confused by why something isn’t improving, or unsure how to evolve your teaching, this conversation opens a completely new lens. Together, they unpack what sequencing really means from a neurological perspective, why traditional “build up to a pose” thinking can fall short, and how simple changes in input can completely transform how a body moves and feels. This is not about adding complexity. It’s about understanding what’s actually driving movement, safety and progress. In this episode, we explore: Why sequencing is more than arranging poses and what’s actually happening in the brain The role of sensory inputs, including vision, balance and internal awareness, in movement and performance Why strength and flexibility alone don’t guarantee progress in poses like Pincha Mayurasana How the nervous system determines whether a pose feels safe or threatening The hidden reasons behind plateaus, asymmetries and “stuck” patterns How past experiences, stress and injury history shape what happens on the mat Why repeating the same drills doesn’t always lead to change The emotional and psychological layers that influence physical practice Celest also shares her own journey from a purely biomechanical approach to integrating neuro-based work, including the challenges of learning and teaching this in real time. The conversation closes with a powerful reminder: your body is not failing you. It is responding to the information it receives. About Alba Yoga Academy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠
February 20 · 29 min
Episode 92 - Part 2 - Why Most People Quit Before Yoga Works with Miles Mortensen
Progress in yoga rarely comes from talent. According to Miles Mortensen, it comes from doing the boring things consistently long enough that most people quit. In part two, the conversation moves from movement into mindset. Miles explains how he started yoga unable to touch his toes and built his physical practice from the ground up. His message is simple but uncomfortable: improvement comes from patience, repetition and learning to value the process rather than the result. We talk about motivation, frustration and the psychology behind long-term progress, and why the “unsexy” foundational work is what makes advanced movement possible. We also explore yoga philosophy in a modern world. How much should we follow traditional teachings? Is it okay to question them? And can ideas from psychology, stoicism and even elite endurance training sit alongside yoga practice? In this episode we discuss: Why consistency beats intensity The mindset shared by athletes, meditators and long-term practitioners What actually limits progress in yoga Why philosophy should be explored, not blindly accepted The role of responsibility and autonomy in personal growth How teaching others accelerates your own learning Together, these episodes form a powerful discussion on modern yoga, movement and personal development, and why there is never only one way to practice. About Miles Miles grew up in Sydney, Australia. His mother was a yoga teacher so its practices and teachings were always there in the background of his life. Miles dipped in and out of yoga from a young age but never committed to a regular stable practice As he got older, things began to shift. Now Miles is a professional DJ and dedicated yogi. ⁠Learn more about his work here. ⁠ About Alba Yoga Academy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠
February 13 · 27 min
Episode 92 - Part 1 - Yoga Didn’t Fix My Life, It Changed My Relationship With It with Miles Mortensen
From London’s nightclub scene to global handstand workshops, Miles Mortensen didn’t find yoga through flexibility or discipline. He found it because he was struggling, and it changed the way he related to his mind, his body and his life. In part one of this conversation, we sit down with international teacher and movement educator Miles Mortensen to talk about the real reason many people start yoga, and why the practice isn’t actually about poses at all. Miles shares how yoga entered his life during a period of anxiety, body image struggles and burnout, not as a fitness routine, but as a way to understand himself. What began as a coping tool eventually became a lifelong exploration of movement, teaching and self awareness. We also dive deep into one of the most controversial topics in modern yoga: cross-training. Why are yogis often expected to perform advanced poses without any conditioning? And what happens when we bring strength training, circus arts and rehabilitation work into yoga spaces? This episode explores: Why yoga doesn’t “fix” your problems, but changes your relationship with them The hidden injuries behind traditional yoga culture Why conditioning, weights and bands might be essential for healthy yoga practice The danger of blindly following cues Why questioning teachers should be encouraged, not discouraged The importance of updating yoga education with evolving science Miles challenges the idea that yoga must look a certain way and instead reframes it as a broader exploration of connection, curiosity and personal growth. If you’ve ever wondered why some classes feel incredible and others don’t, or why your body responds differently than expected, this episode will make you rethink how yoga is taught and practiced. Part two continues the conversation into mindset, philosophy and what actually creates progress in practice. About Miles Miles grew up in Sydney, Australia. His mother was a yoga teacher so its practices and teachings were always there in the background of his life. Miles dipped in and out of yoga from a young age but never committed to a regular stable practice As he got older, things began to shift. Now Miles is a professional DJ and dedicated yogi. Learn more about his work here. About Alba Yoga Academy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠
January 23 · 28 min
Episode 91 - Part 2, Teaching Yoga without Forcing Bodies with Donna Noble
In part two of our conversation, Donna Noble and Hannah explore what it really means to practise and teach yoga in a way that supports comfort, safety and confidence over performance or appearance. We talk about how different bodies experience the same pose in completely different ways, why cues are never neutral, and how teaching without curiosity can quietly erode trust. Donna reflects on learning to work with sensation rather than against it, and how this shift changed not only her practice but her understanding of what yoga is for. This episode invites teachers and long term practitioners to consider responsibility, choice and the impact of language in yoga spaces. It’s a conversation about creating environments where people feel supported to stay, rather than pushed to fit. A grounded, honest listen for anyone interested in yoga that feels good, not forced. About Donna Donna Noble is an author, and speaker on body positivity, diversity and inclusion, social justice, wellbeing and Yoga. Donna’s personal mission has always been to improve diversity and inclusion in the Yoga and wellbeing space and within corporate environments, whilst also championing health and wellbeing for everyone. Donna continually works towards making a difference and leaving behind a legacy of greater diversity and inclusion. Donna shares her passion for promoting health and wellbeing and creating inclusive spaces within the yoga and wellbeing industry in a light-hearted and accessible way. She was also one of the original co-creators of the UK’s first Black Fitness Festival in 2020 Donna has delivered numerous workshops, at conferences and for various organisations on diversity inclusion, social justice and body positivity. Donna also shares her lived experience and uses this to help others understand the experiences of others. Donna works with companies that are focused on creating healthy inclusive cultures, by supporting them to understand the power of their voice and how it can be used to help create diversity. Learn more about Donna ⁠at her website⁠, her ⁠Instagram⁠ and buy her book; ⁠Teaching Body Positive Yoga.⁠ About Alba Yoga Academy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠
January 16 · 28 min
Episode 91 - Part 1, When listening to your body means questioning yoga with Donna Noble
In this episode, Hannah is joined by Donna Noble, whose relationship with yoga began like many others, as a place of relief, structure and support during a demanding corporate career (a likely cause of the Bells Palsy she suffered with). Over time, though, something shifted. The very practices that once helped her began to feel uncomfortable, confusing and at odds with her body. Donna shares what it was like to realise that forcing herself into familiar shapes was no longer serving her, and how questioning long held assumptions about yoga opened the door to a very different way of moving and practising. We explore how pain, discomfort and persistent niggles are often normalised in yoga spaces, and why so many students assume the problem is their body rather than the method. This conversation is about curiosity, unlearning and the courage to pause when something no longer feels right. A thoughtful episode for anyone who has ever wondered why yoga stopped feeling supportive, or sensed there might be another way. About Donna Donna Noble is an author, and speaker on body positivity, diversity and inclusion, social justice, wellbeing and Yoga. Donna’s personal mission has always been to improve diversity and inclusion in the Yoga and wellbeing space and within corporate environments, whilst also championing health and wellbeing for everyone. Donna continually works towards making a difference and leaving behind a legacy of greater diversity and inclusion. Donna shares her passion for promoting health and wellbeing and creating inclusive spaces within the yoga and wellbeing industry in a light-hearted and accessible way. She was also one of the original co-creators of the UK’s first Black Fitness Festival in 2020 Donna has delivered numerous workshops, at conferences and for various organisations on diversity inclusion, social justice and body positivity. Donna also shares her lived experience and uses this to help others understand the experiences of others. Donna works with companies that are focused on creating healthy inclusive cultures, by supporting them to understand the power of their voice and how it can be used to help create diversity. Learn more about Donna at her website, her Instagram and buy her book; Teaching Body Positive Yoga. About Alba Yoga Academy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠
January 9 · 25 min
Episode 90, Part 2 - What every yoga teacher needs to know about supporting students with cancer with Jill Krause
Everyone talks about diagnosis and treatment. Very few talk about the years after. In part two of our conversation with oncology yoga guide Jill Krause, we explore the hidden world of survivorship and the long term side effects that continue long after treatment ends. Jill begins by breaking down the complexities of yoga for cancer. Different cancers, surgeries, treatments and symptoms require nuanced understanding, compassion and a willingness to meet each student as an individual. Jill also shares her philosophy of advocacy, intimacy and embodiment: how knowing your body, speaking up and finding community become essential parts of healing. She leaves us with a powerful reminder that every person carries a universe within them, and that leading with compassion is the most meaningful work any of us can do. About Jill Jill Krause, a certified 500-RYT, founder and owner of YOUniversal LOVE, an oncology yoga and coaching company was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 38 and was actively treated for 2.5 years. YOUniversalLOVE was created to fill a void she felt after being discharged from active treatment with no guidance, resources or answers to any of her questions regarding survivorship. Even though she was discharged with early onset menopause, osteoporosis, pain, decreased range of motion from 8 surgeries, and 25lbs of steroid weight, she was given no recommendations or referrals for any healing therapies. As time passed, she kept being confronted with the realization that her needs were not being met and her side effects were going to be long term. She desperately wanted to be an active participant in her healing but was scared of doing it alone with no guidance. She realized that the current survivorship care lacked the understanding that chemotherapy, ovarian suppression, estrogen blockers, and surgeries have on the health and well-being of those affected by cancer. YOUniversalLOVE grew as her purpose shifted from beating cancer to learning how to manage and heal her long-term side effects so she could empower others to become active participants in their healing in order for them to reconnect, reclaim, and redefine their lives. ⁠jill@youniversallove.com⁠ ⁠www.youniversallove.com⁠ About Alba Yoga Academy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠
January 2 · 27 min
Episode 90 , Part 1 - Dismissed to Diagnosed; Yoga for Cancer with Jill Krause
She found a lump at 38. She was told twice that everything looked fine. She refused to accept it. That decision saved her life. In this powerful conversation, Jill Krause joins us to share the story of her diagnosis, the system that dismissed her, and the inner voice that refused to be quiet. Jill takes us through the moment she discovered her tumour, the four hour appointment that left her frightened and unheard, and the fierce self advocacy that ensured she finally received a biopsy and accurate diagnosis. She opens up about the realities of treatment and we explore how yoga entered her life at rock bottom. You will also hear Jill’s insights on trauma sensitive language for oncology yoga. This episode is deeply human, at times devastating, but ultimately full of hope, strength and wisdom. About Jill Jill Krause, a certified 500-RYT, founder and owner of YOUniversal LOVE, an oncology yoga and coaching company was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 38 and was actively treated for 2.5 years. YOUniversalLOVE was created to fill a void she felt after being discharged from active treatment with no guidance, resources or answers to any of her questions regarding survivorship. Even though she was discharged with early onset menopause, osteoporosis, pain, decreased range of motion from 8 surgeries, and 25lbs of steroid weight, she was given no recommendations or referrals for any healing therapies. As time passed, she kept being confronted with the realization that her needs were not being met and her side effects were going to be long term. She desperately wanted to be an active participant in her healing but was scared of doing it alone with no guidance. She realized that the current survivorship care lacked the understanding that chemotherapy, ovarian suppression, estrogen blockers, and surgeries have on the health and well-being of those affected by cancer. YOUniversalLOVE grew as her purpose shifted from beating cancer to learning how to manage and heal her long-term side effects so she could empower others to become active participants in their healing in order for them to reconnect, reclaim, and redefine their lives. jill@youniversallove.com www.youniversallove.com About Alba Yoga Academy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠
Dec 19, 2025 · 30 min
Episode 89, Part 2 - Introverts, Hormones and the Long Game of Health with Tom Nikkola
What if the reason your body is changing has nothing to do with willpower and everything to do with physiology, recovery and time? In Part Two of this powerful conversation, Tom Nikkola returns to dismantle some of the most persistent myths around metabolism, weight, hormones and healthy ageing. If you have ever wondered why your body responds differently as you get older, why shifting from high intensity to strength training feels confusing, or why “quick fixes” rarely work, you will find clarity here. Tom explains why many people temporarily gain weight when transitioning away from high intensity exercise, how glycogen and calorie demand shift and why the body can take up to a year to settle into a new training style. He also unpacks the complex hormonal changes women experience during perimenopause and menopause, the role of bioidentical hormones and why sustainable results require patience rather than urgency. Other key topics include: Why social media messaging about instant results harms real people How to recognise the difference between outliers and realistic expectations The interaction between MTHFR, detoxification and gut function COMT, B12 metabolism and why some people become anxious on methylated B vitamins The value of saliva-based genetic testing and why testing beyond MTHFR matters Why nature time, sleep and strength training outperform almost every “biohack” Tom also shares the “one thing” approach from the book The One Thing, which radically simplifies health into the most impactful daily actions: high protein intake, regular resistance training, quality sleep and time outside. If you have not yet listened to Part One, go back and enjoy the full foundation before diving into the depth of this concluding episode. About Tom ⁠Tom Nikkola⁠ is a seasoned strength and conditioning coach and nutrition strategist with over 23 years of experience in the fitness industry. After serving as Senior Director of Nutrition and Weight Management at a major fitness company, he left the corporate world to build something of his own. Tom’s mission is to cut through health noise and bring sustainable, no-nonsense fitness and wellness solutions to people with busy lives. He emphasises strength training, good nutrition, recovery and realistic habits - helping clients build strength, resilience, clarity and vitality for the long haul. About Alba Yoga Academy ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠
Dec 12, 2025 · 26 min
Episode 89, Part 1 - Healing, Genetics and the Nervous System with Tom Nikkola
What if everything you thought was broken in your body could be rebuilt? That is the lens through which strength coach and health educator Tom Nikkola lives his entire life. In this episode of Love at First Science, Tom shares the story that shaped his philosophy: being diagnosed with childhood leukemia, undergoing years of invasive treatment and still walking away with optimism, curiosity and a fascination for how the body heals. Tom explains how his early experiences fuelled a lifetime pursuit of understanding the human body, from pre-med studies to corporate roles in nutrition and metabolic testing, and eventually to his coaching platform Vigor Training. We explore the core principle that underpins his work: when you give the body the conditions it needs, it has an astonishing ability to repair, adapt and strengthen. This conversation moves from Tom's personal story into practical science, including: Why a flexible nervous system is one of the most powerful markers of resilience How weight training helps you shift between sympathetic and parasympathetic states The fundamentals of the MTHFR gene, methylation and why so many people feel unwell without knowing why Why diet, stress management and sleep matter more than most people realise Tom breaks down what MTHFR actually is, how it affects detoxification, mood and energy, and which nutritional and lifestyle strategies truly help. He explains why methylated B vitamins are essential for many people, where folate appears in food, and why leafy greens and high protein diets remain foundational. He also shares why overtraining, poor sleep and high stress often exacerbate symptoms. Whether you are navigating your own health challenges, supporting clients or simply curious about how physiology shapes wellbeing, Part One offers grounded, compassionate science with immediately usable insights. Stay tuned for Part Two where we continue the discussion and go deeper into hormones, metabolism, testing, detoxification and Tom’s signature philosophy for long term health. About Tom Tom Nikkola is a seasoned strength and conditioning coach and nutrition strategist with over 23 years of experience in the fitness industry. After serving as Senior Director of Nutrition and Weight Management at a major fitness company, he left the corporate world to build something of his own. Tom’s mission is to cut through health noise and bring sustainable, no-nonsense fitness and wellness solutions to people with busy lives. He emphasises strength training, good nutrition, recovery and realistic habits - helping clients build strength, resilience, clarity and vitality for the long haul About Alba Yoga Academy ⁠⁠⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠
Nov 28, 2025 · 27 min
Episode 88, Part 2 -Strength in Stillness: Teaching as an Introvert with Sarah White
If you have ever wondered whether you should plan every pose or trust your intuition, this episode will help you breathe again. In part two of our conversation, Sarah White returns to unpack how experienced teachers blend structure with creativity and why confidence grows from repetition, curiosity and courage. In this second half, we explore: How Sarah balances planning with intuition and why her peak flow is always the anchor How to adapt the four part structure into mandala, ladder and infinity flows Why reversing your sequences reveals whether you truly understand a movement pattern Inspiring stories from her students and why permission and agency sit at the centre of her method The truth about giving away sequences and why real education must build independence rather than dependency The marketing lessons she wishes every yoga teacher knew and how she overcame her own fears around selling her work Sarah’s experience with introversion, imposter syndrome and the mindset shifts that helped her grow a thriving global business What she envisions for the future of creative sequencing and the values that keep her grounded as her community evolves Sarah shares openly about discomfort, growth and the small brave steps that shape a teaching career. Her perspective is grounding and energising for anyone walking the teaching path. If you are a yoga teacher, thinking about becoming one or simply fascinated by the creative process behind powerful classes, this conversation will leave you inspired and expanded. About Sarah Sarah White is a UK-born, internationally recognised yoga educator and the creator of the signature training Creative Sequencing. With over seven years of full-time teaching experience, she has guided teachers across the globe to move beyond rigid sequencing rules and into a more embodied, intentional, and confident approach to their classes. Having spent 12 years establishing her career in Dubai, Sarah recently relocated to Kentucky, where she continues to share her work with an international audience. Known for blending creativity with depth and practicality, she’s passionate about helping yoga teachers find their unique voice and bring it to life on the mat. ⁠Visit Sarah's website here⁠ ⁠Follow Sarah on Instagram⁠ About Alba Yoga Academy ⁠⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠
Nov 21, 2025 · 22 min
Episode 88 - Part 1 - How Creative Sequencing Really Begins with Sarah White
What if the key to confident, authentic teaching is letting go of rigid rules and stepping into your own way of moving? In this episode, we sit down with Sarah White to explore how creative sequencing can shift not only your classes but your entire relationship with yoga. Part one of this conversation dives into Sarah’s journey from Emirates cabin crew to internationally recognised yoga educator, and how she found her way to the intuitive, intention-led method she is now known for. We talk about The moment she realised yoga was her calling How rigid sequencing left her burnt out and why simplicity became her anchor Why creative sequencing is not about fancy transitions but about depth, agency and embodiment The four part structure at the heart of her approach and why she reverse engineers every flow The teachers who gave her permission to break the rules and trust her intuition How nature, curiosity and small movements spark her creativity and shape the themes she teaches Sarah opens up about the values that guide her work, the freedom she wants for every teacher and the moment she realised sequencing could feel alive rather than restrictive. Part two continues the conversation and goes even deeper into intuition, planning and the realities of building a yoga business. Listen now and get ready to rethink what a yoga class can be. About Sarah Sarah White is a UK-born, internationally recognised yoga educator and the creator of the signature training Creative Sequencing. With over seven years of full-time teaching experience, she has guided teachers across the globe to move beyond rigid sequencing rules and into a more embodied, intentional, and confident approach to their classes. Having spent 12 years establishing her career in Dubai, Sarah recently relocated to Kentucky, where she continues to share her work with an international audience. Known for blending creativity with depth and practicality, she’s passionate about helping yoga teachers find their unique voice and bring it to life on the mat. Visit Sarah's website here Follow Sarah on Instagram About Alba Yoga Academy ⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠ ⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠ ⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠ ⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠ ⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠
Nov 14, 2025 · 24 min
Episode 87, Part 2 - Neuroscience, Novelty and the 3% rule with Adell Bridges
In Part 2, the conversation dives deeper into the science of creativity and the heart of teaching. Adell opens up about weaving neurology into movement, how to use novelty to keep the brain engaged and why curiosity is her ultimate teaching philosophy. You’ll discover: How brain drills and small changes transform learning. The role of the nervous system in creative sequencing. Why repeating sequences isn’t lazy-it’s intelligent. Adell’s top tips for new yoga teachers. A powerful reminder that your voice is enough. The episode closes with Adell’s message for every teacher: stay curious, stay authentic and never underestimate your you-ness. About Adell Adell Bridges is a yoga teacher, writer, and educator known for blending movement, neuroscience, and curiosity in her teaching. Originally from a small town in Mississippi, she found her true home in the UK, where her yoga journey began after discovering the practice on Instagram in 2015. What started as a fascination with handstands quickly evolved into a deep passion for understanding the mind–body connection. After completing her 200-hour training in India, Adell spent years travelling the world teaching workshops, retreats, and trainings while cultivating a global online community through her platform Move With Adell. Her work now focuses on how the brain shapes movement, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing, empowering students to feel more connected, capable, and curious - both on and off the mat. At the heart of everything Adell teaches is a simple message: the only guru you need is within yourself. You can practice with Adell via her app, ⁠Move with Adell⁠, you can f⁠ollow Adell here ⁠and find out more at her ⁠website. ⁠ About Alba Yoga Academy Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here. ⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠ Follow Hannah on Instagram. Follow Celest on Instagram
Nov 7, 2025 · 20 min
Episode 87, Part 1 - How to Stay Creative Without Overwhelming Your Students with Adell Bridges
In this episode, Celest and Hannah sit down with internationally renowned yoga teacher, author and brain-nerd Adell Bridges to talk about the art of creative sequencing, staying curious and finding balance between innovation and accessibility. Adell shares how she went from gymnast to yoga teacher to neuroscience enthusiast, and the exact method she uses to design her signature flows. Together, they explore: How to build creative yet grounded yoga sequences. Why planning your classes creates more freedom, not less. How to make every student feel included and empowered. The connection between novelty, safety and the brain’s learning process. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to be “original” in your teaching, this one’s for you. About Adell Adell Bridges is a yoga teacher, writer, and educator known for blending movement, neuroscience, and curiosity in her teaching. Originally from a small town in Mississippi, she found her true home in the UK, where her yoga journey began after discovering the practice on Instagram in 2015. What started as a fascination with handstands quickly evolved into a deep passion for understanding the mind–body connection. After completing her 200-hour training in India, Adell spent years travelling the world teaching workshops, retreats, and trainings while cultivating a global online community through her platform Move With Adell. Her work now focuses on how the brain shapes movement, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing, empowering students to feel more connected, capable, and curious - both on and off the mat. At the heart of everything Adell teaches is a simple message: the only guru you need is within yourself. You can practice with Adell via her app, Move with Adell, you can follow Adell here and find out more at her website. About Alba Yoga Academy Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here. Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos. Follow Hannah on Instagram. Follow Celest on Instagram
Oct 31, 2025 · 23 min
Episode 86, Part 2 - Yoga as Embodied Resistance with Anjali Rao
In Part Two of this transformative conversation, Anjali Rao and Hannah go deeper into the lived practice of yoga; how to honour its complexity, language and lineage while teaching with integrity and inclusivity. Anjali unpacks the layered meanings of dharma, reflects on how the concept of true self transcends gender and caste, and explains why Sanskrit is both a source of beauty and a symbol of privilege. She shares how teachers can create spaces of care, accountability and liberation by engaging with history rather than avoiding it. In this episode: What dharma really means — and how to use it with integrity The idea of the true self beyond identity, caste, and gender Why Sanskrit can be both sacred and exclusionary How to strip away old hierarchies and make yoga spaces truly inclusive What liberation might look like in today’s yoga world This episode is an invitation to practise yoga as awareness in action; thoughtful, embodied and deeply human. About Anjali Anjali Rao is a yoga educator-practitioner whose work deconstructs the dynamics of power in yoga with a multidisciplinary approach integrating philosophy, art and history. She offers insight into the stories that have been obscured by heteropatriarchy, orthodoxy, and colonization. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Philosophy and Religion at the California Institute of Integral Studies, exploring the formulation of movements of dissent and resistance in the religio-spiritual context. She is on the faculty of many yoga teacher training and continuing education programs. She is also the host of The Love of Yoga podcast, where she shares thought-provoking conversations with yoga scholars and activists on the frontlines of liberatory movements. ⁠Anjali's brand new book, Yoga as Embodied Resistance is now available to buy here. ⁠ About Alba Yoga Academy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Oct 24, 2025 · 27 min
Episode 86 - Part 1, Yoga as Embodied Resistance with Anjali Rao
What if everything you thought you knew about yoga’s history was only part of the story? In this powerful conversation, yoga educator and researcher Anjali Rao joins Hannah to explore the roots of yoga that are often left out of modern narratives. From her personal journey as a cancer survivor to her deep dive into philosophy, caste, and patriarchy, Anjali invites us to see yoga not as a single tradition, but as a tapestry shaped by countless voices, movements, and histories. Together, they unpack common myths about yoga’s origins and discuss what it really means to practise with awareness of culture, context, and power. In this episode: Anjali’s story of rediscovering yoga after surviving breast cancer Why yoga has never been a monolith The myth of “yoga as union” and what the teachings really point to How caste, gender, and power dynamics shape modern yoga spaces Why it’s time to question what we’ve been taught about yoga’s origins This episode will challenge what you think you know and open new ways of seeing yoga’s depth and diversity. About Anjali Anjali Rao is a yoga educator-practitioner whose work deconstructs the dynamics of power in yoga with a multidisciplinary approach integrating philosophy, art and history. She offers insight into the stories that have been obscured by heteropatriarchy, orthodoxy, and colonization. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Philosophy and Religion at the California Institute of Integral Studies, exploring the formulation of movements of dissent and resistance in the religio-spiritual context. She is on the faculty of many yoga teacher training and continuing education programs. She is also the host of The Love of Yoga podcast, where she shares thought-provoking conversations with yoga scholars and activists on the frontlines of liberatory movements. Anjali's brand new book, Yoga as Embodied Resistance is now available to buy here. About Alba Yoga Academy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Hannah on Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Celest on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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