Maggie Gardener | Inclusivity, Brain Health & Putting a Tutu on the Badger

This interview podcast features Julie Smerdon speaking with Maggie Gardener, owner of Blissful Canary yoga studio. The conversation begins with a discussion of Maggie's journey into yoga, highlighting negative experiences with body-shaming instructors and the subsequent development of her inclusive teaching style focused on body positivity and self-acceptance. Maggie emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for students, using modifications and props to enhance the practice rather than as indicators of inadequacy. The discussion then shifts to the concept of "brain health" over "mental health," illustrated by Maggie's personal experiences and her husband's recent diagnosis of ADHD, ASD, and RSD, showcasing how understanding brain function can improve daily life. Finally, the conversation touches upon the "curvy yoga" movement, its potential for both inclusion and alienation, and the significance of authentic teaching.