Episode Details

On this Mind Over Masculinity episode, host Yusuf sits down with Rachel Lundberg—former classical ballet dancer, chronic-illness survivor, and founder of YogaOAK University—to reframe yoga for men. We dig into alignment-based, InBodyWise practices that connect brain, body, and heart; a simple ABC method to move from reactivity to choice; and how community, vulnerability, and micro-transitions build long-term resilience. If you’ve written yoga off as “just stretching,” this direct conversation shows how breath, awareness, and alignment can become practical tools for stress, relationships, and leadership.

About the guest  :

Rachel Lundberg is the creator of InBodyWise Yoga and runs YogaOAK University. A former ballet dancer and studio owner, she guides students to integrate brain, body, and heart through alignment-based practices that support emotional regulation and authentic living.

Key takeaways:

• Yoga is more than poses: it’s a framework for living in alignment—useful for stress, relationships, and leadership.

• Men benefit from the physicality and community of yoga classes; start with a friend and drop the need to “do it perfectly.”

• InBodyWise approach: understand how the brain patterns the nervous system, then use movement and heart-based awareness to rewire responses.

• The ABC tool: Awareness of what you feel; Breathe (slow, steady breaths, hand to heart helps); then Choose a response.

• Honor daily transitions (doorway, car, end of work) to shift state—arrive calm, present, and less reactive.

• Courage ≠ force. Often it’s simply pausing, breathing, and showing up.

• Community + truth: find safe spaces to speak honestly, stay in integrity, and practice vulnerability without shame.

• Consistency beats intensity: small, repeatable practices grow capacity and resilience over time.

• For beginners: expect female-majority classes in the West; that’s changing—your presence helps normalize men in the room.

• Not just asana: explore breathwork, meditation, and philosophy if classes feel intimidating at first.

Connect with the guest  

• Classes (first class free; livestream or recording available): Thrive Yoga OC

• Programs & teacher trainings: YogaOAK University

• Work with Rachel 1:1 or in groups via YogaOAK University

• Find details on the Alignment-Based Yoga Teacher Training and the Alignment-Based Yoga Specialist program, current small-group cohorts, and the upcoming year-long intensive.

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch

• DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik

Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the g