Erin interviews Ann Swanson
Ann Swanson teaches yoga and meditation to busy people with busy minds. She is the author of the books SCIENCE OF YOGA and Meditation for the Real World.

Ann wasn’t a naturally “chill person,” and these practices didn’t come easy to her. Overcoming chronic pain and anxiety led her to India to study yoga, to China to explore tai chi, and to earn a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy.

Now, Ann teaches accessible yoga and meditations that you’ll actually do. Get Ann’s books and free bonuses at: 
www.scienceof.yoga
www.MeditationForTheRealWorld.com  

Ann’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnnSwansonWellness
Ann’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scienceof.yoga/

Would you like to hear a story that truly inspires? ✨

For all the yogis who feel like they don’t quite fit in or think they have to shed their past to embrace spirituality—this one’s for you.

🌀 Erin interviews Raghunath Ray Cappo for the first time, and what an inspiration he is!

From New York’s hardcore punk scene to the heart of Vedic teachings, Raghunath shares why you don’t have to change your essence—just refine it. Spirituality isn’t about swapping identities but using who you already are to elevate your consciousness.

From leading hardcore punk bands like Youth of Today to guiding global retreats and hosting the Wisdom of the Sages podcast, Raghunath shares how contrasting worlds collide and enrich his life.

In this Part 2 episode of the 2 part series, 

Some stories are so powerful, they change the way we see the world. This is one of them.

In this episode of Thrive Yoga Fit Transformational Coaching, I have the absolute honor of sitting down with Raghunath Ray Cappo—a man who has lived at the edges of intensity, from the raw energy of punk rock to the deep devotion of Bhakti Yoga.

Once the frontman of Youth of Today and Shelter, Raghunath lived and breathed the chaos of the punk scene before walking away from it all to immerse himself in a world of devotion, discipline, and spiritual awakening. He spent six and a half years as a monk in an ashram, and now, years later, he teaches others how to integrate ancient wisdom into everyday life.

✨ In this conversation, we dive into:

💥 How punk rock and Bhakti Yoga are more connected than you’d think
🎶 The electrifying energy of Kirtan—like a mosh pit, but infused with love
🌍 His sacred journey through India—Rishikesh, Mayapur, Jaipur—where devotion pulses through the streets
🥋 The surprising connection between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and spirituality
💡 The magic of living with both structure and spontaneity

Hearing Raghunath speak is like sitting around a fire, listening to a traveler who has walked the long road and returned with wisdom. His story is living proof that transformation is not just possible—it’s inevitable when we surrender to something greater.

This is just Part 1 of our conversation, and trust me, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.

🌿 Dive deeper:
📖 Read Raghunath’s memoir: From Punk to Monk
🎙️ Listen to his daily podcast: Wisdom of the Sages
🕉️ Explore his life-changing yoga trainings & retreats in India: https://www.raghunath.yoga/

So, are you ready to break free from what holds you back and step into something bigger?

Hit play and let’s go. 💜

In this episode, Erin shares her latest adventures, reflections, and personal growth from her recent travels to India and Thailand. Fresh off a transformative experience at the Govardhan Eco Village, she opens up about the intense emotions, powerful lessons, and deep healing she experienced while immersing herself in yoga, Kirtan, and self-study.

Erin also discusses her continued journey into music as she embraces her “Year of Saraswati,” diving into harmonium, merdanga, and new languages. Plus, she teases some exciting upcoming guests, including renowned yoga educators and thought leaders.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Erin’s reflections on jet lag, resilience, and returning to teaching after travel

• A raw and honest look at heartbreak, healing, and moving forward after major life changes

• Insights from two weeks at the Govardhan Eco Village in India

• Deepening her practice through Kirtan, harmonium, and the teachings of Raghunath Kapo

• The importance of finding the right teacher and mentor on your yoga journey

• Exciting announcements about upcoming yoga teacher training and special guests on the podcast

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Erin’s Yoga Teacher Training starting in February—Limited spots available!

• Connect with Erin on Thrivewitherin on ThriveYogafit on Instagram and Facebook

• Subscribe to the Thrive Yoga Fit Transformational Coaching podcast on iTunes and InsightTimer

• Check out the books by Ann Swanson, featured in Erin’s upcoming training

• Email us at [email protected] for details.

Join the Conversation: Have you ever experienced a major life transition that transformed your perspective? Share your thoughts and experiences with Erin on social media!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. See you next time on Thrive Yoga Fit Transformational Coaching! ✨

Welcome back to Thrive Yoga Fit Transformational Coaching! In this episode, Erin dives into Step 3 of her adapted 12-step program for grief: surrendering to a higher power. This step, guided by the quote, “I surrendered my life and my will over to this higher power,” has been a challenging yet humbling process for Erin. She candidly shares her struggles with ego, resistance, and the realization that true surrender requires continuous effort and self-awareness.

Drawing from her experiences in yoga, coaching, and life, Erin explains how we often think we’ve “dealt with” something, only to discover deeper layers that need healing. She introduces a powerful mental exercise—plucking the weeds—to help clear negative thoughts and make space for growth. This practice, rooted in yogic philosophy and mindfulness, demonstrates how surrendering mentally and emotionally can also create physical shifts in the body.

Tune in to explore:

• The illusion of surrender and the role of ego in resistance

• How blind spots and unconscious patterns shape our struggles

• The connection between mental detox and physical healing

• A practical exercise to release limiting beliefs and surrender with intention

• Insights from the Yoga Sutras and the power of Ishwara Pranidhana (devotion to a higher power)

Surrender is not about giving up—it’s about letting go. It takes diligence, patience, and self-compassion. Join Erin in this vulnerable and inspiring discussion that will leave you with actionable tools for your healing journey

Resources & Mentions:

• Erin’s previous episodes on this 12-step journey

• The Yoga Sutras: Vritti Sarupyam Itaratra (on the nature of thoughts)

• The practice of Ishwara Pranidhana (devotion and surrender)

• Greg Nardi’s yoga teachings

Connect with Erin:

• Website: www.erincoach.com

• Instagram/Facebook: Thrivewitherin for Coaching and Podcast & ThriveYogaFit for Yoga and Thrive Studio updates.

• Youtube: @thrivewitherin4085 

• InsightTimer & iTunes: Thrive Yoga Fit Transformational Coaching

• Join the Community: Thrive Yoga Fit Community on Facebook

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need to hear it. 🌟

Welcome back to Thrive Yoga Fit Transformational Coaching! In this episode, Erin dives into Part 2 of her three-part series on an adapted 12-step program for grief. She shares the powerful realizations and personal transformations that have emerged as she works through the steps.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The impact of recognizing a power greater than yourself in the healing journey.

• How faith and surrender help in navigating grief and emotional pain.

• The importance of having spiritual touchpoints—whether scripture, friends, or therapy—to keep you grounded.

• The role of yoga and mindfulness in finding trust and stability in difficult times.

• The transformative power of asking the right questions to shift your mindset from self-criticism to self-compassion.

• Why balancing spiritual seriousness with playfulness is essential for personal growth.

• Insights into attachment styles and how understanding them can aid in healing from relationship challenges.

Resources Mentioned:

• Erin’s previous podcast on The God of Spinoza

• 14 Days India Immersion- 3rd-16th June

• 12 Days Japan Retreat- 5th-16th November

Connect with Erin:

• Website: www.erincoach.com

• Instagram/Facebook: Thrivewitherin

• Youtube: @thrivewitherin4085 

• InsightTimer & iTunes: Thrive Yoga Fit Transformational Coaching

If you’re going through grief, a major transition, or relationship challenges, this episode is for you. Listen in as Erin shares her personal experiences and the tools that have helped her move from deep pain to healing and hope.

Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might benefit from it. Stay tuned for Part 3 of this series, where Erin will discuss the next step in the journey of transformation!