Prison Yoga Project Podcast

Don't want to meditate with us today? After the introduction, fast forward to 10:10!Join us for an illuminating conversation with Hari-kirtana das, a seasoned yoga teacher, philosopher, and advocate for non-sectarian spirituality. Together, we’ll explore how ancient yoga philosophy provides a framework for addressing modern social and political challenges, including the separation of church and state, systemic injustice, and the role of discernment in creating equitable policies and communities.This webinar will weave together a guided meditation, deep insights into the Bhagavad Gita, and understanding the causes and conditions we are experiencing as individuals and the collective. Key topics include:How yoga supports the cultivation of discernment and self-awareness.The intersection of spirituality and social justice A non-sectarian approach to divinity and its relevance in secular societies.Practical applications of yogic philosophy in addressing systemic harm.Bio: Hari-kirtana das is the author of two books on yoga philosophy and a frequent speaker on the relevance of yoga’s ancient wisdom to life in the modern world. He’s been practicing devotional and other yogic disciplines for over 40 years, lived in yoga ashrams and spiritual communities, and has an 800-hour yoga teacher certification from the Jivamukti Yoga School.You can learn more about Hari-kirtana at: hari-kirtana.com/You can download a free chapter from his book Journey Into the Bhagavad Gita here: hari-kirtana.com/free-gita-chapter/

Join us for Prison Yoga Project’s End-of-Year Webinar, a powerful hour of reflection, connection, and celebration! Dive into the impact we've made across 11 countries with over 200 programs serving individuals impacted by incarceration. From expanding trauma-informed yoga programs, to launching innovative partnerships with Edovo, this event showcases the transformative power of our mission! This absolutely not to miss. Hear inspiring updates from many of our team members and Founding Director explore future initiatives, and celebrate milestones like our new website and Yoga Teacher Training. This is your invitation to witness the legacy of social justice in action. Press play and be inspired!Donate to our Mission: https://prisonyoga.kindful.com/Facilitator Application: https://www.prisonyoga.org/becoming-a-facilitator/PYP Merch! Facilitator Discount Code: PYPFACAPPRECIATION10https://shop.prisonyoga.org/collections/clothingPrison Yoga Project- Yoga Teacher Training: https://community.prisonyoga.org/courses/yoga-social-justice-and-leadership-a-200-hour-yoga-teacher-training/All Countries Here! https://www.prisonyoga.org/locations/

“ Transformational and inspirational.” “ Wow, that was absolutely amazing and inspiring” are a few things we have heard about this week's episode so far! If you’re feeling defeated this week, this podcast might just be the healing salve you’re looking for.During our time together, we explored the possibilities within the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) to create a justice system that centers healing and community. We had the privilege of hearing Honorable Judge Dan Healy's story of how he began and was led to study and practice law. We heard how justice can shift from a punitive approach to one focused on human connection and dignity and by rethinking decision points in the system—whether at initial hearings or through community partnerships—we uncovered ways to address the root causes of behavior, offering paths toward rehabilitation and accountability rather than punishment.We discussed partnerships in supporting whole-person care, from mental health to housing services, and why trauma-informed practices are essential for building trust and community resilience. Judge Healy’s insights reveal how collaboration between courts, community services, and the individuals involved can lead to meaningful, long-term change.Join us in our healing-centered movement!Honorable Judge Dan HealyJudge Dan Healy has served on the Solano County Superior Court bench since 2010, presiding over felony, Mental Health, and Veterans’ court calendars. His career is distinguished by his commitment to expanding treatment-based responses within the criminal justice system, including serving on several judicial education committees. Judge Healy is a board member of the California Association of Collaborative Courts and has organized presentations on integrating wellness practices like yoga and breathwork into court settings. He is currently completing a 200-hour trauma-informed yoga certification with the Prison Yoga Project. Prior to his judicial career, Judge Healy was a criminal law specialist and prominent attorney in the Bay Area for 24 years.Links:Prison Yoga Project Yoga Teacher Training:https://community.prisonyoga.org/courses/yoga-social-justice-and-leadership-a-200-hour-yoga-teacher-training/Whole Health, VA Website:https://www.va.gov/wholehealth/Rat Park:https://www.ukat.co.uk/blog/medicine/what-can-the-rat-park-experiment-teach-us-about-addiction/Intercept Model:https://www.samhsa.gov/criminal-juvenile-justice/sim-overviewNikki Myers- Yoga 12 step:https://www.y12sr.comHumane Prison Hospice Project:https://humaneprisonhospiceproject.org/

Aging and dying in prison is a deeply underexplored issue, yet it's one that affects a growing number of incarcerated individuals. With over 186,000 people aged 55 or older currently behind bars, the U.S. prison system is struggling to meet the complex health needs of this population. By 2030, one-third of incarcerated people will be considered geriatric. In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into this important topic with two pioneers in the field, Lisa Deal and Laura Musselman of the Humane Prison Hospice Project.Lisa and Laura share their groundbreaking work in California prisons, where they lead innovative peer caregiving programs that train incarcerated individuals to provide compassionate end-of-life care to their peers. With four thriving programs and a fifth launching soon, their work is transforming the prison environment, fostering healing and human connection in places too often defined by isolation.Listeners will hear about:The accelerated aging and chronic health challenges faced by incarcerated individuals.A unique 80-hour peer caregiving training that addresses trauma, cultural competency, and nursing skills.The pressing need for compassionate release and elder parole, and efforts to create transitional housing for reentry.Tune in to learn how Lisa and Laura are bringing dignity and humanity to some of the most vulnerable people in our prison system, and how their work is changing public perceptions of aging, dying, and caregiving in prisons.About Our Guests:Lisa Deal is a dedicated healthcare professional with over 30 years of experience in nursing, public health, and end-of-life care. After starting her career as a community health nurse for AIDS patients, she went on to earn master’s degrees in public health and nursing and a doctorate in public health from Harvard University. Lisa has served in leadership roles at Mission Hospice & Home Care and is now the Executive Director of the Humane Prison Hospice Project, where she combines her expertise and compassion to provide dignified end-of-life care for incarcerated individuals.Laura Musselman transitioned from her role as a college philosophy instructor to pursue end-of-life care after losing both of her parents. She trained as an end-of-life doula with the International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA) and began volunteering at Hinds Hospice in Fresno, California. Laura now serves with the Humane Prison Hospice Project, where she combines her background in ethics and her passion for accessible, compassionate end-of-life care to support incarcerated individuals. She also trains other volunteers, ensuring that those dying in prison receive the dignity and support they deserve.Links: https://humaneprisonhospiceproject.org/https://humaneprisonhospiceproject.org/donate/www.prisonyoga.org

Don't want to meditate with us today? Listen to the intro + join us at 7:02Join us for an insightful conversation with Shawandra Ford, a seasoned yoga instructor whose journey has been shaped by personal healing, community engagement, and a deep desire to make yoga accessible to all who need it. Shawandra will share her inspiring story of discovering yoga after grief and loss and how this practice transformed her life. From schools to juvenile detention centers, she has worked to bring the healing power of yoga to historically marginalized communities, demonstrating the profound impact it can have on both youth and adults alike.Through her unique teaching style that embraces her authenticity, Shawandra is breaking down barriers, creating spaces for intergenerational healing, and showing that yoga is for everyone. Whether you're curious about how to get involved or simply want to hear about the impact yoga can have on communities, this conversation will leave you inspired and empowered to look at yoga as a tool for personal and collective transformation.Themes:Personal Healing Through Yoga: How yoga has been a transformative tool for navigating grief, stress, and personal challenges.Community Engagement and Social Impact: The role of yoga in historically marginalized communities, schools, and correctional facilities, and the importance of creating buy-in.Intergenerational Wellness: How yoga can bridge gaps in health and emotional well-being across generations.Please connect with Shawandra Ford:https://brwnsknyoga.com/