Welcome to the Punx Unite Podcast. Where we discuss alternative health + wellness practices for those of you who are looking to find balance in both body and mind, but don’t feel you fit into the socially constructed definition of what it means to be fit + healthy.

Hosted by Jo, a Punk Rock Yoga Teacher and Breathwork Coach, the Punx Unite Podcast aims to give you the information you need so that you feel uplifted and supported in your adventure to find physical and mental balance.

So, if you want to learn the ins and outs of what causes physical and mental tension, anxiety, and stress and ways to overcome them. Then this is the podcast for you. Each episode covers one of these topics and how Yoga + Movement-based practices and the science behind them can help. 

Music by Jake from Sunliner https://instagram.com/sunlinerband

Being fit and healthy goes much deeper than surface level. Yet, we’re told by society that the epitome of “fit and healthy” is about how you look and the lifestyle that you lead.

Take the Yoga industry, for example. 

This boomed in western society in the late 90s and 00s.

An ancient practice of southern India that overtime was commercialised and a lifestyle created promoting elitism, the Yoga body, a range of athleisure, and labels and ideals that excluded anyone who didn’t fit.

I don’t believe that when it reached the west in the late 19th century, it was ever intended to evolve in this way. Still, I’m afraid this is just another example of bullshit ideals being forced upon us by the Patriarchy.

The Patriarchy seeps into every aspect of our life. I mean, it’s just so deep-seated in our culture that I’m not sure I’ll be able to unlearn everything before I die (hopefully of old age).

“So what about Punk Rock Yoga then?”

Over the years, I’ve been asked many things about Punk Rock Yoga:

• What makes Punk Rock Yoga different?
• How is it even still Yoga?
• Isn’t it just another gimmick like goat or puppy yoga?

And while I do teach it to punk music at festivals and special events, which is considered by some to be un-Yogic, it is so much more than that.

It’s taken me years to feel comfortable speaking about my true meaning of Punk Rock Yoga, and this is what this episode is all about.

Resources:

Order your copy of the Punk Rock Yoga Manifesto here: https://jodelacourt.heymarvelous.com/product/53385/about

Subscribe to the Timely Thought Newsletter: https://timelythought.jodelacourt.com

Music by Jake from Sunliner https://instagram.com/sunlinerband

Disclaimer: The host of this podcast is not a medical physician or doctor, nor do they claim to be. The information, knowledge, and content shared in this podcast are not a substitute for medical attention, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise you to consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider if you have any health concerns.

Ah, so you experience mental and physical tension, huh? Well, you're in luck because, in this episode of the Punx Unite Podcast, I'm sharing the ins and outs of physical and/or muscle tension, its relationship to mental processes, how to take a holistic approach to releasing physical tension, and a list of techniques to try so that you can improve your mental wellness. 

In this episode, you will learn: 

1. How muscle tension is caused by psychological experiences such as emotions.

2. The relationship between performing a mental task and tension in the body.

3. How to release physical or muscle tension.

Here's a breakdown of what is covered:

• What is physical tension
• How does tension effect the body
• The relationship between physical and mental tension, answering the question "can physical tension cause anxiety?"
• Is tension physical or psychological
• How to release physical tension

Resources:

• Conrad, Ansgar, and Walton T. Roth. “Muscle relaxation therapy for anxiety disorders: It works but how?” Journal of Anxiety Disorders, vol. 21, no. 3, 2007, pp. 243-264. Science Direct, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0887618506001174.
• “Progressive muscle relaxation.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_muscle_relaxation. Accessed 6 October 2022.
• Roman-Liu, D., et al. “The influence of mental load on muscle tension.” PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23713612/. Accessed 6 October 2022.
• “Stress effects on the body.” American Psychological Association, 1 November 2018, https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body. Accessed 6 October 2022.
• Wegner, Daniel M., et al. “Ironic effects of trying to relax under stress.” Behaviour Research and Therapy, vol. 35, no. 1, 1997, pp. 11-21. Science Direct, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005796796000782?via%3Dihub.

Subscribe to the Timely Thought Newsletter: https://timelythought.jodelacourt.com

Music by Jake from Sunliner https://instagram.com/sunlinerband

Disclaimer: The host of this podcast is not a medical physician or doctor, nor do they claim to be. The information, knowledge, and content shared in this podcast are not a substitute for medical attention, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise you to consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider if you have any health concerns.

Meet Marisa Iglesias. 

Marisa is a Yoga, Mediation and Health Coach based in Brooklyn. Not only does she teach in person and online independently, she also teaches at The Phoenix, a free sober active community.

This episode was recorded live via Instagram and Marisa shares a technique to use to overcome performance anxiety. Whether you’re a musician going on stage, or preparing for a presentation to your office colleagues—this technique will help you to feel more confident.

Find a comfortable seat as Marisa explains the technique and then takes me through it. So feel free to join in.

Find Marisa at:

https://instagram.com/marisaiglesiasyoga

https://www.instagram.com/riserecoverlive/

Improving flexibility is the main goal of any stretching. However, knowing what stretches to do and when to do them to achieve the most optimal results is not always easy.

In this episode of Punx Unite Podcast I take a look at how to improve flexibility of the body. It’s important to note that to improve your flexibility and motion you need to do a range of types of stretching. However, today while I will mention other types of stretching, my main focus is dynamic stretching.

We’re going to look at what is dynamic stretching including types of dynamic stretches, when you should do dynamic stretching, how it improves flexibility, and the difference between dynamic stretching and static stretching, and how to incorporate it into your workout, yoga practice or if you’re in a band, when and why you should do it before going onto stage.

Resources

• STRETCHING AND FLEXIBILITY - Physiology of Stretching, http://www.mit.edu/activities/tkd/stretch/stretching_2.html#SEC10. Accessed 8 November 2022.
• “Dynamic vs. Static Stretching – Cleveland Clinic.” Cleveland Clinic, 29 May 2020, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/understanding-the-difference-between-dynamic-and-static-stretching/. Accessed 8 November 2022.
• Kibele, Armin. “Effects of differing intensities of static stretching on jump performance.” PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17674024/. Accessed 8 November 2022.
• Minnis, Gregory. “Limited Range of Motion: Causes, Diagnosis and Prevention.” Healthline, 28 June 2019, https://www.healthline.com/health/limited-range-of-motion#when-to-seek-help. Accessed 8 November 2022.
• Page, Phil. “CURRENT CONCEPTS IN MUSCLE STRETCHING FOR EXERCISE AND REHABILITATION.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3273886/. Accessed 8 November 2022.
• “016: Active vs Passive Tension.” Flexibility Research, 24 August 2021, https://www.flexibilityresearch.com/blog/016-active-vs-passive-tension. Accessed 8 November 2022.
• “Top 6 Benefits of Active Stretching.” Stretch 22, https://stretch22.com/6-benefits-of-active-stretching/. Accessed 8 November 2022.
• Walker, Brad. “What is Dynamic Stretching? The Pro's, Con's & Definitions.” StretchCoach.com, https://stretchcoach.com/articles/dynamic-stretching/. Accessed 8 November 2022.

Subscribe to the Timely Thought Newsletter: https://timelythought.jodelacourt.com

Music by Jake from Sunliner https://instagram.com/sunlinerband

Disclaimer: The host of this podcast is not a medical physician or doctor, nor do they claim to be. The information, knowledge, and content shared in this podcast are not a substitute for medical attention, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise you to consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider if you have any health concerns.

In this episode of Yoga Punx Unite I'm joined by Yoga for Punks co-founder and bassist of Teenage Bottlerocket, Miguel Chen.

Here's a peak at what we discuss:

• We talk about how he came to yoga and what got him on that path.
• How Yoga and Punk rock influenced his life.
• The similarity of his connection with Yoga and Punk.
• Similarities and differences between Yoga and Buddhist meditations and practices.
• The idea behind his YouTube video, 'Is Yoga Punk?'

Resources:

• Find out more about their courses here.
• Blossom Yoga
• Teenage Bottlerocket
• I wanna be well by Miguel Chen
• The Death of You: A Book for Anyone Who Might Not Live Forever
• 🤘 Is Yoga Punk? A Dharma project for Blossom Yoga Teacher Training

Peace+Punk ✌️❤️🤘 Please don’t forget to subscribe! 

Note: I say 'the Underground Camden' and I mean, 'Underworld'.

Punks Unite Podcast used to be Yoga Punx Unite Podcast

Do you feel like the winter blues have got you down? You're not alone! In this episode, I talk about why so many people feel low in the winter months and share some tips on how to get your Vitamin D levels up and beat the blues.

This is the first episode of a 5-part series focusing on how to lift a low mood over winter, so be sure to subscribe and turn notification on so that you don't miss out on any future episodes.

Resources:

• Vitimin D Spray that I use: https://amzn.to/3ifMz1h
• Subscribe to the Timely Thought Newsletter: https://timelythought.jodelacourt.com
• Sign up to the PNKRCKRs Podcast Membership: https://membership.jodelacourt.com

Music by Jake from Sunliner https://instagram.com/sunlinerband

Disclaimer: The host of this podcast is not a medical physician or doctor, nor do they claim to be. The information, knowledge, and content shared in this podcast are not a substitute for medical attention, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise you to consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider if you have any health concerns. Some links in these show notes may be affiliate links where the host will earn a commission for every purchase made.

Wintertime can be tough for those struggling with anxiety or depression. The days are shorter, the weather is colder, and it feels like everyone is happily celebrating while you're stuck feeling down. But don't worry, there are things you can do to lift your mood this winter! In this episode I share one of my favourite tips: dancing. Dancing is a great way to boost your mood and get moving, plus it's a lot of fun. So give it a try and see how you feel (moshing in a pit is included in my definition of dancing).

Timestamps:

01:50 Benefits of dance

02:15 Scientific evidence on how dance relieves anxiety and depression

03:30 Why dance is accessible - no matter your limitations

05:05 Heavier styles of music help to regulate sadness and enhance positive emotions

06:20 Why dance isn’t right for everyone

05:58 You don’t need to look good when you dance

06:36 How society influences our opinion of what "good" and "bad" dancing is
07:31 Why Jenna Ortega's dance in the Netflix series Wednesday is important

10:20 4 tips for including dance in your routine

Resources:

• Brain.fm 
• The effect of dancing interventions on depression symptoms, anxiety, and stress in adults without musculoskeletal disorders: An integrative review and meta-analysis
• Physical Tension: What it is an how to release it (Punks Unite Podcast episode) 
• Head-banging tunes can have the same effect as a warm hug

Subscribe to the Timely Thought Newsletter: https://timelythought.jodelacourt.com

Sign up to the PNKRCKRs Podcast Membership: https://membership.jodelacourt.com

Music by Jake from Sunliner https://instagram.com/sunlinerband

Disclaimer: The host of this podcast is not a medical physician or doctor, nor do they claim to be. The information, knowledge, and content shared in this podcast are not a substitute for medical attention, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise you to consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider if you have any health concerns. Some links in these show notes may be affiliate links where the host will earn a commission for every purchase made.