

Love At First Science
Alba Yoga Academy
Hey there! Welcome to the newly revamped Love at First Science Podcast!
As you may know already I'm Celest, and I'm thrilled to introduce you to my amazing friend, Hannah Barrett. Together, we're on a mission to dig deep into people's passion, whether that's through the human body, science, business, art of spirituality.
As you may know already I'm Celest, and I'm thrilled to introduce you to my amazing friend, Hannah Barrett. Together, we're on a mission to dig deep into people's passion, whether that's through the human body, science, business, art of spirituality.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 24, 2025 • 27min
Episode 86 - Part 1, Yoga as Embodied Resistance with Anjali Rao
What if everything you thought you knew about yoga’s history was only part of the story?In this powerful conversation, yoga educator and researcher Anjali Rao joins Hannah to explore the roots of yoga that are often left out of modern narratives. From her personal journey as a cancer survivor to her deep dive into philosophy, caste, and patriarchy, Anjali invites us to see yoga not as a single tradition, but as a tapestry shaped by countless voices, movements, and histories.Together, they unpack common myths about yoga’s origins and discuss what it really means to practise with awareness of culture, context, and power.In this episode:Anjali’s story of rediscovering yoga after surviving breast cancerWhy yoga has never been a monolithThe myth of “yoga as union” and what the teachings really point toHow caste, gender, and power dynamics shape modern yoga spacesWhy it’s time to question what we’ve been taught about yoga’s originsThis episode will challenge what you think you know and open new ways of seeing yoga’s depth and diversity.About AnjaliAnjali Rao is a yoga educator-practitioner whose work deconstructs the dynamics of power in yoga with a multidisciplinary approach integrating philosophy, art and history. She offers insight into the stories that have been obscured by heteropatriarchy, orthodoxy, and colonization. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Philosophy and Religion at the California Institute of Integral Studies, exploring the formulation of movements of dissent and resistance in the religio-spiritual context. She is on the faculty of many yoga teacher training and continuing education programs. She is also the host of The Love of Yoga podcast, where she shares thought-provoking conversations with yoga scholars and activists on the frontlines of liberatory movements.Anjali's brand new book, Yoga as Embodied Resistance is now available to buy here. About Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more with Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.Follow Hannah on Instagram.Follow Celest on Instagram

Oct 17, 2025 • 32min
Episode 85, Part 2 The Invisible Breath - What Every Yoga Teacher Needs to Know About Breathwork with Anastasis Tzanis
In Part 2, Anastasis Tzanis dives deeper into the nuances of breath in yoga, unpicking common myths and sharing evidence-based insights that will reshape how you guide your students. From Ujjayi breathing to carbon-dioxide training, this episode challenges the “take a deep breath” cue and invites a more intelligent, individualised approach.Anastasis discusses why breathwork must be treated as work ; consistent, measured, and practical; rather than a quick-fix relaxation tool. You’ll hear his thoughts on how modern yoga can reclaim the wisdom of pranayama through the lens of science, and how understanding breath chemistry can transform teaching and practice alike.In this episode:The truth about Ujjayi breath (and why quiet breathing is often more advanced)How pranayama aligns with the principles of Buteyko and carbon-dioxide toleranceWhy breath should be used as a tool, not a ruleThe story of a student who overcame a panic attack mid-flight using breathworkHow teachers can create more profound learning through experience, not theoryThis episode will leave you re-thinking the cues you give, the way you breathe, and the science behind every inhale and exhale.About AnastasisAnastasis is a nutritional therapist and breath-work instructor known for his results with patients having autoimmune, cardiovascular and hormonal challenges. He has helped countless individuals improve their health through private consultations, over 150 workshops, and lectures across 8 countries. Maxing-out life out as a Greek Special Forces paratrooper, earning a Master’s degree at the rigorous Brandeis University, and trading derivatives in New York and London for 7 years, Anastasis experienced first hand how detrimental stress can be on one’s health. All this led to a health crisis that stopped him in his tracks and prompted a deep study of naturopathic medicine to heal himself.Learn more about Anastasis hereAbout Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more with Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.Follow Hannah on Instagram.Follow Celest on Instagram

Oct 10, 2025 • 37min
Episode 85 Part 1 -From Special Forces to Breathwork – The Science and Soul of Breathing with Anastasis Tzanis
What if the way you breathe could transform your health, your mindset, and even your teaching?In this fascinating first half of our conversation with Anastasis Tzanis, former Special Forces officer turned functional medicine practitioner and author of Breathing for Yoga (co-written with Patrick McKeown) , we explore how a life of extremes led him to uncover the quiet power of breath.Anastasis shares his journey from the physical discipline of the military to the mental intensity of finance, and how both left him searching for balance. His story is a reminder that the breath bridges every system of the body and mind, and that true transformation begins with awareness.In this episode:How stress, sleep, and allergies can all point to dysfunctional breathingThe difference between biomechanical and biochemical breathworkWhy every student’s breathing pattern is unique (and why one cue never fits all)The science behind hypercapnia and carbon dioxide toleranceHow yoga and breath together reveal the mind–body connectionWhether you’re a teacher wanting to integrate more science into your classes or a curious practitioner looking to breathe better, this conversation offers both insight and inspiration.About AnastasisAnastasis is a nutritional therapist and breath-work instructor known for his results with patients having autoimmune, cardiovascular and hormonal challenges. He has helped countless individuals improve their health through private consultations, over 150 workshops, and lectures across 8 countries. Maxing-out life out as a Greek Special Forces paratrooper, earning a Master’s degree at the rigorous Brandeis University, and trading derivatives in New York and London for 7 years, Anastasis experienced first hand how detrimental stress can be on one’s health. All this led to a health crisis that stopped him in his tracks and prompted a deep study of naturopathic medicine to heal himself.Learn more about Anastasis hereAbout Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more with Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.Follow Hannah on Instagram.Follow Celest on Instagram

Oct 3, 2025 • 30min
Episode 84 Part 2 - Practical tools, self-care, and lymphatic wisdom with Leah Levitan
Can rubbing your jawline, wiggling your ears, or laughing out loud really change your health? According to lymphatic specialist Leah Levitan; yes. And she’s here to show you how simple, playful practices can transform how your body feels and heals.In part two, Leah gets practical. She walks Celest through her Five Face Framework; a simple daily routine that boosts lymph drainage and supports the brain’s “glymphatic” system.You’ll learn how to combine it with the popular Dr Perry Nickelston Big Six sequence, why dry brushing and tapping are more than just wellness trends, and how to spot the difference between helpful detox and hype.The conversation also tackles the psychology of swelling, myths around detoxification, and why tools aren’t always necessary when your hands are your most powerful instrument. Leah explains how to listen when your body “talks back,” why laughter is lymph medicine, and how redefining self-care as weird but powerful body-based rituals can change everything.In this episode:The Five Face Framework for clearing brain fog and supporting glymphaticsWhy hydration and minerals are essential for fluid balanceThe truth about detox: what the lymph can do, and what it can’tThe role of Qigong, yoga, and gentle movement in cultivating flowHow to reframe swelling, symptoms, and body image with compassionWhether you’re a yoga teacher, a curious mover, or someone looking to feel lighter and more energised, this episode offers tangible practices and a refreshing perspective on self-care and healing.About LeahWith her extensive training in Myofascial Release Techniques, scar tissue work, trauma informed somatic therapy, organ manipulation, and The Vodder Method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Leah has woven together a unique body of work that's designed to support individuals with chronic illnesses. Our body is an ecosystem, and she uses a global approach.Leah created Lymph Love Club as a way to walk people home to their lymphatic systems world wide, and she is s certified lymphedema therapist, Lymph Literacy Advocate, and expert guide into the depths of the lymphatic system's terrain.Follow Leah on Instagram here.About Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more with Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.Follow Hannah on Instagram.Follow Celest on Instagram

Sep 26, 2025 • 23min
Episode 84 Part 1 - The hidden power of your lymphatic system with Leah Levitan
What if the secret to healing, energy, and resilience has been sitting quietly beneath the surface of your skin all along? Most of us have barely heard about the lymphatic system yet it could hold the key to everything from chronic swelling to brain fog to emotional wellbeing.In this powerful conversation, Celest sits down with Leah Levitan, licensed massage therapist, lymphatic drainage specialist, and founder of the global community The Lymph Love Club. Together they explore why the lymphatic system is so often ignored in medical training and why it deserves centre stage in how we think about health.Leah shares her journey from traditional massage into the world of fascia, fluid, and flow, and why treating the body as an interconnected ecosystem brings more ease and results than chasing symptoms. You’ll hear about emerging research on fascia and lipedema, how swelling shows up in the body (from post-surgical lymphoedema to everyday puffiness), and why yoga teachers might be supporting lymph far more than they realise.In this episode:We learn:Why the lymphatic system is overlooked yet essential for healingThe difference between oedema, lymphoedema, and “invisible swelling”How fascia, nervous system, and lymph work together as the body’s three amigosSimple ways yoga, breath, and movement stimulate lymph flowDebunking the myth that twists don’t “detox”and why movement mattersIf you’ve ever felt heavy, swollen, or stuck in your body, or if you teach students who do this episode will completely shift how you see fluid, fascia, and flow.About LeahWith her extensive training in Myofascial Release Techniques, scar tissue work, trauma informed somatic therapy, organ manipulation, and The Vodder Method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Leah has woven together a unique body of work that's designed to support individuals with chronic illnesses. Our body is an ecosystem, and she uses a global approach.Leah created Lymph Love Club as a way to walk people home to their lymphatic systems world wide, and she is s certified lymphedema therapist, Lymph Literacy Advocate, and expert guide into the depths of the lymphatic system's terrain.Follow Leah on Instagram here.About Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more with Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.Follow Hannah on Instagram.Follow Celest on Instagram

Sep 19, 2025 • 40min
Episode 83 Part 2 - From Hype to Healing: What Breathwork Gets Wrong with Patrick McKeown
What happens when we get breathwork wrong — and how can we use it wisely for health and balance?In Part 2, Patrick and Hannah dig deeper into the nuances of breath practice, from hyperventilation methods to breath holds, and the role of carbon dioxide in nervous system regulation. Patrick explains where breathwork can heal, where it can harm, and how yoga teachers can cue breathing safely and effectively.This half of the conversation is packed with practical takeaways, cautions, and inspiration to bring into both your teaching and everyday life.We explore:Why some popular hyperventilation practices may carry real risksBreath holds: stress vs relaxation, and how to use them wiselyThe role of CO₂ in blood flow, oxygen delivery, and calmBreathing differences in women across the monthly cycleWhy breathing is the most powerful free tool for stress, sleep, and focusAbout PatrickTo date, Patrick has worked with some of the top athletes in the world across a variety of sports including tennis, cycling, weight lifting, American Football, MMA and track and field. Patrick’s professional memberships include Fellow of The Royal Society of Biology, and Chairman of Buteyko Professionals International (BPI).A TEDx speaker, Patrick’s work has touched the lives of thousands and more worldwide. His work has been published by leading publishing houses including Harper Collins (UK), William Morrow Press (USA), Red Wheel Weiser (USA), Sperling & Kupfer (Italy), Kanki Publishing Inc. (Japan). Journal publications include the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Journal of the American Orthodontic Society and Clinical Otolaryngology.Patrick’s book, The Oxygen Advantage is an extension of this work, combining simulation of high-altitude training and specifically-formulated exercises which empower athletes to improve their sports performance safely, legally and at no cost. For the first time, athletes are afforded a reliable and accurate means to measure their progress using the Body Oxygen Level Test, enabling them to address poor breathing habits; understand in simple terms how oxygen is released to working muscles; and to practice breath hold exercises that naturally increase aerobic and anaerobic capacity.The team at Oxygen Advantage have granted listeners to this podcast an incredible 20% off their Breathing For Yoga Instructor training Course - use code ALBA20 at checkout!About Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more with Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.Follow Hannah on Instagram.Follow Celest on Instagram

Sep 12, 2025 • 37min
Episode 83 Part 1 - Why Breathing Less Can Give You More with Patrick McKeown
In this engaging conversation with Patrick McKeown, a renowned breathing expert and educator, listeners discover the life-changing benefits of functional breathing. Patrick shares his personal triumph over asthma and sleeplessness through the Buteyko method. He reveals why the common advice of 'deep breathing' isn't always beneficial and emphasizes the crucial role of nasal breathing. The discussion also uncovers the historical context of yoga breathing and how small adjustments can significantly enhance mental clarity, physical performance, and overall well-being.

Aug 29, 2025 • 28min
Episode 82 - The Science of Touch with Celest
What really happens when we experience touch? How does your nervous system take something as simple as pressure on your skin and turn it into safety, movement, or even emotion?In this solo episode, Celest takes you on a fascinating journey through the science of touch. From the receptors in your skin to the speed of nerve fibres, the mapping of the spinal cord, and the emotional processing of the insula, she unpacks how your body translates sensation into meaning.You’ll discover:Why sensation is essential for safety and movementThe role of different receptors in the skin (pressure, vibration, stretch and more)How your peripheral nerves send signals at lightning or slower speeds, each with a unique purposeWhy the parasympathetic system should really be called "repair and digest"How touch links not just to the body, but also to emotion and social connectionThis episode blends anatomy, neuroscience and practical insight to remind us just how magical and adaptable our nervous system really is.About Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more with Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.Follow Hannah on Instagram.Follow Celest on Instagram

Aug 15, 2025 • 33min
Episode 81 Part 2 - Trauma Alchemy, Ketamine Therapy and the BAM Revolution
What if healing doesn’t have to be hard?In Part 2 of this episode of Love at First Science, Hannah and Sarah Beth dive into the next chapter of her healing: navigating complex PTSD, discovering the power of ketamine therapy, and learning to live from self-compassion—not hustle.We explore:The science and personal impact of ketamine therapy for traumaHow yoga, breathwork and a “bare ass minimum” mindset help regulate her nervous systemHer unique approach to sequencing trauma healing through the arc of a yoga classThe deeper meaning behind her book Trauma AlchemyYou’ll leave this episode with practical insights and permission to do less, feel more and trust your body again.About Sarah BethSarah Beth is a global yoga teacher reaching over 1.75 million practitioners through YouTube and the SarahBethYoga APP, where she helps people live their best lives through mindful movement and self-discovery. Known for her functional approach to mobility and sustainable sequencing, Sarah Beth brings authenticity to every practice – whether she's sharing her healing journey with CPTSD and childhood trauma (as explored in her book "Trauma Alchemy") or navigating life with ulcerative colitis. Students are drawn to her genuine nature, practical teaching style, and heartfelt messages of self-compassion and non-judgment, making yoga accessible and transformative for yogis of all levels.Sarah Beth's YouTubeSarah Beth's app Sarah Beth's bookAbout Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more with Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.Follow Hannah on Instagram.Follow Celest on Instagram

Aug 8, 2025 • 29min
Episode 81 Part 1 - From Trauma to Transformation with Sarah Beth
What happens when your childhood shapes your identity and your healing shapes your purpose?In this deeply moving episode, global yoga teacher Sarah Beth shares how a lifelong journey with ulcerative colitis, emotional neglect, and generational trauma led her to yoga, and how that practice helped her reclaim safety, softness, and self-trust.You’ll hear:How Sarah Beth discovered yoga as a teen and how her practice evolved through motherhood and traumaThe raw truth about growing up with chronic illness and taking herself to court at age 12Why her journey with masculine and feminine energy is reshaping her entire life and businessThis episode is a powerful reminder that healing isn’t a straight line, and yoga isn’t just movement, it’s remembering who you are beneath the survival patterns.About Sarah BethSarah Beth is a global yoga teacher reaching over 1.75 million practitioners through YouTube and the SarahBethYoga APP, where she helps people live their best lives through mindful movement and self-discovery. Known for her functional approach to mobility and sustainable sequencing, Sarah Beth brings authenticity to every practice – whether she's sharing her healing journey with CPTSD and childhood trauma (as explored in her book "Trauma Alchemy") or navigating life with ulcerative colitis. Students are drawn to her genuine nature, practical teaching style, and heartfelt messages of self-compassion and non-judgment, making yoga accessible and transformative for yogis of all levels.Sarah Beth's YouTubeSarah Beth's app Sarah Beth's bookAbout Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more with Alba Yoga AcademyLearn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.Watch our extensive library of YouTube videos.Follow Hannah on Instagram.Follow Celest on Instagram


