

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

Aug 3, 2023 • 34min
Episode 33 (part 1): The Science of Psychedelics with Dr. Ben Rein
Welcome to part 1 of episode 33 on the “Love at First Science'' Podcast where Dr. Ben Rein speaks into science behind Psychedelics, including the current research on its mechanisms in the body and how it affects behavior.
Do you want to learn more about empathy and the effect of psychedelics? Dr. Ben Rein is a researcher in the field of neuroscience and besides that he is also a creator of educational science videos on tiktok and Instagram. He shares how he wants to make science more accessible through his videos and how to make reading scientific papers easier. On the podcast he talks about the connection between neuroscience and practicing yoga. He presents his concept of “a little bit more”, which is ultimately the secret to keeping your brain young forever. In addition, he explains how aging affects the brain and how healthy and powerful social interactions are to keep a healthy brain. We also venture into the therapeutic value of psychedelics, the research behind them and what parts of the brain are affected by these controversial drugs. We also touch on the power of sleep, autism, and social media.
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Learn More About Dr. Ben Rein:
Ben Rein, Ph.D. is a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University. In his current research, Ben is investigating the neural basis of empathy, and how empathic behaviors can be enhanced. He received his PhD in neuroscience from SUNY Buffalo, earning the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Dissertation Research. Ben’s thesis focused on autism spectrum disorder and identified key systems in the brain that regulate social behaviors.
Outside of the lab, Ben creates educational science videos for an audience of more than 900,000 followers on TikTok, Instagram and BiliBili. In his videos, he summarizes recent research papers, teaches fundamental neuroscience principles, and debunks "viral" videos containing scientific misinformation. Ben’s science communication has been recognized with awards from Stanford University, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and the Mind Science Foundation.
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Check out & learn more with Dr. Ben Rein:
Dr. Ben Rein's Website
Dr. Ben Rein's Youtube
Dr. Ben Rein's Instagram
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My Socials:
Celest’s Instagram
Celest’s Website
Too Flexible To Feel Good Book

Jul 20, 2023 • 27min
Episode 32 (part 2): Scoliosis, the Spine, and posture with Meredith Weiss
Welcome to part 1 of episode 32 on the “Love at First Science'' Podcast where Meredith Weiss speaks into misconceptions around scoliosis and loading the spine, as well as how you can address movement differences with Scoliosis.
Do you know what scoliosis can teach everyone? Meredith Weiss is a physio that specializes in this vast and intriguing topic. In the podcast Meredith gives us insight into the Schroth method and how it is connected to yoga. Although a huge fan of yoga to support those with spinal imbalances, she also shares things to be mindful of to not exacerbate the challenges this community comes up against. Meredith shares a wealth of knowledge from the foundation of breath and how important it is to stabilize the spine to the importance of the core, nasal breathing and working with the vestibular system. Whilst many like to knock the neutral S-curve alignment, she has found that using it as a foundation has been truly transformational for her clients. Her greatest gift is how she layers awareness about the spine, strategies for stability and the power of breathing.
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Learn More About Meredith Weiss:
Meredith is a licensed physical therapist with over 25 years of clinical experience in
outpatient orthopedics and the fitness & wellness industries. Specializing in The Schroth
Method for Scoliosis, she is an advanced certified (C2) BSPTS therapist for scoliosis
and spinal conditions and is an internationally appointed Certification Course Teacher
for The SSOL-Schroth Method.
In addition to her physical therapy credentials, Meredith is a nationally certified
comprehensive Pilates Teacher (NCPT), an experienced registered yoga teacher (E-
RYT500), and a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT). With her background in Psychology
& Neuroscience from Vanderbilt University, she has always had a passion for mind-body
integration.
Meredith is the founder and owner of both Kioko and Physiolutions. While Kioko
remains the brick & mortar studio for 1:1 patient care, she created Physiolutions in 2021
to meet the rising global demand for her unique and integrative approach to spine
health. Physiolutions was created for the public, health care professionals, and yoga &
Pilates teachers inspired to learn more. Visit us at www.Physiolutions.com
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Check out & learn more with Meredith Weiss:
Meredith Weiss - Physiolutions
Meredith Weiss - Kioko
Rice Bags
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My Socials:
Celest’s Instagram
Celest’s Website
Too Flexible To Feel Good Book

Jul 13, 2023 • 27min
Episode 32 (part 1): Scoliosis, the Spine, and posture with Meredith Weiss
Welcome to part 1 of episode 32 on the “Love at First Science'' Podcast where Meredith Weiss speaks into misconceptions around scoliosis and loading the spine, as well as how you can address movement differences with Scoliosis.
Do you know what scoliosis can teach everyone? Meredith Weiss is a physio that specializes in this vast and intriguing topic. In the podcast Meredith gives us insight into the Schroth method and how it is connected to yoga. Although a huge fan of yoga to support those with spinal imbalances, she also shares things to be mindful of to not exacerbate the challenges this community comes up against. Meredith shares a wealth of knowledge from the foundation of breath and how important it is to stabilize the spine to the importance of the core, nasal breathing and working with the vestibular system. Whilst many like to knock the neutral S-curve alignment, she has found that using it as a foundation has been truly transformational for her clients. Her greatest gift is how she layers awareness about the spine, strategies for stability and the power of breathing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn More About Meredith Weiss:
Meredith is a licensed physical therapist with over 25 years of clinical experience in
outpatient orthopedics and the fitness & wellness industries. Specializing in The Schroth
Method for Scoliosis, she is an advanced certified (C2) BSPTS therapist for scoliosis
and spinal conditions and is an internationally appointed Certification Course Teacher
for The SSOL-Schroth Method.
In addition to her physical therapy credentials, Meredith is a nationally certified
comprehensive Pilates Teacher (NCPT), an experienced registered yoga teacher (E-
RYT500), and a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT). With her background in Psychology
& Neuroscience from Vanderbilt University, she has always had a passion for mind-body
integration.
Meredith is the founder and owner of both Kioko and Physiolutions. While Kioko
remains the brick & mortar studio for 1:1 patient care, she created Physiolutions in 2021
to meet the rising global demand for her unique and integrative approach to spine
health. Physiolutions was created for the public, health care professionals, and yoga &
Pilates teachers inspired to learn more. Visit us at www.Physiolutions.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out & learn more with Meredith Weiss:
Meredith Weiss - Physiolutions
Meredith Weiss - Kioko
Rice Bags
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Socials:
Celest’s Instagram
Celest’s Website
Too Flexible To Feel Good Book

Jul 6, 2023 • 31min
Episode 31 (part 2): Yoga Myths from the Perspective of a Physio with Kate Brandon
Welcome to part 2 of episode 31 on the “Love at First Science'' Podcast where Kate Brandon speaks into myths and misconceptions in yoga from the perspective of a Physiotherapist.
Understanding pain is a big part of Kate Brandon’s work. She talks about her family and how she got into yoga and Physiotherapy. In this podcast she explains how you can integrate small hacks into your day to get a few minutes of relaxation and calm. Kate Brandon highlights the importance of understanding pain using a holistic approach, sharing all the factors that can contribute to pain and how to find ways to regulate the nervous system and the threat response.
She discusses how low threat movements can help with pain sensitivity and how effectively the power of thought is, highlighting the power of language and nociceptive cues, emphasising how important it is to pause and assess the situation in order to understand the pain and become less afraid of it.
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Learn More About Kate Brandon:
Kate Brandon (The Physio Yogi) is a highly experienced specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist, who has worked for the NHS, privately, and for sports teams for 16 years.
She is a qualified yoga teacher and teaches anatomy on yoga teacher training programs. She also runs her own rehabilitation webinars and courses online. She is trained in acupuncture, sports massage, postnatal rehab and persistent pain rehabilitation and loves combining physiotherapy principles and yoga to provide holistic care for her patients.
She has recently opened up her very own physiotherapy clinic and is mum of twin toddlers.
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Check out & learn more with Kate Brandon
Kate Brandon
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My Socials:
Celest’s Instagram
Celest’s Website
Too Flexible To Feel Good Book

Jun 29, 2023 • 25min
Episode 31 (part 1): Yoga Myths from the Perspective of a Physio with Kate Brandon
Welcome to part 1 of episode 31 on the “Love at First Science'' Podcast where Kate Brandon speaks into myths and misconceptions in yoga from the perspective of a Physiotherapist.
Understanding pain is a big part of Kate Brandon’s work. She talks about her family and how she got into yoga and Physiotherapy. In this podcast she explains how you can integrate small hacks into your day to get a few minutes of relaxation and calm. Kate Brandon highlights the importance of understanding pain using a holistic approach, sharing all the factors that can contribute to pain and how to find ways to regulate the nervous system and the threat response.
She discusses how low threat movements can help with pain sensitivity and how effectively the power of thought is, highlighting the power of language and nociceptive cues, emphasising how important it is to pause and assess the situation in order to understand the pain and become less afraid of it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn More About Kate Brandon:
Kate Brandon (The Physio Yogi) is a highly experienced specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist, who has worked for the NHS, privately, and for sports teams for 16 years.
She is a qualified yoga teacher and teaches anatomy on yoga teacher training programs. She also runs her own rehabilitation webinars and courses online. She is trained in acupuncture, sports massage, postnatal rehab and persistent pain rehabilitation and loves combining physiotherapy principles and yoga to provide holistic care for her patients.
She has recently opened up her very own physiotherapy clinic and is mum of twin toddlers.
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Check out & learn more with Kate Brandon
Kate Brandon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Socials:
Celest’s Instagram
Celest’s Website
Too Flexible To Feel Good Book

Jun 22, 2023 • 33min
Episode 30 (part 2): Core, Pelvic Floor and The Science with Mukta Chauhan
Welcome to part 2 of episode 30 on the “Love at First Science'' Podcast where Mukta Chauhan speaks to the newfound science around the core and pelvic floor debunking misconceptions in the field.
Do you want to know the connection between opera singing and pelvic floor issues? Then sit back and relax while Mukta Chauhan shares the importance of all things pelvic floor, the center of the body and the connection to the upper and lower body. She uncovers some of the myths around core activation, especially in connection to cueing used in yoga classes, how the constant gripping of the muscles declines the body’s resilience and ability to do basic movements.
Mukta details what signs to look out for when you are unsure if your core and pelvic floor need attention. She is very passionate about this pelvic health and wants to take the shame out of the topic because in the end, the pelvic floor can reveal a lot about your health.
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Learn More About Mukta Chauhan:
Dr. Mukta Chauhan is one of the few PTs in the US with a double board certification in orthopedics and women’s health. Because of this dual training, she understands the delicate interplay between neurophysiology, biomechanics, musculoskeletal, fascial and organ systems and their combined contribution to a person’s overall wellbeing. She is a firm believer in addressing health from a bio-psycho-social perspective, because we aren’t just our tissues. The whole person is at the center of her practice.In her free time, Mukta is found either biking, running, or hiking. Just being outdoors helps her understand her own body even more deeply.
She lives and practices in New York City. Connect with her on IG @thepelvic.connection
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Check out & learn more with Mukta Chauhan
Mukta Chauhan Instagram
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Socials:
Celest’s Instagram
Celest’s Website
Too Flexible To Feel Good Book

Jun 15, 2023 • 37min
Episode 30 (part 1): Core, Pelvic Floor and The Science with Mukta Chauhan
Welcome to part 1 of episode 30 on the “Love at First Science'' Podcast where Mukta Chauhan speaks to the newfound science around the core and pelvic floor debunking misconceptions in the field.
Do you want to know the connection between opera singing and pelvic floor issues? Then sit back and relax while Mukta Chauhan shares the importance of all things pelvic floor, the center of the body and the connection to the upper and lower body. She uncovers some of the myths around core activation, especially in connection to cueing used in yoga classes, how the constant gripping of the muscles declines the body’s resilience and ability to do basic movements.
Mukta details what signs to look out for when you are unsure if your core and pelvic floor need attention. She is very passionate about this pelvic health and wants to take the shame out of the topic because in the end, the pelvic floor can reveal a lot about your health.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn More About Mukta Chauhan:
Dr. Mukta Chauhan is one of the few PTs in the US with a double board certification in orthopedics and women’s health. Because of this dual training, she understands the delicate interplay between neurophysiology, biomechanics, musculoskeletal, fascial and organ systems and their combined contribution to a person’s overall wellbeing. She is a firm believer in addressing health from a bio-psycho-social perspective, because we aren’t just our tissues. The whole person is at the center of her practice.In her free time, Mukta is found either biking, running, or hiking. Just being outdoors helps her understand her own body even more deeply.
She lives and practices in New York City. Connect with her on IG @thepelvic.connection
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out & learn more with Mukta Chauhan
Mukta Chauhan Instagram
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Socials:
Celest’s Instagram
Celest’s Website
Too Flexible To Feel Good Book

Jun 8, 2023 • 24min
Episode 29 (part 2): How To Slow The Aging Process with Jenna Leser
Welcome to part 2 of episode 29 on the “Love at First Science'' Podcast where Jenna Leser speaks to slowing the aging process through her research on bone density.
Do you know the importance of bone density for your overall health? Jenna Leser is a Pd.D. student in molecular medicine and she shares her findings related to bone density on the podcast. She explains the various functions the bones serve, how they adapt to the daily challenges and how to improve bone density. She points out what effects exercise and diet have on bone mass, what changes occur when becoming older and what it takes to grow bone mass when aging. She depicts how important gravity and using force within exercises is and details how important the homeostatic set point is. In addition she shares how to preserve bone density, the importance of progressively increasing the strength and load you are putting the body through, and how critical variety is. In sharing her journey and connecting her research to yoga and movement she stresses the importance of increasing bone density in a simple manner.
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Learn More About Jenna Leser:
Originally from New York, I moved to Maryland to attend Johns Hopkins University where I graduated with a Bachelor's in Biology and a minor in Bioethics. My interest in biological sciences and how the body functions led me to become a research technician in neuro-gastroenterology at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institute upon graduation in 2015. In 2017 I enrolled in (and am now wrapping up soon!), a Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine, with a focus on Cellular and Molecular Physiology, at the University of Maryland Baltimore. I train in the Department of Orthopaedics under the mentorship of Dr. Joseph Stains, Ph.D. and my studies investigate the function of osteocytes, cells that reside inside the hard, calcified bone itself. We are continuing to expand our understanding of osteocytes as regulators of bone formation/resorption in response to hormonal, biochemical, and mechanical cues, with a special interest in the context of aging. As a former gymnast, dancer, pole vaulter, and field hockey player - I have had my fair share of exposure to orthopedics as a patient, so finding a research home in this department feels full circle. In an attempt to mitigate the stress of doctoral studies and get back to my roots as an athlete, I began my relationship with yoga. I completed my 200hr RYT in 2019 after 2 years of committed practice and started my yoga teaching journey. It brings me so much joy to weave my passion for physiology into each class I teach.
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Check out & learn more with Jenna Leser
Jenna Leser's Instagram
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Socials:
Celest’s Instagram
Celest’s Website
Too Flexible To Feel Good Book

Jun 1, 2023 • 27min
Episode 29 (part 1): How To Slow The Aging Process with Jenna Leser
Welcome to part 1 of episode 29 on the “Love at First Science'' Podcast where Jenna Leser speaks to slowing the aging process through her research on bone density.
Do you know the importance of bone density for your overall health? Jenna Leser is a Pd.D. student in molecular medicine and she shares her findings related to bone density on the podcast. She explains the various functions the bones serve, how they adapt to the daily challenges and how to improve bone density. She points out what effects exercise and diet have on bone mass, what changes occur when becoming older and what it takes to grow bone mass when aging. She depicts how important gravity and using force within exercises is and details how important the homeostatic set point is. In addition she shares how to preserve bone density, the importance of progressively increasing the strength and load you are putting the body through, and how critical variety is. In sharing her journey and connecting her research to yoga and movement she stresses the importance of increasing bone density in a simple manner.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn More About Jenna Leser:
Originally from New York, I moved to Maryland to attend Johns Hopkins University where I graduated with a Bachelor's in Biology and a minor in Bioethics. My interest in biological sciences and how the body functions led me to become a research technician in neuro-gastroenterology at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institute upon graduation in 2015. In 2017 I enrolled in (and am now wrapping up soon!), a Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine, with a focus on Cellular and Molecular Physiology, at the University of Maryland Baltimore. I train in the Department of Orthopaedics under the mentorship of Dr. Joseph Stains, Ph.D. and my studies investigate the function of osteocytes, cells that reside inside the hard, calcified bone itself. We are continuing to expand our understanding of osteocytes as regulators of bone formation/resorption in response to hormonal, biochemical, and mechanical cues, with a special interest in the context of aging. As a former gymnast, dancer, pole vaulter, and field hockey player - I have had my fair share of exposure to orthopedics as a patient, so finding a research home in this department feels full circle. In an attempt to mitigate the stress of doctoral studies and get back to my roots as an athlete, I began my relationship with yoga. I completed my 200hr RYT in 2019 after 2 years of committed practice and started my yoga teaching journey. It brings me so much joy to weave my passion for physiology into each class I teach.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out & learn more with Jenna Leser
Jenna Leser's Instagram
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Socials:
Celest’s Instagram
Celest’s Website
Too Flexible To Feel Good Book

May 25, 2023 • 28min
Episode 28 (part 2): Excel as a Yoga Teacher with Adam Husler
Welcome to part 2 of episode 28 on the “Love at First Science'' Podcast where Adam Husler speaks to how to excel as a yoga teacher.
Adam Husler is a yoga educator who loves to equip students with a deeper anatomical knowledge, giving them the why behind every move they make. He shares his incredible journey from working in law, doing sport, to finding his yoga practice. He also explains how supplementing the yoga practice with other sports can be beneficial. Adam Husler loves teaching advanced classes, and is a genius at inspiring his following to question why they do what they do. In addition, he discusses what myths have done to the yoga world and he talks about how important good research is. Adam Husler shares how injuries changed his practice and how to adapt with certain life challenges or changes. He defines how people should practice caution with how they move their bodies in order to avoid injury.
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Learn More About Adam Husler:
Adam brings a unique perspective to those who seek more from yoga than making pretty shapes. He offers creative, effective and clearly-sequenced teachings that focus on balancing flexibility and strength; physically and mentally. Adam specialises in a signature style of Alignment- Based Vinyasa— fuelled by a fascination with anatomy and a desire to ask ‘why?’ Based in London, Adam has taught thousands of hours of yoga classes and trainings, in more that 60 studios across 20+ countries , He’s featured in publications like Mens Health and Women’s Fitness, is a regular contributor to Yoga Journal and Adam hosts the Honestly Unbalanced podcast with Holly Husler. (@adamhusler)
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Check out & learn more with Adam Husler
Adam Husler's Instagram
Adam Husler's Website
Adam Husler's Youtube
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My Socials:
Celest’s Instagram
Celest’s Website
Too Flexible To Feel Good Book