17: Empower Yourself & Your Community with Nicole Calhoun, PhD

If you have ever felt unwelcome, unheard, or disempowered, you will relate to the content of today’s conversation between Rachel and Nicole Calhoun, PhD. Nicole has an undergraduate degree in Biology, a PhD in molecular genetics, and years of experience as a post-doctoral researcher, but has pivoted to working as a yoga teacher and studio owner.

After being told she “didn’t belong” in a yoga studio, Nicole was inspired her to open her own space, becoming the change she wanted to see in her community. She shares her experience with racism in the yoga world and explains why she has decided to put diversity and inclusion in yoga at the forefront of her career.

Listen in as Nicole talks about how she uses a physically challenging yoga practice to support herself and her community, and offers concrete actions we can take all address the lack of diversity in yoga.

“If your actions are not backing up your words of inclusion, is there really inclusion?” – Nicole Calhoun, PhD

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“I have definitely felt other-ed.” – Nicole Calhoun, PhD

Show Notes:

• Defining molecular genetics [4:06]
• Nicole’s early relationship with yoga [8:43]
• Using a challenging physical yoga practice therapeutically [11:02]
• What inspired Nicole to teach despite an established career in science [12:09]
• Feeling “othered” – Nicole’s experience with racism in yoga [15:35]
• Practicing yoga while Black [18:33]
• Opening her own yoga studio [24:57]
• Finding the courage to share uncomfortable truths [26:06]
• Diversity and inclusion in yoga [30:02]
• A physically demanding yoga practice can teach us how to handle adversity in life [35:02]
• How Nicole tailors her practice to support strength and confidence [36:56]
• Committing to diversity & inclusion 365 days a year [40:14]
• Actions we can take to make yoga more welcoming to all [44:19]

Links Mentioned:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Yoga Medicine Online Guest Teacher
• Connect with Nicole Calhoun, PhD:

LinkedIn | Instagram | Mind Body Online | Elxr Yoga Lounge

“There was absolutely no conversation in my teacher training about diversity, about inclusion.” – Nicole Calhoun, PhD