Episode 4: Bad Gurus & The Ethics of Yoga

Important Listener Information:
In this episode, we discuss the topics of sexual abuse and coercive control amongst other things. As Yoga Therapists, we both want to make it absolutely clear that we do not recommend or condone engaging in any sexual acts whatsoever in any type of Yoga class—group or one-to-one. If you have experienced sexual trauma or coercion, or are simply interested and curious in learning more about your sexuality, we strongly encourage seeking support from a qualified healthcare professional.

Your GP can provide guidance and signpost you to a licensed sexual therapist for appropriate care.

If discussions around sexual abuse or coercive control are sensitive topics for you, please listen with care or consider skipping this episode.

Here, Sophie and Jane open up a vital and sensitive conversation about ethics in Yoga—what it means to be an ethical Yoga Teacher, and how we can be students in spaces that are truly safe and supportive.

Inspired by the new investigative series from BBC Sounds and Radio 4, The Bad Guru: World of Secrets, they reflect on troubling stories emerging from certain Yoga communities—specifically allegations of coercion, grooming, and abuse connected to the Atman Federation and its London-based centre, Tara Yoga. They explore how something as powerful as Yoga can, in some cases, be distorted into something deeply harmful.

This conversation isn’t about sensationalism—it’s about truth, safety, and the responsibility we all carry in Yoga spaces. With compassion and care, Sophie and Jane discuss how we might recognise red flags, hold space for those affected, and stay rooted in the non-harming principles that form the heart of true Yoga.

This is the start of a wider conversation we hope continues in our communities, in our classes, and within ourselves.

Hosted by ⁠⁠Sophie Coggins⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Jane Craggs⁠⁠⁠

Join in the conversation and let us know your thoughts via email: yogatherapypod@gmail.com

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Recorded and produced by Matt Dean and Eddie Corteen for ⁠⁠KUPOD⁠⁠, Oldham.

Music by ⁠⁠LuLu Poli⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay