How do we have a mind of our own in the world of AI? What even is real or AI? We chat about the rise of AI-generated content and the impact of influencer culture.

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• AI-generated influencers are looking more and more realistic, especially when they mimic everyday “normal” online life. Crazy we know!
• How influencer culture affects people's choices more than they realise, from shopping to self-image.
• Slowing down, practising presence and questioning trends help you stay true to you.
• Fashion trends create sameness.
• How to practice critical thinking and stay connected to your own values instead of just repeating opinions from your feed.
• Yoga, meditation, presence and how slowing down helps you connect to yourself.
• Stay informed but notice media bias.
• How we use AI in our business while still keeping our own creativity and ideas. Is it possible?!

If you're not yet a MerryBody member, sign up for a 7-day trial not just to exercise daily but also to practise self-acceptance.

If you loved this episode, share it with friends and family. Get in touch, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to week two of our podcast comeback! In this episode, we're diving deep into something you've been asking about for ages: how to teach yoga online. We're taking you behind the scenes of how we create our MerryBody online classes. Mic issues, sister fights on set, and all the real talk about what it takes to film Yoga and Pilates classes!

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• We looked back on our very first online class recordings in 2018 and reflected on how far we’ve come since then, both in confidence and production quality.
• Feeling comfortable, confident and connected with your videographer makes such a big difference when you're filming online classes.
• We follow the one-take rule and approach filming like we're teaching in person, which keeps everything authentic and seamless even when we fumble, miscount or say left when we mean right.
• Our filming setup includes five cameras, professional lighting and lots of natural light because it creates the most beautiful look for our classes.
• Our monthly themes guide everything we create, from class titles to the actual movements we choose.
• We broke down our full production workflow from start to finish.
• We're brainstorming the idea of creating something to help other yoga and Pilates teachers build their online offerings, so let us know if that's something you'd be interested in.

If you're not yet a MerryBody member, sign up for the 7-day trial not just to exercise daily but also to practise self-acceptance.

If you loved this episode, share it with friends and family. Get in touch, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been 6 months! Can you believe it. But we are back! And excited to be back. This episode is literally a sister chat, we have no idea if anyone will get to the end of it haha. But you know, we hesitated a moment before hitting publish then thought... no we have to publish it! It's been 6 months after all! So here we go, episode 439 on the Get Merry Podcast Show!

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• We built an online Yin Yoga course (we are running it right now, and yes, it's amazing!).
• We ran the 2025 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Cohort. Another beautiful cohort! 
• We went to Italy for a month with the whole family, Emma got married in Martina Franca! 
• And yes, we are actually planning next week's episode! 

If you're not yet a MerryBody member, sign up for the 7-day trial not just to exercise daily but also to practise self-acceptance.

If you loved this episode, share it with friends and family. Get in touch, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we take inspiration from the iconic “Mean Girls” scene where the Plastics nitpick their flaws. We chat about self-criticism, body image, social media comparisons and how to choose a path of self-acceptance instead. If you're sick of those thoughts... "all the things wrong with me" kinda thoughts... tune in!

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• Social media and influencers affect the skincare culture which leads to young girls wanting anti-aging products.
• How do we welcome in less comparison and judgement, and more peace, more acceptance and joy?
• Practising self-acceptance daily is a reminder of the truth that you are amazing just as you are. This is why we created MerryBody.
• You can't just practise self-acceptance in the moments where you need it.
• If you put a pause in between that self-criticism thought, it allows you to add reasoning and questioning of that thought.
• Carla just laughed off a comment about her postpartum belly. That's self-acceptance!
• Self-acceptance doesn’t mean complacency. It means taking care of yourself holistically, not just being "thin" or what the world thinks you should look or feel like.

If you're not yet a MerryBody member, sign up for the 7-day trial not just to exercise daily but also to practise self-acceptance.

If you loved this episode, share it with friends and family. Get in touch, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we ran a Chakra Workshop and decided to publish it to our podcast. During the session we chat about the 7 main Chakras, where they are within the body, what they're linked to in regards to emotions, spiritual and physical.

The highlight of the session is a guided colour visualisation to welcome balance and awareness of each of these energy centres. Then we finish the session with a short Q+ A about our upcomoing Yoga Teacher Training!

If you enjoy this chat and it's sparked a big curiosity, our Yoga Teacher Training 2025 could be a great next step for you. Our very last early bird session is now live!

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• Chakra translates, in Sanskrit, to wheel or disc, they are also known as energy centers. Each of these energy centres corresponds to different aspects of your life.
• The Base Chakra or the Muladhara chakra (red) is right at the base of the spine and represents our safety, our stability, our physical needs, and how grounded we feel.
• The Sacral Chakra or Svadhisthana (orange) is our Chakra just below the navel that's linked to our creativity and emotional health.
• The Solar Plexus Chakra, or Manipura (yellow), is located in the upper abdomen and is linked to your inner power, confidence and self-discipline.
• The Heart Chakra or the Anahata chakra (emerald green or pale dusty pink) is right into the center of your chest and is linked to love, compassion, and connection for yourself and for others.
• Vishuddha Chakra or the Throat Chakra (blue) is linked to the idea of speaking up or speaking your truth.
• The Third Eye chakra, or Ajna (indigo), is linked to your intuition or inner wisdom. When you are balancing your third eye, you will trust your intuition and feel like you have a very clear mind.
• The Crown Chakra or Sahasrara (bright light white or violet) is also known as the Thousand Petal Lotus. You'll feel connected to something greater when this chakra is balanced.
• Experience the beauty of colour visualisation in this Chakra workshop! From the base of your spine to the crown of your head, embrace the vibrant life force within and feel more centred than ever before.
• We answer some of your Yoga Teacher Training questions.

If you loved this episode, share it with friends and family. Get in touch, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of Yoga Sutra 2.33 Pratipaksha Bhavana. But really, we go on all kinds of tangents! From global issues like Gen0cide and climate change, to bringing self-awareness to our own reactions and letting go of control.

And also! We are running this FREE workshop soon! During the workshop, you will learn how to tune into your body, mind, emotions and energy with your chakras! We invite you to a chakra workshop happening on the 16th of April.

We're going to go through each of the chakras and talk about how you can balance and align each of them in a very practical way that will help drive self-awareness and focus your energy.

Hop on the waitlist for our Yoga Teacher Training 2025 to sign up for the masterclass!

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• When you're overwhelmed by negative thoughts, choose to cultivate the opposite. But just like everything in Yoga, this is a practice. It doesn't just happen.
• Pratipaksha Bhavana is a tool that helps you stay in alignment to the Yamas and Niyamas. Listen to our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas.
• The wild world we’re living in and how it’s affecting our mental and emotional state.
• The emotional rollercoaster we all ride and how Yoga philosophy helps us stay grounded.
• Nischala Joy Devi’s translation and interpretation of Pratipaksha Bhavana helps to change your attitude rather than hoping to change the situation or the people who cause you to be unhappy. 
• Anand Mehrotra's translation talks about how Sutra 2.33 is all about practising the Yamas and Niyamas. When you find yourself uncertain and terrified by life, use your tools and bring Ishvara Pranidhana into your consciousness. Surrender. 
• Powerful reminder: you can’t control others, but you can choose your response.
• Navigate anxiety by welcoming in excitement for your life. 
• Yoga Sutras are wonderful tools and constant companions to guide you and help you move through life.

If you loved this episode, share it with friends and family. Get in touch, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is inspired by Winnie the Pooh.

There is no hurry. We shall get there someday." — Winnie the Pooh

Also! If you are into a little bit of woo woo, but not too much woo, this is for you!

Learn how to tune into your body, mind, emotions and energy with your chakras! We invite you to a chakra masterclass happening on the 16th of April. We're going to go through each of the chakras and talk about how you can balance and align each of them in a very practical way that will help drive self-awareness and focus your energy.

Hop on the waitlist for our Yoga Teacher Training 2025 to sign up for the masterclass!

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• Everything moves at a rapid pace, attention spans are getting shorter than ever, It's time to slow down.
• When it comes to business, we can't just sit back and let things happen. 
• Slowing down is about presence and experiencing life.
• Meditation is one of the ways to live a slower present life. It helps you go through life situations with less stress and more calm. Try this Positive Affirmation meditation. Try this meditation: I Am Strong.
• Consider a digital detox. Swap your morning scroll for a mindful moment.
• We are making some updates to the MerryBody app and one of the goals is to help our members be able to track and celebrate their wins.

If you loved this episode, share it with friends and family. Get in touch, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we chat about the importance of intentionally making time for the things you love and the experiences that fill your life with joy and meaning. Because life is not a forever thing!

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• Emma had dinner with a musician friend and talked about whether or not he should keep playing.
• Money is really important, and so is feeling joy; sometimes, how you make money does not bring joy.
• Do you allow enough time for the things that light you up?
• We don't live to work. We work to live.
• Planning trips and adventures with family, even if inconvenient or costly, can add richness to your life.
• It's important to not let ambition consume you so that you miss all the other important things you love.
• The practice of Yoga is not about changing your body. It's about changing how you perceive the world around you and how you live your life.
• The ultimate lesson inside the Bhagavad Gita is "show up, do the work, and do the work for the sake of the work itself, not for the fruits of the action".

If you loved this episode, share it with friends and family. Get in touch, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever thought about getting Botox? No? Then, welcome to the No Botox Club! In this episode inspired by a reel that Emma shared yesterday, we chat about self-acceptance in a world obsessed with youth and botox.

Also! We are so excited about our upcoming Breathe and Meditation Masterclass! Hop on the waitlist for our Yoga Teacher Training 2025 to get the invite!

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• Every year, every wrinkle is a blessing. Celebrate the aging process!
• We grew up with the pressure of needing to be thin and obsession with dieting that really impacted our health and lives negatively. That's why we began practising and devoting our time and life to self-acceptance.
• Carla recalls her botched nose job experience. Listen to Episode 298: this is why I regret my nose job.
• Are cosmetically altered and botox faces the 'new normal face'?
• Lack of facial expression as a result of getting Botox is an extreme issue in regard to children developing emotional intelligence.
• There are too many potential side effects of Botox from mild to moderate pain, droopy eye lids and even death (yes it's stated on the risks!)! Is the smooth face that doesn't move really worth it when you can get all these risks?
• If you find yourself feeling like you have to get Botox, check in with yourself. Who are you surrounding yourself with? Because not everyone in the world is getting Botox even though it may feel like they are.
• There are other alternative self-care practices such as lymphatic massage using the gua sha. You can also go to an infrared sauna, but nice skin care.
• Beautify yourself in whatever way you want, but also acknowledge that we can't stay a certain way forever.
• Do some research and consider the pros and cons of Botox.
• You can practise self-acceptance through Yoga, Pilates, and meditation. That's what we do!

Remember that you are amazing just as you are! If you loved this episode, share it with friends and family. Get in touch, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast episode, we chat about how to get through the lows of life. After all they are natural and part of life, perhaps it's more about embracing low emotions instead of resisting them. Plus we chat about the small daily rituals that we do to help us get through the lows of life.

Also! We are so excited about our upcoming Breathe and Meditation Masterclass! Hop on the waitlist for our Yoga Teacher Training 2025 to get the invite!

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• There's a cyclone warning on the Gold Coast, which is very unusual.
• Accepting the lows as a natural part of life is going to help us get through the lows.
• When you can't change something, the only thing you can control is how you deal with the situation.
• Embrace what is. You don't have to embrace it and like it. Embrace it and be in it, live through it, and get through it.
• Something that you love unconditionally, like a pet, helps you move through difficult emotions and allow healing.
• Having connections and people you can lean on is another way to deal with low emotions.
• Meditation, Yoga and Breathwork are all ways to help you get through the lows of life. 
• Exercise is not just about physical strength. It helps you go through all the feelings.

If you loved this episode, share it with friends and family. Get in touch, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You're probably breathing wrong and it's impacting your energy, focus and even your mood. It might not be something you think about often, but poor breathing habits can lead to stress, fatigue and tension. The good news? With a few simple shifts, you can unlock more vitality, calm, and clarity... just by breathing better.

Also, if you love this episode you should sign up to our free Breath and Meditation Masterclass! Hop on the waitlist for our Yoga Teacher Training 2025 to get the invite!

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• Taking four deep breaths in and out through your nose has the power to shift you from the sympathetic nervous system into the parasympathetic nervous system.
• The most amazing tool and the most underused tool to better balanced health is our breath.
• Take a breath, meditate, do a pranayama, or do whatever breathing exercise you like.
• Pranayama is the fourth limb of the eight limbs of yoga. Listen to Episode 329: The 8 limbs of Yoga explained or read our blog post How To Do Yoga? | The 8 Limbs of Yoga Explained.
• Pranayama can be translated as life force control. It is the life force within the breath and linked to how much vitality you feel.
• "We don't eat all the time. We don't drink all the time, but we do breathe all the time. So your breath is the most important and vital means of allowing prana into and out of the body. " — Andrew Mournehis, our philosophy teacher inside the MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training
• BKS Iyengar states in his book Light on Pranayama, " Pranayama, the yogic art of breathing, leads to a control of the emotions, which in turn brings stability, concentration, and mental poise."
• Nasal breathing has so many benefits!
• Lengthening the breath is one way to get you feeling calm and less stressed.

If you loved this episode, share it with a friend or a family member who wants to learn how to breathe better. Get in touch, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.