Episode•59 min•Jun 9, 2026

Yoga for Men – Flexibility, Mental Health and Finding Strength with Jake Panasevich

with Jake Panasevich

Yoga is often misunderstood. For many men, it can seem intimidating, inaccessible or simply not designed for them. Yet beneath the stereotypes lies a practice that can improve physical health, support mental wellbeing and help men develop a stronger relationship with themselves.

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Yoga for Men – Flexibility, Mental Health and Finding Strength with Jake Panasevich

59 min

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Episode 36 of No Man's an Island

In Episode 36 of No Man's an Island, Dr Jett Stone speaks with Jake Panasevich, a yoga teacher, health science journalist and former Division I wrestler whose own journey into yoga began after years of injury, chronic pain and uncertainty about who he was beyond sport.

Jake shares how yoga helped him recover from multiple surgeries, chronic back pain and a difficult transition away from competitive wrestling. Together, Jett and Jake explore masculinity, identity, emotional resilience and why learning to listen to your body can sometimes be one of the most powerful forms of personal growth.

The conversation also challenges common misconceptions about yoga, particularly among men. Jake explains why flexibility is about far more than touching your toes and how yoga can complement strength training, endurance sports and everyday life while supporting better mental health.

What we cover

Jake's journey from collegiate wrestling to yoga teacher
Recovering from injury, chronic pain and loss of identity
Why many men feel resistant to trying yoga
The relationship between physical and psychological flexibility
Masculinity, vulnerability and emotional resilience
Building male community through shared practice
Yoga as a tool for managing anxiety and depression
Breathwork, mindfulness and self-awareness
Why elite athletes increasingly prioritise mental wellbeing
The importance of mentors and positive male role models
Performance culture and the pressure many men place on themselves
Introducing boys and young men to yoga and emotional literacy

Takeaways for men

Physical pain and emotional pain are often more connected than we realise.
Flexibility is not about becoming bendy. It is about learning how to adapt when life changes.
Many men wait until a crisis before prioritising their wellbeing.
Community and connection remain essential for long-term health.
Strength includes vulnerability, honesty and self-awareness.
Mental fitness deserves the same attention as physical fitness.
Small, consistent actions often create the biggest long-term changes.
Yoga can support any lifestyle, whether you are an athlete, office worker or complete beginner.