Advertise on podcast: Qigong Academy Podcast

What if Qigong isn't simply something we do to improve our health, but a way of remembering how to live? Clara Apollo, Qigong teacher and host of Chi Time, tells how a severe repetitive strain injury in her years as a London costume designer led her to her first Qigong class, and why hearing that her prenatal Qi was "shot" became a turning point rather than a verdict. John, Joe and Clara talk about burnout and the hamster wheel, health care versus disease management, saying no to protect your energy, and what AI might mean for being human. Clara also shares the common threads she is finding in her conversations with leading Qigong teachers, and the three ask what matters more: what a teacher has taught us, or what we have actually learned. Clara's YouTube channel, Chi Time: https://www.youtube.com/@chitimetv Clara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarachiapollo/ Clara's interview with Dr. Roger Jahnke on Chi Time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkHcSaes_Ho The Quantum Qi documentary: https://www.quantumqimovie.com John joins Clara on Healing Our Earth (1 November 2026): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nde2HSMk3hA&t=10670s Practise with us at the Qigong Academy Looking for a place to step off the hamster wheel? The Qigong Academy membership brings live Qigong classes every weekday, a full replay library, every online course and a friendly community of practitioners, for £35 a month or £350 a year. Try it free for a day: https://qigongacademy.org/practice/membership/ New to Qigong? Start with the beginners course: https://qigongacademy.org/practice/courses/beginners/

How might Qigong practice change when we understand Qi through time and seasonal cycles, rather than simply as energy? This conversation explores the 24 solar terms, winter retreat and why healthy practice need not look the same year-round. Along the way, the speakers question rigid rules, consider the relationship between lineage and adaptation, and reflect on listening, personal responsibility and what healing means. To find our more about Bronwyn Ayla's work, visit her website: https://www.bronwynayla.com For free access to her almanac: https://www.bronwynayla.com/almanac

What does Marxism have to do with Qigong? Teacher Julien Éthoré Bonet explores the connections he sees between Zhineng Qigong, dialectical materialism and Chan Buddhism. The conversation challenges individualistic approaches to awakening, asks when teachings on acceptance and gratitude miss the realities of suffering, and considers how practitioners can engage with people beyond their usual circles. To find out more about Julien Éthoré Bonet, visit https://www.lobservatoire.eu/ and to join his workshop in October 2026, follow this link: https://www.lobservatoire.eu/online

Can a peaceful Qigong practice leave difficult emotions unaddressed? Long-time practitioner and teacher Luise joins a candid conversation about Zhineng Qigong, shamanic practices and shadow work. Together, they explore suppressed anger, the challenge of sustaining connection after workshops, and why listening may matter more than persuading others to follow your path.

How can Qigong and Compassionate Inquiry support self-understanding? Irina joins the conversation to explore the connections between movement, emotions and unconscious childhood patterns. They discuss Gabor Maté’s approach, the tension between attachment and authenticity, and why curiosity matters more than getting everything right. The conversation also introduces their Returning to Joy and Stillness retreat in Montenegro, with an emphasis on supportive exploration rather than imposed answers.

Qigong Academy’s approach puts learning across teachers and styles ahead of loyalty to a single authority. In this candid conversation, the hosts discuss why they question hierarchy, what authentic teaching means to them and how Qigong can extend beyond repeating movements into everyday life. They also explore openness to criticism, concerns about training safety and their vision for a community built on mutual learning.

This week, we sit down with Lot Wijlhuizen to explore what really happens when Qigong meets Western minds and modern expectations. We reflect on the difference between following forms and finding true connection, sharing stories of personal growth, community, and the sometimes-misunderstood power of intention. Together, we question why Western audiences flock to scientific voices like Joe Dispenza, while ancient practices like Qigong remain niche. Through candid discussion, we challenge the clichés, cultural barriers, and ego traps that can cloud authentic practice. Join us as we unpack how love, self-acceptance, and daring to believe shape the journey toward real healing and presence.

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of the triangle as a model for understanding healing, embodiment, and personal growth. We share insights from a transformative conference session and explore how visible and invisible influences shape our physical and emotional well-being. Through stories of teaching, personal experience, and cross-cultural perspectives, we reveal why the foundation matters more than the form and how true integration goes beyond surface appearances. We question long-held beliefs about practice, emotion, and stability—challenging listeners to feel, not just think, their way through complexity. Join us as we rediscover the power of simplicity and presence in both practice and life.

This week, we dive deep into the question: what is Qi, and how can you actually feel it? We challenge the myths and grandiose expectations, bringing Qi down to earth by exploring its presence in everything from body stiffness to moments of universal connection. In our discussion, we unpack how Qi manifests through physical, emotional, and mental changes—and why chasing extraordinary sensations can be a trap. We share personal experiences, practical techniques like kidney breathing, and the importance of finding balance between hyper-focus and open awareness. Join us as we uncover the subtle, everyday ways Qi flows through our lives, and why the real power lies in quieting the mind and embracing change.

In this episode, we welcome Jeremy to share his remarkable journey from city stress to Qigong tranquility. We dive deep into the moments that changed our lives, exploring how simple practices can dissolve life's mountains and open us to greater awareness. Together, we question the meaning of consciousness, perception, and self-trust, weaving in personal stories and practical wisdom from years of teaching and learning. As we reflect on the challenges of modern life, we reveal how Qigong offers not just physical health, but a path to inner peace and expanded perspective. Join us for a conversation that blends laughter, honesty, and transformative insights—inviting you to find your own space within the storm.

In this episode, we dive into the real stories behind yoga and Qigong, stripping away the marketing fluff to explore presence, personal practice, and the surprising impact of tradition. We share laughs about Lycra, mat culture, and the sometimes confusing crossroads between ancient wisdom and modern trends. As we compare our journeys—balancing lineage, technique, and the challenge of squats—we get honest about what it means to truly show up for yourself and your community. We reflect on the difference between being present and being in relation, and why the right teacher can change everything. Join us for a conversation that’s as thoughtful as it is relatable, and see how these practices continue to evolve in today’s world.

In this episode, we explore the world of Qigong conferences—what makes them transformative, why they're more than just learning new forms, and how they can challenge and inspire us. We share real stories from our experiences across the UK, Germany, and beyond, diving into the power of connection, the pitfalls of hierarchy, and the magic that happens when egos are left at the door. Together, we reflect on what it truly means to practice Qigong in a group, how to break out of the echo chamber, and why vulnerability and curiosity are key. We also touch on the challenges of accessibility, the difference between workshops and retreats, and the importance of being present in the moment. Join us as we invite you to rethink what conferences can offer—whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just Qigong-curious.

In this episode, we look at what happens when a lineage-based, form-first approach to Qigong meets a Western audience. John shares why so much teaching fills people up with instruction—remember this sequence, move correctly, focus here—when the practice itself is about letting go. We explore the difference between accuracy of form and effectiveness in application, why challenge doesn't have to mean physical difficulty, and how the process of a retreat begins the moment someone books it. We also open up the teacher training: why communication skills come before technique, why John doesn't teach form to trainee teachers, and what a five-month foundation actually needs to cover. The episode closes with three pieces of advice for anyone teaching Qigong—including why the best teachers are signposts, not destinations.

This week, we dive deep into the often-overlooked role of trust in Qigong. We share candid reflections on how skepticism and belief shape our journey, from first learning the basics to facing extraordinary claims. Through honest conversation, we explore why trust isn’t about blind faith, but about finding your own balance between doubt and experience. We discuss how group practice, personal conditioning, and even self-trust can impact your growth and healing. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting out, join us as we unpack the subtle art of trusting the process—both in Qigong and in daily life. Discover how letting go, listening, and acknowledging your doubts can open new possibilities on and off the mat.

In this episode, we dive into what healing really means—beyond just making symptoms disappear. We share stories that challenge the idea of quick fixes and explore why true health involves our emotions, relationships, and daily awareness. Together, we unpack how Qigong and mindful practice can shift our perspective from battling problems to embracing curiosity and growth. We reflect on personal experiences, the power of group practice, and practical steps to bring more relaxation and openness into everyday life. Join us as we question old narratives and invite a new understanding of what it means to heal.