50 Years on the Mat: Simon Borg-Olivier on Longevity, Ease, and the Gut Brain

Are you working out — or working in?

In this deeply enriching conversation, Harmony Slater sits down with Simon Borg-Olivier — co-founder of Yoga Synergy, physiotherapist, researcher, and one of the most original minds in the world of movement. Simon has been exploring yoga, breath, and consciousness for over 50 years, and his answer to almost every question is the same: find the ease.

Simon's philosophy challenges the deeply held assumption that more effort equals more benefit. He makes a crucial distinction between the workout (which leaves you depleted, hungry, and stiff) and the work-in (which leaves you energized, calm, and clear). His approach blends biomechanics, nervous system science, and ancient wisdom traditions — and at age 66, his biological age tested at 48.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why strength without tension, and flexibility without strain, are the real goals of practice
• The 'work-in vs. workout' distinction — and how it changes everything
• The 12 hidden 'bridges' between the conscious and unconscious nervous system
• Why the diaphragm — not the breath — is the true link between mind and body
• Simon's concept of the gut brain and its connection to ancient traditions (Dan Tian, Tanden, Kanda)
• What 'airplane yoga' means — and why it's the philosophy behind his teaching
• His extraordinary life story: from a Tibetan lama in Sydney to machete wounds in Goa
• Why Iyengar told him 'most people need 90% bhoga' — and what that means for your practice
• How to become a chef in your practice, not just a student following recipes
• Where to find Simon's free membership site and global retreats

CONNECT WITH SIMON BORG-OLIVIER:

Website: simonborgolivier.com

Membership & courses: healthhappinesslongevity.co

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Harmony teaches at Agora Yoga, Lisbon (end of June) and Faro, Portugal (early July). Details in show notes at harmonyslater.com.

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