Ep 187. The Spiritual Thread Between Recovery and Yoga, with Mark Purser

Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss · Aug 9, 2026 · 1h 6m

My guest this week is Mark Purser, a yoga teacher, meditation guide, and founder of the Yogic Meditation Institute, based in Byron Bay. With over 20 years of study across almost every major yoga tradition, Mark brings a rare depth of knowledge to his teaching. But behind all of that wisdom is a story of years spent swinging between intense spiritual practice and alcohol, trying to find a way out that didn't involve fully surrendering.In this conversation, Mark shares the moment his last drink became his last, alone in a national park on his birthday with no phone reception and a choice to…