Listen: She left Yogaville because of its toxic environment
November 14, 2025
Editors’ note: This episode contains references to emotional, physical and sexual abuse that might be triggering for some listeners and readers. It also discusses mental health challenges, including discussion of depression and suicide, which some may find distressing. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or calling or texting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential support.
The first time Brianna Patten stayed at Satchidananda Ashram, known as Yogaville, she volunteered in residency for four weeks.
“That first month was really amazing,” said Patten. “You learn about yoga philosophy and live a yogic lifestyle and live in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.”
She found comfort in the ashram’s tight-knit community and daily routines and decided to commit to an intensive, year-round program. But as Patten fully integrated into life at Yogaville, she started to see cracks in its seemingly healthy and peaceful culture.
Maxicelia Robsinson interviewed Brianna Patten for In My Humble Opinion in October as part of First Person Charlottesville, a project of Charlottesville Inclusive Media. In July, Brianna Patten shared her story through a written piece published by Charlottesville Tomorrow.
In My Humble Opinion, the Sunday talk show on 101.3FM, launched the First Person Charlottesville podcast series in Dec. 2022. Folks can listen to episodes by subscribing to In My Humble Opinion on iTunes, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Charlottesville Inclusive Media is a partnership between the In My Humble Opinion radio program, Vinegar Hill Magazine and Charlottesville Tomorrow.
Attend our First Person storytelling workshop
Join Charlottesville Inclusive Media for “Deeper conversations through personal stories” on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. The workshop will take place at Creator Hub at 300 E Water Street in Charlottesville. Learn more and RSVP.
More local News
Listen: She left Yogaville because of its toxic environment
In this First Person Charlottesville podcast episode, former Yogaville resident Brianna Patten speaks up — and helps others do the same.
In a UVA writing contest, dozens of central Virginia students address democracy in today’s digital world
Middle and high school students share concerns about AI and misinformation — and also how technology has helped us be more inclusive.
Centra Southside Community Hospital closing labor and delivery unit in December
The hospital cited staffing challenges and declining births in the Farmville area as reasons for the decision.
Want to tell your own First Person story? Join Charlottesville Inclusive Media for an evening community workshop
Space is limited for the free Nov. 19 event in Charlottesville, so please RSVP if you’d like to attend.
Enid Krieger wants us to recognize Black history as an integral part of central Virginia’s past and future
Krieger retired to the Charlottesville area and then, she committed to a new calling: highlighting Black contributions and history in central Virginia.
Search
RECENT PRESS RELEASES
Related Post
