Meet Barry Raccio | Yogi + Sound Alchemist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Barry Raccio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Barry, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career:
The artistic path wasn’t a choice, it was a force pulling me forward. Freedom of expression and creative exploration are the air I breathe.
My journey began young, diving into entertainment in the vibrant NYC scene. From acting and voiceovers to even appearing in Michael Jackson’s “Bad” video at 16, I embraced every creative avenue. This energy flowed into music where I co-wrote five published songs, including the bluegrass chart-topper “The Road Before Me” recorded by the legendary Earl Scruggs. But a deeper calling emerged.

In 1998, I became a Kundalini yoga teacher, a practice resonating with my creative spirit and its focus on harnessing creative energy. Teaching yoga and leading sound healing workshops brought a profound sense of fulfillment. It wasn’t just about artistic expression, it was about helping people connect with themselves and feel good. Throughout my life, I’ve thrived as a self-employed creative, driven by a passion for healing and social connection. Every artistic pursuit has led me here, where I can empower others to shine their light.

How does this create social impact:
Century Wellness Studio creates social impact on multiple levels:
Community Focus: We foster a sense of well-being by offering accessible group classes, workshops, and individual sessions, guiding people through yogic principles for holistic healing and empowerment.
Targeted Programs: We collaborate with child psychologists to integrate yoga and sound healing into IOP programs, and partner with drug rehab facilities to support LGBTQ+ clients specifically through yoga, meditation, and sound healing.
Corporate Wellness: We curate wellness events for companies like Chanel and BMW, aiming to improve employee well-being and morale, fostering healthier work environments.
Accessibility: Our studio holds monthly events and donation-based sessions, continuously seeking new ways to reach underserved communities seeking affordable wellness options. Additionally, by donating services to local charities, we extend our reach and positive impact.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My path as a sound alchemist and yoga teacher, spanning over 25 years, has been anything but ordinary. Rooted in the transformative power of sound, vibration, and intuition, I weave these elements into a potent healing practice.

My healing journey began as a Kundalini yoga student under the renowned Gurmukh in Los Angeles. Years of deep introspection and self-discovery equipped me to hold space for others, guiding them toward their inner sanctuary.

Being a self-supporting creative for most of my life has instilled a deep sense of authenticity and resilience. I’ve learned to “bloom where planted,” embracing numerous fresh starts and overcoming countless challenges. Through trials and errors, the universe (and a healthy dose of self-trust) has always guided me. It’s about maintaining a positive mindset and trusting the process, even when the path gets bumpy.

In my experience, true fulfillment blossomed when I truly began showing up for myself. Daily self-discovery became a core principle, and personal growth, my constant companion. This journey led me to the wisdom of ancient yogic practices – sound, energy management, and pranayama.

Now, my mission is to be a lighthouse for others on their path to self-discovery. I believe we’re all spiritual beings having a human experience. When you find your truth, you discover your worth, and that worth is immeasurable. So go forth, explore your inner landscape, and let me know if I can help.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I can do a long weekend 🙂

Friday:
Morning:
Enjoy an early morning hike up Runyon Canyon for stunning views and a great perspective of Los Angeles. Then head over to Lake Hollywood for a serene walk around the reservoir. (It’s surprising how many locals don’t know about Lake Hollywood.)
Afternoon:
Visit the Hammer Museum in Westwood to explore contemporary art exhibitions and enjoy lunch in the museum’s courtyard. Museum admission is always free.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner at Lemon Grove, the rooftop restaurant at the Aster in Hollywood, with iconic views and a great atmosphere. Then head off to the Sun Rose for the best Friday night sunset jazz/funk on the Sunset Strip. Free admission!

Saturday:
Morning:
Start with some mindfulness and Kundalini yoga at Babage in Beverly Hills.
Spend the rest of the morning exploring the Venice Beach Boardwalk, visiting the Venice Canals, and soaking up the SoCal atmosphere.
Afternoon:
Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, exploring the coastline, then grab lunch at Geoffrey’s in Malibu.
On the way back, stop at the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple to enjoy its serene and meditative environment to relax, digest, and regroup. OM!
Evening:
Pack a picnic and catch a show at the Hollywood Bowl.

Sunday:
Morning:
Explore the Hollywood Farmers Market and get breakfast from one of the vendors.
Head over to Griffith Park for a hike and visit the Griffith Observatory for amazing views of Los Angeles.
Afternoon:
Spend several hours at Wi Spa in Koreatown. They have many different saunas and a great cafe for lunch. Then enjoy a leisurely afternoon.
Evening:
Dinner at Pizzeria Mozza in Hollywood, enjoying some of the best pizzas in town.
Finish the weekend with a private sound bath send-off at Century Wellness Studio!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this shoutout to the many incredible people who have guided, supported and influenced me throughout my journey. My spiritual practice and the teachings of yoga have been my sanctuary and therapy, helping me process and work through life’s ups and downs.
A special recognition goes to Gurmukh and Shiva Rea, my earliest yoga teachers, who inspired my teaching style and approach to wellness. Their wisdom and guidance laid the foundation for my journey into yoga and sound healing. Additionally, my sound healing mentors, Ana Netanel, and Deva Munay, have been instrumental in shaping my understanding and practice of sound healing. To all the friends, teachers, mentors, and spiritual guides who have walked this path with me, thank you for your wisdom and support.

Website: https://www.centurywellness.studio

Instagram: @centurywellnessstudio

Other: Google reviews

https://maps.app.goo.gl/afyCjWjnhx3dK89k8

Image Credits
5974889

Brian To (main photo)