The Alchemy of Breath by Anthony Abbagnano

In this illuminating and heart-centered episode, Zoran is joined by Anthony Abbagnano—pioneering breathwork teacher and founder of Alchemy of Breath. Together they explore the breath as our first act of agency, our everyday superpower, and a practical doorway from reactive to creative living.
Anthony shares how conscious breathing regulates the nervous system, opens new perception, and helps leaders reduce stress, anxiety, and tension—so we can respond with clarity instead of reacting on autopilot.
Description:
From our first breath (autonomy) to our last (letting go), the breath shapes how we meet life. In this conversation, Anthony takes us from Breathwork 101 into lived wisdom:

• Why a single conscious breath shifts us from reactivity to creativity.
• How a short practice—even 10 connected breaths—can settle the nervous system, widen perspective, and improve choices.
• The connected breath (full inhale, ~70% exhale, no pause) as a safe, powerful practice—best learned with qualified guidance.
• Real-world impact: using 10 shared breaths to transform a tense board meeting; why teams breathe better—and work better—together.
• Practical addiction support: replacing a craving with 3 deep breaths, and meeting urges with presence.
• Inner work: “The Bridge” process to reconnect with the joyful inner child and reclaim wholeness.
• Leadership in a changing world: with knowledge democratized and change “double-exponential,” leaders must create new conversations instead of fueling polarization.

You’ll also hear how Anthony brought breathwork online (his weekly Breathe the World sessions gather 700–800 people), and why community breathing amplifies healing.
Gentle safety note: Don’t practice connected breathing while driving or in unsafe settings. Seek trained, accredited facilitators for deeper sessions.
Key Talking Points:

• Breath as our first act of agency (birth) and lifelong teacher (the letting-go of the exhale)
• The shift from reactive → creative (and how one conscious breath begins it)
• Breathwork 101 for busy leaders: simple, repeatable ways to de-stress and decide wisely
• The connected breath (no pause between inhale/exhale; ~70% exhale) and why guidance matters
• Nervous system regulation: why even 10 breaths can change a meeting, a day, a decision
• Addiction & urges: the 3-breath interruption that helps cravings pass
• The Bridge: reclaiming the inner child, joy, and presence
• Teams that breathe together: dissolving hostility, aligning to mission, increasing efficiency
• The future of leadership: imagination, agency, and new conversations beyond polarization
• Community practice: Breathe the World weekly sessions and global BreathCamp

Connect with Anthony Abbagnano:
Website
YouTube
Instagram
LinkedIn