The Hip Chronicles --Episode #3: The Flexible Mayor: Yoga, Hips and Healing

In this episode, I sit down with Julie Domaratz — Mayor of Fairport, NY, fellow yogi, and proud owner of two titanium hips.

 Nine years ago, Julie underwent the exact procedure I’m about to have: a double anterior hip replacement. And let me tell you — her story is a masterclass in self-advocacy, resilience, and hope.

Julie shares:

🦴 The first signs something wasn’t quite right

 😨 The fears and hesitation around getting surgery

 🧘🏽‍♀️ The emotional toll of being told she’d never teach yoga again

 🔎 How she interviewed five doctors to find the right one — who just so happened to be a yogi, too

 💪 What recovery looked like and how she made it back to her mat

 🎉 Why she cheered when I told her I needed new hips (and didn’t gasp like everyone else)

Julie’s story is a beautiful reminder that healing is possible, advocacy matters, and sometimes the path forward starts with a big "no" to the wrong answer — and a bold "yes" to what you know you need.

Thank you, Julie, for showing us what’s on the other side of fear.