Program Host: Vicki Dello Joio
August 13th, 2026
8:30 - 9:30 PM Eastern
Pull Up a Chair...One of the greatest joys of hosting Qi Talks over the past ten years has been sitting down with extraordinary people whose lives have been transformed by Qigong—and who, in turn, are transforming the lives of others.
This month, we're gathering a remarkable group of leaders for a special conversation celebrating the National Qigong Association's 30th Anniversary Conference, Honoring Our Roots.
Before the conference begins, you're invited to join us for a lively, behind-the-scenes conversation with several of this year's featured presenters and conference leaders.
Together we'll explore:
• The inspiration behind this year's conference theme
• Highlights from keynote presentations, workshops, and panel discussions
• Why these topics matter now—for practitioners, teachers, and the growing field of Qigong
• Personal stories, insights, and the vision that is helping shape the future of Qigong
This special Qi Talks panel brings together many of the visionary leaders who have helped shape the National Qigong Association and continue to influence the future of Qigong around the world.
Whether you're already registered for the conference or simply curious about where Qigong is headed, this free conversation offers a unique opportunity to connect with the people, ideas, and inspiration behind this milestone gathering.
As always on Qi Talks, we'll go beyond titles and presentations. We'll explore the personal journeys, inspirations, and hopes of the people who are helping shape the future of our community.
I hope you'll join us.
Clayton Crosley: President of the National Qigong Association and Senior Instructor for Long White Cloud Qigong, Clayton Crosley has practiced Qigong for more than 35 years. As a VA Community Care Network provider, he is helping bring Qigong into one of the world's largest healthcare systems by working alongside physicians and educating healthcare professionals in its therapeutic benefits. At the conference, Clayton joins Bill Douglas and Peter Wayne for the panel discussion, "The Future of Qigong."
Francesco Garri Garripoli is an internationally recognized Qigong teacher, Chair Emeritus of the National Qigong Association, Chair of the Qigong Institute, Emmy Award-winning producer, author, and longtime student of Asian healing traditions. His conference presentation, "Radical Qi – Moves and Methods to Enhance the Qi Effect," draws on decades of study with master teachers around the world.
Lauren Thomas serves as Executive Administrator of the National Qigong Association and Chair of the NQA Events Committee. Since discovering Qigong in 2019, she has become a passionate advocate for the practice while helping build a vibrant, connected community through the Association. Lauren will share the vision and inspiration behind this special 30th Anniversary Conference.
Lorelei Chang is a pioneering dancer, Qigong and Taijiquan teacher whose work beautifully blends movement, Chinese calligraphy, healing arts, and embodied expression. A beloved teacher for nearly five decades, she will present "Basic Bagua Zhang Foundation" and perform with her twin sister, Mai Nakanishi, during the conference's evening entertainment.
Marisa Cranfill: Founder of YOQI® Yoga + Qigong, Marisa Cranfill has spent more than 25 years studying with Qigong masters and monastics throughout China and Thailand. Known for her engaging teaching style and popular online Qigong resources, she will deliver the conference's closing keynote, "Qigong Flow – The Six Phases of Energy Transformation."
Steven Washington is a certified Qigong instructor, meditation teacher, author, and former Broadway performer whose work focuses on nervous system regulation, recovery, and emotional well-being. Drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience, his presentation, "Healing at the Root," explores Qigong as a pathway to resilience, healing, and lasting transformation.
Your Host: Vicki Dello Joio: For more than ten years, Vicki Dello Joio has hosted Qi Talks, earning the affectionate nickname, "The Terry Gross of the Qi World." A Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the National Qigong Association, Vicki has been teaching Qigong since 1975 and is the founder of The Way of Joy, a body-mind-spirit approach to cultivating joyful, authentic living. Her conference presentation is titled "Days of Deepening: Returning to Our Roots for Stability, Harvest, and Renewal."
Reserve Your Seat
Whether you're planning to attend the conference or simply want to enjoy an inspiring evening of conversation with some of today's most respected voices in Qigong, we'd love to have you with us.
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