A podcast about spirituality, community, and living with integrity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A podcast about spirituality, community, and living with integrity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Naren Schreiner, devoted disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and bhajan chanter, for a soul-stirring exploration of devotion—from high school choir to the heart of Indian chanting. Why does God, with infinite power and wisdom, seek our freely given love? How does Divine Mother embody unconditional embrace? Discover practical wisdom for loving meditation, taming ego in community, and surrendering like a child.
Recorded at Yogaville, this episode weaves personal stories with Yogananda's teachings on Autobiography of a Yogi, Kriya Yoga, and bhakti. Naren shares:
Ends with a serene Shiva chant for Shravan—pure upliftment!
"The soul loves to meditate, because that's communion with the divine. So if I'm resisting, it's not the soul resisting, it's something else. - Naren K. Schreiner.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro & Welcome
03:00 Discovering Indian Chanting & Devotion
07:00 Becoming Yogananda's Disciple at 14
12:00 Sacred Privacy: Keeping Spirituality Intimate
16:00 Ego & "Competitive Humility" in Community
23:00 Divine Mother: Unconditional Love & Forms
32:00 Loving Meditation: Discipline Meets Surrender
39:00 Self-Parenting: Balance of Comfort & Strength
47:00 Teacher-Student Bonds: Humility Over Hierarchy
58:00 Closing Prayer: Shiva Chant in Shravan
--
Naren (Kamalakanta) Schreiner has been a disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda for over thirty years. After living as a brahmachari yogi (monk) in the SRF Ashram for fourteen years, he continued his religious vocation of service and spiritual support to individuals, families and communities throughout the US and Mexico. He lived at the Kali Mandir for ten years and was ordained as a Hindu priest (archaka) in 2012. He has received the blessing of diksha and instruction that enable him to serve the Indian community and the tradition of Sanatana Dharma through puja, yajna, weddings and other rituals. He helped establish Mexico's first Hanuman Mandir and Ram Mandir, and serves as a spiritual advisor to organizations. Sacred music is an important part of his life and worship; after receiving classical India vocal training here and in India, he recorded five albums, much loved by devotees worldwide, available on all music platforms under his name. Naren's offers his services through www.avahana.net and music through www.sangitayoga.com
If this sparks your practice, subscribe, rate 5 stars, and share a key takeaway in reviews.
#Yogananda #DivineMother #BhaktiYoga #Meditation
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Michael Plasha, a dedicated yoga teacher and mindfulness coach, as he shares his transformative journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a beacon of mindfulness and yoga. Discover how nature, meditation, and pivotal life moments shaped his path, leading him to teach yoga in Erie, Pennsylvania, and beyond. Michael discusses his experiences with family, spirituality, and the power of intuition, offering insights into living a mindful life amidst busyness. Perfect for anyone interested in yoga, mindfulness, or personal growth.
--
Michael Plasha, E-RYT 500, YACEP, RPYT, is a seasoned yoga teacher with over 20,000 hours of teaching experience across 14,000+ classes. For over 20 years, he ran an award-winning yoga studio in Erie, PA, before relocating to Savannah, GA. Michael specializes in adapting yoga for conditions like back pain, MS, Parkinson’s, and cancer, with his hospital-based rehabilitation work featured in Yoga Journal. Certified in Ayurveda, Prenatal Yoga, and Yoga for the Heart, he draws from Integral Yoga, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Kripalu, and Viniyoga traditions.
Michael offers tailored private and group classes, blending alignment-focused Hatha, Vinyasa, restorative, and gentle chair yoga, informed by Ayurveda for holistic balance. As a Mindfulness and Stress Management Consultant, he serves Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and schools, with trainings approved by NASW. Praised by Integral Yoga leaders, Michael’s innovative approach is seen as a future standard for yoga in America.
🔔 If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories!
#Mindfulness #Yoga #PersonalGrowth #Spirituality #NatureHealing
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Nina Rao, acclaimed kirtan artist and devotee in the lineage of Neem Karoli Baba, in this heartfelt conversation with host Avi Gordon at Yogaville. Nina shares her journey from cultural rituals in India to discovering the depth of sadhana (spiritual practice) in New York through yoga, Krishna Das, and her guru Sri Siddhi Ma. Explore how consistent practice—through chanting, prayer, and mindfulness—fosters unconditional love, equanimity, and compassion in daily life. Topics include integrating practice into parenting, overcoming negativity, and remembering our interconnectedness.
Nina Rao first learned sacred chants as a young girl from her grandfather in south India, and the chants stayed quietly with her until she rediscovered this powerful practice with Krishna Das in New York in 1996. Since then she has been KD’s business manager and accompanies him musically. In 1998 she met her guru, Sri Siddhi Ma, in the foothills of the Himalayas and spent time with her regularly for 19 years, while Ma was in the body. Nina has been chanting regularly as her main practice, has recorded albums that are widely streamed and played around the world, leads chant events, studies and shares Veda chanting and, spiritual texts, is a hospice volunteer, is a podcast host for Be Here Now Network, goes on yatra/pilgrimage, and is a wildlife conservationist as chairperson for Saving Wild Tigers, and hopes that everyone will make a Homegrown National Park in their home by planting native species. Along with the 21 Taras Collective she has released a new album of 7 mantras in 2025. Nina co-hosted and released along with 10 women wisdom leaders, the audio course and program “Sita’s Gems”, lifting Sita Devi from victim to heroine of the Ramayana.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Origins of Practice
01:12 - Growing Up with Cultural Rituals
02:35 - Discovering Sadhana in Adulthood
03:42 - Unconditional Love and Inner Peace
05:06 - Chanting as a Child and Adult Insights
06:24 - Meeting Sidima at Maharaji's Ashram
08:45 - Prayer as Daily Practice
10:27 - Awareness of Obscurations and Honesty
12:02 - Building the Practice Muscle
13:28 - Practice for Enlightenment and Less Harm
14:52 - Digging a Deep Well (Sidima's Advice)
16:12 - Making Everyday Activities Sacred
18:15 - Allegiance to Practice and Remembering
19:22 - Practice for Compassion and Service
21:39 - Aspiration and Dedication in Practice
23:20 - Understanding Hearts and Self-Worth
25:06 - Acceptance and the Long Road
26:56 - Oneness Amid Separation
27:41 - Trusting Life's University
28:43 - Reflecting on Changes from Practice
30:02 - Evolving Family Relationships
32:31 - Vulnerability in Parenting
34:19 - Purpose, Mistakes, and Gratitude
35:58 - Negativity Bias and Sacred Life
37:18 - Precious Human Life and Interconnectedness
38:58 - Discovery Process in Gratitude and Parenting
40:03 - Allowing Children Their Own Path
41:31 - Nina's Recent Trip to India with Family
42:50 - Parenting with Honor and Acceptance
43:43 - Closing and Thanks
Subscribe for more inspiring talks on yoga, spirituality, and personal growth. #SpiritualPractice #Kirtan #NinaRao
If you enjoyed this, check out Nina Rao's website and music: NinaRaoChant.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Kelly Smith, a passionate meditation teacher, as she shares her unique approach to leading guided meditations and weaving mindfulness into yoga classes. In this insightful podcast, Kelly discusses how she incorporates diverse meditation techniques to support students with ADHD, dyslexia, or busy minds, helping them find calm and connect with their authentic selves. Learn practical tips for adding mini-meditations to yoga sequences, debunking meditation myths, and rediscovering your true self for a richer, more fulfilling life. Perfect for yoga teachers, meditation enthusiasts, or anyone seeking inner peace in a fast-paced world.
--
Kelly Smith is a global yoga and meditation teacher, author, E-RYT 500/ YACEP, founder of Yoga For You and the host of the iTunes chart topping podcasts Mindful in Minutes and Meditation Mama. Kelly believes that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to yoga and meditation and encourages her students to find their own personal practice, listen to their bodies, and find inner joy by accessing their most authentic selves. Kelly is best known for her guided meditation, yoga nidra, and restorative yoga practices that she has been sharing since 2016 on her podcasts and books.
To connect and find out more about Kelly:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this enlightening podcast, Paul Olko, a practitioner of Taoism and Chinese medicine, shares his passion with Avi for introspective personal healing. He explores health through the lens of the five elements—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and financial—emphasizing balance and living in harmony with nature. Paul discusses the importance of cultivating oneself like a garden, using practices like Taoist meditation and the I Ching to foster self-awareness and gratitude. He highlights the power of simplicity, moderation, and embracing paradoxes, such as letting go of the need to know to gain true wisdom. Paul also reflects on building community, setting boundaries, and the transformative impact of aligning with one’s authentic self.
--
Paul is a naturopath, herbalist, and Asian bodywork therapist. He has been associated with the Ni Family Traditional practices since 1989, and travels each year to study with the family to advance his own practice. He is certified by the Chi Health Institute of the College of Tao in the Ni Family's 18 and 28 Step Harmony-Style Tai Chi, Taoist meditation, Tai Chi staff, and 8 Treasures Qi Gong. He has been a Yoga teacher since 1972. He lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he has an active practice in the healing arts and teaches Taoist movement arts on a regular basis.
For more information about Paul and his practice in Charlottesville, Virginia: https://greenlakehealing.com/
Keywords: Taoism, Chinese Medicine, Holistic Health, Personal Healing, Five Elements, Meditation, I Ching, Self-Cultivation, Gratitude, Spiritual Wellness, Nature Connection, Balance and Harmony, Community Building, Mindfulness, Simplicity
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this profound podcast episode, Krishna Das, the renowned kirtan singer, sits down with Integral Yoga director Avi Gordon to share insights on navigating the subjective nature of reality, the power of spiritual practice, and the art of letting go of ego. From exploring the influence of his Guru to embracing life’s challenges with presence, Krishna Das offers wisdom on cultivating inner peace and compassion. He reflects on the interconnectedness of all beings, the importance of daily practice, and how suffering can be a motivator for transformation. This conversation is a heartfelt invitation to live with gratitude and awareness, perfect for anyone seeking deeper meaning and connection.
"Practice is the most important thing. It's dropping an anchor into the ocean. And then when the winds blow you this way and that way, you're not blown around too much.”
~ Krishna Das
--
Few figures in modern spirituality, particularly in the West, have impacted the hearts and minds of contemporary seekers as Krishna Das has. A devotee of the North Indian Saint, Neem Karoli Baba (Maharajji), Krishna Das has played an enormous role in popularizing the traditional practice of kirtan in the West, taking the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and temples and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling western chant artist of all time. In a career spanning more than two decades, KD has released 16 acclaimed full-length albums, his music serving as an easily approachable gateway to the devotional traditions of the East. Along the way, he has evolved into an accessible if somewhat reluctant teacher, and a spiritual friend to many. He travels the world sharing his kirtan practice and stories of his life on the Path, of Maharajiji, and advocates for bringing regular spiritual practice into our lives through retreats and workshops. During COVID times he has chanted online every week for the worldwide satsang.
More information on KrishnaDas.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Swami Ramananda, a renowned Integral Yoga teacher, as he shares profound insights on finding peace in chaotic times through spiritual practice. From his Kentucky roots to his transformative journey with Swami Satchidananda, discover how yoga, meditation, and karma yoga cultivate resilience amid global challenges like injustice and political unrest.
🕉️ Key Wisdom from Swami Ramananda:
“A regular habitual spiritual practice on a daily basis is a great foundation for dealing with anything that comes up in life.”
“Make peace in your heart first and then you can be a presence for that.”
“The universe isn’t interested in smooth sailing, the universe is interested in challenging us to make us wake up.”
“Even when I’m meditating, when I’m practicing, that energy, hopefully a very peaceful loving energy, is radiating out into the world. So it’s not even that that is not doing anything.”
Explore the power of community, selfless service, and inner balance in this inspiring conversation. Like, share, and subscribe for more spiritual wisdom!
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:55 Spirituality in a Chaotic World
06:12 Daily Spiritual Practice
11:53 Karma Yoga Explained
18:59 Swami Ramananda’s Early Life
43:49 Meeting Swami Satchidananda
1:05:40 Lessons in Karma Yoga
1:08:26 Aging and Spiritual Community
---
Swami Ramananda, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, is the Executive Director of the Integral Yoga Institute in San Francisco, C-IAYT, and a greatly respected senior teacher in the Integral Yoga tradition who has been practicing Yoga for over 45 years. Ramananda offers practical methods of integrating the timeless teachings and practices of Yoga into daily life and transforming the painful aspects of human experience into steps toward realizing one’s full potential.
He leads beginner, intermediate and advanced-level Yoga teacher training programs in San Francisco and offers a variety of programs in many locations in the U.S., Europe and South America. Ramananda co-developed the Stress Management Teacher Training program with Swami Vidyananda, has trained many teachers to bring Yoga into corporate, hospital and medical settings, and has taught mind/body wellness programs in many locations. He is a certified Yoga therapist and founding board member of the Yoga Alliance, a national registry that supports and promotes yoga teachers as professionals. He co-founded The Spiritual Action Initiative (SAI), which brings together individuals committed to working for social justice for all beings and for the care and healing of our natural world. His warmth, wisdom and sense of humor have endeared him to many.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Andrew Singer, owner of Flying Tree Yoga in Medellín, Colombia, and a yoga teacher trainer specializing in alignment-based yoga flow. Andrew shares his transformative journey from teaching languages worldwide to spreading yoga’s teachings across Latin America since 2014. He dives into how yoga, rooted in tantric philosophy and Anusara yoga, fosters joy, community, and a connection to the divine in everyone.
Explore Andrew’s insights on karma and bhakti yoga, and the challenge of staying present in daily life. He reflects on building a vibrant yoga community in Medellín, overcoming cultural resistance in a Catholic region, and how fatherhood has deepened his practice. Andrew also discusses the power of conscious language in teaching yoga and the unique openness of Colombian culture compared to secular yoga communities.
“Yoga doesn’t just provide us with physical and mental wellbeing, but also a sense of peace and joy. Yoga allows us to celebrate life!” – Andrew Singer
Learn about Flying Tree Yoga’s offerings, including teacher training and online Spanish courses for yoga teachers, at flyingtreeyoga.com.
About Andrew Singer
Andrew is the owner of Flying Tree Yoga in Medellín, Colombia and Yoga Internships Colombia. He is a teacher trainer specialising in alignment based yoga flow. After working for 10 years teaching different languages across the world, he decided in 2014 to dedicate himself to spreading the teachings of Yoga into Latin America and beyond. He believes in empowering individuals to find their own path and unique approach to yoga. His interests include getting hands on with adjusting and assisting, Thai bodywork, mindfulness meditation, Classical Yoga, Tantra and Buddhist philosophy and the Spanish language.
Connect with Andrew & Flying Tree Yoga
🌿 Flying Tree Yoga Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flying_tree_yoga/
🌿 Yoga Internships Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogainternships
🌿 Andrew Singer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewjsinger/
🌿 Flying Tree Yoga Website: https://www.flyingtreeyoga.com/
🌿 Yoga Internships Website: https://www.yogainternships.com/
Enjoyed this episode? Like, share, and subscribe for more conversations on yoga, spirituality, and personal growth!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this podcast episode, Karen Fabian, a seasoned yoga teacher with over 22 years of experience, discusses imposter syndrome and its impact on yoga instructors. She describes imposter syndrome as a feeling of inadequacy or self-doubt, where teachers feel they are "faking it" or not qualified enough, despite their training and expertise. This often stems from the pressure of public speaking, the deep responsibility of guiding students through a practice rooted in ancient traditions, and personal limiting beliefs tied to past experiences.
Karen emphasizes the importance of detachment from external validation to build confidence, advocating for a consistent teaching approach, such as using a signature sequence, to reduce anxiety and foster authenticity. She shares practical strategies, like grounding exercises and pre-class breathing, to manage nerves and encourages teachers to reflect on their teaching experiences to find balance and authenticity.
--
Yoga teacher, Podcast Host, Author and Founder of Bare Bones Yoga, Karen Fabian has a background in rehabilitative medicine and healthcare. Her passion for anatomy and human movement is behind all she does, including her work with yoga teachers inside her program, The Yoga Anatomy Blueprint Learning Program. Along with her qualifications as a yoga teacher, she also earned her Certified Personal Trainer certification in 2017 and Corrective Exercise certification in 2019 with the National Association of Sports Medicine to deepen her knowledge of human movement.
Her mission is to empower and educate yoga teachers so that they can share exceptional and accessible classes in their communities, online and in a variety of settings. She firmly believes in the ripple effect of yoga’s benefits moving from teacher to student to family and community. Her podcast, “Conversations for Yoga Teachers” has over 300 episodes and over 200K downloads and shares lessons in anatomy, cueing and sequencing and shares stories from other yoga teachers and experts in related fields.
She’s written several books including “Stretched: Build Your Yoga Business, Grow Your Teaching Techniques,” and “Structure and Spirit.”
Karen has her B.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from Boston University and her Master’s in Health Care Administration from Simmons College. She is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider and was one of the first Certified Baptiste Yoga Teachers. She has been teaching since 2002 and lives in Boston.
Links
https://barebonesyoga.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@barebonesyoga
https://www.instagram.com/barebonesyoga/reels/
https://www.youtube.com/@KarenFabian
Karen’s Freebies
https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/the-5-day-confidence-challenge/
https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/the-bare-bones-yoga-guide-to-incredible-yoga-teaching/
https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/free-guide-steps-to-confident-teaching/
https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/how-to-build-a-yoga-sequence-lead-page/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Erin shares her motivation for her diverse endeavors, emphasizing balance as both her personal practice and a guiding principle for supporting others. She discusses her journey from a driven, goal-oriented mindset as a collegiate athlete to embracing a practice of presence and acceptance, where balance is a dynamic state of flow rather than a fixed goal.
Erin highlights practical strategies for cultivating balance, such as morning quiet time, writing down ideas to clear mental clutter, and integrating short, accessible yoga practices into daily life. She also addresses common barriers to practice, like the misconception that yoga requires long sessions or formal classes, and advocates for small, intentional moments of movement and rest. When discussing her work with athletes, Erin emphasizes the critical need for rest and recovery to counter the intense "push-through" mentality, noting how restorative practices enhance performance and prevent burnout. The conversation touches on the importance of openness, acceptance, and honesty in fostering balance.
---
Erin Taylor is an international recovery expert, writer, and yoga teacher. For 20 years she has coached professional athletes, everyday runners, pre- and post-natal women, office workers, and anyone looking to integrate practices that improve well-being and longevity. She is the creator of Balance Practice, a platform that offers practical tools to inspire and support mental and physical balance in all aspects of life. Erin is also the founder of Athletes for Yoga, the only athlete-led, on-demand video platform and app that puts yoga into the context of sport and well-being goals, and the author of Move, Rest, Recover.
erintaylor.works (website)
erintaylor.substack.com (newsletter)
@erintaylorworks (instagram)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this heartfelt episode Jeremy shares how his deep dive into Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and spiritual practice transformed his life, offering insights into the power of letting go, embracing grace, and finding bliss through consistent practice. From navigating the awkward stages of yoga to exploring profound concepts like rigorous honesty, the role of pain as a motivator, and even touching on his fascination with UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena), Jeremy’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and awakening. Join us for a rich conversation about yoga, recovery, and the human quest for truth, culminating in a beautiful quote from Nisargadatta Maharaj that captures the essence of the spiritual path:
"Wisdom is knowing I am nothing, love is knowing I am everything; and between the two my life moves."
--
Jeremy York is a student of "the Holy Science of Yoga" who lives, works, and practices at the Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville. As a spiritual seeker, he has been blessed to have found the dynamic and demanding practice of Ashtanga Yoga, as well as the subtle and sublime practice of Kriya Yoga. As the Hatha Yoga Pradipika tells us, “No success in Raja Yoga without Hatha Yoga, and no success in Hatha Yoga without Raja Yoga. One should therefore practice both of these well, till complete success is gained.”
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this podcast, Hannah Levin discusses her mission to alleviate unnecessary suffering through Ayurveda and yoga, drawing from her personal health crisis with high-grade cervical dysplasia. She explains how Western medicine offered surgery as the only option, but discovering Ayurveda helped her heal and inspired her to guide others toward conscious, health-supportive choices.
Levin emphasizes that much of our suffering comes from living out of sync with nature’s rhythms, often unconsciously, and that true freedom arises from balancing structure and spontaneity. She delves into Ayurvedic principles, including the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), and how they influence health, emotions, and daily habits. Through her coaching, she helps people cultivate awareness, implement gradual habit changes, and make sustainable lifestyle shifts aligned with their unique constitutions. The conversation also explores the role of community, meditation, and intentional living in fostering well-being, ultimately advocating for a compassionate, balanced approach to personal growth and healing.
--
Hannah Elizabeth Levin is the founder of Heartfelt Wellbeing LLC. She is an Ayurveda Practitioner, yoga teacher, and artist who also holds a masters degree in teaching. Hannah expertly guides women to regain their optimal health and wellbeing through her online coaching programs and retreats.
https://www.heartfeltwellbeing.com/
https://www.facebook.com/heartfeltwellbeing
https://www.facebook.com/groups/heartfelthannah
https://www.instagram.com/heartfeltwellbeing/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This conversation explores the importance of simplicity and authenticity in spiritual practice, emphasizing the value of honoring diverse paths while staying true to one’s own. It touches on balancing technology with awareness, fostering meaningful dialogue across traditions, and speaking truth with love. The discussion highlights how creativity can deepen spiritual growth and the role of discernment in navigating new ideas and societal pressures.
---
Les Anand Roberts was born in Shropshire, England, in May 1953 into a working-class family. After dropping out of high school at 16, he spent two years working in manual labor before returning to education at 18. He eventually qualified as a Company Secretary and worked in various accounting roles, though a career breakdown in the early 1980s led to significant life changes. He later moved to Gibraltar, where he worked for Ernst & Young and other companies while navigating a challenging second marriage. Les's life took a transformative turn when he discovered the Integral Yoga Centre in Gibraltar and became deeply involved in the spiritual teachings offered there, particularly the "Science of the Mind."
In 2002, Les became self-employed as a business and compliance consultant and founded the charity AKIN (Association for Kids In Need), which helped children in six countries. His charity work extended to founding Childline Gibraltar and contributing to several other local causes. He also served as chairman of The Association of Trust & Company Managers and contributed to Gibraltar’s finance sector. In 2009, Les moved to southern Spain, and in 2019, he semi-retired, continuing to work in compliance while collaborating with his partner, Nalanie Harilela Chellaram, to organize spiritual workshops. Outside of work, Les enjoys photography, videography, writing, music, and painting. He has four children and four grandchildren.
Follow Les on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/les.anand_creations/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Kansas Carradine explores the balance between personal spiritual practices—like yoga, meditation, and retreats—and the call to engage with the world’s needs. She shares insights on cultivating inner stillness, self-compassion, and mindful presence as essential ways to recharge and show up more fully in service to others. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, traveler, and equestrian, Kansas emphasizes how small, intentional actions can create meaningful ripples of positive change, reminding us that inner work and outer action are deeply connected.
--
Kansas Carradine, a prominent figure in the Equestrian Industry, navigates a captivating journey from rodeo arenas to Hollywood stunts and circus performances. Evolving into an ethical horsemanship clinician and influential speaker, she maintains unwavering commitment to the highest animal ethics standards. Notably featured in publications like Sports Illustrated and Cowboys & Indians Magazine, Carradine's multifaceted career includes roles as a performer, horse trainer, coach, and mentor in the world-renowned equestrian show, CAVALIA.
In her latest chapter, Carradine seamlessly transitions into the role of an Equine Guided Educator, utilizing her innate ability to connect with both horses and people. Kansas is also a HeartMath Certified Trainer, passionate about teaching emotional self-regulation tools and helping people activate the intelligence of their own hearts for greater health, vitality, and performance.
With a wealth of experience, she serves as a mentor and coach, skillfully integrating science, spirituality, horsemanship, and heart. Carradine's transformative work bridges diverse realms, creating a powerful impact on aspiring horse enthusiasts and the broader public alike.
Connect with Kansas:
https://www.facebook.com/circuscowgirl/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Avi speaks with Cathy Woods, a lifelong yogini, equestrian, and creator of "Body, Mind, Equine," a program that blends yoga and horsemanship. Cathy shares how yoga principles—breath, body awareness, and mindfulness—enhance the rider’s connection with their horse, improving communication and overall experience in the saddle. She discusses the deeper parallels between yoga and riding, emphasizing presence, energy awareness, and mutual trust. Whether you're a yogi, an equestrian, or simply interested in mindful movement, this conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of these two disciplines.
---
A longtime yogini, horsewoman, author, yoga teacher, international retreat leader, creator of Body, Mind, EquineTM, and a pioneer in focusing on equestrian wellness and mindfulness in horsemanship
Cathy aims to impart a practical approach to authentic yoga and mindful horsemanship, making it accessible to everyone regardless of what that looks like for the individual. She’s passionate about supporting equestrians in their wellness journey, promoting a more enriched and skillful life.
Her yogic journey naturally transpired as a child. Having nurtured that path and lifestyle for many years, she began leading programs in 1991. Cathy enjoys combining and sharing her passions of yoga, horses, travel, and women’s empowerment in creative ways and finds great joy in helping people handcraft their lives and their horsemanship
Her programs have been offered at distinguished locations such as The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Yogaville Ashram, and Mount Madonna Center. On the equine front, Cathy has partnered with amazing venues such as Equitana, Internation Liberty Horsemanship Association, Equine Affaire, Warwick Schillers Journey on Summit, Tryon International Equestrian Center, and C Lazy U Ranch, to name a few. She also shares her work through her book Yoga for Riders, published by Horseandriderbooks, and is currently working on a second book titled, Riding Change. Additionally, Cathy writes for publications such as Horse Illustrated, Yoga + Life Magazine, and others. She’s been featured in Forbes, Yoga Digest, Horse and Rider Magazine, and additional publications. A series of her online courses can be found on WeHorse.
Cathy’s an avid equine enthusiast and longtime backcountry trail rider who loves exploring the natural world from the back of a horse. She remains passionate and dedicated to sharing authentic yoga and how it enhances life and horsemanship!
Find out more at: www.cathywoodsyoga.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this heartfelt and reflective conversation, Swami Asokananda shares his incredible life journey—from his Brooklyn upbringing in a non-religious Jewish family to his path of spiritual awakening and leadership. He recounts transformative moments, including early struggles with identity, his experiences with yoga and meditation, and the pivotal influences of mentors and life-changing practices. Swami Asokananda opens up about vulnerability, connection, and the wisdom of simply being oneself, offering profound insights into personal growth and the universal quest for meaning. This episode is a rich tapestry of stories and lessons from a life devoted to inner discovery and service.
--
Swami Asokananda, a monk since 1975, is the President and Spiritual Director of the New York Integral Yoga Institute, as well as one of its foremost teachers. While he enjoys sharing the practical wisdom of the Yogic philosophy (especially that of the great Indian scripture the Bhagavad Gita), he also loves his practice of Hatha Yoga and is one of our primary instructors for Intermediate and Advanced Hatha Yoga Teacher Training. He has served as president of Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville and currently serves as co-chair, with Swami Ramananda, of the Integral Yoga Global Network.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Freddy Jackson, founder of the Love No Ego Foundation, shares his mission to help youth aged 10-18 develop self-awareness and emotional resilience by overcoming societal pressures and the influence of ego. Freddy explores the distinction between thinking less of oneself and thinking of oneself less, advocating for a balance between self-awareness and selflessness. Freddy also discusses the importance of embracing fear and surrendering to reality rather than resisting it, fostering growth, gratitude, and a deeper appreciation for life. Personal anecdotes illustrate his dedication to nurturing relationships with family and loved ones, emphasizing presence and meaningful connections. He reflects on the transformative power of love in overcoming challenges, celebrating differences, and living with purpose.
--
Freddy is an inspirational and transformational lecturer and speaker, social-emotional learning (SEL) mentor, health and wellness trainer, educator, author, and founder of The Love No Ego Foundation.
Freddy's Love...No Ego philosophy serves as the foundation for success, strengthening the motivation needed for change, igniting intuitions, identifying and removing egotistical behaviors, minimizing stress and conflict, and facilitating valuable, purposeful, and practical action steps that enable participants to grow and perform better than their everyday pressures despite their chosen industry.
Domestically, as well as internationally, Freddy has delivered powerful, engaging, and relevant presentations, mentored, consulted, and conducted workshops for individuals, teams, and organizations, improving insight, sustainability, and resiliency.
WEBSITES:
https://www.lovenoego.org/
https://www.mrlovenoego.org/
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS/HANDLES
https://www.instagram.com/mrlovenoego/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelovenoegofoundation/
https://www.facebook.com/MrLoveNoEgo/
https://www.youtube.com/@mrlovenoego
https://www.tiktok.com/@mrlovenoego
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Tara Eschenroeder delves into the concept of "rewilding" as a return to our natural, instinctual state of being. She defines rewilding as reconnecting with the innate wisdom within us, much like how trees grow or fireflies communicate effortlessly. Tara shares her practices for rediscovering this inner compass, including journaling, movement, discussion, and time in nature, all aimed at peeling back layers of societal conditioning and distraction. She emphasizes the role of childlike play and curiosity as pathways to reconnect with our wild, intuitive selves, drawing inspiration from the way children approach life with imagination and openness.
The episode also explores the importance of acknowledging and transforming inherited generational patterns, finding balance between disciplined practices and devotion to one’s higher self, and embracing community as a space for authentic connection and growth. Tara’s insights inspire listeners to embrace curiosity, rediscover their wildness, and live with greater authenticity and joy.
--
Tara (Becky) Eschenroeder is a 500-hour E-RYT, RCYT, YACEP, certified coach, self-published author, and an inspiring yogi recognized among the top three yoga instructors by Richmond Magazine. Rooted in Asheville, NC, Tara leads workshops, retreats, and classes nationwide, empowering students to listen within and trust their unique paths. With credentials in Psychology, Elementary Education, and coaching, her approach blends studied expertise with intuitive guidance, offering a space for exploration, self-discovery, and authentic expression. A Lululemon Ambassador and advocate for yoga's transformative power, Tara’s teaching, mentoring, and life reflect her Dharma as a vessel of love, trust, and inspiration.
Website: http://greatabidingyoga.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/becky.eschenroeder and https://www.facebook.com/greatabidingyoga/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatabidingyoga/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3Ad7lwBuG1GcQZqae7XDUA
Insight Timer: https://insig.ht/hKogenxtanb
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3T2AROCSEIe3hktXqDPqOp
Newsletter signup: https://greatabidingyoga.com/contact#subst
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode Līlā Śakti Mayī, and Avi dive into the profound connection between humility, self-care, and the power of Sanskrit. The discussion focuses on how language can embody intention and emotion, highlighting that every language carries sacredness. They emphasize that true humility is about recognizing one's inherent value without harsh self-criticism or rigid expectations. This self-awareness cultivates compassion, allowing us to acknowledge our emotional pain while embracing our needs. Ultimately, the episode illustrates that genuine self-care stems from empathy toward ourselves, empowering us to better support others and create enriching connections with the world around us.
--
Līlā Śakti Mayī received her B.A. and M.A. in Sanskrit from the University of Virginia. She has studied the mechanics of the Sanskrit language alongside sacred Sanskrit literature for a decade. Her scriptural focus has largely revolved around the Bhagavad Gītā, and she recently contributed heavily to a new publication entitled Bhagavad Gītā Concordance: A Comprehensive Word Reference with English and Sanskrit Indexes by Dr. Graham Schweig (Columbia University Press, 2024). She is currently working on a similar reference work for the Yoga Sūtras. For the past several years, she has also studied nonviolent communication through NYCNVC. Līlā Śakti Mayī teaches the Sanskrit language and courses in Sanskrit scripture, but her greatest joy is bridging this ancient wisdom with the modern theory and practice of nonviolent communication. In her teaching, she illuminates the powerful harmony between the two, inspiring and empowering others towards deeper self-connection grounded in the heart.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this insightful episode, Swami Karunananda reflects on her extraordinary life journey, beginning with her childhood in Brooklyn where she demonstrated remarkable early abilities, such as speaking at six months old and reading at three. She shares a pivotal moment from her sixth grade when she asked herself what she wanted to do with her life, deciding then to help others relieve their suffering. Her path led her from a focus on academics and science to an unexpected spiritual awakening through yoga and philosophy, inspired by the presence of her guru. Through personal stories, Swami Karunananda discusses the importance of service, the interconnectedness of all beings, and the profound power of following one's inner guidance to make a meaningful contribution to the world.
--
Swami Karunananda has had 50 years’ experience teaching all aspects of Yoga. She designed and conducts teacher training programs in Raja Yoga and in Meditation. She served as president of Satchidananda Ashram in California and in Virginia, and as director of the San Francisco and Santa Barbara Integral Yoga Institutes. She compiled and edited The Lotus Prayer Book and Enlightening Tales as told by Sri Swami Satchidananda. Her book, Awakening: Aspiration to Realization through Integral Yoga, makes the Yoga teachings accessible and provides inspiration and guidance for the spiritual journey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.