The Uplifted Yoga Podcast

Gemstones and crystals have been appreciated and used by cultures since ancient times, but what uses do they have in our modern daily lives? Is there a way to discuss this topic while including both mystical ideas and science? Join us with expert Nicholas Pearson, author of the Seven Archetypal Stones, as we discuss the practical uses of gemstones and crystals in our every day life. We'll explore major categories of gemstones and crystals, their basic qualities, and how to find out which stones are the best fit for you.

Nicholas Pearson has been immersed in all aspects of the mineral kingdom for more than 20 years. He began teaching crystal workshops in high school, later studying mineral science at Stetson University while pursuing a degree in music. He worked for several years at the Gillespie Museum, home to the largest mineral collection in the southern United States. A certified teacher and practitioner of Usui Reiki Ryoho, he teaches crystal and Reiki classes throughout the United States. Published by Inner Traditions, his book The Seven Archetypal Stones is available anywhere books are sold.

Special Guest: Nicholas Pearson

www.theluminouspearl.com

www.innertraditions.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

www.sivanapodcast.com

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Most people believe that yoga, meditation, and prayer have positive effects on the mind, body, and spirit, but what does science say? What sort of research is being done in these fields? Join us with Dr. Amitava Dasgupta as we discuss some of the amazing work being done to further our understanding of how meditation, yoga and prayer can affect us, and what we can learn from these ancient and modern practices.

Dr. Amitava Dasgupta was born in Calcutta, India and came to the United States in 1980 and received his Ph.D. in 1986 in Chemistry from Stanford University. He is board certified in both Toxicology and Clinical Chemistry by the American Board of Clinical Chemistry. Currently, he is a tenured Full Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School. Dr. Dasgupta has published 214 papers in peer-reviewed journals and is on editorial board of five international journals. Although a toxicologist by profession, Dr. Dasgupta learned yoga and meditation from his teachers in India.

His new book The Science of Meditation, Yoga and Prayer is published through Blue River Press and Cardinal Publishers Group, and is available where ever books are sold.

Special Guest: Dr. Amitava Dasgupta

Email: Amitava.Dasgupta@uth.tmc.edu

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

www.sivanapodcast.com

Enter to win our weekly contests at:

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She has black skin, severed heads around her neck, blood dripping from her mouth, and a blazing red third eye. She is Kali. She inspires fear in those who don't know her and devotion and love in those who do, but who is she really? How can knowing about her benefit us in our daily modern lives? Why might modern yogis want to know about Kali? Join us with Daniel Odier as we dive into the mysteries of Kali and discuss the Nirrutara Tantra, the Twelve Kalis, and more!

Daniel Odier is a teacher of Kashmiri Tantra and a Chan Master from the Chao-chou Lineage. He is the author of numerous books, including Tantric Quest: An Encounter with Absolute Love, Yoga Spandakarika, and his most recent book, Tantric Kali, is available now from Inner Traditions (www.innertraditions.com)

Special Guest: Daniel Odier

www.danielodier.com

www.innertraditions.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

www.sivanapodcast.com

Enter to win our weekly contests at:

www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

The Story of the Swordsman and the Cat tells the tale of the swordsman Shoken, who is tormented by a mischievous rat in his house. After attempts by his own cat, the neighbor cats and even going after the the rat himself, Shoken must call for a famous cat, known for its skill in the art of catching rats. After easily capturing the rat, thE veteran cat goes on to explain why the various methods of the other cats and the samurai Shoken failed, and the proper methods of approaching anything in life...

The Story of the Swordsman and the Cat teaches us about the different ways we can cultivate the self (or 'no-self') and what ultimately matters most in order to create success.

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

www.sivanapodcast.com

Enter to win our weekly contests at:

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Due in part to the popularity of festivals like Bhakti Fest and the modern Kirtan movement, people all over the United States are familiar with the word Bhakti. But what does it really mean? Is it a feeling, a practice, a religion? And what does it have to do with the modern postural yoga practice that has spread throughout the world? Join us with Naren Schreiner as we explore what Bhakti Yoga is and how it might influence a Hatha Yoga or meditation practice, and how it can affect your daily life.

Our guest, Naren Schreiner, lived as a monk for fourteen years in the ashrams of Paramahansa Yogananda, before leaving monastic life to continue his spiritual practice out in the world. In 2012, he founded Sangita Yoga, to help spread the yoga of music through lectures, workshops and sacred music.

Special Guest: Naren Schreiner

www.sangitayoga.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

www.sivanapodcast.com

Enter to win our weekly contests at:

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Many scholars have speculated about the use of psychedelics, also known as entheogens, in the early stages of many religions. Is there any evidence of the use of entheogens in early Christianity? Our guest, Dr. Jerry Brown, author of the Psychedelic Gospels, believes there is. Join us with Dr. Brown, as we discuss his findings and the evidence he and his wife found on an epic journey to dive deeper into the origins of early Christian mysticism.

Dr. Jerry Brown is an award winning teacher, anthropologist, author and activist. From 1972-2014, he served as Founding Professor of Anthropology at Florida International University in Miami, where he designed and taught a course on "Hallucinogens and Culture," which examines the use of psychoactive plants by tribal and classical cultures. Dr. Brown is co-author of Sacred Plants and the Gnostic Church: Speculations on Entheogen-Use in Early Christian Ritual in the Journal of Ancient History, as well as the co-author of the recent book the Psychedelic Gospels: The Secret History of Hallucinogens in Christianity.

Special Guest: Dr. Jerry Brown

www.psychedelicgospels.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Enter to win our weekly contests at:

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Sages of the past have compared the human experience to being a prisoner locked in a cell. Various types of yoga have been taught to help liberate one from this prison. How might these practices help in an actual, physical prison? Often violent stressful places, how would a practice that often encourages concepts like non-violence and compassion be received by inmates, some of which are serving life long sentences for violent crimes.

Our guest, Mike Huggins, founder and Executive Director of the Transformation Yoga Project, knows first hand about how yoga can help those in prison. In 2009, he was incarcerated for a strict liability misdemeanor offense as CEO of a medical device company. He practiced yoga as a means of processing his experience and managing the stress of incarceration. When others expressed interest in what he was doing, he began to teach them what he knew. This idea continued to grow, even after Mike served his sentence and it eventually led to the Transformation Yoga Project. A project that now serves at-risk and under served populations, as well as offering trauma sensitive yoga teacher trainings inside prisons.

In this episode we will explore Mike's journey and how yoga was impacted him, and the countless people he has come into contact with since his incarceration. We'll look at the similarities of many yogic narratives and the actual prison experience. How does yoga effect inmates? How is it possible to have a yoga teacher training inside prison? Who pays for the services? We'll explore these questions and more!

Special Guest: Mike Huggins

www.transformationyogaproject.org

www.hugginsgoingom.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Enter to win our weekly contests at:

www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

Goddess traditions have been suppressed by the patriarchy for hundreds, if not thousands of years. What treasures were lost with the Goddess? Thanks in large part to living Goddess traditions from India, the sacred feminine is making a huge comeback in the world. What can the Goddess traditions teach us about life and the beyond? How can these radically life affirming traditions alter our experience of every day life? Join us with Linda Johnsen, as we explore some amazing stories and ideas that come out of the living Goddess traditions in India and more!

Linda Johnsen is a long time student of religious philosophy. She holds degrees in Eastern and Western Psychology, and has post-graduate training in theology and Sanskrit. She is the award winning author of eight books on spirituality, including The Living Goddess: Reclaiming the Tradition of the Mother of the Universe, Daughters of the Goddess: The Women Saints of India, the Lost Masters: Rediscovering the Mysticism of the Ancient Greek Philosophers, and has hundreds of articles that have appeared in Yoga International, Yoga Journal, and other publications.

Special Guest: Linda Johnsen

www.thousandsuns.org

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Enter to win our weekly contests at:

www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

The search for a spiritual teacher is a timeless quest for the spiritual seeker. What is the importance of having a spiritual teacher, and how does one go about finding one? How can you differentiate charlatans from true masters? What are some of the intricacies of the teacher-student relationship? Join us with psychotherapist, author and teacher, Greg Bogart, as we discuss the dynamics of the student-teacher relationship and its relevancy on the spiritual path, especially in our modern day and age.

Special Guest: Greg Bogart

www.gregbogart.net

www.dawnmountain.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.antomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Enter to win our weekly contests at:

www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

The Human Design system is a synthesis of several ancient systems, integrating aspects of Astrology, the I Ching, the Chakras, and the Kabbalah. In this episode we chat with experts Chetan Parykyn and Carola Eastwood, about the Human Design system and how it can help you navigate your daily life. How we can use it to get to know ourselves and others? Will it help with our relationships? We'll explore these ideas and more in this mind expanding episode!

Chetan Parkyn and Carola Eastwood recently published their latest book, Book of Destinies: Discover the Life You Were Born to Live, through New World Library, which can be found at all major outlets. Having been involved with Human Design since the early 90s, Chetan and Carola give one-on-one and partnership readings, counseling sessions and teach workshops and seminars worldwide.

Special Guests: Chetan Parkyn and Carola Eastwood

www.humandesignforusall.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Enter to win our weekly contests at:

www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

Most people are familiar with the seven chakra system, but is it the only one? Is the oldest? Where does the seven chakra system come from and does Patanjali's Yoga Sutra ever mention the word chakra? If you have been wanting to know more about the chakra system, this episode will answer many of your questions! Join us with scholar and yogi, Chris Tompkins, as we discuss the origins of the chakra system and how understanding its context and history can empower us to utilize this amazing system more effectively in our practice and lives.

Special Guest: Chris Tompkins

www.shaivayoga.com

www.yogavidhi.org

www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-ancient-roots-of-sun-saluation-yoga-vinyasa-india#/

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Enter to win our weekly contests at:

www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

It's easy to get stuck thinking that in order to help people you need more time, more money, more help yourself... But being kind doesn't need to cost anything that you don't already have. Perhaps you've heard the phrase: think globally, act locally. Well, we don't need to save the entire world or create a coalition of compassion; we can start with simple acts of kindness with the people we encounter in our daily lives. Kindness itself can be a spiritual practice. Join us with Suzie Abels, author of Kindness on a Budget, as we discuss simple ways to practice kindness and compassion with everyone around you, no matter where you find yourself in life.

Special Guest: Suzie Abels

www.suzieabelsauthor.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Enter to win our weekly contests at:

www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

The Heart of Recognition is a sublime 11th Century Tantric text that beautifully synthesizes many threads within the Tantric traditions. Join us with Scholar, Teacher, Yogi and Author, Christopher "Hareesh" Wallis as we dive into this incredible text and explain its importance within the context of both the ancient and modern practices and understandings of yoga. We discuss why these understandings are important today, how these teachings can apply to our modern lives, and much more!

Special Guest: Christopher "Hareesh" Wallis

www.tantrikstudies.org

www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-recognition-sutras-meditation#/

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Enter to win our weekly contests at:

www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

No, this episode is not about nudity, but rather begs the question of what it means to be brave in the face of vulnerability and fear. Fear is a human trait known to us all, but the real question is what do we do with fear? Do we let it consume us? Stifle us? Or use it as the very fuel to propel us further. Join us with Emily Ann Peterson, musician, teacher, author, and host of the Bare Naked Bravery podcast, as we discuss what it means to be brave in the world today.

Special Guest: Emily Ann Peterson

www.emilyannpeterson.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Enter to win our weekly contests at:

www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

Many cultures across time have understood and valued breathing and meditation. Taoism and Yoga also pay particular attention to saliva. But why? Did you know there is a connection between stress and dry mouth? Between your parasympathetic nervous system and saliva? A Scientist at the Medical University of South Carolina has been researching what's in our saliva, and what changes happen during meditation and breathing exercises. Join us with Sundara Balasubramanian as he shares his research and helpful tips on how to take advantage of his amazing findings that validate what yogis have known for centuries!

Special Guest: Sundara Balasubramanian

www.pranascience.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Enter to win our weekly contests at:

www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

With yoga's gaining popularity in the West, how do we approach some of the lofty claims about yoga? How do we know what's actually true versus what's a false or unproven claim? Join us as we chat with Ariana Rabinovitch, yoga teacher and co-author of Exposing Yoga Myths: Vol 1., as we discuss some of the more prevalent myths within modern postural yoga as it's practiced in the West. We also discuss an exciting new project that Ariana is creating to help make the hordes of current scientific research about yoga more accessible to the public and easier for everyone to understand.

Enter to win our weekly contests at:

www.sivanaspirit.com/contest/

Special Guest: Ariana Rabinovitch

www.arianayoga.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Do you struggle with money? While a lot of people talk about abundance, before you can change your relationship to money, you have to explore why you struggle with money in the first place. Do you have a basic financial literacy? How organized are you with your finances and what sorts of healthy financial habits do you have in place? Join us with Lindsay Sacks, as we discuss financial freedom and talk about multi-layered approaches to healing your relationship with money.

Lindsay Sacks left her corporate accounting job years ago to follow her passions and help people change their relationship to money and success, organize their finances, and gain financial freedom.

Special Guest: Lindsay Sacks

www.liveblissmarketing.com

www.facebook.com/groups/thefreelanceschool

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

For many, our inner critic can routinely sabotage our life and relationships, constantly telling us that we are never good enough... Can we quiet this inner critic? Is it a voice worth integrating? And how do mindfulness and compassion impact our relationship with both the inner and outer critic? Join us as we chat with meditation teacher and therapist, Mark Coleman, about ways to work with our inner critic to help us live more joyous and prosperous lives.

Mark Coleman is the author of Make Peace with Your Mind and Awake in the Wild. He is the founder of the Mindfulness Institute and has guided students on five continents as a corporate consultant, counselor, meditation teacher, and wilderness guide.

Special Guest: Mark Coleman

www.awakeinthewild.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Greek Philosophers are often praised for their intellect and logic, but what if there was a deeper, more spiritual side to these great thinkers that's not often taught in schools? Greek Philosophers not only had contact with, but sought out yogis, sages, and teachers from Indian, Egyptian, and Persian cultures. They practiced meditation, vegetarianism, and often believed in concepts of karma and reincarnation. Join us on this exciting conversation with Linda Johnsen about the links between ancient Greek and Roman philosophers and the mystical traditions of the near and far east.

Linda Johnsen, author of Lost Masters: Rediscovering the Mysticism of the Ancient Greek Philosophers, is a long time student of religious philosophy. She holds degrees in Eastern and Western Psychology, and has post-graduate training in theology and Sanskrit. She is the award winning author of eight books on spirituality, including Daughters of the Goddess: The Women Saints of India, and has hundreds of articles that have appeared in Yoga International, Yoga Journal, and other publications.

Special Guest: Linda Johnsen

www.thousandsuns.org

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Are you a procrastinator or perfectionist? What happens when you feel stuck and unable to move forward? The truth is, we all feel stuck from time to time, but what can we do to move past it? Join us with Sam Bennett, as she describes tools to help us when we feel overwhelmed, stagnant, or frustrated. We also discuss the importance of self care, goal setting, boundaries, and more.

Sam Bennett is the author of Start Right Where You Are and Get It Done. She created The Organized Artist Company to help creative people get unstuck and achieve their goals. She is a writer, actor, teacher, and creativity/productivity specialist who has counseled thousands of artists and entrepreneurs on their way to success.

Special Guest: Sam Bennett

www.startrightwhereyouare.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

What is actually happening when we breathe? Chances are, that if you've been to a yoga class, you've heard that we don't breath enough. But what if that's not entirely accurate? What if taking a deep breath isn't what you think it is or what you actually need? Doesa breath through the nose effect us differently than a breath through the mouth? Join us with author and teacher, Patrick McKeown, as we discuss these questions and more. We'll learn how can changing the way we breath can reduce stress and increasing performance, as well as even change the look of your face! If you've been wanting to know more about the breath, this is the episode for you!

Special Guest: Patrick McKeown

www.buteykoclinic.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Singing and chanting have the power to affect us physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually, but where does one begin? Do you have to sing in Sanskrit or in another ancient language in order to receive the benefits of chanting? Join us in this episode as we talk with Girish, a world famous musician and teacher, about the power of chanting and how it can radically improve our lives.

Girish is a musician, author and teacher. He has created multiple solo albums, and has played regularly with other well known artists like Krishna Das, Dave Stringer, Snatam Kaur, Wah! and more. He recently came out with his first book, Music and Mantra: The Yoga of Mindful Singing for Health, Happiness, Peace, and Prosperity, which provides a wonderful opportunity for readers to dive more deeply into the profound practices of mantra and music!

Special Guest: Girish

www.girishmusic.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

What if animals, plants and trees could talk? What if we could listen? In a time where the rise of technology and our modern lifestyles may threaten our connection to the natural world, it's important that we find ways to stay connected to nature. Join us with Amelia Kinkade, animal "whisperer", author and one of the leading psychics in America, as we discuss how to get more in touch with nature and the animals around us. She offers a hopeful message about how we can all connect more deeply to the natural world and its inhabitants, and how we can be part of a growing solution, instead of a continued problem.

Special Guest: Amelia Kinkade

www.ameliakinkade.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Yoga has meant a lot of things to a lot of people throughout Indian history. What it means to people has changed even more since yoga has spread across the world. How do we define yoga today? Do we need to define yoga? What is happening to yoga in the West?

Join us with author, teacher, ayurvedic consultant and cultural critic, Matthew Remski, as we dive into this important topic. Matthew has been doing great work within the yoga community with the WAWADIA Project (What Are We Actually Doing In Asana) and other projects he's involved with. His keen insights and thoughtful reflections are a welcome addition to yoga in the modern age.

Special Guest: Matthew Remski

www.matthewremski.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

The practice of yoga postures (asana) within Hatha Yoga is by far the most widely practiced type of yoga in the Western World today. What is its purpose? Does all yoga need to be therapeutic? Why do people get injured? Is there a difference in how different styles of yoga (Iyengar and Ashtanga as an example) view the practice of postures? Join us with Steven Weiss, a holistic chiropractor, nutritionist, yoga therapist and teacher, as well as author of the book The Injury Free Yoga Practice, as we dive into a conversation about the postural practices of yoga and it's implications in our lives.

Special Guest: Steven Weiss

www.yogainjuryanatomyalignment.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Presence, mindfulness, these are words we hear a lot, but what does it really mean to be present and mindful? Are there ways to cultivate a more active engaged presence in life? Join us with Thomas. M. Sterner, author, musician and athlete, as we explore what it means to be fully engaged in every aspect of your life.

Thomas M. Sterner is the author of multiple books, including The Practicing Mind and Fully Engaged., and speaks around the world on developing focus and discipline.

Special Guest: Thomas M. Sterner

www.tomsterner.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda have both been around since antiquity. While the two grew in their own separate ways, their nearby cultural connections meant that they likely influenced each another. What similarities are there between these two holistic sciences? What are their big differences? Join us with Dr. Prana Gogia, Acupuncturist and Ayurvedic Practitioner, as we discuss these two fascinating forms of medicine and learn more about how they can benefit us in our daily lives.

Special Guest: Dr. Prana Gogia

www.pranajiacupuncture.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanapodcast.com

Join us with Katie Brauer, as we dive into how yoga can empower people in their lives and explore what it's like being a yoga teacher today. Most yoga classes are being taught by newer teachers with limited education. When do we start to expect a higher standard in how yoga teachers are trained? What might that look like for teachers and students? How is the scenery of how yoga is taught in the West already changing? We'll explore these topics and more!

Originally from Sydney Australia, a former Professional Snowboarder, International Yoga Teacher, Inspirational Speaker and Creative Leader, Katie Brauer is a trail blazer with a modern and empowering approach to self inquiry, personal development and transformation. Combining two decades of experience, Katie is known as a teacher of teachers and is a featured teacher on Gaiam TV as well as a regular speaker and teacher at large festivals. In her classes, workshops and trainings, she works with Olympians, professional athletes, celebrities and everyone in between. She is committed to helping people reach their highest potential and best version of themselves.

Special Guest: Katie Brauer

www.katiebrauer.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.antomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Join us with our guest, Russill Paul, spiritual teacher, musician, and author of The Yoga of Sound, as we discuss the power of sound, vibration and mantra to affect every aspect of our lives. If you are interested in incorporating mantra into your life, you'll enjoy Russill's insights and understandings of this incredible and ancient practice. In this episode, we'll also explore the four streams of sonic mysticism, explain what a sonic community is, and much more!

Special Guest: Russill Paul

www.russillpaul.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Join us with Jeffrey Armstrong, author, mystical poet, motivational speaker and spiritual teacher, as we discuss how yoga can inspire a new generation of thought leaders living and participating in the every day world. How can we work to effect positive change in the world around us and within us? We ask how to integrate yoga into our daily lives, and explore important questions about life, divine intelligence and the challenges of living a conscious life in the modern world.

Award-winning poet and best-selling author of numerous books, Jeffrey is a relationship expert, philosopher, practitioner and teacher of the Vedas for over 40 years. Prior to his teaching he had a successful career as an executive in Silicon Valley and spent five years in an ashram as a brahmacharya (monk). He also holds degrees in Psychology, History & Comparative Religion and English Literature. For the past 40+ years and currently as the Media and Communications Director for both the Vedic Friends Association (VFA) and the Hindu Collective Initiative for North America (HCI-NA), he's been a global advocate for the Hindu Sanatan Dharma culture and has spoken at some of the most prestigious universities, conferences and corporations around the world.

Special Guest: Jeffrey Armstrong

www.jeffreyarmstrong.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

While we can agree that yoga is about a lot more than stretching, that doesn't change the fact that the majority of people coming to yoga in the west, come because of a perceived benefit of stretching. So what is actually happening to the body when we stretch and move in a postural yoga practice? Has what we know about the body changed in recent years because of developments in western medical science?

Join us as we chat with Jules Mitchell MS, CMT, RYT, a Los Angeles based yoga teacher, manual therapist and educator. She combines the tradition of yoga with her background in biomechanics to create yoga programs designed to help people move better and achieve individually defined physical success. As adjunct faculty at Arizona State University, Jules serves as the yoga consultant on various research studies (including a recent grant from NIH) to quantify the effects of yoga therapy on special populations – including pregnant women, women with depressive symptoms associated with perinatal loss, and cancer patients. The author of a popular science blog, Jules writes on yoga biomechanics and references the exercise science literature on topics (such as stretching) where the yoga research is lacking. She is a regular contributor to yoga teacher training programs worldwide, providing yoga schools with the most current research in biomechanics, even when it invokes a discerning analysis of tradition

Special Guest: Jules Mitchell

www.julesmitchell.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Are we taking yoga somewhere, or is it taking us? And where are we headed? Join us as we talk with J. Brown, yoga teacher, writer and host the Yoga Talks Podcast. His writing has been featured in Yoga Therapy Today, the International Journal of Yoga Therapy, Elephant Journal, and Yogadork. In this episode, J. shares his personal story of how yoga helped him process his mother's death and how his practice has changed over the years. As we discuss the power of yoga to support and transform people's lives, we ask what direction we see yoga heading here in the West and explore ways in which technology is impacting how yoga is taught and shared throughout the world.

Special Guest: J. Brown

www.jbrownyoga.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

In Part II of our conversation with yogi and sanskrit scholar, Christopher Tompkins, he expands on his amazing findings that include an important missing link between the modern popular postures and ancient tantric traditions! Were early yogi masters who brought yoga to the west teaching everything they knew or was something intentionally left out? Where does this leave the modern practice, so popular today? Where do we go next? Join us for the conclusion of our conversation about the true origins of modern yoga.

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The true origins of the modern practice of Hatha Yoga, practiced by so many in the world today, is hotly disputed by many scholars. Some people believe most of the postures practiced today were invented by a great yogi and sage, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, in the early 20th century. Others say the postures are much older, but how much older? If the postures did exist hundreds or thousands of years ago, were they practiced the same way? Are we missing anything in our modern practice? We explore these and other questions in this two part series (Episode 56 and Episode 57).

Christopher P. Tompkins, MTS, MA is a Yoga practitioner and Sanskrit scholar specializing in the tradition of Tantric Shaivism. He has three degrees in Religion and Sanskrit, including Masters Degrees from Harvard and UC Berkeley. His research focuses on the ritualized practices of Hatha Yoga as originally presented in the earliest surviving Tantras. He founded the Kashmir Shaivism Preservation Project, which seeks to preserve and share the literal legacy of Kashmir Shaivism. To date, he's acquired over 24,000 pages of manuscripts spanning the vast range of Philosophy, Ritual and Yoga representing the medieval Tantric tradition, most of which have never been seen in the West. Christopher lectures around the world in universities and Yoga centers on the history, philosophy and practices of Indian Yoga.

Special Guest: Christopher Tompkins

www.shaivayoga.com

www.yogavidhi.org

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

The true origins of the modern practice of Hatha Yoga, practiced by so many in the world today, is hotly disputed by many scholars. Some people believe most of the postures practiced today were invented by a great yogi and sage, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, in the early 20th century. Others say the postures are much older, but how much older? If the postures did exist hundreds or thousands of years ago, were they practiced the same way? Are we missing anything in our modern practice?

In Part I of our conversation with yogi and sanskrit scholar, Christopher Tompkins, he tells us the story of how he came into yoga and what him led him to these mysterious ancient sanskrit texts. He goes on to explain the discoveries he has made and speaks of the true origins of modern postural yoga. Has he found a missing key to unlock the postures so commonly practiced in the world today? Join us in this exciting conversation about the roots and origins of modern yoga!

Christopher P. Tompkins, MTS, MA is a Yoga practitioner and Sanskrit scholar specializing in the tradition of Tantric Shaivism. He has three degrees in Religion and Sanskrit, including Masters Degrees from Harvard and UC Berkeley. His research focuses on the ritualized practices of Hatha Yoga as originally presented in the earliest surviving Tantras. He founded the Kashmir Shaivism Preservation Project, which seeks to preserve and share the literal legacy of Kashmir Shaivism. To date, he's acquired over 24,000 pages of manuscripts spanning the vast range of Philosophy, Ritual and Yoga representing the medieval Tantric tradition, most of which have never been seen in the West. Christopher lectures around the world in universities and Yoga centers on the history, philosophy and practices of Indian Yoga.

Special Guest: Christopher Tompkins

www.shaivayoga.com

www.yogavidhi.org

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

In this episode, we dive into a story of Hanuman that warns us not to get too comfortable on the spiritual journey. Even after Hanuman realizes his divine nature, there is still work to be done and obstacles to overcome. With strength, wit, and a commitment to explore the depths of the subconscious, Hanuman shows us how to overcome the challenges of the spiritual path. The story serves as a reminder to stay vigilant in your quest, no matter how far you've come.

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

What do yoga and martial arts have in common? How about yoga and sport? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Jerry Lynch, who has been using mindfulness techniques with world class coaches and athletes for decades. He shares with us how mindfulness techniques can be applied to any life experience and can fundamentally change the way we engage the world. What is mindfulness? How does one practice it? We'll explore these questions and more!

Sports psychologist Dr. Jerry Lynch is the author of eleven books and founder/director of Way of Champions, a performance consulting group gear towards "mastering the inner game" for athletic excellence. He has over 35 years of experience as a sports psychologist, coach, athlete, and teacher. He draws from his experience working with Olympic, NBA, and NCAA champions to help transform the lives of athletes, parents, coaches, and every day people.

Special Guest: Dr. Jerry Lynch

www.wayofchampions.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Join us for a thrilling three part conversation with author, scholar and yogi, Douglas Brooks, who is currently Professor of Religion at the University of Rochester, NY. His work with yoga communities has impacted countless numbers of yogis and yoginis all over the world, and particularly here in the United States.

In Part III, we conclude our conversation about what it means to be a western yogi in the world today. We ask vital questions about living in the world and how to accept and say "yes" to the experiences of life. How do we say yes to the challenging moments, as well as the easy ones? How can we as a community drive forward together to create a more harmonious planet? We dive into these topics and more in our final episode of this talk with Professor Douglas Brooks.

Living In The World As A Modern Yogi [Part III] - Conversation with Douglas Brooks [Episode 53]

Special Guest: Douglas Brooks

www.rajanaka.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Join us for a thrilling three part conversation with author, scholar and yogi, Douglas Brooks, who is currently Professor of Religion at the University of Rochester, NY. His work with yoga communities has impacted countless numbers of yogis and yoginis all over the world, and particularly here in the United States.

In Part II, we continue our conversation about what it means to be a western yogi in the world today. We ask how to honor the traditions of past while still recognizing the needs and particular aspects of modern life. How do we integrate these ancient practices and the experiences we have into our daily lives? We explore this and much more in this engaging episode with the always insightful Douglas Brooks.

Living In The World As A Modern Yogi [Part II] - Conversation with Douglas Brooks [Episode 52]

Special Guest: Douglas Brooks

www.rajanaka.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Join us for a thrilling three part conversation with author, scholar and yogi, Douglas Brooks, who is currently Professor of Religion at the University of Rochester, NY. His work with yoga communities has impacted countless numbers of yogis and yoginis all over the world, and particularly here in the United States.

In Part I, we begin our conversation about what it means to be a western yogi in the world today. What are we missing, given the context of yoga's origins? What opportunities do we have for greater integration and understanding? Are there other streams of ideas within yoga that we typically don't know of in the west? In addition to exploring these ideas and more; Douglas shares some of hist first experiences with his teacher in India and how it set the stage for his life now.

Living In The World As A Modern Yogi [Part I] - Conversation with Douglas Brooks [Episode 51]

Special Guest: Douglas Brooks

www.rajanaka.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

What does the latest scientific research say about reality and consciousness? As it turns out, scientists are starting to sound a lot more like the ancient yogis when they answer. In this episode, one of the worlds most well read and widely known astronomers, Bob Berman, joins us to chat about reality, time, consciousness, life and death. What sometimes sounds eerily like a real life Matrix, Berman explains ideas of reality supported by some of the most recent scientific findings and leads us down a fantastic rabbit hole into understanding the nature of reality.

Special Guest: Bob Berman

www.skymanbob.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

The story of Narasimha and the Demon King, that many associate with the holiday of Holi, is typically understood as a story that demonstrates the fierce grace of the Hindu god, Vishnu. It's also an opportunity to explore the importance of staying connected to something larger than one-self. Offering an alternative to attempts at subduing or controlling life, the story encourages us to deepen the connection to our highest self to help navigate the difficulties of life.

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Produced By: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

In this episode we explore ideas of service and the "why" behind our every day actions, as well as discuss success, struggle, what can hold us back in life, and much more. Our guest is Jake Ducey, who at only 24 years old, is a two-time published author with Penguin/Random-House), a leading speaker for his generation having been featured in TEDx Youth, and has already inspired countless thousands of young people to seek meaningful career success and to make a difference in the world. He joins us to share some of the unique insights and perspectives he's learned from his journey and countless connections with people from all over the world.

Special Guest: Jake Ducey

www.jaceducey.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Is there a place for anger on the spiritual path? In this episode, we dive into the story of the Warrior, Virabhadra, a ferocious aspect of the deity Shiva, and learn about our own anger. If you've been to a yoga class, chances are you've done a posture named after the Warrior, Virabhadra, but the story of Virabhadra goes much deeper. In this classic tale of love and destruction, we find permission to have the whole human experience, without trying to suppress or bypass certain emotions, and learn how anger can lead to deeper experiences of compassion and understanding.

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Stories have the ability to inspire us through the ages, no matter how old or young we might be. In this episode we share three stories, spoken for children, but enjoyable by all! Our three stories, Story of the Rabbit (Native American), the Frog in the Well (Chinese) and Zhuang Zi and the Butterfly (Chinese), teach us to follow our heart, have perspective in life, and appreciate the beauty of everything around us. If you are an adult listening to these stories, you can play these stories to children, but we also encourage you to make these stories your own and share them with the children in your life. Whether young or old, we're sure you'll enjoy the richness of these ancient stories!

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Would you love to grow your own organic herbs or veggies but lack the space or know how? In this episode we talk with Master Gardener and Founder of the Society of Garden Goddesses, Susan Gouveia, as she explains some simple things you can do to create your own garden, no matter what your space concerns, inside or out. We'll also talk about edible weeds, worm composting in your house, and more! A great episode for anyone looking to live a more sustainable life by growing some of their own food and composting organic materials, even with limited space.

Special Guest: Susan Gouveia

www.gardengoddesses.org

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Something often happens in our youth. From young, vibrant beings, alive with energy and potential, we are molded and shaped by society, family, and media. That loss of uniqueness can often diminish our radiance as beings. Especially in the western world, where education can often just mean creating a better consumer, we often lose touch with our inner most being in our race to adulthood. In this episode we explore a story of Hanuman to tell us why forgetting is important; why being molded by culture and society serves an ultimate purpose. It's through our necessary process of forgetfulness that we are ultimately lead back to who we really are.

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

How important is the breath in yoga and what does a breath centered practice look like? Join us with yoga anatomy expert, Leslie Kaminoff, co-author of the wildly successful Yoga Anatomy book, as he explains the importance of breath as well as talks about many relevant topics with modern postural yoga.

Special Guest: Leslie Kaminoff

www.yogaanatomy.org

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Can you picture that futuristic moment in a Sci-Fi film where the character walks up to a machine and requests a meal that is instantly grown and presented to them? What if that dish included meat that didn't harm any animal? Well, the future is closer than you think! Our guest, Shir Friedman, works for a company that is creating chicken meat without harming animals. No hormones, no GMOs, real meat. The meat is grown in a medium that mimics the conditions inside a living animal, allowing it to grow as it would naturally. The potential impact on our environment, the meat industry, and our diet is HUGE! How is it possible? We'll learn more in this episode!

Special Guest: Shir Friedman

www.supermeat.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

The heat of the summer can effect our health in a number of different ways. Join us with Trudy Collings, an ayurvedic practitioner, herbalist and co-owner of Paavani Ayurveda, as she explains some helpful tips you can use to help beat the heat! Find out which herbs and foods can keep your body cool and skin glowing, no matter what the temperature gauge reads.

Special Guest: Trudy Collings

www.paavaniayurveda.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com

Michael Katz is a master storyteller and the host of the radio storytelling program Katz Pajamas on NPR Station KCBX for the last thirty years. He joins us to talk about the art of storytelling and to share two of his favorite stories from the Far East. The Story of the Stone Cutter and the Magic of Patience are engaging, simple stories with a great message and are appropriate for all ages!

Special Guest: Michael Katz

www.storytellermichael.com

Host: Ashton Szabo

www.anatomyofliving.com

Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper

Producer: Benn Mendelson

www.sivanaspirit.com