Best Yogic Studies Podcasts (2025)

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#165 ChatGPT Can’t Teach You Wisdom… Yet! 48:32

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1M ago48:32

48:32

We live in a time when AI can write essays, summarize books, and even sound like a guru. But here’s the truth: wisdom can’t be outsourced. You can Google, scroll, or ChatGPT your way into concepts, but wisdom comes from living—from thresholds, heartbreaks, dragons, and the grace that grows in the cracks. In this conversation, Stuart candidly unpack…

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51. Sunila Kale and Christian Novetzke | The Yoga of Power 1:12:23

4M ago1:12:23

1:12:23

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Sunila Kale and Dr. Christian Novetzke from the University of Washington about their recent publication, The Yoga of Power: Yoga as Political Thought and Practice in India (Columbia 2025). We discuss the genesis of their book beginning with court cases in both the U.S. and India involving yoga and politics, an und…

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#164 Confessions of a Supplement Addict 31:33

5M ago31:33

31:33

At one point, my kitchen bench looked more like a pharmacy than a place to prepare food. Bottles lined up like soldiers—capsules for energy, powders for gut health, tinctures for sleep, sprays for focus. You name it, I probably had it. Most of it was practitioner-prescribed. Well-researched. Well-intentioned. I wasn’t just guessing—I was responding…

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#163 Wake Up, Grow Up, Clean Up and Show Up 35:13

6M ago35:13

35:13

In this episode, we delve into the transformative framework introduced by philosopher Ken Wilber, encapsulated in the principles: Wake Up, Grow Up, Clean Up, and Show Up. These concepts offer a comprehensive approach to personal and spiritual development, guiding individuals toward a more integrated and awakened life. Wake Up refers to the process…

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50. Anya Golovkova | Śrīvidyā, Tantra, and the Goddess 1:00:03

7M ago1:00:03

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In this episode, we speak with Dr. Anya Golovkova about the world of Śrīvidyā and the Hindu tantric traditions. We learn about her background growing up in Russia and then discovering South Asian studies later in life in New York City, eventually going on to pursue a PhD on Śrīvidyā texts and traditions. We discuss the category of "tantra," the rol…

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#162 The Dance of Light, Magnetism & Water 1:03:56

8M ago1:03:56

1:03:56

Join me as I chat about live, heath and spirit. As mentioned, here are some links: Please use the following link to get the best red light technology available: https://infraredi.com.au?sca_ref=7963432.mB3nkmhNaH Use promo code STUARTWATKINS for a nice discount. Take your baths to the next level with STEEP AYURVEDA. METHYLENE BLUE https://onegolden…

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#161 Release, Recalibrate & Renew 49:37

10M ago49:37

49:37

A cntrespace weekend retreat with Stuart and Cam Watkins featuring live soundscape by Matthew Hatch. January 11-12, 2025 Join us for this powerful immersive weekend of authentic Yoga and connection, blissful soundscapes and intelligent movement exploration, specifically focused on providing a potent platform to explore the Self, in a safe and suppo…

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#160 Cultivating Silent Intelligence 57:04

11M ago57:04

57:04

After an unexpected hiatus filled with home renovations and globe-trotting adventures with my daughter, I'm excited to reconnect with you all. Much love as we journey onward together. So much gratitude to the sponsors of this show: https://www.solemechanics.com.au?sca_ref=2745696.Gb110u1TEi Your discount code is: WATKINS6162 for 15% off https://one…

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49. Daniela Bevilacqua | From Tapas to Modern Yoga 1:14:56

11M ago1:14:56

1:14:56

In this episode, we speak with return guest and teacher Dr. Daniela Bevilacqua to discuss the publication of her latest work, From Tapas to Modern Yoga: Sādhus’ Understanding of Embodied Practices (2024). We discuss the origins of the book as part of the research and output of the infamous SOAS Hatha Yoga Project (2015-2020), her methodology as an …

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48. Brian Dana Akers | The Yoga Manifesto and the World of Yoga Publishing 51:42

12M ago51:42

51:42

In this episode we speak with Briana Dana Akers, who is a publisher, editor, and translator, best known for his translation of the Haṭhapradīpikā. We discuss his background discovering yoga at a young age, learning Sanskrit in Michigan and in India, and how he first began publishing Sanskrit works on yoga when he founded YogaVidya at just 23 years …

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47. Zoë Slatoff | Yoga, Vedānta, and Ashtanga Yoga 1:02:05

1y ago1:02:05

1:02:05

In this episode we speak with Zoë Slatoff about her background as an Ashtanga Yoga practitioner and teacher turned academic and Sanskrit professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. We discuss how her experiences within the Ashtanga Yoga community led her to the study of Sanskrit, and the eventual writing of her textbook called Yogāvatā…

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46. Kunsang | From Buddhist Nun to Tibetan Translator 1:24:09

1y ago1:24:09

1:24:09

In this episode we speak with Kunsang about her upcoming series of courses in Classical Tibetan. We learn about her fascinating journey growing up in Venezuela and Italy and first encountering Tibetan Buddhism in her youth, studying Buddhist philosophy in Italy, becoming ordained as a Buddhist nun, studying Tibetan language and joining a nunnery in…

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#159 I AM THAT 1:02:00

1y ago1:02:00

1:02:00

Please join us for a practice to help wake us up to who we Truly are. Join us November 1st in Perth City for the next Quiet Mind, Open Heart. So much gratitude to the sponsors of this show: https://www.solemechanics.com.au?sca_ref=2745696.Gb110u1TEi Your discount code is: WATKINS6162 for 15% off To get the best mala beads out there visit: https://w…

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#158 - not this, not that 29:56

1y ago29:56

29:56

We're back, baby! So much gratitude to the sponsors of this show: https://www.solemechanics.com.au?sca_ref=2745696.Gb110u1TEi Your discount code is: WATKINS6162 for 15% off To get the best mala beads out there visit: https://www.aumrudraksha.com/ & enter promo code WATKINS10 for 10% off. Click the link below for $30 off at Outerknown! They’re the f…

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45. Lucy May Constantini | Kaḷarippayaṟṟ˘: Martial Art of Kerala 1:16:24

1+ y ago1:16:24

1:16:24

In this episode we speak with Lucy May Constantini about her fascinating research and practical experience studying the south-Indian martial art tradition of kaḷarippayaṟṟ˘. We discuss Lucy's background of training in Kerala, the history of kaḷari, the role of the gurukkaḷ ("lineage-holder"), the tradition's Śākta Tantra context in Kerala, medieval…

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44. Kate Hartmann | Pilgrimage and Buddhism 1:04:53

1+ y ago1:04:53

1:04:53

In this episode we welcome back Kate Hartmann, former director of Buddhist Studies Online, to discuss all things pilgrimage and Buddhism. We discuss how Kate first got into pilgrimage studies as a grad student at Harvard, whether pilgrimage is a universal concept across cultures, and question what separates a pilgrim from a tourist? We then turn to…

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#157 Jo Tastula & Stuart Watkins - Our Yogic Studies Programme 55:56

2y ago55:56

55:56

We're so proud of the graduates of our teacher trainer course! Well done Yoga Heart Mind crew! Many of you have been asking if we'll be doing the YTT again next year. We won't be, but we're very excited about this advanced studies programme. Check it out here and have a listen to this podcast episode to hear our vision for this programme. So much g…

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43. Christopher Jain Miller | Embodying Transnational Yoga 1:04:07

2y ago1:04:07

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In this episode we speak with Christopher Miller about his recent monograph, Embodying Transnational Yoga: Eating, Singing, and Breathing in Transformation (Routledge 2023) and his upcoming online course at Yogic Studies. We begin by discussing his academic background and how he first got into critical Yoga and later Jain Studies, his experiences a…

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42. Samuel M. Grimes | Newar Buddhism, Nepal, and Yoga 46:32

2y ago46:32

46:32

In this episode we speak with Samuel Grimes about his research and experience with the tradition of Newar Buddhism in Nepal. We discuss the unique history of Buddhism in Nepal, the decline of Buddhism in India, and what it means to be the only living "Sanskritic Buddhist" tradition in South Asia. We then discuss the meaning and role of yoga within …

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41. Keith Edward Cantú | The History of Theosophy and Yoga 1:02:37

2y ago1:02:37

1:02:37

In this episode we welcome back Keith Cantú for a wide ranging conversation on the history of the Theosophical Society and in particular its unique relationship with the modern history of yoga. We discuss the influence of figures like Helena Blavatsky and Henry Steel Olcott, as well as lesser-known South Asian Theosophists and Theosophy-adjacent au…

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#156 Elena Brower - Softening Time 43:53

2y ago43:53

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Mother, mentor, poet, artist, volunteer, bestselling author and host of the Practice You Podcast, Elena Brower has taught yoga and meditation since 1999. After graduating Cornell University in 1992, she designed textiles and apparel for almost a decade shifting her focus to yoga, meditation, art and writing. Her first book, Art of Attention, has be…

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40. Caley Smith | The World of Vedic Sanskrit 1:15:20

2+ y ago1:15:20

1:15:20

In this episode we speak with Caley Smith about the ancient and fascinating world of Vedic Sanskrit. We discuss some theories and debates about the origins of Sanskrit, its relationship with other Indo-European languages, the nature and scope of the Vedas, Vedic notions of authorship, comparisons between Classical Sanskrit and Vedic, the importance…

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39. Lubomír Ondračka | Yogic and Tantric Bodies 1:03:27

2+ y ago1:03:27

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In this episode we speak with Lubomír Ondračka about his research on conceptions of the body within yogic and tantric traditions. We first discuss his background in chemical engineering and studying Indology in the Czech Republic, and how his interest in alchemy led him to India and the study of the Nāth yogis. We discuss the various scholarly cate…

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#155 Tully O'Connor - Liberating Love, Personal Freedom and Thriving Relationships 1:27:30

2+ y ago1:27:30

1:27:30

Tully is a committed father and husband who has a deep passion for supporting people to access their full creative potential in life, love and leadership. Known for his down-to-earth approach, Tully speaks about complex intimate issues with ease, clarity, and humour. He has a gift for helping people drop out of their busy overwhelmed heads and reco…

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#154 Benjy and Heather Wertheimer - The Yoga of Devotion 1:01:24

2+ y ago1:01:24

1:01:24

Benjy and Heather Wertheimer have been leading kirtan (sacred chanting) worldwide since 2001 as the duo Shantala. They are known for their special gift of bringing the audience into a vast and loving experience through their unique blend of exquisite voices with instruments of India and the West. Together they create music with beauty, passion, and…

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38. Carl Ernst | The History of Sufism and Yoga 1:23:10

2+ y ago1:23:10

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In this episode we speak with Carl Ernst about his career of scholarship on Sufism—which he describes as the tradition of ethics and spirituality associated with Islam. In particular we discuss the unique history of Sufism's engagement with Hindu forms of yoga in northern India, which has been the subject of numerous important publications by Ernst…

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#153 Corey White - Authenticity, Courage & Humour 1:24:40

2+ y ago1:24:40

1:24:40

After sell out shows at Perth and Adelaide Fringe, the other boy from Bassendean Corey White returns for one night only in Fremantle. I'll be going. If you want to join us and the WA community click here for tickets. Corey White went from criminal lawyer to Australia's most controversial comedian. Since then he's appeared at Sydney Writers Festival…

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#152 Ryan Rowlands and Jaime Duff - Brotherhood Awakening 1:07:51

2+ y ago1:07:51

1:07:51

Ryan Rowlands and Jaime Duff are the founders of of @holistika_au and @brotherhoodawakening Join these two beautiful men, myself and the incredible community. To book your ticket please click here. Much gratitude to the sponsors of this show: ww.solemechanics.com.au Your discount code is: WATKINS6162 for 15% off https://www.themilkcleanse.com Promo…

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#151 Eric Schwarz - The Naked Potency of Yoga 1:08:46

2+ y ago1:08:46

1:08:46

Eric Schwarz is a Yoga Teacher and a life coach. His teaching style is engaging, empowering and creative, embracing the full potential of body, mind and spirit. Eric was voted best yoga instructor in Washington, DC in 2016 and his students across the globe are a testimony of this honour. Eric is an E-RYT 500 and leads state of the art yoga teacher …

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#150 Jo and Stu - The Heart of the Middle Path 36:53

2+ y ago36:53

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We're back! And we're inviting you on our upcoming online retreat. Here are the details: https://courses.yogaheartmind.com/courses/heart-of-the-middle-path Much love! Support the showBy Stuart and Jo

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37. James Mallinson | Dattātreya's Discourse on Yoga 50:36

3y ago50:36

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In this episode we welcome back Jim Mallinson for another update on his pioneering research into the earliest Sanskrit texts of Haṭha Yoga. We discuss the Light on Hatha Yoga Project (2021–2024) which will produce a critical edition of the Haṭhapradīpikā. We then dive into the Dattātreyayogaśāstra, the "Dattātreya's Discourse on Yoga," perhaps the …

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36. Philip Deslippe | Early American Yoga and the "Swami Circuit" 1:14:59

3y ago1:14:59

1:14:59

In this episode, we speak with return guest Philip Deslippe about his research on the history of Early American Yoga. Philip shares with us his archive of knowledge and stories from the "Swami Circuit"—the network of forgotten South Asian yoga teachers who travelled and taught various forms of yoga throughout the United States during the 19th and 2…

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35. Arti Dhand | The Great Epic, Mahābhārata 1:13:39

3y ago1:13:39

1:13:39

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Arti Dhand about her research, teaching, and podcasting on India's great epic, the Mahābhārata. We discuss her background and training in Religious Studies, comparing the Mahābhārata with Game of Thrones, the nature of an "epic," the textual history of the Mahābhārata, its major themes and narrative, gender and th…

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#149 Harshada David Wagner - Sadhana, the Guru & Yoga 1:26:26

3y ago1:26:26

1:26:26

Harshada David Wagner is a master meditation instructor, author, artist, dad, and wisdom teacher with more than 25 years of teaching experience. Classically trained in the wisdom traditions of Yoga, Bhakti, Vedanta, and Tantra, his teachings come from his decades of working with people helping them learn to live more fulfilling, soul-centered, purp…

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#148 Daniel Simpson - The Truth of Yoga 56:04

3y ago56:04

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Daniel Simpson is a former foreign correspondent turned yogi who worked for such publications as Reuters and the New York Times. He first encountered yoga on a trip to India in the 1990’s. That experience left many unanswered questions so he went back to university, earning a master’s degree from SOAS in Traditions of Yoga and Meditation. He has si…

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34. Dagmar Wujastyk | Entangled Histories of Yoga, Āyurveda and Alchemy 1:03:21

3y ago1:03:21

1:03:21

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Dagmar Wujastyk about her journey to Indology and the study of Sanskrit and Āyurveda, and her early travels in India studying and observing Āyurvedic physicians and centers. We discuss the research and findings from her recent ERC project Ayuryog, some of the alchemical mysteries of mercury and gold, and conclude …

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#147 Details on our upcoming training 1:02:42

3y ago1:02:42

1:02:42

FROM LEARNT KNOWLEDGE TO EMBODIED WISDOM Solar Return Teacher Training 500Hrs A year long journey into the heart and mind of Yoga This 500 hour advanced online program has been designed by Jo, Stuart and incredible guest teachers to guide students through a deep and integral journey into the heart of Yoga. The Yoga Heart Mind advanced yoga training…

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33. Stuart Sarbacker | Aṣṭāṅgayoga: Eight Limbs of Yoga 1:15:17

3+ y ago1:15:17

1:15:17

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Stuart Ray Sarbacker for a wide-ranging discussing about his upcoming course, YS 121 | 8 Limbs of Yoga: History, Theory, and Practice of Aṣṭāṅgayoga. We discuss the nature of Patañjali's "classical" model, some of its possible sources and influences, comparisons with Buddhist meditation and paths, Aṣṭāṅga beyond…

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#146 Cameron Norsworthy - Integrating the FLOW 1:26:25

3+ y ago1:26:25

1:26:25

Cameron Norsworthy is a coach, keynote and TEDx speaker, author, and founder and CEO of The Flow Centre. Cameron has been a junior British tennis player and awarded the Outstanding Academic Achievement Prize for reports surrounding flow and performance. Cameron has coached numerous World Champions, leaders, entrepreneurs, and high profile military …

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32. Sravana Borkataky-Varma | Hijrās, Women, and Gender in Śākta Tantra 1:04:52

3+ y ago1:04:52

1:04:52

In this episode we welcome back to the Podcast, Sravana Borkataky-Varma. We catch up on her latest book projects, research, and teaching at Harvard Divinity School. We discuss the categories of so-called Classical Tantra vs. Neo Tantra, and some of the nuances of the scholar-practitioner. We discuss gender and transgender, particularly within the h…

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31. Rajiv Ranjan | On Teaching and Learning Hindi 1:13:19

3+ y ago1:13:19

1:13:19

In this episode we sit down with Rajiv Ranjan to discuss all things Hindi. We learn about Rajiv's remarkable journey from growing up in rural north-east India to MSU university professor, scholar, and author. We discuss the relationship between Hindi and Urdu, as well as Sanskrit and Hindi. We hear about the making of his textbook, Basic Hindi I, a…

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#145 Erin Granat & Machete Bang Bang - Planning Your FUNeral 1:32:11

3+ y ago1:32:11

1:32:11

Jo talks with filmmakers, Erin Granat and Machete Bang Bang, about their upcoming film Moon Manor. They get deep and real into the raw topics, such as the right to choose assisted dying, suicide and the death of a parent. MOON MANOR - A Comedy About Death (Inspired By A True-ish Story) Sometimes learning how to live, is learning how to die. With ad…

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#144 - From Wuhan to my Nasal Pharynx with Jo and Stu 1:12:44

3+ y ago1:12:44

1:12:44

Join Jo and Stu for this overdue musing on their current happenings. Much gratitude to the sponsors of Yoga Heart Mind! ww.solemechanics.com.au 15% off with promo code WATKINS6162 https://www.themilkcleanse.com Promo code STUARTWATKINS for 10% off https://sacredtaste.com Promo code STUARTWATKINS for 10% off https://blessitbee.com.au/r?id=af1ac8 Pro…

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30. Raj Balkaran | The Significance of the Devīmāhātmya 57:50

3+ y ago57:50

57:50

In this episode we sit down with return guest Raj Balkaran to catch up and dive deep into the world of the Devīmāhātmya. Raj shares with us about the publication of his latest book, The Stories Behind the Poses (2022) and how it grew out of the teaching of his previous YS course. We discuss the academic field of Purāṇa study, and how the Devīmāhātm…

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#143 Lisbeth Scott - The Healing Power of Music 1:09:05

3+ y ago1:09:05

1:09:05

Lisbeth Scott is a composer/ singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and producer based in Los Angeles, California. She has recently completed scores for Universal's feature All My Life and their stunning silent film restoration of Stella Maris. Additionally, she has scored the gorgeous 2021 documentary “Gratitude Revealed “ by Moving Art/Netflix f…

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#142- Exciting News Regarding Our Teacher Training 24:03

3+ y ago24:03

24:03

Registration for our upcoming Teacher Training will be available soon! We can’t wait to share this with you all! Support the showBy Stuart and Jo

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29. Varun Khanna | The Wisdom of the Upaniṣads 1:32:15

3+ y ago1:32:15

1:32:15

In this episode we sit down with Varun Khanna to discuss his upcoming course, YS 207 | The Upaniṣads. We first learn about his background as a pre-med student stumbling into Sanskrit when he tried to study Ayurveda in India, learning Sanskrit as a spoken language, and going on to earn his PhD at Cambridge University. We discuss the mysterious natur…

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Loving Kindness Meditation Day 17! + Our next 4 week Online Yoga 4:34

3+ y ago4:34

4:34

1 more day to get in my next 4 week Online Yoga Course! Deep Dive with me! It's a no-brainer: Kundalini Yoga & Meditation Classes to give you Energy & Intuition:YOU GET THE ENTIRE 4 WEEK COURSE THE MINUTE YOU BUY IT! ❤ So YES you can start TODAY!✨ Instant Access to over 4 hours of content✨Downloads/Tutorials of chants✨Lifetime access of the videos …

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#141 Ava Irani - Functional Spirituality 1:36:00

4y ago1:36:00

1:36:00

Join Stuart Watkins and Ava Irani in this candid and humble conversation. Yogi/ philosopher inspiring an intentional life. 📍 W.A. 🔮 Studio @SpandaSchool 🍃 Silent Retreats in the Forest 🤍 Podcast @FunctionalSpirituality Ava’s yoga journey started in 2008 when she tasted her first savasana at the end of a 90 minute hot yoga class in Sydney, Australia…

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#140 Lama Surya Das - This Moment, Only Moment 1:28:39

4y ago1:28:39

1:28:39

Join Lama Surya Das and Jo Tastula in this beautiful Dharma conversation. Lama Surya Das is one of the foremost Western Buddhist meditation teachers and scholars, one of the main interpreters of Tibetan Buddhism in the West, and a leading spokesperson for the emerging American Buddhism. The Dalai Lama affectionately calls him “The Western Lama.” Su…