A Curious Yogi with Bobbi Paidel

“So you’re an explorer of life, what a great exploration. What a great journey to embark on, to examine now. Now what? Now, what will life bring to me today?” Discover the timeless wisdom of meditation and self-inquiry through the teachings and personal journey of Chaytan Atma – who hasn’t missed a day of meditation in 50 years! This conversation delves into the nature of the unchanging self, the...

"Our souls have neither a birth nor death. Our soul's journey is infinite. But the human experience that we're having in this moment is limited." Today, we dive deep into the intersection of ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern health science with famed celebrity Ayurvedic nutritionist and gut health coach, Dimple Jangda . In this episode, you will gain actionable, practical knowledge on how lifest...

“The dance will bring you to the surrender. It might not always be surrendered, but with more acceptance and more surrender, definitely more peace.” Such a joy to share this conversation with Dana Flynn, a teacher’s teacher with more than 3 decades of practice and just total delight. Dana generously shares her raw energy, her lived experience and journey of waking up. This conversation delves into...

“Sadhana is my life, basically. Whether it's studying or not studying or meditating or not meditating, but the intent is to maintain a sense of that Highest Awareness at all times.” Discover the profound journey and wisdom of friend and life-time meditator Ravi. Ravi is a 70 year old yogi who has dedicated 50 years to living and embodying the Highest Awareness under the guidance (and Grace) of his...

Season 5 of A Curious Yogi is here. I’m so happy to begin this season with a solo episode exploring an essential teaching from my teacher, Swamiji, who encouraged everyone to learn and memorize these seven verses from the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, verses 19–25). He described them as containing the essence of the entire scripture. In this episode, I share some of Swamiji’s reflections and commentar...

Season 4 comes to a close with reflection on the biggest themes, teachings, and truths that wove through this season of a Curious Yogi Podcast . This closing episode is not a “best of,” but a look back at some of the timeless wisdom shared by this season’s guests. Through conversations on sadhana, meditation, tradition, fear, service, openness, devotion, and the deeper heart of yoga, one thread ke...

“Practicing yoga is not really something separate from me. It is happening all the time.” In this episode of a Curious Yogi Podcast , yoga teacher Myra Khanna shares her journey from Kathak dancer and scuba diving instructor to dedicated yoga practitioner and teacher. Drawing from studies with Bharath Shetty, Vinay Kumar, Vijay Kumar, Deepika Mehta, Mark Robberds, Eddie Stern, and ongoing training...

"Women are not small men – we are cyclical beings." In this episode, the delightful Sheila Arnell shares her journey through yoga, emphasizing the importance of understanding women's health and the menstrual cycle in practice. She discusses her transition from a physically focused practice to a more spiritual and holistic approach, highlighting the significance of listening to the body and respect...

"Yoga is the drill, life is the game, chill is the skill." What happens when we stop trying to fit our bodies into "perfect" geometric boxes and start listening to the miracle of our own physiology? A total joy to be joined by Eoin Finn to discuss his revolutionary approach to movement, blending soulful science with Harvard-level anatomy, a lifetime of study and practice, and a deep reverence for...

"The truth is such an attractive pursuit." In this episode, I share an illuminating conversation with Jyoti , a devoted meditator who has spent decades exploring the depths of her sadhana . Our dialogue begins with Jyoti reflecting on her journey to India, where she found both her spiritual home and a deeper understanding of herself. She shares how her former life as a professional dancer—filled w...

"Yoga is about spirit." In this episode, I sit down with a true "teacher’s teacher," Nicki Doane . Based in Maui at her Maya Yoga Studio, Nicki has been immersed in the sacred teachings of Yog since 1989. Having studied under legends like Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar, she brings a rare depth of wisdom mixed with a lightheartedness that makes the profound feel accessible. We dive into he...

"The ultimate research laboratory is this mind, body, brain, heart." A privilege to introduce Philippe Goldin, PhD – Professor at UC Davis, mindfulness researcher, and a true bridge between science and spirituality. Join us for a delightful and mind-stretching conversation. Philippe’s path spans New York City, a deep study of Tibetan Buddhism across India, Nepal, and Tibet, and groundbreaking rese...

"It's never too late to make changes and reconnect with nature." In today's delightful conversation, I speak with a dear friend and colleague, Anette Christensen, a certified Ayurvedic health counsellor, therapist, and founder of Ayurvedic Center Malmö. We delve into the ancient practice of Ayurveda, exploring its principles, applications in modern life, and the importance of daily routines for ma...

“Stay open with the wish to reach your highest potential.” A delight to share this week's conversation with Aviva Robibo or Abhaya, as I know her, to discuss the Guru in the yogi or sadhak's journey of learning and unfolding one's true self. Abhaya is a PhD scholar-practitioner who has devoted her life and work to the research and study of the Guru traditions of India and the sadhana and meditatio...

"The goal is to advance to consciousness." In this episode, I chat with Alexandra McRobert - yoga teacher, writer, podcast host, and lifelong student of spiritual wisdom. She created Sober Yoga Girl as a sanctuary for seekers on the path of healing - those navigating recovery from addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges, or just the overwhelm of being human in this modern world. And she’s...

“So when you experience that peace, it's because it's your nature. Your real nature is peaceful. It is blissful. It is contented.” Wow, this is an incredible episode from early in September, recorded for the Good Company livestream series with my brilliant friend Katharine from Unchanging Being. She is a longtime meditator and a deeply wise teacher. We talked about the Gita, the Gunas, retraining...

"Question everything." Today, I welcome Anjali Rao, a yoga teacher and author, to discuss her journey into yoga, the cultural and historical contexts of yoga, and the themes of gender and caste within the practice. We delve into the representation of women and gender-expansive folks in yoga history, the impact of caste on yoga practices, and the importance of diverse perspectives in understanding...

"It's so scary to be nobody." In this episode, I’m talking with Yarmila Alfonzetti , one of Australia’s leading arts professionals, a mother, a wife, a friend, and, in the truest sense of the word, a curious yogi. Yarmila joins me with so much joy and openness to share her journey as a yogi. Together, we dive into themes of identity, ego, and what makes yoga retreats so special. She speaks about t...

“The greatest value of this kind of talk is that you have the right to choose that kind of company and be uplifted.” In today's episode of Good Company on a Curious Yogi, Hirdaya and I explore the significance of good company in spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of Shravan (hearing), Manan (reflection), and Nidhidhyasan (application) in deepening one's practice. We discuss the challenge...

"When you experience trauma, your spectrum of grief grows…on the other side of the spectrum, it has as much joy as you are able to experience as well." In this powerful episode, I chat with Rodrigo Souza of Allihopa Yoga - from his living room in Malmö, Sweden. Rodrigo is the coolest yogi I’ve ever met, and more importantly, he lives yoga in every sense of the word. We delve into the profound impa...

"Start with ‘I am free’. Then you can still work on yourself as you need to." Today, I’m happy to be sharing this delightful conversation with one of my favourite people, my dear friend Zach, a lifelong practitioner of sadhana who grew up in the Indian Himalayas at a meditation institute, in the company of an enlightened Guru. I waited a while to finally get Zach onto the show, as he is a true yog...

Embracing the Paradox. Hi Curious Yogis, I’m here with my friend Vijay and fellow meditator, and I’m so excited to share the first rendition of a new podcast format I'm calling Good Company . It’s a part of The Curious Yogi Podcast , created to offer something a little different: spontaneous, live-streamed satsang that invites you, the community of listeners and Patreon members, into deeper connec...

"A Sankhya Yogi loses ego every day. A Scholar gains ego every day.” In this episode, I chat with Ram Jain — a fifth-generation yogi and founder of Arhanta Yoga, with ashrams in both India and the Netherlands. Ram’s journey began at a Vedic school at age 8, and his life has since been dedicated to teaching yoga as a path to self-realization and empowerment. We talk about his evolution from aspirin...

“Consciousness is love, it is who I truly am.” Today I chat with celebrated yoga teacher and author Reema Datta who is on a mission to change that with her recent book The Yogi’s Way: Transform Your Mind, Health, and Reality, which offers a twelve-week self-guided course that empowers readers to break free from the destructive tendencies of their minds and experience lasting peace. Reema shares in...

"The only important thing is peace, and peace is your true nature.” In this enlightening episode, I’m talking to a friend and master yogini, Deep Priya, who has been teaching Patanjali Yog Sutras since 1986. Deep Priya shares her profound journey through yoga, dance, and meditation, exploring the interconnectedness of these practices. The conversation delves into the essence of the witness self, t...