Integral Yoga Podcast

Avi and Swami Divyananda discuss prioritizing inner peace, the role of meditation, nurturing personal relationships, letting go of the need to be "right", and they reflect on Swami Satchidananda's teachings and legacy. Swami Divyananda Ma, E-RYT 500, has had a wealth of experience teaching Integral Yoga around the world since 1973. She has taught at corporations, universities, the Commonwealth Can...

Amma Kidd and Avi discuss the significance of collective prayer, the transformative influence of a guru, surrendering to God's will, and the interconnectedness of all creation. Amma emphasizes the importance of "seeking first the kingdom of God" by going within, and always and forever "rising above". Amma Kidd is a former secretary to and long-time devotee of Swami Satchidananda, and a beloved pil...

Sadhu and Avi discuss music, healing, and Yoga, with two short improvised performances. Jesse Gallagher has been a professional touring musician since 2001, and a music producer and recording engineer since 2008. He toured extensively as a member of Apollo Sunshine from 2001-2010, and now composes and performs with a variety of projects, including Nightime Sunshine. Gallagher has practiced Kundali...

Avi speaks with past broadcast journalist and present yogi Jeff Ananda Kamen, who shares some engrossing stories about his adventures and his search for meaning, purpose and understanding. Jeff Kamen first met Swami Satchidananda in 1973 when he made the first public television documentary on yoga in America. It was a primetime special on New York City’s premiere public television station WNET 13....

In this inspiring interview, John Ferguson shares his personal journey of finding positivity and using it as a tool to help veterans struggling with mental health issues. John emphasizes the importance of service and reaching out to support those who are suffering. Through his experiences with yoga and meditation, he highlights the power of these practices in promoting mental well-being and healin...

Kirtan artist Seán Johnson, of Seán Johson and the Wild Lotus Band, discusses: the importance of preparation for presenting and his personal singing practice as a means of connecting to the universe the balance between planning and staying present in the moment - using templates as a framework for improvisation and creativity experiences of doubt, grief, and loss, and finding solace in connecting...

Avi Gordon speaks with Swami Sugunananda, a monastic since 2010. Sugunananda shares her journey of becoming a swami after the loss of her partner, and discusses finding clarity through faith and guidance from her guru, the role of intuition in decision-making, the importance of faith and humility, the practice of meditation and prayer, and other topics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m...

Avi Gordon and Richard Sclove recently discussed some thought-provoking themes from Richard's latest book, "Escaping Maya's Palace: Decoding an Ancient Myth to Heal the Hidden Madness of Modern Civilization". The conversation touched on topics such as the impact of capitalism on psychological-spiritual development, addiction, and the spiritual growth path described in the ancient Mahabharata. Rich...

Avi and Lindsaya talk about beauty culture, caring (or not caring) what others think of us, the value of simply being aware, how to be your own best friend, the tremendous perspective change of becoming a parent, and more. Lindsaya VanDeusen is a Beauty + Wellness Strategist and community creator. She passionately empowers humans to amplify the Wellness Warrior Within. Links: • http://www.lindsaya...

Avi and Greta Rose discuss optimism, finding comfort in the unknown, living a simple life, gratitude, and more. Greta Rose Pharr has been helping companies tell their stories around the world in unforgettable ways since the era of digital marketing began at the turn of the century (love being able to say that). Greta Rose Agency is best known for working with companies and projects in the organic,...

Avi Gordon and Shankar Fern discuss the long term changes as a result of Yoga practice, faith and trust, enlightenment, the key to healthy relationships, and working with troubled young people. Biographical Notes: Bruce was given the Sanskrit name Shankar directly by his Guru Sri Swami Satchidananda who is one of the great Yoga Masters and God Realized Saints of the century Shankar is one of Swami...

Mia Velez and Avi Gordon discuss Yoga and kung fu, connecting to something bigger, finding divinity within, the tao of activism, our relationship with words, inclusivity in Yoga and more. Mia entered Integral Yoga in 2016 through the kitchen, by cooking community lunches and silent retreat meals. Even though she'd been teaching yoga since 2008, she certified as an Integral Yoga teacher in 2018 to...

Genevieve Georget and Avi Gordon discuss "wrestling with God", what it means to be ok, acknowledging the smallness of the mind, surrender, community building and other topics. Genevieve is a full-time writer, photographer, and storyteller whose work has been seen on Oprah.com, “The Good Mother Project,” “Addicted 2 Success,””Real Leaders Magazine,” “Simplify Magazine,” the “Huffington Post,” and a...

Avi and Lucy Cannon discuss the balance between service and self care, overcoming the need for approval, rigidity and growth into authenticity. Lucy Cannon was born in London, and moved to Portugal as a young child. Following her studies, she moved to London where she worked at the fashion house Gucci for 3 years. In 1999, she returned to Portugal to follow her love and curiosity of Yoga. In 2002...

Laksmi Scalise talks with Avi Gordon about "mind science", the joy of not knowing, getting to "that magic spot" of total acceptance, gurus and more. Reverend Laksmi Scalise, IYM, RYT 500, is an Integral Yoga minister and teaches Beginners,Intermediate and Advanced Hatha Yoga. In 1977 she began studying Yoga under Swami Bua Maharaj, whose students she taught whenever he traveled. She studies with G...

Chandra discusses her introduction to Integral Yoga, balancing priorities in life, letting go of "being right" and recognizing what's important, and introducing others to Yoga. Chandra/Jo Sgammato is a certified Integral Yoga instructor who served for twenty years at the Integral Yoga Institute of New York in many capacities, mostly as general manager. She founded the Yoga At School program to bri...

Avi and vegan author Meenakshi Angel Honig discuss Swami Satchidananda, the idea of ahimsa (non-violence) as applied to our diet, talking to people about veganism, the connection between ahimsa and happiness, and her new book "The Solution: 10 Compelling Reasons to Choose a Plant-based Diet & Lifestyle - The Why & The How". Meenakshi Angel Honig is dedicated to peace & lovingkindness....

Avi and Rabbi Rami discuss Shabbos, play, freedom of belief, tribalism, silence, gratitude practice, changing the world without antagonism and the divine feminine. Rabbi Rami Shapiro is an award–winning author of over thirty-six books on religion and spirituality. He received rabbinical ordination from the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion and holds a PH.D. in religion from Union G...

Avi Gordon and Victoria Moran discuss veganism, yoga, ahimsa and being a good example. Featured twice on Oprah and listed by VegNews magazine among the Top 10 Living Vegetarian Authors, Victoria Moran has written thirteen books including Creating a Charmed Life and Main Street Vegan. Her Integral Yoga training started in the early 1970s, and she is an RYT-200. Victoria is founder of Main Street Ve...

Avi Gordon in conversation with Rev. Kumari de Sachy. Rev. Kumari has been a devotee of Sri Swami Satchidananda since 1981 and has lived and served in many capacities at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville since 1986, including as editor of the Integral Yoga Magazine, Publications Manager, LYT and Ashram Yogi Manager, Resident Services Director, Vidyalayam (Yogaville school) teacher, Yoga teacher. She...

Avi Gordon in conversation with James Knight, the creator of Gentle Somatic Yoga. James is one of the early pioneers to bridge yoga and Somatics. Gentle Somatic Yoga® (GSY) is the culmination of his life’s work as an experienced yoga teacher, certified Hanna Somatic Educator, body-oriented psychotherapist, movement educator, and author. James trains and certifies yoga teachers, yoga therapists, bo...

How many of us can say that we grew up in a yogic household, going to a yogic school, living at an ashram, surrounded by the grace of the Guru? Radha Metro-Midkiff can. Radha shares about her childhood, her current service, and her special relationship with Swami Satchidananda. Radha Metro-Midkiff, Executive Director for the Integral Yoga Institute New York, brings a lifetime worth of experience i...

This conversation between Kelley and Avi addresses a multitude of social issues and how they relate to the world of yoga. Is there a place for shame and guilt within the human experience? Why does it seem so challenging sometimes for people to take the right action? Should every human have their basic needs met, and what are those basic needs? What part does our education system play in all of thi...

Witness to World War II in Austria, Benedictine monk for the last 66 years, friend to Swami Satchidananda, and internationally-recognized practitioner of gratitude Brother David Steindl-Rast sits down to talk with Avi Gordon of the Integral Yoga Teachers Association. The discussion covers prayer and meditation, Swami Satchidananda, gratitude, fear and trust, the remembrance of death, joy, and othe...

What would you say if you could whisper into the ear of every person on the planet? Uma and Avi explore the answer to this question as well as many others. Is it beneficial to zoom out and recognize that we have less control over our lives than we really think? What is the cultural impression of yoga for Italians? Can I spend more time in the space of emotions and less time in the space of thought...