Mostly Yoga - with Aaron Tan

Had a great time doing this with my good friend Namtaow, whom I’ve known for close to 7 years now. It’s amazing to see his growth as a friend, father, doctor and jiu-jitsu practitioner.  Stuff we talked about:  Connecting through BJJ  Learning who you are (and who others are from) rolling You can’t be the tough guy in jiu-jitsu  Giving back to the community Gato Studio and jiu-jitsu in Chiang Mai...

I’ve made a lot of interesting friends from jits and Urmish is one of them. We talk about the balance between strength and technique, his struggles of being the ‘big guy’ at the gym and insights from his first BJJ competition. Stuff we talked about:  Gi vs. Nogi Playing the game of ‘Jiu-jitsu’ Technique > Strength? Being the ‘big’ guy at the gym  Asking the right questions Being ‘aggressive’ an...

I knew Rapha from way back during our yoga teaching days. So it was truly special reconnecting with him again for this raw and unfiltered conversation. We delved about his life’s journey of martial arts, spirituality and fatherhood, and reflected on the importance of taking responsibility for yourself while respecting the unknown, as well as setting boundaries to protect your space.  Stuff we talk...

In this episode, I'm joined with fellow Singaporean, Rio Lim, whom I had the pleasure of meeting here in Chiang Mai. We both share a passion for jiu-jitsu and finance, so in this episode we dive into those worlds while exchanging stories about our journeys along the way. Always exciting to connect over shared interests and similar vibes... oss!  Stuff we talked about:  Knowing who you are thro...

The first podcast Meiyan and I did was back in 2020 (See episode 29). Now, four years later, her house still remains as brightly coloured as ever, and the ambient noises are still as immersive, with the rain making a guest appearance once more. In this episode, we mostly catch up and reminisce about the good old days when we were young, though perhaps not so wild or free. How the past couple of ye...

Sorry for being away. I've been busy with life but I'm back now with a special one... Today I speak with Maisie, who's insightful approach and deep understanding of the nine personality types from the Enneagram system has definitely shed some light on certain character attribute of mine, so I'm sure she'll be able to shed some light on yours as well. Get ready to dive deep into your own inner fram...

Back at it again with the another gym bro.  My guest today is Darren Huw, a personal trainer whose journey from skinny to fit is one that’s truly inspiring. As someone who embodies dedication and growth in both body and mindset, I’m glad to have him on the pod to share his passion with fitness and faith (in Islam).  Enjoy. Stuff we talked about:  The "drugs" we take Understanding Islam Antics at t...

To commemorate the 50th episode of the Mostly Yoga Podcast, I thought I'd run through some of the lessons I've learned over the past few years that have helped me out a lot in shaping who I am.    Expect to learn about the importance of being authentic, honouring your truth, acknowledging the shadow and going to the gym.   To all the listeners out there, thank you for being a part of this beautifu...

My final guest from the Chiang Mai Soul Connection series... It was a privileged to have Dan on the pod for yet another thought-provoking episode. His wisdom and stories resonates with me on such a profound level, much akin to the timeless teachings of Alan Watts, so I hope this conversation will resonate with you guys too. He shares with us his insights into life, religion, philosophy, and the hu...

I had the pleasure of connecting with my soul friend, Logan, whose heart hails originally from South India, but is now residing in the enchanting city of Chiang Mai. My chat with him was inspiring and enlightening and he graciously shares his perspectives on life, spirituality and the art of surrendering to one's fate.  Stuff we talk about:  Life in Chiang Mai  Staying true to your (Indian) roots ...

A truly special guest from the CNX soul connection series, my good friend Shao Hao takes centre stage as we explore the profound connections between nature's beauty, spiritual enlightenment, and the rhythmic chants that echo the essence of the divine.  Stuff we talk about:  The contrast between SG and CNX Pursuing a life worth living Consciousness expressed through you  We chose this life Expressi...

Definitely one of the best episodes so far.  My third guest on the list from the CNX Soul Connection series, and one of my good friends, is Jackson Barber.  Listen in as we navigate the delicate dance between light and shadow and ponder over the intricate balance between the forces that shape our world.  Stuff we talk about:  Meditation  Religion v.s. Spirituality  Sitting with the itch The Moral...

My second guest from the Chiang Mai Soul Connection series is Atum Sphinx, another gifted musician seamlessly weaving together the sacred and the sublime.  Stuff we talk about:  Finding strength through softness  Symbolisms and ceremonies Visions from Goddess Ixchel A reminder of pain (Cĕb: เจ็บ)  Move. Earn. Learn.  Doing your side quests in the RPG of real life Moving to “China” Kung Fu fighting...

We kick off the first episode from the Chiang Mai Soul Connection series with handpan hero and demon whisperer, Craig Coppack, with his stories of harmonious healing, rhythmic transcendence and mad stories he shares from his spiritual journey.  Stuff we talk about:  Life in Chiang Mai Battling addiction Moving closer to ‘God’ Running into the darkness  Demons in a bucket Experiences with plant med...

Really loving the 'Gym Bro' series so far. Up next we have a true powerhouse and arguably one of the strongest guys in the gym, Fadlullah (aka. Ah Fad). Plenty of wisdom both in fitness and life was shared in this episode. Along with the usual bo liao banter.  Stuff we talk about:  Gym origin story (Power) Building your body FAT-dullah Gym culture v.s. Bodybuilding culture Strong body = Strong min...

The Gym Bros series continues with our 4th Gym Bro Sir / Otaku Overlord, Ardy.  A lot of cock was talked in this episode. Along with bits of powerlifting, gym tips and anime memes sprinkled into the mix.  Stuff we talk about:  Training Arc Creatine = Steroids (PES C) Army life Powerlifting First ever pull up Eastside best side How sexy/f*cked up Daniel is HASHIRA Strength Anime (Sub vs. Dub)  Our...

My 3rd guest from the gym bro series is Elson, one of the OG members of the Morning Crew Boys Club, who shares with us stories from the good old days growing up, experiences of fatherhood and of course, our shenanigans at the gym.  Stuff we talk about:  How to play Basketball, Futsal and Crocodile Childhood memories and the good ol’ times  Working in Construction  Dealing with the harsh realities...

The 2nd guest from the gym bro series is Fadhil, former Morning Crew Bad Boy and self-proclaimed kitty cat of the gym. There was a lot of technical talk going on in this episode. We explored the intricacies of weightlifting, food intake and overall health and fitness. But of course, neither of us are doctors or medical professionals, all of this is purely Bro-Science, and you should definitely not...

Here we go, Season 3. The first guest of the gym bro series is Daniel, who I met at the beginning of the year when I starting became more regular at the gym. Aside from working out together with the rest of the morning crew boys, we spend most of time between sets picking up girls, starting impromptu dance battles, and touching each other's pee pees when no one's looking.  Stuff we talk about:  Wh...

“All the gods, all the heavens, all the hells, are within you.” ― Joseph Campbell

Angie Yeo shares with us an interesting take on the more physical side of the practice, with her knowledge on anatomy, understanding injuries, and well-structured sequences that could help bring more awareness to what most of us are already familiar with on the mat.  Stuff we talk about:  Stepping into teaching What happens after a TT Structure in sequencing Importance of anatomy Managing injuries...

One of the most entertaining paddies I’ve done in a while. Ian’s journey from student to teacher has been such an incredible one. I’m very happy to see how far he’s grown over the past few years, and for him to continue this path of self-discovery. From being a fan of the pod, to eventually being a guest, but more importantly a friend. Thanks for sharing and for being you, from one Vata boy to ano...

I had such a lovely time chatting with Nicole during this episode. She shared about her experiences with birth, balancing motherhood with yoga and everyday life, as well as some tips that I think might give future mommies some useful insight into preparing for the big day.  ⁣Stuff we talked about:⠀ Teaching experiences   Practicing yoga while pregnant  Transitioning to motherhood Healing from labo...

Sita has grown to be one of my good friends over the past few years, especially during the peak of the pandemic, when I was recovering from a blown out knee, and when morning Mysore was the only class that wasn’t fully booked all the time. I got to experience the magic of Mysore for myself during that time, which helped give me a bit of a routine, as well as a lovely community that help hold space...

Anyone else been waiting for a second episode to drop for the past 3 years?  Always nice reconnecting with my teacher, friend and soul mommy, Leigh Khoo. Thanks for doing this with me again and for always holding space for us all.  ⁣Stuff we talked about:⠀ Personal shifts  The power of surrendering  Leaving HOM  Drama in Bali  Finding Intimacy through yoga  Even MORE personal shifts  Dancing with...