Wakenings

A wide-ranging conversation with Natalie Backman—a deeply dedicated student and teacher whose practice has been shaped through years of sincere inquiry. Together, we explore a dimension of yoga often overlooked in modern practice: the contemplative work that refines perception, reshapes how we live, and determines whether the fruits of practice truly extend into daily life. Our focus is Yoga Sutra...

Most of us know that life works better when we’re fully present—when we’re actually here, meeting the moment as it unfolds. And yet, despite our best intentions, something seems to pull us out of the now again and again. This conversation explores exactly what stands in the way of presence, why even seasoned meditators struggle with the same emotional loops and repetitive patterns, and how a new m...

A true teacher is not the source—they are a vessel. The real power lies not in the personality of the teacher, but in the timeless teachings that move through them. Teachers are human, beautifully flawed like the rest of us, but the wisdom they carry—when offered with sincerity and presence—can awaken something profound in us. It's important to remember: the transformation you feel in practice isn...

Drawing from his more than forty years as a Tantra Yoga lineage-holder, practitioner and master teacher, Rod clarifies the often-misunderstood subject of Kundalini Yoga. He focuses on the critical distinctions between the modern “brand” of Kundalini Yoga popularized by Yogi Bhajan and its ancient, traditional roots––which span more than three millennia. His aim is to help modern practitioners brea...

Drawing from his more than forty years as a Tantra Yoga lineage-holder, practitioner and master teacher, Rod clarifies the often-misunderstood subject of Kundalini Yoga. He focuses on the critical distinctions between the modern “brand” of Kundalini Yoga popularized by Yogi Bhajan and its ancient, traditional roots––which span more than three millennia. His aim is to help modern practitioners brea...

A practical discussion about meditation––there are so many approaches. Do they all lead to the same place, generate the same affect? The answer is: no. Different practices and approaches can lead to very different results. In this podcast I introduce some key ideas to better understand meditation’s larger terrain and its many approaches. There are essentially four categories of meditation. Practic...

· The promise of Yoga is that we can experience freedom and thriving while living in the world, but is that realistic in today’s world? · Can yoga really deliver on these lofty goals, given the pervasiveness of our: anger, division, anxiety, despair and fear? · If so, how and what are the tools that can lead us to yoga’s treasures? · Could it be that we're not practicing the one part of yoga that...

A far-ranging conversation on why human beings developed and continue to practice meditation. Research confirms that meditation improves quality of life. It enhances the immune system and positively impacts the brain. However, are there more compelling, even existential, reasons that help explain why it evolved and continues to be practiced. Might the impetus for meditation have something in commo...

A conversation about the breadth and potential of teaching that begins with a confession: Even after more than 40 years of teaching yoga and meditation, I hesitate and am a bit embarrassed to identify myself as a "yoga teacher.” The conversation continues and touches upon the following themes: · What does it mean that you teach yoga? · Distinguishing between teaching “asana” and teaching “yoga.” ·...