Integral Yoga Podcast

In this heartfelt episode Jeremy shares how his deep dive into Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and spiritual practice transformed his life, offering insights into the power of letting go, embracing grace, and finding bliss through consistent practice. From navigating the awkward stages of yoga to exploring profound concepts like rigorous honesty, the role of pain as a motivator, and even touching on his fascination with UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena), Jeremy’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and awakening. Join us for a rich conversation about yoga, recovery, and the human quest for truth, culminating in a beautiful quote from Nisargadatta Maharaj that captures the essence of the spiritual path:

"Wisdom is knowing I am nothing, love is knowing I am everything; and between the two my life moves."

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Jeremy York is a student of "the Holy Science of Yoga" who lives, works, and practices at the Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville. As a spiritual seeker, he has been blessed to have found the dynamic and demanding practice of Ashtanga Yoga, as well as the subtle and sublime practice of Kriya Yoga. As the Hatha Yoga Pradipika tells us, “No success in Raja Yoga without Hatha Yoga, and no success in Hatha Yoga without Raja Yoga. One should therefore practice both of these well, till complete success is gained.”

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In this podcast, Hannah Levin discusses her mission to alleviate unnecessary suffering through Ayurveda and yoga, drawing from her personal health crisis with high-grade cervical dysplasia. She explains how Western medicine offered surgery as the only option, but discovering Ayurveda helped her heal and inspired her to guide others toward conscious, health-supportive choices.

Levin emphasizes that much of our suffering comes from living out of sync with nature’s rhythms, often unconsciously, and that true freedom arises from balancing structure and spontaneity. She delves into Ayurvedic principles, including the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), and how they influence health, emotions, and daily habits. Through her coaching, she helps people cultivate awareness, implement gradual habit changes, and make sustainable lifestyle shifts aligned with their unique constitutions. The conversation also explores the role of community, meditation, and intentional living in fostering well-being, ultimately advocating for a compassionate, balanced approach to personal growth and healing.

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Hannah Elizabeth Levin is the founder of Heartfelt Wellbeing LLC. She is an Ayurveda Practitioner, yoga teacher, and artist who also holds a masters degree in teaching. Hannah expertly guides women to regain their optimal health and wellbeing through her online coaching programs and retreats.

https://www.heartfeltwellbeing.com/

https://www.facebook.com/heartfeltwellbeing

https://www.facebook.com/groups/heartfelthannah

https://www.instagram.com/heartfeltwellbeing/

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This conversation explores the importance of simplicity and authenticity in spiritual practice, emphasizing the value of honoring diverse paths while staying true to one’s own. It touches on balancing technology with awareness, fostering meaningful dialogue across traditions, and speaking truth with love. The discussion highlights how creativity can deepen spiritual growth and the role of discernment in navigating new ideas and societal pressures.

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Les Anand Roberts was born in Shropshire, England, in May 1953 into a working-class family. After dropping out of high school at 16, he spent two years working in manual labor before returning to education at 18. He eventually qualified as a Company Secretary and worked in various accounting roles, though a career breakdown in the early 1980s led to significant life changes. He later moved to Gibraltar, where he worked for Ernst & Young and other companies while navigating a challenging second marriage. Les's life took a transformative turn when he discovered the Integral Yoga Centre in Gibraltar and became deeply involved in the spiritual teachings offered there, particularly the "Science of the Mind."

In 2002, Les became self-employed as a business and compliance consultant and founded the charity AKIN (Association for Kids In Need), which helped children in six countries. His charity work extended to founding Childline Gibraltar and contributing to several other local causes. He also served as chairman of The Association of Trust & Company Managers and contributed to Gibraltar’s finance sector. In 2009, Les moved to southern Spain, and in 2019, he semi-retired, continuing to work in compliance while collaborating with his partner, Nalanie Harilela Chellaram, to organize spiritual workshops. Outside of work, Les enjoys photography, videography, writing, music, and painting. He has four children and four grandchildren.

Follow Les on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/les.anand_creations/

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In this episode, Kansas Carradine explores the balance between personal spiritual practices—like yoga, meditation, and retreats—and the call to engage with the world’s needs. She shares insights on cultivating inner stillness, self-compassion, and mindful presence as essential ways to recharge and show up more fully in service to others. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, traveler, and equestrian, Kansas emphasizes how small, intentional actions can create meaningful ripples of positive change, reminding us that inner work and outer action are deeply connected.

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Kansas Carradine, a prominent figure in the Equestrian Industry, navigates a captivating journey from rodeo arenas to Hollywood stunts and circus performances. Evolving into an ethical horsemanship clinician and influential speaker, she maintains unwavering commitment to the highest animal ethics standards. Notably featured in publications like Sports Illustrated and Cowboys & Indians Magazine, Carradine's multifaceted career includes roles as a performer, horse trainer, coach, and mentor in the world-renowned equestrian show, CAVALIA.

In her latest chapter, Carradine seamlessly transitions into the role of an Equine Guided Educator, utilizing her innate ability to connect with both horses and people. Kansas is also a HeartMath Certified Trainer, passionate about teaching emotional self-regulation tools and helping people activate the intelligence of their own hearts for greater health, vitality, and performance.

With a wealth of experience, she serves as a mentor and coach, skillfully integrating science, spirituality, horsemanship, and heart. Carradine's transformative work bridges diverse realms, creating a powerful impact on aspiring horse enthusiasts and the broader public alike.

Connect with Kansas:

www.CircusCowgirl.com

https://www.facebook.com/circuscowgirl/

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In this episode, Avi speaks with Cathy Woods, a lifelong yogini, equestrian, and creator of "Body, Mind, Equine," a program that blends yoga and horsemanship. Cathy shares how yoga principles—breath, body awareness, and mindfulness—enhance the rider’s connection with their horse, improving communication and overall experience in the saddle. She discusses the deeper parallels between yoga and riding, emphasizing presence, energy awareness, and mutual trust. Whether you're a yogi, an equestrian, or simply interested in mindful movement, this conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of these two disciplines.

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A longtime yogini, horsewoman, author, yoga teacher, international retreat leader, creator of Body, Mind, EquineTM, and a pioneer in focusing on equestrian wellness and mindfulness in horsemanship

Cathy aims to impart a practical approach to authentic yoga and mindful horsemanship, making it accessible to everyone regardless of what that looks like for the individual. She’s passionate about supporting equestrians in their wellness journey, promoting a more enriched and skillful life.

Her yogic journey naturally transpired as a child. Having nurtured that path and lifestyle for many years, she began leading programs in 1991. Cathy enjoys combining and sharing her passions of yoga, horses, travel, and women’s empowerment in creative ways and finds great joy in helping people handcraft their lives and their horsemanship

Her programs have been offered at distinguished locations such as The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Yogaville Ashram, and Mount Madonna Center. On the equine front, Cathy has partnered with amazing venues such as Equitana, Internation Liberty Horsemanship Association, Equine Affaire, Warwick Schillers Journey on Summit, Tryon International Equestrian Center, and C Lazy U Ranch, to name a few. She also shares her work through her book Yoga for Riders, published by Horseandriderbooks, and is currently working on a second book titled, Riding Change. Additionally, Cathy writes for publications such as Horse Illustrated, Yoga + Life Magazine, and others. She’s been featured in Forbes, Yoga Digest, Horse and Rider Magazine, and additional publications. A series of her online courses can be found on WeHorse.

Cathy’s an avid equine enthusiast and longtime backcountry trail rider who loves exploring the natural world from the back of a horse. She remains passionate and dedicated to sharing authentic yoga and how it enhances life and horsemanship!

Find out more at: www.cathywoodsyoga.com

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In this heartfelt and reflective conversation, Swami Asokananda shares his incredible life journey—from his Brooklyn upbringing in a non-religious Jewish family to his path of spiritual awakening and leadership. He recounts transformative moments, including early struggles with identity, his experiences with yoga and meditation, and the pivotal influences of mentors and life-changing practices. Swami Asokananda opens up about vulnerability, connection, and the wisdom of simply being oneself, offering profound insights into personal growth and the universal quest for meaning. This episode is a rich tapestry of stories and lessons from a life devoted to inner discovery and service.

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Swami Asokananda, a monk since 1975, is the President and Spiritual Director of the New York Integral Yoga Institute, as well as one of its foremost teachers. While he enjoys sharing the practical wisdom of the Yogic philosophy (especially that of the great Indian scripture the Bhagavad Gita), he also loves his practice of Hatha Yoga and is one of our primary instructors for Intermediate and Advanced Hatha Yoga Teacher Training. He has served as president of Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville and currently serves as co-chair, with Swami Ramananda, of the Integral Yoga Global Network.

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Freddy Jackson, founder of the Love No Ego Foundation, shares his mission to help youth aged 10-18 develop self-awareness and emotional resilience by overcoming societal pressures and the influence of ego. Freddy explores the distinction between thinking less of oneself and thinking of oneself less, advocating for a balance between self-awareness and selflessness. Freddy also discusses the importance of embracing fear and surrendering to reality rather than resisting it, fostering growth, gratitude, and a deeper appreciation for life. Personal anecdotes illustrate his dedication to nurturing relationships with family and loved ones, emphasizing presence and meaningful connections. He reflects on the transformative power of love in overcoming challenges, celebrating differences, and living with purpose.

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Freddy is an inspirational and transformational lecturer and speaker, social-emotional learning (SEL) mentor, health and wellness trainer, educator, author, and founder of The Love No Ego Foundation.

Freddy's Love...No Ego philosophy serves as the foundation for success, strengthening the motivation needed for change, igniting intuitions, identifying and removing egotistical behaviors, minimizing stress and conflict, and facilitating valuable, purposeful, and practical action steps that enable participants to grow and perform better than their everyday pressures despite their chosen industry.

Domestically, as well as internationally, Freddy has delivered powerful, engaging, and relevant presentations, mentored, consulted, and conducted workshops for individuals, teams, and organizations, improving insight, sustainability, and resiliency.

WEBSITES:

https://www.lovenoego.org/

https://www.mrlovenoego.org/

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS/HANDLES

https://www.instagram.com/mrlovenoego/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelovenoegofoundation/

https://www.facebook.com/MrLoveNoEgo/

https://www.youtube.com/@mrlovenoego

https://www.tiktok.com/@mrlovenoego

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In this episode, Tara Eschenroeder delves into the concept of "rewilding" as a return to our natural, instinctual state of being. She defines rewilding as reconnecting with the innate wisdom within us, much like how trees grow or fireflies communicate effortlessly. Tara shares her practices for rediscovering this inner compass, including journaling, movement, discussion, and time in nature, all aimed at peeling back layers of societal conditioning and distraction. She emphasizes the role of childlike play and curiosity as pathways to reconnect with our wild, intuitive selves, drawing inspiration from the way children approach life with imagination and openness.

The episode also explores the importance of acknowledging and transforming inherited generational patterns, finding balance between disciplined practices and devotion to one’s higher self, and embracing community as a space for authentic connection and growth. Tara’s insights inspire listeners to embrace curiosity, rediscover their wildness, and live with greater authenticity and joy.

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Tara (Becky) Eschenroeder is a 500-hour E-RYT, RCYT, YACEP, certified coach, self-published author, and an inspiring yogi recognized among the top three yoga instructors by Richmond Magazine. Rooted in Asheville, NC, Tara leads workshops, retreats, and classes nationwide, empowering students to listen within and trust their unique paths. With credentials in Psychology, Elementary Education, and coaching, her approach blends studied expertise with intuitive guidance, offering a space for exploration, self-discovery, and authentic expression. A Lululemon Ambassador and advocate for yoga's transformative power, Tara’s teaching, mentoring, and life reflect her Dharma as a vessel of love, trust, and inspiration.

Website: http://greatabidingyoga.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/becky.eschenroeder and https://www.facebook.com/greatabidingyoga/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatabidingyoga/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3Ad7lwBuG1GcQZqae7XDUA

Insight Timer: https://insig.ht/hKogenxtanb

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3T2AROCSEIe3hktXqDPqOp

Newsletter signup: https://greatabidingyoga.com/contact#subst

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In this episode Līlā Śakti Mayī, and Avi dive into the profound connection between humility, self-care, and the power of Sanskrit. The discussion focuses on how language can embody intention and emotion, highlighting that every language carries sacredness. They emphasize that true humility is about recognizing one's inherent value without harsh self-criticism or rigid expectations. This self-awareness cultivates compassion, allowing us to acknowledge our emotional pain while embracing our needs. Ultimately, the episode illustrates that genuine self-care stems from empathy toward ourselves, empowering us to better support others and create enriching connections with the world around us.

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Līlā Śakti Mayī received her B.A. and M.A. in Sanskrit from the University of Virginia. She has studied the mechanics of the Sanskrit language alongside sacred Sanskrit literature for a decade. Her scriptural focus has largely revolved around the Bhagavad Gītā, and she recently contributed heavily to a new publication entitled Bhagavad Gītā Concordance: A Comprehensive Word Reference with English and Sanskrit Indexes by Dr. Graham Schweig (Columbia University Press, 2024). She is currently working on a similar reference work for the Yoga Sūtras. For the past several years, she has also studied nonviolent communication through NYCNVC. Līlā Śakti Mayī teaches the Sanskrit language and courses in Sanskrit scripture, but her greatest joy is bridging this ancient wisdom with the modern theory and practice of nonviolent communication. In her teaching, she illuminates the powerful harmony between the two, inspiring and empowering others towards deeper self-connection grounded in the heart.

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In this insightful episode, Swami Karunananda reflects on her extraordinary life journey, beginning with her childhood in Brooklyn where she demonstrated remarkable early abilities, such as speaking at six months old and reading at three. She shares a pivotal moment from her sixth grade when she asked herself what she wanted to do with her life, deciding then to help others relieve their suffering. Her path led her from a focus on academics and science to an unexpected spiritual awakening through yoga and philosophy, inspired by the presence of her guru. Through personal stories, Swami Karunananda discusses the importance of service, the interconnectedness of all beings, and the profound power of following one's inner guidance to make a meaningful contribution to the world.

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Swami Karunananda has had 50 years’ experience teaching all aspects of Yoga. She designed and conducts teacher training programs in Raja Yoga and in Meditation. She served as president of Satchidananda Ashram in California and in Virginia, and as director of the San Francisco and Santa Barbara Integral Yoga Institutes. She compiled and edited The Lotus Prayer Book and Enlightening Tales as told by Sri Swami Satchidananda. Her book, Awakening: Aspiration to Realization through Integral Yoga, makes the Yoga teachings accessible and provides inspiration and guidance for the spiritual journey.

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