Emma Balnaves is an internationally respected teacher of the traditional forms and philosophies of Hatha Yoga. She has been teaching yoga since 1995.

Emma was introduced to yoga in her early teens when she became intrigued by the mystery of the practices and the feelings they evoked inside her. After studying visual communication, majoring in photography at university, and working in the creative arts in Sydney, New York, and London, Emma committed herself to a life of teaching yoga. Her early training began with a three-year apprenticeship at the Hatha Yoga Shala in Bondi Junction, Sydney, Australia.

After decades of in-depth study and research in yoga, Ayurveda, and other internal arts, Emma began incorporating the full spectrum of the yogic process in her teaching.

In 2019 she completed her first film Agniyogana, which she was inspired to create as a way to share the essence of these teachings and bring a better understanding of all aspects of the practice.

IN THIS EPISODE:

— Emma sheds light on Nepal’s influence and contribution to yoga, particularly with respect the Hatha Yoga

— The teachings of Nrtta (“pure dance) and how it has informed the teachings of Shadow Yoga

— Explore nrtta, karana, and the forms relating to Lord Shiva that have arisen through and are associated with Chidambaram Temple in Southern India

— Teachings of the charana-s

— Emma’s suggestions and wisdom around the essential components that comprise complete practice and sadhana 

WEBSITE: https://shadowyoga.com/about

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shadow_yoga/ & https://www.instagram.com/agniyoganafilm/ 

RESOURCES: https://shadowyoga.com/resources

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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:

A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit.

Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival.

You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.

WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com// 

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/ 

Drdha Vrata Gorrick learned classical arts for several years in South India from renowned iconography Masters and has established himself as one of the leading experts and teachers of Vedic iconography.

He has traveled the world exhibiting his works and conducting classes with the aim to introduce and promote the ancient art form.

Drdha’s works are in various private collections around the globe and his students are also spread far and wide.

IN THIS RICH EPISODE:

— Drdha’s fascinating and serendipitous personal story how the seeds of India and art have been woven throughout all facets of his life.

— Unpacking the sacred Shilpa Shastra (ancient texts and treatise on classical Indian art and iconography)

— Some of the rituals from the Shilpa Shastra that are performed when creating traditional art (such as the Dhyanashloka)

— The key rules and guidelines when creating a form of any deity or murti

— What to look for when purchasing Indian art, such as a statue/murti

— Learn of a few profound insights around temple construction and architecture

CONNECT WITH DRDHA:

Website: https://www.divyakala.com/

Instagram: @drdha_art / https://www.instagram.com/drdha_art

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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:

A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit.

Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival.

You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.

WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com/⁠

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/ 

Dr. Raj Balkaran is a scholar of Sanskrit narrative texts and author of “The Stories Behind the Poses”. He is a Tutor at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and Founder of the online Indian Wisdom School where he integrates scholarship, storytelling and spirituality to apply ancient Indian wisdom teachings to modern life. Beyond research, speaking and teaching, he runs a thriving one-on-one life guidance and runs transformative retreats in stunning global settings.

IN THIS EPISODE:

— Raj’s life path and love story with rich literacy and story alongside his scholarly work and spiritual exploration

— A wonderful story from the Chandogya Upanishad

— The evolution of tradition

— Story pedagogy and frame narratives

— Exploration of the meaning of “myth” and “mythology”

— The powerful impact and value behind the timeless stories

— The driving motivation and process behind the creation of The Stories Behind the Poses

— Considerations of the application of stories into yoga asana environments

CONNECT WITH RAJ:

Website: www.rajbalkaran.com & www.indianwisdomschool.com 

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indianwisdomschool 

LISTEN TO RAJ via these podcasts:

— Indian Wisdom School

— New Books in Indian Religions (New Books Network)

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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:

A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit.

Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival.

You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.

WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com/⁠

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/ 

Regarded as a teacher of teachers, Heather Elton has practiced yoga since 1986. She has facilitated countless international retreats and yoga teacher trainings and currently takes groups on spiritual tours of the Himalaya throughout Bhutan, Nepal, and India. 

Over many decades, Heather’s physical practice has primarily been in Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga. She offers 1 on 1 mentoring and private classes as well as more recently teaching weekly at a studio in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Her teachings integrate ancient wisdom traditions with contemporary psychology to create a mindful practice that diminishes suffering.

Originally from Canada, Heather’s work and wisdom will take you into the spiritual heart of the practice.

IN THIS EPISODE:

— Heather’s captivating story over many decades of yoga, spiritual seeking, the quest for identity and the dissolution of it

— The transmission and entanglement of Buddhist, Tantrik, and Hatha traditions

— The value and demise of traditionalism in yoga

— A glimpse into the mystical and ancient  abode of Nepal and the Himalaya

— Learn of Heather’s upcoming South Asia spiritual experiences

MENTIONED:

Tripsichore Yoga Theatre

Dona Holleman

Jivamukti Yoga

Chökyi Lodrö

Dzongsar Khyentse

Maharaj Ishanath Aghori Baba

Viharas

Vajrācārya

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

Website: https://eltonyoga.com/ 

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Pashupati-Hatha-Yoga-Club/100077892456316/ 

UPCOMING RETREATS WITH HEATHER:

Nepal: April 18-27, 2025

Bhutan: May 10-20, 2025

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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:

A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit.

Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival.

You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.

WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com/⁠

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/

Mira Manek is an author and the founder of the chai spice brand Chai by Mira; She is a speaker and Ayurveda and wellness expert. 

Her 3 books are Saffron Soul, Prajna: Ayurvedic Rituals for Happiness, and, her latest release is The Book of Chai: History Stories and Recipes.

IN THIS EPISODE:

— Be taken inside some of Mira's personal inspiration, cultural heritage, and journey that has influenced the creation of her work.

— Fascinating insights into the history and timeline of chai and how it influenced India's culture through both rebellion and community connection

— Behind the scenes of Mira's process of creating three published books that are held by a common thread

— Discover the chai food culture of India, the staples and snacks that are traditional accompaniments of the classic beverage

— Some fun facts about Mira: her fave spice in chai, her fave snack with chai, her ultimate memory of chai, her fave chai recipe, and Mira's most cherished and beloved place in India (and why)

CONNECT WITH MIRA:

Website: https://miramanek.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miramanek/ & https://www.instagram.com/chaibymira/

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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:

A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.

WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com/⁠ 

INSTAGRAM: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/⁠ 

Anja Brierley Lange is the author of Teaching Yoga for the Menstrual Cycle - an Āyurvedic Approach, and an experienced yoga teacher,  Āyurvedic practitioner, and teacher trainer.

Teaching since 2005 she has specialised in yoga and Āyurveda relating to female anatomy and physiology. 

Originally from Denmark, Anja moved to London and now lives on the Sussex coast where she enjoys being by or in the sea.

You can head to yogaembodied.com for courses, classes and inspiration from Anja.

IN THIS EPISODE:

- Discover how Anja came to specifically study and work in the field of women's health through the lens of yoga and ayurveda

- How the three doshas govern and transition across a menstrual cycle (Rutuchakra), and how this also overlaps with the Western biological understanding

- Key considerations for adapting a postural yoga practice according to the phases of the menstrual cycle (which also hint to the adaptations we can make over a female's lifespan)

- To invert or not invert during menstruation clarified

- Anja's process of writing a book and who the book aims to serve

CONNECT WITH ANJA:

Website: ⁠yogaembodied.com⁠

Instagram: @anja_yogini

Book: Teaching yoga for the menstrual cycle: An Āyurvedic Approach

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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:

A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.

WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com/⁠

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/

Indu Arora is a Yoga and Ayurveda teacher, mentor, and author, based out of the USA. She considers herself a student for a lifetime. Indu has been sharing about Yoga philosophy, Yoga Therapy, and Ayurveda for the last two decades. Her unique gift is making Yoga and Ayurveda a practice, which is equally useful for a beginner as for a sincere seeker who has made Yoga a lifelong journey. She is inspired by and taught under Kriya Yoga, Himalayan Yoga, Kashmir Shiavism, and Sivananda Yoga lineages. She has studied in a traditional guru-shishya parampara setting.

Her teaching style is rooted in empowering and inspiring students to awaken the inner guru. Her core philosophy is ‘Yoga is a Work-in and not a Work-out’. 

She is the author of Mudra: The Sacred Secret (2015), Yoga: Ancient Heritage, Tomorrow’s Vision (2005, 2019), and SOMA: 100 Heritage Recipes for Self-Care (e-book, 2020; updated hard copy, 2022).

IN THIS EPISODE:

—Demystifying japa: What is Japa, what is it not, the Sanskrit meaning, and the various types of Japa

—Mantra:. What is a mantra and the value of Sanskrit? What mantra should one choose, how to choose or who should choose it?

—Mala etiquette: What to use, how to appropriately wear mala and why

—Insight into the inspiration and motivation behind each of Indu’s books

—Indu’s upcoming offerings, both in person and online

—Her personal story of coming to yoga, her teachers, family, and pivotal moments

CONNECT WITH INDU:

Website: https://www.yogsadhna.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InduAroraOfficial

INDU’S BOOKS: 

Mudra: The Sacred Secret 

Yoga: Ancient Heritage, Tomorrow's Vision

SOMA: 100 Heritage Recipes for Self-Care

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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:

A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.

WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com/⁠ 

INSTAGRAM: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/⁠ 

Dr Lauren Tober is a Clinical Psychologist, Senior Yoga Teacher and author of Mental Health Aware Yoga: A Guide for Yoga Teachers, based in Mullumbimby, Australia.

With a passion for health, healing, happiness and awakening, Lauren integrates the best of Western psychology with ancient yogic wisdom, both on and off the mat.

Passionate about the life-changing benefits of yoga, Lauren is the founder of the Yoga Psychology Institute and the Mental Health Aware Yoga training. This professional development training for Yoga Teachers is designed to educate teachers about mental health so they can support their yoga students experiencing mental health challenges with compassion, confidence and skill.

Lauren is also the founder of the Centre for Mind Body Wellness, an integrative health practice in Mullumbimby, Australia.

Her work is soulful without being new-agey.  It’s evidence-based, without being clinical.  It’s authentic, heartfelt and life-changing.

IN THIS EPISODE:

—How Lauren came to yoga, India, and her work in the field of psychology and mental health

—Lauren’s book writing process

—What Mental Health Aware Yoga actually is (and its immense relevance to all)

—How Mental Health Aware Yoga pertains to and overlays subtle and deeper aspects of the yogic teachings (such as the five koshas)

—What a “safe container” is, and what yoga teachers need to consider

—The shadow side of meditation

CONNECT WITH DR LAUREN:

Website: https://www.laurentober.com/

YPI trainings and courses: https://www.yogapsychologyinstitute.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlaurentober/ & https://www.instagram.com/yogapsychologyinstitute/ 

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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:

A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.

WEBSITE: https://amyelandry.com/ 

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/ 

Savira Gupta comes from a family of strong women rooted in the Arya Samaj Tradition; founded in April 1875 by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, who wanted to revive the Vedic way of life and the need to create a just society for all. 

She spent her childhood in Malaysia, formative years in India, teenage years in France and adult years in the UK, Europe and the USA, and this has given Savira the foundation to relate to people from all walks of life and culture.

With over 20 years of teaching experience, Savira approaches yoga through the lens of a sadhaka and seeker. Her approach to teaching invites exploration, and understanding how yoga is a way of life not just modern postures. 

Her holistic style of teaching encompasses the understanding of the physical, subtle and causal body.

Her classes are interactive; combining the key principles of the teachings with a dash of humour.

IN THIS EPISODE:

--Savira's path living yoga, and moving from student to yoga teacher

--Fascinating insight and wisdom from the Arya Samaj tradition that empowers women

--Considerations around what Westernised yoga is lacking

--Unpacking the role of a yoga teacher

--Essential reflections when considering what is behind the aspiration to teach yoga for so many people

--Savira's personal guidance for more depth on your path

CONNECT WITH SAVIRA:

Website: https://www.saviragupta.com/

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

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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:

A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.

WEBSITE: https://amyelandry.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/

Jivana Heyman, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings and supporting yoga teachers. He’s the author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body; Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion; and The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga: Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body. His books, classes, and trainings support yoga teachers and yoga therapists in finding ways to bring creativity and collaboration into their teaching while still respecting the ancient yoga tradition.

IN THIS EPISODE:

-Insight into Jivana's extensive history of teaching yoga and advocating within communities in the US, along with the inspiration of his Grandmother

-Some major misunderstandings of what accessible yoga actually is

-How ethics create accessibility

-The core ABC's of accessible yoga

-Financial accessibility, financial ethics, and the white saviour complex

CONNECT WITH JIVANA:

Website & books: https://www.jivanaheyman.com/

Courses: https://www.accessibleyogaschool.com/

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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:

A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.

WEBSITE: https://amyelandry.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/