Shantala Sriramaiah, founder of Veda Studies, continues a family tradition of devotional chanting that began in her native Bangalore, India, where her mother Saroja, a chanting teacher, taught a large community for over thirty years. She is a senior student of her guru, Sri M.S. Sreenivasan of the Challakere Brothers.

Through Veda Studies, she has built a vibrant international community of practitioners, offering both foundational programs and a teacher training program in collaboration with INDICA, whom she has also published prayer books that support students in their study and practice.

Alongside her online courses, Shantala leads in-person chanting retreats in India and Europe, creating immersive spaces for practice and connection. 

She now lives in Lugano, Switzerland, with her husband and two children.

IN THIS EPISODE:

– Rich insight into how to appropriately sequence (krama) mantras within your daily practice and also throughout seasonal occasions.

– Clarity on complex terms, such as shruti, stuti, shloka, sutra, mantra, and more.

– Important reflections of devotional singing, kirtanam, and bhajans

– The role of women in mantra traditions

– Convincing commentary on why proper, respectful, and articulate mantra recitation is so essential and transformative

– How to study with Shantala

CONNECT WITH SHANTALA:

Website: https://www.vedastudies.com/ (find the free training here)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veda_studies/ & https://www.instagram.com/shantala_sriramaiah/

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

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/

Mother, mentor, poet, artist, volunteer, bestselling author, and host of the acclaimed Practice You Podcast, Elena Brower is a celebrated international yoga and meditation teacher on Glo, guiding transformative practices since 1999.

Her debut book, Art of Attention, has been translated into 7 languages. 

Her bestselling journals Practice You and Being You, her collection of poetry entitled Softening Time, along with her courses, classes, and talks, explore stages of studentship, practice, life, and listening.

Her latest book, Hold Nothing, investigates what it means to let go of narratives and return to the spacious emptiness within.

IN THIS EPISODE:

– Elena's reflections on meditation, silence, and death

– A heartfelt reading from her latest book, Hold Nothing

– The vision behind Hold Nothing

– & many more tender contemplations

CONNECT WITH ELENA:

Website: https://elenabrower.com/

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

Hold nothing: https://elenabrower.com/holdnothing/

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

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/

With over 20 years of immersion in Vedic sciences, Kristin Marshall, offers a path steeped in tradition, authenticity, and transformative wisdom. Based in Australia, her journey into Jyotiṣa became a turning point—illuminating the deeper rhythms of karma, dharma, and time. Founder of Dharma School, she has taught yoga not just as a physical practice, but as a sacred path of inner alchemy—leading teacher trainings, retreats, and immersive programs across the globe.

IN THIS EPISODE:

- How we can understand an individual’s dharma through the lens of Vedic astrology 

- How this insight can be translated into lived action and how one moves through the world

- How and where karma is revealed through Jyotish

- How we can meet our karma more consciously, and feel less bound by it

- What Vedic Counselling is, and its capacity to steadily transform someone's life

CONNECT WITH KRISTIN

Website: https://www.kristinspenceyoga.com/

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

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

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/

Harshvardhan Jhaveri is a yoga researcher from Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, India. He has co-founded the Yoga Education Collective with Eddie Stern and Robert Moses and is dedicated to preserving and teaching classical yoga practices and philosophies in an increasingly modernized world. His mission is to live and enhance the awakening of the spiritual message of yoga. Harsh is a Member of the Ad-hoc Board of Studies for Yoga in H.S.N.C University in Mumbai. He loves to swim and explore the depths of breath in nature - be it in the mountains or the ocean. A cascadence of mighty peace is the greatest takeaway experienced by his students.

IN THIS EPISODE:

- Harsh's introduction to yoga and growing up in India

- An exploration of the meaning of pranayama

- Variations of pranayama across differing shastra and traditions

- How the current breathwork trend compares and relates to pranayama

- Some guidance for the development of Kumbhaka - breath retentions - and pranayama in general

CONNECT WITH HARSH:

On Instagram: @yogatman

Yoga Education College

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

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/

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

— 

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/