This Epic Life

Raised in an atheist household, author and teacher Philip Goldberg has gone on to become a key documentarian and historian of the modern yoga movement. He has written or coauthored over 20 books, including the recent “The Life of Yogananda”.

In this far-reaching interview we discuss how Philip found his path, what we can learn from the extraordinary life of yogi, and renowned spiritual teacher Paramahansa Yogananda, why we need to embrace our darkness, and much more.

.

Philip Goldberg has been studying India’s spiritual traditions for more than 50 years— as a practitioner, teacher, and writer. He is the author or coauthor of over 20 books, including The Intuitive Edge; Roadsigns on the Spiritual Path; and the award-winning American Veda: From Emerson and the Beatles to Yoga and Meditation, How Indian Spirituality Changed the West.  

His latest book, The Life of Yogananda: The Story of the Yogi Who Became the First Modern Guru, is the first full-scale biography of Paramahansa Yogananda.

An ordained Interfaith Minister, a spiritual counselor, and a meditation teacher, he is an entertaining public speaker who has presented at venues throughout the U.S. and India. He blogs regularly on Spirituality & Health online and Elephant Journal, conducts tours of India with American Veda Tours, and cohosts the popular Spirit Matters podcast. 

Connect with Philip here:

• www.PhilipGoldberg.com
• www.spiritmatterstalk.com
• www.facebook.com/PhilipGoldbergAuthor
• Twitter
  
  
  

• NEW BOOK: The Life of Yogananda: The Story of the Yogi Who Became the First Modern Guru by Philip Goldberg | Amazon
  
  
• Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda | Best Edition (KC recommends this version only). Also read by Ben Kingsley on Audible
  
  
• Learn about Paramahansa Yogananda
  
  
• About the Autobiography and its global impact
  
  
• KC speaks at Center for Spiritual Living on the Autobiography, and becoming a disciple of Yogananda.
  
  
• KC speaks at Wisdom 2.0 about the Steve Jobs, and his relationship to the Autobiography of a Yogi
  
  
• Brother Chidananda, President of Self-Realization Fellowship
  
  
• Sri Mrinalini Mata Memorial Service – Amazing talk by Brother Chidananda
  
  
• Film Documentary: Awake, The Life of Yogananda
  
  
• The Bhagavad Gita (Hindu scripture)
  
  
• God Talks to Arjuna – Gita Commentary by Paramahansa Yogananda
  
  
• Self-Realization spiritual path – Kriya Yoga, as taught by Yogananda
  
  
• Encinitas Retreat, November 2019.

Access all of our episodes:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

Susan Piver is our first guest for good reason. Her sublime wisdom blooms in the moment, but so do unscripted perspectives, reflections, and deep belly laughs. Sure, Susan has written 9 books and teaches more than 30,000 people to meditate each week through her Open Heart Project. But she’s also one of the most human spiritual teachers I’ve met. She embodies each of the 3 Permissions we explore on This Epic Life Podcast (To Chill, To Feel All the Feels, and To Glow in the Dark).

Susan and I go deep on how the 3 Permissions mirror the path of the Buddha, and of full self-expression— by discovering one’s self, accepting self, and ultimately Being one’s true self. We also share many laughs along the way. Like that time I had a shirt made that read: “Trying to Impress Susan Piver.”

Susan’s greatest gift as a teacher to so many, is that she is an eternal student. Our conversation will reignite your dedication to your relationships: with your significant other, your spiritual practice, and ultimately yourself. We discuss her leadership around some painful accusations that were brought to light in the Shambala community. We also dig into the creative process around her books and programs, her love of the film 40 Year Old Virgin, and how to be a true meditation teacher (when everyone seems to be calling themselves a teacher.)

.

.

Susan Piver is one of those people I’m blessed to cross paths with periodically. Her work has had a big influence, and impact on my life— whether it was helping me determine my enneagram number, helping me rethink sobriety as a virtue, or teaching meditation by being an eternal student.

My favorite part about Susan is her genuine fascination with most, if not all things. Her presence exudes a calm sense of wonder, wisdom, and perhaps above all— openness. She once let me read her a children’s picture book on meditation.

She’s also the creator of the Open Heart Project, the largest virtual mindfulness community the world. Her and her partner Jenna Hollenstein train meditation teachers through their 9 week online program, offered throughout the year. You can find her and The Open Heart Project online at SusanPiver.com.

Access all of our episodes:

Today’s the day! Please check out the trailer, subscribe through your favorite Podcast platform, and share!  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

Every Thursday, This Epic Life Podcast will host conversations at the intersection of business and consciousness.

Discover your Epic Life, as we explore 3 powerful permissions with our guests. These are the Permission to Chill, Permission to Feel All the Feels, and Permission to Glow in the Dark.

Guests include c-level executives on how they create culture that drives impact. Or teachers and authors like Susan Piver, or Lodro Rinzler on building communities, and a business that elevates consciousness. We also interview incredible artists like singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco on their creative process.

Come meet incredible leaders and creators. Learn more about how they live, and how they contribute to the world we deserve.

Hosted by yogi, Dad, and executive coach KC (Kristoffer Carter). Learn more about This Epic Life here.

Access all of our episodes: