Not Just Āsana

Keith Kempis and Sandy King
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Not Just Āsana is a yoga podcast beyond the postures, hosted by advanced certified Jivamukti Yoga teachers and best friends Keith Kempis (director of Bija Yoga) and Sandy King (founder of Golden Yoga School). Each week, one surprises the other with a topic from the vast yoga universe and they have a spontaneous dharma discussion. Sit in on their casual chats about everything from meditation to Morrissey; spiritual teachings to snacking; telling jokes to teaching yoga in the 21st century... and a whole lot more.

  1. 17 HR AGO

    THE CAKRAS: part 2 - compassion, self-love, teachers + cosmic consciousness

    EPISODE 26 In the second half of this cakra deep dive, Sandy and Keith journey into the higher centres of compassion, self-love, teachers, and cosmic consciousness. These cakras invite us into subtler, more expansive territory — from the walls we build around our hearts to the possibility of flipping our entire worldview. The conversation moves through forgiveness, self-esteem, and the ways practice can both support and challenge us. Why do Jivamukti classes traditionally include three wheels? Why might shoulder stand not be everyone’s friend — and what’s Sandy’s “bougie” shoulder stand setup all about? Keith also shares his ongoing struggles with child’s pose, reminding us that even the simplest shapes can hold profound lessons. As the discussion opens toward the crown cakra, cosmic consciousness comes into view: the possibility of dissolving separateness and feeling the vastness of connection. Throughout, Sandy and Keith reflect on how these teachings weave naturally into āsana practice, making the subtle body something we can experience, not just study. Whether you’re exploring forgiveness, searching for more compassion, or simply curious about how the cakras inform yoga practice, this episode offers both inspiration and practical insight. Where to find us: Keith’s studio: Bija Yoga, Penrith Sandy teaches at Folde Yoga, Nipaluna/Hobart and offers online classes at sandyking.com.au Learn more about Sandy’s Golden Yoga School Teacher Training 2026 → sandyking.com.au/tt Retreats & offerings: Our Thai Yoga Holiday has officially filled up, but we may be able to squeeze you in if you reeeeally want to be there with us. Details here → sandyking.com.au/thai-yoga-holiday Stay connected: Keith → @bija_yoga Sandy → @sandykingyoga

    41 min

  2. 24 SEPT

    THE CAKRAS: part 1 - money, sex + power

    EPISODE 25 In this two-part series, Sandy and Keith turn their attention to the subtle body, beginning with the first three cakras. These energy centers are more than just symbolic: they influence how we relate to safety, creativity, power, and our sense of belonging in the world. Together they explore the colours, bija mantras, corresponding asanas, senses, and elements associated with each cakra, while weaving in the broader map of subtle body 101: the three principle nāḍīs, the seven energy wheels, and the mysterious journey of kuṇḍalinī rising. Drawing from the Jivamukti Yoga tradition, rooted in Haṭha Yoga, this episode is both a practical and philosophical dive into how energy moves through the body — and how “the body keeps the score.” On the mat, we’re given permission to feel and to work things out somatically, transforming knowledge into lived experience. Whether you’re brand new to the cakra system or revisiting familiar ground, this episode invites you to see how ancient teachings can illuminate everyday life. Where to find us: Keith’s studio: Bija Yoga, Penrith Sandy teaches at Folde Yoga, Nipaluna/Hobart and offers online classes at sandyking.com.au Learn more about Sandy’s Golden Yoga School Teacher Training 2026 → sandyking.com.au/tt Retreats & offerings: Our Thai Yoga Holiday has officially filled up, but we may be able to squeeze you in if you reeeeally want to be there with us. Details here → sandyking.com.au/thai-yoga-holiday Stay connected: Keith → @bija_yoga Sandy → @sandykingyoga

    36 min

  3. 17 SEPT

    EDUCATION: never stop learning

    EPISODE 24 In this wide-ranging conversation, Sandy and Keith explore the value of education — not just in formal settings, but in every corner of life. From Sandy’s adventures with snowboarding (and other “adult hobbies”) to Keith’s reflections on the eve of launching a new teacher training, they consider what it means to keep learning, experimenting, and staying curious. They unpack the secret ingredient of patience, the role of compassion in teaching, and how different learning styles shape both students and teachers. Along the way, the guru mantra weaves through their discussion as a reminder that true education is less about gaining certificates and more about continued curiosity. Whether you’re a teacher, a lifelong learner, or someone who’s ever wondered why we stop learning as adults, this episode is an invitation to rediscover the joy of education — and to celebrate the best parts of being both student and teacher. Invocation from the Kaṭha + Taittirīya Upaniṣad oṃ saha nāv-avatu saha nau bhunaktu saha vīryaṃ karavāvahai tejasvi nāv-adhītam astu mā vidviṣāvahai “May we both be protected in our togetherness. May we both be nourished in togetherness. May we both work in togetherness with great energy. May our study be vigorous, and our meetings be effective to strengthen our togetherness. May we not hate each other; destroying our togetherness.” Where to find us: Keith’s studio: Bija Yoga, Penrith Sandy teaches at Folde Yoga, Nipaluna/Hobart and offers online classes at sandyking.com.au Learn more about Sandy’s Golden Yoga School Teacher Training 2026 → sandyking.com.au/tt Retreats & offerings: Our Thai Yoga Holiday has officially filled up, but we may be able to squeeze you in if you reeeeally want to be there with us. Details here → sandyking.com.au/thai-yoga-holiday Stay connected: Keith → @bija_yoga Sandy → @sandykingyoga

    42 min

  4. 10 SEPT

    THE END: chanting OM in śavāsana

    EPISODE 23 In this episode, Sandy and Keith take their second deep dive into the mysterious world of śavāsana — exploring how the “corpse pose” is both a physical rest and a rehearsal for dying. They reflect on the symbolism of a yoga class as a microcosm of life itself, with śavāsana as its closing chapter, and how teachers can thoughtfully approach the themes of death, stillness, and release. From the “travel-size version of the guru mantra” to Sandy’s supreme śavāsana setup, they share practical tips, variations, and personal stories of surrendering to stillness. Along the way, they touch on life elongation, leaving the body with intention, and the importance of trauma-informed and restorative approaches. Whether you’re a teacher looking for new ways to guide students, or someone who has ever wondered why eye pillows are (actually) for the eyes — this conversation is an invitation and reminder to always stay for śavāsana.   Bhagavad Gītā 8.13 “Uttering the one-syllable OM, which is Brahman, meditating on me (Śri Krsna), he moves forward, renouncing the body, and realises the supreme goal.” Where to find us: Keith’s studio: Bija Yoga, Penrith Sandy teaches at Folde Yoga, Nipaluna/Hobart and offers online classes at sandyking.com.au Learn more about Sandy’s Golden Yoga School Teacher Training 2026 → sandyking.com.au/tt Retreats & offerings: Our Thai Yoga Holiday has officially filled up, but we may be able to squeeze you in if you reeeeally want to be there with us. Details here → sandyking.com.au/thai-yoga-holiday Stay connected: Keith → @bija_yoga Sandy → @sandykingyoga

    43 min

  5. 3 SEPT

    MEDITATION: why do we resist clearing the cobwebs of the mind?

    EPISODE 22 In this episode, Sandy and Keith explore meditation as both a practice and a state of being — and why it can feel so hard to access even when we know the benefits. They talk about how vinyasa practice can create the conditions for stillness, what it means to “declutter the mind,” and why distractions, shiny-object syndrome, or neurodivergence might make meditation more challenging. From mala beads as stimming tools to walking meditation, they share practical ways to make the practice more accessible, relatable, and sustainable. Whether you’re someone who feels like you “can’t” meditate, a seasoned practitioner returning after a break, or simply curious about starting, this conversation offers tips, encouragement, and the reminder that meditation is free — and always available as a moment of respite from daily responsibilities. ------ Bhagavad Gītā 6.19: yathā dīpo nivāta-stho neṅgate sopamā smṛitā yogino yata-chittasya yuñjato yogam ātmanaḥ “Just as a lamp in a windless place does not flicker, so the disciplined mind of a yogi remains steady in meditation on the Self.” ------ Insight Timer can be found here. This is the Sacred Waters meditation Sandy references. ------ Keith's studio in Penrith is called Bija Yoga. Contact Keith for info on teacher training! Sandy teaches at Folde Yoga in Nipaluna/Hobart and has online classes available at sandyking.com.au Learn about Sandy's Golden Yoga School teacher training 2026 here : sandyking.com.au/tt ------ Thai Yoga Holiday has filled up, but if you're still keen to join us, we may be able to squeeze you in. Visit sandyking.com.au/thai-yoga-holiday for all info. ------ Follow your co-hosts on instagram: Keith @bija_yoga Sandy @sandykingyoga

    39 min

  6. 27 AUG

    YOGA CLASS SEQUENCING: understanding the krama of a class

    EPISODE 21 In this episode, Sandy and Keith dive into “The Krama of a Class” unpacking what really goes into creating a meaningful yoga experience. Sandy shares their mental venn diagram of the three essential components that make up a great class, while Keith reflects on how his approach to sequencing and planning has shifted over the years. Together, they explore the balance between structure and spontaneity, and when it’s important to set the plan aside and follow the moment. Whether you’re a yoga teacher looking for inspiration in your own classes, or a student curious about what happens behind the scenes, this conversation offers insight, honesty, and a few laughs along the way. ------ Yoga Sūtra 4.33: kṣaṇa pratiyogī pariṇāmāparānta nirgrāhyaḥ kramaḥ “The succession of changes, the uninterrupted sequence of moments, is only recognised as distinct moments when one has transcended those moments and is at the other end.” ~ David Life ------ This is Keith's studio in Penrith, Bija Yoga. Contact Keith for info on teacher training! Sandy teaches at Folde Yoga in Nipaluna/Hobart and has online classes available at sandyking.com.au Learn about Sandy's Golden Yoga School teacher training 2026 here : sandyking.com.au/tt ------ More spots for Thai Yoga Holiday in October have opened up! Visit sandyking.com.au/thai-yoga-holiday for all info. ------ Follow your co-hosts on instagram: Keith @bija_yoga Sandy @sandykingyoga

    41 min

  7. 20 AUG

    SPIRITUAL MENTORS: the importance of having someone to guide you feat. Katie Rose

    EPISODE 20 In this episode, we welcome Sandy and Keith's mentor Katie Rose — the first advanced certified Jivamukti teacher in Australia and a founding member of Jivamukti Yoga Sydney. Together, Sandy and Katie explore the profound role teachers play in our lives. Katie shares her personal journey with Sharon and David, reflecting on what it was like to meet them as a 20-year-old and follow them around the world. Sandy also poses the question: what’s the most important aspect of having a mentor on the spiritual path? Katie’s answer might surprise you. And for a lighter twist — Katie reveals her secret ingredients for making the best kitchari of your life. Whether you’re seeking guidance on your own path or just curious about the teacher-student relationship, this episode offers wisdom, warmth, and a touch of spice. ------ Mantra: guruḥ sarasvatī guruḥ laksmī gurur kālī durgā guruḥ sākṣāt parambrahma tasmai śrī gurave namaḥ “I bow down in reverence to all of my teachers; that teacher which is this life that I have been given and continue to lead; that teacher who is all difficulties on my path; the teacher who is nearby and the teacher who is beyond all of this, formless and supreme.” ~ Feminised version of verse from the Guru Stotram ------ Find Katie's work at Bhakti Rose and Bhakti Business. This is Keith's studio in Penrith, Bija Yoga. Contact Keith for info on teacher training! Sandy teaches at Folde Yoga in Nipaluna/Hobart and has online classes available at sandyking.com.au Learn about Sandy's Golden Yoga School teacher training 2026 here : sandyking.com.au/tt ------ More spots for Thai Yoga Holiday in October have opened up! Visit sandyking.com.au/thai-yoga-holiday for all info. ------ Follow your co-hosts on instagram: Katie @bhakti.business and @bhakti.rose Keith @bija_yoga Sandy @sandykingyoga

    46 min

  8. 13 AUG

    CHANGING YOUR PERSPECTIVE: unlocking the seer and the object

    EPISODE 19 In this episode, Sandy and Keith dive into the 15th sutra of Chapter 4, uncovering timeless wisdom about our incredible capacity for change. Are we really as stuck in our ways as we think? Spoiler alert: not even close. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about how malleable we truly are as human beings—and why that matters when starting new routines, shifting your mindset, or navigating unfamiliar experiences. Plus, a fun detour: how do you tell the difference between AFL and Rugby? (Hint: it’s not the shape of the ball.) Whether you’re looking to spark personal growth or just curious about yogic philosophy, this episode is your invitation to embrace transformation—one small shift at a time. ------ Sūtra 4.15: vastu sāmye citta bhedāt tayor vibhaktaḥ panthāḥ "Each individual person perceives the same object in a different way, according to their own state of mind and projections. Everything is empty from its own side and appears according to how you see it." ------ Keith's studio in Penrith, Bija Yoga. Contact Keith for info on teacher training! Sandy teaches at Folde Yoga in Nipaluna/Hobart and has online classes available at sandyking.com.au Learn about Golden Yoga School teacher training 2026 here : sandyking.com.au/tt ------ More spots for Thai Yoga Holiday in October have opened up! Visit sandyking.com.au/thai-yoga-holiday for all info. ------ Follow your co-hosts on instagram: Keith @bija_yoga Sandy @sandykingyoga

    42 min
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About

Not Just Āsana is a yoga podcast beyond the postures, hosted by advanced certified Jivamukti Yoga teachers and best friends Keith Kempis (director of Bija Yoga) and Sandy King (founder of Golden Yoga School). Each week, one surprises the other with a topic from the vast yoga universe and they have a spontaneous dharma discussion. Sit in on their casual chats about everything from meditation to Morrissey; spiritual teachings to snacking; telling jokes to teaching yoga in the 21st century... and a whole lot more.

Information

  • Creator
    Keith Kempis and Sandy King
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright of Keith Kempis and Sandy King 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Not Just Āsana

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