Curious Hearts

Vera Lester

A non-dogmatic spiritual podcast about how we find and make meaning in a world on fire. I share insights from my personal and teaching practice (yoga, bhakti, meditation, astrology, ancestral practice, etc.) and interview guest from all different spiritual traditions. veralester.substack.com

  1. Ep. 35: Neel Sus

    MAR 25

    Ep. 35: Neel Sus

    Conversations with folks like Neel are the reason I started this podcast. I wanted to normalize spiritual life. It’s so much more common to hear people share deeply personal stories — we talk about finances and sex and taxes and death so much more than our grandparents. We were taught not to talk about politics or religion. We talk openly about our politics these days. But somehow, spiritual life is still so private. Religion is complicated -- its need to be right divides us. I believe sharing our spiritual life, our spiritual experiences, while our deeply held spiritual beliefs bring us together. Neel shares one of my favorite meditation truths: we don’t practice to become something we’re not. We practice to let go of all the things that get in the way of who we are meant to be. I’ll say up front: Neel talks fast. It’s a reflection of how fast his mind is. All our minds move so fast. Meditation shows us that, eventually just allowing the mind to rush while we stop trying to catch up. We just let the mind run, and allow ourSelves to rest. My suspicion is that Neel’s urgency and speed are central to his success in starting and growing a business, and allows him to shift and pivot as the technology world does. Meditation allows for all the unnecessary racing to fall away, so that the real urgency of the work — solving problems, serving clients, building teams — can shine. And, clearly, thrive. There’s so much else in this conversation for you — gems about non-attachment, spiritual parenting, and finding and following purpose. So delighted to share this conversation with you. Can’t wait to hear your takeaways and insights. Keep your heart curious and your mind quick, Vera Chapters: * [00:02:54] Growing up culturally Hindu in small-town South Carolina * [00:09:42] The path from nihilism to entrepreneurship — and Katrina * [00:16:46] What Neel’s spiritual practice looks like today * [00:24:56] Dharma, karma, and running a business with spiritual principles * [00:33:24] Raising kids with purpose without the pressure * [00:49:33] “Stoic Christian Hindu agnostic” — how Neel defines his faith Links: 🌐 Work with Vera: http://veralester.com 📅 Book a coaching discovery call: veralester.as.me/coaching-discovery 🔗 Connect with Neel Sus: https://www.instagram.com/neelsus/🔗 Learn more about Susco: https://suscosolutions.com/ #CuriousHearts #SpiritualEntrepreneur #HinduPhilosophy #TranscendentalMeditation #Dharma #BhagavadGita #FourAgreements #SpiritualGrowth #MindfulLeadership #MeaningfulWork #SpiritualPractice #ImmigrantStory #SpiritualParenting #PersonalDevelopment #VeraLester #NeelSus #SpiritualPodcast #MantraMediation #ConsciousLeadership #StoicPhilosophy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit veralester.substack.com/subscribe

    54 min
  2. Ep. 33: Sierra Austin-King

    MAR 12

    Ep. 33: Sierra Austin-King

    One of the greatest gifts of my work is the people: they’re people doing extraordinary work who are committed to their own growth. Sierra is no different — but in additional to all of that, I feel eternally humbled that she trusts me. I officiated Sierra’s wedding at Congo Square in New Orleans. If you don’t know Congo Square, you should: it’s the birthplace of all American music. Enslaved Africans had one day off a week on Sundays, and it was there in Congo Square that they gathered to sign, dance, and feel the freedom in their spirits. Those rhythms blended with Carribean and Latin American sound to eventually inform Jazz, the Blues, and what we now call Rock’n’Roll and Hip Hop. All of it. The music matters to me, because of how those beats and voices carried forward ancestral wisdom, grief, and hope. The energy in Armstrong Park, just across Rampart Street from the French Quarter, is palpable. I was not sure it was appropriate for me - a white lady born in Virginia - to interface with those energies, but Sierra trusted me. That was the beginning of our incredible collaborative work - which we talk a little more about in this episode. Dr. Austin-King is an expert in Black feminist thought, and brings it down to earth in her everyday life. This is an episode about how to stay connected to the generations that came before us, and how to wisely navigate the world for the future generations. I especially loved hearing from Sierra about how she’s teaching her kids about a spiritual life that is grounded in family history. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. * 00:00:25] Introducing Dr. Sierra Austin-King * [00:05:45] Growing up: folk traditions, ancestral altars & Catholic school * [00:13:50] What Sierra’s spiritual practice looks like today * [00:21:14] Rest as birthright & the body as ancestral altar * [00:24:56] The spiritual principles guiding her right now * [00:34:23] What healing actually feels like — and why it’s hard This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit veralester.substack.com/subscribe

    47 min
  3. Ep. 32: Faith is Doubt

    MAR 3

    Ep. 32: Faith is Doubt

    Welcome back, curious hearts! Thanks for your patience with me during my Mardi Gras hiatus. These are high holidays for me, and the energy of costume making and celebration really takes over. And then recovering and getting back to “normal life” is its own effort. I seriously considered recording a whole episode about making my costume — including how I choose the theme, what I learned while I was making it, and what it’s like to be out on Mardi Gras dressed as a giant Wild Thing. If that’s something you’d like, let me know in the comments! This week’s episode covers one of the most challenging paradoxes there is in a spiritual world, and I think we rarely talk about it. I think most folks with a deep spiritual practice are ashamed of their doubt. They think it’s evidence of their inadequacy, and often are trying to eliminate it. What if there’s no God, and prayer is just me talking to myself in the middle of the night? What if this murti is just a statue? What if meditation is just settling our nervous system, and it’s nothing more complicated than that? Before I set on this path, I thought I just “wasn’t spiritual.” Other people believed, and I didn’t. It was black and white. I was jealous of the people who had faith, but I wasn’t one of them. Then, life stepped in. I had no choice but to make a decision to believe. It doesn’t mean my faith is unwavering. I have doubt all the time. And now, honestly? I don’t trust people who pretend like they don’t. Once we make friends with our doubts, things change. Our faith is no longer about “getting it right,” or being the perfect practitioner. Instead, it’s about fumbling through, with compassion and curiosity for ourselves and the Divine. I hope you enjoy this episode, and I’m curious your thoughts! [00:00:03] Introduction [00:00:24] Faith vs. belief — what's the difference [00:05:07] Why humans cling to certainty [00:07:05] When certainty falls apart: Hurricane Katrina [00:08:46] Faith as a choice, not a feeling [00:15:39] Faith requires doubt — not the absence of it 🌐 Work with me: veralester.com 📅 Book a coaching discovery call: veralester.as.me/coaching-discovery 📸 instagram.com/verarocks #CuriousHearts #FaithAndDoubt #SpiritualPractice #SpiritualGrowth #MindfulLiving #YogaTeacher #SpiritualCoaching #MeaningfulWork #PersonalDevelopment #IntuitiveGuidance #SpiritualPath #FaithJourney #SelfDiscovery #ConsciousLiving #MindBodySpirit #SpiritualPodcast #VeraLester #HurricaneKatrina #InnerWisdom #SoulWork This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit veralester.substack.com/subscribe

    22 min
  4. Ep. 31: Sam Reynolds

    FEB 7

    Ep. 31: Sam Reynolds

    My aspiration in the interview episodes of Curious Hearts is to reflect the extraordinary diversity of human spiritual life. Our internal worlds are the closest understanding we have of the Divine: vast, extraordinary, and always inspiring. No wonder we’re so curious. The magic of this conversation with Sam Reynolds is that his personal spiritual journey is a microcosm of how much is available to us when we follow our hearts — from boxer to childhood preacher, from radical atheist to dedicated Muslim, from strategic skeptic to visionary astrologer. These adjectives can only skim the surface of our conversation, which I know you’ll enjoy. I was introduced to Sam at the the Northwest Astrology Conference in May of 2020, where he gave a keynote about the power of astrology in those radical shifting times to connect us to each other and to ourselves. He was so inspiring, I immediately registered to study with him, and have been honored to call him friend since. You’ll hear in our conversation what a skilled teacher he is and why he was a preacher — his language is vivid, detailed, and makes you think deeply. We also talk about the mythic quality of astrology, our responsibilities to being in righteous community, and how he’s making sense of his spiritual life these days. He surprised me! This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. 00:00 – Introduction to Sam Reynolds03:00 – Childhood faith, church, and early mysticism08:00 – Atheism, conversion, and becoming a child minister14:30 – Leaving the ministry and the loss of certainty22:00 – Black nationalism and intellectual searching27:30 – Astrology as a spiritual turning point34:30 – Traditional astrology, Kabbalah, and study41:30 – Islam, practice, and eventual departure49:00 – Ancestral veneration and a spirituality beyond dogma Connect with Sam If you’d like to learn more about Sam’s take on astrology, be sure to sign up for his newsletter and keep and eye out for his upcoming classes — both in person and online. He’s an excellent teacher and I really appreciate how he holds that space. You can find everything you need at: https://www.unlockastrology.com/ Work with Me If you’re craving support on your spiritual path or seeking more meaning in your work, you can explore ways to work with me at veralester.as.me/Coaching-Discovery.You can also reach out directly at hello@veralester.com or connect with me on Substack. #CuriousHearts #SpiritualJourney #AstrologyPodcast #SamReynolds #FaithAndDoubt #SpiritualPractice #Astrology #AncestralVeneration #Mysticism #Humanism #ReligionAndSpirituality #SpiritualPodcast #MeaningMaking #LivingTheQuestions This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit veralester.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 33m
  5. 30: Self-Study

    JAN 30

    30: Self-Study

    In this episode, I reflect on the practice of self-study and why it matters so much in moments of cultural upheaval, confusion, and pain. When the world feels overwhelming, it is tempting to turn all our attention outward. But lasting change asks something deeper of us. It asks us to look inward with honesty, curiosity, and care. I explore self-study as a spiritual practice found across traditions, from yoga and meditation to Christianity and 12-step communities. I talk about svadhyaya, the yoga practice of self-reflection, and why self-study only becomes helpful when it is grounded in witnessing rather than self-blame or self-improvement. We begin with the body, because we all have one. Through breath, movement, journaling, and reflection, the body becomes a living curriculum for understanding how we’ve been shaped, where we get stuck, and where freedom is possible. When practiced with curiosity and compassion, self-study becomes a way of relating more honestly to ourselves, to one another, and to the mystery that made us. This episode is an invitation to slow down, notice your patterns, and stay present with what you find without judgment. Self-discovery, practiced over time and in community, can be a quiet and powerful form of devotion. Chapters 00:00 Opening reflections and why self-study matters right now03:58 What self-study is and why it needs a foundation of witnessing06:12 Self-examination across spiritual traditions08:55 Svadhyaya, yoga, and the role of disciplined practice11:36 Self-study in relationship and community16:27 The body as curriculum for self-discovery21:10 What’s coming next for Curious Hearts Work with me If you’re craving support on your spiritual path or seeking more meaning in your work, you can explore ways to work with me at veralester.com. You can also reach out directly at hello AT veralester.com or connect with me on Substack. #CuriousHearts #SelfStudy #Svadhyaya #SpiritualPractice #Embodiment #SelfReflection #YogaPhilosophy #ConsciousLiving #InnerWork This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit veralester.substack.com/subscribe

    23 min
  6. Ep. 29: Seán Johnson

    JAN 22

    Ep. 29: Seán Johnson

    In many ways, Seán is the reason Curious Hearts exists. He was my first yoga teacher, and he led my teacher training, and has been a mentor and now a friend for many years. His commitment to anti-dogmatic practice is imprinted on everything I do, and without that north star, I would not be doing what I do today. In this episode, Seán and I talk about singing a lot. Like, a lot. Kirtan — the traditional Indian practice of singing the divine names of God — and it’s American spin-offs have been central to my personal practice for years. “The soul is in the voice,” is a quote I heard years ago on On Being with Krista Tippett. And that has been my experience. The voice is a pathway to Spirit, and our spirit, faster than almost anything else I know. It would be impossible for us to have this conversation without talking about grief. Seán has known too much of it, but his take on how it creates a deeper inner-space was tremendously soothing for me to hear. If you’ve ever practiced with Seán, you know he’ll often leave you thinking for a while after class about just one tiny thing he said. This interview is no different. I hope you enjoy! 00:00 Welcome and Sean’s spiritual roots 03:00 Growing up anti-dogma and wary of spiritual authority 10:00 Love, heartbreak, and choosing a heart-led life 18:30 Discovering yoga, Bhakti, and creative healing 24:45 Singing as a spiritual practice 31:30 Grief, loss, and the expansion of the inner life 41:00 Aging, seasoning, and earned wisdom 49:00 Voice, vulnerability, and communal singing 57:00 Devotion as a lifelong experiment Connect with Seán: If you’ve never had the pleasure of singing with Seán and the band, check out their website to get a taste: https://seanjohnsonandthewildlotusband.com/ Read more about his teaching and explore the Asheville Yoga Center: https://youryoga.com/blog/teacher-feature-sean-johnson/ Get jealous of the line-up at the Ayurprana Listening Room: https://ayurpranalisteningroom.com/ Or explore the courses at Ayurprana Plus: https://liveayurprana.com/ Connect with me: If you’re curious about Kirtan or practicing Bhakti yoga, I’d love to have you in class anytime. Kirtan is the first Monday of every month, and you can see my class schedule at Wild Lotus Yoga: https://wildlotusyoga.com/ If you’re yearning for more meaningful work, I’d love to help you find it. When our outer life is in sync with our inner life, it’s a truly magical experience. I believe each of us have a Divine Call, and I’d love to help you hear and follow it. Find a time to chat here: https://veralester.as.me/Coaching-Discovery If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe! Rate the podcast, or share it with a friend. Your support and participation is essential to Curious Hearts, and I'm so grateful for it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit veralester.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 7m
  7. Ep. 28: Infinite Divinities?

    JAN 16

    Ep. 28: Infinite Divinities?

    My concept of the Divine and my relationship with It has changed over the years. As I grow and change, how I understand this vast unknowable mystery also changes. This is one of many places where religion and spirituality diverge. In our current world, I am aware of how risky it is to say that we cannot know God. Our limited human brains cannot fully fathom the unlimited immensity of Divine Power. Paradoxically, when we admit and accept our human limitations, our relationship with the Divine can expand exponentially. We not longer are restricted to one face, one definition, or one path to know the Infinite. In this episode, I’m exploring one of my favorite spiritual puzzles: is there one infinite divinity? Or an infinity number of divinities? Have thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Feel free to comment, reply, or contact me privately at hello@veralester.com. Know someone who’d benefit from this episode? Share it! Chapters 00:00 Welcome and why this conversation feels tender 02:30 God as mystery, not certainty 05:50 A childhood parable about many paths 09:40 From one God to many 15:00 Infinite divinities and being held 22:30 Living inside the questions Work with Me If you’re craving support on your spiritual path or feeling called to more meaningful work, you can explore ways to work with me at veralester.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit veralester.substack.com/subscribe

    27 min
  8. Ep. 27: Michelle Cassandra Johnson

    12/29/2025

    Ep. 27: Michelle Cassandra Johnson

    I met Michelle Cassandra Johnson through her anti-racist work for yoga studios, and have had the privilege to work with her over the years as her work as evolved — including doing deep grief work, ancestral work, and watching as she has developed a deep spiritual relationship with her beehives. This conversation is gem, just like Michelle. We talk about the relationships built with our ancestors, and how important their protection and guidance is for both of us in this wild world. She shares about how she started working with the bees, and everything they teach us about community care and interconnectedness. What I can’t convey is the energy of sitting with Michelle. It comes through some in this recording, but if you can be with her in person — I highly recommend it. Her mixture of depth, groundedness, ethereal magic, and a spiritual lightheartedness is not to be missed. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and setting the container04:50 Growing up in the Black Baptist church12:55 Devotion, questions, and spiritual lineage23:10 Yoga, order, and discernment in chaotic times41:20 Mary Magdalene, refuge, and non-ordinary reality47:30 Bees, collective care, and tending the hive Thanks for listening! Share this with your feed if you enjoy our conversation: Connect with Michelle: You can learn more about Michelle Cassandra Johnson and her work as a writer, teacher, and spiritual guide at michellecjohnson.com. Peep her calendar to see if she’ll be near you soon. More about Curious Hearts: I’m cooking up a community that fall be under the Curious Hearts umbrella, launching later this spring of 2026. If you want to hear more, just click here: https://mailchi.mp/veralester/curious-hearts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit veralester.substack.com/subscribe

    58 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A non-dogmatic spiritual podcast about how we find and make meaning in a world on fire. I share insights from my personal and teaching practice (yoga, bhakti, meditation, astrology, ancestral practice, etc.) and interview guest from all different spiritual traditions. veralester.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Vera Lester
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Vera Lester
  • Show Website
    Curious Hearts