Integral Yoga Podcast

Integral Yoga

Deep, authentic conversations about yoga, spirituality, and how to actually put it into practice. Over 150 episodes..We've had some of the most respected voices in yoga and conscious living — kirtan artists, swamis, meditation teachers, priests, rabbis, and many other important leaders. Host Avi Gordon asks questions that spark real conversations about Truth, and what we truly believe and think is going on. General topics: On practice, devotion, ego, suffering, grace, gratitude, change, the breath, the body, the mind and many other important things. Guests include Krishna Das, Nina Rao, Many Swami's and teachers from the Integral yoga tradition, Brother David, Rabbi Akiva Gersh, Jonathan Foust, Amma Kidd, Mataji, Dr. Dean Ornish, Govind Das, Sean Johnson. Rooted in Integral Yoga as taught by Sri Swami Satchidananda — honoring all faiths and all sincere seekers. Whether you've practiced for decades or you're just beginning to wonder — you're welcome here. New episodes every two weeks.  Subscribe if you'd like to stay connected. Find us on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Jul 16

    Belief vs. Knowing: Dropping Out of the Mind with Arjun Bruggeman

    In this episode of the Integral Yoga Podcast (Ep. 152), we sit down with master percussionist and sound healer Arjun Bruggeman. Known extensively for his decades of touring and playing the tabla alongside kirtan wallah Krishna Das, Arjun shares his profound evolutionary journey from a young punk-rock-loving drummer to a devotional musician and sound journey guide. Arjun opens up about his early life, the hilarious story of how he got his first drum kit, and his first chaotic introduction to the world of kirtan. He dives deep into what happens internally while anchoring a room full of chanters, sharing incredible transcendent experiences of devotion and the feeling of complete stillness on stage. We also explore his shift during the pandemic toward his solo "Sound Journey" work—inspired by the etheric nature of the Northern Lights—and how he uses meditation and ambient percussion to help others drop out of the mind and into the "sensation arts" of the body. 🌿 In This Episode You'll Discover: • The Chaos of Kirtan: Arjun’s transition from heavy metal and punk rock to playing tabla for Krishna Das. • Stillness in Action: What it feels like to find complete stillness and "watch your body play" on stage. • Belief vs. Knowing: How direct, experiential moments dissolve intellectual spiritual concepts. • The "Sensation Arts": Shifting out of the analytical mind and into the deep sensation of being present in the body. • Sound as a Portal: How Arjun designs solo sound journeys using ambient percussion and mantra. • Devotion & Teachers: Reflections on his time with spiritual teachers like Siddhi Ma. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & early musical roots (heavy metal, punk, and prog rock) 01:13 - The hilarious story of Arjun's first drum kit 04:41 - First impressions of Kirtan (and why it originally felt like "a mess") 06:05 - What happens internally while drumming for Krishna Das 07:14 - Experiencing out-of-body stillness on stage 09:05 - A transcendent vision of Neem Karoli Baba/Maharajji 11:00 - Facing suffering at age 16 & early meditative experiences 13:19 - Is something wrong with the world? The paradox of acceptance 15:37 - Transitioning to solo "Sound Journeys" and the Northern Lights 18:41 - The "Sensation Arts" & dropping out of the analytical mind 22:10 - The critical difference between Belief vs. Experiential Knowing 25:23 - Surrendering in the presence of Siddhi Ma About Arjun Bruggeman: Arjun is a world-renowned percussionist, tabla player, and sound healer. For nearly two decades, he has accompanied Krishna Das worldwide, grounding the rhythm of global kirtan practices. Today, he also leads his own retreats and solo sound journeys, blending ancient ambient sensibilities with deep meditation. Connect with Arjun: • Website: https://www.arjunspace.com/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arjunbruggeman/ • Spotify: Listen to Arjun's Music: https://open.spotify.com/search/arjun%20bruggeman 💬 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to the Integral Yoga Podcast on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Your support helps us share these inspiring conversations on yoga, devotion, and conscious living with the world! #IntegralYoga #IntegralYogaPodcast #ArjunBruggeman #AviGordon #Kirtan #Tabla #KrishnaDas #SoundHealing #Meditation #Devotion #SoundJourney #InnerPeace Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Belief vs. Knowing: Dropping Out of the Mind with Arjun Bruggeman

  2. Jun 29

    Muktan Pappalardo: Meditation, Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth

    EP-151 | Muktan Pappalardo: Meditation, Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth | Integral Yoga Podcast – In this powerful episode, Muktan Pappalardo shares profound insights on spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, self-discovery, and living a conscious life. Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Integral Yoga Podcast. In this deep and thought-provoking conversation, we sit down with Muktan Pappalardo to explore the journey of self-awareness, spiritual growth, meditation, yoga, and conscious living in today's fast-paced world. Muktan shares his personal experiences, lessons learned throughout his life, and practical wisdom for those seeking greater clarity, purpose, and inner peace. This conversation dives into the importance of mindfulness, understanding consciousness, overcoming mental challenges, cultivating a meaningful life, and integrating spiritual practices into everyday living. Whether you're interested in yoga philosophy, meditation, personal development, mental wellness, or spiritual transformation, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable insights that can support your journey toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. Throughout the discussion, we explore topics such as self-discovery, awareness, emotional resilience, personal growth, conscious decision-making, inner transformation, and the role of ancient wisdom in modern society. Muktan's unique perspective provides inspiration for anyone seeking a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them. If you enjoy meaningful conversations about spirituality, consciousness, yoga, meditation, self-improvement, and holistic well-being, be sure to subscribe and join us for future episodes of the Integral Yoga Podcast. 🎙️ Guest: Dr. Gabe "Muktan" Pappalardo You can get Amaru: The Self-care Virtual Pet, support the sequel, or contact Dr. Gabe by visiting www.sixwingstudios.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Muktan Pappalardo: Meditation, Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth

  3. Jun 16

    Spirit on a Human Journey: Awakening Your Inner Brilliance with Diana Esther

    What if your brilliance isn't something you become — but something you reveal? Diana Esther is a Transformational Teacher, International Speaker, and creator of the Diamond Within Method — a framework that uses the Diamond Clarity Grading system as a model for human transformation. Just as a diamond's inclusions obscure its natural clarity, our limiting beliefs, emotional patterns, and stored experiences keep us disconnected from who we truly are. Diana's work bridges emotional healing, embodiment, and universal spiritual principles — guiding people from survival and disconnection back to themselves. Her own path has been shaped by intensity and resilience, including a miraculous recovery from lymphatic cancer and profound personal challenges across continents. She doesn't teach from theory. She guides from lived wisdom. In this episode, Diana takes us through the beautiful metaphor at the heart of her work: just as a rough diamond contains extraordinary brilliance before anyone cuts or polishes it, so do we. The gifts, the purpose, the light — it's all already there. The journey is learning to see it, trust it, and let it shine. We talk about why we are spirits on a human journey (not the other way around), how feelings are our compass rather than our mind, why gratitude is a portal rather than just an emotion, and how love — specifically self-love — is the single most powerful thing we can offer the world. Diana also shares the story of how a deleted book manuscript in the middle of the night became a lesson from the universe, and why a Lebanese chef confirmed everything she believes about love as an ingredient. "As kids we like to play hide and seek — and that's what life is all about. Our brilliance is hidden within us and it takes our life journey to find it." - Diana Esther Topics covered: The Diamond Within Method and how it was born during COVIDSpirit on a human journey vs. human on a spiritual journeyBelief = Be + LiveResistance, flow, and divine timingUniqueness as the antidote to comparisonFear, love, and emotional balanceFeelings as our internal compassGratitude as a portalSelf-love and its effect on everyone around usConscious living in everyday momentsThe malfunctioning program running in the background of the mind Connect with Diana Esther: Website: https://www.dianaesther.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diana.Esther.Berschader Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diana_esther_berschader_/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-esther-the-diamond-within/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Spirit on a Human Journey: Awakening Your Inner Brilliance with Diana Esther

  4. May 26

    Your Body Is Holding On. Here's How to Let Go | Leslie Howard

    Most of us are holding on — in our bodies, our identities, our relationships — without even knowing it. This conversation is about learning to let go. "We're really good at holding on — to our material things, our identity, our grudges, our correctness. But letting go, that muscle is a little weak in us." — Leslie Howard Leslie is a yoga teacher, pelvic health specialist, death doula, and author of Pelvic Liberation and the forthcoming Between Breath and Death. In this wide-ranging conversation, she shares how chronic pain led her to specialize in pelvic floor health, why most people (including athletes and yoga practitioners) are too tight — not too loose — and how the same principle of letting go that heals the pelvic floor also applies to identity, suffering, and ultimately, death. We explore: • Why 75% of the people Leslie works with have a hypertonic (too tight) pelvic floor — and what causes it • The connection between trauma, breathing patterns, and chronic pelvic tension • How savasana can be a portal to genuine non-dual experience • The relationship between over-identification with the self and suffering • Gratitude as a daily practice — and why the details matter • What sitting with dying people has taught Leslie about how to live Leslie's website New book — If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with someone who might need it. 0:00 Introduction 0:08 How Leslie found her way into yoga, pelvic health & death work 4:08 Pelvic floor 101: what's actually going on for most people 5:35 Hypertonic pelvic floor — why tight isn't the same as strong 6:26 Trauma, breathing, and chronic pelvic holding 7:37 Tone vs. tightness: what we actually want from the pelvic floor 8:15 Body awareness, attention & the limits of knowing your own body 10:24 Sexual conditioning, shame & their effect on pelvic health 14:15 Are men's and women's pelvic floor issues that different? 16:46 Savasana as a taught pose — Leslie's approach 19:17 Why stillness has become a radical act 20:48 Practical tools for a guided savasana: mantra, mudra & breath 22:18 The experience of "no Leslie" — dissolving identity in savasana 24:43 Over-identification with self as the root of suffering 25:16 What does oneness actually imply? The no-enemy perspective 27:22 Taking action without losing your center 30:04 How to catch yourself and come back to awareness 33:07 What generates our thoughts? The koan approach 34:35 Blame culture and the difficulty of accountability 36:39 What happens in the body when you switch into compassion 38:45 Letting go as a practice — parallels between pelvic work and dying 43:53 What death doula work has done for Leslie personally 45:34 Appreciation for simplicity and the daily three-things practice 49:24 Letters of gratitude — a group practice 53:02 Where to find Leslie and her books Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Your Body Is Holding On. Here's How to Let Go | Leslie Howard

  5. May 13

    Making a Living Doing What You Love w/ Offering Tree co-founder Eddie Arpin

    Eddie joins us to talk about why he built an all-in-one platform for yoga and wellness teachers — and what it really means to earn a living doing what you love. We explore the tension between spiritual identity and running a business, the role of AI (including their new tool Sprout), mindful tech use, and why human connection matters more than ever.  Eddie has been helping people achieve their goals through technology for over 15 years. He is currently helping thousands of fitness and wellness business owners as a co-founder of Offering Tree, an all-in-one scheduling and marketing platform that takes the headache out of running your business. Eddie loves to help people who are new to OfferingTree solve their tech problems and set them up for success so they can focus on growing professionally and helping their students and clients. In this episode we go deep on: • Why yoga teachers often resist "the business side" — and how to reframe that relationship with money • The Buddhist tradition of interdependence and what it has to do with getting paid • Offering Tree's new AI feature, Sprout, which builds and edits your website through simple conversation • The creator vs. consumer distinction when it comes to healthy tech use • Time blocking as an underrated productivity tool (and why it's hard for free spirits) • How becoming a parent changed Eddie's relationship with mindfulness Learn more and follow Offering Tree: https://www.offeringtree.com Instagram Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Making a Living Doing What You Love w/ Offering Tree co-founder Eddie Arpin

  6. Apr 30

    From Surviving to Thriving: Richard Brook on Passion, Purpose & Knowing Yourself

    "When people meet you and they can see that you're comfortable moving through all the different parts of your personality — that's actually when you're a really impressive person." ~ Richard Brook In this conversation, Avi sits down with Richard Brook — wellness facilitator, acupuncturist, yoga teacher, and author of Understanding Human Nature: A User's Guide to Life — for a deep and honest exploration of what it means to truly thrive. Richard shares his personal journey from burnout and chronic fatigue in his early 20s to building a life rooted in passion and purpose. We talk about the difference between surviving and thriving, how to get to know yourself through embodied practice, why identity can be our biggest barrier to inner stillness, and the importance of embracing all parts of who we are — not just the "spiritual" ones. We also get into the retreat center Richard and his colleagues recently acquired in the Algarve, Portugal — a dream a decade in the making. -- Since 2014, Richard has facilitated at the Moinhos Velhos retreat, combining his expertise in 5 Elements Acupuncture and Dru Yoga. As the founder of Creative Wellness and author of the acclaimed Understanding Human Nature, he provides tailored treatments and corporate wellness programs across London. Richard’s holistic approach addresses the physical and emotional "imprints" of stress to restore balance. Drawing on diverse experience—from the Findhorn Foundation to 5 Rhythms Dance—he empowers clients to harmonize their health, relationships, and careers to lead more nourished, vibrant lives. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:09 - What matters to Richard: passion, joy & destiny 0:53 - Is passion something you're born with or cultivate? 1:53 - Richard's background & how he came to wellness 3:23 - Chronic fatigue as a turning point 4:28 - The direction of your life matters more than the destination 5:49 - Surviving vs. thriving — and what's missing for most people 6:31 - Finding your "golden keys" — what lights you up 7:40 - Individual destiny and the limits of education 8:40 - When others feel threatened by your growth 9:47 - Life ebbs and flows — staying calibrated 10:55 - Getting to know yourself: practices and barriers 11:24 - Meditation, yoga & accessing deeper creative thought 13:28 - Identity as an inner barrier to stillness 15:37 - Embracing all parts of yourself — not just the spiritual ones 17:33 - The Native American dance chief story 18:32 - Everything in nature has a purpose 19:23 - Moving away from hierarchy and judgment 20:41 - Why we're conditioned to rank everything 22:49 - Change starts with the individual 23:48 - Community, focalizers & the Findhorn Foundation 25:15 - Living in awe and wonder 26:42 - Moving up and down the inner ladder 27:52 - How quickly consciousness shifts moment to moment 29:08 - Meditation, the body & sensation 31:33 - Deep relaxation expands awareness 33:32 - Richard's book: Understanding Human Nature 35:14 - Writing 40,000 words in seven weeks 37:20 - What happens when a creative idea finally gets out 40:05 - Internal speed, overstimulation & slowing down 44:36 - Moinhos Velhos retreat center — a dream come true 49:15 - Where to find Richard Connect with Richard: Website: www.richardbrook.world Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-brook/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/richard.brook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    From Surviving to Thriving: Richard Brook on Passion, Purpose & Knowing Yourself

  7. Apr 16

    Neuroscience of Yoga: Vagus Nerve, Stress Relief & Brain Rewiring | Dr. Mala Cunningham

    Dr. Mala Cunningham (PhD in Counseling Psychology, senior disciple of Swami Satchidananda, and founder of Neuroscience and Yoga TT, Cardiac Medical Yoga TT, and Mental Health, Neuroscience and Yoga TT) joins us to explore the powerful intersection of ancient yoga practices and modern neuroscience. Learn how yoga and meditation actually change your brain, stimulates your vagus nerve for instant calm, and why giving your brain conscious rest is so important. As well as the role of gratitude and intention in reshaping your neurobiology, micro-resting techniques, learning styles in meditation, body awareness, emotional safety, and much more. This conversation blends Neuroscience with Yoga techniques and strategies you can use immediately for better emotional regulation, stress reduction, emotional health, and peak performance. M. Mala Cunningham, Ph.D., E-RYT-1000, C-IAYT is a licensed psychotherapist, educator, trainer, author, and innovator in Neuro-Yoga Psychology™. With over 30 years of clinical experience, she specializes in integrative mental health, vagus nerve regulation, and psychodynamic therapy. A former Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia, she developed the University of Virginia’s Cardiac Medical Yoga Program and taught Integrative Medicine in the Nursing and Medical School for over 12 years. Dr. Mala is the CEO of Positive Health Solutions, LLC, and leads nationally recognized trainings in medical yoga, neuroscience, and mental health integration. She is an international speaker and consultant for healthcare professionals, yoga therapists, and educators. She lives in Charlottesville, VA. Her website is: www.cardiacyoga.com Dr. Mala’s new book: "Neuroscience, Yoga, and Psychology: Tools for Regulating the Vagus Nerve for Health and Peak Performance" (out June 2026). This book can be pre-ordered. Learn more & upcoming trainings: Cardiac Yoga / Positive Health Solutions: https://cardiacyoga.com Neuroscience & Yoga Teacher Training at Yogaville (Integral Yoga Ashram): Check yogaville.org -- Timestamps below ⬇️ If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, share, and leave a review — it helps more people discover these tools for healing and well-being. Chapters / Timestamps 00:09 Introducing Dr. Mala Cunningham — yoga, neuroscience & counseling psychology 01:01 How yoga impacts neurobiology and why technology finally proved it 03:40 Yoga is now mainstream in science, business & government 04:58 Personal experience: knowledge + practice gives real agency 06:59 What is the vagus nerve? (The wanderer — 75% of parasympathetic system) 08:12 Activating your inner pharmacy: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, Endorphins (DOSE) 10:43 Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic balance, dorsal/ventral vagal states & the gunas 13:31 Simple ways to stimulate the vagus nerve (neck rolls, eyes, ears, breathing) 14:52 Meditation, learning styles & why mantra didn’t work for a visual learner 18:29 Giving the brain conscious rest (more powerful than sleep) 20:23 fMRI insights: Left prefrontal cortex, pleasure centers & BASS practice 22:14 Ego, safety, emotional threat & defensive patterns 28:52 Micro-resting technique (eyes, tongue, jaw, shoulders at stoplights) 34:54 Gratitude practices — cognitive vs felt sense 39:03 Intention (sankalpa), optimism & rewiring the amygdala 42:24 Trauma wiring, protection & becoming objective 50:38 Reading body language & genuine somatic awareness 55:32 The power of a simple smile + deep sigh to activate parasympathetic 56:35 Dr. Mala’s upcoming Neuroscience & Yoga Teacher Training at Yogaville + new book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Neuroscience of Yoga: Vagus Nerve, Stress Relief & Brain Rewiring | Dr. Mala Cunningham

  8. Mar 31

    What the Torah Really Teaches About Food, Animals & the Soul | Ep. 145 with Akiva Gersh

    In this conversation, Akiva shares what Torah actually teaches about animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and our responsibility to all living beings. We explore the Kabbalistic understanding of food and spiritual elevation, why so many rabbis who are vegetarian or vegan keep it to themselves, and what conscious eating has to do with the soul. We also talk about the relationship between inner work and outer activism, the power of silence — in the desert, at the Shabbat table, and in meditation — and the profound Jewish teaching that the sin of Adam and Eve wasn't what they ate, but how they ate. Whether you're Jewish or not, vegan or not, this episode will change the way you think about what you put on your plate — and why it matters. 🌿 Topics we explore: • What Torah says about animal welfare and the environment • The Kabbalistic teaching that we are what we eat — spiritually • Why more rabbis don't speak openly about veganism • Eating as meditation and sacred practice • Silence, the desert, and inner listening • Tikkun olam: how personal choices heal the world • Vegan matchmaking in the Jewish community Akiva Gersh is originally from New York and moved to Israel in 2004. He has a BA from Brown University, an MA in Jewish Education from Yeshiva University and rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Sulam Yaakov in Jerusalem. Akiva has been working in the field of Jewish Education for 25 years and in 2020 Akiva created the online platform "Vegan Rabbi" to share ancient Jewish teachings that promote compassion for animals and support going vegan in our world today. 🔗 Learn more about Akiva's work: www.akivagersh.com Instagram Facebook If this episode moved you, please share it with someone who might need it. —————————————————————— CHAPTERS —————————————————————— 0:00 Introduction — Akiva's journey from suburban New York to Torah and veganism 1:58 Going vegetarian at college, then vegan at 19 — activism as a spiritual calling 3:15 Discovering that Judaism had always taught about animals and the environment 5:05 What Torah actually says: stewardship, compassion for animals, not wasting 7:17 Adam and Eve placed in the Garden "to serve and protect" — the original mandate 8:26 Why more observant Jews don't embrace these teachings — and Akiva's honest answer 11:33 The role of rabbis: how one big rabbi going vegan could change thousands of lives overnight 15:14 Sharing truth vs. protecting community — the tension at the heart of change 18:08 Inner work and outer activism — how Judaism holds both in balance 21:41 The Rebbe who put out his cigarette — being open to new information 23:40 Does eating suffering animals affect our spiritual level? A deep conversation 25:37 Kabbalistic teaching: we are what we eat — spiritually. Sparks, soul, and food 27:07 The Baal Shem Tov who sat and cried with an animal before slaughter 30:24 Eating consciously — chewing, silence, and food as meditation 31:51 The teaching that the sin of Adam and Eve was HOW they ate, not what they ate 33:08 The month of Shvat and fixing our relationship with food 35:17 Closing your eyes while eating — the unexpected power of silence at meals 37:34 The desert, the prophets, and why silence speaks — midbar / medaber 39:10 Falling in love with Shabbat and the Jewish system of blessings 40:55 Gratitude as the foundation of joy — Jewish blessings throughout the day 42:32 Fitting in vs. being yourself — navigating community as a vegan in observant life 47:25 How Akiva responds when challenged — and why he welcomes the debate 51:30 An ultra-orthodox rabbi who says the future is meatless — a surprising source 56:15 Animal sacrifice in the Torah — how Akiva makes peace with the difficult parts 58:58 Vegan matchmaking — helping Jewish vegans find each other 1:00:22 Finding a partner who shares your values around food and living 1:02:11 Closing reflections — community, individuality, and thriving as yourself Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What the Torah Really Teaches About Food, Animals & the Soul | Ep. 145 with Akiva Gersh
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About

Deep, authentic conversations about yoga, spirituality, and how to actually put it into practice. Over 150 episodes..We've had some of the most respected voices in yoga and conscious living — kirtan artists, swamis, meditation teachers, priests, rabbis, and many other important leaders. Host Avi Gordon asks questions that spark real conversations about Truth, and what we truly believe and think is going on. General topics: On practice, devotion, ego, suffering, grace, gratitude, change, the breath, the body, the mind and many other important things. Guests include Krishna Das, Nina Rao, Many Swami's and teachers from the Integral yoga tradition, Brother David, Rabbi Akiva Gersh, Jonathan Foust, Amma Kidd, Mataji, Dr. Dean Ornish, Govind Das, Sean Johnson. Rooted in Integral Yoga as taught by Sri Swami Satchidananda — honoring all faiths and all sincere seekers. Whether you've practiced for decades or you're just beginning to wonder — you're welcome here. New episodes every two weeks.  Subscribe if you'd like to stay connected. Find us on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Integral Yoga
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    151
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Integral Yoga
  • Show Website
    Integral Yoga Podcast

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