On the Mat

Leah Oren
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Spirituality
  • Updated Biweekly

On the Mat is a podcast for yoga practitioners who are ready to take their practice beyond the studio. Each episode invites you to explore the rich philosophy, history, and heart of yoga, bridging the gap between what happens on your mat and how you live off it. With thoughtful insights, accessible teachings, and a deep respect for tradition, Leah guides you on a journey to embody yoga as a way of life. Whether you're a curious student or a seasoned teacher, this podcast is your companion in cultivating a more meaningful, grounded, and soulful practice.

  1. 1d ago

    Finding Your Rhythm: Cycle Syncing & Yoga

    We’re constantly being asked to push through, to show up the same way every day, regardless of what’s happening in our bodies. But what if our bodies were never designed to operate that way? In this episode, we explore the concept of cycle syncing: what it is, why our hormonal rhythms matter, and how understanding the menstrual cycle can change the way we approach movement, food, rest, and our daily lives. We break down the four phases of the menstrual cycle and the hormonal shifts that accompany them, exploring how each phase can bring its own unique energy and needs. We also look at the difference between circadian and infradian rhythms and how these cycles shape the way our bodies function. Then, we bring it back to yoga. We explore how our physical practice might shift throughout the month, but also how cycle syncing connects to the deeper teachings of yoga—including svadhyaya (self-study), ahimsa (non-violence), brahmacharya (moderation), and aparigraha (letting go). Because ultimately, cycle syncing isn’t about following another set of rules. It’s about getting curious about your body, learning to listen to its rhythms, and recognizing that there is no single way we are supposed to practice, move, or exist every day. Yoga asks us to find union with ourselves—and that includes honoring the body we’re living in. Join the On the Mat online studio! https://onthemat.mykajabi.com (Use code PODCAST for 25% off your first 3 months) Follow Leah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthematwithleah

  2. Oct 16

    Deity Deep Dives: Lakshmi & The Energy of Abundance

    In this week’s Deity Deep Dive, Leah explores the mythology and symbolism of Lakshmi — the Hindu goddess of abundance, prosperity, and beauty. Through ancient stories and yogic philosophy, this episode examines how Lakshmi’s energy can help us cultivate gratitude, openness, generosity, and trust in both our practice and our daily lives. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to recognize Lakshmi through traditional imagery and symbolismThe story of Lakshmi’s emergence during the famous “Churning of the Ocean”How Lakshmi relates to themes of prosperity, discernment, and right relationship with wealthWays to invoke Lakshmi through mantra, mudra, meditation, and intentional practiceAnd much more! This episode also explores an important yogic perspective on abundance: that prosperity is not simply about accumulation, but about flow: receiving, sharing, trusting, and recognizing the richness already present in our lives. Join the On the Mat online studio! https://onthemat.mykajabi.com (Use code PODCAST for 25% off your first 3 months) Follow Leah on Instagram: https://onthemat.mykajabi.com

  3. Oct 9

    Silence: Lessons from Vipassana

    What can ten days of silence teach us about ourselves? In this episode, Leah sits down with her friend (and fellow teacher!) Claire, whom she met during her 300-hour yoga teacher training in India, to discuss her journey into yoga, meditation, and the life-changing experience of attending multiple Vipassana retreats. Together, they cover the curious evolution from student to teacher, the reality of learning yoga across languages and cultures, and the profound lessons that emerge when we step away from distractions and sit with ourselves. Whether you've considered attending a silent retreat, struggle to maintain a meditation practice, or are simply curious about what happens when we create space for stillness, this conversation offers an honest and grounded look at the power of slowing down, listening inward, and discovering that everything we need may already be within us. Join the On the Mat online studio! https://onthemat.mykajabi.com (Use code PODCAST for 25% off your first 3 months!) Follow Leah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthematwithleah

  4. Oct 2

    Deity Deep Dives: Buddha & the Middle Way

    In this week’s Deity Deep Dive, Leah explores the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama — the historical Buddha — and his connection to yoga philosophy and the path to enlightenment. While Buddhism eventually became its own spiritual tradition, some sects of Hinduism view the Buddha as an incarnation of Vishnu, sent to guide humanity toward compassion, wisdom, and liberation from suffering. In this episode, we trace Siddhartha’s journey from sheltered prince to enlightened teacher and examine how his story continues to influence yoga both on and off the mat. In this episode, you’ll learn: The meaning behind the title “Buddha” or “enlightened one”The story of Siddhartha Gautama and the “Four Sights” that changed his life foreverHow Buddhist teachings relate to yogic concepts like Brahmacharya and AparigrahaWays to cultivate equanimity, balance, and non-attachment in modern lifeAnd much more! This episode explores one of yoga’s most important teachings: that enlightenment is not found through indulgence or self-punishment, but through balance, awareness, and compassionate presence. Join the On the Mat online yoga studio! https://onthemat.mykajabi.com (Use code PODCAST for 25% off your first 3 months!) Follow Leah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthematwithleah

  5. Sep 25

    Ayurveda: The Knowledge of Life

    Ayurveda is often called the “sister science” to yoga. But what does that actually mean? In this episode, we explore the foundations of Ayurveda, from the meaning behind the word itself to the idea that health is a balance between the mind, body, spirit, and environment. We break down the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—and explore how their different combinations form the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. We look at the qualities associated with each dosha, what they govern in the body, what imbalance can look like, and some of the traditional Ayurvedic practices used to restore balance. Rather than another one-size-fits-all approach to health, Ayurveda offers a framework for understanding our individual constitution and the ways our diet, lifestyle, environment, and daily practices can influence our sense of balance and wellbeing. Join the On the Mat online studio! https://onthemat.mykajabi.com (Use code PODCAST for 25% off your first 3 months) Follow Leah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthematwithleah Find out your dosha! https://artoflivingretreatcenter.org/which-ayurveda-type-are-you-quiz/

  6. Sep 18

    Deity Deep Dives: Krishna, Dharma & Divine Play

    In this week’s Deity Deep Dive, Leah explores the life, mythology, and teachings of Krishna, the playful eighth incarnation of Vishnu. From mischievous butter thief to divine teacher of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna’s story weaves together joy, love, devotion, purpose, and the eternal search for meaning. Through childhood tales, epic battles, and timeless philosophy, this episode examines why Krishna remains one of the most beloved and influential figures in yoga and Hinduism. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to recognize Krishna through traditional symbolismThe yogic meaning of Lila, or divine playKrishna’s lessons on karma, dharma, reincarnation, and surrenderThe four traditional paths of yoga: Bhakti, Karma, Jnana, and Raja YogaHow yoga postures, mantra, and daily practices can help us embody Krishna’s energy in modern lifeAnd much more! This episode moves from playful stories of stolen butter and peacock feathers to some of the deepest spiritual teachings in yoga philosophy, reminding us that wisdom and joy are not opposites, but companions of a well-rounded life. Join the On the Mat online studio! https://onthemat.mykajabi.com (Use code PODCAST for 25% off your first 3 months!) Follow Leah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthematwithleah

  7. Sep 11

    The Inner Obstacles of Yoga: Samskaras, Granthis & Kleshas

    A French philosopher once wrote, “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” But if that’s true, why does being human feel so… complicated? In this episode, we break down three key concepts from yogic philosophy that explain some of the internal “roadblocks” we experience on the path toward clarity and liberation: samskaras, granthis, and kleshas. We explore samskaras as the imprints we carry from experience (and maybe beyond it). We look at granthis as energetic knots formed when those patterns get stuck. And we unpack the kleshas—the five core afflictions described in the Yoga Sutras: ignorance, ego, attachment, aversion, and fear of death. We also explore how practices like kriya yoga, meditation, and awareness are traditionally used to create space between these patterns and our reactions to them. Rather than abstract philosophy, these concepts offer a map of the inner patterns that influence how we think, feel, and respond—and how awareness can begin to loosen their grip.

  8. Sep 4

    Deity Deep Dive: Rama, Hanuman & Taking a Leap of Faith

    In this week’s Deity Deep Dive, Leah unpacks one of the most beloved and influential stories in Hindu mythology: The Ramayana — the epic tale of Lord Rama, Sita, and the monkey god Hanuman. As an incarnation of Vishnu, Rama embodies righteousness, devotion, and dharma, while Hanuman represents unwavering faith, courage, loyalty, and the journey of remembering our own divine nature. Together, their story forms the mythological foundation behind several familiar yoga postures and teachings still practiced today. In this episode, you’ll learn: The central story of The Ramayana and why it remains one of the most important epics in yoga philosophyHow to identify Rama and Hanuman in traditional imageryThe deeper meaning behind poses like Virasana, Hanumanasana, and AnjaneyasanaWays to invoke Hanuman’s energy through mantra, meditation, mudra, and loving-kindness practicesAnd much more! This episode explores yoga not just as physical movement, but as mythology in motion Join the On the Mat online studio! https://onthemat.mykajabi.com (Use code PODCAST for 25% off your first 3 months!) Follow Leah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthematwithleah

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About

On the Mat is a podcast for yoga practitioners who are ready to take their practice beyond the studio. Each episode invites you to explore the rich philosophy, history, and heart of yoga, bridging the gap between what happens on your mat and how you live off it. With thoughtful insights, accessible teachings, and a deep respect for tradition, Leah guides you on a journey to embody yoga as a way of life. Whether you're a curious student or a seasoned teacher, this podcast is your companion in cultivating a more meaningful, grounded, and soulful practice.

Information

  • Creator
    Leah Oren
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Leah Oren
  • Show Website
    On the Mat