Evolving Traditions Podcast

Evolving Traditions: With Tanaya Ti'en & Matt Dyktynski

Join Tanaya Ti'en and Matt Dyktynski, as they take an intimate, honest look at how the wisdom we inherit meets the world we’re living in now. However you’ve arrived—through chance, curiosity, or some kind of synchronicity—welcome. Something is shifting. Something is evolving. And maybe… so are you. Across this series, we explore traditions spanning yoga, Buddhism, Taoism, religion, philosophy, culture, film, theatre, music—and even comedy. We’ll be joined by a wide and unexpected mix of voices—researchers, practitioners, teachers, creatives, skeptics, and everyday humans trying to make sense of modern life. Nothing is off-limits. From cultural appropriation to appreciation, cancel culture to ethical practice—we lean into the nuanced, the uncomfortable, and the real. Traditions matter. They ground us. Guide us. Remind us where we’ve come from. But if they don’t evolve, they risk becoming rigid, disconnected—even harmful. At its heart, this evolving conversation is a small offering toward a larger shift—toward a humanity that is kinder, more curious, less certain, and more open.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Acting, Comedy & Temperance: Matt Dyktynski

    #002 In this episode of Evolving Traditions, Tanaya turns the lens inward for an intimate conversation with her husband and co-host, Matt Dyktynski—actor, comedian, and all-around performer. From his earliest lessons at home and a childhood full of characters and classic Blackpool humour, Matt traces the beginnings of a career that would take him from emerging alongside talents like Essie Davis, Cate Blanchett, Matt Day, Frances O’Connor, and Nadine Garner to a rich and varied life in show biz. The conversation spans Matt’s expansive work across stage, screen, radio, stand-up, and voiceover—from films including Love and Other Catastrophes, Japanese Story, and Heaven’s Burning, and the SBS series Reckless, to breakfast radio on Mix 94.5 and his hilariously cringe-worthy long-running Kmart voiceover as Josh. They also explore the realities behind the glamour of the arts: the discipline of drama school, the sting of rejection, the importance of authenticity, and the resilience required to keep going in an industry shaped by chance and change. Matt speaks candidly about addiction, recovery, aging, creativity, and the challenge of staying true to yourself while navigating comedy’s shifting boundaries and the rise of AI. Fresh from the stage at the Heath Ledger Theatre, where he has just performed his final show in The Diary of Anne Frank, Matt chews the cud on the responsibility of portraying real people and the enduring power of live performance to connect us through our shared humanity. Warm, reflective, and threaded with playful husband-and-wife banter, this conversation celebrates creative life, imperfection, and the traditions we inherit, resist, and continue to evolve. Matt will be bringing his signature wit to WA Comedy Week this coming August 2026—don’t miss the chance to catch him live in action. Book your tickets here. And for those craving a deeper, more restorative experience, Tanaya and Matt will be co-hosting their Great Southern Renewal retreat in Denmark, WA from 15–20 April 2027—an immersive blend of therapeutic yoga, creativity, and connection in one of Western Australia’s most beautiful landscapes. To explore the book that inspired this podcast, Evolving Traditions: Yoga, Ethics & Modern Practice, you can purchase your copy here, or get in touch here. 🎶🎼🎵🎻Original theme music by Tanaya Ti’en, Alastair Watts, Ben Bourke, & Nancy Lam, featuring Matthew Dufty on violin and Diane Peters on Harp.

  2. Jul 20

    Marriage: Tanaya Ti'en & Matt Dyktynski

    #001 Marriage is one of humanity’s oldest rituals, yet its meaning and purpose are constantly evolving. In this candid episode, your hosts, Tanaya and Matt explore why we still choose to get hitched despite changing societal norms, divorce rates, and shifting ideas of love and commitment. From ancient myths about love as a quest for wholeness to modern visions of partnership as a journey of self-discovery, they unravel the timeless reasons behind tying the knot—and why, ultimately, marriage remains a profound act of human connection. They delve into how historical power plays and alliances turned marriage into a tool for survival and status; why love stories from Plato to Aristophanes still influence us today; and how modern couples redefine marriage as a growth process rather than a static institution. They break down the significance of patience, communication, and shared values—highlighting real-life secrets from couples married many years, and along the way, dip their toes into anecdotes, philosophical reflections, and practical wisdom about navigating the inevitable fires and cracks that come with two people building a life together. The stakes are clear—without understanding the deeper purpose and patterns behind marriage, many risk repeating historic mistakes or losing the magic amid routine and disengagement. But with a new perspective, marriage can be a tool for healing, self-growth, and authentic connection—more relevant today than ever before.  This episode explores the idea of remaining in the proverbial heat of a relationship: staying present through challenge and discomfort in the possibility of growth and deeper connection. Of course, this perspective doesn't apply to relationships involving domestic or family violence, coercion, abuse, or any situation where someone feels unsafe. If you or someone you know is experiencing harm, please seek appropriate support and prioritise safety. Upcoming Offerings If you’ve been craving reconnection—with yourself, your special other, or the natural world—a few days in one of the most healing corners of the planet, surrounded by like-hearted humans, might be just what the doctor ordered. Join us April 15–20, 2027—solo, with a , or with a pal or two—for our next Great Southern Renewal Retreat in magnificent Denmark, WA. We’ll spend 5 nights and 6 days immersed in Mother Nature’s best, coming back to balance. Keen to know more? Message us at connect@mindcollective.com.au and we’ll share the details. Follow the Evolving Traditions Podcast on Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube. Grab a copy of Evolving Traditions: Yoga, Ethics & Modern Practice, and find out more about Tanaya and her offerings at mindbodycollective.com.au—where you’ll also find links to retreats, classes, and more. For all things Matt, don’t miss our next episode for details on where to find him on stage, or on the Perth comedy circuit.

About

Join Tanaya Ti'en and Matt Dyktynski, as they take an intimate, honest look at how the wisdom we inherit meets the world we’re living in now. However you’ve arrived—through chance, curiosity, or some kind of synchronicity—welcome. Something is shifting. Something is evolving. And maybe… so are you. Across this series, we explore traditions spanning yoga, Buddhism, Taoism, religion, philosophy, culture, film, theatre, music—and even comedy. We’ll be joined by a wide and unexpected mix of voices—researchers, practitioners, teachers, creatives, skeptics, and everyday humans trying to make sense of modern life. Nothing is off-limits. From cultural appropriation to appreciation, cancel culture to ethical practice—we lean into the nuanced, the uncomfortable, and the real. Traditions matter. They ground us. Guide us. Remind us where we’ve come from. But if they don’t evolve, they risk becoming rigid, disconnected—even harmful. At its heart, this evolving conversation is a small offering toward a larger shift—toward a humanity that is kinder, more curious, less certain, and more open.