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. 3d ago

    Deity Deep Dives: Brahma & The Power of Creation

    Welcome to the very first installment of Deity Deep Dives — a special series within On the Mat exploring the gods, goddesses, and stories woven into the heart of the yogic tradition. In this episode, Leah dives into the fascinating world of Hindu mythology through the story of Brahma, the god of creation. Together, we explore how yoga is deeply rooted in philosophy and storytelling — far beyond the physical postures most of us associate with the practice today. You’ll learn: ​Why so many yoga postures are named after sages, warriors, and deities​The meaning behind the Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva​The symbolism of Brahma’s four heads, the lotus flower, and the cosmic sound of Om​How Brahma’s energy shows up in modern yoga practiceAnd much more! This episode also offers an important and nuanced conversation around yoga, spirituality, religion, cultural respect, and accessibility — especially for listeners who may feel hesitant or uncertain about engaging with Hindu mythology. Whether you connect with these stories spiritually, metaphorically, psychologically, or simply as beautiful mythology, this episode invites you to approach yoga with greater curiosity, reverence, and depth. Join the On the Mat online studio! https://onthemat.mykajabi.com (Use code PODCAST for 25% off for 3 months!) Follow Leah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthematwithleah EXTRA CREDIT Watch this: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DX7FZLENy39/?igsh=MWxucXM3aGs2eXFsMg== And this: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYyZJBnBvJi/?igsh=MWIxaDR3cXdzZ2dpYw==

  2. Jul 17

    Yoga for Non-Yogis: The Yoga You’re Already Doing

    What if yoga had nothing to do with touching your toes, wearing matching sets, or stepping foot in a studio? In this episode, inspired by a request from Leah’s very yoga-averse sister Jess, we’re busting one of the biggest myths surrounding yoga: that it’s only about what happens on the mat. Together, we explore the true meaning of yoga beyond the poses with an in-depth look at the everyday choices that reflect yogic living. Through a deep dive into a “Day in the Life of a Yogi,” Leah shares how practices like mindfulness, moderation, honesty, self-study, breathwork, and compassion can show up in ordinary moments: from your morning routine to your commute to difficult conversations and setting boundaries… even deciding not to binge one more episode on Netflix. No handstands. No foot behind your head. No spiritual perfection required. Whether you’ve never taken a yoga class or you’ve spent years on the mat, this episode is an invitation to see yoga not as something reserved for studios, but as a practice woven into daily life, helping you realize maybe you’ve been a yogi all along… Follow Leah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthematwithleah Join the On the Mat online studio: https://onthemat.mykajabi.com (Use code PODCAST for 25% off for 3 months!)

  3. Apr 10

    Samadhi: The Final Limb of Yoga

    In this final episode of our 8 Limbs of Yoga series, we arrive at the eighth and final limb: Samadhi. Often translated as complete absorption, Samadhi represents the culmination of the yogic path: the moment when the meditator, the object of meditation, and the act of meditation itself merge into pure consciousness. In this episode, we explore what Samadhi means across yogic traditions, the deeper philosophy behind the term, and how it relates to the journey we’ve taken through the previous seven limbs. We’ll discuss: What Samadhi actually is (and what it isn’t)The relationship between Dharana, Dhyana, and SamadhiThe stages of Samadhi described in the Yoga SutrasMystical experiences sometimes associated with deep meditationand much more! This episode ties the entire path of yoga together and reflects on how these practices help create the conditions for profound inner union…you don’t want to miss it!

  4. Mar 27

    Dharana & Dhyana: Focus, Flow, and the Heart of Meditation

    Today you’re getting a two-for-one as we unpack Dharana and Dhyana, the sixth and seventh limbs of yoga. These two branches are are deeply intertwined, with one leading directly into the other. And together they form the foundation of what we commonly call meditation. We’ll explore why attention is becoming such a rare resource in the modern age, different meditation techniques from the Yoga Sutras to today, and how to choose the right focal point for your unique mind. Then we’ll shift into Dhyana — what happens when concentration deepens into an unbroken flow of awareness — and I’ll share some personal experiences to help bring this abstract idea to life and show how it can unexpectedly arise both on and off the mat. A practical, grounded exploration of these deceptively simple limbs, and the pathway from focus to flow. Join the On the Mat studio! https://onthemat.mykajabi.com Follow Leah on Instagram: @onthematwithleah

  5. Mar 13

    Pratyahara: The Forgotten Limb of Yoga

    In this episode, we explore Pratyahara, the fifth limb of yoga—and the one most often overlooked. Sometimes called the “forgotten limb,” Pratyahara sits at the exact center of the 8 Limbed Path, acting as the essential bridge between yoga’s outer practices (ethical living, asana, breath) and the inner journey of concentration, meditation, and beyond. We’ll break down the Sanskrit roots of the word, why yogic philosophy considers sensory withdrawal to be the gateway to meditation, and how our modern world of notifications, bright colors, and constant stimulation hijacks our attention. You’ll learn the difference between “right” and “wrong” impressions, why controlling what we take in through the senses matters just as much as the food we eat, and practical ways to practice Pratyahara, both on the mat and in daily life. Follow Leah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthematwithleah/ Join the On the Mat Studio! https://onthemat.mykajabi.com/offers/wBrNzCmH

  6. Feb 27

    The Vayus: Navigating the Inner Currents of Prana

    What happens to prana once it enters the body?  In this episode, we explore the five Vayus  - the directional movements of life force energy that influence everything from digestion to emotional release. From the grounding energy of Apana to the expansive radiance of Vyana, we’ll discover how awareness of these inner winds can support balance, vitality, and harmony in all areas of life. Tune in to discover how awareness of these subtle winds can help you find your energetic flow, on and off the mat. Follow Leah on Instagram: @onthematwithleah Join the On the Mat Online Studio! https://onthemat.mykajabi.com/offers/wBrNzCmH

  7. Feb 13

    Pranayama: Beyond the Breath

    In this episode, we turn our attention to the fourth limb of yoga: Prānāyāma. Commonly translated as “breathwork,” Prānāyāma extends far beyond the physical act of breathing; rather it is the conscious regulation of prana, the life force energy that sustains us.  Together, we’ll explore the deeper meaning behind this ancient practice, its roots in the Yoga Sutras, and the five categories of pranayama techniques that help us balance, energize, and calm both body and mind. Join me as we discover how conscious breathing can transform energy, still the mind, and deepen your connection to self! Follow Leah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthematwithleah Join the On the Mat Studio with a 5 Day Free Trial! https://onthemat.mykajabi.com

  8. Jan 31

    Āsana 101: Which Āsana Practice is Right for You?

    Not all yoga is the same…and that’s a good thing. Because WE are not all the same.  Whether you're new to the practice, returning after time away, or simply curious about exploring something new, this episode of On the Mat is your guide to understanding the many forms of āsana, the physical limb of yoga. Leah breaks down the major styles of yoga practiced today, from Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga to Yin, Restorative, and Kundalini, including their roots, unique benefits, and what kind of practitioner they serve. She shares historical context, cultural influences, and even the controversies that have shaped how yoga is practiced in the modern world. You’ll walk away with a clearer sense of what style might best support your body, your energy, and your goals - whether that’s sweat, stillness, structure, or soul work. Because finding the right practice can be the difference between feeling disconnected and feeling at home on your mat. Follow Leah on Instagram: @onthematwithleah Join the On the Mat Online Studio! https://onthemat.mykajabi.com Download this week's freebie:

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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
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Leah Oren
  • Show Website
    On the Mat