Living Yoga with Darren Main: Recent Episodes
Darren Main
Want to roll up your mat and find yoga and mindfulness in your day-to-day life?
Living Yoga is a podcast that features interviews with leading voices in mindfulness, holistic health and spiritual activism. It’s hosted by author and yoga teacher Darren Main and features guests who are experts on topics like mindfulness, meditation, stress management, nutrition, exercise physiology and much more!
If you want to learn how to live your best life, then subscribe now! Thanks again for listening and enjoy the show!
In this episode, Darren Main and Pete Guinosso dive into the world of yoga teacher trainings. They break down the various types of trainings and share tips on finding the perfect fit for you. Discover how these trainings can spark personal growth and transformation, highlighting Pete Guinosso’s program as a standout example of a life-changing experience.
CONNECT WITH PETE GUINOSSO
WEBSITE
LIGHTING THE PATH TRAINING
CONNECT WITH DARREN
Follow Darren
Darren’s Books
FREE Meditation Course
FREE Yoga Class
In this episode of Living Yoga, Darren Main chats with Zach Beach, a Bay Area yoga teacher and author, about the deeper aspects of yoga beyond the physical poses. They delve into the practice of love and compassion, exploring how yoga can help us connect with our true nature. Zach shares insights on setting intentions, the healing power of compassion, and the role of self-love in transforming ourselves and the world. Tune in to discover how yoga can cultivate love and compassion in all areas of life.
CONNECT WITH ZACH BEACH
Zach's Website
READ: The Seven Lessons of Love
CONNECT WITH DARREN
Follow Darren
Darren’s Books
FREE Meditation Course
FREE Yoga Class
Join Darren Main and Marisa Toriggino as they explore how Ayurveda can enhance sleep quality by aligning with natural cycles. Learn about the impact of doshas on sleep and discover practical tips for a better night's rest, including meal timing and limiting screen time. Marisa shares a calming Ayurvedic sleep snack recipe and highlights the importance of personalized guidance from an Ayurvedic practitioner. Embrace holistic self-care for rejuvenating sleep.
CONNECT WITH MARISA TORIGGINO
Marisa’s Website
Free Sleep Snack Recipe
CONNECT WITH DARREN
Follow Darren
Darren’s Books
FREE Meditation Course
FREE Yoga Class
Darren Main delves into the dark side of the yoga world with special guest Matthew Remski, author of "Surviving Modern Yoga" and co-host of the Conspirituality Podcast.
They candidly discuss the abuses perpetrated by K. Pattabhi Jois and other prominent gurus, exposing the hidden dangers within these spiritual communities. Through personal stories and critical analysis, Darren and Matthew shed light on the complexities of power, consent, and accountability in the modern yoga movement, offering listeners valuable insights on how to navigate these challenging issues while maintaining their wellness journey.
RESOURCES
Matthew Remski
Connect and Follow Matthew
Surviving Modern Yoga by Matthew Remski
Conspirituality Podcast
Darren Main
Connect with Darren
Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic by Darren Main
FREE COURSE: Mindfulness for Busy Minds
Now that The Supreme Court has overturned Roe V. Wade and states are criminalizing abortion and passing more restrictive abortion laws, millions of women have fewer choices and are left to navigate healthcare decisions without the support of a trusted doctor or clinics.
• How can women in states that have criminalized abortion end a pregnancy safely?
• When is it safe to get an abortion using abortive drugs?
• How can women get medical advice remotely in states that have abortion bans?
• When should a woman see a doctor about complications?
• How do I minimize legal risk when discussing reproductive medicine with a healthcare provider?
In this episode, Nurse Practitioner and wellness coach Jill Baker offers important advice for making reproductive health care choices in our post Roe v. Wade world. She discusses issues like Morning-After pills, abortive pills that induce a miscarriage, IUDs, and legal issues faced by both women and their healthcare providers. She also offers important guidance about when to seek medical attention should complications arise while using abortive drugs at home.
_______________
RESOURCES
Jill Baker Wellness: https://www.jillbakerwellness.com
Abortions Resources and Services
All-Options Hotline- 888-493-0092 https://www.all-options.org
Planned Parenthood https://www.plannedparenthood.org
National Network of Abortion Funds https://abortionfunds.org
Repro Legal Helpline https://www.reprolegalhelpline.org/sm...
Abortion on Demand https://abortionondemand.org
Self Managed Abortion https://abortionpillinfo.org/en/using...
Follow Darren on social media and learn more about his work- https://darrenmain.com/follow-darren
FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME
Mindfulness for Busy Minds Video Course: https://darrenmain.com/busy-minds
BOOKS BY DARREN
Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic https://darrenmain.com/urban-mystic
Inner Tranquility: A Guide to Seated Meditation https://darrenmain.com/inner-tranquility
River of Wisdom: 108 Life-Changing Reflections https://darrenmain.com/river-of-wisdom
Spiritual Journeys along the Yellow Brick Road https://darrenmain.com/yellow-brick-road
The Yogi Entrepreneur
Check out Darren’s other channel, The Yogi Entrepreneur https://darrenmain.com/yogi-entrepren...
This episode was sponsored by yogis just like yourself. If you feel inspired to support future episodes, you can leave a tip in any amount here: https://darrenmain.com/support-living...
Kori Hahn is the author of Rituals of the Soul and founder of a community gathering place called the Santosha Society, which is dedicated to travel, surfing, and the soulful.
Learn More about Kori Hahn: https://santoshasociety.com/
Purchase: Rituals of the Soul: Using the 8 Ancient Principles of Yoga to Create a Modern & Meaningful Life https://amzn.to/3KNL1ot
This episode was sponsored by yogis just like yourself. If you feel inspired to support future episodes, you can leave a tip in any amount here: https://darrenmain.com/support-living-yoga
FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME
Mindfulness for Busy Minds Video Course: https://darrenmain.com/busy-minds
Yoga is wonderful, but for students practicing with various limitations as and unique challenges or who use a wheelchair, it’s hard to know where to start or how to practice.
In this conversation, Jivana Heyman, a certified yoga teacher and author, will offer tips on how to adapt the practice to make it more accessible for everyone.
Jivana Heyman’s Website
Purchase Accessible Yoga
FREE VIDEO COURSE: Mindfulness for Busy Minds (limited time)
This video course will teach you everything you need to avoid frustrating pitfalls and get started with regular practice so that you can start living a healthier, happier life. Jumpstart your meditation practice today! Free Registration
A conversation with activist, yoga teachers and author of A Queer Dharma, Jacoby Ballard.
RESOURCES
Jacoby's Website
Purchase: A Queer Dharma
FREE VIDEO COURSE
Mindfulness for Busy Minds
In this conversation author, spiritual teachers and humanitarian Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati discusses her personal journey, women's rights, COVID-19 in India and her new book, Hollywood to the Himalayas.
Learn more about Sadhvi and her work at https://www.sadhviji.org/
Purchase Hollywood to the Himalayas: https://amzn.to/3C3XL5f
Amber Caudle is a renowned chef and author. We are going to chat about ways to take your healthy diet to the next level even if you often feel to busy to cook.
Chef Amber's Website
Long time San Francisco Bay Area yoga teacher Christa Reynolds please release of her new book, Will and Mysteria.
Learn More
For thirty years, Marisa Toriggino has been offering yoga to women in every phase of life. In this conversation she talks about yoga, women and empowerment.
Marisa's Website
Bestselling author Lee Harris talks about his new book, Energy Speaks: Messages from Spirit on Living, Loving, and Awakening .
Visit Lee's Website
Often, modern Christianity can feel exclusive and judgmental. Pastor and author Brandan Robertson has a very different approach forged in his own experience as a gay Christian. His mission is to promote a more inclusive Christianity that welcomes everyone. This approach to Christianity had made him a wildly popular and also made him the target of the intolerance he preaches against.
Brandan's Website
Brandan on Amazon
What does it mean to be truly masculine—to move through the world with confidence and strength. In this episode, Sam Pond, a leading men's coach, explores what it means to embrace true masculinity an how straight men can more confidently connect with women.
About Sam Pond
Sam is a coach for men, helping men in many countries drop into feeling, releasing old stories, finding freedom in their dating and professional lives. Also a coach for the Fearless group and the Amorati based in Bucharest, Romania.
www.sampond.com
Yoga can be a great complement to one's faith. In this interview, author, psychologist and yoga teacher Mariana Caplan, reflects on how yoga intersects with her Jewish beliefs and traditions.
In spite of greater political equality in recent decades, many gay men still struggle to find deep connections with other gay men. Finn Deerhart began his career as a conservative Christian minister only to realize that he was living in denial. Ultimately, he let go of his body shame and started a new career helping gay men to celebrate their sexuality. In this episode, Finn talks about ways in which gay men can deepen their connection to each other and ultimately to something powerful within themselves.
LEARN MORE
Finn Deerhart’s Website
About 3.5 million Americans and nearly 2 billion people worldwide identify as Muslim. How can Muslims benefit from yoga? Is yoga a complement to or in conflict with Islam? What can the broader yoga community do to make the yoga space more welcoming to Muslims? In this podcast, Sameera Qureshi—a prominent Muslim yoga teacher will address these many other questions.
About Sameera
Sameera Qureshi is a Muslim yoga teacher and prevention specialist based in the Washington, D.C area. She is the Director of Education and Training for a national nonprofit that empowers Muslim communities to prevent sexual violence. Sameera is passionate about infusing Islamic spirituality into evidence-based programs for her work in the violence-prevention field and within her role as a yoga teacher.
Getting and staying in shape can be hard. In this episode, personal trainer, Zach Taylor talks abound a more holistic approach to resistance training that can complement practices like yoga.
Contact Zach
Zach on Instagram
Zach at Fitness SF
A conversation with, yoga teacher, author and Ayurvedic practitioner Mariko Hirakawa. In this episode Mariko talks about her inspiring journey and her new book, The Yoga of Personal Development: Enlightened Lessons on Peak Performance, Leadership and Living A Life of No Regrets
RESOURCES
Mariko's Website
Purchase: The Yoga of Personal Development: Enlightened Lessons on Peak Performance, Leadership and Living A Life of No Regrets
https://amzn.to/2HEhdh6
Wall of Song is a collaborative singing video work that invites people from all different backgrounds, beliefs, political affiliations, orientations and countries of origins—no matter their ability to carry a tune—to record themselves singing along to Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. In this time of great unknowing, uncertainty and division, this is a wall that brings us together.
RESOURCES
The Wall of Song iOS App
Mark Ainley is a Contemporary Feng Shui Consultant with a unique sensibility. In this episode Mark talks about the powerful impact one's surroundings can have on the body, mind and spirit.
LEARN MORE
Mark's Website
Jaimal Yogis is an outdoorsman, award-winning writer, and frequent teacher. He is the author of Saltwater Buddha, a humorous coming-of-age memoir about running away to Hawaii at sixteen to surf, nearly becoming a Zen monk, and eventually winding up at Columbia Journalism School.
In this interview Jaimal talks about his new book, All Our Waves Are Water: Stumbling Toward Enlightenment and the Perfect Ride
Resources
Jaimal's Website
Purchase
All Our Waves Are Water: Stumbling Toward Enlightenment and the Perfect Ride
Saltwater Buddha: A Surfer's Quest to Find Zen on the Sea
Darren’s Books
Amazon | Audible
Enjoy a free sample of Darren Main's audiobook, Inner Tranquility: A Guide to Seated Meditation read by actor Jesse Dornan.
Like the book? Download the whole things on Amazon or Audible
In our culture of “get more, have more, be more,” is there any place for “thanks, I’m good”? In this interview, Darren talks with Bestselling author and acclaimed teacher Roger Housden who says yes in this alternative to nonstop striving and self-criticism.
Resources
Roger's Website
Purchase Dropping the Struggle: Seven Ways to Love the Life You Have
Learn More about Roger's other books
Paul MacAlindin was called to help create a National Youth Orchestra in the world's toughest place for music, Iraq. Through his book, UPBEAT: the Story of the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq, he explains how a youth orchestra became the crucible for the young musicians' trauma and hunger for education, to create the most powerful cultural ambassador Iraq has ever seen. Although the story ends tragically with the invasion of Daesh in 2014, MacAlindin reflects on the power of paradox and conflict in creating powerful art and uniting people in peace.
Resources
Paul's Website
Purchase: UPBEAT: the Story of the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq
The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved stories of all time and with very good reason. The images and symbolism in this story contain profound guidance and wisdom that speak to the heart to the human condition. By reflecting on Dorothy’s search for home, the Tin Man’s quest for love, the Scarecrow’s desire to learn and the Lion’s need to face his fears, powerful insight and wisdom can be realized on your own journey along the Yellow Brick Road of life.
Get the entire audiobook. . .
Audible | iTunes | Amazon
Donald Trump’s ‘Access Hollywood Tape’, numerous allegations against Bill Cosby and many other high profile news stories about sexual assault have been reported in recent years bringing up strong emotions in those who have experiences trauma of their own. In this discussion, autho Lisa Danylchuk talks about the triggering effects these stories have had and how practices like yoga and meditation can help people recover from trauma.
Resources
Lisa's Website
PURCHASE
How You Can Heal
Embodied Healing
A free sample of Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic by Darren Main. If you enjoy this sample please check out the full version at Amazon or Audible.
Co-Founder of Laughing Lotus Yoga J talks about her amazing journey from New York to San Francisco to motherhood and her new book, Yoga Body and Mind Handbook
Resources
Laughing Lotus Website
PURCHASE Yoga Body and Mind Handbook
Renown yoga teacher Brian Leaf is best known for his sharp wit and deep insights into the practical aspect of yoga. In this episode he talks about his latest book The Teacher Appears: 108 Prompts to Power Your Yoga Practice.
Brian’s Website
Purchase The Teacher Appears
Like clouds that can hide the blue sky, passing thoughts and emotions can obscure the deep serenity and stillness of the mind. In this episode Zen Priest, Richard Diedrichs, talks about mindfulness and meditation and his inspiring new book, Living in Blue Sky Mind.
Resources
Richard’s Website
PURCHASE: Living in Blue Sky Mind
Kimberly Roberts lives for adventure and had devoted her life to helping others walk through the fears that keep them stuck. By forming the Rebel Livin’ online community and coaching hundreds of people, she has become an expert boat rocker that will inspire you to leap first and ask questions later!
Resources
Kimberly’s Website
Join the Rebel Livin Facebook Community
At eighteen, Jake Heilbrunn entered college like millions of other high school graduates. But after developing a chronic skin condition and falling into depression, Jake realized staying in school didn’t align with his dreams.
Listening to his inner voice and following his heart, he took a leap of faith, left school and hopped on a one-way flight to Guatemala. The result—an amazing adventure and a the inspirational new book, Off the Beaten Trail.
Resources
Jake's Website
PURCHASE: Off the Beaten Trail
For thousands of years mystics have espoused the notion that observing the physical universe changes it. Now quantum physics has begun to observe this effect in measurable and scientific ways as well.. In this episode, Bob Berman author of Biocentrism: How Life and Consciousness are the Keys to Understanding the True Nature of the Universe and Beyond Biocentrism: Rethinking Time, Space, Consciousness, and the Illusion of Death
Resources
Bob’s Website
PURCHASE
Biocentrism: How Life and Consciousness are the Keys to Understanding the True Nature of the Universe
Beyond Biocentrism: Rethinking Time, Space, Consciousness, and the Illusion of Death
Motivational speaker and author Kute Blackson is unique in his approach to empowerment. Unlike those who promise to simply help people “get” what they want, Kute’s life work instead reveals to people what they have to give, by liberating who they are most truly and deeply. The focus: Freedom. In this interview Kute talks about his work and his groundbreaking new book You Are The One: A Bold Adventure in Finding Purpose, Discovering the Real You, and Loving Fully.
Resources
Kute’s Website
PURCHASE: You Are The One: A Bold Adventure in Finding Purpose, Discovering the Real You, and Loving Fully
Meditation can feel like an overwhelming practice, but with the right guidance, anyone can learn to master the mind. In this episode Giovanni Dienstmann talks about his own experiences learning to meditate and shares some tips for creating a regular and satisfying home practice.
Resources
Giovanni’s Website
The Enneagram is a popular method of understanding personality types and how to more effectively communicate in business and personal relationships. In this episode, Enneagram expert and author Karl Hebenstreit talks about his new book and how the Enneagram can help you better understand your own personality and the personalities of the people in your life.
Resources
Purchase Karl's Book
MindTravel,a musical experience created by Murray Hidary, is both transporting and expansive and has moved audiences worldwide. MindTravel, which started as a personal practice for Murray many years ago brings both music and visual art together to take people on a powerful journey. A journey that is at once provocative and reflective, healing and transcending.
Learn More
Defining yourself as a yoga teacher and sharing teachings through marketing can draw students to your practice. Crystal Higgins supports teachers and studios to do just that. From a career in Corporate Marketing, Crystal took the leap to live her passion for yoga and integrate her marketing talents along the way. Crystal challenges her clients to find their voice and market themselves by doing what they like best. She pushes them to identify their goal and brand in order to make their yoga business successful.
Resources:
www.crystalmarieyoga.com
Traditional Chinese medicine has earned the respect of many Western scientists and doctors, but it is often misunderstood. In this episode, Acupuncturist, Timothy Asher talks about this ancient system of healing and sheds light on its effectiveness in treating a number of common conditions.
Resources
Timothy Asher's Website
How does a loving and supportive parent support their child when that child's gender doesn't fall in our conventional binary understanding of Gender? Gabriel and Janna Barkin faced this question when their child's true gender started to assert itself early in life.
This amazing and inspiring couple model for all parents what it means to be loving and supportive and they give hope and encouragement to other parents who want to understand and support a transgender or gender-nonconforming child.
RESOURCES
He's Always Been My Son Blog
Gender Spectrum
Spectrum LGBT Center
Call Him Hunter Blog
Transgender Law Center
Transequality
Books: Gender Born Gender Made by Diane Ehrensaft The Transgender Child by Stephanie Brill
Chef Rossi, (yes, she only has one name) -– has been a writer for many publications, such as The Daily News, The New York Post, Time Out New York and Mcsweeney's to name a few. She has been the food writer of the "Eat Me" column for Bust magazine since 1998, hosts her own hit radio show on WOMR and WFMR in Cape Cod called "Bite This," now in its twelfth season, has been featured on "The Food Network" and "NPR” and is a popular blogger for “The Huffington Post.”
In this episode, the owner and executive chef of "The Raging Skillet," talks about her amazing journey and her new book that is as entertaining as it is mouth watering!
Purchase The Raging Skillet
The Raging Skillet Website
New York Times best selling author Karan Bajaj talks about his new novel, The Yoga of Max's Discontent. Karan takes the reader on a vivid journey to India to unlock many of the ancient mysteries hidden in plain sight.
Resources
Purchase The Yoga of Max's Discontent
Karan's website
According to the Centers for Disease Control, about one in sixty-eight people fall somewhere on the autistic spectrum. In this episode Lance King, author of Never One of Them talks about his diagnosis on the spectrum that came well into his adulthood.
Resources
Lance on Facebook
Purchase Never One of Them
Purchase NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman
The Complete Guide to Aspergers Syndrome by Dr. Tony Attwood
The Wrong Planet website (run by and for autistic people):
An online test to see if you might have autistic traits
Find Autism diagnosis and treatment
There are countless resources out there to help women navigate the new world of dating now that online matching services are increasingly used to find potential partners. Men, however, have precious few guides to help navigate 'right swipes' and profiles. Author and psychologist Jeremi McManus seeks to change all that with his book Dating Success for Men.
In this podcast Jeremi talks about practical ways in which modern men find a lasting and meaningful relationship.
Resources
Purchase Dating Success for Men
Jeremi's Website
People spend millions every year on self help books, classes and coaching only to find lasting contentment remains elusive. Psychologist and author, Dr. Gail Brenner, takes an approach to self help that is so radical that it just might work! In her book The End of Self Help, Gail promotes the idea that we are not damaged, inadequate, limited selves who need help—the notion that nothing about you needs to change for you to be happy—it takes only a simple shift of attention.
Resources
Purchase The End of Self Help
Gail's Website
Yogi Aaron (formally Aaron Star) is the co-founder of the Blue Osa Yoga Center in Costa Rica and the former owner and founder of Hot Nude Yoga in New York City. In his new book, Autobiography of a Naked Yogi, he details his unique approach to yoga and the colorful journey that led him to the tropical forests of the Osa Peninsula
Resources
Purchase Autobiography of a Naked Yogi
Blue Osa Yoga Center
Speaker and author Byron Katie developed a method of self-inquiry often referred to as "The Work". The technique involves four simple questions followed by a 'turn around' process. This very simple technique has been transformational for thousands of people around the world.
In this episode, Bryan Wagner discusses his own experience with 'The Work' as well as the healing that has occurred for many of his clients when he guides them through this transformational process.
Resources
Byron Katie's Website
Bryan Wagner's Website
Books by Byron Katie
• Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life
• I Need Your Love - Is That True?: How to Stop Seeking Love, Approval, and Appreciation and Start Finding Them Instead
• A Thousand Names for Joy: Living in Harmony with the Way Things Are
• Who Would You Be Without Your Story?
The BodyTalk System is a non-invasive healthcare system which supports the body allowing its many parts and systems to communicate more fully and work harmoniously.
In this interview Greg Wieting talks about his own healing journey and the amazing results he has witnessed in his clients.
Resources
Greg's Website
Find a Body Talk Therapist
On July 21, 2015 Grace Cathedral hosted a panel discussion moderated by Darren Main. Speakers included renown spiritual leaders Pujya Swamiji, Bishop Marc Andrus and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati. If you enjoy this free recording please consider making a donation the Grace Cathedral Community Preschool
About the Speakers
Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati (often called Pujya Swamiji ), is one of India’s most revered and beloved spiritual leaders. He is the President of Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, India, and the founder of the Hindu Jain Temple in Pennsylvania. He is also the founder of numerous humanitarian and environmental organizations, and actively engaged in interfaith work for world peace, eradication of poverty and environmental protection with prominent organizations including the World Bank, the United Nations, the Parliament of Religions and more.
Learn More bout Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati
For nearly twenty years American born Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati has lived in the lap of the Himalayas on the banks of the Ganges River. Since her arrival in India she has worked tirelessly to promote women’s rights,environmental awareness and an end to poverty. At her gurus’s ashram she has hosted countless dignitaries including the Dalai Lama and Prince Charles and has spoken before the United Nations and at many other venus around the world. She is known the world over for her gentle spirit, engaging talks and humanitarian efforts.
Listen to Sadhvi's previous talk at Grace Cathedral
Listen to Darren's Interview with Sadhvi
The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus is the eighth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California. His leadership has focused on key issues related to peace and justice, including immigration reform, climate change, civil rights for LBGT persons, and health care. An example of his local engagement includes co-chairing a community-wide planning process for rebuilding St. Luke’s hospital in San Francisco. Bishop Andrus serves on the boards of the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, California Pacific Medical Center, Episcopal Charities, the Episcopal School for Deacons, Episcopal Community Services, and the American Bach Soloists, among other foundations.
Learn More about Bishop Andrus
Listen to Darren's Interview with Bishop Marc Andrus
Once the illusions about using drugs and alcohol have been smashed, one faces the more subtle aspects of recovery and leading a recovered life. Addiction can be a teflon process sometimes slipping from one behavior to another: food, consumerism, sex, love, affection, internet activity and so on.
In this episode author Kyczy Hawk her new book “Life in Bite-Sized Morsels” which addresses recovery from the perspective of a woman with more than 30 years sobriety.
RESOURCES
Purchase:Life in Bite-Sized Morsels
Kycy's Website
Online 12-Step Meeting • Sundays at 7:00 AM (California Time)
In this episode, we explore how gay men have emerged from a history of victimization to become teachers for humanity. Raymond Rigoglioso, author of Gay Men and The New Way Forward, and founder of the Gay Men of Wisdom project, will discuss how gay men serve and heal humanity, reinvent manhood, and free and enrich the human spirit.
Raymond L. Rigoglioso is the founder of Gay Men of Wisdom and is certified as a life coach through the International Coach Federation. His professional background includes more than two decades as a writer and editor for nonprofit organizations in New York City and Boston.
Ray lives with his partner and dog White Plains, New York. This is his first book.
Resources
PURCHASE: Gay Men and The New Way Forward
Ray's Website
Ray on Facebook
Ray on Twitter
Mystic David Hoffmeister is known for his practical application of the non-dual teachings needed for seekers to experience the unified mind; his clarity about the function of forgiveness in spiritual awakening and his radical use of mindful movie watching in the release of judgement. David is an inspiring living demonstration of the teachings of "A Course in Miracles," a non-dual pathway of Awakening. David has been invited to 39 countries and 49 states and speaks from the Enlightened mind. Darren speaks to him ahead of his first trip to India.
Resources
READ
Evolve Magazine Feature on David Hoffmeister's
pathway of Movies, Miracles & Mysticism
Books by David Hoffmeister
DAVID'S WEBSITES
• www.acim.me
• www.mwge.org
• www.davidhoffmeister.com
Video
David on Youtube
Social Media
David on Facebook
David on Twitter
Letting Go Again is one birth mother’s courageous and compassionate account of giving up her baby daughter for adoption, and their troubled relationship once they are reunited almost two decades later.
While many of us have witnessed the emotional “adoption reunions” on daytime TV, we rarely see what happens when the cameras stop rolling. In this compelling true story, author Kimberly Smythe reveals how the happiness and completion she expected to feel when her first child was back in her life remained elusive. Kimberly writes with extraordinary vulnerability, sharing the highs and lows of becoming a teen mom and allowing her child to be adopted, as well as the darkest moments of the heartbreaking, rollercoaster relationship that followed when they were reunited.
Resources
Kimberly's Website
Purchase Letting Go Again
The applicability of the message within Buddhist Boot Camp to everyday life, regardless of spiritual or religious affiliation, or none at all. The invitation is for each of us to live in abundance through gratitude and kindness (toward ourselves and others). By understanding the way our mind works, we can learn to accept everything in the world as it is (and everyone), without needing to change a thing. Gratitude has a way of turning what we have into "enough", and that is luxury. That is being rich.
Timber Hawkeye, author of Buddhist Boot Camp, offers a secular, non-sectarian approach to being at peace with the world, both within and around us. His intention is to awaken, enlighten, enrich and inspire
Resources
Purchace Buddhist Boot Camp
Books-to-Prisons Project
Contact Timber
Timber's Website
Timber's YouTube Channel
Timber on Facebook
Timber on Twitter
Timber on Instagram
Join Timber's Email List
Recorded Live at Grace Cathedral • May 12, 2015
For more than twenty years American born Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati has lived in the lap of the Himalayas on the banks of the Ganges River. Since her arrival in India she has worked tirelessly to promote women’s rights, environmental awareness and an end to poverty. At her gurus’s ashram she has hosted countless dignitaries including the Dalai Lama and Prince Charles and has spoken before the United Nations and at many other venus around the world. She is known the world over for her gentle spirit, engaging talks and humanitarian efforts.
Resources
Contact Sadhvi through Facebook
Grace Cathedral
Yoga on the Labyrinth
On April 25, 2015 the Gorkha earthquake rocked the country of Nepal killing more than 7,000 people and leaving many other injured, homeless and in desperate need of food, water, medicine and shelter. While the quake itself registered at 7.8 magnitude and was felt as far away as china and India, the relief effort has been equally large with people the world over donating and getting involved.
In this podcast, I speak with Eric Roache, founder of ForWorld Thinking, about the reality of life in Nepal after the earthquake, and how each of us can make a difference. Resources ForWorld Thinking Nepal Relief- Suggested Organizations to Support
For thosands of years, Buddhist monks and yogis have found refuge in the jagged peaks of the Himilayas, but few modern seekers make that pilgrimage. New York based yoga teacher True (Blake Jung) is an exception to that rule.
In this podcast True recounts his adventures hiking to Mount Everest's infamous Base Camp where he practiced yoga and mediation and experineced a profound spiriutal awakening.
RESOURCES
True's Website
True's Nepal Instagram Feed
True's Facebook Wall
For more than twenty years, American born Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati has lived on the banks of the Ganges River in the Parmarth Niketan Ashram. In this interview she talks about the unique journey that lead her from Stanford graduate to one of India's great spiritual teachers. Sadhvi's unique style and passion have had a direct and measurable impact on environmental issues, women's rights and poverty not only in India specifically as well as on the global stage.
Resources
READOM Times Feature on Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati
Websites
www.parmarth.com,
www.divineshaktifoundation.org
www.washalliance.org
www.gangaaction.org
Video
Hollywood to Holy Woods
Gary was introduced to Eastern philosophy in college when he discovered the writings of Alan Watts which led to studies in Zen and Zen poetry. Gary is a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance (RYT 200) and has a Certificate of Yoga Philosophy from the California Institute of Integral Studies. He has studied yoga at Esalen Institute, Parmarth Niketan Ashram and Satchidananda Ashram. Gary is on the faculty of Breathe Yoga of Los Gatos.
Gary has photographed many spiritual sites in his travels. He recently published his first book entitled: "The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali- Illuminations Through Image, Commentary and Design." The book provides a new approach to studying the Yoga Sutras by using photography, poetry and quotation to illuminate the heart of the Sutras. He is working on a new app which will incorporate Sanskrit chants of the Yoga Sutras within the book.
Resources
Gary's Website
PURCHASE: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali- Illuminations Through Image, Commentary and Design
While the world may be full of violence, war and hostility, Rita Glassman believes that music can be a powerful tool to help all of us see beyond superficial differences to reveal a world of peace.
In this moving podcast Rita reflects of growing up as the daughter of holocaust survivors, her work as a cantor in the Jewish tradition and her travels to Israel where she witnessed first hand people of various faiths and backgrounds coexisting peacefully. She also explains the inspiration behind her latest album, A World Of Peace In Song And Prayer .
Resources
Rita's Website
Rita on Youtube
Bruce Dickson is the author of sixteen books and countless articles about holistic healing and wellness as well in the co-founder of the Holistic Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles.
In this podcast Bruce talks about how we can now make Energy Medicine, all of holistic health and healing, less "woo woo." Reach out and shake the hand of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe from 200 years ago. His holistic approach to science and experiments closely anticipated what we do in holistic health and healing since the 1950s.
Resources
Bruce's Website
Bruce's Books
Bruce's Videos
Mentioned in this Podcast
The Skill Latter of Energy Medicine
Arm Length Testing
Innitial Gift Session with Bruce
Merging with the Medicine Wheel is a Shamanic Yoga Tour that CJ Ananda and her husband, Coby have created as a way to invite individuals to explore the fusion of the two mystical traditions of Yoga and Shamanism. Yoga (union with the Divine) and Shamanism (interaction with the spirit world) are both practices designed to grant us access to the infinite wisdom we carry within our selves. The ceremonies that Ananda and Coby offer are grounded in a vinyasa flow yoga class, and use the sacred vibration of sound and the sweet nectar of cacao as portals to connect us with our Power Animals and Spirit Guides. The ancient teachings of the Medicine Wheel provide an anchor for this intense, transformational experience. Energetically guided by the cycles of the four wind directions, we come to sense the inner anatomy of our bodies, and access the emotional patterns and attachments held in the mind. From there, we learn to reveal our passions and use the mystical gifts within to shift perceptions and dream our world into being.
About CJ Ananda
Co-Founder of Pura Vidya and Present Moment Retreat and ERYT 500 certified, Ananda is a renowned teacher of yoga, dance and meditation. She has combined her joy of these self-healing therapies with her experience as a wellness coach and healing practitioner to create international retreats and trainings. Ananda offers Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher Trainings with SchoolYoga Institute, giving each person the heartfelt attention and direct facilitation that cultivates an ecstatic, healing and magical experience.
Ananda draws on the philosophy that we are all a part of a collective life force that is driving us towards greater consciousness. By exploring our gifts and expanding our relationship with higher self, we come into alignment with our inner purpose of Awakening. Through our collaborative efforts and unified intentions, we magnify the richness of this life's experience.
Ananda currently travels between Mexico, Peru and Guatemala where she offers 200 and 500 hour Yoga Teacher Trainings and Shamanic Cleansing Retreats.
Resources
CJ Ananda's Website
CJ Ananda on Facebook
Retreats with CJ Anandada
In recent years there has been a near constant flood of sexual abuse charges against pominant yoga teachers and gurus. Most recently, Bikram Choudhury, the founder of Bikram Yoga has been accused of rape and sexual misconduct by a number of women.
In this podcast psychologist and yoga teacher Darcy Lyon talks about how the yoga community can address these scandals, support victems and create an environment in which sexual abuse and assault is no longer tollerated in the yoga community.
ResoursesDarcy Lyon's Website
The recent outbreak of measles in the United States has cast a small segment of the population that chooses not vaccinate into the spotlight. In this podcast Darren, a vaccine advocate, has a civil yet pointed debate with Neil Z. Miller.
Neil is a medical research journalist and the Director of the Thinktwice Global Vaccine Institute and the author of sevral books that incourage parents to question conventional medical advice about vaccination.
Resources
Neil’s Website
The CDC Vaccine Site National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program What is “Pseudoscience”? 7 Biggest Lies Spread by the Anti-Vaccine Movement, Debunked by Science
Follow-Up Resources from the Interview
Throughout the interview both Neil and Darren promised to provide citations for claims made.
Was there a CDC Coverup? NO
Neil Reference: Methodological Issues and Evidence of Malfeasance in Research Purporting to Show Thimerosal in Vaccines Is Safe
Darren Reference: Snopes Rebuttal • Science Blogs Rebuttal
Do vaccinations make children less healthy? NO
Neil Reference: Relative trends in hospitalizations and mortality
Darren Reference: Vaccination Status and Health in Children and Adolescents (peer reviewed)
Does the measles cure/prevent cancer? NO Neil Reference: Measles (MMR) Vaccination and Increased Rates of Cancer
Darren Reference: Could measles cure cancer? Uh, not exactly…
Recorded live inside San Francisco's iconic Grace Cathedral, this year-end class was attedend by 700 people. It features Darren Main teaching yoga and live music from Sam Jackson, Amber Field, Kendra Faye, Mirabai & Friends, Clare Hedin and Gary Malkin.
Yoga on the Labyrinth is a weekly donation-based yoga and meditation practice in San Francisco.
—> Learn More about Yoga on the Labyrinth
Jon Bernie is a contemporary spiritual teacher who offers a compassionate, heart-centered approach to awakening. His teaching focuses on returning the attention to the already enlightened state that lies at the core of our human experience. He has four decades of practice and study in the Zen, Theravada Buddhist and Advaita traditions, and was formally asked to teach by Adyashanti in 2002. Jon is also an experienced healer and teacher of somatic embodiment, trained in the Alexander Technique, Zero Balancing, and the Qigong system of Dr. Yu Penxi. He works closely and intimately with individuals to facilitate consciousness development and deep emotional healing.
Resources
Jon's Website
Jon on Facebook
Jon on Twitter
Purchase Ordinary Freedom by Jon Bernie
How did the crystal-meth-addicted, alcohol-abusing porn star cross the road to become a beloved, world-famous yoga teacher? In his inspiring memoir, Two Lifestyles, One Lifetime, Les Leventhal reveals his desperate and wildly self-destructive attempts to grasp at self-worth in a turbulent, hostile environment. In the throes of a sharp downward spiral toward certain death, Les summons the strength and surrender to transform his life. However, he soon falls prey to the eerie parallels between his tumultuous past and the life many of us hold as an objective. With more at stake than ever before, Les finds the courage to make a daring choice that penetrates through superficial layers to profoundly change his life.
Resources
Les Leventhal's Webisite
Previous Podcasts with Les Leventhal
Bumi Sehat with Les Leventhal
Yoga & The Twelve Steps with Les Leventhal
Purchase:Two Lifestyles, One Lifetime: An Inspiring Journey From Rock-Bottom Hopelessness to Wildly Extravagant Possibility by Les Leventhal
Getting in shape and staying fit can seem like elusive goals, but Mitch Menaged of National Fitness Campaign has found a way to inspire people of all ages and abilities to develop and maintain healthy bodies and balanced minds.
By partnering with cities and towns around the country the National Fitness Campaign is working to install outdoor workout areas in public parks and to offer free apps to help people work out, track their progress and build communities. In this interview the founder and director of National Fitness Campaign talks about his unique approach to health and wellness.
Resources
National Fitness Campaign Website
Download the App
Tour The Fitness Court
Falling in love is the easy part. Cultivating and sustaining a lasting, loving relatioinship takes skills. In her groundbreaking book, Love Cycles: The Five Essential Stages of Lasting Love, Linda Carroll challenges many of the misconceptions we have about romantic relationships and offers powerful tools for deep, lasting and connected partnerships.Resources
Linda Carroll's Website
Purchase: Love Cycles: The Five Essential Stages of Lasting Love
Linda's Other Books
Her Mother's Daughter: A Memoir of the Mother I Never Knew and of My Daughter, Courtney Love
Remember Who You Are: Seven Stages on a Woman's Journey of Spirit
Simone Wright is an internationally valued expert on the power of the human mind and its massive potential for evolutionary intelligence and groundbreaking ingenuity. She is a highly respected Intuitive consultant, an award winning entrepreneur, a globally collected artist who has become the highest selling artist of her kind in the world; she is also an author and sought after speaker who is quickly gaining a reputation as the ‘Evolutionary Mind Coach for Elite Performers and Visionary Leaders.’
In this podcast Simone talks about her groundbreaking book, First Intelligence, which explores the science behind intution and how all of us can be more intuitive in our daily lives. By taking intuition out of the relm of the 'hokey' and into the relm of sciece, Simmone empowers people to trust that inner voice to not only avoide danger but also to live in a more whole and meaningful life.
Resources
Simone's Website
Buy First Intelligence
The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus is the eighth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California and his vision of what will come next for Christianity stands in stark contrast to the vision of more conservative and fundamentalist ministers.
In this interview Bishop Andrus explains the bold and sometimes controversial steps he is taking to shape the future of Christianity and the visionary metrics by which he measures success!
Resources
The Dioceses of California
Bishop Andrus' Blog
Grace Cathedral
Yoga on the Labyrinth
If you are a parent, a yogi or even if you have parents, you will love this interview with author and yogi Brian Leaf. His latest book Misadventures of a Parenting Yogi is a collection of funny reflections of the pitfalls of consciouis parenting.
Resources
Brian's Website
Brian on Facebook
Mentioned in this Podcast
Yogi Amrit Desai
Purchase Brian's Books
Misadventures of a Parenting Yogi: Cloth Diapers, Cosleeping, and My (Sometimes Successful) Quest for Conscious Parenting
Misadventures of a Garden State Yogi: My Humble Quest to Heal My Colitis, Calm My ADD, and Find the Key to Happiness
Infusing music from ancient India, the Middle East and tribal Australia, Amber Fields music will stir heart string you didn’t even know were there! Her latest album Serendip has already become a staple in yoga studios around the world.
In this interview Amber talks about the deep emotions that helped to define her life and inspire her music.
Resources
Amber's Website
Amber on Facebook Purchase Amber's Music
The Halo is a mind-altering instrument that a less than 1000 musicians are able to play and far fewer with the skill of Gabriel Gold. By combining the unique tones of his voice with the hauntingly beautiful sounds of the Halo, Gabriel takes listeners instantly to that elusive quiet refuge inside every human heart!
In this interview Gabriel talks about the journey that lead him to the halo and about his groundbreaking new CD.
Rescues
Gabriel's Website
While Ryan Brewer began practicing and teaching yoga for the physical benefits, he quickly discovered that Bhakti yoga—the yoga of devotion and heart opening would become an important part of his path. After facing his crippling fears of singing in public, he discovered that chanting was his first love.
Ryan's chanting has been compared to Krishna Das and Jai Uttal and his first CD, Kirtan: Yoga for the Heart is one of the bestselling chanting CDs in many years and has redefined popular notions about devotional chanting.
In this interview Ryan shares his amazing story.
Resources
Ryan's Website
Ryan on Facebook
Purchase: Kirtan: Yoga for the Heart
The Rev. Matthew Fox is the author of over thirty books including Original Blessing: A Primer in Creation Spirituality. Originally Roman Catholic, Matthew Fox is now an Episcopalian after numerous theologic disputes with Rome that led to his expulsion. By advocating 'Creation Spirituality' which embraces the Divine Feminine, gay rights and earth-based traditions such as Native American Spirituality he has rocked the foundations of more traditional approaches to spirituality.
He is also the driving force behind The Cosmic Mass—a modern ritual which has drawn people of all ages but is a particular draw for the younger generation. It infuses multimedia images, dancing, modern music and elements of the trational Mass.
In this Podcast Skylar Willson joins Matthew Fox to talk about Creation Spirituality and the next generation of The Cosmic Mass.
Learn More
The Cosmic Mass
Matthew Fox's Website
Matthew's Book
Deacon Carpenter is an Ayurvediist and yoga teacher based in Healdsburg, CA, and has been studying the practice of Yoga and Ayurveda since the age of 16. He believes in a practical approach to both Ayurveda and Yoga.
Deacon received his degree in Ayurvedic medicine from the California College of Ayurveda in 2010 and is the founder of VedaBars – the first Ayurvedic wholefood nutrition bar and co-director of Parallel Practice Partners, an integrated eastern and western concierge medical practice, He practices and teaches all over the US.
Contact Deacon Deacon's Website
Facebook Page
Twitter
About Vedabars
Website
Facebook Page
As yoga expands to more and more corners of Western society, many Christians are finding that a strong yoga practice can greatly complement one's faith. Robert Karle is a Catholic in prepration to become a Jesuit Priest who also shares a passion for yoga. In this podcast we discuss the ways in which these two paths complement oneanother and where there is conflict and how all of that takes root in Robert's own spiritual practice as a Jesuit Yogi.
Email Robert
Author and Yoga Teacher: Kyczy Hawk is the author of “Yoga and the Twelve Step Path” - and has been teaching yoga to people in various stages of recovery for five years. She has developed a yoga teacher certification program called S.O.A.R (TM) to assist others in pursuing this specialty area. In addition to her regular classes she leads Y12SR (Yoga of 12 Step Recovery) meetings in the So. SF Bay Area. She volunteers in the local jail bringing these classes to the women at Elmwood and occasionally continues to work with the Art of Yoga in San Mateo and has worked with Niroga in San Jose.
Purchase Yoga and the Twelve Step Path by Kyczy Hawk Resources Kyczy's Website Kyczy on Facebook Kyczy's Twitter Feed
Jeffrey Small is the author of the best-selling thriller, The Breath of God, which won the Nautilus Book Award Gold Medal for Best Fiction. He is also a popular blogger on Huffington Post, and an acclaimed speaker on religious and spirituality topics. Jeffrey graduated summa cum laude from Yale University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He then graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School where he was elected to the Board of Student Advisors and taught speech, legal writing, and research. Jeffrey next earned a Masters in the Study of Religions from Oxford University in England where he was a member of Oriel College.
Jeffrey is active in the Episcopal Church, currently serving as a member of the Board of Trustees at General Theological Seminary in New York, but he has also studied Yoga in India, practiced Buddhist meditation in Bhutan, explored the ancient temples in Egypt, and journeyed throughout the Holy Land.
When not pursing his passion for theological discourse, Jeffrey is the CEO and founder of MDH Partners, an Atlanta-based commercial real estate investment and development company that has participated in over $2 billion of acquisitions and developments. Jeffrey’s eclectic hobbies include being a former US Champion amateur ballroom dancer with his wife, Alison. He also held the rank of Black Sash in Kung Fu, specializing in the Internal Arts.
Resources
Jeffrey Small's Website
Purchase The Jericho Deception
Purchase The Breath of God
Jeffrey's Previous Inquire Within Podcasts—>The Breath of God with Jeffrey Small
—>East-West Spirituality with Jeffrey Small
Creating Time is a heart-centered-yet-practical guide that offers a new paradigm of time and the tools to implement it. Marney Makridakis has devoted her career to helping people live fuller and more meaningful lives by connecting with their own creativity. In this podcast, Marney talks about her unique approach to time which combines art and philosophy, science and story, to help us connect deeply with the power of our creative selves.
http://artellaland.com/
http://www.artellaland.com/time.html
Rev. Maggie Oman Shannon, M.A., is an interfaith minister, spiritual director, workshop and retreat facilitator, and author of five books, includingPrayers for Healing and A String and a Prayer: How to Make and Use Prayer Beads. In 2000, Maggie Oman Shannon founded The New Story, a coaching and consulting business focused on helping people create deeper meaning in their lives. Shannon currently has the honor of serving as Spiritual Director of Unity Spiritual Center of San Francisco. She lives in San Francisco with her husband and seven-year-old daughter.
Website URL: www.maggieomanshannon.com
www.vivaeditions.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authormaggieomanshannon?fref=ts
Crafting Calm: Projects and Practices for Creativity and Contemplation, Published by Viva Editions, 2013
Prayers for Healing : A String and a Prayer: How to Make and Use Prayer Beads.
Jen Blackstock is a Certified BioDynamic CranioSacral Therapist, Healer, Spiritual and Life Coach and Intuitive. In this podcast, she talks about her journey in becoming a healer generally and craniosacral therapy specifacially.
Resources
www.jenblackstock.com
www.upledger.com
Suggested Reading
The Heart of Listening: A Visionary Approach to Craniosacral Work
In this podcast, renown teacher Jason Bowman explores the balance between aligment focused yoga such as Iyengar and vinyasa or flow based yoga such as The Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga. On this surfce, these very different approaches to hatha yoga seem very different, but Jason explains how the two paths are really very complementary and similar.
Resources
Jason's Website
Jason on Facebook
Watch Jason's Video
Darren Main interviews Author and yoga teacher Mark Stephens about his book "Teaching Yoga". Mark Stephens is based in Santa Cruz.
More info can be found on his website
Resources
Mark's Website
Mark's Books:
Teaching Yoga: Essential Foundations and Techniques
Yoga Sequencing: Designing Transformative Yoga Classes
What is floatation?
Floatation therapy is the act of floating on your back in 10 inches of a warm saltwater solution, in a lightproof and almost soundproof tank . Free from external stimulation and gravity, your body and mind quickly reach a state of relaxation and meditation. Many people float to relieve pain, to catch up on rest, to meditate, or to find creative inspiration.
http://www.zazensf.com/
Swami Kriyananda, born J. Donald Walters (born May 19, 1926), is a direct disciple of the yogi Paramahansa Yogananda and had many hours of personal contact with him during the last four years of Yogananda\s life (1948 – 1952).[1] During this time Kriyananda became a minister for Self-Realization Fellowship, founded by Yogananda. Yogananda also asked him to teach Kriya Yoga, which Yogananda called the highest technique of Self-Realization.[citation needed] Swami Kriyananda was elected as Vice President of Self-Realization Fellowship in 1960. Kriyananda is the founder of Ananda, a worldwide movement of spiritual intentional communities based on Yogananda\s World Brotherhood Colonies idea. Ananda has meditation centers and study groups throughout the world based on the teachings of Yogananda.[2] Kriyananda is also the author of more than 80 books and the composer of over 400 songs.
Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters) is one of the foremost spiritual teachers of Yoga principles in the world today. In 1948 at the age of twenty-two, he became a disciple of the Indian yoga master, Paramhansa Yogananda. He is one of a few remaining direct disciples of Yogananda teaching today.
At Yogananda’s request, Swami Kriyananda has devoted his life to lecturing and writing, helping others to experience the joy and living presence of God within. He has taught on four continents in seven languages over the course of nearly 60 years. His television program, audio and video recordings of his talks andmusic, and his many books in 28 languages have touched the lives of millions of people.
Swami Kriyananda has taken the ancient teachings of Raja Yoga and made them intensely practical and immediately useful for people in every walk of life, on a daily basis. His books and teachings cover nearly every field of human endeavor, including spiritualizing business life, leadership, education, the arts, community life, and science. He has written extensive commentaries on the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita.
Swami Kriyananda is also known as the “father of the intentional communities movement” which began in the UnitedStates in the late 1960s. Inspired by his guru’s dream of establishing spiritual communities, in 1968 he founded the first of what are now eight Ananda communities worldwide. They provide a supportive environment of “simple living and high thinking” where 1,000 full-time residents live, work, and worship together.
A monastic nearly all of his adult life, Swami Kriyananda is a Swami of the Giri (Mountain) branch of the Swami Order, as was his guru and his guru’s guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar. He is the Dharmacharya (leading according to Dharma) and spiritual guide for Ananda communities and activities worldwide.
Shahla Ettefagh has committed her life to assisting underprivileged children in India. she gave up her careers in USA and permanently relocated to India in 2002 to create Mother Miracle's Programs in slums of Rishikesh free of charge.
Shahla Ettefagh has a master's degree in Architecture and a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Psychology with an emphasis in child development. In 1984, she started a successful commercial interior art design firm, as well as an adult community art school, in San Francisco, California, USA. During repeated visits to India since 1995, Shahla was heartbroken after witnessing the desperation of Indian children in slum areas.
Her life was not the same thereafter, and she became inspired to help children in India. In 2002, Shahla decided to give up her career and planned to permanently relocate to India.
www.mothermiracle.org
Email - shahla@mothermiracle.org
Stacie-Saraswati Dooreck is a Certified Gentle Integral Yoga Instructor, Certified Sivananda Hatha Yoga Instructor Since 1995, and a Certified Kundalini teacher. Stacie used chair yoga while healing from an illness and continues to share with others the benefits of chair yoga. In 2011 she was featured on CBS Ch. 4 News Healthwatch teaching "Yoga for Seniors". She created and leads SunLight Chair Yoga Teacher Trainings in the US and Bahamas ashrams and yoga studios, and teaches weekly Chair Yoga bay area Senior and Alzheimer homes and for companies.
Resources
http://www.sunlightyoga.com/
John L. Martin has served as Airport Director of SFO since 1995. Prior to becoming Director, he served as the Airport’s Deputy Director for Business and Finance and has worked for the Airport Commission since 1981. He received a Masters Degree from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Lawrence University.
During his tenure as Airport Director, Mr. Martin oversaw one of the largest public works projects in the country at the time – the $2.4 billion SFO Master Plan, which included the construction of the now iconic International Terminal, a BART station linking the Airport to the Bay Area and a light-rail system connecting all terminals. Recent SFO accomplishments include the completion of Terminal 2, the first and only LEED Gold terminal in the United States, being designated by the San Francisco Business Times as the healthiest places to work among large companies in the San Francisco Bay Area and being named one of the best airports in North America by the international Skytrax survey.
In this podcast Shayla Mihaly discussed her system to detox and cleanse without annoying shakes, powders, hunger or side effects. Her system is affordable and will not interupt your daily life/routine.
To sign up for the cleanse go here: http://CleanseEasy.com/summary
Enter the code "ilovedarren" and enjoy your cleanse for 1/2 price!
To watch the free educational videos on cleansing, go here: http://CleanseEasy.com
You sign up, and receive a free video right away, and then another video every 2-3 days, for a total of 4 videos.
For you podcast fans, the code is "darren12" and they will save $100 on the cleanse!
Other resourse: www.abundanthealthsf.com
Listen to an inspiring interview on how yoga teacher Janessa Wells survived sexual assault through yoga and ultimately found her own voice through forgiveness. Her traumatic experience and journey of healing has shaped her teaching and the sharing of yoga with her students.
Email: j@janessawells.com
Website: janessawells.com
Organizations:
SF Women Against Rape
353 18th St. #7, San Francisco, CA 94110
www.sfwar.org
Impact Bay Area
www.impactbayarea.com
History has demonstrated over and over again that humanity finds ways to utterly miss the punch line in God’s cosmic joke. But every now and then an author comes along who finds humor in the divine and in doing so unveils profound truths that are easily hidden under layers of fundamentalism. In this podcast, Tosha Silver reflects on her new book Outrageous Openness: Letting the Divine Take the Lead.
Resources
Tosha Silver’s website
Purchase Outrageous Openness: Letting the Divine Take the Lead
Most people think of the ancient practice of yoga as a purely physical one, but anyone who has maintained a deep practice for any length of time knows that the practice is even more intense on the psychological and emotional level. In this podcast psychologist Marc Rappaport, MFT talks about the experience of becoming a yoga teacher and the profound yet intense psychological and emotional cleansing that so often occurs as a result of such rigorous training.
About Marc
Marc is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA and has been licensed since 2007. Having worked for the past 11 years in the Community Mental Health system, Marc has seen a diverse population of clients, from children and adolescents, to families and groups, as well as individuals. This has been a dedication of Marc’s: helping people to find their strengths and build on them, assisting them in managing their feelings and thoughts, guiding them to resolve crisis and challenges, steering them around pitfalls, and witnessing their journeys every step of the way.
Resources Marc’s Website
The Yoga Tree Teacher Training
Since the 1960's incidents of eating disorders have more than doubled as people the world over struggle with weight, diet and body image. In this interview, Sue Louiseau shares her struggles with food addiction that trace back more than sixty years to her early childhood. At her heaviest, Sue weighted over 300 pounds and suffered many health consequences as a result. While she still struggles with food, she is currently at a much more manageable 175 pounds
Resources
Email Sue
Overeaters Anonymous
Since adopting my son, I have had many people approach me with questions. How did you do it? Was it hard to do? Did anyone care that you were single, gay or HIV+? Why did you choose a local adoption over a foreign adoption?
Family Builders is the agency that I worked with to fulfill my longtime dream of becoming a father. In this podcast I interview Jill Jacobs, Executive Director of Family Builders about the process of adopting children who are stuck in the foster care system. In the interview Jill talks about the process of adopting a child and shares some shocking statics about just how many children are in need of a loving home right here in the United States.
Resources
Family Builders website
Documentary: Daddy & Pappa
All of us have a body and a gender identity, but few of us are forced to confront the depth of personal and cultural meaning these things hold. Author Nick Krieger shares his powerful story of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. Born Nina Krieger, Nick first identified as a lesbian only to realize that coming out sexually was only part of the journey. Nina Here Nor There is not simply a memoir about gender awakening—It is a potent metaphor for the transformation that all of us must undertake to become fully actualized human beings. In this podcast Nick shares some of his journey and talks about the powerful role yoga played in his finding the courage and body acceptance to face the twists and turns that emerged on his path.
Resources
Nicks Website
Watch the Video Trailer for the Book
Buy Nina Here Nor There: My Journey Beyond Gender
Paperback
Kindle eBook
Amrit Desai was one of the original gurus to come to the United States from India in the 1960s. He founded the Kripalu Yoga Ashram in Massachusetts—the largest ashram in the West.
He, like most gurus, is not without controversy. Yet in spite of the controversy, he has made an invaluable contribution to modern yoga and to the massive growth of yoga here in the West and he is considered one of the leading authorities on yoga in the world. He is the author of numerous books on yoga, is a renown musician, lectures worldwide, and is featured in the documentary, Yoga Today: 100 Years of Yoga in America.
In this episode, Desai speaks about how to use the technique of yoga nidra, a yogic state of superconsciousness, to reduce stress and achieve profound changes in one’s life.
Resources
Amrit's Website
Judith Hanson Lasater has been teaching yoga since 1971. She has studied directly with B.K.S Iyengar, is a physical therapist and holds a Ph.D. in East-West psychology. She has taught and lectured the world over and is one of the original founders of Yoga Journal.
In this podcast, Judith talks about the physiological difference between rest and sleep and how restorative yoga allows us to tap into the physiological process of rest. Through regular rest and relaxation, we can ultimately connect with our highest values and bring them into the world.
Resources
Judith's Website
Restorative Yoga Teachers Directory
Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times
Living Your Yoga
What We Say Matters
Les Leventhal is a popular San Francisco based yoga instructor who offers retreats and workshops around the world. In this episode, Darren and Les talk about his upcoming retreat in Indonesia where he and his students will help Bumi Sehat, a natural birthing clinic which helps the poor families of the community who were being taken advantage of by the medical system. By helping those in need, Les hopes to teach that yoga is more than perfecting one’s poses and that through internal and external work yoga shows its true benefits to the world.
Resources
Bumi Sehat
Les' Website
Eric Maisel is a former novelist and psychological counselor turned creative coach with over 30 published books. In this episode Darren and Eric discuss Mastering Creative Anxiety: 24 Lessons for Writers, Painters, Musicians, and Actors from America's Foremost Creativity Coach. Through Eric’s 22 anxiety management techniques, we can help ours open up to the creative anxiety that all creative workers will eventually face and manage it. Through practice of self-awareness we can recognize when anxiety arises, causing roadblocks for ourselves. By being in the present moment with the anxiety, and utilizing Eric’s techniques, we can expand into greater openness throughout the creative process.
Resources
Eric's Website
Mastering Creative Anxiety: 24 Lessons for Writers, Painters, Musicians, and Actors from America's Foremost Creativity Coach
Dan Millman is a former world champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor, and college professor. After an intensive, twenty-year spiritual quest, Dan’s teaching found its form as the Peaceful Warrior’s Way, expressed fully in his books and lectures. His work continues to evolve over time, to meet the needs of a changing world. Dan’s thirteen books, including Way of the Peaceful Warrior, have inspired and informed millions of readers in 29 languages worldwide. The feature film, “Peaceful Warrior,” starring Nick Nolte, was adapted from Dan’s first book, based upon incidents from his life.
In this episode, Dan and Darren talk about Dan’s new book The Four Purposes of Life. Dan talks about the life lessons that daily life teaches us and how immersing ourselves in the moment can bring the most fruitful lessons to those who practice this. Drawing upon many traditions, Dan believes that finding your calling in life is part of necessary experimentation that we all need to do. Beneath all of the distractions of daily life is that hidden calling. Only by attending to this arising moment can we really live life to the fullest.
Resources
Dan’s Website
Books by Dan Millman
The Peaceful Warrior Saga
Way of the Peaceful Warrior
Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior
The Journeys of Socrates
Peaceful Warrior: The Graphic Novel
Guidebooks
The Four Purposes of Life
Wisdom of the Peaceful Warrior
Everyday Enlightenment
The Life You Were Born to Live
No Ordinary Moments
The Laws of Spirit
Body Mind Mastery
Living on Purpose
Inspiration
Bridge Between Worlds (with Doug Childers)
Children’s Books
Secret of the Peaeful Warrior Quest for the Crystal Castle
Sam Jackson is a renowned musician who’s pioneering work with the crystal singing bowls has become the sound track in hundreds of yoga classes and massage therapy offices. The tones vibrate the listener to the core and frequently move people to deep states of meditation and evoke powerful emotions. In this podcast Sam talks about his new CD Initiate: Crystal Bowls and Bamboo Flutes.
Resources
Sam’s Website
Yoga on the Labyrinth at Grace Cathedral
Experience Sam’s Music Live
Purchase Sam’s Music*
Initiate: Crystal Bowls and Bamboo Flutes (iTunes • Compact Disc)
Dropping into Stillness (iTunes • Compact Disc)
- The bowls are best enjoyed in a CD quality recording
Jeffrey Small, Jr. is the author of the mystical thriller, The Breath of God, a popular blogger on Huffington Post, and an acclaimed speaker on religious and spirituality topics. A student of world religions, Jeffrey has studied at Harvard and Yale and traveled the globe to study various religions. In addition he is a successful real estate developer and champion amateur ballroom dancer along with his wife Alison. He is also active in the Episcopal Church and board member of the General Theological Seminary in New York.
Breath of God is a novel of suspense and spirituality. It is the story of a graduate student who travels to the Himalayas to try to find linkages in the world religions and the antagonist zealots who try to protect their belief systems. Throughout their journeys, the characters experience their own spiritual journeys. Jeffrey and Darren talk about St. Issa and the legend that Jesus traveled through the Middle East and India where he underwent his spiritual awakening and around which the plot of the novel revolves. Through his story, Jeffrey hopes to create a point of discussion about the commonalities of the religions of the world.
Resources
Jeffrey’s Website
Breath of God
Kamini Desai is an author and teacher with an exciting and versatile body of teachings combining western psychology and eastern philosophy. In addition to assisting individuals towards higher levels of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, she delivers corporate training and conducts teacher trainings for the Amrita Yoga Institute.
Kamini talks about growing up in an ashram, in the shadow of her famous yogi father as well as the life and love lessons she experienced beyond those years. In recounting some of her lessons learned, she talks about opening our hearts to all experiences, painful and blissful, through unconditional love. By working from within, we develop our capacity to bring peace and love to others.
Resources
Kamini's Website
Life Lessons Love Lessons: A Guru's Daughter Discovers Knowledge is Only Half the Journey
Amrit Desai was one of the original gurus to come to the United States from India in the 1960s. He founded the Kripalu Yoga Ashram in Massachusetts—the largest ashram in the West.
He, like most gurus, is not without controversy. Yet in spite of the controversy, he has made an invaluable contribution to modern yoga and to the massive growth of yoga here in the West and he is considered one of the leading authorities on yoga in the world. He is the author of numerous books on yoga, is a renown musician, lectures worldwide, and is featured in the documentary, Yoga Today: 100 Years of Yoga in America.
In this episode, Desai speaks about the guru-disciple relationship, the imperfection of the guru, kundalini awakening and the transformative shifts possible through the giving of shaktipat.
Resources
Amrit Desai's Website
For thousands of years yoga masters have understood the connection between the breath and ones physical, emotional and mental health. But because retraining old breathing patterns can be a difficult task, these powerful techniques were generally reserved for advanced yogis. Nagabhushanam "Bobby" Peddi believes it is time to change that and he is using the iPhone and iPod to make the ancient art of breath regulation fun, easy and accessible.
Although he graduated from Edinburgh University with a degree in medicine and went on to become a surgeon, he left Western medicine to pursue his passion for preventative health. He is the co-Founder and CEO of Saagara, a “digital health” company that develops applications for mobile devices that help modern people live more balanced, healthful lives.
Resources
Saagara
Download the Lite iPhone App (free)
Download the Full iPhone App (4.99)
If you wander the lush, green hills surrounding San Francisco, you may be lucky enough to encounter the hauntingly beautiful music of Lee Ellen Shoemaker, also known as The Tunnel Singer. Lee Ellen uses abandoned World War I military tunnels to chant, play Tibetan bowels and create mind-altering music. She has recorded numerous CD’s and is world renown for her unique vocals.
Resources
Tunnel Singer Website
There are few issues more vexing than relationships for those wishing to walk a spiritual path—at the same time relationships that are rooted in mindfulness and compassion can be the most rewarding aspects of life. In this podcast psychotherapist and meditation practitioner Cameron Yarbrough MA, MTFi discusses the intersection between spirituality and relationships and how to begin, mindfully live in and, when appropriate, consciously end relationships.
Resources
Cameron's Website
For many yogis, music is a natural extension of their practice. Most focus their attention on Indian style chanting. Lana Mir’s music is deeply inspired by her passion for yoga but rather than focus on Indian music her songs are reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones and Sinead O’Connor. The merging of these seemingly different worlds has made her one of the one of the most sought-after artists to come along in years.
Lana’s self-titled album has been made her an overnight success worldwide.
Resources
Lana Mir on Facebook
Lana Mir on iTunes
Lana Mir on Amazon
Lana’s Videos
I Want to Be Adored
Summertime
These Days
On February 8, 2011 Amrit Desai (Gurudev) spoke to my class at Grace Cathedral to an audience of hundreds of people. This is a live recording of the chanting and discourse he offered.
Amrit Desai was one of the original gurus to come to the United States from India in the 1960s. He founded the Kripalu Yoga Ashram in Massachusetts—the largest ashram in the West.
He, like most gurus, is not without controversy. Yet in spite of the controversy, he has made an invaluable contribution to modern yoga and to the massive growth of yoga here in the West and he is considered one of the leading authorities on yoga in the world. He is the author of numerous books on yoga, is a renown musician, lectures worldwide, and is featured in the documentary, Yoga Today: 100 Years of Yoga in America.
Resources
Amrit Desai's Website
Yoga on the Labyrinth at Grace Cathedral
The colon is one of the most important organs in the body and yet it receives a massive amount of abuse from the abundance of processed food we tend to eat as well as from over the counter and prescription medicines. Colon Hydrotherapy is a relaxing and technique for gently detoxifying the colon, improving elimination and strengthening almost every system in the body.
In this interview Shayla Mihaly, owner of the Abundant Health Day Spa in San Francisco, talks about the benefits of colonics and answers some of the most common fears and concerns about the ancient practice of cleansing the colon.
Resources
Abundant Health Day Spa
Find a Therapist
Schedule an Appointment
Schedule Online
By Phone: 415-440-3869
By Email
Recommended Reading
The Detox Solution: The Missing Link to Radiant Health, Abundant Energy, Ideal Weight, and Peace of Mind
Kerri was drawn to the grace and compassion of yoga in 1999 after suffering many physical injuries from a lifetime of sports and exercise. Since then, Kerri's personal and professional practice has evolved to embrace yoga as a method of self-regulation and transformation. Kerri has been teaching yoga for six years and continues to explore many styles of yoga to ensure creativity and balance in her classes. She has developed a Yoga for Runners program and teaches cross-training workshops throughout the Bay Area. She is an active ambassador for Off the Mat, Into the World and facilitates leadership programs about yoga and activism.
In this podcast, Kerri gives powerful advice on how one can apply yoga principles off the mat by embodying yoga in every moment of our lives. By finding our voices and inspiring others to do the same, yoga is able to change individuals and transform whole communities.
Resources
Kerri Kelly’s Website
Off the Mat, Into the World
Janet Gallin and Tresa Eyres are The Love Letter Squad. These two inspiring women offer workshops on how to write love letters to friends, family members and lovers. Their work has inspired hundreds of people to walk across burning bridges to heal old wounds, and to express on paper the love and respect that we feel for those closest to us, yet may not be able to articulate. In addition to their workshops they also write a regular column for the San Francisco Examiner blog and are the hosts of a popular radio program on KUSF in San Francisco.
Resources
The Love Letter Squad Website
Love Letter Squad Radio Show & Podcast
Healing is a powerful profession whether you are a therapist, bodyworker, practice Ayruveda or another modality. Yet very few healers are also adept at running a business. In this podcast, personal coach and founder of Ayurveda-Flow, Matthew Sloane explores ways in which healers can focus their time and energy to become better business men and women so that they can in turn become better healers. Even people who are not in the healing profession will find Matthew's insights into balancing goals and ambitions with the push and pull of daily life helpful.
Resources
Matthew's Website
According the the American Chiropractic Association more than 31 Million Americans experience back pain ranging from mild discomfort to debilitation agony. In this podcast renown physical therapist and yoga teacher Harvey Deutch talks about the various causes of back pain and offers some powerful advice for practicing yoga safely and in many cases alleviating discomfort.
Harvey is the founder of Red Hawk Physical Therapy and a leader in educating exercise professional such as yoga teacher in how to safely support their students.
Resources
Red Hawk Physical Therapy
Read: Back Care Basics by Mary Pullig Schatz
Grieving the loss of a loved one is a healing process that never really ends, but death is not the only occasion to grieve. The loss of a job, a relationship ending or even the passing from youth to middle age.
Social Worker and yoga teacher Ken Breniman leads workshops in how to use the grieving process as a profound opportunity for spiritual growth and emotional healing. By combining his years of experience as a teacher and counselor with his own experience of grieving the loss of his mother, Ken has developed tools for working with grief provide a steady keel when the storm of grief threatens to capsize us.
Resources
Ken's Website
GriefShare.org
Recommended Reading
Tear Soup by Pat Schwiebert
When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chordron
Start Where You Are At by Pema Chordron
Everett Anderson’s Goodbye by Lucille Clifton
Yoga for a Broken Heart by Michelle Paisley Hicks
Traditionally most Buddhists have taken a very conservative view of human sexuality. For the most part, sexuality was reserved for procreation. Many modern Buddhists have struggled to find ways to take a more liberal approach to sexuality while still being true to the tenets of Buddhism that date back 2,500 years to the Gautama himself.
In his new book, Sex, Sin and Zen: A Buddhist Exploration of Sex from Celibacy to Polyamory and Everything in Between, Brad Warner explores the many facets of human sexuality. In this podcast he talks about his controversial book and how all Buddhists can be true to their spirituality and their sexuality at the same time.
Resources
Brad's Website
Purchase: Sex, Sin and Zen: A Buddhist Exploration of Sex from Celibacy to Polyamory and Everything in Between
Karl Erb, one of San Francisco’s senior yoga teachers, learned in May of 2010 that he had cancer. Rather than retreat from the world, Karl shared his experience; strength and hope via his blog inspiring people the world over.
As Karl prepares to return to teaching, he offers his reflections on getting sick, facing his mortality and coming through the other side by turning to his years of yoga practice for strength, courage and inspiration.
Resources
Karl’s Website
Book: The Empathetic Civilization by Jeremy Rifkin
Modern western psychology is fairly new on the healing stage dating back only as far as Sigmund Freud. Eastern psychology on the other hand dates back thousands of years. In this interview psychologist and yoga teacher Jeremi McManus talks about growing up in India as a Christian missionary and then coming back to the United States to study western psychology only to find that his yoga practice would swing his attention back to Indian pscychology.
Resources
Jeremi on Facebook
Laughing Lotus Yoga Center
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that affects the nervous system by deteriorating the myelin sheath that coats the nerves. This causes the nerves to short out in much the same way an electrical wire might if the plastic coating surrounding it were damaged. MS can cause a wide array of challenges ranging from loss of feeling to paralysis and even death. Jane Gould, a San Francisco area yoga teacher was diagnosed with MS and used Tibetan healing and yoga in conjunction with western medicine to a manage the disease and even reverse some of its effects. She now offers yoga classes for others with MS and has seen the same miraculous results in many of her students. In this interview Jane tells her own inspiring story and offers hope to others living with MS. Resources
Jane Gould’s Website National MS Socieity Tibetan Acadamy WebMD MS &Yoga Video
Suggested Reading Yoga & MS by Loren Martin Fishman, M.D.
City of Hope is one of the leading treatment and research facilities for Cancer, HIV and diabetes in the world. Their unique approach to addressing live threatening illnesses by looking at the whole person has resulted many treatments that are being used today around the world and the research they are doing today holds promise for more effective and less invasive treatments in the future.
Yoga for Hope uses the passion people feel for yoga raise money for this important work. In this interview Mindy Finkelstein talk about this nation-wide fundraiser and talks about how you can get involved.
Resources
Yoga For Hope Benefit- Get Involved
City of Hope
Every culture and tribe has a creation myth to explain the origins of life and the human condition in which we find ourselves. While these myths may have little to do with modern science, they do tell us a lot about ourselves. In her book, In the Beginning, Creation Myths from Around the World, Carolyn North gathers and retells some of these powerful stories. In this podcast she explains the differences and striking similarities between these myths.
Resources
Carolyn's Website Purchase In the Beginning, Creation Myths from Around the World
Being a vegetarian has never been easier but finding restaurants, especially when traveling can be a challenge. That is where the “Happy Cow” website can help. This handy website was started by Eric Brent as a way to find healthy food choices when dining out. In this podcast Eric share his thoughts on creating a healthy, plant-based diet and finding restaurants menus that offer vegetarians something other than salad. Whether you are a vegetarian already, thinking of becoming one or simply want to reduce the amount of meat in your diet, this episode will be inspiring and helpful!
Resources
Happy Cow Website
Veg Out iPhone App
Millions of men and woman each year try to lose weight and get back in shape and yet that goal can seem very elusive. Some are able to take weight of for a time but have difficulty keeping the pounds off while others dread the hunger pains and cravings that seem to accompany so many diets.
Wanda Pierce, a San Francisco based massage therapist shares her struggles and ultimate success in losing weight and keeping the weight off by taking a mindful approach that included a variety of healthy and satisfying foods, moderate exercise and regular bodywork.
Her story is inspiring and uplifting for anyone who wants to improve their health.
Resources
Wanda’s Website
Weight Watcher’s Website
iPhone Weight Watchers App
In spite of all the scientific evidence to the contrary there are numerous groups that provide so-called ex-gay therapy to help homosexuals overcome their same sex desires and lead “normal” lives.
Not only do these treatment centers fail in their attempts to change sexual orientation, participants in these programs almost always come out the other side psychologically and emotionally traumatized. In this interview Jallen Rix returns to Inquire Within to discuss his new book, Ex Gay, No Way.
By sharing his experience and wisdom Jallen offers a hope for all people, gay and straight, who have fallen victim to religious abuse.
Resources
Jallen on Facebook
Jallen’s Website
Purchase Ex Gay, No Way
Healing from Ex-gay Therapy (Jallen’s previous interview)
The Rev. Martin Luther King is best known for his work on civil rights and for advocating non-violent resistance. Few people, however, know about his religious convictions and what he preached from the pulpit.
Be Scofield a San Francisco based spiritual activist has done extensive research into King’s theology and has uncovered some surprising information about King’s beliefs beyond that of civil rights.
Be holds a B.A. in Psychology/Philosophy from Warren Wilson College, has done graduate coursework in Postcolonial Anthropology and is currently pursuing a Master's of Divinity at Starr King School for the Ministry in the Unitarian Universalist tradition with an emphasis in women’s studies and counter oppression. His website God Bless the Whole World is a free online educational resource that provides tools for personal and social transformation. The site feature hundreds of videos, audio files, articles and courses on social justice, spiritual activism, counter oppression, environmentalism and self care among many others.
Resources
King's God: The Unknown Faith of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - Article in Tikkun Magazine, by Be Scofield
God Bless the Whole World Website
The Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute
Email Be Scofield
Judith Hanson Lasater is a world famous yoga instructor who has been teaching since 1971. She has studied directly with B.K.S Iyengar, is a physical therapist and holds a Ph.D. in East-West psychology. She has taught and lectured the world over and is one of the original founders of the California Yoga Teachers Association.
In this podcast, Judith discusses her new book, “Yogabody: Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Asana” and her unique and revolutionary approach to the body.
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Resources Judith’s Website
Judith on Twitter
Judith on Facebook
Purchase Yoga Body: Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Asana
Other Books by Judith Hanson Lasater A Year of Living Your Yoga Yoga Abs Yoga for Pregnancy 30 Essential Yoga Poses Living Your Yoga Relax and Renew What We Say Matters: Practicing Nonviolent Communication
Jonathan Wolf is a renown flute player who has shared his music in the classes of such well known yoga teachers Saul David Raye and Sean Corn. His hand made bamboo flutes are quickly becoming a standard instrument in many devotional yoga classes and musicians and novices alike are connecting to his hand crafted instruments in very moving and intimate ways. His debut CD, Dragon Flutes Rising has become a deeply emotional, transformative soundtrack in yoga classes, group meditations and for massage and body work.
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Resources: Dragon Flutes Rising Website
Jeffrey Small, Jr. is the author of the forthcoming mystical thriller, The Breath of God, the writer of the spirituality blog, OneReality, and a speaker on religious and spirituality topics. Jeffrey has studied at Yale University and Harvard Law School. More recently, Jeffrey earned a Masters in the Study of Religions from Oxford University in England. He was raised in a Christian environment, and is active in the Episcopal church, but he has also studied Yoga in India and practiced Buddhist meditation in Bhutan.
In this podcast, Jeffrey reflects on the similarities and differences between Eastern and Western forms of spirituality and talks about how East and West can actually complement one another.
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Resources
Jeffrey's Website & Blog
Michael Watson is a highly regarded international presenter and certified teacher of Yoga, Pilates and functional anatomy. He currently resides in Bermuda, and is part of The Bermuda Integrative Health Co-op, a company founded upon the ideals of integration and community. He is also the founder of Mindful Integration, which offers workshops, trainings and classes around the world.
In this podcast, Michael talks about his unique method of integrating yoga practice with KMI (Kinesis Myofascial Integration). By combining these two powerful healing modalities, the therapeutic effects of both are exponentially increased.
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Resources
Mindful Integration Website
The Bermuda Health Co-op Website
If you would like to book a workshop with Michael at your studio, gym or spa, please contact Jennifer Dutch for more details.
Learn More about Kinesis Myofascial Integration
Judith Hanson Lasater is a world famous yoga instructor who has been teaching since 1971. She has studied directly with B.K.S Iyengar, is a physical therapist and holds a Ph.D. in East-West psychology. She has taught and lectured the world over and is one of the original founders of the California Yoga Teachers Association.
In this podcast, Judith discusses her new book, “What We Say Matters: Practicing Nonviolent Communication” which explores the work of Marshall Rosenberg from a decidedly eastern perspective.
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Resources Judith’s Website
Judith on Twitter
Judith on Facebook
Purchase What We Say Matters: Practicing Nonviolent Communication
Other Books by Judith Hanson Lasater A Year of Living Your Yoga Yoga Abs Yoga for Pregnancy 30 Essential Yoga Poses Living Your Yoga Relax and Renew Yoga Body: Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Asana
To Westerners, the Indian practice of arranged marriage and the restrictive rolls for women in Indian culture can seem quite foreign and at times misogynistic.
In this podcast Sumit Kumar Badola and his wife Navneeta talk about their recent marriage and the changes rolls for both women and men in the worlds largest democracy, India. They also address the issue of women’s rights and where those rights are headed in the future.
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Sumit and Navneeta on Facebook
Rachael Evens is the founder of Quantum Martial Arts. Being a female martial arts master, she brings a unique perspective to the practice. In this podcast she discusses her groundbreaking work and how it is empowering men and woman alike. By taking a decidedly spiritual approach to martial arts, she is helping students to strengthen their bodies, minds and souls.
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Resources
Quantum Martial Arts: San Francisco
Quantum Martial Arts: Seattle
Recommended Reading
The Chronicles of Tao by Ming-dao Deng
While visiting New Orleans in the spring of 2008, documentary filmmaker Patricia Federico became captivated by the Katrina stories still being told on the street by the locals who survived the storm.
After overcoming a catastrophic disaster, loss of life, and the separation of their families, residents come front and center to give first-person accounts of what happened to them before, during and after the hurricane. They describe the struggles still facing them as they try to rebuild what the levee breaches destroyed.
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Resources
Peace Out Productions
Donate to the Community Center of St. Bernard Parish
Watch the Trailer
Do you have particularly strong emotional reactions that you can't seem to control? Do you notice your yoga students adoring you, clinging to you, or avoiding you? In this podcast, psychologist Gail Brenner, Ph.D. discusses transference, in which we see the world through the unresolved emotions and confused beliefs from our childhood experiences. She offers suggestions for how to respond and take care of ourselves when we are the object of others' transference.
Gail is a workshop leader, blogger, and licensed psychologist with 16 years of experience offering psychotherapy. She speaks about practical ways to free ourselves from self-defeating patterns so we can experience lasting peace and happiness. She has worked with adults, elders, couples, families, and teenagers as well as people with pain and chronic medical problems.
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Resources
Gail's Website: A Flourishing Life
Read Gail's Article on Transference
Contact Gail
Shahla Ettefagh and Patrick Riley have committed their lives to assisting underprivileged children in India. They gave up their careers in USA and permanently relocated to India in 2002 and founded the Mother Miracle School.
Located in Rishkesh, India the school provides much need services to more than 400 children. By addressing educational, nutritional and health care needs, the school is supporting some of the poorest children on the planet.
In this interview, Patrick and Shahala talk about the school's humble beginnings and how it continues to grow. They also talk about ways you can help by sponsoring a child or evening traveling to India to work with the children.
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Resources
The Mother Miracle School
Sponsor a Child
Darren’s India Retreat
Although the twelve-Steps began with Alcoholics Anonymous, today there are dozens of twelve-step programs addressing every form of addiction imaginable. One trait all of these programs share is a focus on spirituality. While no one dogma is advocated, a regular practice of prayer and meditation is encouraged.
In The Twelve Step Buddhist, Darren Littlejohn explores the relationship between each steps and modern Buddhism while providing a model for recovering addicts who want to take a Eastern approach to their twelve-step recovery.
In this interview Darren shares some insights as to how a recovering person might benefit from the teaching and practice of Buddhism in conjunction with their twelve-step work.
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Resources
Darren Littlejohn’s Website
Purchase The Twelve Step Buddhist
In SIGNS: A New Approach to Coincidence, Synchronicity, Guidance, Life Purpose, and God's Plan, well-known author Robert Perry ventures into new territory to explore what he calls a CMPE (Conjunction of Meaningfully Parallel Events). Although Perry has written and taught almost exclusively on A Course in Miracles in the past, this new book speaks to a more universal audience.
According to Perry, each of us is receiving guidance all the time, but without knowing what to look for, those signs often go unnoticed. In Signs he outlines his model for recognizing these messages and offers insight into using them to guide our lives.
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Resources
Circle of Atonement Website
Signs Website
Previous Podcasts with Robert Perry
Understanding A Course in Miracles- Part 1
Understanding A Course in Miracles- Part 2
Understanding A Course in Miracles- Part 3
Purchase SIGNS
All of us have times in our lives when things seem to be falling apart. In this podcast, yoga teacher and personal coach Peter Chandonnet explores the process by which we can take difficulties and turn them into opportunities.
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Resources
Peter’s Website
Peter on Facebook
For more than 30 years Yanni has been entertaining people around the world with his soothing instrumental music. His new CD, Voices is a departure from his past work, however. In this new CD he has gathered some of the most talented vocalists from the next generation of musicians to add lyrics to some of his greatest hits.
In this interview I join Nathan Pacheco and Chloe on their tour bus to talk about what it is like to work with a musical legend and how it feels to lend their voices to such a groundbreaking CD.
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Resources:
Yanni Voices
Nathan Pacheco on MySpace
Chloe on MySpace
Purchase the CD
Amazon • iTunes
Early in his life, Nathan Ohm was raised a fundamental Baptist and eventually graduated from Bob Jones University. As a gay man, Nathan continues to reconcile his past to his present spiritual journey of peace, love, and enlightenment. He advocates that through all of our challenges, we can ultimately experience satisfaction and wholeness.
Nathan is the founder of Lifestyle Invention, a coaching practice designed to help people improve the quality of their lives. He currently resides in New York city where he leads a multidimensional lifestyle as an actor, singer, life-coach, yogi, corporate manager, and world traveler.
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Resources
Nathan's Website
David Plotz is a journalist and writer with Slate as well as the magazine's editor. He is the co-host of the Slate Political Gabfest podcast with John Dickerson and Emily Bazelon.
Several years ago, he began blogging about the Bible, which became the foundation for his second book entitled Good Book: The Bizarre, Hilarious, Disturbing, Marvelous, and Inspiring Things I Learned When I Read Every Single Word of the Bible.
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Resources
David's Blog
Email David
The Slate Political Gabfest Podcast
David's Books
• Good Book: The Bizarre, Hilarious, Disturbing, Marvelous, and Inspiring Things I Learned When I Read Every Single Word of the Bible
• The Genius Factory: The Curious History of the Nobel Prize Sperm Bank
David's Kindle eBooks
• Good Book: The Bizarre, Hilarious, Disturbing, Marvelous, and Inspiring Things I Learned When I Read Every Single Word of the Bible
• The Genius Factory: The Curious History of the Nobel Prize Sperm Bank
Director and filmmaker Kate Churchill discusses her new documentary on yoga and the transformational effects it had on skeptic Nick Rosen. Enlighten up is a funny, charming, and informative tour of modern yoga that will take you around the world in search of the essence of yoga.
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Resources:
Enlighten Up Website
Watch the Trailer
Have you ever cried while practicing yoga? This experience is very common and yet it can take a new yogi by surprise. In this podcast, psychologist and yoga teacher Darcy Lyon explains that emotional and psychological releases during hatha yoga practice are a natural way for the body and mind to release past traumas that may be stored in the tissues of the body.
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Resources
Darcy's Website
Suggested Reading
John Friend is the founder of Anusara Yoga and a world-renown expert in both hatha yoga and yoga philosophy. In part two of this two part interview John talks about the principles of Anusara yoga and what distinguishes it from other styles.
Listen to Part 1
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Resources
Anusara Yoga Website
Find an Anusara Teacher
John Friend on YouTube
Books
Darren Main’s Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic is a completely delightful and insightful introduction to the philosophy of yoga for the modern practitioner. Darren’s personable and compassionate style makes the philosophical visions of Classical Yoga and Vedanta easily accessible and applicable for the quickly growing yoga community in the West. ~John Friend, founder of Anusara Yoga
John Friend is the founder of Anusara Yoga and a world-renown expert in both hatha yoga and yoga philosophy. In part one of this two part interview John talks about his own start on the spiritual path and what lead him to develop Anusara Yoga. He also discusses his passion for "The Wizard of Oz" as a spiritual metaphor.
Listen to Part 2
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Resources
Anusara Yoga Website
Find an Anusara Teacher
John Friend on YouTube
Books
Joshua Bell is a Grammy award-winning violinist who has performed worldwide including the prestigious Carnegie Hall. Joshua's music is featured in the motion picture Defiance and his 11th CD, Vivaldi: The Four Seasons was recently released.
In this podcast, Joshua discusses his childhood, his son and a fascinating social experiment in which he participated in a Washington, DC Subway station.
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Resources
Joshua Bell's Website
Washington Post Article
Watch Video of Joshua in the D.C. Metro
Purchase Joshua's Music
Complete Discography
Nick Margerrison, host of The Night Before on the United Kingdom's radio station Kerrang talks to Darren about homosexuality and the Bible and Darren's controversial interview with Shirley Phelps.
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Resources
Nick Margerrison's on Kerrang
Nick's Blog
Listen to the Shirley Phelps Interview
BUY: Hearts & Minds: Talking to Christians about Homosexuality
Matt Miller is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress; a contributing editor at Fortune; and the host of Left, Right & Center, public radio's popular week-in-review program Miller's first book, The Two Percent Solution: Fixing America's Problems In Ways Liberals And Conservatives Can Love, was published in 2003. Now his much anticipated book The Tyranny of Dead Ideas: Letting Go Of The Old Ways Of Thinking To Unleash A New Prosperity is available.
In this podcast Matt, talks about the future of America under President Obama’s leadership as well as how we can all change our minds and save the world.
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Resources
Matt Miller’s Website
The Center for American Progress
Left Right & Center Website
Left Right & Center Podcast
Purchase Matt Miller’s Books
Joshua Radin is a folk singer who’s music has been featured on TV shows such as Scrubs, Brothers and Sisters, Grey's Anatomy, American Idol and One Tree Hill.
His Second Album, Simple Times was recently released and in this interview, he talks about the healing power of music and all the well-deserved attention he is receiving.
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Resources
Joshua's Website
Joshua on iTunes
In this interview with "Queer Ear Radio" Darren discusses his book, Hearts and Minds: Talking to Christians about Homosexuality and the basic human need for both spirituality and sexuality.
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Queer Ear Radio
The Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas has made a name for themselves by protesting at funerals around the United States. At first they reserved their hate-filled protests for prominent members of the gay community, but in recent years have turned their attention toward the troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan as well.
In this podcast, Darren sits down to talk with Shirley Phelps, the spokeswoman for the church, about her controversial views, the hurtful slogans they use, and campaign that the church continues to wage.
WARNING: While this is a very civil discussion, listeners should be warned that some of the language may be offensive. This podcast may not be appropriate for mixed company.
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Resources
www.GodHatesFags.com
Shirly welcomes your comments.
Please be civil and respectful. (Two wrongs, don't make a right.)
Learn More about Darren's Book
Hearts & Minds: Talking to Christians about Homosexuality
Suggested Reading
Erin Lambert and Caley Joyner of hOM Yoga in San Francisco discuss the practice of yoga a means to bring the whole family closer together. Their studio is dedicated to offering yoga for every member of the family in every stage of life from pre natal to yoga for seniors.
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Resources:
hOM Yoga
Email Erin
Email Caley
Francisco LePort is a graduate student at Stanford University working toward a Ph.D in experimental particle physics. His work deals primarily with the mass of neutrinos. In his spare time, he is an avid student of philosophy, psychology, and yoga.
In this two-part podcast we discuss the relationship between modern physics and mystical traditions such as yoga.
Listen to Part 1
Return to Directory- Sync with iPod
Resources
Email Francisco LePort
Books
The Physics of Star Trek
Dancing Wu Li Masters
The Little Book of Bleeps
Movies
What the Bleep Do We Know
Francisco LePort is a graduate student at Stanford University working toward a Ph.D in experimental particle physics. His work deals primarily with the mass of neutrinos. In his spare time, he is an avid student of philosophy, psychology, and yoga.
In this two-part podcast we discuss the relationship between modern physics and mystical traditions such as yoga.
Listen to Part 2
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Resources
Email Francisco LePort
Books
The Physics of Star Trek
Dancing Wu Li Masters
The Little Book of Bleeps
Movies
What the Bleep Do We Know
Take a listen to my interview with Kimberly Wilson for her podcast The Hip Tranquil Chick. Kimberly is a well-known author, the creative director of Tranquil Space Yoga Center in Washington, DC and has designed her own line of clothes. She is also the founder of The Tranquil Space Foundation, a non profit that helps girls and women develop creativity and leadership skills through yoga.
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Resources
Kimberly's Website
Tranquil Space Yoga
TranquiliT Botique
The Tranquil Space Foundation
Listen to Kimberly's Other Podcasts
Research suggests that nearly 25% of children will be the victims of sexual abuse before they graduate from high school leaving psychological and emotional scars that can affect the rest of a persons life.
In this emotional and deeply moving interview, Stephen Bertram, a sexual abuse survivor, shares his story and talks about using yoga and massage therapy in conjunction with psychotherapy with amazing results.
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Resources
Email Stephen
Dennis Portnoy-Stephen's Therapist
Wanda Pierce- Stephen's Massage Therapist
Restorative Yoga with Darren
Darkness to Light
Male Survivor.org
To live a fully satisfying, there are certain universal spiritual principles. According to Debbie Barnett, author of The Deeper the Roots, The Jucier the Fruits: 8 Spiritual Practices for a Juicy Life, there are eight simple daily things that we can do to celebrate life to the fullest.
Her book is filled with simple, common sense wisdom and playful and fun artwork. In this interview Debbie explains these eight practices.
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Resources
Visit Debbie's Website
"We live in a culture that tends to deny death and minimize grief. Yet, in reality, transitions need not be so difficult or scary. In fact, transitions can be welcomed with joy and even celebration when we realize what's really happening: We are "graduating" from one chapter of life and moving on to the next." This according to The Rev. Maria Dancing Heart Hoaglund author of The Last Adventure of Life.
In this podcast Maria explains the process of living and dying consciously for those at the end of life as well as for the family and loved ones whom they leave behind.
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Resources
Maria's Website
The Death Row Support Project is an organization started by Bob in Rachael Gross that sets up pen pal relationships with death row inmates who need support. In this interview, Rachael talks about what life is like for inmates and how you can support prisoners for whom most of society has written off as a lost cause.
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Resources
The Death Row Support Project
Dead Man Walking (book)
Dead Man Walking (movie)
Sister Helen Prejean
To become a pen pal:
Death Row Support Project
PO Box 600
Liberty Mills, IN 46946
(260) 982-7480
Derek Hitchcock studied Ecology at UC Berkeley and has worked on environmental projects around the world. In the past few years he has returned to Northern California where he is working to restore one of the world’s most beautiful natural resources--the Yuba River.
Beyond approaching the restoration of this river in a scientific way, Derek and colleagues at the South Yuba River Citizen’s League (SYRCL, pronounced “circle”) are working with the local Native American Tribe, the Tsi-Akim Maidu, to approach the ecological crisis in a more foundational way by focusing on healing; healing the relationship between the cultures and the obviously fractured relationship between humans and the rest of the natural world.
SYRCL and the Tsi-Akim Maidu are inviting people to the Yuba River to experience its beauty and to witness the magic of one of nature’s most amazing phenomena—the life cycle of the Salmon.
By forming this unlikely relationship with the native tribes, the salmon and the river itself, Derek is a part of discovered new ways for us to heal our planet that extend far beyond the banks of the Yuba River.
Events with Derek Hitchcock in 2008:
25th Anniversary music festival and Great Yuba Cleanup Sept. 20th, 2008
Calling Back the Salmon Ceremony October 11th, 2008
*Salmon Tours on the Yuba River Oct. 19th & Nov. 1st, 8th, and 15th 2008
For more information www.yubariver.org
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Resources
South Yuba River Citizens League
Email Derek Hitchcock
Mark Hollenstein is a massage therapist and life coach. Jallen Rix is a doctor of education in sexology. Both know first hand the pain and suffering that Evangelical Christianity can cause queer people. Together they offer workshops which offer a safe space in which gay men can heal their past and embrace their sexuality as an important and spiritual part of becoming a whole person.
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Directory of Audiocasts
Learn More
Jallen's Website
Mark's Website
I hope you enjoy this reading from my book, Hearts & Minds: Talking to Christians about Homosexuality. It is available from Amazon as well as most major book sellers.
I hope you enjoy this reading from my book, The Findhorn Book of Meditation. It is available from Amazon as well as most major book sellers.
I hope you enjoy this reading from my book, Spiritual Journeys along the Yellow Brick Road. It is available from Amazon as well as most major book sellers.
Miriam Zernis is a musician, yoga teacher, reki master and healer from Connecticut. Her long awaited CD, Sita's Light was recently released. In this podcast Miriam talk about the yoga of chanting, Bhakti devotional yoga and the journey that led her to Kirtan (yogic chanting).
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Resources
Miriam's Website
Purchase Sita's Light
A book reading from my book, Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic.
Buy From Amazon
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Although yoga was developed in ancient India and has been practiced largely by Hindus and Buddhists, it is not a religion in and of itself. In fact it is a mystical path that can be practiced by people of any faith. Many westerners have noted that the principles of yoga are very similar to the teachings of Jesus, and many Christians have come to discover that rather than replace their faith, practicing yoga deeply enhances their beliefs.
In this Darren explores the similarities between the life and teachings of Jesus and yoga and examines just how complementary these two paths can be and how reading the Gospels in the light of Eastern philosophy can add new dimensions to our understanding of Jesus and his message of compassion, forgiveness and charity.
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Truth is One: I have often said that if Jesus, Krishna, Buddha, and other true emissaries of God came together, they would not quarrel, but would drink from the same one cup of God-communion.
—Paramahansa Yogananda
Although yoga was developed in ancient India and has been practiced largely by Hindus and Buddhists, it is not a religion in and of itself. In fact it is a mystical path that can be practiced by people of any faith. Many westerners have noted that the principles of yoga are very similar to the teachings of Jesus, and many Christians have come to discover that rather than replace their faith, practicing yoga deeply enhances their beliefs.
In this Darren explores the similarities between the life and teachings of Jesus and yoga and examines just how complementary these two paths can be and how reading the Gospels in the light of Eastern philosophy can add new dimensions to our understanding of Jesus and his message of compassion, forgiveness and charity.
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Truth is One: I have often said that if Jesus, Krishna, Buddha, and other true emissaries of God came together, they would not quarrel, but would drink from the same one cup of God-communion.
—Paramahansa Yogananda
Perhaps one of the most misunderstood philosophies from the East is that of Tantra. While Tantra is often equated with sex, it is much deeper and complete spiritual path.
In this Podcast, yogi and scholar Chris Tompkins explores the history and richness behind this ancient philosophy and explains why knowing more about it can greatly enhance one’s yoga practice. Chris lectures at the University of California in Berkeley and is the co-founder of The Yoga Foundation.
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Sanskrit is the ancient language of India. It is the root language of many modern languages such as Hindi and it is the language of yoga. With ancient yoga texts such as the Bhagavad-Gita and the Yoga Sutras recorded in Sanskrit and even the names of the classic yoga poses were originally in this sacred dialect.
In this Podcast, yogi and scholar Chris Tompkins explores the history and richness behind this beautiful language and explains why knowing more about it can greatly enhance one’s yoga practice. Chris lectures at the University of California in Berkeley and is the co-founder of The Yoga Foundation.
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Jane Austin is a highly regarded prenatal yoga teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has trained as a midwife and is a founding member of the Bay Area Home Birth Collective. She also offers a prenatal yoga teacher training program.
In part two of this two part interview, Jane explores the practice of yoga as it relates to the birthing process and also talks about the benefits of yoga postpartum.
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Resources
Jane’s Website
Jane’s Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training
The Bay Area Home Birth Collective
Jane Austin is a highly regarded prenatal yoga teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has trained as a midwife and is a founding member of the Bay Area Home Birth Collective. She also offers a prenatal yoga teacher training program.
In part one of this two part interview, Jane talks about the benefits of prenatal yoga for mother and child alike.
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Resources
Jane’s Website
Jane’s Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training
The Bay Area Home Birth Collective
Les Levanthal is a popular San Francisco based yoga instructor who offers workshops for people in Twelve-Step Recovery programs. In this interview Les talks about his own struggles with addiction and how his yoga practice has enhanced both his recovery and his understanding of the Twelve-Steps.
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Resources
Les’s Website
Find a Twelve-Step Group
Anodea Judith, Ph.D. is the founder and director of Sacred Centers, and a groundbreaking thinker, writer, and spiritual teacher. She holds Masters and Doctoral degrees in Psychology and Human Health, with lifelong studies of alternative medicine, yoga, mythology, history, sociology, systems theory, and mystic spirituality. She is considered the country's foremost experts on the combination of chakras and therapeutic issues and on the interpretation of the Chakra System for the Western lifestyle. She lectures extensively in the U.S., Europe and Central America. She is best known for her book, Wheels of Life: A User's Guide to the Chakra System which has become a modern classic.
Anodea Judith at Yoga Tree
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Resources
Anodea Judith's Website
Anodea on iTunes
Anodea on Amazon
Cardell and Alexander Smith are a father son team that lead retreats for gay men. Although Cardell is straight, he has worked closely with his son Alexander to develop a program called Quantum Life Changes, which used the power of the mind to help men heal physically, mentally and emotionally.
In this interview this father and son team share their story, which lead from an oppressive religious past to acceptance and ultimately to a powerful and loving partnership that is having ripple effects throughout the gay community.
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Resources
Quantum Life Changes Website
Dr. Kevin Barrows is the founding director of Mindfulness Programs at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine in San Francisco. He works to combine mindful meditation practices with conventional western therapies and is involved in an exciting study exploring meditation as a treatment for HIV.
If you or someone you know is HIV+ and would like to learn more about the study Dr. Barrows is conducting, You can call The Staying Well Project at 415-353-9744
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Resources
The Osher Center
The Staying Well Project
Anoop Kumar Bedula is a good friend of mine who lives in Rishikesh India. With his family, he has worked with some of India’s poorest children to offer them an education, basic health care and healthy meals.
Recently my students at Yoga Tree in San Francisco helped me to raise over $2500 in a effort to support his efforts. In this interview Anoop talks about how the school has grown from five students to over eighty and what is needed to continue to this important work. The interview was recorded on my recent trip to India.
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Contact Anoop
Watch a Video of the Children
Robert Perry is the founder of The Circle of Atonement and a well-known teacher of A Course in Miracles. He is also the author of countless books on The Course.
In part three of this three-part interview, Robert explores the history of A Course in Miracles and some of the legal issues surrounding it.
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Resources
Circle of Atonement Website
Articles
The Earlier Versions and the Editing of A Course in Miracles by Robert Perry
And Now It Belongs to the World by Robert Perry
Suggested Reading
Path of Light by Robert Perry
Other Course Related Books
Robert Perry is the founder of The Circle of Atonement and a well-known teacher of A Course in Miracles. He is also the author of countless books on The Course.
In part two of this three-part interview, Robert explores differences and similarities between traditional Christianity and A Course in Miracles.
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Resources
Circle of Atonement Website
Articles
What if Jesus Really Did Write This? by Robert Perry
What Was the Meaning of the Empty Tomb? by Robert Perry
A Joint Portrait of Jesus by Robert Perry
Who Was the Jesus of History and Did He Write A Course in Miracles? by Robert Perry
How the Course Views the Bible by Allen Watson
Suggested Reading
Seeing the Bible Differently by Allen Watson
Path of Light by Robert Perry
Other Course Related Books
Robert Perry is the founder of The Circle of Atonement and a well-known teacher of A Course in Miracles. He is also the author of countless books on The Course.
In part one of this three-part interview, Robert explains what A Course in Miracles is and some of its basic tenets.
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Resources
Circle of Atonement Website
What is A Course in Miracles (excerpt from Path of Light.)
Suggested Reading
Path of Light by Robert Perry
Other Course Related Books
Donald Abrams, MD, is Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California San Francisco, Chief of Hematology/Oncology at San Francisco General Hospital and Director of Clinical Programs at the Osher Center.
Dr. Abrams completed an associate fellowship in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona and has a long history evaluating complementary and alternative therapies. These investigations have included mind-body treatments, botanical therapies, medical use of marijuana, and Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal therapies.
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Resources
The Osher Center
My Interview with Jerry Lynn
Lance Centanni-Sachs an twenty-four year old American who spent several years in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Like may westerners who are involved in Buddhist meditation and yoga, he felt drawn to travel to India. What sets him apart is that he took vows and lived as a monk. Now he is back in San Francisco. In this podcast he shares his fascinating story about self-discovery and spiritual grow in the mountains of northern India and Nepal.
Contact Lance
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Resources
Kopan Monastery
Tushita Monastery
Books
How to Meditate by Kathleen McDonald
The Essential Nectar by Geshe Rabten
The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path of Enlightenment by Tsong-Kha-Pa
Wade Imre Morissette is a well known yoga teacher and musician from Canada and the twin brother of Alanis Morissette. He has studied both yoga and chanting in India and North America and he has several yoga DVDs available.
His first chanting CD, 'Sargam: Scales of Music', has become a cult classic among Kirtan fans. Now, his second CD has been released entitled 'Strong as Diamonds'.
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Visit Wades Website
Wade's Music
Strong as Diamonds
Sargam: Scales of Music
Wade on iTunes
The practice of yoga has many benefits; physical, mental and emotional. All of these benefits are the result of a purification on the energetic level. In PART TWO of this two part talk, Darren explores the seven major energy centers know as chakras, the unique qualities of each one and various yoga poses that can be used to stimulate and balance each chakra.
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Recommended Reading
Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith
Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith
Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss
Hands of Light by Barbara Ann Brennen
Michael Franti is the front many for the band Spearhead and is a world famous musician and peace activist. His music blends funk, rock, reggae, jazz and folk and his lyrics are both political and deeply spiritual.
In addition to his work with Spearhead, he is also the driving force behind, Power to the Peaceful, which supports world peace efforts. Recently he traveled to the war-torn Middle East to make the documentary, I Know I'm Not Alone.
Power to the Peaceful Benefit at Yoga Tree
Michael�s Websites
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Power to The Peaceful
I Know I'm Not Alone Documentary
Sync with iPod
Michael's Music
On iTunes
On Amazon
Matt is a transgender man who is a third year law student. After graduating he plans to work for a public interest law firm serving the LGBT community. He has worked for a variety of social justice organizations and is a former member of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission's LGBT Advisory Committee, and was formerly on the Board of the Gay and Lesbian Historical Society of Northern California.
He is a current member of the California State Bar's Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination.
Matt has dedicated his life to securing the human rights of sexual and gender minorities, to his yoga practice, and (perhaps most importantly) to the New York Yankees.
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Resources
Civil Rights Groups:
Transgender Law Center
The National Center for Transgender Equality
The Transgender Law and Policy Institute
Social and Support Groups:
FTM San Francisco
Female to Male International
Transgender San Francisco
General Information Groups:
The Center for Gender Sanity
The World Professional Institute for Transgender Health
Gender Public Advocacy Group (GenderPac)
In 2002, Justin Cannon began his own personal quest for knowledge in what is representative of a growing number of gay Christians seeking to know what the Bible says about homosexuality. What he discovered through in-depth Bible study began his personal journey out of the shadows of self-hate and lies, and resulted in the publication of his book �The Bible, Christianity, & Homosexuality". He has also founded TruthSetsFree.net and a dating site for gay and lesbian Christians.
Resources
Contact Justin
TruthSetsFree.net
Rainbow Christians
The practice of yoga has many benefits; physical, mental and emotional. All of these benefits are the result of a purification on the energetic level. In part one of this two part talk, Darren explores the basic tenets of this 'energy anatomy' covering topics such as prana, the energy pathways, kundalini and shakitipat.
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Recommended Reading
Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith
Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith
Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss
Hands of Light by Barbara Ann Brennen
Brett Dennen is one of the most talented singers to come along in a while. His music has been compared to Rufus Wainwright, Joni Mitchell and Tracy Chapman. The lyrics to his songs are full of emotional honesty and spiritual depth. His music has been featured on the hit TV show Grey’s Anatomy. His third CD, So Much More was recently released.
Resources
Brett’s Website
Brett’s MySpace Page
Brett on YouTube
The Mosaic Project
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Purchase Brett’s Music
Brett on iTunes
Brett on Amazon
Marcell Shriver, a New Jersey resident, is your average woman. She goes to church, is a mother and has lived a fairly quiet life. Her story is very inspiring, however. Her son, Todd, is a soldier in Iraq and to help keep him and others in the "hot zone" safe, she has come up with a unique idea--Silly String.
Silly String, those cans of spray string that you may remember from childhood, can be used by soldiers in the field to detect trip wire bombs. She has started a drive with the help of her husband, her church and thousands of people all around the United States to send as much of Silly String as she can to Iraq.
Her story is touching and beautiful, and it reminds us all that the smallest gift can make the biggest difference.
Resources
Marcell is looking for the names of soldiers in Iraq to whom she can send care packages of Silly String. Please email her if you know someone.
Please send donations of money or Silly String to:
Marcell Shriver
c/o Saint Luke�s Church
55 Warwick Road
Stratford, NJ 08084
You can order Silly String through Amazon and have them ship it directly to Marcell at the above address.
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Joel Kramer is one of the most well-known yoga teachers in the United States. He has been teaching yoga since the �60s and has greatly influenced the work of many of the big-name yoga teachers of this generation. After contributing major articles to Yoga Journal and traveling the world teaching, he stopped in 1982 to pursue his writing and other work and interests. Now this revolutionary teacher is back teaching, giving talks and workshops on spirituality, the yoga of mind, physical yoga, and with his partner Diana Alstad on the yoga of relationship.
In this podcast interview Joel talks about his evolutionary vision of yoga and the evolution of yoga in the West, as well as its importance in helping to transform individuals and our world in this time of great challenges and change.
Resources
Joel Kramer's Website
Email Joel
Purchase Joel's Books
The Guru Papers
The Passionate Mind
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Luane Beck
Luane Beck is an actress, screenwriter and director. She directed the 2003 critically acclaimed film Intentions along with the documentary River Team which looks at environmental issues.
Luane’s latest documentary, God and Gays: Bridging the Gap offers a look at the movement of queer people who are both open about their sexuality and practicing Christians.
Visit the God and Gays website where you can view the trailer for the film, purchace the DVD, Contact Luane and find many useful resouces for queer and queer-friendly Christians.
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Mark Coleman
Contact Mark Coleman Visit Mark's Website
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Mark Coleman is the author of the new book, Awake in the Wild: Mindfulness in Nature as a Path of Self-Discovery. He has worked alongside Jack Kornfield, Sylvia Boorstein, and Sharon Salzberg. He has had a meditation practice for 25 years, primarily within the Insight Meditation tradition but also influenced by Advantage and Dzogchen teachings. For the past eight years, he has conducted meditation retreats in the wilderness (in the UK, India and the USA), combining his Buddhist practice with nature and environmental activism. Mark is a workshop leader and Staff Dharma Teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Northern California, and he is a regular guest teacher at retreat centers around the U.S.
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Jason Bermas
Loose Change, a documentary about 9/11 is one of the most downloaded video on the Internet. This highly controversial film makes some wild assertions that fly in the face of common beliefs about that tragic day. The filmmakers use live news footage, reports from mainstream news sources, and interviews with so-called experts to suggest that:
•A missile, not a commercial jet, hit the Pentagon.
•Non-commercial planes hit the World Trade Center towers.
•Explosives planted inside the trade center were what brought down the towers rather than burning jet fuel.
•The plane that crashed in Pennsylvania did not really crash, but rather landed in Ohio.
•Many of the 19 hijackers are still alive.
•Members of the Bush Administration, not Al Qaida and Osama bin Laden were behind the attacks.
Of course this is in stark contrast to the findings of the 9/11 commission report and, according to mainstream media reporting, is completely false. That said, I love a good conspiracy theory as much as Oliver Stone, so with me in this podcast is Jason Bermas, one of the producers of Loose Change, to discuss some of the controversial claims in the film.
Resources
Download Loose Change
Google Video
Rebuttal To Loose Change
Screw Loose Change (video)
Debunking 9/11 Myths by Popular Mechanics
Contact Jason Bermas
Loose Change Website
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In this talk Darren explores the relationship between seated meditation and hatha yoga.
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Stephen Davis
Wrongful Death: The AIDS Trial is a controversial new book about HIV/AIDS and the use of high doses of the drug AZT during the eights and nineties. Stephen Davis, the author of this controversial book, uses a riveting and page turning fictional court trial to present facts and alternative views of HIV, AIDS and AZT that is akin to the Da Vinci Code.
Stephen Davis is a former Arizona State Senator and a Physician’s Assistant who has devoted much of his work to opening up the dialog about HIV to include alternative and dissident views on the subject.
Resources
Dissident Sites
HelpForHIV.com
AliveAndWell.org
VirusMyth.net
Rebuttal To Dissident Views
The NIH Rebuttle
Related Podcasts
The Life and Death of Eliza Jane
Questioning AIDS
Be sure to visit the HIV Health section of DarrenMain.com
Contact Stephen Davis
Stephen's Website
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Save $3
Order Wrongful Death through Stephen's website and use promotional code: darren.main
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Lance King
Jesus Camp, the hit documentary in theaters across the United States right now is raising many eyebrows. The film takes a look at the Evangelical Christian movement in general and the work of the Reverend Becky Fischer specifically. Becky, who runs a summer camp for children, which states its goal: to teach, train, and equip children to do the work of ministry and release them in their giftings and callings.
While many see this film as controversial, Becky Fischer apparently likes the film and promotes it from her website. Ted Haggard, a prominent Christian leader, who is also featured in the film, has a less than flattering opinion about it and has criticized it on his website.
Lance King is a long-standing friend of mine and a Christian. He loosely defines himself as an evangelical but has many concerns about the direction in which many conservative Christians are moving politically, socially and even spiritually. I asked him if he would go see the documentary Jesus Camp, and share with us his feedback and perceptions on the film.
Resources Jesus Camp Website Ted Haggard's Website Becky Fischer's Website Adherents Religious Statistics
Evangelical Websites Reformed Theology Christian Critiques of Evangelicasism
On Evolution Christian Critiques on Evolution (young earth) Christian Critiques on Evolution (old earth) Scientific Critiques of Creationism
Contact Lance Lance's Blog
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Untitled Document
Lance King
Jesus Camp, the hit documentary in theaters across the United States right now is raising many eyebrows. The film takes a look at the Evangelical Christian movement in general and the work of the Reverend Becky Fischer specifically. Becky, who runs a summer camp for children, which states its goal: to teach, train, and equip children to do the work of ministry and release them in their giftings and callings.
While many see this film as controversial, Becky Fischer apparently likes the film and promotes it from her website. Ted Haggard, a prominent Christian leader, who is also featured in the film, has a less than flattering opinion about it and has criticized it on his website.
Lance King is a long-standing friend of mine and a Christian. He loosely defines himself as an evangelical but has many concerns about the direction in which many conservative Christians are moving politically, socially and even spiritually. I asked him if he would go see the documentary Jesus Camp, and share with us his feedback and perceptions on the film
Jesus Camp, the hit documentary in theatres across the United States right now is raising many eyebrows. The film takes a look at the Evangelical Christian movement in general and the work of the Reverend Becky Fischer specifically. Becky, who runs a summer camp for children, which has the stated goal: to teach, train, and equip children to do the work of ministry and release them in their giftings and callings.
While many see this film as controversial, Becky Fischer, apparently likes the film and promotes it from her website. Other prominent Christian leaders such as Ted Haggard, who is also featured in the film, have a less than flattering opinion about it and has criticized it on his website.
Lance King is a long-standing friend of mine and a Christian. He loosely defines himself as an evangelical but has many concerns about the direction in which many conservative Christians are moving politically, socially and even spiritually. I asked him if he would go see the documentary, Jesus Camp, and share with us his feedback and perceptions on the film.
Resources Jesus Camp Website Ted Haggard's Website Becky Fischer's Website Adherents Religious Statistics
Evangelical Websites Reformed Theology Christian Critiques of Evangelicasism
On Evolution Christian Critiques on Evolution (young earth) Christian Critiques on Evolution (old earth) Scientific Critiques of Creationism
Contact Lance Lance's Blog
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Listen to Part One of Darren's interview on Queer Channel Radio, 960 The Quake in San Francisco. The subject of this interview is Darren's forthcoming book, Hearts & Minds: Talking to Christians about Homosexuality.
Listen to Part One of Darren's interview on Queer Channel Radio, 960 The Quake in San Francisco. The subject of this interview is Darren's forthcoming book, Hearts & Minds: Talking to Christians about Homosexuality.
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Kimberly Wilson is the creative director of Tranquil Space Yoga in Washington, DC, the designer of TranquilliT Clothing, and the author of a new book for women (and some guys too), The Hip Tranquil Chick. Her playful style, wild creativity and contagious enthusiasm for yoga and mindful living have inspired people all over the world! In this podcast she tells us all about her new book.
Buy Kimberly's Yoga CDs
Resources
Kimberly's Blog & Podcast
TranquilliT Clothing
Tranquil Space Yoga
Tranquil Space Foundation
Contact Kimberly
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In this talk Darren explains the advanced yogic breathing technique known as Pranic Breathing. This is a great intoduction to this advanced pranayama practice. This talk is a complement to Darren's article on Pranic Breathing.
Schedule of Upcoming Pranic Breathing Workshops
Learn more about Darren's Assistant, Ryan Brewer.
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GuruGanesha was raised in a show business family and went on to become a rock musician playing in the band Cat's Cradle which opened for such superstars as the Allman Brothers and Sha Na Na.
At the age of 22 he began his spiritual path in the Sikh religion and found his spiritual guide Yogi Bhajan of the Kundalini yoga tradition.
Since then his music has taken a much more devotional direction, offering his own unique musical style to traditional Indian chants. In many ways his soothing voice and acoustic guitar are reminiscent of James Taylor.
In addition to his own music, he has founded the Spirit Voyage Label, which produces devotional music from a number of popular artists in the yoga community.
Buy GuruGanesh's CDs
Grateful Ganesh
Pure Ganesh
During this podcast the following resources were discussed.
Yogi Teas
Peace Cereal
Contact GuruGanesha
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Aaron Star is like many other yoga teachers around the world with one big exception. His yoga classes are taught in the nude. His teaching began in New York, but his unique and controversial approach to yoga had landed him international recognition. He travels extensively to major cities around the world and has a whole line of DVDs for men.
Download a flyer for Aaron's San Francisco Workshop
Resources on the Web
Hot Nude Yoga
Chelsea Yoga
Purchase Aaron's DVDs
Darren's Naked Yoga for Men Classes
Contact Aaron
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Darren's interview on Queer Channel Radio, 960 The Quake in San Francisco. You can listen to Darren's segment only here, or download the entire show which includes Carol Queen and David Ortman as well as several HIV activists.
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This talk is based on Darren's first book, Spiritual Journeys along the Yellow Brick Road. In this discussion, the idea that we can choose our adult tribe or emerald city is explored, and the tool for doing this is forgiveness of our childhood tribe which is symbolized in the munchkin village.
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Jason and deMarco's music, a rich blend of two beautiful voices, has been compared to NSYNC and Savage Garden, and the deeply spiritual lyrics to their music have touched people all over the world.
What is interesting about these uniquely talented young men is both are very spiritual, and both are openly gay. Through their music, they have been able to heal the rift between their spirituality and their sexuality and in doing so have helped many others to do the same.
They have worked with such superstars as Dolly Parton, The Dixie Chicks, Melissa Etheridge and Cindy Lauper to contribute music to the Human Rights Campaign's benefit album, Love Rocks which celebrates marriage equality. Their growing popularity and their work in the GLBT civil rights movement has landed them on the cover of the Advocate, one of the premiere magazines covering gay, lesbian and transgender issue in the United States. Currently they are on tour promoting their new CD, Till the End of Time.
Show Notes:
Take Action!
Check out their video and VOTE for them to keep them in the top ten!
See Them Live
Jason and deMarco LIVE!
August 13, 2006 at 7:00 PM, St. Aidan's Church in San Francisco.
Find other concerts in your area HERE.
Links
J&D Website
J&D on MySpace
J&D's Spirit Pop Site
Purchase Their Music
Jason and Demarco at the iTunes Store
Till the End of Time
Spirit Pop
Songs of the Spirit
Contact Jason and deMarco
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In this talk, Darren explores the rich spirituality given to the world by India and discusses how these various traditions are related to yoga and how they differ from the practice. In addition, Darren looks at the guru-disciple relationship that is very common in India and how that relationship, when entered into responsibly, can be a useful tool for many who call yoga their spiritual path.
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Ian Rhett is a musician whose music has inspired thousands around the world. The lyrics to his songs are deeply emotional, very political and profoundly spiritual. Inspired by the events of September 11 and the wars that have followed, his song 'Un-American' landed him national recognition. He has performed at the Democratic National Convention and at events for John Kerry's presidential campaign.
The video for his single, 'Un-American' has circulated around the Internet widely and has touched many with its very moving and sometimes-shocking images.
Download Ian's music here.
Download Ian's videos here.
Visit Ian's Generate Kindness Site for a free bumper sticker.
Dontate to the Children's Shelters that Ian mentioned.
Email Ian
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Sean Johnson is the founder and director of Wild Lotus Yoga Center in New Orleans where, according to the New Orleans Gambit Weekly, you can take the best yoga classes in the city. In addition to teaching yoga, he also leads Kirtan (devotional Indian chanting) and has three CDs available. He travels extensively with his music and yoga.
Living in New Orleans through Katrina and seeing his childhood home destroyed by the storm has fueled his passion for rebuilding his city. Much of the work he does now is dedicated to raising both awareness and money for a city that is still very much broken.
Sean's Music
World Peace Chants
Live at Laughing Lotus
Download live recordings of Sean's yoga classes
Karma Yoga
During the interview, Sean suggested offering donations to Habitat for Humanity. He also asked us all to contact our congress people in Washington, DC and remind them about the need to rebuild the Gulf Coast. He also mentioned a great yoga studio in New York called Laughing Lotus, if you are in NY, be sure to check them out.
Email Sean
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I recently did an interview with Laura Cestone, the host of the talk show and podcast Yoga Peeps. You can download the interview or sync it directly with your iPod.
If you turn on the evening news or think back to the attacks of 9/11, your impressions of Islam and the Muslims who practice it are probably a bit slanted. It is often-times difficult for us to understand the true nature of Islam when our only exposure to it is the radical Islamic fundamentalism espoused by Osama bin Laden.
In this podcast, I am speaking with Sameena Usman about Islam in an effort to better understand the fastest growing religion in the world today.
Sameena was born and raised in San Diego, CA, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Political Science, minors in Middle Eastern Studies and Communication from San Jose State University. She is currently the Public Relations Coordinator for the Northern California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
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Show Notes
Understanding Islam by Thomas W. Lippman
American Public Opinion Poll (PDF)
Hate Crime Stats
Fatwa Against Terrorism (PDF)
Condemnation Against Terror
Explore the Life of the Prophet (Free DVD or book)
Explore the Quran (Free copy)
Jen Zias had struggled with her weight since she was a child. After trying just about every diet she could find without lasting success, she found yoga and through this practice has been able to manage her weight in a safe and effective way. Now a yoga teacher herself, she has developed a class for larger folks called, Yoga At Large. In this podcast, Jen and I discuss the benefits of yoga for people who are overweight.
Be sure to visit Jen's Website and email her with your questions and comments. Also check out Jen's amazing new CD, Take Me With You
Show Notes
A Gentle Way Yoga
Big Yoga
Yoga At Large (Seattle)
Big Ass Yoga
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In this talk Darren explains the Bhagavad Gita, a book at the very heart of yoga philosophy to
students in training to become yoga teachers. The talk is then
followed with a lively discussion based on questions asked by the
students.
Read The Message of the Gita by Mohandas K. Gandhi
Translations of the Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita translated by Stephen Mitchell
The Bhagavad Gita translated by Eknath Easwaran
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In this talk Darren explains the basic tenets of yoga philosophy to students in training to become yoga teachers. Topics such as Atman, Maya, The Yoga Sutras and much more are covered. The talk is then followed with a lively discussion based on questions asked by the students.
Christine Maggorie is a very controversial AIDS activist and author who believes that much of what we are told about HIV and AIDS is wrong- That even the notion that HIV is the cause of AIDS is flawed. Her controversial beliefs go way beyond activism, however. Since testing HIV+ she has become pregnant twice and refused standard medical treatment for HIV+ mothers. She has also chosen to breast feed both of her children. Last year, her youngest daughter died very suddenly after developing an ear infection. In a heartbreaking and emotional podcast Maggorie speaks about the loss of her daughter and the deep emotion and controversy surrounding her death.
Show Notes:
Alive and Well AIDS Alternatives
EJ Love Tour
Justice for EJ
LA Times Article
I first met controversial AIDS activist Christine Maggorie several years ago when she was pregnant with her second child Eliza Jane. At the time I was writing an article about her controversial book, What if Everything You Thought You Knew About AIDS Was Wrong? Eliza Jane's tragic death is the subject of my more recent interview with Maggorie, but I wanted to post this interview from four years ago at the same time so listeners can better understand her work and the reasoning behind her decision not to follow doctors orders.
Show Notes:
Alive and Well AIDS Alternatives
EJ Love Tour
Justice for EJ
LA Times Article
What if Everything You Thought You Knew about Aids Was Wrong?: The Book That Will Change Your View of HIV and Aids... and Possibly Change Your Life
In early 1990, I stumbled into my first yoga class with a woman named Ellie Brown. That fateful day changed the course of my life. In this podcast I sit down with my first yoga teacher and talk with her about the early days of yoga in the United States as well as her own journey of healing and self discovery which led from yoga to various forms of bodywork.
Ellie is one of several people in my life to whom I owe so much of what I have today. In this podcast, I'm sure you will see why!
SHOW NOTES:
If you would like to contact Ellie Brown, you can email her or call her office at 860-599-3373. Her yoga studio and healing center is located in South Eastern Connecticut.
During the interview, the following teachers and healers were discussed:
Patricia Walden (yoga teacher)
Judith Hanson Lasater (yoga teacher)
Bonnie Pruden and her book on Myotherapy
John Upledger and CranioSacral Therapy
Barbara Brennan and her book, Hands of Light.
Meditation has been promoted by every spiritual tradition throughout history, and now modern science is talking it up as an important and effective tool for mental and physical health. In this interview, I ask Jonathan Reynolds, author of the just published book, Learning to Listen, about the practice of meditation and how it can be used as a powerful tool for transformation and healing.
SHOW NOTES During the interview, the following people and books were mentioned.
Charles Timm-Ballard
The Path of Least Resistance by Robert Fritz
The Bhagavad-Gita
Mahabharata
Jen Burk
Einstein
Kashmir Shaivism
Spirit Rock
Green Gulch
Esalen
Yoga and Pilates are two forms of movement therapy that are taking western culture by storm. In this interview, I ask well-known yoga and Pilates teacher Michael Watson about the ways in which these two disciplines differ as well as how they can complement each other for greater overall health.
To learn more about Michael�s work you can visit his website. Michael and I are also part of The Yoga Intensive where you can learn to deepen your yoga and work toward teacher certification.
In this interview with actress Jeri Lynn Cohen, we explore her use of yoga to complement conventional cancer treatments with great success. Jerri Lynn welcomes your emails. You can also visit her website.
In life it is easy to lose faith when things get dark, but all the great spiritual stories from East to West remind us that the dark times are necessary for us to be reborn in a new and more evolved way. By looking at three great stories from the Yogic, Jewish and Christian traditions, Darren explores the concept of spiritual rebirth in a new way that is applicable for our modern times.
Understanding one's purpose in life is the key to finding health and happiness. It is also how a spiritual seeker can fulfill his or her role in the healing of the world. In this talk, Darren explores the process of listening to that inner voice in order to find one's own personal path.
Spiritual practice is difficult even on a yoga mat or a meditation cushion; keeping the mind quiet and the heart open within the context of human relationships can seem impossible. There is no area of life where our spiritual practice is more important than in that of our interactions with each other. In this talk, Darren explores human relationships from a yogic point of view and looks at ways that we can make them a spiritual practice in and of themselves.
God is a very touchy subject for many in the yoga world. Many of us have found our way to the yoga mat because the religion of our childhood left a bad aftertaste. Although yoga is not a religion, it does encourage a relationship with a higher power. In this talk, Darren explores the nature of God through the lens of Hindu mythology. By looking at the concept of God in a new way, old patterns and beliefs can be replaced by healthy and well-adjusted ones.
In this talk Darren explores the idea that everyday people living in the modern world can live a mystical and deeply spiritual life by using ancient techniques such as yoga in a more modern way. The talk is based loosely on his second book, Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic.