Inside the minds of great yogi's with Swathi Sathyaseelan: Recent Episodes
A Yogi's Perspective
Yoga is oftentimes misunderstood as a religion or a myth. Through the help of this podcast, you get to hear different perspectives of yoga with the help of our amazing yogi's. The word "yogi's" is often seen as someone who practices yoga, but it is much beyond that! These yogi's who will be joining us talk about what it takes to start practicing yoga to eventually becoming certified yoga teachers! You can listen to our podcast which features yoga teachers from all over the world who help bust myths within the yoga community, hear their perspectives of yoga!
Our Instagram: @perspective_of_yoga
Vanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. In this episode, We spoke with Apsara Vydyula on the 56th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga! About Apsara: Born in India, Apsara Vydyula experienced early exposure to practices and principles of yoga in everyday life. But it wasn’t until age 22 that she embarked on a holistic yoga practice, and it became evident that this was her true calling. With a decade of experience, she teaches Hatha yoga, philosophy, and meditation to diverse students, tailoring her sessions to individual needs. Her dynamic approach is featured on wellness networks, and she presented "Yoga as a Modern Day Practice" at Saveetha Institute of Medical Sciences with Harvard Medical School. Apsara's teaching evolved into a refined practice that fosters profound and therapeutic change, making her a sought-after teacher for workshops and online intensives. Her clear articulation of form and technique resonates with her students.A big thank you to Apsara for joining us in our 56th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again! Hear Apsara's perspective of yoga & how she shares the practices of yoga!
Inside the minds of great yogi's Episode 55 - ft. Xochilt HooverVanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. In this episode, We spoke with Xochilt Hoover on the 55th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga! About Xochilt : Intro : Xochilt has been practicing for 16 years and teaching for the last 9 years. She has been a Nike Global yoga instructor for the last 3 years and has a handful of classes on the Nike Training Club app as well as on Netflix. Xochilt's teaching approach is heart-centered, as she strives to connect with her students on a deep level. Inspired by nature, astrology, yet grounded in real-life experiences & science backed mindfulness techniques, she weaves these influences into her class themes, creating a unique and meaningful yoga practice. Xochilt prioritizes accessibility, simplicity, and mindfulness in every style of class offered, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive experience for all.A big thank you to Xochilt for joining us in our 55th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again! Hear Xochilt's perspective of yoga & how she became her nike yoga teacher!
Inside the minds of great yogi's Episode 54 - ft. Lenise JayVanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. In this episode, We spoke with Lenise Jay on the 54th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga! About Lenise : Originally from Dallas Texas, Lenise is a certified Yoga 200hr, Pilates instructor 500hrs, and aerial yoga 250hr. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in business, health, and communications. She is a professional aerialist and has performed at numerous functions and events. A big thank you to Lenise for joining us in our 54th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again! Hear Lenise's perspective of yoga & her passion for aerial yoga!
Inside the minds of great yogi's Episode 53 - ft. Ingy AbdelkhalekVanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. In this episode, We spoke with Ingy Abdelkhalek on the 53rd episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga! About Ingy : Ingy Abdelkhalek is a Yoga Therapist who began this transformative journey as a certified yoga teacher in 2020. Originally a Vinyasa instructor, now she specializes in crafting personalized yoga therapy sessions to address individual health challenges and objectives. Whether dealing with physical injuries, psychological stress, physiological issues, or prenatal needs, she tailors each session to meet clients right where they are. With a focus on therapeutic benefits, she is dedicated to guiding everyone towards a balanced and healthier life.A big thank you to Ingy for joining us in our 53rd episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again! Hear Ingy's perspective of yoga & the importance of yoga therapy!
Inside the minds of great yogi's Episode 52 - ft. Mariam AzmiVanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. In this episode, We spoke with Mariam Azmi on the 52nd episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga! About Mariam : Mariam Azmi is an International Yoga Teacher, founder of The Soulful Movement Yoga School. Mariam believes that yoga is a life-long personal journey of self-inquiry where integrity and faith are the roots to a rewarding practice. Do the work and all is coming. Based in Egypt, Mariam leads teacher trainings, workshops, and Masterclasses continuously around the world, leaving her with more than 10,000 hours of teaching experience.A big thank you to Mariam for joining us in our 52nd episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again! Hear Mariam's perspective of yoga & how she finds yoga as a movement of dance!
Inside the minds of great yogi's Episode 51 - ft. Joan HymanVanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. In this episode, We spoke with Joan Hyman on the 51st episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga! About Joan : Joan Hyman’s grounded teaching style seamlessly supports her students as they emerge from their practice with the rich and bright energy that yoga has to offer. Joan’s teachings come from an organic and intuitive place, as she draws upon the combined studies of the Ashtanga and Iyengar methods, as well as Ayurveda and meditation. An authentic modern-day yogi, Joan’s love and devotion show up in her practice and throughout her teaching. You will leave her class feeling transformed and deeply aligned.A big thank you to Joan for joining us in our 51st episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again! Hear Joan's perspective of yoga & how she founded the School of Yoga!
Vanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. In this episode, We spoke with Dr. Jeyarajeen Sivalingam on the 50th episode and loved hearing his perspective on yoga! About Dr. Jey : Dr. Jeyarajeen Sivalingam (MSC & Ph.D. IN YOGA, Registered Massage Therapist, Diploma in Manual Osteopath, C-IYT) began his yogic journey at the young age of 18. What simply began as a curious call to follow his elder brother to his mysterious yoga class on an early morning in Sri Lanka turned into a lifelong passion and practice of healing, teaching, and serving globally. As a teenager, Dr. Jey harnessed the power of yoga to conquer the severe physical ailment of asthma that was impairing his life. Then, through practicing with his beloved Guru Arumugam Aiya.Dr. Jey’s newfound purpose began integrating with his lifelong drive to become a medical healer, Dr. Jey pursued his passion by educating himself in acupuncture, osteopathy, ayurveda, marma yoga, with a recent culmination in a PhD in Yoga from the world-renowned Annamalai University.Dr. Jey’s passion for teaching yoga and for training yoga instructors stems from his own hunger and humility in constantly educating himself in its glorious practice. Dr. Jey leaves a mark on his students because he teaches more than the ‘asanas’ (poses) of yoga. In addition to his extensive education of the body and the impact of each asana on the physical health of a human being, Dr. Jey brings a holistic approach to yoga to the Western world by effortlessly explaining its relation to the Self, to humanity, and the Divine. He accomplishes this by explaining the mantras, Sanskrit, yogic communication, and empathetic teaching methods– all the while making his classes light-hearted and easy to understand, leaving his students recharged and peaceful.A big thank you to Dr. Jey for joining us in our 50th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us his valuable time. We hope we can do this again! Hear Dr.Jey’s perspective of yoga & he pursued a PHD in yoga!
Vanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. In this episode, We spoke with Komal Dadlani on our 49th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga! About Komal : Komal is a healer and a guide at heart. Yoga has played a very important role in helping her manage multiple auto-immune issues. She has studied with several teachers from a traditional lineage, and has participated in many teacher-training courses as both student and teacher. Her āsana practice evolved into a keen interest for yoga philosophy and its power to shift mind-sets and guide her through big life-transitions. Today, she remains a diligent student and has the privilege of sharing her practice with yoga centers across the world.A big thank you to Komal for joining us in our 49th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again! Hear Komal's perspective of yoga & how she was able to heal through yoga!
Vanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. In this episode, We spoke with Shahad Nazer on our 48th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!About Shahad : “Movement is freedom” Shahad is a yoga teacher, a movement advocate with 5 years of experience in teaching & total of 400 hours YTT. Her teaching style combines creativity, strength, flexibility & release which will create freedom in our bodies.A big thank you to Shahad for joining us in our 48th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again!Hear Shahad's perspective of yoga & the impact she is making!
Vanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. In this episode, We spoke with Khushi on our 47th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga! About Khushi : Khushi is a certified Yoga and Flexibility Teacher, by YCB & a renowned yoga institute Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga with six years of experience. Additionally, she is a Basic Reiki Healer &. Has successfully cured her chronic constipation just through yoga!A big thank you to Khushi for joining us in our 47th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again! Hear Khushi’s perspective of yoga & how yoga helped her heal!
Vanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. In this episode, We spoke with Shari on our 46th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga! About Shari : Shari Vilchez-Blatt created Karma Kids Yoga in 2002, encouraging playful and imaginative movement through yoga as the core philosophy. She has developed yoga programs for many schools and consults on various family wellness initiatives. She has trained over three thousand people around the world to teach yoga to children through the renowned Karma Kids Yoga Teacher Training Program. She also acts as a mentor to teachers around the world. Shari has been featured on Sesame Street sharing yoga practices at "yoga school"!. A big thank you to Shari for joining us in our 46th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again! Hear Shari’s perspective of yoga & how she founded Karma Kids Yoga!
Vanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!
We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. In this episode, We spoke with April on our 45th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!
About April: As a child, April has always loved movement and dance but discovering yoga 7 years ago has changed her life completely. Her daily practice has helped her cope with different stresses in life as well. For her, yoga is moving meditation. It is a balance between releasing, strength, flexibility, and breath. April's goal as a teacher is for students to leave class feeling more relaxed, at peace, and at home with themselves. Outside yoga, she works full-time in the corpo world and is taking her Masteral Studies in Health Policy - Health Social Sciences at the University of the Philippines Manila
A big thank you to April for joining us in our 45th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again!
Hear April’s perspective of yoga & her love for movement!
Vanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!
We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. In this episode, We spoke with Juhi on our 44th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!
About Juhi : Juhi is a healthcare professional, nutrition expert and corporate yoga trainer, aiming to touch lives through yoga, food and lifestyle guidance. She is a practitioner of Yoga for over 5 years, immersed in various styles of yoga training. A holistic approach, mindful practice of yoga, and lifestyle allowed her to connect with self at all levels, and restore health. She aims to empower people of all age groups, across the globe with the experiential science of yoga.
A big thank you to Juhi for joining us in our 44th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again!
Hear Juhi’s perspective of yoga & the way she shares yoga across the globe!
Vanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. In this episode, We spoke with Yordanka on our 43rd episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga! About Yordanka : Yordanka wants to deliver the best of the eastern yoga knowledge, implemented with the most important from Western sports science, a balance between ancient wisdom and contemporary experience. Her sequences include traditional Hatha yoga asanas, elements from classical Ashtanga Yoga, contemporary Vinyasa flow sequences, and Pranayama techniques. She has been giving weekly company classes since 2021 and sees their positive impact on the participants. She wants to offer diversity, which is very important for the contemporary urban mind.A big thank you to Yordanka for joining us in our 43rd episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again! Hear Yordanka’s perspective of yoga & the positive benefits she has made in her communities!
Vanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!
We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. In this episode, We spoke with Induja on our 42nd episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!
About Induja : Induja runs an academy called Indu Yoga academy. She is an Internationally Certified Yoga Instructor, and has a masters of Science in Yoga. She acquired the benefits of yoga through self practice. Indhuja runs a show every day on yoga for daily practice on Raj television. She has a teaching experience of more than 6+ years and has taught yoga to more than 2000+ students so far. Her goal is to share her knowledge on yoga to numerous people on earth.
A big thank you to Induja for joining us in our 42nd episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again!
Hear Induja’s perspective of yoga & the way she inspires a movement of students!
Vanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!
We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. On this episode, We spoke with Mimi on our 41st episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!
About Mimi : Camelia (Mimi) Felton started Mimi's Yoga Kids in 2018 after realizing the many benefits of doing yoga with her young grandson. She felt & knew that this was something that kids and their families needed because yoga not only helps to improve minds & bodies, but also helps with mindfulness and meditation. Mimi's Yoga Kids now leads the change through the mission that is to teach Kids and their families YOGA that speaks to them. To introduce four simple elements: Mindfulness, Inner Peace, Meditation & Imagination through YOGA. She believes that we all need and deserve the gifts that YOGA offers.
A big thank you to Mimi for joining us in our 41st episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again!
Hear Mimi’s perspective of yoga & how she started ‘Mimi’s yoga kids’!
Vanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!
We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. On this episode, We spoke with Audrey Verderaime on our 40th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!
About Audrey : Audrey is an RYT 200 currently teaching for Harvard Recreation. She started yoga as a 14-year-old and pursued a teaching certification at 16, in part to assist in the ongoing recovery of her dad, who had suffered a massive stroke. She continued teaching on a gap year and through college, with a focus on mobility for populations with limited ranges of movement. Currently, she is looking forward to continuing to deepen her vinyasa practice and teaching methodology through additional anatomy and cueing trainings.
A big thank you to Audrey for joining us in our 40th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again!
Hear Audrey’s perspective of yoga & her amazing teachings in college!
Vanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!
We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. On this episode, We spoke with Barkha Pandey Goenka on our 39th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!
About Barkha : Barkha is a hatha yoga specialist from Kolkata, India. She is certified under YOGA alliance and has been touching lives through her purpose-driven sessions. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the mind-body connection, Barkha guides students on a transformative journey toward physical and mental well-being. She strives to empower and educate through her unique style of teaching.
A big thank you to Barkha for joining us in our 39th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again!
Hear Barkha’s perspective of yoga & how she guides her students!
Vanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!
We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. On this episode, We spoke with Desi Bartlett on our 38th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!
About Desi : Desi Bartlett MS CPT E-RYT, has been teaching health and wellness for over 25 years. She is a dynamic motivator and widely sought-after international presenter and spokesperson. Her innovative approach to teaching is to tap into one’s inner joy and let movement be an outer expression of that state. Originally from Chicago, she has earned a degree in Kinesiology, a minor in dance, her Master’s degree in Corporate Fitness, and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree. Desi holds advanced certifications in Yoga, Personal Training, Pre & Post Natal Fitness, and Group Fitness. Desi has worked with several large companies, including Manduka, Gaiam, Equinox, Yogaworks, the US Navy, Mattel, and Ashley Tisdale’s Frenshe.
A big thank you to Desi for joining us in our 38th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again!
Hear Desi’s perspective of yoga & the impact she has made on women’s health!
Vanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!
We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. On this episode, We spoke with Nikita Desai on our 37th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!
About Nikita : Nikita Desai is a yoga instructor & the owner of Arya Yoga Studio. Her Asana practice began seven years ago following a skydive where she fractured her lumber spine &. was told by doctors that the only way to fix it was through surgery which involved having metal screws placed on her spine. This wasn’t a route that she wanted to go down & she tried to find alternative ways to heal her body. Anxiety & depression had always been running themes throughout her life too & the physical injury caused more of it, so yoga seemed to fall into her lap at the right time. Her work also includes representing yoga in its entirety by keeping its roots alive, dismantling discrimination in yoga and wellness & helping native teachers find their voice in these spaces.
A big thank you to Nikita for joining us in our 37th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again!
Hear Nikita’s perspective of yoga & the impact she is making within the community!
Vanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!
We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. On this episode, We spoke with Rupal Sidhpura Faria on our 36th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!
About Rupal : Rupal describes yoga as a journey of absolute bliss that changed her life around three sixty degrees. Yoga made her an unfailing optimist and today she loves to play the role of a yoga catalyst and healer rather than just a personal trainer to her clients. Someday she dreams of starting a TED-like forum dealing with Yoga as a life science so that she can impart it as education to as many people as possible. To enlighten people practicing it and those aspiring to start. She believes that yoga is the secret ingredient to any fitness regimen, making it more intensive and yet relieving for people.
A big thank you to Rupal for joining us in our 36th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again!
Hear Rupal’s perspective on yoga & why she believes yoga is therapy!
Vanakkam/ Namaste/Hello Everyone!
We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. On this episode, We spoke with Anugraha Unnikrishnan on our 35th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!
About Anugraha : Anugraha lives in Amsterdam and has been practicing yoga for over 20 years. She has been teaching yoga since 2008. Along the way she has been fortunate to have been taught and influenced by some of the best teachers in the world. She truly believes that yoga can be whatever you want it to be and it can be for anyone. All it has ever asked of her is to show up and every time she does, she takes what she needs to grow and leaves everything else on her mat.
A big thank you Anugraha for joining us in our 35th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again!
Hear Anugraha’s perspective of yoga & her love for teaching her students!
Vanakkam/Namaste/Hello Everyone!
We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. On this episode, We spoke with Dr.Nirja Gajjar on our 34th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!
About Dr. Nirja: Dr. Nirja is a physical therapist, personal trainer, and yoga teacher. She was born in the Uk but raised in Pearl, Mississippi. As a fitness and wellness coach, she has always had a passion for movement dating back to when she was a toddler. Growing up, Dr. Nirja studied classical Indian dance, Bollywood fusion dance, and yoga. She is also trained in Women’s Health and enjoys working with women pre and postpartum. She enjoys treating her clients holistically, focusing on not just the body but also the mind.
A big thank you to Dr.Nirja for joining us in our 34th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time.
Hear Dr. Nirja’s perspective of yoga & the impact she is making in her communities!
Vanakkam/Namaste/Hello Everyone!We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. On this episode, We spoke with Aisha Wahab on our 33rd episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!About Aisha: Aisha aims to educate on and guide you through restorative yoga for mindfulness meditation for a renewed, restored and better you. In addition to her passion driven purpose, she is formally qualified as a 200hr Registered Yoga instructor certified under the global Yoga alliance and is constantly seeking new ways to refine her personal practice. As a teacher, her specialty lies in Restorative and Yin yoga styles and has been teaching a global audience via her personal platform since March 2020.A big thank you Aisha for joining us in our 33rd episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again!Hear Aisha’s perspective of yoga & her passion for restorative yoga!
Vanakkam/Namaste/Hello Everyone!
We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. On this episode, We spoke with Niyoshi Marfatia on our 32nd episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!About Niyoshi:Niyoshi has been practicing yoga for 6 years & has been teaching yoga for 2 years. She did her teachers training in Ashtanga Vinyasa from Mysore, she is a certified aerial yoga teacher. She has a lot of experience in fitness forms like dance, skating, athletics, state level basketball and eventually she shifted to yoga at 14. Currently she is conducting group yoga classes in Mumbai.A big thank you Niyoshi for joining us in our 32ndepisode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again! Hear Niyoshi’s perspective on yoga & how she is inspiring her communities through yoga!
We are back with another episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis. On this episode, We spoke with Shruti Shah on our 31st episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!
About Shruti:
Shruti is an experienced yoga teacher who is certified by Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT 800hr teacher. She received her certification from the Byron Yoga Centre in Australia and began practicing Iyengar yoga in 2011. Shruti has a passion for helping her students find a deeper mind-body connection through gentle flow asana practice, meditation, and breath-work.
Shruti has a creative and playful teaching style, which makes yoga accessible to all while encouraging mindfulness. She has led yoga flows and retreats in various cities around the world, including Mumbai, Melbourne, Los Angeles, and Costa Rica. Her travels have helped her gain a broader perspective on the practice of yoga and its ability to connect people from different cultures using various modalities. Through her teachings, she aims to help others find inner peace, balance, and harmony in their lives.
A big thank you Shruti for joining us in our 31st episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again!
Hear Shruti’s perspective of yoga & how she goes with the flow through yoga/wellness!
We spoke with Gunjan Kamra on our 30th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga! We are so grateful to have made it to 30 episodes! Thanks to all of you!
About Gunjan :
Gunjan Kamra is a celebrity yoga trainer and an advocate of yoga for great physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Gunjan quit her 8-year-long stint with the corporate to follow her dream. She founded “Equilibrium - Mind & Yoga” in March 2020 and never looked back. Through the power of Yoga, she helps people get fitter physically and emotionally and helps them live harmonious, peaceful, and healthy life. According to Gunjan, yoga is not just limited to achieving a certain posture. It is about the journey to that posture - being one-minded and conscious of every breath in that journey.
A big thank you Gunjan Kamra for joining us in our 30th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again!
Hear Gunjan’s perspective of yoga & the incredible work she is doing with Equilibrium mind & yoga!
We spoke with Praanvi Gupta on our 29th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!About Praanvi :Praanvi turned her passion into a flourishing career and has made history as the youngest certified yoga instructor in the world. Praanvi Gupta is the youngest yoga instructor at just 7 years.A big thank you Praanvi for joining us in our 29th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again!Hear Praanvi’s perspective of yoga & how she became the youngest yoga instructor in the world!
We spoke with Prerna Ramanathan on our 28th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!
About Prerna :
She is a Yoga Therapist by profession and conducts one on one sessions and personalizes each of her client's sessions to their needs. Bringing people's awareness to their innate power of healing gives her immense joy and satisfaction. She teaches and practices yoga as a way of life with the only goal being to find joy.
Prerna spoke to us about her journey of yoga, the spirituality of yoga, the importance of yoga for kids, how yoga can heal past traumas and so much more!Hear Prerna’s perspective of yoga & the joy she spread through yoga!
We spoke with Yukti Bhatia on our 27th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!
About Yukti :
She is a yogapreneur who built her brand name ‘Aroga’ and her trust among the yoga enthusiasts on the basis of authenticity, transparency, passion, and the experiences around life, trauma and healing that she continues to share with the people. An Internationally certified Yoga Teacher, (RYT-200 Yoga alliance USA) Modern and Yogic Lifestyle Influencer and an entrepreneur who has created a chain of more than 100 global students/trainees who continue to practice and understand yoga as a lifestyle and means to cure anxiety under her Programme called the ‘Bye-Bye Anxiety’ Group. She, through her own experience of coming out of a very orthodox set-up and building a life and a successful career from scratch in a new city for herself at a very young age, shares her own experience around anxiety, panic attacks, trauma and how coming out of all the strenuous situations was executed through healing and awareness that yoga had inculcated in her life.
Yukti spoke to us about her path in yoga, overcoming stress and anxiety, the importance of breath, AROGA yoga and so much more!
Hear Yukti’s perspective of yoga & the impact she is making with AROGA yoga!
We are back with another episode of Inside the minds of great yogi's. We spoke with Shruthi Kumar on our 26th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga! About Shruthi : Shruthi is the founder of Go Yogi LLC and is an undergrad at Harvard. When Shruthi noticed the problems of teen depression, suicide, and anxiety in American high schools, she knew she wanted to do something to address this issue. She wanted to provide a tangible solution that would help young people everywhere manage their stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle. After spending three years teaching yoga, Shruthi created her GoYogi mindfulness programme which was designed to help participants manage their stress. Since then, Shruthi has implemented the GoYogi programme in schools across India and at numerous care facilities for Alzheimer’s patients. Shruthi spoke to us about her journey in yoga, mental health and well being, overcoming burnouts, the importance of mindfulness and much more! A big thank you to Shruthi Kumar for joining us in our 26th episode of #insidethemindsofgreatyogis and for giving us her valuable time. We hope we can do this again!
We would like to dedicate this episode to all the journalists, news reporters, and morning news anchors for all the work you are doing!
After a long hiatus, we are so happy to be back!
We spoke with Leslie Rangel on our 25th episode and loved hearing her perspective on yoga!
We are also delighted to introduce our new host who will be joining Swathi → Sharnavi Sathyaseelan
About Leslie : Leslie Rangel, a journalist, yoga and mental wellness expert, is the founder of The News Yogi | Yoga for Journalists. She teaches journalists mental wellness healing tools in BIPOC safe spaces through yoga and community.
This Interview has been divided into 4 parts. We have covered the following :
Yoga
Journalism
Yoga & Journalism/Leslie’s platform (The News Yogi)
Representation
Hear Leslie’s perspective of yoga & the impact she is making for journalists! 💜
Ever wondered what it is like to advocate for the importance of South Asian representation in yoga?
Meet Angie: Angie Tiwari is a Wellness Educator, Writer, Coach, and teacher of Yoga, Meditation, and breathwork. In her work, she strives for more accessibility and inclusion, debunks yoga’s myths, and fights for South Asian representation. Her teachings provide insights into how you can apply ancient eastern rituals and Vedic philosophy to your modern everyday life. Angie is an Ayurvedic practitioner in training, living in London.
Hear Angie’s perspective of yoga & how she is passionate about yoga!
Ever wondered what it is like to do tarot reading and yoga?
Meet Irene: Irene Lo (she/her) is a trauma-informed yoga asana facilitator and intuitive tarot reader, the creator of Irene Yoga Flow, and the co-founder and co-creator of the Womxn of Color Summit. She offers group yoga classes, workshops, and private 1:1 sessions in Vancouver. Online, she has a Patreon club for yoga and tarot enthusiasts. As a mystic and as a movement guide, she believes yoga is a spiritual practice that can help people to rest.
Hear Irene’s perspective of yoga & how she sees yoga as something that is intuitive!
Ever wondered what it's like to be an ex-media professional and become a yoga teacher?
Meet Nishtha: Nishtha Bijlani is a yoga teacher based out of Mumbai. She is an ex-media professional who turned to Yoga at a time when nothing else made sense. Through Yoga, she found her zeal back. She considers herself fortunate enough to have recognized her calling early on. It's been 6 years of practicing, teaching, sharing this ancient gift of yoga with people from all over India and abroad. Her classes are intended at being an exciting experience of yogic practices beautifully combined with life philosophy and spirituality. Her teachings are based on the traditional methods of Hatha, Ashtanga, and Iyengar.
Hear Nishtha's perspective of yoga & how she teaches yoga to inspire others!
Ever wondered what it is like to have a passion for yoga?
Meet Namita: Namita is from India and she’s been teaching Yoga for 12 years, practicing for almost 2 decades now. She studied law and graduated with a gold medal. In Bombay, she spent a couple of years editing legal journals for an international publishing company. Deciding to quit, she plunged into formal training to be a yoga teacher. She’s taught yoga in 4 different countries, and in the last 2 years, she’s been teaching online. She’s also an artist and a writer who has been quoted in the New York Times, the Washington Post, BBC Travel, and others. She runs the popular travel and yoga blog Radically Ever After, ranked one of the top 50 yoga blogs online. The overlap between creativity and yoga is her current exploration and she’s also been teaching workshops on Yoga for creativity.
Hear Namita's perspective of yoga & how she is passionate about it!
Ever wondered what is like to teach yoga to veterans and first responders?
Meet Amber: as the founder and creator of Wonder Within, her vision and service lies deeply in a community of service. A core value she learned in the Airforce was service before self and that is rooted in her vision. Bringing healing to those least healable. Veterans and first responders are close to her heart as she served in the Air National Guard for 15 years as a medic. She left her full-time firefighting career for her family and has found her passion from showing the outlets through massage, yoga, and iRest.
Hear Amber’s perspective of yoga & how she teaches yoga to veterans & first responders! 🤎
This officially completes our holiday specials, we would like to thank you all for your love and support! Until next time, see you all in 2022!
Ever wondered what is like to be passionate about both science and yoga?
Meet Abha: Dr. Rajbhandari is an Assistant Professor in the departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Rajbhandari obtained her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied the role of the amygdala sub-regions in the regulation of stress and sensorimotor gating. Dr. Rajbhandari did her postdoctoral work at the University of California-Los Angeles, where she studied fear and stress regulation via the amygdala. At the Icahn School of Medicine. Dr. Rajbhandari’s team focuses on the brain, vagus nerve, and body interactions and mechanisms of fear, stress, anxiety, and energy metabolism to understand how the body communicates with the brain in regulating these functions. Dr. Rajbhandari has also been a lifetime yoga practitioner since her childhood in Nepal. She teaches Yoga classes in her spare time. She is also passionate about the historical and spiritual aspects of Yoga and incorporates those in her teachings. For her path of yoga is both scientific and spiritual.
Hear Abha’s perspective of yoga & how she connects yoga with science!
Ever wondered what it is like to raise awareness for girls' education with the help of yoga?
Meet Jordan: While embracing New York City’s fast-paced and driven yoga culture, Jordan Ashley recognized a need for service-based yoga; a need for experiences that give perspective to the self through selflessness. Feeling extremely blessed to not only be given the opportunity for education but to have a voice in society, she felt it was imperative to raise both awareness and funds for girls all over the planet who are denied such essential human rights. She launched Souljourn Yoga in 2016, a US 501(c)3 non-profit inspired by Seva, the Sanskrit word, and the yogic principle of selfless service. Souljourn Yoga creates opportunities to explore, practice, and educate through yoga both on and off of the mat by offering a spectrum of workshops, teacher immersions, and global retreats to continue to promote female empowerment and education in communities where equal opportunities aren’t always readily available.
Hear Jordan's perspective of yoga & how she has found her platform Souljourn!
Ever wondered what it is like to be a devotee of god & be a yoga teacher?
Meet Harpinder: Harpinder Mann (she/her) is a Sikh-Buddhist Punjabi-American yoga asana and meditation teacher currently living in Los Angeles. She is actively working to decolonize wellness by creating community and providing real accessibility to her ancestral practices for BIPOC as the co-founder of the Womxn of Color Summit. She has over 800 hours of yogic training within the traditions of Raja, Vinyasa, Kundalini, and Prenatal Yoga. Without her teachers, ancestors, and womxn before her, none of this would be possible. As the Founder of Harpinder Mann Yoga, Harpinder works with womxn of color 1:1 on reclaiming their power & intuition to be free through yoga asana, meditation, breathwork, and spiritual connection.
Hear Harpinder's perspective of yoga & how yoga was there for her!
Ever wondered what it is like to teach yoga specifically focusing on Hip pain & Fascia?
Meet Dr. Ariele: Dr. Ariele is a doctor of physical therapy, the founder of Yoga Anatomy Academy, and an interdisciplinary yoga teacher since 2001. She has created online courses with Yoga Journal on the subjects of Fascia and Hip health and she graced the cover of Yoga Journal Australia in 2018. Yoga Anatomy Academy offers online yoga anatomy learning, including a 12 module comprehensive mentorship. It offers a no-nonsense, science-based perspective that aims to be inclusive of all bodies. Dr. Ariele is based in Washington DC where she runs her own physical therapy clinic, looking at the whole person.
Hear Dr. Ariele’s perspective of yoga & how her teachings focus specifically on Fascia and Hip Pain! 💛
Ever wondered what it is like to write books about yoga?
Meet Rachel: A teacher trainer and author with more than 5000 hours under her belt, Rachel is committed to helping her students and teacher trainees express their voice, passion, and potential. After directing the Teachers College for a national yoga company for eight years (YYoga), Rachel left her corporate position to pursue a new mission: helping yoga teachers and studios around the world thrive in their business by elevating the quality and potency of their education offerings. She leverages her academic training (MSc Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies) with more than two decades of yoga teaching and business experience to help yoga studios and teachers reach their potential.
Hear Rachel's perspective of yoga & how she wrote about what she is passionate about! 💚
Ever wondered what it is like to find a platform to make yoga accessible for everyone? 💕
Meet Natalia: Natalia Tabilo (She/Her) is a Body Positive 500 RYT yoga teacher, journalist, and the founder of Yoga for All Bodies™. She was made in Chile and now lives in San Francisco, CA. Yoga has helped her become friends with her mind and body and that’s why she wants to share it with others. After feeling left out and unseen in yoga classes, she decided to create Yoga for All Bodies, an inclusive and accessible practice based on variations, sensations, and freedom to meet and enjoy your body and mind, where you are today. She loves Yoga props and in all her classes variations (not modifications, because everything is 100% Yoga), are offered using them!
Hear Natalia's perspective of yoga & how she started her platform Yogaforallbodies to modify certain poses! 💕
Ever wondered what it is like having back pain or perhaps how to decrease it ?
About Dr. Kirstie : Dr. Kirstie Griffiths is a Canadian chiropractor, yoga teacher, and best-selling author practicing in Guelph, Ontario. Her passion is in helping people overcome back pain using a mind-body approach that integrates chiropractic and yoga. Dr. Griffiths offers holistic, heart-centred care to patients and practices an evidence-informed model of healthcare. She has a particular interest in assessing and treating chronic pain and understanding the interplay between mental and physical health. Dr. Griffiths is the author of "Back to Wellness: A mind-body approach to managing your back pain" and the founder of “Yoga for Back Pain,” a 12-week online program that combines education, movement, and meditation, specifically designed for individuals with back pain.
Hear Dr . Kirstie's perspective of yoga & how she used it effectively to bridge the gap in her community.💖🩺
Ever wondered what it is like having a fondness for all things wellness and teaching yoga? 💜
Meet Juanita : Juanita Borges is a 500-hour registered yoga instructor, holistic wellness advocate, and creator of the wellness brand, the caramel yogi. Her passion for yoga has influenced her to live mindfully, eat organically, and be her authentic self. Her mission is to assist others in creating space for themselves by reminding them to know their worth... then add tax! Juanita designs her classes to be a nourishing and empowering place of community elevation. She looks forward to helping her students embrace their radiance one breath at a time.
Hear Juanita' s perspective about yoga & how it helped her overall wellness! 💜
Ever wondered what it is like having a passion for all things sustainability and teaching yoga ?
Meet Sana - After securing a business degree from England, She joined her family business back in India. While she's a full time business professional, her passion lies in yoga, fitness and caring for the environment. A true believer in the spirit of community building & networking, she founded Community Embark, a networking venture in the health and wellness space. Just a year ago, during the pandemic, she started a yoga handle on Instagram “Yogi Gone Green” through which she aspires to inspire people to live a healthier, happier and more eco-friendly lifestyle! She is now a certified yoga teacher and happily juggles her passion for yoga, teaching yoga along with her 9-5 job! Hear Sana' s perspective about yoga & how it was the best solution for her!🌻
Ever wondered what it is like being a practitioner of yoga?🤔
Well, Meet Marlene.
Marlene Solano is a recent university graduate and a new teacher in Ontario, Canada. She is passionate about teaching, mental health advocacy, and lifelong learning. Her yoga journey began as a way to cope with isolation while on exchange away from her family and friends. Since then, yoga remains a tool for practicing self love and spiritual nourishment. Hear Marlene Solano's perspective about yoga and how it helped rejuvenate her! 🤎
Dr.Kavitha Moahan has been practicing yoga since 2001. She slowly started developing an interest in Yoga as she started practicing it and found the real benefits of yoga in herself. Her Professional research mind shifted to Yoga as she started realizing its glory. She started researching the different ways of Yoga and started learning about yoga in depth. In 2019, she opened her own yoga studio called Aum Yoga and originally developed thottil yoga which is also known as aerial yoga. She was also awarded the prestigious “Yoga Kalaimamani”award for her commendable work in Yoga from 2001-2020 which accounts for almost 20 years of service in this field. She has also received Guinness World Record for performing “Longest Yoga Marathon” and for performing “longest time Holding tree Pose. Hear Dr.Kavitha Moahan's perspective of aerial yoga & how it helped her! ☘️
As a Tamil-American yoga teacher brought up around the world, Divya's cross-cultural identity is inextricable from her approach to teaching wellness practices and advocating for social justice. Her classes incorporate philosophical teachings, martial techniques, prānāyāma (breath work), āsana (movement) and much more. Divya is fiercely passionate about celebrating diversity and uplifting BIPOC voices in all that she does. Hear Divya's perspective & how yoga helped her to heal! 💚
YogagirlahaM is a Yoga teacher based out of Chennai, India.
She's been teaching the art of Yoga to people all over the world. Her approach to life is very similar to the approach she has to towards Yoga, which is why she shifted her primary base of profession from writing and directing films to teaching and spreading the art of Yoga.
Her way of teaching is inclusive and passionate, which makes her students dedicate themselves to this artform in mental, physical and a spiritual level, thereby benefiting everyone around. She's a registered Yoga teacher with 400 hours of training, a certified Antenatal teacher, a certified Kids Yoga teacher and also a certified Pilates trainer. She started off Teaching for a very modest number of people, and as the words spread, she now has a community of people from different parts of the world , benefitting out of her knowledge sharing Yoga sessions. On International Yoga Day, she was featured on Chennai Times newspaper, for her amazing works in yoga. Hear YogagirlahaM's perspective about yoga! 🧡💛
Christa Janine, 500hr RYT | 200hr E-RYT, is a health and wellness professional who has been teaching yoga since 2012. Since then she has launched a successful virtual fitness studio hosting private and sold-out group classes weekly, a life coaching business running group and individual programs, and several workshops for yoga study and business. As a life coach, Christa helps women heal from their past trauma and establish a self-designed narrative for their lives. As a yoga instructor & a digital fitness coach her main focus through social media, and business overall, is to encourage & empower others to live their most authentic lives by creating their own narrative for their futures. Hear Christa Janine's perspective about yoga! 💙
Namita Piparaiya is a Yoga and Ayurveda Lifestyle Specialist and the founder of Yoganama Wellness. A former corporate executive, who spent over a decade, from management trainee to business head, with leading MNCs including Citibank, Aviva, and Generali before finding my true calling in Yoga. As part of her wellness journey, she completed over 700 hours of Yoga Alliance certified training in Hatha Yoga. She have also studied Pranayama, Ayurveda, Yoga Philosophy and Indian scriptures from some of the most reputed institutions and teachers in India and abroad. Hear Namita's perspective & how yoga was her true calling! 💕
Farah Nazarali is a yoga teacher with over 15 years of experience teaching yoga. She is currently teaching on-line and create digital resources for new and experienced students and lead yoga Retreat locally and worldwide. She is also trained in conflict resolution and non-violent communication and teach workshops that integrate yogic practices, buddhist wisdom, and conflict resolution skills and strategies. Hear Farah's perspective & how yoga was the best medicine for her! 💛
Shalini Sarena Bahad is an international mindset coach, yoga teacher, holistic healer, entrepreneur and community builder. She believes deeply in the importance of taking care of yourself and keeping healthy along your growth and ascension journey. Shalini Sarena is also the Founder of the WomenInTech Channel which won the award for Best Account of the Year at the 9th Annual Shorty Awards. She has over a decade of experience in strategic partnerships and community development with startups around the globe. Shalini is on a mission to help close the diversity gap in tech and wellness, using media and storytelling as the main tool to achieve this goal. Hear Shalini Sarena's perspective about yoga!🧘♀️💙
Adriana talked to Swathi about her journey, social media, overcoming past traumas, and how yoga helped her. Adriana Lee is a Las Vegas born yoga teacher and yoga teacher trainer. She is all about self discovery and empowerment through yoga. She teaches her students how to breathe, how to feel, and how to get reacquainted with their bodies. As a teacher, she breaks down big concepts and complicated poses into bite sized pieces to make them more accessible. Her teaching is based in anatomy and biomechanics. Students leave the class feeling refreshed, connected to their bodies, and empowered. Hear Adriana Lee's perspective about yoga!🧘♀️💚
Riya Ranka who is an Ashtanga Vinyasa practitioner, Riya uses traditional yoga techniques to open up the body and mind. Riya turned to Yoga as a tool to calm her hyperactive mind, leading her to an intense & focussed practice. Riya teaches different modules each week consisting of back bends, hip openers, core strengthening, inversions for all levels, pranayama, vinyasa transitions. Her background in design, has given Riya a real eye for detail, which she uses to pick on the subtle hints and cues of her students bodies during class.With navigating themes from yoga philosophies making the practice a combination of holistic and physical movements. Hear Riya Ranka's perspective about yoga!🧘♀🧡