How the West Changed Yoga and Lost Its Real Power ft. Eddie Stern

Feb 2, 2026

01:01:35

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About the Episode

This episode features an in-depth exploration of yoga’s true purpose, moving far beyond the physical poses seen in modern fitness culture. Guest Eddie Stern discusses the intersection of ancient Eastern spirituality and Western science, focusing on how yoga serves as a biological tool for nervous system regulation. The conversation spans Stern’s roots in the New York punk scene to the establishment of traditional temples in Manhattan. It serves as a powerful reminder that yoga is a path toward internal balance, healing chronic inflammation, and reclaiming one's authentic self in a consumer-driven world.

About the Guest

Eddie Stern is a world-renowned yoga teacher, author, and lecturer based in New York City. He is best known for his expertise in Ashtanga Yoga and his work in bringing yoga to diverse populations, including high-profile celebrities and inner-city school children. Eddie is the co-founder of the Broome Street Ganesha Temple and the author of the best-selling book One Simple Thing: A New Look at the Science of Yoga and How It Can Transform Your Life.

Highlights

🧘 The Spiritual Roots of Yoga: Eddie discusses the commercialization of yoga in America and the importance of reconnecting the practice to its community-focused, spiritual foundations.

⚡ Nervous System Mastery: An exploration of how yoga postures and breathing techniques (pranayama) allow us to manually regulate our autonomic nervous system and reduce stress.

🎸 From Punk to Pranayama: Eddie reflects on his journey from the rebellious NYC punk culture to a life of meditation, finding common ground in the search for truth and identity.

⚖️ Healing through Homeostasis: A look at how disruptions to our internal balance lead to chronic inflammation and how mindful practices can restore metabolic health.

🔄 Breaking the Identity Trap: The importance of evolving past rigid labels, even the identity of being a "yoga practitioner", to find true creative freedom and authenticity.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Yoga's commercialization in America

2:11 - Establishing the Ganesha Temple in Manhattan

6:45 - Seeking meaning through punk culture

8:56 - Transitioning from rebellion to meditation

13:42 - The nervous system and spatial awareness

15:38 - How yoga enhances physiological functions

19:42 - Disruptions to homeostasis and health

21:56 - Chronic inflammation and stress responses

27:50 - The 4-6 breathing technique for relaxation

31:51 - Enhancing sensory awareness through breath

39:23 - Transforming habits through regular practice