Drdha Vrata Gorrick learned classical arts for several years in South India from renowned iconography Masters and has established himself as one of the leading experts and teachers of Vedic iconography. He has traveled the world exhibiting his works and conducting classes with the aim to introduce and promote the ancient art form. Drdha’s works are in various private collections around the globe and his students are also spread far and wide. IN THIS RICH EPISODE: — Drdha’s fascinating and serendipitous personal story how the seeds of India and art have been woven throughout all facets of his life. — Unpacking the sacred Shilpa Shastra (ancient texts and treatise on classical Indian art and iconography) — Some of the rituals from the Shilpa Shastra that are performed when creating traditional art (such as the Dhyanashloka) — The key rules and guidelines when creating a form of any deity or murti — What to look for when purchasing Indian art, such as a statue/murti — Learn of a few profound insights around temple construction and architecture CONNECT WITH DRDHA: Website: https://www.divyakala.com/ Instagram: @drdha_art / https://www.instagram.com/drdha_art —  ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY: A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice. WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com/⁠ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/ 

Raj Balkaran, a scholar of Sanskrit narratives and author of "The Stories Behind the Poses," shares his inspiring journey from English literature to spiritual exploration within Hinduism. He reveals the powerful impact of storytelling in yoga practice, emphasizing how ancient narratives enhance understanding of poses. Balkaran discusses the evolution of tradition in modern teaching and the balance of innovation with preserving heritage. Listeners will also discover exciting upcoming courses and the significance of stories in navigating identity.

Regarded as a teacher of teachers, Heather Elton has practiced yoga since 1986. She has facilitated countless international retreats and yoga teacher trainings and currently takes groups on spiritual tours of the Himalaya throughout Bhutan, Nepal, and India.  Over many decades, Heather’s physical practice has primarily been in Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga. She offers 1 on 1 mentoring and private classes as well as more recently teaching weekly at a studio in Kathmandu, Nepal. Her teachings integrate ancient wisdom traditions with contemporary psychology to create a mindful practice that diminishes suffering. Originally from Canada, Heather’s work and wisdom will take you into the spiritual heart of the practice. IN THIS EPISODE: — Heather’s captivating story over many decades of yoga, spiritual seeking, the quest for identity and the dissolution of it — The transmission and entanglement of Buddhist, Tantrik, and Hatha traditions — The value and demise of traditionalism in yoga — A glimpse into the mystical and ancient  abode of Nepal and the Himalaya — Learn of Heather’s upcoming South Asia spiritual experiences MENTIONED: Tripsichore Yoga Theatre Dona Holleman Jivamukti Yoga Chökyi Lodrö Dzongsar Khyentse Maharaj Ishanath Aghori Baba Viharas Vajrācārya CONNECT WITH HEATHER: Website: https://eltonyoga.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathereltonyoga/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Pashupati-Hatha-Yoga-Club/100077892456316/  UPCOMING RETREATS WITH HEATHER: Nepal: April 18-27, 2025 Bhutan: May 10-20, 2025 — ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY: A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice. WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com/⁠ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/

Mira Manek is an author and the founder of the chai spice brand Chai by Mira; She is a speaker and Ayurveda and wellness expert.  Her 3 books are Saffron Soul, Prajna: Ayurvedic Rituals for Happiness, and, her latest release is The Book of Chai: History Stories and Recipes. IN THIS EPISODE: — Be taken inside some of Mira's personal inspiration, cultural heritage, and journey that has influenced the creation of her work. — Fascinating insights into the history and timeline of chai and how it influenced India's culture through both rebellion and community connection — Behind the scenes of Mira's process of creating three published books that are held by a common thread — Discover the chai food culture of India, the staples and snacks that are traditional accompaniments of the classic beverage — Some fun facts about Mira: her fave spice in chai, her fave snack with chai, her ultimate memory of chai, her fave chai recipe, and Mira's most cherished and beloved place in India (and why) CONNECT WITH MIRA: Website: https://miramanek.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miramanek/ & https://www.instagram.com/chaibymira/ — ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY: A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice. WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com/⁠  INSTAGRAM: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/⁠ 

Anja Brierley Lange is the author of Teaching Yoga for the Menstrual Cycle - an Āyurvedic Approach, and an experienced yoga teacher,  Āyurvedic practitioner, and teacher trainer. Teaching since 2005 she has specialised in yoga and Āyurveda relating to female anatomy and physiology.  Originally from Denmark, Anja moved to London and now lives on the Sussex coast where she enjoys being by or in the sea. You can head to yogaembodied.com for courses, classes and inspiration from Anja. IN THIS EPISODE: - Discover how Anja came to specifically study and work in the field of women's health through the lens of yoga and ayurveda - How the three doshas govern and transition across a menstrual cycle (Rutuchakra), and how this also overlaps with the Western biological understanding - Key considerations for adapting a postural yoga practice according to the phases of the menstrual cycle (which also hint to the adaptations we can make over a female's lifespan) - To invert or not invert during menstruation clarified - Anja's process of writing a book and who the book aims to serve CONNECT WITH ANJA: Website: ⁠yogaembodied.com⁠ Instagram: @anja_yogini Book: Teaching yoga for the menstrual cycle: An Āyurvedic Approach - ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY: A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice. WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com/⁠ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/

Indu Arora is a Yoga and Ayurveda teacher, mentor, and author, based out of the USA. She considers herself a student for a lifetime. Indu has been sharing about Yoga philosophy, Yoga Therapy, and Ayurveda for the last two decades. Her unique gift is making Yoga and Ayurveda a practice, which is equally useful for a beginner as for a sincere seeker who has made Yoga a lifelong journey. She is inspired by and taught under Kriya Yoga, Himalayan Yoga, Kashmir Shiavism, and Sivananda Yoga lineages. She has studied in a traditional guru-shishya parampara setting. Her teaching style is rooted in empowering and inspiring students to awaken the inner guru. Her core philosophy is ‘Yoga is a Work-in and not a Work-out’.  She is the author of Mudra: The Sacred Secret (2015), Yoga: Ancient Heritage, Tomorrow’s Vision (2005, 2019), and SOMA: 100 Heritage Recipes for Self-Care (e-book, 2020; updated hard copy, 2022). IN THIS EPISODE: —Demystifying japa: What is Japa, what is it not, the Sanskrit meaning, and the various types of Japa —Mantra:. What is a mantra and the value of Sanskrit? What mantra should one choose, how to choose or who should choose it? —Mala etiquette: What to use, how to appropriately wear mala and why —Insight into the inspiration and motivation behind each of Indu’s books —Indu’s upcoming offerings, both in person and online —Her personal story of coming to yoga, her teachers, family, and pivotal moments CONNECT WITH INDU: Website: https://www.yogsadhna.com/ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/induaroraofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InduAroraOfficial INDU’S BOOKS:  Mudra: The Sacred Secret  Yoga: Ancient Heritage, Tomorrow's Vision SOMA: 100 Heritage Recipes for Self-Care — ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY: A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice. WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com/⁠  INSTAGRAM: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/⁠ 

Dr. Lauren Tober is a Clinical Psychologist and Senior Yoga Teacher, renowned for fusing Western psychology with ancient yogic wisdom. She shares her transformative journey that inspired her to create the Yoga Psychology Institute. Lauren elaborates on Mental Health Aware Yoga, which fosters inclusivity in practice, and the importance of establishing a safe and welcoming space for students. She candidly describes the shadow side of meditation and how empowering personal sovereignty through yoga can enhance mental health, encouraging self-exploration and community support.

Savira Gupta comes from a family of strong women rooted in the Arya Samaj Tradition; founded in April 1875 by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, who wanted to revive the Vedic way of life and the need to create a just society for all.  She spent her childhood in Malaysia, formative years in India, teenage years in France and adult years in the UK, Europe and the USA, and this has given Savira the foundation to relate to people from all walks of life and culture. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Savira approaches yoga through the lens of a sadhaka and seeker. Her approach to teaching invites exploration, and understanding how yoga is a way of life not just modern postures.  Her holistic style of teaching encompasses the understanding of the physical, subtle and causal body. Her classes are interactive; combining the key principles of the teachings with a dash of humour. IN THIS EPISODE: --Savira's path living yoga, and moving from student to yoga teacher --Fascinating insight and wisdom from the Arya Samaj tradition that empowers women --Considerations around what Westernised yoga is lacking --Unpacking the role of a yoga teacher --Essential reflections when considering what is behind the aspiration to teach yoga for so many people --Savira's personal guidance for more depth on your path CONNECT WITH SAVIRA: Website: https://www.saviragupta.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvirag/ -- ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY: A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice. WEBSITE: https://amyelandry.com/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/

Jivana Heyman, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings and supporting yoga teachers. He’s the author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body; Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion; and The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga: Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body. His books, classes, and trainings support yoga teachers and yoga therapists in finding ways to bring creativity and collaboration into their teaching while still respecting the ancient yoga tradition. IN THIS EPISODE: -Insight into Jivana's extensive history of teaching yoga and advocating within communities in the US, along with the inspiration of his Grandmother -Some major misunderstandings of what accessible yoga actually is -How ethics create accessibility -The core ABC's of accessible yoga -Financial accessibility, financial ethics, and the white saviour complex CONNECT WITH JIVANA: Website & books: https://www.jivanaheyman.com/ Courses: https://www.accessibleyogaschool.com/ -- ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY: A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice. WEBSITE: https://amyelandry.com/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/

WELCOME TO SEASON THREE! Tova Olsson is a scholar of religion, author and yoga teacher with over 20 years of experience in educating. She is appreciated for her deep knowledge, her ability to explain esoteric ideas and philosophical concepts in an accessible way, and for her skillful storytelling and humorous approach. As a scholar-practitioner, she strives to combine academic, critical understanding with the dedicated experience of a long-term practitioner, offering courses that provide liberating knowledge - on many different levels. Tova holds an MA in religious studies from Gothenburg University and is currently working on her PhD at Umeå University, where she researches gender constructs in contemporary tantra in Europe. She lectures internationally on the history, philosophy and mythology of yoga and tantra and runs the online school Saraswati Studies.  IN THIS EPISODE: -Tova's story of how she came to yoga, tantra, shaktism and scholarship -Meanings of the Sanskrit word, Shakti -Insight into the revered goddesses, Saraswati and Matangi -Tova's book, a resource for serious practitioners and yoga teachers -Stories, symbolism, and a wealth of more wisdom! CONNECT WITH TOVA: Online courses: https://saraswati-studies.teachable.com/ "Taste" course: https://anjabergh.com/taste India retreat: https://www.mysticart.org/retreats Purchase Tova's book: https://www.motilalbanarsidass.com/products/yoga-and-tantra-history-philosophy-mythology?srsltid=AfmBOopLNOuw9zKGDqVENHuEInm-GXlRX8LkkUi7RhqaT5uiNxbghH4o -- ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY: A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice. WEBSITE: https://amyelandry.com/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/