Nikunja Vilasi Das | The Heart of Yoga – Bridging Hatha Motion into Bhakti Devotion

Yoga for Grapplers: Building Strength, Flexibility & Resilience on the Mat

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/950785/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Native Yoga Toddcast, Todd sits down with Mika Britt, Aurora Stoll, and Nati Eckersley of the Gi Squad Podcast to explore the powerful crossover between yoga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Together they unpack how these two practices share deep roots in discipline, respect, and community while offering complementary tools for body control, balance, and mental focus. The conversation highlights the real advantages of cross-training yoga and grappling: improved flexibility and mobility for BJJ, stronger core stability, better injury prevention through clear communication on the mat, and the confidence that comes from consistent practice. The guests also share how the belt system in jiu-jitsu mirrors personal growth, teaching perseverance and resilience that transfer far beyond the gym—especially for women seeking empowerment through self-defense skills. This episode sets the stage for an upcoming collaborative Yoga for Grapplers class designed to blend the strategic movements of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the strength, flexibility, and recovery benefits of yoga. Visit the Gi Squad here: https://www.youtube.com/@GiSquadPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@GiSquadPodcast] Check out: 👇 8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online- Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days - Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ [https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/] Practice with Native Yoga Online - New classes EVERY day - Use Code FIRSTMONTHFREE https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class [https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class] Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube [https://youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter]. Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.com [https://bryceallynband.com/]and sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4IOp11OGJu17ORbUA6FqsK?si=7Q84kTnKRMutyGNVG-IOCQ&nd=1], B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify. Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com [info@nativeyogacenter.com?subject=Native%20Yoga%20Toddcast] https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ Support the show [https://www.paypal.me/nativeyogacenter] Native Yoga website: here [https://www.nativeyogacenter.com] YouTube: here [https://www.youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter] Instagram: @nativeyoga [https://www.instagram.com/nativeyoga/] Twitter: @nativeyoga [https://twitter.com/nativeyoga] Facebook: @nativeyogacenter [https://www.facebook.com/nativeyogacenter/] LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-mclaughlin-503686126/]

Andrei Ram | The Art of Breathing – Transforming Life Through Prana Nidra

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/950785/fan_mail/new] Andrei Ram is a distinguished yoga practitioner and instructor with a rich history in both the arts and sciences. He holds a background in contemporary dance and choreography, and has studied biology. His profound journey into yoga was significantly influenced by his experiences with Native American philosophies in Colombia, where he was raised. Andrei has spent more than three decades exploring and teaching yoga, emphasizing pranayama—the art of breathing. He has been deeply influenced by Sri Dharma Mittra and has devoted himself to uncovering the essence of yoga practices and translating eastern philosophies into applicable contemporary wisdom. Andrei is currently based in Rome and is actively promoting a new book titled "Prana Nidra." Visit Andrei here: http://innerparadise.org/ [http://innerparadise.org/] & https://prananidra.co/ [https://prananidra.co/] Key Takeaways: * Integration in Yoga: Andrei emphasizes the idea of yoga as a practice that integrates all aspects of life, from breathing to spiritual understanding, based on personal perception and context. * Prana Nidra Concept: He introduces "Prana Nidra" as a middle practice, providing crucial rest for the energy systems, which consequently rests the mind and body. * Reinterpreting Yama & Niyama: Andrei proposes a shift in understanding core yoga principles—such as seeing Yama as 'caring' rather than 'restriction', fostering a more nurturing approach. * Importance of Conscious Breathing: Highlighting breathing as an art form, Andrei stresses the need for caring consciousness to cultivate prana (life force), impacting a refined and artistic way of living. * Spiritual and Practical Coherence: Emphasizing coherence in yoga practice and life, Andrei advocates for the integration of spiritual insights into daily actions and interactions. Check out: 👇 8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online- Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days - Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ [https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/] Practice with Native Yoga Online - New classes EVERY day - Use Code FIRSTMONTHFREE https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class [https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class] Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube [https://youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter]. Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.com [https://bryceallynband.com/]and sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4IOp11OGJu17ORbUA6FqsK?si=7Q84kTnKRMutyGNVG-IOCQ&nd=1], B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify. Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com [info@nativeyogacenter.com?subject=Native%20Yoga%20Toddcast] https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ Enjoy new Native Yoga Center classes uploaded everyday on our online learning hub. Use code FIRSTMONTHFREE at checkout. https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class [https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class] Support the show [https://www.paypal.me/nativeyogacenter] Native Yoga website: here [https://www.nativeyogacenter.com] YouTube: here [https://www.youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter] Instagram: @nativeyoga [https://www.instagram.com/nativeyoga/] Twitter: @nativeyoga [https://twitter.com/nativeyoga] Facebook: @nativeyogacenter [https://www.facebook.com/nativeyogacenter/] LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-mclaughlin-503686126/]

Mounia Hammouda | From Corporate Executive to Yoga & Spiritual Transformation in Morocco

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/950785/fan_mail/new] Mounia Hammouda is a Moroccan yoga instructor and the founder of Shidomind Yoga, based in Casablanca. With a rich background in high-level executive roles across multinationals in Morocco, New York, Canada, and West Africa, Mounia transitioned from the corporate world to follow her passion for yoga. She possesses deep expertise in yoga philosophy, having studied extensively in India at the esteemed Yoga Institute in Mumbai. Mounia is an advocate for personal transformation, emphasizing the balance between mind, body, and spirit, and she is dedicated to promoting the depth and authenticity of yoga beyond its commercialized image. Visit Mounia: https://shidomindyoga.com/ [https://shidomindyoga.com/] Key Takeaways: * Mounia Hammouda transitioned from a high-stress corporate life to teaching yoga, seeking deeper meaning and personal growth. * She believes yoga is a profound tool for cultivating spiritual and personal transformation, beyond its commercialized perception as a physical activity. * Morocco’s vibrant culture and rich history have played an influential role in Mounia’s spiritual exploration and teachings. * Yoga has deepened Mounia's faith in God, providing her with greater insight and comfort in her spirituality. * Shidomind Yoga emphasizes the mental and spiritual benefits of yoga, fostering a holistic approach to personal development. Check out: 👇 8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online- Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days - Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ [https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/] Practice with Native Yoga Online - New classes EVERY day - Use Code FIRSTMONTHFREE https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class [https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class] Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube [https://youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter]. Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.com [https://bryceallynband.com/]and sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4IOp11OGJu17ORbUA6FqsK?si=7Q84kTnKRMutyGNVG-IOCQ&nd=1], B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify. Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com [info@nativeyogacenter.com?subject=Native%20Yoga%20Toddcast] https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ Support the show [https://www.paypal.me/nativeyogacenter] Native Yoga website: here [https://www.nativeyogacenter.com] YouTube: here [https://www.youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter] Instagram: @nativeyoga [https://www.instagram.com/nativeyoga/] Twitter: @nativeyoga [https://twitter.com/nativeyoga] Facebook: @nativeyogacenter [https://www.facebook.com/nativeyogacenter/] LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-mclaughlin-503686126/]

Nikunja Vilasi Das | The Heart of Yoga – Bridging Hatha Motion into Bhakti Devotion

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/950785/fan_mail/new] Nikunja Vilasi Das is a dedicated practitioner and teacher in the field of Bhakti Yoga. Born in California, he was introduced to yoga at an early age, with his mother being a yoga teacher. He currently resides in Miami, Florida, where he serves at the Sacred Vedic Arts Bhakti Yoga center. Nikunja Vilasi Das is committed to spreading the teachings of Bhakti Yoga, integrating his diverse experiences in various yoga disciplines, including Hatharaja Yoga and Kriya Yoga. He holds reverence for his spiritual masters and strives to bridge traditional yoga practices with contemporary life. Visit Nico: https://www.nicoyoga108.com/ [https://www.nicoyoga108.com/] Key Takeaways: * Bhakti Yoga is centered around the devotion to Krishna and the practice of chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra as a means of purification and self-realization. * Nikunja Vilasi Das argues that while modern yoga practices can become overly materialistic, true growth involves spiritual discipline and guidance from a realized master. * Understanding the role of Bhakti Yoga as the most accessible form of yoga today, particularly due to its simplicity and ability to foster a personal relationship with the divine. * The Hare Krishna Maha Mantra serves as a direct connection to divine consciousness, engaging all senses in spiritual practice and offering a profound experience of inner peace. * Being around and learning from a realized spiritual guide like Sri Dharma Mittra can profoundly impact one's spiritual evolution, promoting authenticity in practice versus performative stereotypes. Check out: 👇 8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online- Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days - Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ [https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/] Practice with Native Yoga Online - New classes EVERY day - Use Code FIRSTMONTHFREE https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class [https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class] Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube [https://youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter]. Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.com [https://bryceallynband.com/]and sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4IOp11OGJu17ORbUA6FqsK?si=7Q84kTnKRMutyGNVG-IOCQ&nd=1], B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify. Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com [info@nativeyogacenter.com?subject=Native%20Yoga%20Toddcast] https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ Support the show [https://www.paypal.me/nativeyogacenter] Native Yoga website: here [https://www.nativeyogacenter.com] YouTube: here [https://www.youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter] Instagram: @nativeyoga [https://www.instagram.com/nativeyoga/] Twitter: @nativeyoga [https://twitter.com/nativeyoga] Facebook: @nativeyogacenter [https://www.facebook.com/nativeyogacenter/] LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-mclaughlin-503686126/]

Rane Bowen: AI Podcast Tools, Yoga Healing & Cancer Survivor Story

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/950785/fan_mail/new] Rane Bowen is a seasoned software and web developer with over 20 years of experience in the technology sector. Originally from New Zealand, Rane now resides in Melbourne, Australia, where he combines his passion for technology and yoga. He is the co-host of the Flow Artist Podcast alongside his wife, Jo Stewart, a yoga teacher and author. Rane is the creator of innovative platforms like Sound Made Scene and Guest Made Simple, designed to enhance the podcasting experience. He is also a yoga teacher who has used yoga as a tool for healing and personal growth. Visit Rane: https://gardenofyoga.com.au/ [https://gardenofyoga.com.au/] Key Takeaways: * Rane Bowen has a rich background in software development and utilizes his skills to enhance podcasting through AI-driven tools like Sound Made Scene. * His experience as a yoga teacher and cancer survivor gives him a unique perspective on combining technology with holistic practices. * The advances in AI are transforming industries, but Rane underscores the importance of using these tools responsibly and creatively. * Platforms like Sound Made Scene and Guest Made Simple aim to simplify the podcasting process by automating tedious tasks and improving workflow. * Rane highlights the significance of approaching tech innovations with both optimism and skepticism to balance progress with ethical considerations. Check out: 👇 8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online- Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days - Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ [https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/] Practice with Native Yoga Online - New classes EVERY day - Use Code FIRSTMONTHFREE https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class [https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class] Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube [https://youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter]. Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.com [https://bryceallynband.com/]and sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4IOp11OGJu17ORbUA6FqsK?si=7Q84kTnKRMutyGNVG-IOCQ&nd=1], B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify. Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com [info@nativeyogacenter.com?subject=Native%20Yoga%20Toddcast] https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/ Support the show [https://www.paypal.me/nativeyogacenter] Native Yoga website: here [https://www.nativeyogacenter.com] YouTube: here [https://www.youtube.com/user/NativeYogaCenter] Instagram: @nativeyoga [https://www.instagram.com/nativeyoga/] Twitter: @nativeyoga [https://twitter.com/nativeyoga] Facebook: @nativeyogacenter [https://www.facebook.com/nativeyogacenter/] LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-mclaughlin-503686126/]