Lonely Guru Dialogues with Ryan Spielman

My guest is Revd. Dr. Nicholas Buxton. Nicholas is a priest in the Church of England and runs a meditation centre in Newcastle. We discuss christian contemplative practice, the buddhist notion of emptiness and the personal and impersonal nature of the God. He is the author of several books including: Tantalus and the Pelican: Exploring […] The post LG39 – Nicholas Buxton – Christian Priest Yogi With Buddhist Inclinations appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

In this episode my guests are Genny Wilkinson Priest and Sarai Harvey-Smith. We discuss two topics, the allegations about Pattabhi Jois’ sexual misconduct and the ambiguity around the qualifications to become and maintain status as a recognised KPJAYI Ashtanga teacher. Genny quit full-time hard news journalism to focus on her yoga studies, becoming a Shri […] The post LG38 – Genny Wilkinson Priest and Sarai Harvey-Smith – Controversy and Updating Ashtanga Yoga appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

In this episode with Professor Bee Scherer, PhD we discuss the foundations of Buddhist philosophy, the four noble truths, Bee’s work in queering paradigms as a trans/non-binary activist and the relationship between buddhist practice and activism.   Bee is a long-time practitioner of Buddhism and has been globally teaching as a Buddhist lay teacher. Bee currently […] The post LG37 – Bee Scherer – Queer Bodhisattva appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

My guest is Sarah Shaw. Sarah received her Phd in English from Manchester University. After studying Pali and Sanskrit at Oxford, she began teaching and writing on Buddhist subjects. She has written several books on meditation theory and practice, and jātaka literature. She is the author of several books including Introduction to Buddhist Meditation, The Jātakas: Birth Stories of the Bodhisattaand her most recent […] The post LG36- Sarah Shaw – The Early Teachings of the Buddha appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

My guest is Karen O’Brien-Kop. In this episode we discuss two foundational concepts found in the Sankya philosphy, Purusha and Prakriti or pure consciousness and nature, which underpin the main ideas in much of yoga practice including the seminal text, the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali.  Karen has been practising yoga in different forms since 1995. […] The post LG35 – Karen O’Brien-Kop – Purusha and Prakriti appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

Luke Jordan is a direct student of Sri K Pattabhi Jois and one of a handful of teachers worldwide Certified by the Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore to pass on the advanced teachings of this traditional Yoga method. Luke holds a Masters degree in Indian Religion specialising in Yoga philosophy. livingashtanga.com  The post LG34 – Luke Jordan – Sankya the Forgotten Sister appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

Gregor Maehle began his yogic practices in the mid-1980s. He’s studied with various yogic and tantric masters, traditional Indian sadhus and ascetics. He spent fourteen months in Mysore, and in 1997 was authorised to teach Ashtanga Yoga by K. Pattabhi Jois. Since then he has branched out into researching the anatomical alignment of postures and […] The post LG33 – Gregor Maehle – From Disappointment to Samadhi appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

I’m speaking with Karan Bajaj, author and striving Yogi. He has written several novels. His newly released novel is called The Yoga of Max’s Discontent. We discuss taking a sabbatical, doing something different with your life and the benefits that come from such a change. He talks about how he integrates the corporate world, family life, travel and […] The post LG32 – Karan Bajaj – Radical Sabbatical appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

In this episode Carolyn Cowan shares her insights on Kundalini Yoga, therapy, addiction, feminism, and more! Carolyn is a Kundalini Yoga teacher, Teacher Trainer and a Psychosexual Therapist specialising in addiction & trauma recovery. She has a huge amount of content online to check out. You can find out more at carolyncowan.com The post LG31 – Carolyn Cowan – Art, Kundalini and Conscious Sexuality appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

Our guests this episode are Mimi Kuo-Deemer, Kate Ellis and Sarai Harvey Smith. They share their insights and experiences using hands-on adjustments in their classes. We discuss when it’s appropriate to use them, different types of adjustments, what can go wrong and more. I am joined by Liz Frances Hobbs and Genny Wilkinson-Priest who lead two […] The post LG30 – The Right Touch – Hands-on Adjustments appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

My guest on this episode is Richard Rosen. Richard has been an emissary for the modern Yoga world from the opening of Piedmont Yoga school with Rodney Yee in 1987 to his many articles in The Yoga Journal to his most recent of three books on early hatha practices, Original Yoga: Rediscovering Traditional Practices of Hatha Yoga. You […] The post LG29 – Richard Rosen – Yoga For Everyone appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

In this episode we talk with senior teachers, Anna Ashby, Graham burns and Director of Triyoga, Jonathan Sattin about starting out as a Yoga teacher. I’ve enlisted the help of my two friends and fellow teachers, Genny Wilkinson-Priest and Liz Frances Hobbs for the interviews. Topics include: giving them what they want vs. giving them what […] The post LG28 – Advice For Starting Teachers appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

My guest for this episode is Matthew Remski. Matthew teaches yoga philosophy and ayurveda. He is a therapist and the author of several books including Threads of Yoga: A remix of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Family Wakes Us Up & 21st Century Yoga. In this episode we talk about whether you are personally responsible for your […] The post LG27 – Matthew Remski – 21st Century Yoga appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

My guest is Ashtanga Vinyasa teacher, John Scott. John elegantly describes how the vinyasa method can be used to achieve deep states of concentration and meditation. He shares wisdom from the Guruji Sutras, and answers questions from you, the listening audience about aging, adjusting and the relationship between mind and body. You can find out more about John’s work at johnscottyoga.com The post LG26 – John Scott – The Guruji Sutras appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

My guest is Martin Aylward. Martin has been leading retreats worldwide, teaching meditation and supporting groups and individuals since 1999. He is the founding teacher of Moulin de Chaves, a residential retreat centre in South West France, where he lives. Martin works with students around the world in retreats and in ongoing individual support. He also runs an […] The post LG25 – Martin Aylward – Multidimensional Practice appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

For over 50 years Paul has been exploring and sharing his experiences on awakening, human potential and how to be deeply happy. In this episode he points out the most important factor for discovering these qualities, unconditional awareness. Pay attention, be present, see the mechanical nature of the body and mind, stop holding  … and […] The post LG24 – Paul Lowe – Unconditional Awareness appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

I sit down with Mysore-style Ashtanga teachers, Scott Johnson, Joey Miles and Corrie Preece for a lively discussion on all things Ashtanga from how to teach the unteachable, when is it okay to modify the sequence, the misconception that yoga always feels good, waking up early, hyper-focus on alignment and much more. If you are […] The post LG23 – Four Mysore Teachers appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

My guest is pregnancy Yoga teacher, Ayala Gill. We talk about how to approach your yoga practice during pregnancy, helpful tips, postnatal yoga, modifying for each trimester and more. Ayala has trained in Iyengar, Ashtanga and Anusara methods, as a mindfuleness meditation teacher and is a practicing doula, assiting women during childbirth. www.ayalagill.com Check out Ayala’s […] The post LG22 – Ayala Gill – Yoga Baby! appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

My guest is Melanie Cooper. We discuss her new book Teaching Yoga Adjusting Asana and share our experience of what it’s like to be a Yoga teacher. Melanie has been teaching yoga since 1997, and training yoga teachers since 2005. She divides her time between London and Goa practicing and teaching yoga. She currently runs the morning […] The post LG21 – Melanie Cooper – Yoga Teacher Shop Talk appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

Alan Jacobs was born in 1929 in London. From an early age, he has been interested in religion and mysticism. He commenced a personal search for truth, and studied comparative religion. He then entered the Gurdjieff Society in 1957 and remained there until the early seventies. He then met Jiddu Krishnamurti, and studied his teachings […] The post LG20 – Alan Jacobs – And A Voice Said, “Who Am I?” appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

My guest is Dr. James Mallinson. In addition to being a scholar of the first order making great contributions to the academic study of Yoga, James is an old school Hatha Yogi, getting down and dirty with the sannyasins and the tappasyins, gurus and saints of India, who are carrying on the traditions and practices […] The post LG19 – James Mallinson – Old School Hatha Yoga appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

Bo Forbes joins me to offer a glimpse into her work as a Yoga teacher and Yoga therapist. She artfully weaves together her training as a clinical psychologist and therapist with her knowledge of Yoga and contemplative practice. Bo discusses her understanding of what it means to cultivate embodied awareness, integrating the mind and body. You can […] The post LG18 – Bo Forbes – Yoga Therapy appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

My guest is Matthew Sweeney, a senior teacher in the Ashtanga Vinyasa Tradition. We discuss the Force as elucidated by master Yoda, gross, subtle and causal dimensions of practice, and when it is appropriate to fly in the face of tradition. You can find out more about Matthew at www.yogatemple.com Enjoy! The post LG17 – Matthew Sweeney – The Tradition and The Person appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

Dave Oshana is a teacher of enlightenment. He has a practical and open approach to sharing, from his direct experience, the subtleties of how to live an enlightened life. On the podcast, Dave freely discusses the myths surrounding enlightenment. He both demystifies and exalts the perennial spiritual journey. Find out more about Dave at daveoshana.com The post LG16 – Dave Oshana – Hitting The Jackpot In Every Moment appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

My guest is Godfrey Devereux, a practitioner and teacher of Yoga with 40 years of experience. It’s a lively discussion about the essence of yoga practice, self-inquiry. www.godfridev.com, www.windfireyoga.com The post LG15 – Godfrey Devereux – The Essence of Yoga is Inquiry appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

Mark is a scholar of the Yoga tradition with a focus on the roots of modern Yoga practice. He has made an important contribution to our understanding of recent developments in Yoga’s history with his book Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice. We discuss the recent history of Hatha Yoga and posture practice in the west. […] The post LG14 – Dr. Mark Singleton – Origins of Modern Yoga appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

Wayne Liquorman joins me to discuss Power and Powerlessness. He offers encouragement to look for yourself to discover the true source of who you are and what moves you to act in the world. Wayne has had a big influence on my life and I am grateful to get an opportunity to introduce him and […] The post LG13 – Wayne Liquorman – The Way of Powerlessness appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

Clare Soloway has a lifetime of experience as a therapist, teacher, facilitator and guide. She shares her unique and inspiring approach to life – daring to step into unknown territories of self-exploration, relationships, and offering her rich life experience as support for others on the path. In our dialogue she discusses her own personal growth, authentic relationships, assisting others […] The post LG12 – Clare Soloway – A Life of Continuous Discovery appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

I am joined by Yoga historian and London based Yoga teacher, Graham Burns. Graham takes us through the major developments in the history of Yoga. Though we only touch briefly on each major turn in Yoga’s 3000 year history, Graham offers a comprehensive picture of this rich and wide ranging tradition. For more about Graham […] The post LG11 – Graham Burns – A Brief History of Yoga appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

My guest is Ian Davidson. We discuss his relationship with his two gurus, one embodied and one he’s never met in person. Ian shares his experience of what it’s like to find yourself devoted to a spiritual teacher. He is co-director of Le Moulin de Chaves, a Buddhist meditation center in France. Check the links […] The post LG10 – Ian Davidson – The Notion and Emotion of Devotion appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

I hope you enjoy this conversation with Wendell Henckel. He is a hidden treasure, an unassuming man with vast knowledge and a deep and soft presence. It was truly a delight to talk with him, exploring consciousness, enlightenment and meditation. Though not well known, he is an incredible resource for anyone interested in meditation or enlightenment. I […] The post LG9 – Wendell Henckel – From the Individual to the Universal to the Absolute appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

I am joined by Rafael Ebner, a Yin Yoga teacher, a long time traveller on the path and also a close friend of mine. We talk about Yin Yoga, risking security in order to live your truth, the end of seeking and more. Rafi is a sweet soul, very tuned in to the moment, which […] The post LG8 – Rafael Ebner – Living Your Truth appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

I am joined by Carlos Pomeda, a Tantra scholar and practitioner with not only a tremendous wealth of knowledge of Yoga but a great depth of experience, as well. His joy for the practice passionately comes across in our dialogue. For more about Carlos go to www.pomeda.com The post LG7 – Carlos Pomeda – Awareness is the Heart of Tantra appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

My guest on this episode is Simon Low, an eclectic teacher who weaves together body, energy, philosophy and his personal journey. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation. You can find out more about Simon at www.simonlow.com The post LG6 – Simon Low – Yin and Yang Yoga appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

My guest for this episode is June Blank. She has been teaching in the Integral Yoga lineage for over three decades. As you will hear, June is bursting with enthusiasm for Yoga. I consider myself fortunate that she was my first teacher. Its an honor to have her on the podcast. www.yogawithjune.com The post LG005 – June Blank – The Essence of Yoga appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

Jonathan Sattin is Managing Director of Triyoga, a Yoga centre with four locations in London. In this episode we discuss life, meditation, his experiences at the ashram, his relationship with his teacher and what it’s like running a large Yoga centre. The post LG004 – Jonathan Sattin – Meditation, Ashrams, and the Yoga Business appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

David Keil is an Ashtanga practitioner who has traveled the world teaching his YogAnatomy Workshop to teachers and students. He is a direct student of Shri K. Pattabhi Jois. In this episode we discuss the wonder of the human body and David’s relationship with his teachers. For more information about David go to www.yoganatomy.com The post LG003 – Anatomy of a Yoganatomist appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

My guest for this episode is Michael Gannon. Michael teaches workshops, trainings and retreats around the world. In our dialogue we explore gurus — having them and being them — and other aspects of Yoga practice. For info about Michael go to www.michaelgannonyoga.com The post LG002 – Are you a Guru? appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.

Welcome to the Lonely Guru podcast. I am Ryan Spielman, aka Lonely Guru. In these dialogues I explore with my guests what an authentic Yoga and spirituality looks like and feels like in our 21st century culture. I hope to make you think deeply about who you are and how to live. Wishing you a rich […] The post LG001 – Introduction and Welcome appeared first on Ashtanga Yoga with Ryan Spielman.