Ashtanga Dispatch Podcast

Meet one of my favorite yoga teachers, fellow word nerd, and an extrovert who also loves introverting -- Ross Rayburn. In today's episode, we talk about Ross's new book, Turning Inward, an inclusive, practical, if not somewhat unconventional, guide to developing a contemplative practice. You can find Ross's book, Turning Inward, on Spotify or order on Amazon. And if you're interested in more down-to-earth practical explanations of yoga philosophy, check out our online courses. Visit www.ashtangadispatch.com and click on The Path to learn more.

In today's episode, we take a little break from our usual interviews and conversations to bring you a story from Sumerian Mythology called The Descent of Inanna. It begins as, "From the Great Above, Inanna (goddess of light) opens her ear to the Great Below," and from there, journeys into the Underworld, into known and unknown terrors, to follow that call. And it's a story that beautifully illustrates our own quest for Self through yoga. Which is the theme of our upcoming course in April -- Patañjali's Yoga Sūtras: A Practical Guide. Please visit www.ashtangadispatch.com and click on The Path for more information. We hope you enjoy the story!

Patty Ivey is the owner and founder of Down Dog Yoga, one of the hottest yoga studios in Washington, D.C. But after 20 years, she and her husband were ready to embrace the next phase of her life. It was then, at age 70, Patty was diagnosed with breast cancer. Which she now sees as somewhat of a gift -- opening her up to even greater potential. *Registration for our Mentorship Fall Session begins in August. Find details at www.ashtangadispatch.com Today's episode was edited and produced by me, Peg Mulqueen. Music by Marc Pilley.

Today's guest is Ava Taylor, founder of Yama Talent and author of the new book Your Yoga Business. And trust me, today's talk is not just a must for yoga teachers, but anyone starting their own business in today's post-pandemic world. Because things have changed, if you haven't noticed. Some for the better, some not. In today's episode, Ava shares with us business lessons she's learned the hard way and her vision for the future. Visit www.yamatalent.com to learn more! And if you enjoyed today's episode, please pass it along to a friend or give it a share on social media. Help us share (as Ava calls it) the good news!

Dr. Jean Byrne, the co-founder of The Yoga Space www.yogaspace.com.au in Perth, Australia, talks with me about changes she's made personally and within her teaching after a momentous crisis of faith -- a turning point that would help liberate her own intuition, personal power, and truth. We hope this conversation inspires more just like this. Btw, we learned about Jean through one of her students, who is currently a part of our Mentorship program, which we are expanding into 2024. To join or find out more, please visit www.ashtangadispatch.com The Ashtanga Dispatch Yoga Podcast is hosted, produced, and edited by Peg Mulqueen. Music by Marc Pilley. Thanks for listening.

"For spiritual expats and philosophical refugees, somatic explorers, soul hunters, star gazers, rule breakers and other mystical miscreants who have had enough of the ruses of religion, and want to set down dogma..." These were the words that Ty Landrum, our guest on today's Ashtanga Dispatch Yoga Podcast, used in describing his Into the Depths course, which Meghan had the pleasure of participating in. But really, Ty might as well have been describing himself. For he truly embodies the boundless spirit of yoga -- approaching the practice without sharp distinctions and dogma. And though we may say he breaks the mold of conventional Ashtanga vinyasa yoga, you'll hear him say in this podcast that he simply is exploring yoga in the way it was taught to him and how he understands it. And how his teachings arise out of his own unique experience of yoga. To find out more about Ty Landrum, visit: https://www.tylandrum.com/ To learn more about The Path and the Mentoring Opportunity mentioned in our closing words, please visit: https://ashtangadispatch.com/programs/ The Ashtanga Dispatch Yoga Podcast is hosted, produced, and edited by Peg Mulqueen. along with Meghan Powell. Music is by Marc Pilley.

If you’re a yoga student and on instagram, you might have come across our guest on today's episode, Prasad Rangnekar, where his posts are often widely re-shared by yoga seekers from all style's and lineage's. But what attracted us to Prasad's posts was how they inspired deeper inquiry and curiosity rather than giving us a "right or wrong" answer. Many of his posts focus on topics surrounding not just yoga itself but actually teaching yoga and being a teacher, which Peg and Prasad talk about in today's episode, along with long with yoga being a personal journey, how our definitions can liberate or limit us, and his advice to new teachers. Prasad is a yoga educator from and based in India who has been studying yoga for over 35 years. His training under different teachers has given him a holistic perspective of Yoga and his study continues to date. Prasad guides workshops, retreats, Yoga teacher trainings, Meditation facilitator trainings, Yoga philosophy training and deeper silent immersions -- believing that Yoga is for everyone, beyond age, gender, religion, nationality and physical capability. To find out more about Prasad, visit https://www.yogaprasad.in To learn more about the Mentorship with Peg & Meghan mentioned at the end of the podcast, please visit https://ashtangadispatch.com/programs/mentoring-opportunity/ We hope you enjoy listening!

Meet Lea Perfetti, an Ashtanga yoga teacher I discovered on Instagram after a series of posts that were so raw and real, I knew there had to be a pretty powerful story behind. Hers is not just one woman's story, but one that many of us have lived, but often too ashamed to tell. It's a story of vulnerability and courage, of breaking open and breaking free - from cultural norms and societal pressures. From the shame of seeking help and needing to be perfect. We need to stop keeping our stories and struggles a secret. Because far worse than going through dark times, is believing we are the only ones. Learn more about Lea and ways to work with her, visit https://www.oceanwyseyoga.com The Ashtanga Dispatch Yoga Podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by Peg Mulqueen and Meghan Powell. Music by Marc Pilley. Please visit our beautiful, new website - www.ashtangadispatch.com - and see what exciting new offerings are coming for 2023!

Mark Bint grew up with two parents who cannot hear; Mark is known as a CODA, a child of deaf adults. And in today’s episode, Mark tells his story and how growing up in a non-hearing home taught him what it truly means to listen. Today’s transcript can be found on the website. Visit www.ashtangadispatch.com Join Peg Mulqueen and Meghan Powell in Bozeman, Montana July 31 - Aug 4 for their Mountain Yoga Retreat. Details for this are also on the website. Thanks for listening!

Wambui Njuguna-Räisänen is an Ashtanga yoga teacher based in Finland. Born in Kenya and raised in the U.S., Wambui now lives in Helsinki with her husband, Petri who also teaches, and their two young sons. Wambui is passionate about providing wellness through yoga and meditation to those actively engaged in equity and social justice. For in the midst of dismantling systemic oppression, we need to allow space for our own self care. This is part of our practice. And the way we go get our peace. To learn more about Wambui and her offerings, visit http://wambuinjuguna.com/ and @wellnesswithwambui (Patreon and IG).

Though the message isn't necessarily new -- the need for a more malleable and adaptive approach to practice within Ashtanga Yoga -- it's the messenger that may actually surprise you. Today's episode with Eddie Stern is personal and incredibly honest. And one that may leave you with much to (re)consider. If you'd like to experience first hand a kinder, simpler way to practice, visit eddiestern.com to take class with him online. The Ashtanga Dispatch Podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by Peg Mulqueen and Meghan Powell. Music is by Marc Pilley.

The past few years has been like a story that’s unfolding. One that will be told for generations to come. And it is this personal retelling, a weaving together of stories, we will bring you this year through the podcast. Asking the question: How has the pandemic shifted our sense of identity, purpose, and vision as individuals and as a yoga community? We begin with Kino Macgregor, someone we have always admired and enjoyed, and have had on the podcast many times before. And we thought it not possible for Kino to be even more impassioned and purposeful — but we were wrong. Now blazing with passion and clearer than ever, Kino is ready to usher in a new day, and a new paradigm, in yoga. >> Meet us in 2022 on The Path, a unique, online practice space to inspire, connect, and support. Visit www.ashtangadispatch.com to join. The Ashtanga Dispatch Podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by Peg Mulqueen and Meghan Powell. Music by Marc Pilley.

It's the kind of wisdom that can only come from many years of personal practice that guest to the podcast, Kathy Cooper, brings in today's episode. As a female practitioner, now in her 70s, and as youthful and vibrant as ever - Kathy's shared experience is such a gift to the many of us women practicing out there. Speaking of which ... we are excited to announce a unique online practice space, designed especially for women, called The Path. Each month, members will receive a beautiful journal full of essays and stories, practice sessions to download, and a live, online gathering at the end of each month. For more information, please visit www.ashtangadispatch.com/event/thepath2022 The Ashtanga Dispatch Podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by Peg Mulqueen and Meghan Powell. Music is by Marc Pilley. Thanks for listening and sharing this path.

Lara Land is the founder of the non-profit, Three and a Half Acres Yoga, a partnership program that offers yoga, breathing and mindfulness practices to underserved communities. In addition, Lara trains yoga teachers in the area of trauma sensitivity -- a training that focuses primarily on a teacher's own self awareness. Starting December 2nd and lasting the entire month, teachers within the yoga community are leading classes online to help raise money to support Three and Half Acres Yoga. Your donation gives you access to all classes taught by teachers such as Eddie Stern, Donna Noble, Nina Rao, and so many more. But even more important -- you'll be helping to bring the healing of yoga to someone who really needs it. Find out how to donate and attend these classes by visiting www.threeandahalfacres.org The Ashtanga Dispatch Podcast is hosted by Peg Mulqueen and Meghan Powell. Music by Marc Pilley. Thank you for listening.

In today's episode, Dr. Shyam Ranganathan explains the process of translating spiritual texts; how belief systems, both conscious and unconscious, can influence our interpretations; and why logic is better than experience in deciphering ethics. Dr. Ranganathan is a trained scholar and researcher of philosophy and is author, editor and translator of numerous peer reviewed, scholarly works. To learn more, visit www.yogaphilosophy.com or follow on Instagram @ yogaphilosophy_com Also, be sure to check out our newest online offering begins this October -- Living the Path: Using the Tools of Yoga for Navigating Change. We hope you can join us. Visit www.ashtangadispatch.com/online-courses for details. The Ashtanga Dispatch Podcast is hosted by Peg Mulqueen and Meghan Powell. Music is by Marc Pilley.

Join David Garrigues and me as we discuss Yoga Sūtra 3.17: There is a natural confusion of words, meanings, and our own conceptual experience that arises when we superimpose one upon the other. But with perfect focus on distinguishing between the three, we learn the language of all beings. Basically - words matter. As does our experience, use, and interpretation. Words like discipline, tradition, modification, and even the word yoga itself. So we chose a few and attempted to dissect. This conversation was also offered live on Clubhouse and if you're interested in attending future talks, follow @pegmulqueen on Clubhouse. Or sign up for our monthly email at www.ashtangadispatch.com

In today's episode, listen to Deepika Mehta speak to the power of hope and how it plays such an essential role in times of despair. Especially as India suffers through a second wave of COVID. And why teachers from all over the world - including Deepika and us - are uniting this weekend (May 7th + 8th)to offer hope and help with a 24-hour online yoga marathon. Tickets are by donation and you can get yours here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/24-hour-global-yoga-marathon-for-india-covid-relief-tickets-152981575009 We talk about this, but also about what it's been like for her to have a baby in the midst of COVID and the joy of seeing the world anew, through the fresh eyes of her daughter. Plus how motherhood has changed her practice AND her perspective on practice. Thanks for listening and hope to see you at this weekend's online yoga marathon. Also, did you know that Ashtanga Dispatch has a new podcast? It's called On the Path where each month, we will bring you a new trail to explore and someone inspiring to walk along with. You can subscribe to On the Path here: https://www.ashtangadispatch.com/on-the-path-episode-1/ The Ashtanga Yoga Dispatch podcast is hosted, produced, and edited by Peg Mulqueen. along with Meghan Powell. Music is by Marc Pilley. Music is by Marc Pilley

Welcome to On the Path – a new ‘talk as we walk’ podcast from Ashtanga Dispatch where we will take you outside on a new trail or with a new walking partner each month. If you enjoy, go over to apple podcasts and subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-path-with-ashtanga-dispatch/id1565083628?i=1000518924627 Like to listen on Spotify? You can find us here: https://open.spotify.com/show/70QJ8u3hTrJzfmVJ9coABt?si=ALJd1T4gQBy-I_xCSgIWlQ Today, you'll be walking with me, Peg Mulqueen, up the dirt road that leads from my house in Montana up to the top of the mountain we live on. And along the way, I'll tell you stories about my dad, who grew up as one of 7 kids in Hell's Kitchen NY. My dad has lived a colorful life for sure. With more than his fair share of hardship. Thanks to a crippling car accident, he cannot bend his legs nor touch his toes. And yet, I've learned more from him about yoga in action than anywhere else in my life. We hope you enjoy today's walk. And if you've never heard sandhill cranes, you're in for a treat! They are out in full force, announcing the coming of spring. I've even included a playlist for our walk, which you can find here: https://www.ashtangadispatch.com/on-the-path-episode-1/ Thanks for walking!

In 2004, after an explosion in Iraq, Dan Nevins would ultimate lose both his legs. And in today's pod, Dan will not only tell you this story - but also about his life, before and after. Including how he was introduced to yoga which, as he will tell you, saved him during a particularly dark time. (Though to say he was a reluctant participant is an understatement!) Besides being a veteran and yoga teacher, Dan is a master storyteller. He had Meghan and me in tears - both laughing and crying. Sometimes, both - at the same time. His story is emotional and inspirational. It's a story of resilience ... of relationship ... and of purpose. Learn more about Dan by visiting his website at dannevins.com The Ashtanga Dispatch podcast is hosted, produced, and edited by me, Peg Mulqueen, along with Meghan Powell. Music is by Marc Pilley.

Visit www.ashtangadispatch.com for more interviews, articles, and our latest online classes and courses. Beginning this Saturday is Elements of a Home Practice - a 4-week immersion with Peg Mulqueen + Meghan Powell. And now, on to today's episode with Santina Giardina-Chard ... Santina is an Ashtanga yoga teacher, living on Australia's Gold Coast. Wildly impassioned and blazing with enthusiasm and emotion - Santina is one of those people who knows what it means to step into the fire and let burn what needs to burn. And she will lead you through as well - if you let her. Because sometimes we need to feel the burn before we will loosen our grip and open ourselves up to something new. Often it’s the destruction that clears the space and sets us free. ****This episode contains language not suitable for young or sensitive ears **** Visit www.ashtangadispatch.com and sign up for our email list to receive our full moon musings where each month, we explore various elements of nature and practice. The Ashtanga Dispatch podcast is hosted, produced, and edited by me, Peg Mulqueen. Along with Meghan Powell. Music is by Marc Pilley - www.arksong.net As always, thanks for listening - and enjoy today's spirited talk with Santina Giardina Chard