Living In Alignment

Shantala Sriramaiah, founder of Veda Studies, continues a family tradition of devotional chanting that began in her native Bangalore, India, where her mother Saroja, a chanting teacher, taught a large community for over thirty years. She is a senior student of her guru, Sri M.S. Sreenivasan of the Challakere Brothers.Through Veda Studies, she has built a vibrant international community of practitioners, offering both foundational programs and a teacher training program in collaboration with INDICA, whom she has also published prayer books that support students in their study and practice.Alongside her online courses, Shantala leads in-person chanting retreats in India and Europe, creating immersive spaces for practice and connection. She now lives in Lugano, Switzerland, with her husband and two children.IN THIS EPISODE:– Rich insight into how to appropriately sequence (krama) mantras within your daily practice and also throughout seasonal occasions.– Clarity on complex terms, such as shruti, stuti, shloka, sutra, mantra, and more.– Important reflections of devotional singing, kirtanam, and bhajans– The role of women in mantra traditions– Convincing commentary on why proper, respectful, and articulate mantra recitation is so essential and transformative– How to study with ShantalaCONNECT WITH SHANTALA:Website: https://www.vedastudies.com/ (find the free training here)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veda_studies/ & https://www.instagram.com/shantala_sriramaiah/ABOUT YOUR HOST: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/

With over 20 years of immersion in Vedic sciences, Kristin Marshall, offers a path steeped in tradition, authenticity, and transformative wisdom. Based in Australia, her journey into Jyotiṣa became a turning point—illuminating the deeper rhythms of karma, dharma, and time. Founder of Dharma School, she has taught yoga not just as a physical practice, but as a sacred path of inner alchemy—leading teacher trainings, retreats, and immersive programs across the globe.IN THIS EPISODE:- How we can understand an individual’s dharma through the lens of Vedic astrology - How this insight can be translated into lived action and how one moves through the world- How and where karma is revealed through Jyotish- How we can meet our karma more consciously, and feel less bound by it- What Vedic Counselling is, and its capacity to steadily transform someone's lifeCONNECT WITH KRISTINWebsite: https://www.kristinspenceyoga.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristin_ananda_devi/ABOUT YOUR HOST: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/

Emma Balnaves is an internationally respected teacher of the traditional forms and philosophies of Hatha Yoga. She has been teaching yoga since 1995.Emma was introduced to yoga in her early teens when she became intrigued by the mystery of the practices and the feelings they evoked inside her. After studying visual communication, majoring in photography at university, and working in the creative arts in Sydney, New York, and London, Emma committed herself to a life of teaching yoga. Her early training began with a three-year apprenticeship at the Hatha Yoga Shala in Bondi Junction, Sydney, Australia.After decades of in-depth study and research in yoga, Ayurveda, and other internal arts, Emma began incorporating the full spectrum of the yogic process in her teaching.In 2019 she completed her first film Agniyogana, which she was inspired to create as a way to share the essence of these teachings and bring a better understanding of all aspects of the practice.IN THIS EPISODE:— Emma sheds light on Nepal’s influence and contribution to yoga, particularly with respect the Hatha Yoga— The teachings of Nrtta (“pure dance) and how it has informed the teachings of Shadow Yoga— Explore nrtta, karana, and the forms relating to Lord Shiva that have arisen through and are associated with Chidambaram Temple in Southern India— Teachings of the charana-s— Emma’s suggestions and wisdom around the essential components that comprise complete practice and sadhana WEBSITE: https://shadowyoga.com/aboutINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shadow_yoga/ & https://www.instagram.com/agniyoganafilm/ RESOURCES: https://shadowyoga.com/resources--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. Raj Balkaran is a scholar of Sanskrit narrative texts and author of “The Stories Behind the Poses”. He is a Tutor at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and Founder of the online Indian Wisdom School where he integrates scholarship, storytelling and spirituality to apply ancient Indian wisdom teachings to modern life. Beyond research, speaking and teaching, he runs a thriving one-on-one life guidance and runs transformative retreats in stunning global settings. IN THIS EPISODE: — Raj’s life path and love story with rich literacy and story alongside his scholarly work and spiritual exploration — A wonderful story from the Chandogya Upanishad — The evolution of tradition — Story pedagogy and frame narratives — Exploration of the meaning of “myth” and “mythology” — The powerful impact and value behind the timeless stories — The driving motivation and process behind the creation of The Stories Behind the Poses — Considerations of the application of stories into yoga asana environments CONNECT WITH RAJ: Website: www.rajbalkaran.com & www.indianwisdomschool.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianwisdomschool/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indianwisdomschool LISTEN TO RAJ via these podcasts: — Indian Wisdom School — New Books in Indian Religions (New Books Network) — 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/⁠

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/⁠

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/

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/

Born in Texas in 1953, Dr. Robert Svoboda is the first Westerner ever to graduate from a college of Ayurveda and be licensed to practice Ayurveda in India. After being ritually initiated into the Pokot tribe of northern Kenya as its first white member in June 1973 he moved to India, where he lived from during the 70’s and 80’s, receiving his Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery from the University of Poona in 1980. In his final year of study at the Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya he won all but one of the University of Poona’s awards for academic excellence in Ayurveda, including the Ram Narayan Sharma Gold Medal. During and after his formal Ayurvedic training he was tutored in Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotish, Tantra and other forms of classical Indian lore by his mentor, the Aghori Vimalananda. Author of over a dozen books, Dr. Svoboda has traveled extensively In the years since 1986, spending three months per year on average in India. You can find out more about his work and study online with Robert at www.drsvoboda.com and follow him on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. IN THIS EPISODE: Learn of Dr Svoboda’s most pivotal moments across his life Sanskrit words that help to illumine a greater understanding of death The rich significance of Benares (Varanasi) and cremation grounds How to understand and work with the planet Saturn through the lens of Vedic Astrology Dr Svoboda’s book recommendations His favorite temple in India And the new book coming soon from Dr Svoboda! RESOURCES: Jnaneshwari (Bhavartha Deepika) Ka, by Roberto Calasso Learn from Robert via his huge library of online courses: https://drsvoboda.teachable.com/

Author of the best-selling book Ayurveda Cooking For Beginners and creator of numerous courses and trainings on Ayurveda, Laura Plumb promotes sacred, sumptuous living through the Vedic sciences of Ayurveda, Jyotish, Mantra, and Devi Sadhana. Laura is lead faculty for the Ayurvedic Integrated Nutrition 200-hour Professional Training and has studied with some of the great masters of our time, practicing and sharing what she has learned from the heart-centered wisdom schools of the world. Laura’s blog is an inspirational resource for Ayurvedic nourishment and delight. She is widely recognized for understanding and sharing the deeper principles of various Vedic traditions while making them accessible and relevant to modern life. In this episode: - Laura's story as to how she felt pulled to India and came to learn of the various Vedic traditions - Laura's fascinating and pivotal first trip to India many years ago - How we can amalgamate Vedic traditions into daily life - How Ayurveda and Jyotish overlap - The concept and approach to remedies through the Vedic lens - The purpose behind Laura's first book, Ayurveda Cooking For Beginners - Two of Laura's book recommendations - Three of Laura's daily practices to align with Vedic wisdom - So much beauty, metaphor, and more! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese The Upanishads CONNECT WITH LAURA: Website: https://lauraplumb.com/ Blog: https://food-alovestory.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraplumb/ USE CODE: Plumb10 for 10% off a Jyotish Vedic Astrology consultation with Laura.

Kate O’Donnell is an international speaker, Ayurvedic practitioner, long-time yoga practitioner, and the author of four books, including best-selling The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook. She has been studying in US and India for 25 years. Her new book Everyday Ayurveda for Women's Health is available for pre-order now. Find her online at: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/ and https://www.instagram.com/kateodonnell.ayurveda/ Within this episode: Kate’s calling to India, her fun and fascinating story of coming to yoga and Ayurveda The philosophical unpinning of the Vedic lifestyle The four stages of life (ashramas) Insight into studying in India The deficit Westerners have coming to yoga Women’s transition into embodied wisdom The value of immersing in wisdom traditions within India A call to potentially hang up the asana The evolution of yoga through one’s lifetime The relevance of Ayurvedic Dhatus to our movement practices Ritucharya, movement with the seasons Kate’s book recommendations Kate’s new book (Everyday Ayurveda for Women's Health) is due for release April 2024 with Shambhala Publications. Pre-orders available now. Resources mentioned: Ka by Roberto Calasso Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life by Dr Claudia Welch Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook by Kate O’Donnell

Katie Rose is a yoga teacher, ayurveda guide and author with over 25 years of experience in the world of wellness alongside many thousands of teaching hours under her belt. She is a doula and teacher for the Australian Doula College. Katie was the manager of the prestigious TriYoga centre in London before moving to Sydney and opening Samadhi Yoga in 2004 followed by Jivamukti Yoga Sydney which at its peak was a four-studio business. Her popular online courses have helped hundreds of women from all over the world in empower themselves. Much of Katie’s work focuses on the Australian seasons, landscape and Indigenous culture and she has a keen passion for respecting First Nation’s wisdom as well as animal rights and the environment. She is the founder and host of the annual Bhakti Women’s Online Yoga Summit and the author of several internationally available books published by Rockpool Publishing including ‘Mindful Living’ and ‘The Yoga of Birth’. Katie helps women go from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to living a life that is vibrant, creative and abundant. She lives in Sydney, Australia with her partner and her five children in a loud and busy household where her meditation practice keeps her sane! Within this episode: Katie’s past life calling and blessing of good karma with her teachers Unravelling the esoteric and feminine approach to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras The value of inner authority when understanding yoga related texts Weaving the masculine and feminine qualities into daily life, personally and professionally Being in relationship with the subtle yogic body, the pranamaya kosha, in a practical way Katie’s capacity to utilise her time and presence with depth How Katie has curated her career with boundaries and devotion to her family How Katie embraces the role of matriarch in her home Building community, bringing people together both in person and online The challenges and biggest learning from hosting online live summits Katie’s favourite book recommendations on Yoga and Ayurveda The controversial book Katie is currently reading and the biggest takeaway from it Connect with Katie via her website: https://www.bhaktirose.com.au/ and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhakti.rose/ Mentioned in the episode: The Secret Power of Yoga, by Nischala Joy Devi Don’t Just Sit There! By Biet Simkin The Path of Practice, by Maya Tiwari Eve in Exile: And the Restoration of Femininity, by Rebekah Merkle