The Yoga Conversations

"Its therapy, its movement, its laughter, its breathwork, its dhyana. All in one beautiful hour" - Mansi Mahajan

Mansi is an international Yoga and Wellness Coach who has her own school of Yoga under the International Yoga Alliance and also leads yoga retreats/ workshops both in India and abroad. She is the Founder of House of Kapaali, an award-winning wellness space, based in Delhi, Goa, and the Himalayas as well as a Founder of Manaste, promoting a lifestyle of wellbeing inside out. She is a published author who has recently completed a series of Yoga books for children. Mansi has been awarded "Exceptional Woman of Excellence" by the Women Economic Forum three years in a row for her extraordinary contribution to the wellness space.

Topics Discussed:

• How she started her journey in Yoga (01:50)
• What people really think about Yoga (07:23)
• Her physiological and spiritual changes after practicing Yoga (15:23)
• The story of the monk who shared his first lesson - "Breath" (24:38)
• Her 2 lifestyle recommendations based on Manaste's research (29:13)
• Should one practice Yoga Nidra? (36:20)
• Online classes are here to stay! (42:53)
• Her morning routine and 10min practice (44:23)
• Her Food preferences for looking young and staying healthy (51:17)
• Here message for everyone (55:46)

"If you are true Yogi, you have to understand Prana!" - Pooja Rani

Coming from a corporate background working with Reliance Jio, Prime Focus, and Snapdeal, she realized this is not what she wants her life to be. Stumbling upon a 7-day retreat at Mcleodganj, she discovered true Yoga. Today, she has conducted multiple 200hr TTC courses and 7-day wellness retreats across Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, and the Himalayas.

Topics Discussed:

• How she started her journey in Yoga (01:36)
• How she managed to survive with 8 year's provident fund (11:46)
• Ashtanga - The 8 limbs of Yoga (15:50)
• The problem with Vipassana (38:08)
• 3 Vedic Lifestyle changes (43:26)
• The most popular Mantra misunderstood (56:10)
• Why she left Non-veg (1:00:16)
• Her message for everyone (1:09:53)
  

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"You need to start somewhere to get somewhere!" - Shreya Sethi

She is a Yoga & Holistic Health Teacher as well as a Counselling Psychologist. Her training and certifications include 200hr and 500hr TTC courses at Sivananda Yoga Ashram, Zumba B1 instructor course, Stott Pilates, and Hypnotherapy level1.  She has a wide media presence across NDTV, India TV group and Booking.com

Topics Discussed:

• How she started her journey in Yoga (01:30)
• Her experience at Sivananda Ashram (04:30)
• A day at a Yoga Ashram (12:23)
• Differences in Hatha & Vinyasa Style (16:23)
• How Yoga and Psychology go hand in hand (21:33)
• Why everyone feels they are depressed (30:20)
• Why are young slim women being diagnosed with PCOS (36:02)
• Her morning routine (40:23)
• Her food choices which she strictly avoids (42:17)
• Her message for everyone (51:03)

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"Sugar is worst than Cocaine because it's even more addictive! Once you start consuming sugar, your brain gets in the loop of, I want more, I want more, I want more..." - Isha Lall

In 2013, she did a 'Yoga & Meditation Teacher Training Course' in Varkala, Kerala, and is now well versed in Human Anatomy, Yogic Diet, Nutrition, and Meditation. In 2018, she started working in the space of Cancer and Autoimmune disorders by integrating Yoga, Meditation, and Nutritional Wellness. Today, she is a Holistic Wellness Expert which comprises of Movement & Meditation Therapist, Holistic Nutritionist, and Master Reiki Healer

Topics Discussed:

• How she started her journey in Yoga (01:58)
• Why people fear to take the leap of faith (06:33)
• How she helps Cancer Patients with Yoga and Meditation (09:38)
• How to be in Executive mode consistently (17:25)
• Why people suffer from Auto-immune diseases (23:10)
• Cancer similarities/ differences in India and USA (31:52)
• Her recommended Foods to start the day (38:22)
• Which nutrients are most missing in us? (41:34)
• Foods she completely avoids (45:53)
• Her practice in case of limited time (49:35)
• The 1 Pranayama for High BP, Heart and Covid patients (51:19)
• Her message for everyone (54:29)
  

Links:

"It's not about saving the planet, it's time to save ourselves!" - Ashwin C.

"The approach has to be deeper, cellular, molecular to deal with this problem rather than localized where this is manifesting!" - Dr. Renu Mahtani

She is an MBBS MD, FMNM (Fellowship in Metabolic & Nutritional Medicine) as well as done her Yoga course in International Associate for Yoga Therapy. She is the Founder of Autoimmunity Treatment Centre & Param Yoga, Pune. She has wide experience with all types of autoimmune diseases with maximum work in psoriasis. She is also the author of books - "Power - Pranayama” and "Power of Posture". We will talk about why Dr. Renu calls that we are victims of the Vitamin D pandemic, why we should take nutraceuticals and the power of Pranayama.

Topics Discussed:

• How she started her journey (01:18)
• The power of Vitamin D (06:03)
• Can Vitamin D be alone generated from the Sun? (12:23)
• Can Vitamin D be created within us naturally? (17:48)
• The role of Melanin in Vitamin D generation (19:53)
• Can we get cancer from Sun exposure (29:23)
• Should we practice Pranayama rigorously? (32:57)
• The Happy Imperfectionist (40:40)
• Her Food choices (47:23)
• Her message for everyone (52:30)

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"Yes, you're fine. Of course, you're fine. But would like to get better? Kinesiology is an emotional fitness!" - Ritu M.

Ritu Malhotra is a psychologist, a kinesiologist, and a teaching Metaphysician. She has her own center called Ajna Center for Learning where her primary focus is to help people discover the power of choice in their lives and learn to touch the field of consciousness and light

Topics Discussed:

• Her work and what is Ajna Center for Learning (01:03)
• What is Kinesiology and Muscle Testing (05:07)
• She explains her process of tackling Relationship issues (11:33)
• How she helps her patients open up (17:50)
• What is the one common limitation set by people? (31:44)
• What is Metaphysics? (37:50)
• Her morning routine and how she spends her energy (43:07)
• Her greatest lessons learned from Vipassana (45:50)
• Her message for everyone (48:20)
  

Links:

"Ab hum Aatmanirbhar nahi, American Nirbhar hai!" - Deepak Raghav

Deepak Raghav is a Farmer following the system of Natural Farming which is different from organic farming. He is a direct student of Subhash Palekar who is an Indian agriculturist and the Padma Shri awardee in 2016 for his work in Natural Farming. He is also a Holistic Farming Coach Trainer and Consultant with customized courses for Urban and Rural farmers as well as the Founder of Zero Budget Natural Farming Foundation

Topics Discussed(in Hindi):

• What is Natural Farming and how it is different from Organic Farming (01:30)
• How different types of seeds affect your way of being (12:08)
• The effects of Chemical farming on Farmers (20:53)
• How farmers underestimate the science of farming (26:46)
• His opinion on Farmer's Protests (32:56)
• The impact of Green Revolution on Indian Agriculture (44:17)
• How can a farmer transition to Natural Farming (51:13)
• How can one identify food grown via Natural Farming (54:05)
• Why he values his Guru - Subhash Palekar (59:33)
• His morning routine and why everyone must read Bhagavad Gita (1:03:36)
• If you want to bring a revolution, you must do meditation (1:09:10)
• What foods must be avoided (1:11:43)
• His message for everyone (1:14:33)
  

Links:

"One of the biggest mindsets that we as women need to overcome, is to trust ourselves!" - Vena Ramphal

Vena Ramphal is a Dance Studies Specialist in Classical Indian Dance and studied her way to being a PhD. in Dance and Philosophy. She is a professional dancer & choreographer as well as is experienced in dance studies, meditation teacher, Performance Coach, TV, and radio specialist on wellbeing and relationships. For her, "Dance is her fullest yoga."

Topics Discussed:

• Her journey into Yoga (01:23)
• Her Kriya Yoga journey thanks to the master Sri Yukteswar Giri (05:34)
• The 7 Chakras and 72,000 Nadis dissected (08:58)
• Her Hatha Yoga experience compared to Kriya Yoga and how she discovered Isha Hatha Yoga (11:15)
• Why does she quote as "Dance is my Fullest Yoga" (16:33)
• What mindset challenges she has faced while coaching Women Leaders (21:10)
• Women leaders who she looks up to (27:25)
• Her observations of what makes successful people successful (31:35)
• Her take on having "No routine" as morning routine (36:02)
• Her practices given in a short time constraint (39:33)
• Her food choices which she strictly avoids (42:50)
• Her message for everyone (46:23)

Links:

"The greatest gift to a calm mind is to eat calming foods and breathing" - Dr. Soorya Kaur

At the age of 70, Dr. Soorya is a Doctor of Acupuncture, Practitioner of Energy Medicine, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Somatic Movement Educator, Holistic Practitioner, and Raw/Vegan Food Expert. She has a huge footprint on Yoga as she has opened multiple Yoga Ashrams & taught yoga in prisons. She has super interesting stories on Raw food consumption, liver cleansing, and detoxification.

Topics Discussed:

• Her journey into Holistic Living and her connection with the Sikh religion (01:13)
• How she met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ji (04:30)
• Anandpur Sahib, Golden Temple, Hemkund Sahib &  - Her experiences and learnings in India (08:30)
• Her story on how she started Raw Food Cleanse (12:30)
• Her 3 PMs to loose Fat (19:53)
• What is Liver Cleanse? How it could help you live a fat-free holistic life (26:23)
• How drinking is not the only reason why you have a bad Liver? (31:38)
• Her mantra for looking & feeling young at the age of 70 (35:19)
• Her morning routine (37:33)
• Her Yogic practices  (43:25)
• Her message for everyone  (45:46)
  

Links:

"Focus on how you are eating. Are you eating with awareness? Are you eating fresh food, cooked with love?" - Dylan Smith

Dylan Smith is a certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and holistic health educator based in Sydney, Australia, where he runs and operates the Vital Veda clinic offering patients consultations, body treatments, and detoxification programs. Aimed at uncovering the root cause of ailments, Dylan travels the world to share his holistic passion, to teach patients to effortlessly integrate new foundational habits into their daily life so they can thrive. 

Topics Discussed:

• His true calling with Ayurveda (00:50)
• What is Ayurveda and how is it different from Allopathy (02:40)
• How does an Ayurvedic Doctor(Vaidya) approach a Patient (07:20)
• Why patients should give time to their body to heal holistically (11:08)
• The role of a Healthy Gut as per Ayurveda (15:08)
• How to lead a Disease-Proof Lifestyle (18:58)
• How Food should be eaten (23:46)
• His morning routine and what is Brahmamuhurtha (25:33)
• His message for everyone (30:09)

Links:

"She had a big emotional release, she had to lay down. I kept reminding her that she was safe and this gave her a big, big breakthrough" - Manjeet Mathur

Manjeet has completed his 200-Hr, 300-Hr, Yoga Therapy Module 1 & 2 MultiStyle Yoga Teacher Training Courses that too in Goa out of all places. He applies a Human approach to Yoga and believes in personalizing practices for everyone with Emotional Awareness and Shadow work, ie.  connected to the student's parents, finances, relationships, life experiences). Along with these, he also teaches Dance Therapy practices which he feels is a key part compared to all other parallel practices

Topics Discussed: 

• How he started Yoga in GOA and his byte on Russian Yogis (01:13)
• The differences in Yoga Asanas - Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin and Iyengar (04:56)
• The differences of Suryanamaskar in Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga (12:18)
• The importance of Emotional Awareness for Being Human (14:20)
• What is Shadow Work? (19:40)
• How he helped a girl sort her issues with her father (22:48)
• The differences between Dance Therapy vs Other Dance Styles (25:35)
• His 3 Routines of the day (29:48)
• His message for everyone (33:07)

Links:

"1 out of 3 Americans will be diagnosed with Cancer" - Samara Mahindra

Samara is the Founder and CEO of Carer, India’s first integrative oncology company that provides personalized care to cancer patients. For this dream, she has been certified as a cancer exercise specialist, Breast Cancer recovery trainer, Holistic Health Coach, Holistic Cancer Coach as well as certified in Plant-based Nutrition from the world's top recognized institutes. Also, they have started a new program called Cancer prevention which helps normal people prevent getting cancer in the future.

Topics Discussed:

• Her reason to start a Company to help Cancer patients (01:40)
• What is Carer? The reasons for its Mantra - "Food, Body and Mind" (05:53)
• Why are Yoga, Meditation, and Deep Conversations required for Cancer patients (08:46)
• Carer's new program called "Cancer Prevention" and why you should apply for it (10:40)
• The 4 prime factors responsible for Cancer which everyone doesn't know about (13:43)
• How a fit man like Chadwick Boseman ends up with Cancer (17:03)
• The one activity which could help prevent Cancer (23:50)
• Samara's morning routine (25:33)
• Why she gives importance to Walking (26:43)
• Her message for everyone (31:26)
  

Links:

"Today's Yogi is buying cars and living in villas so he understands the language of consumerism and capitalism!" - Anjaan

Anjaan has been living the yogic ways from the age of 5. From 2006 since his Kundalini Awakening, Anjaan has consciously immersed in tantric, Vedic, and ancient traditions. He is also a certified Massage therapist, Reiki 3rd Degree healer, martial arts coach (11th Dan Black Belt), ordained Zen facilitator, and has been trained in multiple healing modalities including polarity therapy, myofascial release, and Kundalini Tantra massage.

Topics Discussed:

• The reason for dropping his last name (01:31)
• His perspective of Kundalini Yoga and what yogis have misunderstood it to be (04:48)
• Why is Tantra not just sexual acrobatics (15:10)
• Why he creates audacious GOALS to FAIL! (22:27)
• The 5 Yogic myths created for Capitalism (28:30)
• His mission to bring awareness to eat food rich in Prana  (37:09)
• Why we should add value and spread love by connecting with everyone in the times of loneliness  (42:10)

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"I'm not having to find more time, I'm just creating more time!"  - Gaurav Jhunjhunwala

He was afflicted with Retinitis Pigmentosa which has caused him to lose most of his eyesight over time. He was not able to graduate due to increasing problems managing his disability. Slowly he became an avid reader while listening to 50-60 books a year for the past few years. 

Today he is a self-taught practitioner of Nero Linguistic Programming and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and now he runs the Mindmonk and Peakperformer which both help people live a better meaningful and purpose-driven life.

Topics Discussed:

• His diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa and how he lost hope (01:36)
• How he managed to read 60 books a year (06:40)
• His mantra on creating more time to read books  (09:18)
• His take on decisions vs outcomes (13:03)
• Our addiction to Dopamine and how we all have been overstimulated (15:29)
• How he helps his clients from a thought-driven life to an action-driven life (20:46)
• How he created a self-constructed misery converting it into a beautiful life (25:17)
  

Links

"Once we have established natural breathing with postures, then we are ready for Pranayama!" - Simon Borg-Olivier

Simon Borg-Olivier has been studying traditional forms of posture, movement, breathing, and mental control for more than 50 years. He has studied with one of the greatest Yogic masters of the 20th century - B.K.S Iyengar, K. Pattabhi Jois, and T.K.V Desikachar. 

Also, he has co-authored 2 books out of which the Applied Anatomy & Physiology of Yoga Course is a definite read. Today he helps everyone restore their natural posture fusing traditional eastern wisdom with western medical science.

Topics Discussed:

• The importance of breathing for performing an asana (01:37)
• What are Bandhas & why should we practice Bandhas (07:08)
• How Jalandhara Bandha could help you clear your sore throat and help smooth thyroid function (14:53)
• How practicing Pranayama with slow long deep breaths could be harmful (17:03)
• What is True Yoga (26:13)
• Does Breathing less helps in increasing Life Span and the role of CO2 (29:36)
• His perspective of Wim Hof's method (37:33)
• Why the modern world needs a dynamic meditation practice (46:10)
• His message for everyone (49:53)

Links

"You definitely start Yoga but don't go cold turkey on your medications! " - Kanika Manchanda

Kanika is a software engineer & MBA (MDI, Gurgaon) and has worked as a corporate consultant for 8 years. Then she discovered Yoga where she experimented a lot with it. She is now a certified Classical Hatha Yoga Teacher from the Isha Yoga Foundation and is now the founder of Nisarga Hatha Yoga. She freelances as a corporate consultant promoting a healthy lifestyle and experiments with yogic recipes in her kitchen.

Topics Discussed:

• Her growing up years & reasons to take up Yoga (01:08)
• Her first experiences with anxiety and identifying it's triggers  (04:03)
• The signs to understand real depression and why vulnerability matters (08:13)
• Should silent retreats be a one-stop solution for everyone facing a mental disorder (11:57)
• Her spiritual calling with Isha Foundation (16:17)
• The value of Hatha Yoga (18:23)
• Why Yoga is more than just asanas (19:05)
• What is Surya Kriya and how is it different from Suryanamaskar (22:00)
• Her morning routine (24:08)
• Her message for everyone (26:18)
  

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"We don't have to work out like maniacs to lose weight, we just have to stop eating like maniacs! " - Ashwin Chekava

"Any action that delays our gratification is tough to adopt." - Anuj Wadhwa also runs the Body Clock Coach.  

He helps people maintain discipline and have a clear structure in their lives through the science of habits.  Also, he's a certified Yoga teacher, Vipassana meditator, Speaker, and Business Coach. 

Topics Discussed:

• His love for Rishikesh, India (01:05)
• His experience with alcohol, marijuana, and other temptations before taking the Yogic Path (02:30)
• How he got over Marijuana (03:33)
• His comparison of Marijuana and Meditation (07:06)
• His RYT experience at Rishikesh (10:08)
• His reasons for taking up Vipassana (14:08)
• The common reasons for not having a good sleep (18:31)
• The role of Vedas to lead a Good Life (20:08)
• His perspective on Food (23:14)
• His message for everyone (24:46)
  

"Be happy and make others happy!" - The Art of Living’s Legendary Meditation Teacher Khurshed Batliwala also known as Bawa sharing similar visions as Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji. He is an Author(Ready, steady, Go & Happiness Express), Speaker, Personal Coach, Teacher of Meditation for the Art of Living, and an Alternative Healer. Other than that, he's a great pianist and a Meditating Mathematician!

Topics Discussed:

Sruthi Menon diagnosed with PCOD at 15, also had typical hormonal imbalances in her growing up years. While pursuing her IT career, she discovered the Inner Engineering course at the Isha Foundation. This showed her how she can heal herself. Finally, she left her IT career, overcame PCOD and became a full-time Hatha Yoga Teacher at the Isha Foundation 

Topics Discussed:

This is a special solo episode where we talk on one topic and try to make sense of it. Our topic for today is Anxiety. We talk about - What is anxiety? How does it start? What could be it's root causes? How could we help ourselves?

Topics Discussed:

• Deconstructing the mind (00:55)
• How fear has transformed in to worry (02:08)
• Worrying for longer times turn to anxiety (03:59)
• What can we do about it? (04:41)
  

Brought up in a spiritual home environment, Sagar was initiated into the practice of Sudarshan Kriya by his Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji. He organizes workshops for adults and children on how to combat anxiety, optimize performance, and enhance concentration.  Apart from Yoga and meditation, he also organizes travel experiences and adventures in hills, forests, and villages across India.

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"So the very first need of a person is to do away with fear and have some safety" - Nitin Jain

Nitin Jain has been teaching yoga, meditation for the last 20 years. He has been giving talks on philosophy and spiritual subjects. Based in Mumbai, where I have been doing regular yoga and meditation classes in fitness centers of 5-star hotels, clubs, corporate offices, various institutes, and organizations. Recently have been giving philosophy and meditation classes in Goa, to the students of yoga teachers training courses and yoga retreats.

Topics Discussed:

Ronak is an Intuitive Healer, Spiritual Mentor, and a Life Enthusiast. A 32-year yogi shedding light through 20+ healing modalities and transforming the lives of more than 1 million ‘spiritual-finders’ globally. He is striving to help those who seek help to reach their highest potential, deepen their spiritual connection (starting with self), and living a high-vibration life.

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