Peter's Podcast

Ayurveda with Naomi Edwards

peter@peterferko.com (Naomi Edwards) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ayurvedic Practitioner Naomi Edwards of Hillabrant Holistics shares ayurvedic tools to help with stability through the current transitions in the geopolitics and in the seasonal change from vata to kapha.

You can see the foot massage video Naomi mentions on Instagram here, or on Facebook here.

Also, Naomi is offering my listeners a 15% discount on her product line, by using the code KAPHATIME on her website: hillabrantholistics.com.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon

You can take classes or train with Peter at ISHTA Yoga.

Happy Women's Day!

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:21:17 +0000

Happy International Women's Day every day!

The State of the Union is Equanimity

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 20:30:05 +0000

Wendy and I keep an eye on current events through the lens of the Yoga Sutras. Using the Four Keys, sutra 1.33 and the Yamas and Niyamas from the second pada/chapter, we talk about the opportunity for practice vs. the inclination to judge others for their shortcomings and bad actions.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon!

Namaste

The Practice of Doing No Harm

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Fri, 6 Feb 2026 20:21:58 +0000

Peter and Wendy touch on the practice of yama and niyama in light of this week's news revelations and the onslaught of challenges.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

You can take classes and training with Peter and Wendy at ISHTA Yoga.

Namaste

Celebrate New Years with a Pause

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 16:07:17 +0000

New Year’s Day is often considered a time for resolving, correcting, directing, redoubling. What if instead, it was a day of still point — a moment when the last year is over, and we can let go of those efforts, those judgements, those conceptions? And pause. And breathe.

Peter talks with Wendy Newton about their New Years Day class at ISHTA Yoga. Join in person or on line here.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Happy New Year!

Unconditional Love with Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Tue, 9 Dec 2025 14:07:54 +0000

In this episode, Wendy Newton and I talk about the value of unconditional love, including what it is, what it isn't and how to practice and experience it.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Peter & Wendy will be workshopping these ideas at a daylong retreat in Sedona Arizona this February. Stay tuned for more details or see linktr.ee/peterferko.

You can take classes or training with Peter or Wendy at ISHTA Yoga (in person or on line).

I'm Whole — I'm a Fragment: Why Yogis Meditate

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 3 Dec 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Today's practice is a potent kriya yoga meditation that has come down through the lineage of Paramahansa Yogananda. At ISHTA Yoga we call it the diksha, or initiate practice that sets you on the way to experiencing why yogis meditate.

Enjoy the intro talk, or settle in for a meditation practice — and practice is what yoga is all about.

Namaste!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com. Thank you!

You can take class or train in-person or online with Peter at ISHTAYoga.com

Is Yoga a Union of Body, Mind, Spirit? with Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Some yogis say yoga isn't about yoking the body to anything. Wendy and I discuss, and explore why we think the body is an important part of yoga.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon, linked here.

You can take classes and training with Peter and Wendy online and in person at ISHTAyoga.com

Namaste

Yoking Experience and Understanding with Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Fri, 7 Nov 2025 14:53:20 +0000

In today's episode, join us for our morning discussion of yoga. We discuss Shiva-Shakti, the conceptual underpinnings of Nature and its expression as our experience. Coming into resonance with either one or both is a way to grow in understanding and appreciation of this wondrous up-and-down life we work and play in.

Please support Peter's Podcast at patron.com/peterspodcast. It's how I support the activities of this pod.

You can take classes and trainings live or online with Peter and Wendy at ishtayoga.com.

Namaste!

Should a Yogi Be Concerned with Politics?

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 1 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Today's episode answers the question, "In our contentious times, should a yogi be somehow above it all?" I received a comment that my discussion of politics in social media was disappointing. I respond with some thoughts based on the Bhagavad Gita, the Ramayana, and my own contemplation of the issue. I tried to make it general and not defensive. I hope you find it helpful.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

You can take classes and training with Peter at ISHTA Yoga.

Namaste

Tuning Your Instrument Using the Chakras

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Mon, 8 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000

A discussion and meditation using the elemental model Tantra Yoga uses to describe experience. Explaining experience as an interaction of earth, water, fire, air, and space allows us to adjust our energy quickly — we can see the elements at work in life, rather than having to analyze everything as having unique qualities. As a meditation tool, we can reset ourselves, much like rebooting our computer, to have the natural ability to change perspective from transcendent to engaging with our manifest world.

Enjoy the intro talk or stay for the whole meditation.

Namaste

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. You can also take classes or study deeper with Peter at ISHTA Yoga.

Tips Yoga offers for Peace in Political Chaos

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sun, 3 Aug 2025 22:05:27 +0000

In today's episode, Wendy Newton and I talk about the playbook the administration is using to promote falsehoods. We then discuss the ways we can both stay concerned and stay healthy.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com. It's easy to send me a small token if you find these offerings valuable. 🙏🏻

Catch Peter and Wendy live or online at ISHTA Yoga.

Namaste!

p.s. regarding our reference to Three Dog Night's version of the lyrics to Dave Mason's song "Feelin' Alright": I gotta stop believin' in all your lies / 'Cause there's so much to do before I die

Joy in Every Experience w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Wed, 2 Jul 2025 13:01:01 +0000

Wendy Newton and I discuss a description of the "play of life" that yoga describes. By cultivating the right attitude, through practice, we can have a deep appreciation for whatever happens, whether your mind wants to call it happy or painful. We base our discussion on a quote from Tantra Illuminated, by Christopher Wallis. This episode of Peter's Podcast is also available as a video on YouTube. Check it out!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon, and thank you to those who already do!

Find Peter in person or streaming at ISHTA Yoga.

Namaste🙏🏻

Light for the Solstice: A Meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 14:33:28 +0000

A talk and meditation practice to help bring radiance into your own life and that of others.

Join Peter live or online at ISHTA Yoga.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Thank you to those of you who do already!

Namaste

Shiva/Shakti: The Tantra of What Is

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:09:22 +0000

Today we talk about real yoga, actual happiness, and deep living! I share a meditation practice that distinguishes the Nature/Goddess force and Consciousness to provide a perspective on life that helps us live in balance while life has its ups and downs.

Enjoy the talk alone, or join in for the meditation practice that includes asana, mantra, and a 20-minute period of silence.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. It's an important part of keeping the teachings alive. Thank you to everyone who already supports the podcast!

Join the ISHTA Yoga community by taking class in person or online, or take teacher training with us. More details at ishtayoga.com.

Chakras as the Stepping Stones to Meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sun, 25 May 2025 15:20:58 +0000

Come by ISHTA Yoga with me today for a talk about the chakras, plus a meditation using the "chakra bhedana," kriya practice.

If you have a chance this Memorial Day week, join me, Wendy Newton, and Mona Anand in the Hamptons on Long Island for a retreat that looks at how to deepen your practice. Day rates available. Info at retreats2025@ishtayoga.com

Profound thanks to members of the military who fought and gave their lives to protect American freedom on this Memorial Day.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Namaste 🕉

Bringing Wisdom and Purpose into Your Life

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sun, 18 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Today's episode takes us to ISHTA meditation class for a talk about how Tantra offers us not just an escape, but a way to bring our wisdom into life to help both ourselves and the world. Listen to the talk, or stay on for the meditation practice, too.

Please come to our retreat! Calling on Your Practice Now:A Hamptons retreat with Mona Anand, Wendy Newton, and me. May 27-30. Come for the whole retreat or come out for a day. Details via the link above.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. And thank you for your support!

Namaste.

Calling on Your Practice Now

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton, Mona Anand) — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 01:07:25 +0000

In today's episode, Wendy Newton, Mona Anand, and I discuss why we're hosting a retreat in the Hamptons May 27-30. We talk about the value of sangha — intentional spiritual community, the power of satsang — speaking about our highest truths, and the importance of fun and wonder when we're facing challenge. Join us for this conversation here, and then join us at the retreat! Details are at https://ishtayoga.com/retreats/hamptonsretreatmay2025 .

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Thank you for your support, and thank you for listening!

Training as a Yogi

peter@peterferko.com (Mona Anand) — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:29:31 +0000

Mona Anand, a co-owner of ISHTA Yoga, and I took teacher training together, but we both intended it to help us learn more about yoga. We both think of teacher training as training to be a yogi — to understand more deeply what it means to have and draw on this powerful practice.

In today's episode, we discuss training in general, and highlight aspects of upcoming 200 and 300 hour trainings. Whether you have no intention to ever teach yoga, or already took teacher training, I hope you will find our observations interesting and useful.

Details of ISHTA trainings can be found at ISHTAYoga.com, where you can have the opportunity to learn more about yoga with Mona, myself — and Wendy Newton. The 300-hr (Art of Touch Module) starts May 9; the 200-hr starts July 14. Free info sessions with Mona are April 24 and May 2.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon! And thank you for all who do 🙏🏻

Namaste!

P.S. We had some headphone glitches in the recording process, so please pardon the slightly garbled audio.

Chaotic? 3-Part Cycles

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 5 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Thoughts about our chaotic time, and how the philosophical symbol of the "granthis," or knots can help us move from fear and anger toward clarity and perspective.

I mention the ISHTA Meditation Training that will be led by Alan Finger, Sarah Finger, and myself March 25-28.

I mention a book on better communications between liberals and conservatives: Bridging Our Political Divide, by Kenneth Barish.

I also want to recommend Life After Doom, by Brian McLaren, whom I interviewed in a recent podcast.

What Do Physics, Yoga, and Byron Katie Have in Common?

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Tue, 4 Feb 2025 16:57:08 +0000

Today's episode is a meditation that begins with a talk about an aspect of sattva, the balanced action that is difficult to grasp in a world of constant motion. I share some ideas from quantum physics and from author Byron Katie to serve as analogs to what are doing we when we're not so wrapped up in our stories.

You can join Peter in person or online for classes at ISHTA Yoga. You can find out more of what Peter's doing at linktr.ee

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Namaste🙏🏻

Heart Essence: A Meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 14:26:40 +0000

In today's episode, we go to ISHTA Yoga for meditation class. The meditation is based around three mudras and taps into what Tantra yoga calls dahar akasha, or the cave of the heart wherein Universal Consciousness abides as our whole Self.

You can take class in person or online with Peter at ISHTA Yoga.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com.

Namaste🙏🏻

Brian McLaren on Wisdom and Courage

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I talk with Brian McLaren, an old friend and well-respected spiritual voice about his new book, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart. I was so moved by his book that I asked Brian to discuss it for listeners of Peter's Podcast. The book doesn't focus on gloom and doom, though Brian provides a clear context of where we stand as a planet. Rather, it discusses how we can respond and adapt given the likelihood that our lives will be affected by climate change scenarios ranging from significant changes in the way we value material goods all the way to the collapse of society. The book's advice reminded me of a practice of seeing with clarity and acting from wisdom, so it seemed a great match for the podcast. I hope you agree.

More about Brian and his book are at brianmclaren.net

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon

Join me and Wendy Newton this February in Key Largo for a winter warm-weather retreat! Details at peterferko.com

Four Keys in the Florida Keys

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Wendy and I talk about the Four Keys and the Yamas/Niyamas, two oft-quoted and oft-misunderstood parts of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which Wendy worked on with Alan Finger to create a Tantric interpretation. These will be the topics of our retreat to Key Largo this February.

More info about the retreat is at peterferko.com/retreat/ You can get more info by writing me at peterspodcast108@gmail.com.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon! Thank you!

Namaste.

Happy Thanksgiving & Indigenous Peoples' Day

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 16:22:49 +0000

Best wishes to you and your family. Some thoughts on Indigenous Peoples' Day and Thanksgiving.

I'm grateful for the chance to talk with you about real yoga, actual happiness, and deep living. Wendy and I are planning a retreat in the Florida Keys in February. Keep posted for more details.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon! Thank you

Namaste!

Post-Election Pod

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 6 Nov 2024 14:36:45 +0000

I share some thoughts for those with feelings of having lost the election.

I refer to the book Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy by Georg Feuerstein.

More on the Stages of Grief at https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-of-grief

Namaste.

Yoga Nidra Meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 21:04:59 +0000

Today's podcast is a yoga nidra practice, which is a meditation done lying down. Yoga nidra is very helpful at helping you relax or fall asleep. The meditation is about 20 minutes long and can be done on a yoga mat, on a couch or in bed. If you need to get up after the practice, you might want to set an alarm so you don't fall asleep for too long!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

You can find out more about Peter on linktr.ee/peterferko

Namaste!

Gita Thoughts: Divine? Demonic?

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I chat a bit about how the Bhagavad Gita, which I consider a kind of human being instruction manual, gives guidance about the qualities of someone who is more "divine" vs. someone more "demonic." Since our political situation has become one where the opposite sides are so at odds, I thought Chapter 16 of the Gita could provide a little insight. And make your plan to vote this November!

If you have an interest in the Gita, I would recommend starting with the translation and commentary by Eknath Easwaren.

I'm teaching two workshops this fall. One at ISHTA Yoga on Meditation for beginners or people who have trouble trying to meditate. The other at Ascend in Cold Spring is about gaining a richer yoga practice to use in challenging times. For details, see https://ishtayoga.com/workshops and https://www.ascendcenter.com/special-events/richer-practice-richer-life-with-peter-ferko-yogiraj

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Thank you!

You are Perfect – Tantra and Dualism Meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Tue, 1 Oct 2024 03:01:22 +0000

Tantra Philosophy gave us a definition of reality that considers everything as a path to learning that we are just right as we are, that there is nothing better. Today's pod is a meditation class. Listen to the intro or join in the meditation practice!

You can take class with Peter at ISHTA Yoga in person or online.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Namaste!

Some favorite music of 2024

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Barack Obama has his music list; I have mine. Here are 21 songs that have been in heavy rotation this past Spring and summer. Hope you find something to enjoy. If you'd like to listen to the full songs, you can find the playlists on Tidal and on Spotify.

Namaste!

How We Perceive and Engage in Life w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sun, 8 Sep 2024 18:35:27 +0000

Join Wendy Newton for a preview of her course on the Yoga Sutras. Next up Vibhutti Pada. This fascinating part of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali describes what comes from your practice, or to use one translation: the gifts of yoga!

Course details at ISHTA Yoga

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon! Thank you.

Sound! with Lindsay Monal

peter@peterferko.com (Lindsay Monal) — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 13:59:55 +0000

I discuss yoga training, lineage, and sound healing and meditation with teacher Lindsay Monal.

Lindsay Monal is an ISHTA Yoga Graduate, Reiki Master, and Sound Meditation Facilitator. She regularly offers classes and teacher trainings in North Jersey and New York City, and hosts international yoga and meditation retreats a few times each year. Lindsay has spoken at the United Nations, performed sound at Harvard University, and led immersive wellness experiences for Google, Audible, and Athleta,.

You can find out more about Lindsay's work on Instagram or on her website, smilingsavasana.com

Online Trainings & In Person Trainings in Hoboken: https://yogarenew.com/

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon

Meditation: Keep it Simple!

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 7 Aug 2024 00:11:03 +0000

Sometimes we get fancy with meditation techniques, but today we keep it simple with a practice of breath awareness. Give a listen, and then take the practice for a spin when you feel the need to shift gears, calm down, or get focused before doing something important.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Namaste!

Shhhh! I'm doing something else!

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 19:58:15 +0000

A quick thought on pausing the news cycle for our own mental well-being...

Why Mantras Work: a meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In today's episode, you can join Peter at ISHTA Yoga for an introductory talk about mantra, or stay tuned for the full meditation practice.

You can join Peter in person or online at ISHTA Yoga.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon!

Namaste

Overwhelmed? with Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 23:07:19 +0000

In today's episode, Wendy Newton and I trade ideas for overcoming overwhelm!

See this episode on video on YouTube/@peterspodcast. You can take classes, workshops and trainings with Peter and Wendy. See https://linktr.ee/peterferko for links to ISHTA Yoga and other events.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Thank you!

Namaste.

Yoga Sutras with Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Mon, 13 May 2024 22:00:00 +0000

ISHTA Yogiraj Wendy Newton talks about her upcoming course and shares some insights on the Yoga Sutras.

More info on the course at ISHTAYoga.com

Namaste!

Asana Tips: Sun Breath

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 01:01:18 +0000

I share a few tips on how to approach asana, and how to do a powerful, simple vinyasa: the Sun Breath.

This episode of Peter's Podcast is also a video. Check it out on YouTube/@peterspodcast

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Thank you!

Namaste

May You Flower this Spring!

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Fri, 5 Apr 2024 13:36:03 +0000

Today we head to meditation class for Shakti Chalani, a beautiful practice that traditionally uses the image of a snake to represent kundalini shakti — the movement from the earthbound to the transcendent perspective. Alan Finger taught us a form of this alternative, which uses a sprouting flower. I think it's a perfect image for Spring.

Enjoy the 10-minute introductory dharma talk and the meditation, too, when you have a chance.

You can join me live, in person or online, at ISHTA Yoga.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com

Namaste, and happy Spring!

Ups, Downs, Cycles: a Meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:26:55 +0000

Join me in class for a meditation on the cycles of life.

Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, and Taylor Swift

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 23:56:11 +0000

We're off to class for a talk and a meditation on the granthis, with a nod to Tay Tay.

Happy New Perspective! with Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Fri, 5 Jan 2024 16:42:48 +0000

Wendy and I share some insights from our New Year's special class on drishti and perspective.

I mention a podcast episode and quote Dr. Mark Leary. The podcast is Finding Mastery 12/27/2023 .

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Thank you!

You can take class and workshops with Peter. Find the full list of links here.

You can find Wendy at ISHTA Yoga and Ascend Center in Cold Spring.

Ayurveda and Yoga with Naomi Edwards

peter@peterferko.com (Naomi Edwards) — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Peter talks Ayurveda, the Indian science of health, with Naomi Edwards.

Naomi is a Holistic Health Practitioner who specializes in Ayurveda, Yoga and Plant Medicine. Her passion is to share the knowledge of these ancient practices and give people the education of preventative health in a joyful way. She is the founder of Hillabrant Holistics, an Ayurvedic wellness studio and apothecary. It is a place to heal and to be empowered to take ownership of your health and well being. Naomi Edwards is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, a 500 hour RYT Yoga and Meditation Teacher with many specialties, and a Certified Aromatherapist. Learn more at www.hillabrantholistics.com or on socials @hillabrantholistics

This episode is also available as a video on YouTube

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com.

A Gratitude Meditation for Thanksgiving

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 17:45:07 +0000

Today we go to ISHTA Meditation class for a fusion meditation of kriya yoga and gratitude practice. Enjoy! There is 18 minutes of silence in the middle, followed by a practice of mantra and mudra to bring inspiration from your meditation back into living.

Enjoy, and happy Thanksgiving.

Namaste

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Take the upcoming meditation training with Alan Finger, Sarah Finger, and Peter; or take a class online or in person at ISHTA Yoga.

Practice is the Silver Bullet

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 16:54:42 +0000

Wendy Newton and I discuss the practical importance of subtle body, spiritual practices in addition to taking care of business out in the physical world.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

You can take class online and in-person with Peter (and Wendy!) at ISHTA Yoga.

Know a video gamer you wish would take care of their wellness, including yoga and meditation? Check out FITGMR.

Namaste.

Seeing the Whole Picture: Om Namah Shivaya Meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 09:13:12 +0000

Today, we go to meditation class at ISHTA Yoga for a meditation that helps make sense of our turbulent world. You can listen to the intro or join in the meditation. There are 20 minutes of silence in the meditation itself.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

May there be peace on earth.

Namaste

Meditation in Romania

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Greetings from Romania! In today's episode, I talk about the why, how, and tips about our favorite topic of real yoga: meditation. I'm talking to gamers who are competing 150 miles from the Ukrainian border. With 120 countries represented here, the only war they are focused on is happening onscreen, and it's wonderful to watch so many nationalities together.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon!

Talk to you soon. Namaste.

Proof of Spiritual Phenomena with Mona Sobhani

peter@peterferko.com (Mona Sobhani) — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 11:56:38 +0000

In this episode, I interview Mona Sobhani, PhD, the author of Proof of Spiritual Phenomena: A Neuroscientist's Discovery of the Ineffable Mysteries of the Universe. (available at https://monasobhaniphd.com/book/) We discuss Dr. Sobhani's survey of the abundant research on divination, reincarnation, and other topics typically called "spiritual." We also talk about the capabilities and limitations of neuroscience to describe and explain mental phenomena. Dr. Sobhani speaks about her own journey from a mainstream science background to a wider framework while still holding to her scientific skepticism. The video version of this episode of Peter's Podcast is on YouTube/@peterspodcast. Please support Peter's Podcast at https://patreon.com/peterspodcast You can take class with Peter at https://ishtayoga.com #yoga #meditation #neuroscience

Equanimity: Joy and Sadness

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Mon, 5 Jun 2023 19:35:10 +0000

In this episode, I parse the notion of equanimity in a world where we all experience emotion.

Please join me and Wendy Newton at our day retreat Fresh Air Friday on July 7. Details here.

Thank you for supporting Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Namaste!

Fresh Air Friday Yoga Retreats

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Wed, 10 May 2023 16:46:00 +0000

In this episode, Wendy and I are getting excited about you joining us for a day of yoga, meditation, and nature on the first Fridays of summer. Hosted by Ascend Center + Collective on Main Street in the Village of Cold Spring. Details and a link to each date are at https://linktr.ee/peterferko.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

What Peter's Listening to #1

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 11:41:50 +0000

In this episode, I indulge my love of music to share a mixed-genre playlist. The full songs are available at the links below or wherever you get music. The podcast episode includes my critiques/comments on the songs. This episode is also available on YouTube as a video. Check it out!

Listen on Tidal. Tidal was created by Jay-Z and a dozen musicians as an alternative to other platforms to help musicians and to provide CD+ quality. There is a free version, or you can upgrade for higher resolution versions of songs.

Listen on Spotify. There is a free version or you can upgrade.

I spend lots of time making Peter's Podcast, and my only funding is your generous support on Patreon. Please contribute if you can.

I mention in this episode how much I gain from public radio stations like WFUV in New York and KCRW in Santa Monica. Please support your local public radio stations. They are one strong source of independent, non-market based culture in America.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Please come join me and Wendy in Cold Spring this season for Fresh Air Fridays. Details here.

Yoga as a Life Toolbox w/Katrina Repka

peter@peterferko.com (Katrina Repka) — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 18:31:38 +0000

In this episode, I speak with Katrina Repka. Katrina is an ISHTA Yogiraj (master) who has led classes, workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings in her home in London and beyond. She is the co-author with Alan Finger of Breathing Space: Twelve Lessons for the Modern Woman and Chakra Yoga: Balancing Energy for Physical, Spiritual, and Mental Well-being.You can take class with Katrina online at ISHTAYoga.com.

Wendy Newton and I are hosting 4 day-long retreats this Spring and Summer. Join us for Fresh Air Fridays, the first friday of May-August at Ascend Center in Cold Spring, New York. Links to info and registration at https://linktr.ee/peterferko

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Thank you!

ISHTA Diksha Meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 18:02:09 +0000

We head to meditation class for the eponymous ISHTA practice: ISHTA Diksha. This practice, based on a kriya from Paramahansa Yogananda and refined by Alan Finger moves you efficiently into and out of meditation. Diksha means "initiation" and refers to this practice as a bedrock practice at ISHTA Yoga. Have a listen to the intro, and join in the meditation if you like.

You can join Peter for meditation classes or look into training at ISHTA Yoga in person or online at ISHTAYoga.com

Peter's Podcast relies on your contributions on Patreon.

What is Yoga? A Deep Dive w/Stephen Mark

peter@peterferko.com (Stephen Mark) — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 21:00:00 +0000

In this episode (which is also available on video at YouTube), Stephen Mark and I discuss tantra and several other topics in preparation for my workshop this weekend. You can attend the workshop in person or online by going to ISHTAYoga.com.

What Is Yoga and Why Do We Do It? A deep dive for practitioners and teachers.
Sunday, April 2, 12:15–5:00
Online and in-person
info at ISHTAYoga.com

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon

The Art of Sacred Listening w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 14:16:14 +0000

In this episode, I talk to Wendy Newton about "sacred listening," a phrase she's using to describe how to learn more about how we relate to self and other. Check out Wendy's deep understanding of the Yoga Sutras and somatic energy work here and at her upcoming workshop at ISHTA Yoga. The workshops is a multi-part learning and practice experience offered in-person and online beginning Friday March 24.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon

Namaste!

Me, Myself, and I: a meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 15:42:30 +0000

In this episode, we go to meditation class. By the way, you can join my classes at ISHTA Yoga in person or online. I got a couple requests for a recording of this Sat Yam meditation from people who were there, so here is the whole practice for you. Enjoy!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Namaste.

Actual Happiness

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Wendy Newton and I show up on video to discuss happiness, "santosha" and practice. We tackle the difference between wanting something and getting it, about accepting reality versus settling for something inadequate.

See what we look like on YouTube or check the audio only version here.

Please consider supporting Peter's Podcast on Patreon. You can take class with Wendy or Peter online or in person at ISHTA Yoga.

The Kleshas w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Thu, 2 Feb 2023 13:24:20 +0000

Wendy Newton and I discuss the Kleshas, or "obstacles" that challenge our practice, but make our life what it is!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Take class, workshops or training with me (and Wendy!) at ISHTA Yoga, online or in person.

Namaste.

New Year's Resolution w/Stephen Mark

peter@peterferko.com (Stephen Mark) — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 05:05:00 +0000

In this episode, ISHTA teacher, actor, and software engineer Stephen Mark and I discuss "sankalpa," or intention, that aligns with your purpose. We touch on a lot of topics around the nature of goals, career hopes, and the unique attitude tantra yoga brings to the mix.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

You can see some episodes of Peter's Podcast on YouTube @peterspodcast.

Join me for class online or in person at ISHTA Yoga.

Knowledge & Experience with Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Sun, 8 Jan 2023 21:30:21 +0000

Wendy and I discuss a quote from one of our early teachers, Mark Whitwell. It's about the relationship between our actual experience and all our thoughts about it. We also share thoughts about finding the right practice for yourself, and about the thing to keep in mind when marketing yoga.

NEW: You can view this episode as a video: https://www.youtube.com/@peterspodcast

You can catch Wendy's new class and my classes, too online or in person at ISHTA Yoga.

Please support Peter's Podcast at Patreon.

A New Year's Meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sun, 1 Jan 2023 19:29:32 +0000

In this episode, we go to class at ISHTA Yoga for a New Year's meditation. Enjoy the talk at the beginning and stay for the granthi meditation practice.

By the way, you can attend regular classes with me live or via Zoom at ISHTAYoga.com.

Happy New Year!

Looking in; Looking Out w/Stephen Mark

peter@peterferko.com (Stephen Mark) — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 19:13:59 +0000

In this episode, Stephen Mark and I discuss antar karana, or learning to sense inwardly. We recorded this just before I headed to Australia and Bali to teach, as the season in New York covers the last month before the winter solstice. We touch on how yoga relates to acting, as Stephen trained as an actor, and on how work and other activities and relationships benefit from yoga practice.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. And please check out video versions of Peter's Podcast on YouTube!

You can take class with Peter and Stephen at ISHTA Yoga.

Meditation: Mindful & Transcendent w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Wendy Newton and I compare thoughts on meditation, including mindfulness practice and yoga meditation. We touch on neuroscience, religion, samadhi, and more!

This podcast episode is also a video on YouTube.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

The Gifts of the Yamas and Niyamas w/ Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Wed, 9 Nov 2022 13:19:29 +0000

It's a new media world (again) and Peter's Podcast is going video! Episodes will still appear here as podcasts, but if you want to see what Wendy Newton and I look like when we're talking, you have that option, too! Watch Peter's Podcast on Youtube.

In this episode, we elaborate on the practice of the Yamas and Niyamas described in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Drawing on Tantra of the Yoga Sutras by Alan Finger and Wendy Newton and Wendy's Unbound Yoga Sutras trainings at ISHTA Yoga, we help clarify why these first two limbs of yoga are practice rather than rules. You can watch the video on YouTube.

Thank you to everyone who supports production of Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Please consider joining them if you haven't yet.

Namaste

Mantra w/ Stephen Mark

peter@peterferko.com (Stephen Mark) — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 12:50:37 +0000

Today I talk about mantra with delightful yogi/actor/tech pro Stephen Mark. We talk about how mantras work, how to use them, and how they fit into a yoga practice.

During the episode, I mention an ecologist. His name is David Abram and I heard him here: https://emergencemagazine.org/interview/the-ecology-of-perception/

I also mention a book by a neuroscientist. You can find out more about Dr. Mona Sobhani at https://monasobhaniphd.com

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Namaste

Trust to Practice to Knowing

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 13:25:02 +0000

Yoga asks us to trust its philosophy enough to practice. Then practice provides its own understanding. Join meditation class at ISHTA for this podcast episode.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Check out class at ISHTA. Got a gamer in the family? Turn them on to FITGMR.

Coping with the News

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Sun, 10 Jul 2022 04:00:00 +0000

I talk with Wendy Newton about the Yoga Sutras guidance for maintaining equilibrium in all our relationships. Whether it's your personal challenges or jealousy, or your anger with the Supreme Court, it's possible to gain perspective that lets you move gracefully through challenges toward your best actions.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

The Tao of Yoga

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 09:32:47 +0000

Today we head to meditation class. There I share some guidance on staying calm through the kinds of upheavals we're facing in the news these days.

Listen to the talk, from my Saturday morning class at ISHTA Yoga, and join in the short meditation when you have the time.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon, and join me in person at ISHTA in Manhattan. Gamers can join me on the FITGMR app.

Peace and Love.

You Got This! Beginning, Middle, and End

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sat, 14 May 2022 00:06:02 +0000

Today, I talk about the granthis — the cycles of nature that keep us moving through life. Recognizing them is the first step to being able to gracefully move through life.

Thanks for listening! Please rate the podcast, and support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com

Check out classes, workshops, and trainings at ISHTA Yoga

Got a video gamer in the house? Check out FITGMR, where we teach gamers wellness, including yoga and meditation!

Yoga Sutras Foundation Training w/ Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 12:08:53 +0000

In this episode, Wendy Newton describes the training she's teaching on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali starting May 3. It's for teachers and interested students and yogis. Details are at ishtayoga.com Wendy is happy to take questions via email as well. Write her here.

You can find Peter in person again at ISHTA Yoga in Manhattan, and find classes online at ishtayoga.com

Peter is helping gamers increase their wellness and performance through an innovative app called FITGMR. Check it out!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon! Thank you and Namaste.

Ukraine

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 20:54:51 +0000

I talk about our response to the war in Ukraine, and about what ayurveda has to do with our responses. I am Ukrainian on my mother's side and Slovak on my fathers. It's tempting to see this current situation as a that-could-be-us situation, but it's important to remember that our world is full of war, terror, and refugees, all of whom are suffering in similar ways, but who receive a variety of welcomes based on racial and ethnic factors. As yogis, we are trying to realize that we are all one.

Please take class with me online or in person at ishtayoga.com!

Get your gamer healthy and well with FITGMR

Please rate the podcast and support us on Patreon.

In Person Again!

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Thu, 3 Feb 2022 01:03:10 +0000

Guess what? We're live and in person this week. Plus an online Gita workshop!

Bliss and Darkness

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 23:48:49 +0000

From my hibernation cave, some thoughts about finding our bliss!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Namaste

Santosha New Year!

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sat, 1 Jan 2022 15:08:15 +0000

In this episode, I talk about santosha, part of the niyamas of yoga's eight limbs. Santosha is most often translated as "contentment," but in fact it's a powerful active practice — a way of living. I describe "happiness," "contentment" and "santosha," and tell you why I wish you a santosha new year!

Thank you for supporting Peter’s Podcast on Patreon!

Namaste

Finding Time, Like the Vulcans Do

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Find time for meditation and that state of mind will be there when you need it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Wishes for a happy Thanksgiving!

Two Yogis Walk into a Buddhist Bar

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 20:13:47 +0000

In this episode, Yoga master Wendy Newton and I discuss a practice from Chögyam Trungpa, a master whose teachings are the basis of Shambhala Buddhism. The practice is from Training the Mind and Cultivating Loving-Kindness. We discuss the theory and practice and relate it to some yoga ideas.

Om, the Call to Joy

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 14:22:23 +0000

I talk about the topic of my upcoming workshop "Om, the Call to Joy." And we do a short Om meditation. Join the virtual workshop at ishta yoga.com.

Who Am I?

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Tue, 5 Oct 2021 16:59:21 +0000

In this episode, I reflect on Sri Aurobindo's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.

Got questions? Write me: peterspodcast108@gmail.com

Namaste!

Yoga Is …

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 1 Sep 2021 17:41:11 +0000

In this episode, I summarize this thing called yoga. A useful reflection for teachers and practitioners, and a chance for me to explain what I mean when I say “real yoga.”

Thank you for using Patreon to support Peter's Podcast: Real Yoga, Actual Happiness, and Deep Living.

Take class with me online at ISHTA Yoga.

Namaste!

Emotion, Attachment, Balance

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 19:27:58 +0000

The Bhagavad Gita puts a lot of emphasis on the gunas — natures forces of action. Today's podcast is a discussion on how those forces interact with our desires and emotions. The Gita says, attachment to things we desire leads to "ruin." I say more about why that's the case and what we can do about it.

Listen to the talk alone, or add the meditation afterwards. It's a full practice with pre-meditative asana, a kriya practice, an 18-minute silence, and regrounding after.

Namaste!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon and rate the podcast on your app!

MetaAnatomy w/ Kristin Leal

peter@peterferko.com (Kristin Leal) — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 16:21:34 +0000

Kristin Leal is a yoga teacher trainer and yoga anatomy specialist who has a new book out. We discuss MetaAnatomy: A Modern Yogi's Practical Guide to the Physical and Energetic Anatomy of Your Amazing Body, the new release and update of her previous books. We also talk about teaching and training during the pandemic and share our two cents on vaccines and the future with Covid-19.

Help make this podcast possible by supporting Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Thank you for listening!

Klesha Part 2 Upgrading Human Nature

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Fri, 9 Jul 2021 23:26:52 +0000

In this episode, I finish a discussion of the five challenges that humans tackle, and how we can get better at working within our nature rather than expecting circumstances to be different.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon by making a pledge. It's easy!

Join me for livestream yoga and meditation class at ishtayoga.com. It's fun!

Namaste.

Klesha: Part 1 Upgrading Human Nature

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sun, 6 Jun 2021 16:22:31 +0000

In today's episode, I describe the kleshas and elaborate on the first two: Avidya and Asmita.

I mention the ISHTA Yoga Meditation Training that I'm teaching with Alan and Sarah Finger June 8–10.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Thanks for listening! Namaste.

Coming to Grips with Research

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 21:37:33 +0000

I've been viewing a lot of scientific research lately, and I love that it's there. At the same time, it creates an annoying implication that the practices that have been used for generations are suspect until research validates them.

It's a tension I'm struggling with in my own teaching, and I share my own musings about the state of the art.

I mention two authors:

James Nestor. His book Breath is about breathing techniques of yogis as well as some contemporary breath researchers.

Carlo Rovelli. His work is looking for a unified theory of everything and he discusses time as being not a reality in any fundamental way.

Thanks for listening! Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. where you can also set up a way to work with me on a recurring basis.

Namaste.

Springtime Every Day

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 00:31:59 +0000

It's almost Spring in the northern hemisphere. It's a kind of Covid Spring as more of us get vaccinated. Today, I talk about the reason to meditate and give yourself a kind of personal Spring every time.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon! It's how I fund the podcast.

Thank you for listening.

A Valentine Card <3

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 20:42:30 +0000

Happy Valentine's Day to you!

I mention a previous episode when Wendy and I read from Elyse Poppers' The Little Love Book.

Tuning the Chakras

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Tue, 9 Feb 2021 19:02:46 +0000

Today, we head to meditation class, where I share a little deeper description of the chakras and how practicing with this as a tool can bring you more understanding and flow in your living.

There's a talk first, then a half-hour meditation practice. You can listen to the talk and or jump to 18:00 minutes in and do the practice. (Apologies for the couple of audio artifacts and speed glitches of the Zoom recording.)

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

From Us vs. Them to Us and Them

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 01:07:36 +0000

I share some thoughts on a Martin Luther King Day conversation I had with a group of ISHTA Yoga teachers.

Please join me for live-streamed class online at ISHTA. I teach both meditation and asana classes there.

Support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com and feel free to write me at peterspodcast108@gmail

Happy Holidays w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 11:48:39 +0000

In this episode, Wendy Newton — yogiraj, polarity therapist, and wife extraordinaire — talks with me about the nature of our holidays. We touch on a bunch of fun topics. Enjoy!

Wendy is hosting the next ISHTA Yoga Happy Hour, Wednesday 5pm NYC time. It's an informal forum to put some thought to the end of this year and the start of the next. Join her!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon, and rate the podcast so others hear about it.

Namaste and happy holidays!

Solstice So Hum

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 14:28:09 +0000

Happy December Solstice, whether it's the winter in the northern hemisphere or the summer in the southern!

In this episode, I take us deep into the Sa Ham (or So Hum) kriya that we use at ISHTA during the movements of asana or at any time during the waking day.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon — and consider one of the levels of support that includes working with me one-on-one.

Happy holidays of light!

On-line Teaching Tips w/Rachel Scott

peter@peterferko.com (Rachel Scott) — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 02:22:01 +0000

In this episode, I get you some video tips from Rachel Scott, yoga teacher, teacher trainer and instructional designer. Learn about using mics, lighting, and more.

Rachel mentions the course hosting site thinkific, but also recommends teachable and kajabi as worth investigating.

You can learn more about Rachel on social media @rachelscottyoga or at rachelyoga.com.

Join me for a Thanksgiving masterclass and for more classes at ishtayoga.com.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Namaste

Election Morning

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 4 Nov 2020 11:49:03 +0000

Thoughts about the U.S. election the day after but before all votes are counted. On the Gita and the gunas: to life!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Class with Peter is online at ISHTA Yoga.

Namaste.

Cycles: Beginning, Sustaining, Ending, Rebirth

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 02:03:27 +0000

Discussion of the cycles of existence known as Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra.

Join me for online classes at ISHTA Yoga.

Please support Peter's Podcast and work on your practice with me on Patreon.

Namaste.

Equanimity and Compassion

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sat, 3 Oct 2020 02:53:05 +0000

Thoughts on current events and ancient truths.

The Chakras—a Tantric approach + Meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 12:27:33 +0000

In this episode, we head to meditation class. I'm using the technique of Bija Mantra with the chakras and introducing the idea of chakras as the blueprint of our personal path in life. You can listen to the talk or do the meditation, too. (There's a 15-minute silent meditation after the technique.) Enjoy!

There's more about the chakras in my new book, co-written with Alan Finger, called The Genius of Yoga. Check it out wherever you get books.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. It keeps this sharing possible!

Namaste.

Endings and Beginnings w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 13:19:38 +0000

In this episode, Wendy Newton and I discuss the special opportunity this moment in history offers us, despite its immense challenge and disruption. We're sitting by Moreau Lake at the edge of the Adirondacks.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon as you would a drop-in yoga class. Thank you!

Be Here Now

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Mon, 3 Aug 2020 03:14:42 +0000

Backyard musings on yoga and political action.

Join me for class, streaming at Ishta yoga.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon! It's like a pay-what-you-want yoga class with a high tech cash box.

Namaste!

The Genius of Yoga w/Alan Finger

peter@peterferko.com (Alan Finger) — Fri, 3 Jul 2020 18:11:08 +0000

In this episode, I talk with my teacher Alan Finger, founder of ISHTA Yoga about our new book The Genius of Yoga: How Yogic Meditation Can Unlock Your Innate Brilliance. Al and I talk about why yoga meditation can take a practitioner beyond mindfulness, and how your meditation practice can help you address challenges as big as pandemics and race.

You can now take classes online with Alan Finger (and me) at ISHTA Yoga.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com!

Namaste

Time to Do the Work w/Reggie Hubbard

peter@peterferko.com (Reggie Hubbard) — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 19:58:48 +0000

Today I welcome an activist and yogi to share his perspective on current events. Reggie Hubbard is the Congressional liaison and Washington, D.C. strategist for the liberal progressive advocacy organization MoveOn. He has worked on gubernatorial and national campaigns, including Florida’s 2006 gubernatorial race and on Bernie Sanders 2016 primary campaign. He also served as senior advance staff for Joe Biden under the Obama administration. Reggie is a yoga teacher, and I got to meet him in our last ISHTA meditation training. I'm grateful that he took the time to meet with me and share his insights and recommendations in this challenging time.

#blacklivesmatter

Find Reggie on Instagram @oreggieglobal

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

#Black Lives Matter

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 01:35:40 +0000

#blacklivesmatter

On today's podcast, I share excerpts from the following:

Left, Right, and Center podcast from KCRW (May 29 and June 5 episodes) with Josh Barro, Christine Emba, Rich Lowry, and Robert A. George.
Martin Luther King, I have a dream speech 1963
Course in Miracles, Introduction
Tao Te Ching, chapters 1-3, by Lao Tzu (translation by Brian Browne Walker)
James Baldwin, from The Price of the Ticket, 1979
Creative Quest, by Questlove, p. 117
Bhagavad Gita, II.54, translated by Swami Sivananda
Bhagavad Gita, Introduction, by Mahatma Gandhi
The Late Show, Cory Booker, June 5,2020
Tantra, the Path of Ecstacy, by Georg Feuerstein, p. 35
"What Lightning Flash," by Paramahansa Yogananda

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com.

Thank you, and namaste!

A Meditation on the Warrior and Compassion

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Fri, 5 Jun 2020 14:11:04 +0000

In this bonus episode, I take you to meditation class where I drop some thoughts on the importance of silence, intuition, and action. We do the ISHTA Inner Smile meditation, which you can join. There is a 10-minute period of silence in the recording, followed by a samyama and regrounding practice.

Namaste.

The End of the World

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Mon, 1 Jun 2020 01:22:54 +0000

It feels like the end of the world, but it's not. In this episode, I try to share some yoga insights on two topics relevant to our current crises:

The concept of detachment that is so prevalent in yoga literature, and
Taking judgement away to experience the essence of namaste.

My prayers and well-wishes go out to everyone in this challenging time.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Namaste.

Freedom in Confinement w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Mon, 18 May 2020 18:58:09 +0000

In this episode, Wendy Newton and I discuss the notion of freedom from the perspective of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and elsewhere in yoga language. You also learn what we had for breakfast!

Check out Wendy's upcoming online workshop on the Yoga Sutras.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com and rate the podcast right on your app or on iTunes.

Namaste!

The Silver Bullet Is Love, w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Sun, 3 May 2020 17:32:18 +0000

In reaction to my previous podcast episode encouraging us not to look for "silver bullet" solutions, I wanted to affirm that there is one silver bullet that addresses everything. I use Elyse Poppers' book The Little Love Book as a prompt to discuss love with Wendy Newton. Poppers, a visual and performing artist as well as a writer, produced this book as a culmination of a project looking for the language with the most words for "love." Her conclusion was that Sanskrit is that language.

In the podcast, I also mention The Yoga of the Nine Emotions, by Peter Marchand.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon, which is like a tip jar for the internet age!

There Is No Silver Bullet

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 10:00:12 +0000

In this episode, I discuss the danger of focusing on finding a silver bullet, whether you're talking about the corona virus epidemic or anything else. The reasons I cover include:

It distracts us from what we should be doing
It dilutes learning the lessons of what brought us here
It gets us invested in magical thinking
It fosters conspiracy theories
It reinforces tribalism

I mention:

Comedian Ronny Chieng's Netflix special.
Ezra Klein's book, Why We're Polarized.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon!

Namaste.

Listen, a song tribute to Paramahansa Yogananda

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 17:30:46 +0000

I used some of my "shelter-in-place" time to work on a new kirtan recording of a song that always moved me when we chanted it at Paramahansa Yogananda's Self Realization Fellowship. My nephew, Tucker Sody, a professional drummer in Tampa, provided a long-distance accompaniment. Taking a cue from my Psych Rock Kirtan partner Idgy Dean, I played all the rest of the parts myself. I'm looking forward to playing it live in the future, but for now, I hope it gives you some inspiration.

In his book Cosmic Chants, Yogananda said, “Words that are saturated with sincerity, conviction, faith, and intuition are like highly explosive vibration bombs that have power to remove the rocks of difficulties and to create the change desired.”

Rock on and blow that sh!t up.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon and please feel free to gmail me with questions at peterspodcast108.

Come Study (Yourself!) w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 19:46:38 +0000

In this episode, Wendy Newton and I do a quick dive into svadyaya, the study of the self and the Self, and the self-reflection and reading of texts that help us "see the light" in the darkness.

We're leading an immersion workshop this Friday 9-3 New York Time, and we set it early enough that hopefully some other time zones can make it, too. Details and registration are available at ishtayoga.com. If you're having financial challenges during this time, email me and we'll work something out.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Namaste!

A Walk in the Park (6 feet apart)

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 02:25:29 +0000

I pause my walk in the park to talk about yoga as a practice and a new perspective.

Join me and Wendy Newton in a day-long workshop Bringing Yoga Off the Mat. Details at ishtayoga.com.

Please support Peters Podcast on Patreon.com and rate the podcast wherever you listen. Thank you!

If not now, when?

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sat, 4 Apr 2020 13:00:10 +0000

Looking at this time as one to choose #deepliving

New Reality = New Opportunity

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 17:27:46 +0000

How our new challenges with social distancing can be put to constructive purpose.

Coping with Covid: a meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 23:11:15 +0000

In this episode, I talk a little about the virus pandemic we're all dealing with. Then I lead us in a meditation to help us stay balanced during this time.

A couple resources:

Brian Lehrer show where there's a March 13 episode with NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/

All Sides Corona Virus news with reference to whether the sources are left, right, or center.

Bringing Ancient Wisdom into Modern Life w/Ulrica Norberg & Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Ulrica Norberg, Wendy Newton) — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 05:08:09 +0000

In this episode, I speak with Ulrica Norberg and Wendy Newton about using traditional yoga texts as part of practice. We're going to be leading a workshop using the Gheranda Samhita, Yoga Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita this May in Stockholm. Details are on my website: peterferko.com.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

The Elements of Fashion w/Julianne Mirabello

peter@peterferko.com (julianne mirabello, julianne volpacchio) — Mon, 3 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I speak to Julianne Mirabello about her unique approach to personal fashion and styling. Julianne studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City and has designed and created costumes and done personal styling in New York and internationally. She is also a Yoga Teacher who did her 200-hr training at ISHTA with me in New York and a Reiki practitioner. Julianne is launching sartorialstrategist.com, a service to help people figure out and create a sattvic relationship with their wardrobes. Keep an eye out for @sartorialstrategist on social platforms this spring.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com.

I'm offering training and workshops all over the place! See peterferko.com for details.

Namaste!

The Field and The Knower

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 19:07:57 +0000

In this episode, I share a meditation class recording where we look at one of the Bhagavad Gita's chapters about our nature as the "field" and the "knower" of that field. It's an interesting metaphor and provides an useful map of our evolution. Following the talk you can join in a meditation, the ISHTA Diksha.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Find out about upcoming retreats, workshops, and training at peterferko.com

A Meditation: The Knots that Bind Us

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 20:17:08 +0000

Today we head to meditation class to loosen the knots of energy that keep us stuck in limited thinking and keep us from gracefully moving in the flow of nature's cycles. Listen to the talk at the front or join in the practice, too — just not while you're driving!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Find out about upcoming retreats and classes at home and abroad at peterferko.com.

Namaste!

A Holiday Roadtrip!

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 04:50:13 +0000

Join Wendy and me on our trip across the midwest. We talk about the holidays and the challenges and joys of life! Happy holidays!

Find out all about retreats, trainings, and more at peterferko.com

Stream of Consciousness: Karma

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 20:13:01 +0000

Musings on life and karma, whether comedy, tragedy, or wholeness.

Come to Bali! Details at siren-spirit.com.

Support me on Patreon. Thank you!

Take Wendy Newton's next training session on the Yoga Sutras. (There is no pre-requisite.)

Hormone Yoga Therapy and More w/Bridgette Shaw

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 02:57:28 +0000

In this episode, Wendy and I chat with Bridgette Shaw. We taught in a meditation training with Bridgette in October at YogaMCC in Calgary. Bridgette is a senior teacher and Sadhaka Yogi in the ISHTA lineage. She specializes in Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga and Hormone Yoga Therapy, the latter in which she is one of only three women in all of Canada certified by its creator, Dinah Rodrigues.

Please join me, Aino Siren, and Wendy in Bali this February 8-15. You don't want to miss it! Details at siren-spirit.com.

Wendy and I are teaching in Perth Australia at the end of February. Join us for a workshop or a week-long training. Details at tamarayoga.com.

Please support me on Patreon! It's how I fund this podcast.

Namaste!

A Life-Long Yoga Practice w/Brenda Zusman

peter@peterferko.com (Brenda Zusman) — Fri, 8 Nov 2019 18:14:33 +0000

Today I speak with Brenda Zusman, a yoga student at ISHTA whom I've had the pleasure of seeing in class for a decade. Brenda shares her thoughts about the value of a yoga practice and how she has adapted the practice to suit her age and health.

I speak about my upcoming retreat to Bali with Aino Siren. Come! (Details here)

Thank you for supporting Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Join Wendy Newton and me for a Satsang at ISHTA Yoga Nov. 21 (Details here)

Tantra w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton) — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 00:54:38 +0000

Today I dip into a book I've been reading: Tantra Illuminated: The Philosophy, History, and Practice of a Timeless Tradition by Christopher D. Wallis. Wendy and I do a commentary on a chapter as way to lay out some of the fundamental premises of this key philosophical underpinning to ISHTA Yoga.

Come to Bali on retreat this February with Aino Siren and me, with special guest, Wendy Newton. Details at siren-spirit.com

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com.

Take teacher training with me at ISHTA Yoga!

Chakras Ringing

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Mon, 7 Oct 2019 22:37:48 +0000

Thanks to Salma Allam for our special Siri/Samadhi intro!

Today we go to meditation class. My opening lecture, or dharma talk, is about the nature of our energetic bodies and the chakras yogis use to influence our energy to help in meditation.

I'm teaching a course in meditation with Wendy and Bridgette Shaw at YogaMCC in Calgary this month, and at ISHTA Yoga, with Alan and Sarah Finger, in December.

Aino Siren and I have extended the early bird price for our February retreat to Bali. Details are here. You don't want to miss this one!

Thank you for listening, and please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Roundtable: Health Benefits of Meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton, Kristin Leal, Kelly Eudaily) — Sat, 28 Sep 2019 03:34:16 +0000

In today's roundtable edition, I chat with Kristin Leal, Kelly Eudaily, and Wendy Newton about current thoughts about the health benefits of meditation. All three are teacher trainers with lots of experience teaching meditation and the corresponding benefits. We have a good time talking about not only benefits, but the best way to share findings of research and how much research actually matters regarding meditation.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon! It feels good and keeps this podcast alive!

Join me and Aino Siren in Bali!

Unit 108 Yoga w/Serge Cashman

peter@peterferko.com (Serge Cashman) — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 23:03:52 +0000

Peter's Podcast is like a pay-what-you-will yoga class. Please support it by dropping your donation at Patreon.com. Thanks!

In this episode, I speak with Serge Cashman, a former student of mine, now a teacher and owner of Unit 108 Yoga in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Serge started practicing yoga by accident, bartering photography for yoga classes with Sabine Heubusch, who introduced him to ISHTA Yoga.

He completed his 200hr training at Namaste Williamsburg with Debbie Desmond and later went on to the 500hr ISHTA training. He took restorative training with Mona Anand and Gina Menza, and Yin Yoga and Insight Meditation with Sarah Powers, as over time his interests shifted more towards a meditative practice. He is Reiki certified. He is grateful to Indra Devi and Paramahamsa Madhavadas for helping to keep yoga alive in the modern world.

Join me and Aino Siren in BALI! Details at siren-spirit.com

Finding Harmony with the World: Sat Yam Meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sat, 7 Sep 2019 01:28:25 +0000

This meditation class starts with a talk about how our stuck emotions make it hard to meditate. We use a variety of methods to deal with our emotional reactions, but when we don't get to deal with them, they can come back to disturb us in a variety of ways. Today's meditation is a kriya yoga practice that helps us let go of emotions we're aware of and those we no longer even remember.

Real Yoga on the Other Side of the World w/Tamara Graham

peter@peterferko.com (Tamara Graham) — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 23:52:31 +0000

In this episode, I catch up with fellow ISHTA Yogiraj Tamara Graham in Perth, Australia. A yoga lover since her teens, Tamara Graham started teaching Yoga in New York at her friends' request. Soon after, she completed one of the first ISHTA Yoga Teacher Training programs, when it was Be Yoga. She had a complete a-ha experience with Al realizing that he was her teacher.

She returned to Perth Australia, as a single mother of 3, and started teaching there. From her first classes in an empty church hall, she’s grown Tamara Yoga to a thriving community of thousands, with 2 large studios, an internationally recognized school with hundreds of graduates from Tamara Yoga Teacher Training and Retreats in Margaret River, Bali and now with Mona Anand in India. Tamara is the representative for ISHTA Yoga in Australia. She was initiated Yogiraj, or Master, by Alan finger.

She’s made Yoga DVDs, and regularly interviewed by newspaper, radio and wellness publications as a yoga authority. Tamara’s love of yoga and enthusiasm for teaching is infectious; — in her own words, Spreading peace, love and joy’s her jam. You can sign up for her new project: Tamara's Talks on how to have a super wonderful day.

I had the great fun last month — on Alan Finger's birthday — of syncing up our opposite-side-of-the-globe schedules to hear about Tamara’s activities and plans.

I hope you enjoy it!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.
Join me on Retreat or at trainings in NYC and Calgary Canada. Details at peterferko.com

Contentment as the Ground Shakes– #RealTalk w/Erika Pahk

peter@peterferko.com (erika pahk, Peter Ferko) — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 17:24:30 +0000

Today's episode is the second in our California correspondence with Erika Pahk. Erika has graced me with her presence in classes training and retreats over the past handful of years. This summer, she’s working in L.A., where she’s agreed to check in as our summer west-coast correspondent. In our first installment, we got to hear a little about Erika’s new home. In this episode we get real about facing challenges, whether they're dramatic or conversely, there's nothing going on. And we talk about philosophy, as we always do.

Erika grew up in the wilds of Los Angeles and has been a yoga person since childhood. She first encountered the Ishta lineage in 2008 at a craft school in North Carolina, with my good friend, teacher Kate Shroeder, and became an Ishta practitioner the week she moved to NY in 2011.

Erika is an Ishta-trained 200 hour yoga instructor with many additional specialty certifications, and she received her first Reiki attunement in 2018. She also has a BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Some of you already know Erika, and I’m glad to introduce the rest of you as we get her observations and insights this summer.

Things that get mentioned:
Bali Retreat Feb.8–15. Click for details.
Comfortable with Uncertainty, by Pema Chodron.
Tantric Quest, by Daniel Odier.
My email for questions: peterspodcast108@gmail.com.

Podcasts stay afloat as labors of love. But they also need to pay the bills. Some do this through random ads. Others can get by by being infomercials for whatever’s being talked about on the podcast. I’m hoping to support Peter’s Podcast much like a pay-what-you-will yoga class. There’s no box at the door here, so instead I’m using the digital equivalent. That’s why I am asking you to please support Peter’s Podcast on Patreon.com. Instead of a box, there’s a link. It’s easy, it’s flexible if you want to vary your support, and most of all, it keeps this podcast going. And thank you to everyone who is already a Patreon Patron!

Writing from the Heart w/Puy Navarro

peter@peterferko.com (Puy Navarro) — Wed, 7 Aug 2019 16:51:51 +0000

Puy Navarro is an ISHTA Yoga Senior Teacher, Spanish native actress and a theater producer, focusing on Social Issues and Human Rights. She has been working in New York since 2005. Puy began writing when she felt the need to turn the play she had produced at the United Nations into a film script. Puy's script "Life is a Dream" was selected at Dreamago 2014, Stephen Frears' International Writers Lab. She has a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing from NYU. She has worked for the Rubin Museum of Art as a Story Teller for their “Sleepovers”, she has written short stories and has performed for “The Moth” at their community programs. Puy is leading a Writers Workshop at ISHTA Yoga.

BALI Retreat: February 8-15 in Ubud. Details here or at peterferko.com

Support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Thank you!

Holding Space for Retreats and Workshops w/Aino Siren and Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Wendy Newton, Aino Siren) — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 04:19:55 +0000

In our first Peter's Podcast Roundtable, Wendy Newton, Aino Siren and I talk about what happens when you venture beyond yoga class. We talk from the perspective of teachers who want to lead workshops and retreats and of students who may not even know that one of these formats would mean a whole new understanding and practice. I share how much I learned from moving beyond yoga classes.

Wendy is teaching a workshop on the Yoga Sutras at ISHTA on August 17.

Aino and I are leading a retreat in Bali with Wendy as special guest instructor on February 8-15. Save the date for that one!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. It's how this podcast stays alive.

Relationships and Self Journey w/Jenny Rhodes

peter@peterferko.com (jennifer rhodes) — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 04:05:07 +0000

In today's episode, I speak to Dr. Jennifer Rhodes, whom I met when she took ISHTA Teacher Training and Meditation Training. Jenny is a licensed clinical psychologist, dating/relationship coach, image consultant, 200 hour ISHTA trained yogi, and founder of Rapport Relationships, LLC.
Today, Jenny incorporates her intuitive and healing skills into her therapy and coaching practice. She is passionate about helping people cope with their own healing journeys and combines the science of psychology with individually curated intuitive guidance to fit the needs of her clients. She focuses her practice on issues pertaining to depression, anxiety, empaths/sensitivity and relationships (dating, couples therapy, and divorce based work). She believes that our most important teachers come in the form of people meant to make an impact in our life. In this sense, relationships matter most.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. It only takes a minute and it keeps this podcast coming!

Evolution, Relationship, Teaching w/Jenny Bloom

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko, Jenny Bloom) — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 03:55:06 +0000

ISHTA Yoga teacher and Polarity practitioner Jenny Bloom makes another wonderful appearance on the pod. We discuss how we evolve through practice and how that evolution can help your relationships, and helps make better teachers.

I mention Shuddhananda Bharati, a tantra yogi who influenced ISHTA Yoga founder Alan Finger.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. It's the donation box at the door of this yoga class!

Namaste

Changing Perspective w/Erika Pahk

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko , Erika Pahk) — Wed, 3 Jul 2019 03:55:01 +0000

Happy Summer everybody!

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I would be mixing up the conversations on the podcast, including some more monolog/discussions of topics. Another way is launching today thanks to Erika Pahk. Erika has graced me with her presence in classes training and retreats over the past handful of years. This summer, she’s working in L.A., where she’s agreed to check in as our summer West Coast correspondent. In our first installment, we get to hear a little about Erika’s new home, how it is to uproot from your yoga practice place and find another, how yoga helps in the corporate environment, and we talk turkey about philosophy, as we always do.

Erika grew up in the wilds of Los Angeles and has been a yoga person since childhood. She first encountered the ISHTA lineage in 2008 at a craft school in North Carolina, with my good friend, teacher Kate Shroeder, and became an ISHTA practitioner the week she moved to NY in 2011.

Erika is an ISHTA-trained 200 hour yoga instructor with many additional specialty certifications, and she received her first Reiki attunement in 2018. She also has a BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Erika's superpowers include composing emoji poems and finding the perfect collection of tools for others. She listens to A LOT of podcasts, prefers fiction to spiritual texts and learns best through active listening and kinetic engagement. Her current art project involves taking many neighborhood flower walks - check out her Instagram stories @yourgemfriend.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon!
If you want to share a soundbite, head to my hosting site and click on Recast.

Solstice and the Philosopher Queen

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 23:43:26 +0000

Happy Summer Solstice and Midsummer! I talk about life as cycles and politics as an example of peaks vs. cycles. I also ponder Plato's idea of the philosopher king in light of this year's election. Enjoy!

Support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Thank you!

Vata Dosha & Happy Anniversary!

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 23:54:19 +0000

Happy anniversary to Peter's Podcast! Two years in, I start off about Real Yoga and how to use it. Then I discuss the vata dosha and how the part of ourselves that is related to motion can create imbalances — and how to use real yoga to deal with the imbalances!

I mention:

Patreon, where you can support Peter's Podcast (please do!)
The way to ask me a question: email peterspodcast108@gmail.com
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, which is the source of the great mantra asatoma sat gamaya.

Thanks for listening. Namaste!

Tantra Tools and Chakra Meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Mon, 3 Jun 2019 21:44:35 +0000

In this episode, I share a meditation class, beginning with a description of Tantra's contribution to finding actual happiness.

I mention the ISHTA 101, a chance to learn all about yoga philosophy in a day-long training.

Thank you for supporting Peter's Podcast on Patreon to keep it commercial-free!

Teaching, Growing, Moving with April Puciata

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko , April Puciata) — Fri, 17 May 2019 19:49:46 +0000

In today's episode, I talk with my colleague April Puciata, whom I got to teach trainings with in the Washington DC area over the years. April has been teaching yoga in NYC, Washington DC and New Jersey for almost two decades.

She is the founder and creator of beyond OM, and teaches yoga trainings and workshops throughout the US and she leads retreats all over the world.

April shares what she's up to and how she's overcome various challenges in her teaching career. We also touch on our use of yoga in our writing practices.
Join my workshop on Real Happiness: Bhagavad Gita as the Human Owners Manual at ISHTA Yoga. If you want to call in, contact Rumika@ishtayoga.com for details.
April mentions her meditation series:
2 Free Programs
The Mini Retreat: Escape at home
More Presence For help starting, committing to and teaching meditation here is a free 4 week series with simple accessible practices...

Meditation Teacher Training Level 1

And she mentions a benefit she's involved with May 19.
Headstands for Hunger Event Invite

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon and keep it commercial-free!

Real Yoga, Actual Happiness, &

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Fri, 10 May 2019 21:00:06 +0000

In today's episode, I discuss the subtitle of my podcast from the perspective of the Bhagavad Gita and the Buddha. I mention my upcoming workshop at ISHTA Yoga called "Real Happiness: The Bhagavad Gita as the Human Owner’s Manual." You can sign up for it here. If you're outside NYC, you can call in to the video chat. If you want to call, sign up, then contact Rumika@ishtayoga.com for the call-in details.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon and keep it commercial-free.

Namaste!

Joy and Beauty are Within + a Meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko ) — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 00:23:24 +0000

Finding joy and the beauty of life is like a game of hide and seek. In today's episode, I look at this idea in light of the spring holidays. After a talk, I take us to meditation class, where I continue the theme and lead a meditation on the elements and our breath. Enjoy!

Mentioned in the podcast:
Yogananda singing Oh God Beautiful

Psych Rock Kirtan performing Hey Hari Sundari

Bhagavad Gita Workshop signup at ISHTA Yoga. Or inquire about the workshop or anything else at
peterspodcast108@gmail.com

Brett Larkin's Yoga on YouTube

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko , Brett Larkin) — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 23:15:08 +0000

Brett Larkin studied at ISHTA Yoga in 2005 where I had the pleasure to be one of her trainers. She describes what went from using YouTube as a way to memorize her own sequence into a career as a beloved online yoga teacher.

Today, Brett has more than a quarter million subscribers to her YouTube channel. She won Youtube’s “Next Up” award as one of the top emerging Youtube channels of 2017. Plus, she’s the founder of Uplifted Yoga, a private online yoga and meditation community empowering students to personalize their practice and ignite their best life - on and off the mat. She’s authored over 4 yoga DVDs and instructed at top studios, companies like Google and Pinterest, and on retreats around the world.

I had the chance to hear some of Brett’s history since I saw her last, and to get her advice for teachers interested in the online world.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon and be part of the noncommercial crowdsourceing that makes the show possible!

Finding Surrender and Gratitude: A Meditation Class

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 8 Apr 2019 01:02:00 +0000

A lecture on the practice of surrender, gratitude, and kriya yoga.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon!

Finding the Magic w/Nino Farruggio

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 11:46:00 +0000

In this episode, I have an inspiring talk with Nino Farruggio, author of two yoga books for children. We talk about where she finds inspiration and how yoga helps her tap the magic in her life. Her books are Little Shrimp Wants to do Yoga and Little Shrimp Wants to Meditate. Nino teaches yoga on Long Island and in Manhattan, teaching private, corporate and children’s yoga classes. She also leads retreats locally and internationally. You can find her on Instagram at @Ninosbooks.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon and rate it or tell a friend!
Then, Like me on Facebook and keep up on all the latest.

Namaste!

Emergency Pod: The Mueller Report

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 21:30:00 +0000

Some thoughts on how to stay balanced, in sattva guna, given today's news. You can always reach me at peterspodcast108@gmail.com or make a comment at Simplecast, where I host the podcast.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon — it's what keeps it in your ears!

Staying Balanced as Life Cycles + a Meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 04:01:00 +0000

In this episode, we head to meditation class. I start with a talk about the cyclical nature of our world and how to remain balanced as life is going up and down and back and forth, seemingly throwing us every which way!

Then we have a meditation practice. If you decide to do the practice, feel free to exit any time you feel uncomfortable. Massage your legs and feet if you need to calm down.

During the meditation, I play a little of the sound of rain from last year when we were in France. This year we're headed to Portugal for a retreat — stay tuned, but put a pencil note in early August!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon — it's such a democratic socialist thing to do '-)

The episode image is a painting by Hilma af Klint which is on display at the Guggenheim in a fantastic exhibition.

Yoga Practice, Patanjali-Style w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 19:30:00 +0000

The second section of the Yoga Sutras is the Sadhana Pada. Sadhana is your practice, and in this episode, I talk with Wendy Newton about her book The Tantra of the Yoga Sutras and her upcoming training on the Sadhana Pada.

I mention:

Patreon, where you can support Peter's Podcast;
ISHTA Yoga, where you can take class with me; and
The Secret of the Yamas, by John McAfee.

Thanks for listening, and please rate the podcast!

A Yogi's Guide to Dating w/Rachel Scott

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Tue, 5 Mar 2019 05:01:00 +0000

Today I speak with yogini Rachel Scott. Rachel supports yoga teachers and studios in creating transformational educational experiences so that they can thrive in their business, share their passion, and inspire more people to practice yoga. Her knowledge and experience are extensive. She’s earned two master’s degrees, led over twenty teacher trainings, spent fifteen years in yoga studio management and created thousands of hours of curriculum. Author of Wit and Wisdom from the Yoga Mat and Head Over Heels: A Yogi’s Guide To Dating, she’s also raw, real, generous, and has a devilish sense of humour. You can find out more about Rachel at rachelyoga.com, on YouTube, or follow her on Facebook and Instagram

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. It's what keeps this in your ears! Help others learn about it by rating the podcast on iTunes or on your app! And thanks for listening!

See the Sky w/Kate MacDonnell

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Tue, 26 Feb 2019 19:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I talk with yogi and artist Kate MacDonnell. Kate lives, teaches, and creates in Washington D.C. Kate has had solo and group exhibitions in galleries and museums nationally and internationally including a two-person show in Tokyo this past summer. She was interviewed on NPR’s Morning Edition for her work in the collaborative project www.sametime715.com, she has received numerous grants, and has been a visiting artist and guest lecturer at George Washington University, Virginia Commonwealth University, St. Mary's College of Maryland, and the Corcoran College of Art and Design. I got to talk to Kate about her yoga, her art, and the place they come together. The conversation touched on lots of topics close to my heart. I hope you enjoy it too!

Kate's work is at katemacdonnell.com and on Instagram @kate_macdonnell

I mention 5 Things but on air, I only mention 3 of the people who participated. It was a much bigger group of artists, curated by James Huckenpahler, and the archive lives here. I did find an archive of Now:Here:This, curated by me, but it only exists, readily, in index form. Clicking on dates under any artist's name will bring up an instance of the project.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon! Do it today!

See info on the ISHTA Masters Program at ishtayoga.com.

Kate mentions William Eggleston.

I mention a gratitude quote: “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Asia Travelog w/Jenny Bloom

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 05:01:00 +0000

In this episode, I catch up with frequent podcast accomplice Jenny Bloom. Jenny just got back from Asia and we talk about everything from grass-mowing bulls to flying monkey gods.

I mention the ISHTA Masters Training that I'm a part of in March

Please support the podcast on Patreon and rate it on your phone or at iTunes. Thank you!

Namaste

Tapas — Not Food, Yoga Purification

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 05:01:00 +0000

In today's episode I provide some advice on the first part of yoga practice: tapas, the purification of our mental patterns. I also use AOC as a metaphor for Shiva Shakti. Enjoy!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon and rate the podcast right here on your app or at iTunes.

Thank you!

Body Poetry w/Kristin Leal

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 05:01:00 +0000

Today I speak with Kristin Leal about her new book, MetaAnatomy, Anatomy of a Yogi, Volume 2: Body Poetry, which includes illustrations by former podcast guest Amanda Shafran. Kristin and I dig into some of the topics covered in the book and have some fun catching up.

Say NO to ads! Instead support Peter's Podcast on Patreon, so it can keep reaching your ears! And rate the podcast on your app to help spread the word. Thank you!

Teaching Teachers w/Jean Koerner

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 20:40:00 +0000

In this episode, I talk to Jean Koerner about her work mentoring teachers and more.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com and please rate the podcast so others will find it more easily.

Thank you!

Life's Not Fair, but It's Karmic!

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 7 Jan 2019 05:01:00 +0000

My two cents on Karma and Fairness; a chat on the Gunas; and some gratitude! Happy New Year!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Happy New Year! A Meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Tue, 1 Jan 2019 00:27:00 +0000

Come join me and Idgy Dean on New Years Day at ISHTA Yoga for a practice and Kirtan!
In today's episode, I share a meditation class recorded live! Happy New Year to you all.

Thank you for your support on Patreon.

Happy Light Holiday w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 05:01:00 +0000

Wendy and I share our thoughts on the holiday season. I hope you have a wonderful holiday full of actual happiness and deep living! I give my top rating to John Zorn's version of “Christmas Time is Here” as we close the show. It's gorgeous — check it out!

The Silence w/Heather Principe

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 21:00:00 +0000

My friend Heather Principe has been described as a journey-woman of the old ways. She studied classical yoga and polarity therapy, which is based on yoga. She was chosen by Cree healer Don Cardinal to learn the tribe’s wisdom and the sweat lodge ceremony — a rare sharing with someone not born in the tribe. She is dedicated to teaching within the paradigm of the Four Directions and the Five Elements, and her work weaves these ancient teachings into a contemporary outlook on science, personal growth and society.

Heather founded The Yoga and Polarity Center in Malverne, New York. She served on the Board of the International Polarity Education Alliance and the International Polarity Board in Switzerland. She has taught at the International Seminary for Interfaith Studies, the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, and Sivananda Yoga Ashram. Heather co-authored Ahimsa in Communication with Diana Slattery.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Your support keeps it in your ears!

Miracles

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 3 Dec 2018 05:05:00 +0000

In today's episode, I begin with a talk about getting what you want — and not getting what you want. It leads to a discussion of the Course in Miracles and how the same topics are addressed in yoga.

In the final segment, I play some excerpts from our Psych Rock Kirtan album Shiva Shakti, which is available on BandCamp. It features me and Idgy Dean and you should go download it!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. It's how we roll.

Namaste.

Yoga and Brain Health w/Jane Stelboum

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 22:07:00 +0000

Jane Stelboum is a yoga teacher and teacher trainer in the Washington, DC metro area, and a Certified Brain Longevity Specialist through the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation’s Brain Longevity®Therapy Training. She founded Sarasvate (sar-as-vah-te´) in 2012 in honor of her mother Sarah, whom she lost to Alzheimer’s. The company’s mission is to prevent memory-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and help those already impacted maintain a high quality of life as long as possible. She does this through workshops, caregiving training sessions, speaking engagements and private sessions in which she shares how the tools of yoga (breath, meditation and the physical practice) can positively impact memory and cognitive function. Jane has been a featured speaker at conferences by the Smithsonian Associates, Aging Life Care Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, and many yoga studios, senior living communities and corporate offices throughout the east coast.

We also mention these things in this episode:

Psych Rock Kirtan. Get our new download album at Bandcamp
ISHTA Yoga Meditation Training in New York City
Thrive Yoga in Rockville, Maryland
Thich Nhat Hanh's ashram Plum Village

Tantra of the Yoga Sutras w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 06:01:00 +0000

Wendy Newton gives us a preview of the new interpretation of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali that she coauthored with Alan Finger.

She mentions the book launch at ISHTA Yoga. You can find out more about Wendy and the Tantra of the Yoga Sutras book at wendynewtonyoga.com

Please rate the podcast (on your iPhone, it's just below this — click some stars!).

Please support me on Patreon. It's how I fund the podcast and keep it coming your way!

Hope in Young People w/Lâle Davidson

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Tue, 6 Nov 2018 16:15:00 +0000

In today's episode, I speak with a dear friend, Lâle Davidson. Lâle is an author of fiction and nonfiction, and a Distinguished Professor at SUNY Adirondack where she teaches fiction writing, public speaking and composition.

Her stories have appeared in The North American Review, Eclectica, Big Lucks, and The Collagist, among others. Her story “The Opal Maker” was named top fifty of 2015 by Wigleaf, and her fiction chapbook, Strange Appetites won the Adirondack Center for Writing People’s Choice Award in 2016.

I visited her in her home in Saratoga Springs to see the final performance of her latest work, Uprising, a play about the Polish resistance to Nazi occupation in WWII. Lâle wrote Uprising in collaboration with two teenagers, Catie LeCours, and Grace Alberti, who also directed.

My wife, Wendy and Lâle went to Oberlin together, and I’ve known Lâle and her husband Charley Brown and daughter Tess Davidson-Brown for close to 20 years. We often discuss writing, spirituality, and politics and this week Lâle and I are sharing one of our chats with you.

I hope you enjoy it!

You can find out more about Lâle and find her writing at laledavidson.com, and you can view her editorial column at http://blog.timesunion.com/laledavidson/.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com and rate the podcast on your app or on iTunes.

From Hate to Forgiveness + a Meditation on the Heart

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 13:00:00 +0000

VOTE! In this episode, I begin with an essay on staying noble in one's actions in the face of evil as we face a barrage of political news. I make a few claims in the essay and have links here to support them:

(1) on Fox https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/fake-news/
(2) on the Koch Brothers https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/author-jane-mayer-on-how-the-koch-brothers-have-changed-america-235310/
(3) on lying by the President, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/12/14/opinion/sunday/trump-lies-obama-who-is-worse.html

I follow up by taking you to meditation class, where we cover a related topic of getting caught in emotion and do a meditation to help you let go.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon! It's how we can afford to be here!

Namaste.

Actual Happiness and More w/Tania Van Pelt

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 01:06:00 +0000

In today’s episode, I get to catch up with Tania Van Pelt. I met Tania in yoga class many years ago, and we bonded around writing and the arts. Tania decided to take her creative future into her own hands by becoming a producer, beginning with a web project she called “The Happiness Series.” I blogged a bit for the Happiness Series and have followed Tania’s work since.

Now a writer, producer, and content creator, Tania has become an expert on diet-related wellness. She is the author of The Ageless Diet: Your Fountain of Youth, and the related AgelessDietLife.com. She empowers people to chart a course through the health and wellness noise and reimagine a life full of nourishment, sustainable vitality and fun. She is currently editing her second book, Sheet Cake Diet, an exploration into the links between depression and inflammation. She has also recently finished production on the first four episodes of her new web-based talk show, “Practical Magic.” It's a different kind of show, about the process of discovering the mystery behind the magic of the etheric, energetic realms. It features conversations with tarot masters, shamans, intuitive healers, psychics, and experts in the healing arts. It will be available on the Happiness Series and Ageless Diet web sites.

I spoke to Tania from her home in Denver. I hope you enjoy our chat.

Support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com!

Work, Giving Up, and Renewal w/IDGY DEAN

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 17:20:00 +0000

In today's episode, I speak with Lindsay Sanwald about our kirtan and her music. Lindsay is the one-woman psychedelic rock musician IDGY DEAN. She has an upcoming single with Run DMC's Darryl McDaniels. She and I created Psych Rock Kirtan, and we met for a chat to discuss our next live kirtan, October 18 at ISHTA Yoga and our recording, which we're mixing as we make this podcast.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com!

Keep posted on goings-on by getting on the mailing list at peterferko.com

Bonus! Incarnation Excerpt 8

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 21:53:00 +0000

This bonus is an excerpt from my novel, Incarnation and a Cliff Notes-style cheat sheet below in the notes. The book follows a journalist, an actor, a writer, and a programmer whose dreams and desires play out together on the global stage, again and again. Each time, they find meaning as they spin on life's mysterious wheel of fortune.

This is excerpt 8. I am also excerpting the Incarnation Cheat Sheet that lives on my website, below. You can find Incarnation, the book, at Amazon.com.

SPOILER ALERT: Excerpt from the Cheat Sheet

In another incarnation, when Ryoko is married to Joey, Lucy is asked to appear as a guest interviewer, where she meets Joey. After the show, Ryoko and Joey become fast friends with Lucy and Billy.
Krishna, who ended his affair with Ryoko for the sake of Veritage, hears from Kamalita, who plans to visit New York. After their meeting, at a challenging dinner with Ryoko, Joey, Lucy, and Billy, Krishna wonders if there’s a chance for them to have a relationship.
Krishna doesn’t follow up with Kamalita, except to write checks to fund her research. He lives in a state of indecision and has meaningless affairs. A Hare Krishna yogi in Union Square tells him he’s going to move to India. Confused and distracted by the yogi’s prophecy, he falls down the subway stairs to his death.

Create Your Life! w/Natalie Roy

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 8 Oct 2018 04:15:00 +0000

In today's episode, Natalie Roy of the C.R.E.A.T.E. Community joins me to talk about creativity, art, and yoga. Natalie is an actress, author and spiritual teacher. She's performed and taught all over the world on stage and screen. She’s also a 500-hour certified Yoga Teacher and a meditation teacher. Natalie brings together the practices and techniques of meditation, mindfulness and “learned optimism” with the artistic process. She co-founded C.R.E.A.T.E with her best friend Kristin Hanggi, a fellow teacher of spiritually-based creative pursuits and the developer and director of the broadway hit Rock of Ages.

We talk about the opportunities life presents to live each moment as a creative expression. We mention some great books and authors:

Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert;
the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a new translation of which Alan Finger and Wendy Newton are publishing under the title, Tantra of the Yoga Sutras;
the Bhagavad Gita.
author Wayne Dyer
author Esther Hicks

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. It's quick and easy. Do it now!

Bringing Wisdom into What You Share w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 1 Oct 2018 04:02:00 +0000

In this episode, Wendy Newton and I discuss how practice informs teaching and life.

You can catch Wendy Newton's new classes (and mine) at ISHTA Yoga and reach Wendy by contacting me at peterspodcast108@gmail.com

Remember: Support Peter's Podcast on Patreon and keep us on the air!
Find out more about Peter and the Podcast at peterferko.com

Oneness, Separateness, and the Supreme Court: A Meditation Class

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 20:20:00 +0000

In this episode, I take you to meditation class where I touch on current news about men, women, and truth as a way into looking at our multi-perspective world. I include the meditation on Shiva consciousness, so you can join in!

I mention a Kirtan I'm leading with IDGY DEAN on October 18. Here's the link for tickets. It's also a release party for our Kirtan EP recording, which we're mixing as I speak. Please come and chant!

Support Peter's Podcast on Patreon dot com, so I can keep this content ad-free!

Bonus! Incarnation Excerpt 7

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 18:45:00 +0000

This is excerpt 7. I am also excerpting the Incarnation Cheat Sheet that lives on my website, below. You can find Incarnation, the book, at Amazon.com.

[SPOILER ALERT!]

Incarnation is, deliberately, a bit of a puzzle. For readers who linger with books until their memory gets fuzzy, or those who read the last page of a book first, or who like having the solution to a crossword puzzle handy, the following excerpt from the cheat sheet notes the relationships and pivotal moments of the incarnations in the novel.

Chapter Three: The Birth of Veritage

In another incarnation, Ryoko has never met Joseph (nor Jacquot), but has begun a romance with Krishna. ATB contacts Ryoko and helps establish the Veritage program with offices in Washington, D.C. Joseph, the film auteur, takes part in publicizing Veritage.

Chapter Four: Lucy

Lucy is born to Maria Lubczyk; her father (known only by Maria) is Rusty.
Billy takes over a mechanic shop and adds a café.
Joseph, having met Lucy at a party the night before, is distracted by her phone call and dies in a car accident.
Lucy gets a job in Billy’s café. They become a couple.
Lucy, who longs to be a writer, becomes a Com-Star on Veritage. She meets Ryoko, who is with Krishna in this incarnation.

Evolve Yourself! w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 04:01:00 +0000

In today’s episode, Wendy and I discuss self-study, or svadhyaya in Sanskrit. We look at it from the perspective of dealing with your own emotions in order to evolve — or to learn the lessons of your life that help you find real happiness.

I mention a few goodies:

Author Wayne Dyer, whose books have inspired millions
Tommy Vietor’s interview with Jason Isbell on Pod Save America
The C.R.E.A.T.E. podcast with Kristin Hanggi and Natalie Roy
Alan Finger of ISHTA Yoga and the book he wrote with Wendy, The Tantra of the Yoga Sutras

Just Do It - A Meditation Class on Tapas

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Sun, 9 Sep 2018 16:10:00 +0000

In today's episode, we head to ISHTA for a meditation class. The theme of the class is doing your practice, so I thought it would be a good encouragement for those of you who just listen to the podcast instead of practicing!

Class includes a talk about the topic, a break where you can pause the recording and do some asana if it's convenient, then the guided meditation practice. There is an 18-minute space for meditation followed by a practice to bring inspiration back into your life.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Patreon is a crowdsourcing platform. I'm trying to avoid using ads on the podcast, but it only works if you support me directly. Thank you!

Namaste

All about me — and your own creativity!

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 03:09:00 +0000

In today's episode, I reflect on my writing and how you can use your creativity to find answers.

I mention an author whose name I can't remember. He is Ainslie MacLeod and his book is The Instruction

Please support me on Patreon!

You can find my books on Amazon

8 Limbs of Creative Living

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 01:40:00 +0000

In this episode, I report from our retreat "Yoga and the Art of Living Creatively" in Normandy France. I discuss the eight limbs of yoga from the perspective of our work on retreat. Enjoy!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Keep our podcast commercial free!

Ayurveda+Yoga w/Kristen Rae Stevens

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Thu, 2 Aug 2018 08:00:00 +0000

In today's episode, I time travel back to June in Brooklyn to talk to Kristen Rae Stevens. Kristen Rae is a nationally certified Ayurvedic Practitioner. She lectures and teaches on various whole health subjects from the perspective of yoga, Ayurveda and somatic movement and contemplative practices and has maintained a private clientele for 15 years. In addition, she teaches Hatha Yoga from a Shadow Yoga perspective. For current offerings you can find her at www.somarae.com. Kristen and I dig deep into the nuances of authentic yoga practice. I hope you enjoy our own self-study in this episode!

There are still spots open on our France retreat this month! See peterferko.com/France2018 for details.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon, and keep us commercial free!

If you're in Helsinki this weekend, come see Wendy and me at the Magnesia Yoga Festival!

Yoga Wandering through Scandinavia

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 10:17:00 +0000

This episode, I present what I hope is a good hodge-podge of thoughts, ideas, and interviews.

I interview Kati Vainionkulma, who runs the studio Sanmaya in Seinäjoki, Finland.

I interview Lotta Norberg in Eskilstuna, Sweden.

Join me, Wendy, and Aino at Magnesia Yoga Festival!

Enjoy!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon, so I can keep this podcast ad-free!

White Nights w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 6 Jul 2018 07:21:00 +0000

In this episode, from Helsinki, yogiraj Wendy Newton and I shed some practical light on the two padas of the yoga sutras that are about what comes from your yoga practice: magic, ease, and the ability to know when someone's about to contact you!

Join our France retreat: Yoga and the Art of Living Creatively. August 14-19. Details here.

We're teaching in Finland! You can find out about our classes in Helsinki and about our workshops at the Magnesia Festival on the beautiful island of Lonna, a ferry ride from Helsinki, at peterferko.com

Bonus! Incarnation Excerpt 6

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 2 Jul 2018 19:05:00 +0000

This is excerpt 6. I am also excerpting the Incarnation Cheat Sheet that lives on my website, below. You can find Incarnation, the book, at Amazon.com.

[SPOILER ALERT!]

Incarnation is, deliberately, a bit of a puzzle. For readers who linger with books until their memory gets fuzzy, or those who read the last page of a book first, or who like having the solution to a crossword puzzle handy, the following cheat sheet notes the relationships and pivotal moments of the incarnations in the novel.

Chapter Three: The Birth of Veritage

Now as adults, during the incarnation from Chapter One when Ryoko is married to Joey Coe, she interviews Krishna about the software that will become Veritage. She has an affair with Krishna.
The Association of Television Broadcasters (ATB) helps establish the Veritage program with offices in New York.
Jose Juarez becomes President of the United States. Veritage successfully fights his administration’s attempts at censorship.

Prenatal Yoga and More! w/ Gina Menza

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 06:30:00 +0000

In this episode, Gina Menza and I discuss prenatal, restorative, meditation, and other yoga practice. Gina has taught yoga around the world. She designed the prenatal material used in both the ISHTA trainings as well as co- creating her own school, Anandamama Prenatal Yoga which holds annual, 85-hour, Yoga Alliance trainings in NYC.

Support Peter's Podcast on Patreon!

Join our retreat to France, Yoga and the Art of Living Creatively.

Check out Gina's upcoming workshop for prenatal students and their significant others.
Check out Gina's next prenatal training for yoga teachers.

Following Your Passion – or What Siddhartha Got Right w/Jenny Bloom

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 23:15:00 +0000

In this episode, I discuss living creatively, and what Siddhartha got right, with Jenny Bloom.

Jenny Bloom is an eternal creative and all her work is born from that seed. She is a senior teacher at ISHTA yoga. She teaches yoga privately, mentors, and is building her Polarity Therapy practice. She does Strategic Brand Consultations in New York City. To reach her, email jenny@superbloom.nyc

Come to France! Be a part of our retreat, "Yoga and the Art of Living Creatively." See peterferko.com/France2018 for details.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon! Your support is what keeps this in your ears.

Please rate and/or review the podcast. You can do it right from your phone. Thank you!

Bonus! Incarnation Excerpt 5 plus Cheat Sheet

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 22:00:00 +0000

This is excerpt 5. I am also excerpting the Incarnation Cheat Sheet that lives on my website, below. You can find Incarnation, the book, at Amazon.com.

[SPOILER ALERT!]

Incarnation is, deliberately, a bit of a puzzle. For readers who linger with books until their memory gets fuzzy, or those who read the last page of a book first, or who like having the solution to a crossword puzzle handy, the following cheat sheet notes the relationships and pivotal moments of the incarnations in the novel. (Below, I include the cheat sheet for the entire chapter we're hearing excerpted. The whole cheat sheet is here.)

Chapter Two: Ryoko and Krishna

In another incarnation, Joseph acts differently in the pivotal moment when he meets Ryoko. They do not become a couple, as they did in Chapter One.
In still another incarnation, Joseph, as a young boy, is a pawn in
the marital strife of his parents. His mother is having an affair
with Rusty, who calls Joseph, “Jacquot.” She and Rusty move, with
Jacquot, to France.
Ryoko, as a young journalist, goes to France for
a vacation — and to fish for a story. She meets Jacquot, who is now a
film director. They have a romance.
On returning to New York, Ryoko meets Krishna, who has studied
computer science at RPI in New York. He has invented a TV
commenting system Ryoko dubs “Veritage.” Ryoko and Krishna begin a
romance. Jacquot, though geographically distant, hopes to rekindle
his romance with Ryoko. She comes, with Krishna, to the screening
of his film at Cannes. Ryoko remains with Krishna, and Jacquot
meets Blanche Dubois.
In another incarnation, Joseph’s father kept the young boy when
Rusty took his mother to France. Joseph visited them annually,
while studying art in New York. Joseph becomes interested in film
and studies directing in Poland. He returns to New York and opens
a film company with a partner, Silvio.

Yoga as an Art Form w/ Douglass Stewart

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Thu, 7 Jun 2018 00:15:00 +0000

In today's episode, I have a wide-ranging conversation with my colleague Douglass Stewart. Douglass has been teaching yoga since 2001. He is the co-founder of Yoga in Times Square, celebrating the Summer Solstice by uniting the community of yoga enthusiasts across the country. He has received the Community Center Service Award for volunteering his yoga classes at the Lesbian and Gay Community Center. He is inspired by the notion that if peace is our goal, then it is also the means. Douglass is a Yogiraj in the lineage of ISHTA Yoga.

Come to France! Be a part of our retreat, "Yoga and the Art of Living Creatively." See peterferko.com/France2018 for details.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon! Your support is what keeps this in your ears.

Please rate and/or review the podcast. You can do it right from your phone. Thank you!

Yoga in Action! Kriya plus meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Thu, 31 May 2018 04:01:00 +0000

All about Kriya yoga in several forms, plus a meditation.

Come to France with us this summer: peterferko.com/France2018 Details about everything that's happening are on peterferko.com

Please support me on Patreon.com and keep Peter's Podcast commercial free!

Bonus! Incarnation Excerpt 4 plus Cheat Sheet

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Wed, 30 May 2018 15:15:00 +0000

This is excerpt 4. I am also excerpting the Incarnation Cheat Sheet that lives on my website, below. You can find Incarnation, the book, at Amazon.com.

[SPOILER ALERT!]

Incarnation is, deliberately, a bit of a puzzle. For readers who linger with books until their memory gets fuzzy, or those who read the last page of a book first, or who like having the solution to a crossword puzzle handy, the following cheat sheet notes the relationships and pivotal moments of the incarnations in the novel. (Below, I include the cheat sheet from the beginning of the book to the point we get to in this excerpt. The whole cheat sheet is here.)

Chapter One: Ryoko and Joey

Joseph Jones is married to Ryoko. Lucy is married to Billy.
Joseph describes the pivotal moment as a teenager when he met Ryoko. She
nicknamed him Joey Coe, which he ultimately uses as his stage name in
this, and similar incarnations.
Krishna is a teenager in India. He describes the pivotal moment involving Kamalita when he must choose whether to defy his father. In the first incarnation described, he
honors his father’s wishes, takes over the family business, and stays
in India. He marries Kamalita. At the age of 65, Krishna meets an odd
yogi who tells him that he is is to go to America. He slips on the
steps beside the Ganges, and dies.
In another incarnation, he is
outraged at the pivotal moment with Kamalita and becomes estranged
from his father. He moves to America, where he studies computer
programming.

Chapter Two: Ryoko and Krishna

In another incarnation, Joseph acts differently in the pivotal moment
when he meets Ryoko. They do not become a couple, as they did in
Chapter One.
In still another incarnation, Joseph, as a young boy, is a pawn in
the marital strife of his parents. His mother is having an affair
with Rusty, who calls Joseph, “Jacquot.” She and Rusty move, with
Jacquot, to France.
Ryoko, as a young journalist, goes to France for a vacation — and to
fish for a story. She meets Jacquot, who is now a film director. They
have a romance.

Changing the Big Patterns w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 21 May 2018 03:59:00 +0000

In this episode, Wendy and I discuss how meditation helps you deal with your big patterns. We talk about samskaras, or the major issues you come into life facing.

We manage to connect city living and spiritual evolution in this wide-ranging chat.

Details about what's happening are on peterferko.com

Come to France with us this summer: peterferko.com/France2018

Support me on Patreon.com. Ask me questions there that you'd like me to address on the podcast!

Bonus! Meditation Class: Inner Smile

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Wed, 16 May 2018 03:46:00 +0000

In this episode, you can sample my meditation class. There's an introductory lecture followed by a guided meditation with 10 minutes of silent meditation. Enjoy!

See peterferko.com for all things going on!

Support peter's Podcast on Patreon.

Questions Answered

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 11 May 2018 20:30:00 +0000

In today's episode, I address some topics that have been raised over the past weeks while I've been moving from Freeport to Brooklyn. I discuss the Yamas and Niyamas and lots of good stuff about the meaning of life!

Find out about my retreat to France and more at peterferko.com

I mention the Create podcast, by Kristin Hanggi and Natalie Roy.

Please fund me on Patreon, so I don't need to bore you with ads.

From Yoga Teacher to Mother and Back w/Rebecca Oliveira

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 23:00:00 +0000

Today I have a treat for myself and a lot of New York yogis. I got to speak with my former trainee and substitute teacher of choice, Rebecca Oliveira. Rebecca is a Mom, a beloved yoga teacher, and a weaver newly living in New Mexico.

Rebecca taught and practiced at ISHTA Yoga and Hosh Yoga and designed fabric for Calvin Klein while living in New York. She headed out West in 2016 and is now living in Albuquerque. We talk about her return to yoga practice and teaching after having a baby, and about living her yoga through motherhood.

I also ask Rebecca if she has any advice for teacher trainees and new teachers. If you're visiting Albuquerque, check for Rebecca's class at Dragonfly Yoga.

(We relied on an experimental internet connection to record, so please pardon the the audio irregularities.)

You have two more days to get in on the early bird price for Yoga and the Art of Living Creatively, a five-day retreat this summer in France with Wendy Newton, Ulrica Norberg, and me. See peterferko.com for details.

Please support Peter's Podcast at Patreon.com/peterspodcast!

Bonus! Incarnation Excerpt 3 plus Cheat Sheet.

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 15:10:00 +0000

This bonus is an excerpt from my novel, Incarnation and cheat sheet below in the notes. The book follows a journalist, an actor, a writer, and a programmer whose dreams and desires play out together on the global stage, again and again. Each time, they find meaning as they spin on life's mysterious wheel of fortune.

This is excerpt 3. I am also excerpting the Incarnation Cheat Sheet that lives on my website below. You can find the whole book at Amazon.com.

Cheat Sheet Excerpt:
[SPOILER ALERT!]

Chapter One: Ryoko and Joey

Joseph Jones is married to Ryoko. Lucy is married to Billy.
Joseph describes the pivotal moment as a teenager when he met Ryoko. She nicknamed him Joey Coe, which he ultimately uses as his stage name in this, and similar incarnations.
Krishna is a teenager in India. He describes the pivotal moment involving Kamalita when he must choose whether to defy his father. In the first incarnation described, he honors his father’s wishes, takes over the family business, and stays in India. He marries Kamalita.
At the age of 65, Krishna meets an odd yogi who tells him that he is is to go to America. He slips on the steps beside the Ganges, and dies.
In another incarnation, he is outraged at the pivotal moment with Kamalita and becomes estranged from his father. He moves to America, where he studies computer programming.

The Power of Love w/Jenny Bloom + Bonus Meditation

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 9 Apr 2018 03:59:00 +0000

On today’s podcast, I get to talk with one of my favorite guests, Jenny Bloom, an ISHTA yoga teacher and strategic brand consultant. Jenny and I tackle the challenge of dealing with the daily news and living in the yoga way. Then I take you to meditation class. I share my lecture about how to find happiness by understanding the power of intention, the power of vibration, and the power of love. Then, in case you’d like to join in the meditation, I include the practice I discuss in the lecture. Enjoy!

I need you to support this podcast to keep it ad-free. See patreon.com/peterspodcast for details.

We extended the early bird special for our yoga retreat to France. You don't want to miss this one: PeterFerko.com/France2018. And everything else me is at peterferko.com

I mention a project that is funding yoga teacher training in Arabic for a school in Palestine. The link is here.

Bonus! Incarnation Excerpt 2

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Sun, 1 Apr 2018 03:23:00 +0000

This bonus is an excerpt from my novel, Incarnation. The book follows a journalist, an actor, a writer, and a programmer whose dreams and desires play out together on the global stage, again and again. Each time, they find meaning as they spin on life's mysterious wheel of fortune.

This is excerpt 2. (It has a special guest appearance by Mica.)

You can find the whole book at Amazon.com and a cheat sheet about the book on my website.

Karma’s Huge, and We’re Puny w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 03:11:00 +0000

Wendy Newton and I talk about what it means to have yoga off the mat. We discuss the parts of a yoga practice, and some of the techniques that help make for "miracles" emerge from your practice.

We're going to be covering much more about this in our retreat in France this summer. You can come! See peterferko.com for details. We're also teaching a 200-hr teacher training in Finland. Details on ISHTA's site.

Rate the podcast wherever you listen or on iTunes. You can now listen to Peter's Podcast on Spotify, or direct your friends there! Leave me questions or comments on Patreon or Simplecast.

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. It's the 21st century way to vote with your feet. Want to get in touch with Wendy? Contact her at wendynewtonyoga@gmail.com.

Bonus! Incarnation Excerpt 1

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 04:59:00 +0000

This is excerpt 1.

You can find the whole book at Amazon.com and a cheat sheet about the book on my website.

Looking on the Sunnyside w/Roque Rodriguez

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 04:51:00 +0000

In this episode, I talk with Roque Rodriguez, co-founder of Suryaside Yoga in Sunnyside, Queens. We talk about Roque's yoga story, his studio, and some other yoga and creative projects he has underway. Roque has an inspiring story and is a model for people looking to combine yoga and entrepreneurship.

We mention:

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com. (That's how this is all possible!)
Details about retreats, classes, and more at peterferko.com

Getting to What You Love to Do w/Jen Vagios

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 2 Mar 2018 02:00:00 +0000

In today's episode, I talk with Jen Vagios. Jen has been playing instruments and singing her entire life. She is a 500 hour ISHTA yoga teacher, holds a Master’s Degree from Columbia in Applied Physiology & Nutrition, orchestrates Sound Bath Experiences, gathers unicorns and spreads joy. As an expert in the field of health and wellness for over 15 years, Jen nourishes her students hearts, minds and ears while teaching yoga throughout Westchester County, NY.

Jen assisted my class during her teacher training at ISHTA. We got to catch up recently after meditation class.

JOIN ME for an Easter yoga retreat with ISHTA Teacher Petra Rakebrandt, who is the author of of Yin is the New Black . If you’re like me, you’re sick of this winter weather, so we’re retreating to Antigua in the British Virgin Islands, March 29- April 3.

Then in August, join me, Wendy and Ulrica Norberg for Yoga and the art of living creatively - in Normandy France. Find out details about what I’m doing, including classes, workshops, and these retreats at peterferko.com.

The didgeridoo player we mention can be seen here on YouTube
I mention Pema Chodron's lojong commentary in my intro.
I mention my book Yoga for Artists

You can find more about Jen on: Instagram @jennifervagios; Facebook @jennifervagios; and at www.jennifervagios.com

Peter's Podcast Live w/Mona Anand

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, we go live to ISHTA Yoga where I interview my colleague and friend, Mona Anand. Mona is a fellow Yogiraj in the ISHTA lineage and the co-owner of ISHTA Yoga. She is a Senior trainer with me in ISHTA teacher trainings.

Mona devotes a significant portion of her time to yoga nidra and restorative yoga. She is the co-Founder of Mona Anand’s ISHTA Yoga Nidra, a 9-step system of Yoga Nidra that she developed with Alan Finger. She also developed a restorative yoga training with Gina Menza that incorporates visualization, pranayama, kriya and Ayurveda. More about Mona at monaanandyoga.com

JOIN ME for an Easter yoga retreat with ISHTA Teacher Petra Rakebrandt, who is the author of of Yin is the New Black . So between us we’ll yin and yang so you can renew your view on life. If you’re like me, you’re sick of this winter weather, so we’re retreating to Antigua in the British Virgin Islands, March 29- April 3 This link will bring you to the details: bookyogaretreats.com

Then in August, you’re, of course, joining me, Wendy and Ulrica Norberg for Yoga and the art of living creatively in Normandy France. Find out details about what I’m doing, including classes, workshops, and these retreats at peterferko.com.

Patreon is the funding site for Peter’s Podcast. Show you value this content by becoming a patron at any level you like, from a dollar up. I’ll send special rewards your way. Patrons recently got a yoga nidra recording that I made just for them. You can even use Patreon to arrange for a Genius consultation with me or to get a mantra targeted at your goals or challenges. Check it out today at patreon.com/peterspodcast.

Got a question for me? Ask it here: patreon.com/posts/got-question-ask-13914654

From Facts in the Brain to Wholeness in the Heart w/Kristin Leal

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I speak with Kristin Leal. Kristin Leal is a NYC based teacher, lecturer and body worker who travels the world with her MetaAnatomy trainings, passionately sharing about the miracle of the human body and the liberating potential of movement and stillness. She is the author of the The Yoga Fan and MetaAnatomy and is currently writing her next book on the poetic energy body. Kristin and I have taught together for years and it’s a treat to get to chat about things we find important in yoga today.

This Thursday, join me with Mona Anand for a live version of the podcast at ISHTA Yoga. It will be a party with lots of good conversation. Details at ISHTAYoga.com.

Join me for an Easter yoga retreat with ISHTA Teacher Petra Rakebrandt, who is the author of of Yin is the New Black . So between us we’ll yin and yang so you can renew your view on life. If you’re like me, you’re sick of this winter weather, so we’re retreating to Antigua in the British Virgin Islands, March 29- April 3 Click here for all the details! https://www.sugarridgeantigua.com/yoga-retreat/

Find out more about what I’m doing, including classes, workshops, and retreats at peterferko.com.

Study with Kristin Leal at these upcoming locations:

March 3 Body Poetry an Intro to MetaAnatomy workshop at PURE Yoga NYC
April 9-13 MetaAnatomy Essentials Training at PURE Yoga NYC

more info at www.kristinleal.com

I also mention Krista Tippet's On Being Podcast and Brené Brown in today's episode.

Trauma-Informed Yoga w/Tara Tonini

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Tue, 6 Feb 2018 04:30:00 +0000

In today's episode, I speak about trauma-informed yoga with Tara Tonini, who recently led a training at ISHTA Yoga. Tara is the founder of Bloom Healing Yoga & Wellness. A lover of movement, color and creativity, she is a yoga teacher, doula, Reiki Master and acupuncture student with a passion for women's health.

Tara currently serves as Director of Curriculum Development & Mentorship for Exhale to Inhale, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault to transform their lives. ETI uses the healing practice of trauma-informed yoga to empower survivors, while helping communities develop skills and knowledge to support them.

You can learn more about Tara at www.taratonini.com and more about Exhale to Inhale at www.exhaletoinhale.org.

Please come to Antigua with me and Petra Rakebrandt this Easter. Details at sugarridgeantigua.com/yoga-retreat/

Peter's Podcast is going live February 15 at ISHTA Yoga. I'll be speaking with Mona Anand. Join us! Details at ISHTA Yoga under Events.

More events and information at peterferko.com.

AUM: The Bliss of Our Creative Nature

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 03:10:00 +0000

It's the morning of the second women's march and I take you to class! I share a lecture about the nature of us as co-creators of the universe. Then I describe how yogis use OM or AUM to reconnect and become whole. This brings us wisdom and inspiration in living.

There's a meditation practice at the end of the episode, so you can try it for yourself! Then come see me for meditation class at ISHTA Yoga.

Only a few days remain to get the reward of a yoga nidra recording on Patreon. Sign up by Feb. 1 and I'll lull you to sleep!

Check my website, peterferko.com for details of upcoming events, including retreats and Peter's Podcast Live with Mona Anand.

Namaste!

Spirituality vs. Religion w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 04:01:00 +0000

In today’s episode, I’m stepping out, from our kitchen to the living room, to talk to my wife Wendy Newton about the fine line between the kinds of practices we use in yoga and their similarities and differences from religion. In case you’re new to the podcast, Wendy Newton is a yogiraj, or master, at ISHTA Yoga, as well as having a profound knowledge of polarity therapy and other bodies of wisdom. She works privately with students as a yoga therapist and polarity therapist (contact her at wendynewtonyoga@gmail.com).

Upcoming events mentioned in the show:

Peter's Podcast Live! with Mona Anand and ISHTA Yoga February 15. Tickets at ISHTAYoga.com.
Yoga and the Art of Living Creatively, with Wendy Newton and Ulrica Norberg. Details at peterferko.com.
Yoga Retreat in Antigua in the British Virgin Islands for Easter. Details on Facebook.

Yogaspeak vs. Sciencespeak w/Thijs Beuming

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 05:01:00 +0000

In this episode, I take a moment in honor of Martin Luther King Day. I mention that I have a tradition of listening to his historic "I Have a Dream" speech, which can be found here. I mention this week's New Yorker cover, which can be seen here.

I then head to Times Square in Manhattan, to the office of Thijs Beuming, a professional scientist who wanted to deepen his yoga practice, so took 500-hours of yoga teacher training. Thijs has a love of yoga, but has some resistance to the way yoga teachers use scientific language in imprecise and even inaccurate ways. We have some fun figuring out how to walk the line between metaphor and fact. I hope it will help yoga teachers and be interesting to practitioners as well.

We mention Thijs's partner, Irina Kruzhilina, who teaches at ISHTA (and is quoted in my book Yoga for Artists).

And a last minute headline: Peter's Podcast is coming live to ISHTA Yoga February 15!

Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com/peterspodcast!

Finding Your Best Self w/Nat Ma

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 8 Jan 2018 01:00:00 +0000

Today's episode starts with a Cappuccino Q&A session about yoga asana — postures — and the importance of the whole of yoga practice.

I then have an enlightening talk with Nat Ma. Nat is a spiritual adventurer. He spent more than a decade in the marketing world, rising to enviable corporate heights, but he wasn’t happy — in fact, he was the opposite. His attempts to figure out what felt so wrong brought him to ISHTA Yoga, where he began a meditation practice. He then began to rethink his life. Nat spent the last year traveling the world with only a backpack and the desire to transform, and find his life’s purpose. I caught up with Nat on his recent visit to New York. I hope you are as inspired by his story as I was.

We mention ISHTA Yoga, where I teach and Nat has studied.

Please support me at Patreon.com/peterspodcast! Thank you.

You can find out more about me and my work — including upcoming retreats — at peterferko.com and follow me on social media on Facebook and instagram.com/peterferko/

You can follow Nat Ma on social media: https://www.instagram.com/iamcommonplace
http://instagram.com/natma
https://www.facebook.com/natma

Good Vibes for Dark Days w/Lindsay Sanwald

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 22:10:00 +0000

Happy Solstice, Kwanza, Hanukkah, Christmas, or whatever you appreciate this time of year! The holidays around this time celebrate light, and today’s podcast is about light’s energy: vibration. Here’s a link to a video that shows you how vibrations move matter in beautiful ways. I head over to visit my student and kirtan co-conspirator Lindsay Sanwald where we talk about mantras and kirtan.

But before I head out, I wanted to share something from Oprah’s Supersoul podcast, which Lindsay turned me on to a while back. In Oprah’s recent conversation with Shawn Achor, who taught a course on happiness at Harvard, they discuss a practice of gratitude.

At this time of darkness and light, I just want to say, I’m grateful that you are listening to my podcast, and I wish you actual happiness and deep living. Come start the new year in the right vibration at ISHTA Yoga, New Year’s Day. Details are here.

I D G Y D E A N is the musical moniker of ISHTA-trained yogini Lindsay Sanwald. A one-woman psychedelic rock band, Idgy Dean has been composing DIY music for 20 years, playing various instruments in multiple bands, performing solo as a looping artist across the country, and producing critically-acclaimed records and music videos from her home base in Brooklyn, New York.

I hope you’ve noticed that I don’t run ads for taxis or mattresses or food delivery or underwear on Peter’s Podcast, but here’s a mini-advertisement for me.
An issue of Yoga Journal costs close to $10
A single yoga class in New York costs more than $20
A single private consultation with a yoga teacher can cost hundreds of dollars
I’m bringing the kind of content you would find in all those places to your phone, weekly.
Won’t you please support me on Patreon? I’m avoiding running advertisements, because I find them so annoying on the podcasts I like. I constantly fumbling for my phone to hit the fast-forward control. But to keep my ad-free format feasible, I need for you to value this effort.
You can support the podcast at any level you like, and change or stop your support whenever you want.
Help me keep this an ad-free zone supported by the community of listeners like you.
Go now to Patreon.com/peterspodcast. Click the link now.
And thank you for listening.

I’m very excited to announce a summer retreat, led by Ulrica Norberg, Wendy Newton, and myself in Normandy, France this summer, August 14-18. It’s called Yoga and the Art of Living Creatively.
Details are available at peterferko.com/france2018.

I’m also heading to the Caribbean for an Easter retreat with Petra Rakebrandt. Details here!

I’m teaching a 300-hr teacher training at ISHTA in January. I also teach regular asana and meditation classes there. See ISHTAYOGA.com for details.

Finally, I’m using Patreon to offer opportunities to work with me one on one. You can subscribe for a mantra session or for an hour video private. Of course, as they say on public radio, I hope you’ll subscribe at any level, just because you value Peter’s Podcast. Go to Patreon.com/peterspodcast.

Wendy's Yoga Story w/Wendy Newton and Jenny Bloom

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 15:33:00 +0000

Today on the podcast, I speak with Wendy Newton, my wife and a yoga master. Listeners have commented how much you like our breakfast table chats. I hope you like this one, too. I learned some fun new things about Wendy myself in this one as she shared her story of coming to yoga as a teenager! We mention Wendy's teachers Alan Finger and Heather Principe.

Then, I catch up with Jenny Bloom, and we talk about the #metoo moment in light of yoga insights. I hope you enjoy it.

I’m also heading to the Caribbean for an Easter retreat with Petra Rakebrandt. Details will be coming soon.

I’m also teaching a Meditation Training with my own teacher Alan Finger and Sarah Finger, who appeared on a previous podcast. The meditation training is this Friday, December 15. I’m teaching a 300-hr teacher training at ISHTA in January. I also teach regular asana and meditation classes there. See ISHTAYOGA.com for details.

Culture, Science, and Yoga Happiness w/Rina Deshpande

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Sun, 3 Dec 2017 17:00:00 +0000

Today's episode begins with a monolog about deities in mantra. In it, I mention a Polish theatre production. The director's name is Jarosław Fret and the production that involved using ancient components of a mass was The Triptych

Then Rina Deshpande (bio below) joins me to talk first about the Indian cultural aspects of yoga; and then, about scientific research on yoga. Rina talks about growing up Indian in America. We muse about the pros and cons of the way yoga is reaching people today severed from its cultural heritage, and Rina talks about her recent article in Self (click the link to read her article).

Rina then puts on her science journalist hat to give us some tips on how to navigate the sea of stories about yoga and meditation in the news. I refer to a "news anchor." It was, in fact, Dan Rather on Pod Save America. What he said bears repeating: be aware that journalism comes in four perspectives: news (facts); analysis (connecting the dots of the facts); commentary (what analysts think that means); and editorial (opinion).

I'm leading a retreat to France this summer with Wendy Newton and Ulrica Norberg! Details at peterferko.com. I'm also leading a Meditation Training with Alan Finger and Sarah Finger December 15 and a 300-hr Teacher Training in January. The Meditation, Teacher Training, and regular class sign up are all at ISHTAyoga.com. Finally, I’m using Patreon to offer opportunities to work with me one on one. You can subscribe for a mantra session or for an hour video private. Of course, as they say on public radio, I hope you’ll subscribe at any level, just because you value Peter’s Podcast. Go to Patreon.com/peterspodcast.

Rina Deshpande is a yoga teacher, researcher, and writer based in New York City. Yoga helped her find stress reduction and happiness while working as a NYC public school teacher. After teaching children and school teachers and helping found Relay Graduate School of Education, she came to ISHTA Yoga for teacher training. She also earned her masters degree from Harvard in Mind, Brain, and Education. She designs yoga and mindfulness research and instructional curriculum for Massachusetts General Hospital, the Marines, preK-12 schools, and writes for various online publications. In her most recent article for Self Magazine, Rina shares her perspective on acknowledging the cultural and philosophical roots of Yoga. Find her at rinadeshpande.com and follow Rina's mindful, whimsical illustrated poetry @RinaThePoet on Facebook and Instagram

Giving Thanks, Cultivating Joy w/Elizabeth Chubbuck

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Sun, 19 Nov 2017 13:00:00 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving! In this episode, I offer advice for deepening a holiday that often veers far from gratitude. Then I speak with a dear student of mine who has a lot of yoga training and a practice that she uses to find happiness in her professional life.

Elizabeth Chubbuck is a New York City business professional with a long-standing yoga practice. After studying at Trinity College in CT, she spent 4 years working for Hearst Magazines at Cosmopolitan and Good Housekeeping. Her side interest in gourmet cheese led her to Murray’s Cheese shop in Greenwich Village where she spent nearly 3 years volunteering in their classroom, and eventually accepting a job there. She is currently the Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Murray’s Cheese. Through her professional journey, Elizabeth has consistently turned to yoga as a way to find space, and joy, which helps her in all the areas of her life.

Check out Peter's summer retreat, in France; trainings; and classes at peterferko.com
Get private advice and support Peter's Podcast at Patreon.com/peterspodcast.

Thanks for listening!

Finding and Staying in Love – Wait, What is Love? w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 13:00:00 +0000

Yogiraj Wendy Newton and I talk about the nature of love and how to find it!

Jenny Bloom and I start today's episode. I ask Jenny to share her experience after I gave her a personal mantra – just like you can if you subscribe at Patreon at the Mantra level. (You should subscribe at any level!)

Then, Wendy and I have a deep conversation about finding and staying in love. We discuss the book Yoga of the Nine Emotions, by Peter Marchand, where he talks about love and beauty, or shingara in Sanskrit. I also mention Mandy Len Catron's article and book about how to fall in love with anyone.

Please rate the podcast to help spread the word! There are instructions here.

Your True Self, and Yoga for Diabetes w/Rachel Zinman and John Weddepohl

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Sun, 5 Nov 2017 13:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, I have a delightful conversation with Rachel Zinman and John Weddepohl, two teachers from the other side of the world, both of whom have a rich connection to ISHTA Yoga as well as other yoga practices. Rachel has turned her attention lately to helping people with diabetes through yoga and a new book.

I begin with Cappuccino Q&A, where I answer questions from subscribers on Patreon. Today's question is a follow-up to Episode 16 about how to know how much you should do to help address things going on in the world.

Then Rachel discusses her book on diabetes (link below), and how yoga helps in several key ways. One of those ways is coming to terms mentally and emotionally. She credits John and his studies in Amta Vidya, or knowing the Self, with helping her understand this key.

John provides a colorful history of his own yoga path that includes early days at the Mani and Alan Finger ashram in South Africa and subsequent studies in India.

We discuss ISHTA Yoga; Paramahansa Yogananda and Babaji regarding Kriya Yoga; Ayurveda; the Upanishads; and we get to provide nuance regarding some yoga philosophy to make it real and valuable in our living.

Rachel mentions that she and John are doing a workshop at ISHTA on December 10. Details at ISHTAYoga.com.

Bios:

Rachel Zinman has been practicing since 1983, teaching since 1992 and teaching teachers since 2000. She’s studied with some of the most influential teachers in the west including Alan Finger and Mark Whitwell as well as immersing herself in the study of Vedanta.

She is the Author of Yoga for Diabetes, How to Manage your Health with Yoga and Ayurveda. http://bit.ly/diabetesyogabook She writes for many online and in print magazines including Australian Yoga Journal and Australian Yoga Life. www.rachelzinmanyoga.com and www.yogafordiabetesblog.com.

Teacher, Musician, Vagabond, Rogue, Rascal, John Weddepohl has always been blessed by his teachers. Opening his first yoga studio in downtown Johannesburg, South Africa in 1969, he then traveled to India and met his Masters through whose grace he assimilated the knowledge of Upanishadic wisdom.

Traditional without being traditionalist John teaches Self-knowledge, Atma Vidya the jewel of Advaita Vedanta as well as Siddha Kriya Yoga the yoga of Augustya. He also shares his love of music in the joy and devotion of Kirtan. Feeling pop yoga complicates a simple process John teaches इष्ट माला ISHTA-Mala; a practice for life. http://www.theyogaco.com

Finding Peace w/Jenny Bloom

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 22:00:00 +0000

Today, I talk to regular podcast contributor Jenny Bloom, who is an ISHTA Yoga teacher and a strategic brand consultant. We discuss finding peaceful relationship with your self, with others, and with the world; and we talk about Peace Pilgrim, an activist who walked across America between 1951 and 1981 spreading a message of personal and world peace.

Please rate this podcast, to help spread the word. On your iPhone, you can scroll down to ratings from the main Show page (the one with all the episodes). The simple instructions are also here on my website.

Help fund this work by subscribing at Patreon. You can contribute at any level you like and get cool rewards, too. Plus you help this information get into your own two ears.

Peter has a lot going on at ISHTA Yoga these days, including classes and trainings. Come visit!

Planting Yoga Roots w/ Trina Morris

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 12:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, I speak to Trina Morris. Trina wears many hats. I knew her first as a yoga teacher who studied at ISHTA, but before that, she studied public relations in school and had a career with major fashion brands. Over the past decade, she transitioned to being a self-employed consultant, professor, and coach with her company Style Root. Her project Breathe Bro brings yoga to black men. In today’s podcast, we get to talk about yoga, business, and racial tension in America.

I begin with a report from a Reuter’s article about the latest news regarding the NFL protest begun by Colin Kaepernick. I mention Kaepernick's foundation, which has given nearly a million dollars to support social justice.

We talk about ISHTA Yoga.
I also mention Julia von Winterfeldt of SOULWORX, who has appeared on this podcast.

From Bad News to Actual Happiness w/Jenny Bloom

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Mon, 9 Oct 2017 02:00:00 +0000

In today's episode, I tackle the onslaught of bad news. I start with an essay I wrote in response to a frustrated yoga teacher's blog. (You can find the essay here). Then I talk with ISHTA yoga teacher, strategic brand consultant, and regular podcast contributor Jenny Bloom about all the topics in this month's news. Plus we touch on dealing with lousy bosses, not-quite-right romances, and people on the other end of the political spectrum from you.

You can post comments or ask me questions under the show notes at Simplecast.

If you enjoy this podcast, please tell your friends, and support me on Patreon for bonuses, and because it's a cool thing to do in the days of socially-conscious consuming!

Thanks for listening.

Find out more about my work, my classes, and other interesting tidbits at peterferko.com

A Bridge Between Yoga and Art w/Amanda Shafran

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Sat, 30 Sep 2017 02:00:00 +0000

Today we start the podcast with Cappuccino Q&A, the segment where a patrons from Patreon gets a question answered. Today our question is about dealing with emotional upset.

Then, I chat with artist and yogi Amanda Shafran about the similarities and synergies between yoga and art, for makers and enjoyers of the arts. Amanda is a freelance artist, maker, and theatrical designer based in New York City. She is also a yoga teacher who trained at ISHTA Yoga, and studied Trauma-Informed Yoga with Hala Khouri and Kyra Harland. She teaches in New York City and is affiliated with Exhale to Inhale, a non-profit that brings yoga to the survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Amanda hand sculpts one of a kind crystal jewelry pieces, designed as touchstones to center and inspire

We talk about making art, living in art communities versus living outside somewhere like New York, and the value of yoga to art practice.

We mention my teacher Alan Finger, of ISHTA Yoga.

Please support this podcast on Patreon. And I would love to hear your comments at Simplecast.

Real Yoga Asana w/Sarah Platt-Finger

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 04:01:00 +0000

In this Episode, we talk about the physical. I inaugurate the Cappuccino Q&A segment, where I answer questions posed by my supporters on Patreon. Today, I answer a "cappuccino-level" patron's question about how practices lead to the goals of Tantra yoga: expansion of the sense of self, and how that leads to actual happiness. I mention Mark Whitwell's book Yoga of Heart and Krista Tippet's interview with Junot Diaz in On Being.

I continue the topic of the physical in a conversation with my friend and colleague Sarah Platt-Finger. Sarah is the co-founder of ISHTA Yoga and has been instrumental in developing ISHTA’s international teacher training programs. She teaches trainings, workshops, and retreats internationally with her husband, Kavi Yogiraj Alan Finger. Sarah, also a yogiraj, or master, is a featured teacher on digital teaching platforms as well as a key participant in several yoga organizations, such as Exhale to Inhale, which teaches yoga to survivors of domestic violence. Sarah is also the private yoga teacher of Deepak Chopra.

Sarah and I talk about expanding asana from a practice of achieving postures to one of real yoga that lets you experience yourself as a spectrum of energy.

If you like this podcast, please subscribe to get it regularly on your phone, tablet, or computer, and also please support it on Patreon, at any amount you like. There are rewards for certain levels — like the cappuccino, which gets your questions to the top of the list when I'm considering what to cover in the podcast.

I hope you enjoy the episode! You can make comments on any of the episodes on Simplecast.

Love What You Do, w/Jenny Bloom

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 04:01:00 +0000

In today’s episode, we discuss purpose, happiness, apprenticeship, and making choices.

In our first segment, Jenny and I talk about the tradition of learning from a master, like craftspeople traditionally have done.

In our second segment, Jenny and I consider the challenges of knowing what to do for work. We touch on the difference between wanting something from the “me” center versus finding what you love at your essence.

We also discuss what you can do, based on the nuances of dharma and karma, which is like fate, but different from fatalism.

I conclude with what some might call a rant about the marketplace and how it isn't very good at helping people execute their passions, because it favors certain kinds of work over others. I use Michael Moore's film Where to Invade Next for some examples. I highly recommend seeing it, if you haven't yet.

I mention ISHTA Yoga, where Jenny and I both teach classes, and I teach workshops and trainings.

I also mention the book, Do What You Love, the Money Will Follow, by Marsha Sinetar. Finally, I bring up, but not by name, the musical artist turned yogi; the late Anant Jesse.

Please support my podcast by contributing on Patreon.com. Doing so helps me avoid running ads for things like mattresses and food products and feels like an authentic way to ask you to value the information and time it takes to make Peter's Podcast. Thank you for your support!

From Wishful Thinking to Bold Business w/Cyndie Spiegel

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 1 Sep 2017 04:01:00 +0000

Today I speak with Cyndie Spiegel, the founder of the Collective of Us, an incubator for women’s small businesses. I've had the pleasure to teach Cyndie yoga for many years, beginning during the time that she was a full-time executive for a major fashion brand. In today’s episode, Cyndie and I work to map the fine line between wishful thinking and setting goals; between working hard to get what you want and trusting the universe to reveal your path.

Cyndie's mission is to help women create bold businesses, which she defines as a profitable business based on the foundation of authenticity, courage, confidence, integrity, and community. Cyndie is an inspiring public speaker who shares her insights at conferences around the U.S. and beyond and I'm delighted that she's sharing inspiration with us today.

We talk about work, balance, goals, yoga and real happiness. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Please support me on Patreon.com/peterspodcast and keep this podcast working as a bold business!

Learning Real Yoga w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 04:01:00 +0000

My wife, Wendy Newton and I just finished leading teacher training courses. We compare notes on how one learns and applies training to find real yoga.

We discuss the Yoga Sutras description of the three components of practice:

Tapas (purification and discipline)
Svadyaya (Self-study)
Ishvara pranidhana (surrender to the ways of Nature)

As a special treat, Mica makes a guest appearance, barking her comments about finding your teacher!

I'm leading a training at ISHTA Yoga in Manhattan starting in September. You can use the code TTFALL2017 for a discount. See more at ISHTAYoga.com

If you like this podcast, please support it at patreon.com. You can choose your own amount, and get special rewards. You can also ask questions there that I will address in upcoming episodes.

You can see all the episodes of Peter's Podcast and make comments on any episode at peterspodcast.simplecast.fm.

The episode image is from the painting "Penumbra," by Adolph Gottlieb. My logo photo is by Francesco Sapienza.

Thank you for listening!

The Future of Work w/Julia von Winterfeldt of SOULWORX

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 12:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, we talk about work. What it is, what’s happening in the work world, work in the Bhagavad Gita, and the future of work. Joining me, during my recent visit to Berlin, is Julia von Winterfeldt, of the consulting firm called Soulworx. Her bio describers her as a Digital Expert, Change Evangelist, Consultant, Coach, Yogini and founder. I had the pleasure of being her teacher during ISHTA Teacher trainings in 2010. Julia arranged for me to be the guest at a Soulworx lecture and meditation practice, and we made time for a lovely chat beforehand for this podcast. I hope you enjoy it.

We mention her project Humans of New Work, which you can see here.

Finding Treasure (Under Your Bed) w/Jenny Bloom

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 12:00:00 +0000

Be a fly on the wall as Jenny and I discuss the background of several yoga techniques and the treasure that comes from practicing them. We talk about the way Tantra describes our limited universe and how life becomes like a card game that can be rewarding as well as challenging.

We mention a practice called arohan-awarohan and how it balances the the gunas of nature, rajas and tamas, to help you maintain sattva, or graceful living. There, you can experience life like you're floating on an inflatable raft at the beach. I mention that metaphor is from Alan Finger, our teacher at ISHTA Yoga, who is an ongoing source of inspiration for me.

I wanted to invite you to become a subscriber to Peter's Podcast. By that I mean sign up to download it regularly from wherever you get your podcasts, but also to support Peter’s Podcast on Patreon.com. Patreon is a great funding site that let’s me make this podcast without the need for product advertisements, which I think is nicer for both of us. You can subscribe there for any amount you like. I have a special Subscriber level at a dollar, but you can choose more or less to set your own value for this information and the effort it takes to make Peter’s Podcast.

If you have comments, you can make them in the show notes at peterspodcast.simplecast.fm.

Thanks for listening!

The Art of Living w/Ulrica Norberg

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 4 Aug 2017 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I am live from Stockholm, where I speak with fellow ISHTA Yogiraj, writer/editor, creative coach, and educator Ulrica Norberg. Ulrica and I talk about what it means to bring yoga into the way that we live in the world. We cover that topic from a few perspectives, including the balance between work and personal time, how we tackle new challenges, and whether it's possible to follow the advice of the Bhagavad Gita to act without attachment to the outcome.

We mention a couple yoga concepts:

The Gunas. Three forces of nature that create the action of the universe: rajas, activity; tamas, withdrawing; and sattva, balance
The Doshas. Three types of person, dominated by different elemental forces: Vata, ruled by air; Pitta, ruled by fire; Kapha, ruled by earth.

Ulrica also uses the phrase "I-ness versus me-ness," an idea from art criticism regarding subject versus object, or pure experience as opposed to evaluating me who is experiencing.

We mention Alan Finger, our teacher at ISHTA Yoga and Yogobe, a Scandinavian source for online yoga classes.

If you’re planning to be in Europe in August, I’m teaching a workshop in Berlin on August 7 and two in Helsinki on August 4 and 11. You can always find out about what I'm doing on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, please support me on Patreon. This allows me to avoid making you listen to advertisements to fund the project, which I think is nicer for both of us.

Thanks for listening!

BONUS! Live Meditation Class: AUM

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 12:01:00 +0000

This month I'm teaching abroad, so I've arranged for a special episode of Peter's Podcast for people missing my classes in New York. In this episode, we have a live recording of a full meditation practice, with an explanatory lecture beforehand. You can just listen to the lecture, or try the meditation, too.

The lecture begins with a description of Tantra, which is a foundation of ISHTA Yoga. We then cover the practice, which uses mantra — or sound vibration — to create a shift in your state of mind. This allows an easier and sometimes deeper meditation than you get with just sitting quietly or being mindful. I lead the practice and leave time in the recording for the meditation itself. After about 15 minutes, there is a closing practice (samyama) that helps bring the wisdom you gain in meditation back, in a way that helps you deal with life on a day-to-day basis. There's ambient music by Moby during the meditation minutes. I really enjoy his ambient meditation music which he provides free for download here: Moby: long ambients1.

If you enjoy the class format in this episode, please come to a meditation class at ISHTA or when I am visiting a town near you.

I decided not to interrupt my podcast with advertisements, so if you like it, please support it on Patreon, a wonderful artist-funding web community. You can support the podcast at any level you like. Various levels will soon get you cool rewards, like questions on the podcast, a decal of me as a motorcycling meditator, and a temporary tattoo of Like Happiness, but More Permanent. See Patreon.com/peterspodcast for details.

Learn more about me at www.peterferko.com or follow my comings and goings on Facebook. And please share the podcast with friends who you think would appreciate it.

Special thanks to my student and friend, photographer Francesco Sapienza who took my logo photo.

Pop-Up w/ Aino Siren and Mikaela Soldan

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I’m coming to you live from Helsinki, Finland where I’m teaching in a yoga teacher training with Aino Siren and Mikaela Soldan. They created both an ISHTA teacher training and a pop-up yoga studio for the summer. They are both ISHTA Yoga teachers, whom I had the pleasure to have as students. We talk about the training and the pop-up that Aino and Mikaela created.

We also talk a lot about real yoga, and the relationship between asana, philosophy, and life's challenges. There are some pointers for teachers in this episode, too!

If you’re in Helsinki, check the site ishtayoga.fi for Aino and Mikaela at the popup studio class schedule. I’m teaching two meditation workshops at the pop-up Aug. 4 and 11.

If you’re planning to be in Berlin in August, I’m teaching a workshop there sponsored by SOULWORX on August 7. You can always find out about what I'm doing on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

If you like this podcast, please support me on Patreon. This allows me to avoid making you listen to advertisements to fund the project, which I think is nicer for both of us.

Thanks for listening!

Yoga and Politics w/Wendy Newton & Jenny Bloom

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 12:00:00 +0000

In today's episode, I discuss a yogic approach to political realities with Wendy Newton and Jenny Bloom. We tackle how to be concerned about what's going on while operating from a place of balance. We touch on some current events, like the travel ban and this summer's controversial Julius Caesar. We also try to clarify the distinction between the nature of the universe to oscillate between action and withdrawal and our role as the conscious actors within those oscillations.

Learn more about me at www.peterferko.com. And please share the podcast with friends who you think would appreciate it.

Special thanks to my student and friend, photographer Francesco Sapienza who took my logo photo.

Art, Music, and Yoga w/Lindsay Sanwald, a.k.a. Idgy Dean

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I chat with Lindsay Sanwald. Known to her music fans as Idgy Dean, I know Lindsay as a yoga teacher and as part of a kirtan project, where we join forces to put a psych-rock vibe to traditional Sanskrit mantra.

We cover a lot of ground between the arts and yoga, including the way both serve as a "way" to help find one's purpose, or ISHTA devata — the energy that helps you experience the whole of who you really are.

We mention several artists in the episode, including:

Singer Mira Lu Kovacs and her project Schmids Puls
Painter Robert Henri (I mistakenly attribute a quote by him to sculptor Henry Moore)
Artist Petr Shvetsov

We talk about my book, Yoga for Artists, and how yoga creates a path for tapping your muse as an artist.

Finally, we discuss the nature and value of mantra, including the sound Om, and how a mantra creates transformation.

Learn more about me at www.peterferko.com. And please share the podcast with friends who you think would appreciate it.

Special thanks to my student and friend, photographer Francesco Sapienza who took my logo photo.

Four Keys to Dealing with People w/Jenny Bloom

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 7 Jul 2017 12:00:00 +0000

In today's episode, I chat with Jenny Bloom about what the Yoga Sutras describe as keys to staying balanced when confronted by challenges with the people you encounter. These could be people who are out to harm you, but we also have trouble staying contented around people who are happy, sad, or successful.

Jenny and I also discuss what it means to be a yogi; what karma is — and why it's not good or bad; and how looking for happiness in things outside you is a mind trick.

Learn more about me at www.peterferko.com. And please share the podcast with friends who you think would appreciate it.

Special thanks to my student and friend, photographer Francesco Sapienza who took my logo photo.

Deep Living w/Wendy Newton

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:00:00 +0000

Today’s guest is Wendy Newton. She is a yogiraj, or master of ISHTA yoga and a practitioner of Polarity Therapy, a yoga-based wellness system developed by Randolph Stone. She’s also my wife!

Today we invite you into our morning breakfast conversation, which is always about yoga and life. We broach the topic of deep living, which is one of the areas I want to explore via this podcast. We talk about living the way — like the Tao — of yoga, the challenges of dealing with political realities, and how deep living comes from deep study and consistent practice. We also touch on teachers and on ISHTA Yoga, and our comprehensive yoga study there with our teacher Alan Finger.

Learn more about me at www.peterferko.com. And please share the podcast with friends who you think would appreciate it.

Special thanks to my student and friend, photographer Francesco Sapienza who took my logo and episode photos.

Like Happiness, but More Permanent w/Jenny Bloom

peter@peterferko.com (Peter Ferko) — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 21:41:00 +0000

This is our inaugural episode, where we introduce the broader scope of yoga and meditation. I am joined by yogini Jenny Bloom, a student of mine who is now a teacher. We discuss santosha, a yoga concept that defines happiness as contentment with what is. Jenny notes that my line about happiness could make a good tattoo, so we're going to make that a Patreon reward!

We go deeply into how you can be okay with what is while being deeply engaged with life. We also talk about where happiness comes from, and the temporary nature of the joy of online shopping.

I also share a little of my own history, about how I found yoga as a parallel to the joy I found in the arts. I quote my teacher Alan Finger of ISHTA Yoga, who initiated me as a yoga master (Yogiraj) and continues to serve as a source of inspiration.

If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon. You can subscribe there at any level you like. Various levels get you cool rewards, like shoutouts on the podcast, a decal of me as a motorcycling meditator, and a temporary tattoo of Like Happiness, but More Permanent. See Patreon.com/peterspodcast for details.

Learn more about me at www.peterferko.com. Special thanks to my student and friend, photographer Francesco Sapienza who took my logo photo.