Libsyn Directory

Yoga’s Messy Origins: Understanding Yoga’s Historical Context

Release Date: 06/11/2025

Can the Sutras Make Space for Pleasure? (Sutra 1.15 Explained)

The Uplifted Yoga Podcast

What happens when ancient yogic wisdom meets modern embodiment? 🤔One of my students recently asked how Sutra 1.15’s focus on non-attachment aligns with Somatic Yoga’s emphasis on pleasure and healing. This episode unpacks that question with heart, humor, and a whole lot of nuance. We’ll explore: 🔹 Whether pleasure is a distraction—or a doorway to healing 🔹 What Patanjali really meant by non-attachment 🔹 How to reconcile classical teachings with modern self-care If you’ve ever wondered whether embracing joy is spiritual enough, this one’s for you. 🎁 Get my FREE $67...

Stop Trying to Be Calm: Kali & the Stress Cycle

The Uplifted Yoga Podcast

What if your inner chaos is sacred? When I first pictured a yogi, I imagined someone always calm, serene… maybe even a little untouchable. But the more I’ve learned—through somatics, spirituality, and lived experience—the more I believe that true healing means feeling everything. Even rage. In this episode, we dive deep into: 🔹 Why stress isn’t an emotion (and how that changes everything) 🔹 How Kali represents sacred rage, transformation, and nervous system completion 🔹 The trap of spiritual bypassing and the myth of “staying calm” 🔹 How to embrace the full spectrum...

Yoga’s Messy Origins: Understanding Yoga’s Historical Context

The Uplifted Yoga Podcast

Many students seek the unbroken lineage of yoga, and as someone who has extensively explored the origins and evolution of yoga I want to tell you… it’s time to let that notion go. Yoga has a rich and diverse history that has been shaped through social and historical contexts. It has evolved from a spiritual endeavor to its modern physical interpretations with large impact from the industrial revolution. It’s so important to understand the historical and cultural influences on yoga today, and how this practice has changed over time. So that’s what I’ll dive into in today’s episode....

Nervous System Masterclass with Kristin Leal

The Uplifted Yoga Podcast

If you’re an Uplifted alumni you’ll recognize today’s guest from inside the training…Kristin Leal!! 🎉I could talk to Kristin about anatomy and the nervous system for hours, and I’m so excited that she came on the podcast to enlighten us all with her vast knowledge. Kristin is going to delve into the complexities of the nervous system, particularly focusing on the autonomic nervous system and its two branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. She’ll discuss the complexities of the human stress response and the importance of understanding these systems in the context...

The 8 Limbs of Yoga for Personal Growth

The Uplifted Yoga Podcast

We’ve talked about what the eight limbs of yoga are and where they came from (if you missed that episode just scroll a few back) but what is each limb's practical, energetic, and spiritual significance in modern life? From the ethical and personal observances of Yama and Niyama, respectively, to the physical aspects of Asana, the breath control of Pranayama, and the mental focus of Dharana. And of course how it all culminates in the exploration of Dhyana and Samadhi. The Eight Limbs are here to help you cut through the noise and come back to what really matters, this episode will explain...

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 - Part 1: Should You Follow Your Emotions? Or Your Responsibilities?

The Uplifted Yoga Podcast

I’m back with Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita! This is so dense I had to split it into two parts. Today we’ll discuss verses 1-38. This chapter serves as a foundation for understanding the eternal nature of the soul (Atman) and the importance of non-attachment in the face of life's challenges. Let’s look at Arjuna's emotional turmoil and Krishna's tough love approach, emphasizing the need for inner stability and the acceptance of life's transient nature. The emphasis on the immortality of the soul, the significance of understanding one's Dharma, and the win-win perspective in life. This...

Is Trauma Actually In Your Hips? The Impact of Stress on Hip & Pelvic Health with Dr. Brianne Grogan

The Uplifted Yoga Podcast

Mother’s day just passed and I thought this would be the perfect time to talk about something a lot of women deal with, especially after having kids: pelvic floor dysfunction. I invited Dr. Brianne Grogan, Physical Therapist and Pelvic Care Expert, to talk about the intricate relationship between trauma, stress, and pelvic floor health. I loved this conversation with Dr. Bri because she not only delves into practical techniques for pelvic floor release, sharing insights on effective cues for yoga teachers to enhance awareness and how to reconnect with the pelvic floor, but she also...

Launch Ugly! My Top 5 Business Tips for Yoga Entrepreneurs

The Uplifted Yoga Podcast

We’re almost halfway through 2025, have you done a business check-in? The midpoint of the year is a great time to reflect on your business and your teaching. To self reflect and see if you are misdirecting your energy in your business or in your life. Today I’m going to give you my top five business tips to help you on your yoga teaching journey. From embracing your unique content creation style to analyzing your numbers, and trusting there is enough for everyone - I hope this episode inspires you to do something helpful in your life or business today. Let’s talk about: 🔹The...

Dissecting The 8 Limbs and Their Origins

The Uplifted Yoga Podcast

We’ve all heard of the 8 Limbs of Yoga, but do you really know what they are? Today I’m going to explore the eight limbs of yoga, their origins, and their significance in spiritual practice. I’ll look at each limb’s purpose, giving a detailed examination, as well as the historical context of the Yoga Sutras. Get ready to finally gain a true understanding of: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. I’ll discuss: 🔹How the Yoga Sutras codify the eight limbs, drawing from earlier texts. 🔹The ultimate aim of yoga: which is to quiet the mind...

How to Become a Magnet for Loyal Students & Own the Room with Confidence with Taylor Lorenz

The Uplifted Yoga Podcast

Are you a newly certified yoga teacher struggling with the confidence to put yourself out there and teach? We’ve all been there, myself included. Whether you struggle with body-image like today’s guest, imposter syndrome or money mindset, today’s episode for you. Taylor Lorenz, my friend, colleague, and lead trainer of my program, shares her transformative journey from a full-time travel blogger to a confident yoga teacher and somatic coach. Let’s discuss the insecurities many new yoga teachers face. Listen and learn: 🔹Practical skills like mirror work to build confidence ...

More Episodes

Listen to learn:

🔹Misconceptions around unbroken lineages in yoga.

🔹How yoga has evolved significantly since the industrial revolution.

🔹The way historical and social context has always influenced yoga.

Loved this episode and want to know more about yoga’s origins? Grab my History of Yoga course on sale now => https://www.brettlarkin.com/history-of-yoga-course/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=hoy

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Relevant Blog: Where Did Yoga Originate: A Brief History of Yoga

Relevant to Today’s Episode:

💖 History of Yoga

📖 Yoga Life Book

✅ 200-hour Online Yoga Teacher Training