Yoga Inspiration

Join Kino MacGregor, one of the world’s master yoga teachers, as she shares her yoga life hacks to translate the wisdom of yoga into a happier, more peaceful, more loving life. Listen to authentic, raw conversations and talks from Kino on her own and with real students about what yoga is really all about. Ignite or rekindle your inner spark to get on your mat and keep practicing.

#235 Patience in Yoga Practice: Abhyāsa, Vairāgya, and the Wisdom of Stages 08/07/2026

#234 The Work of Second Series: Ashtanga Yoga Intermediate Series 07/24/2026

#233 The Three Pillars of Tristhāna with Tim Feldmann 07/10/2026

#232 Living as a Yogi: Sincerity, Sattva, and the Eightfold Path 06/26/2026

#231 The Business of Yoga: Leadership, Marketing, Pricing & Growth with Bruce Barkus 06/12/2026

#230 Yoga is Mind Training: How to Steady the Mind Through Practice 05/29/2026

#229 Deep Practice, Full Heart: Why Consistency Changes Everything 05/14/2026

#228 The Benefits of Traditional Ashtanga Yoga Practice: From Nectar Drop to Ocean with Tim Feldmann and Kino MacGregor 05/01/2026

#227 Beyond Asana: The Complete Path of Yoga with Srivatsa Ramaswami 04/17/2026

#226 Avidyā: Lifting the Veil of Ignorance in Yoga 04/03/2026

#226 Avidyā: Lifting the Veil of Ignorance in Yoga Avidyā: Lifting the Veil of Ignorance in Yoga Ignorance is rarely felt as ignorance. In yoga, this root affliction is called avidyā, the veil that causes us to mistake impermanence for permanence, suffering for joy, and the non-self for the Self. In this episode, Kino MacGregor explores the meaning of avidyā through the Yoga Sūtras, the Upaniṣads, and Buddhist teachings. Rather than a simple lack of knowledge, avidyā is revealed as an active misperception, a distortion that shapes how we see ourselves and the world. Drawing on Patañjali’s teaching that ignorance is the field from which all other afflictions arise (YS II.4), this episode unpacks how subtle and pervasive avidyā can be. It appears not only as confusion, but also as false certainty, attachment to identity, and the clinging to ideas that have not yet ripened into direct experience. Kino also reflects on the Buddhist understanding of avijjā, where ignorance is defined as not seeing the Four Noble Truths. This points to the idea that ignorance is not a lack of information, but a blindness to reality itself. Through classical teachings and contemplative reflection, this episode invites you to consider how perception shapes experience. Like mistaking a rope for a snake, avidyā projects fear and misunderstanding onto what is already whole. Yoga becomes the path of undoing this misperception. Through steady practice, breath, and stillness, moments of clear seeing begin to dissolve the veil of ignorance, revealing a deeper truth that has always been present. In this episode you will explore: What avidyā means in the Yoga Sūtras How ignorance functions as misperception rather than absence of knowledge The role of avidyā as the root of suffering Parallels between yoga philosophy and Buddhist teachings on avijjā The rope and snake analogy as a model of mistaken perception How practice gradually dissolves ignorance into wisdom Practice with Kino on and continue your journey on the path of yoga. Listen and subscribe for more episodes on yoga philosophy, practice, and inner transformation. /episode/index/show/kinoyoga/id/40709055

#225 Grief as a Teacher: Remembering SharathJi 03/20/2026

#225 Grief as a Teacher: Remembering SharathJi Grief is a powerful teacher. It doesn’t ask for permission before it arrives—it simply comes, dismantling everything we thought we knew about love, faith, and permanence. It turns the familiar inside out, leaving us raw and exposed to the mystery of loss. In this heartfelt episode, Kino MacGregor, Tim Feldmann, Joseph Armstrong, Edgar Navarro, Frances Cole Jones, Heather Serna, and many others come together to share stories, memories, and reflections about SharathJi; their teacher, guide, and spiritual anchor. Together, they explore how grief becomes part of the path, how lineage continues through love and practice, and how the teachings live on even when the teacher is gone. As Elizabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler remind us, “The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not ‘get over’ the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again, but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to.” SharathJi’s sudden departure left a void that words can’t fill. When we lost our teacher, we also lost the reflection of who we were in his eyes. There was a certain refuge in being a student, the comfort of knowing that someone stood before us as a mirror, a guide, a guardian of our path. Now, that mirror asks us to see ourselves. The guidance turns inward. “SharathJi, there’s so much left undone, so much left unfinished,” Kino reflects. “So many questions we still wanted to ask, so many mornings we thought we’d share in the quiet rhythm of practice. We will have to walk on, sometimes and often along a lonely path, without you standing before us, but always with you in our hearts.” Through shared stories and moments of remembrance, this episode is both a eulogy and an offering, a testament to the lasting presence of a teacher whose spirit continues to live through every breath, every bow, every act of devotion. /episode/index/show/kinoyoga/id/40540380

#224 Viveka-khyāti: Seeing Clearly in an Age of Confusion and Acting Without Losing the Heart amidst Conflict 03/06/2026

#223 In Conversation with Dr Raj: The Stories Behind The Poses 02/13/2026

#223 In Conversation with Dr Raj: The Stories Behind The Poses Episode Description In this conversation, Kino sits down with Dr. Raj Balkaran to explore the deeper dimensions of yoga practice beyond physical postures. Together they discuss mythology, meaning, and the role of story in shaping how we understand and embody yoga. Dr. Balkaran shares the origins of and explains how myth functions as a living teaching tool rather than symbolic decoration. Through stories of Ganesha, Kurmasana, Hanumanasana, and the churning of the cosmic ocean, he reveals how yoga practice is fundamentally about removing ignorance, cultivating wisdom, and learning to meet difficulty with clarity rather than force. The discussion moves through themes of inner transformation, the role of the teacher student relationship, the subtle and gross bodies, and why yoga continues to work on us even when we believe we are only practicing for physical reasons. This episode invites listeners to consider yoga as a lifelong inward journey, where practice becomes a way of refining perception, deepening responsibility, and remembering our connection to something much larger than ourselves. Topics Covered Yoga as inner practice rather than performance Mythology as a teaching tool in yoga The story of Ganesha and the true meaning of obstacles Poison, difficulty, and transformation in practice Kurmasana and the still point within chaos Physical and subtle dimensions of yoga Teacher student relationships and authentic transmission Yoga as a lifelong journey rather than a destination About the Guest is a scholar of Sanskrit narrative literature, Hindu mythology, and yogic philosophy. He is the author of and teaches internationally through courses, lectures, and retreats, bridging academic scholarship with lived spiritual practice. Practice with Kino on Continue the conversation on the mat. Omstars is Kino's online yoga platform, offering thousands of classes, workshops, and in-depth courses designed to support a sustainable, lifelong practice. Members can explore teaching, philosophy, strength, mobility, and mindful movement from anywhere in the world. Share this episode with a teacher, studio owner, or mentor who would benefit from the conversation. /episode/index/show/kinoyoga/id/40027700

#222 Grief, Presence, and the Courage to Stay Human with J.S. Park 01/30/2026

#222 Grief, Presence, and the Courage to Stay Human with J.S. Park In this episode of The Yoga Inspiration Podcast, Kino MacGregor sits down with hospital chaplain, writer, and grief expert for a deeply grounding conversation about grief, presence, and what it means to live with an open heart in a world that can feel overwhelming. They explore why grief is not something to fix or overcome, but something to honor, carry, and let transform over time. Kino reflects on communal grief in the Ashtanga world after the loss of a spiritual teacher, and J.S. offers compassionate insight into why we reach for solutions, why closure can be a myth, and how grief changes shape rather than disappearing. Together they talk about treasured objects and rituals as anchors when words fail, the ways spirituality and community can either support or collapse under real-world suffering, and how spiritual practice must include our shared humanity and collective responsibility. J.S. also shares his path from atheism toward faith through witnessing love in community, and they unpack the tension between the teachings of Jesus and the harm done in the name of religion. This episode is for anyone holding loss, navigating a crisis of faith, feeling exhausted by “move on” culture, or looking for a spiritual practice that helps you show up with tenderness and integrity. Guest: J.S. Park is a hospital chaplain, writer, and grief educator. He is the author of As Long As You Need: Permission to Grieve. Topics covered • Grief as something to honor, not solve • Why “closure” is not the goal and grief changes shape • Grieving the dream, not just the person • Treasured objects and ritual as grief anchors • When words fail and the role of art, music, and practice • Faith crises and spiritual seasons • From atheism to faith through love and community • Spiritual practice, justice, and resisting dehumanization • Boundaries, self care, and what actually sustains us • Mortality as an invitation to live more tenderly, now Resources Practice with Kino on Continue the conversation on the mat. Omstars is Kino's online yoga platform, offering thousands of classes, workshops, and in-depth courses designed to support a sustainable, lifelong practice. Members can explore teaching, philosophy, strength, mobility, and mindful movement from anywhere in the world. Share this episode with a teacher, studio owner, or mentor who would benefit from the conversation. /episode/index/show/kinoyoga/id/39926615

#221 In Conversation with Andrew Tanner of The American Yoga Council 01/16/2026

#221 In Conversation with Andrew Tanner of The American Yoga Council In this episode of the Yoga Inspiration Podcast, Kino MacGregor is joined by Andrew Tanner, yoga teacher of over 20 years, founder of the American Yoga Council and the Berkshire Yoga Festival, and author of So You Want to Open a Yoga Studio. Together they explore what it truly means to be a yogipreneur and how to build a sustainable livelihood in yoga without losing the heart of the practice. Andrew shares why service is the foundation of meaningful work, why the yoga industry has shifted in recent years, and what many teachers and studio owners are navigating right now. A central focus of the conversation is the vision behind the American Yoga Council, including competency-based standards, lineage-respecting accreditation, mentorship pathways, and accountability structures designed to better support teachers, schools, and the future of yoga. This episode is a thoughtful, honest discussion for anyone who teaches yoga, runs a studio, mentors students, or cares deeply about the integrity and evolution of the yoga community. In this episode, you’ll hear about: What “yogipreneur” really means in today’s yoga landscape Why service is the spark behind sustainable yoga businesses How and why the yoga industry has changed since 2017 The limitations of traditional accreditation models The vision and mission of the American Yoga Council Competency-based standards and lineage transparency Mentorship, accountability, and trust in yoga education Supporting teachers and schools without forcing one-size-fits-all systems Practice with Kino on Omstars Continue the conversation on the mat. Omstars is Kino’s online yoga platform, offering thousands of classes, workshops, and in-depth courses designed to support a sustainable, lifelong practice. Members can explore teaching, philosophy, strength, mobility, and mindful movement from anywhere in the world. About the Guest Andrew Tanner is a yoga teacher of over 20 years, founder of the American Yoga Council and the Berkshire Yoga Festival, and author of So You Want to Open a Yoga Studio. He has owned and sold multiple yoga studios and is dedicated to creating ethical, transparent systems that support yoga teachers, schools, and lineages. Listen, Reflect, and Share If this episode resonates with you, consider to deepen your practice with Kino and explore yoga as a path of study, movement, and self-inquiry. Share this episode with a teacher, studio owner, or mentor who would benefit from the conversation. /episode/index/show/kinoyoga/id/39759585

#220 The Astrology of 2026 - the Year Everything Changes with Gahl Sasson 01/02/2026

#219 Healing Through Grief: How Yoga, Practice, and Community Carry Us Forward When Everything Falls Apart 12/24/2025

#219 Healing Through Grief: How Yoga, Practice, and Community Carry Us Forward When Everything Falls Apart   This episode is a reflection on a year marked by grief, loss, and profound inner reckoning. I share openly about the death of my teacher, the unraveling of relationships I once trusted, and the disorienting experience of being misunderstood, judged, and rejected in ways I did not expect. What began as a single loss rippled outward, touching every area of my life. Along the way, I was forced to confront painful truths about friendship, projection, and the limits of compassion when others are committed to misunderstanding you. Through it all, one thing remained steady: practice. Yoga has never been performance or achievement for me. It is where effort becomes prayer, where breath becomes an offering, and where I reconnect with something deeper than circumstance. Practice did not erase the pain of this year, but it gave me the strength to keep standing inside it. In this episode, I explore: Grief as a force that reshapes identity, relationships, and belief The difference between honest feedback and cruelty rooted in unprocessed pain Why some people react with hostility to joy, light, and devotion The limits of persuasion when someone has decided who you are in their story How social media amplifies judgment, outrage, and division Why tending the “garden of the heart” is the only real work we can do Falling and rising in practice as training for resilience in life Strength as the courage to keep the heart open rather than shutting down The power of speech, intention, and conscious listening Community as imperfect, fractured, and still sacred Why yoga remains unbroken even when people and institutions feel divided I also reflect on the teachings that continue to guide me, including the idea that the true practitioner remains steady in praise and blame, friend and foe. I am not there yet. The words still sting. The grief still enters. But I am learning what strength actually means. This episode is an offering to anyone who has felt shaken, misunderstood, or tempted to dim their light in order to belong. It is a reminder that joy and sorrow can coexist, that devotion does not require approval, and that the practice lives on through sincere breath, effort, and presence. As long as yoga is practiced with honesty, the lineage has a future. And within that future, there is light. Continue the Practice If you are looking for a steady place to practice, I invite you to join me on Omstars for the January 30 Day Flexibility Challenge. In just 20 minutes a day, we return to breath, movement, and consistency as a way to build strength, flexibility, and resilience on and off the mat. Omstars members can join the challenge at no additional cost. If you are new, you can sign up for the Omstars email list and try the first three days of the challenge free. /episode/index/show/kinoyoga/id/39528170

#218 Is Yoga Inherently Healing? Trauma, Activation & the Power of Presence with Terri Cooper and Kino MacGregor 12/19/2025

#217 Walking in the Light of the Guru: Lineage, Faith & Living Wisdom 12/05/2025

#217 Walking in the Light of the Guru: Lineage, Faith & Living Wisdom Each year, under the bright full moon of Guru Purnima, yoga practitioners and seekers around the world pause to honor the timeless presence of the Guru, the teacher who removes darkness and reveals the light that has always been within us. This was written in July 2025, the first Guru Purnima Day, after Sharath Jois passed. Our hearts were still heavy with grief and we contemplated what it truly means to walk in the light of the Guru? In the ancient yoga tradition, the Guru is far more than just a transmitter of techniques or philosophy. The Guru is the living embodiment of wisdom, a steady flame passed from teacher to student, generation after generation. The Guru: Not Just a Teacher, but a Living Embodiment Our ancient texts speak clearly about this. The Mundaka Upanishad (1.2.12) tells us: तद्विज्ञानार्थं स गुरुमेवाभिगच्छेत समित्पाणिः श्रोत्रियं ब्रह्मनिष्ठम् ॥ Tad-vijnanartham sa gurum evabhigacchet Samit-panih srotriyam brahma-nishtham “To realize that Supreme Knowledge, one must approach a Guru alone, carrying fuel in hand, who is learned in the scriptures (srotriya) and firmly established in Brahman (brahma-nistha).” These two qualities, srotriya and brahma-nistha, reveal the heart of the true Guru. Srotriya (श्रोत्रिय) comes from sruti (श्रुति), meaning “that which is heard,” the revealed wisdom of the Vedas and Upanishads. Etymologically, sru means to hear and -triya means possessor of. A srotriya is one who has fully mastered the sacred teachings, the outer mastery of scripture, tradition, and precise method. Brahma-nistha (ब्रह्मनिष्ठ) brings us deeper still. Brahman is the undivided reality, the ultimate truth. Nistha means “firmly established,” from nis (down, firm) and stha (to stand). A brahma-nistha is one who stands unshakably rooted in the living truth of Brahman. This is the inner realization that breathes life into the outer knowledge. Together, they remind us: Without srotriya, the teaching drifts. Without brahma-nistha, the teaching is lifeless. How the Guru Lives in Our Lineage In the Ashtanga Yoga tradition, we have seen these qualities alive in the teachers who came before us. Sri T. Krishnamacharya was a true a srotriya and brahma-nistha, deeply rooted in Sanskrit, the Vedas, and the subtle method of yoga: his whole life was devoted to the practice. His student, K. Pattabhi Jois was my teacher and he dedicated his life to teaching. While K. Pattabhi Jois’ scholarship as a Sanskrit Vidwan was widely recognized, he unfortunately did not fulfill the role of a perfect endowment of the teachings due to the harm done to female students at his hands. Ashtanga Yoga still seeks to account for those actions. Sharath Jois, K. Pattabhi Jois’ grandson, embodied the living thread of the practice with all his heart and sought to steady the lineage and make space for healing. His srotriya shined through in the precise count, the unwavering discipline, the commitment to preserve the parampara, the unbroken lineage. But what touched people most was his brahma-nistha: the quiet steadiness, the humility, the simple, living truth that shows through his presence and service to this path. Both of my Ashtanga teachers are gone now. To me, they will always be a light on the path. I still sit with much grief, sorrow and loss about their passing. A yoga Guru is a yoga master teacher, not necessarily a spiritual embodiment. The word Guru has many levels and my teachers cultivated a light in me that continues to shine today. I would not be who I am today without them both. A true Guru (or teacher) does not make you a follower. A true Guru (or teacher) shows you how to find the light that has always been yours. The Guru Cultivates the Inner Flame As Patanjali reminds us in the Yoga Sutra (1.20): श्रद्धावीर्यस्मृतिसमाधिप्रज्ञापूर्वक इतरेषाम् ॥ १.२० ॥ Sraddha-virya-smrti-samadhi-prajna-purvaka itaresam “For others, samadhi comes through faith (sraddha), vigor (virya), remembrance (smrti), deep absorption (samadhi), and wisdom (prajna).” These qualities are the hidden garden the Guru, our teacher, nourishes in us: Sraddha: faith, the quiet trust that steadies us when doubt arises. Virya: courageous effort, the strength to keep going. Smrti: remembrance of who we really are and why we practice. Samadhi: deep absorption, the merging of mind, breath, and heart. Prajna: clear insight, the wisdom that sees through illusion. The outer Guru lights this lamp. The inner Guru, which is our own guidance and light, keeps it burning. A Prayer on Guru Purnima When we bow on Guru Purnima, we do not bow only to a person, we bow to the entire living thread that connects us to truth: our teachers, our daily practice, our inner wisdom. May our lives be our offering back, our sraddha, our virya, our willingness to stand firm in the truth when the world wavers. May we carry this flame forward, bright and steady, for all those who will come after us, seeking the same light that our Gurus kept alive for us. ॐ श्रीगुरुभ्यो नमः। Pranam to all Gurus, visible and invisible, past, present, and yet to come. May Guru Purnima remind us all that the Guru is not far away. The true Guru lives in daily breath, sincere effort, and the quiet voice inside that whispers, keep going. May we keep this light alive, together. /episode/index/show/kinoyoga/id/39291255

#216 The Importance of a Teacher, the Meaning of Being a Student and the Power of Transmission. 11/21/2025

#215 Dialogue and Discipline, Rethinking Authority in Ashtanga Yoga 11/07/2025

#214 The Quiet Turning: Meditation, Yoga, and the Truth of Impermanence 10/24/2025

#214 The Quiet Turning: Meditation, Yoga, and the Truth of Impermanence Podcast notes The Quiet Turning: Meditation, Yoga, and the Truth of Impermanence One of the most frustrating instructions I ever received in a meditation class was deceptively simple: Close your eyes and quiet the mind. I remember thinking, if I could do that, I wouldn’t be here learning how to meditate. Like so many others, I was searching for peace amidst the chaos of my own thoughts. Fortunately, I stumbled upon an ancient method that didn’t demand silence from the start. It welcomed me exactly as I was. And over the years, daily meditation has become a cornerstone of my spiritual path, a way not to escape my thoughts but to learn how to be with them, honestly and gently. Many people believe they can’t meditate because their minds are too restless. But that’s precisely why meditation works. You don’t need to be naturally calm to benefit from the practice, in fact, it’s often those with the most inner turbulence who stand to gain the most. The very effort to sit, to observe, to try, even if imperfectly, is itself transformative. Every sincere attempt to concentrate, even for a moment, changes the texture of our awareness. Presence deepens. Stillness peeks through. In this way, meditation becomes a necessary companion to the physical discipline of yoga āsana. While āsana strengthens and opens the body, meditation refines the mind. Both are limbs of the same eightfold path and thrive in relationship to each other. If you’re immersed in a strong physical practice, I invite you to explore the quiet power of sitting. If you already sit, but haven’t stepped onto a mat, consider how movement might deepen your awareness. It’s in the meeting of stillness and motion, of breath and body, that yoga reveals its deepest gifts. There is a turning that happens in every sincere moment of meditation: a turning inward, a turning away from distraction, and when we’re ready, a turning toward truth. Seeing the Dhamma in Impermanence The Buddha’s path is experiential, not theoretical. In the Saṃyutta Nikāya (SN 22.45), he says: “Yo aniccaṃ passati, so dhammaṃ passati. Yo dhammaṃ passati, so aniccaṃ passati.” “One who sees impermanence sees the Dhamma. One who sees the Dhamma sees impermanence.” To walk the path is to see clearly—moment by moment—that all things arise and pass. This insight is not depressing, but liberating. It opens the heart to compassion, to presence, and to the letting go that leads to peace. Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at . Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics. ! Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I’m teaching at and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at . /episode/index/show/kinoyoga/id/37612270

#213 Abhyāsa: The Sacred Art of Returning, Practice, Repetition, and Inner Cultivation 10/10/2025

#212 Understanding the Ashtanga Yoga Opening Invocation: Etymology, Meaning & Inner Alchemy 09/26/2025

#212 Understanding the Ashtanga Yoga Opening Invocation: Etymology, Meaning & Inner Alchemy The yoga community is like one big family, not united by fancy poses but by a shared love for this ancient practice. It doesn’t matter what shapes your body can or can’t make; what matters is that you keep showing up and giving your best effort. What binds us is presence, not perfection. The practice calls forth a quiet courage and insight within us and it weaves us into a community of fellow seekers. One of yoga’s subtle gifts is clear seeing, not just of the body but of the mind and heart. Its promise is not mere physical skill, but an inner transformation that dissolves confusion and reveals freedom. At the start of every Ashtanga practice, we chant an invocation. It’s not just ritual, it’s a reminder of why we practice and what we’re really here to transform. Key Line: Saṃsāra Halāhala Mohaśāntyai “For the pacification of the delusion (Moha) that is the poison (Halāhala) of Saṃsāra.” Quick Word-by-Word Meaning Saṃsāra (संसार): From sam- (together) + √sṛ (to flow) - the endless cycle of birth and death. Literally “the continuous flowing together.” Halāhala (हलाहल): Deadly poison - like the mythic poison Śiva contained in his blue throat. Symbolizes the toxic nature of worldly entanglement. Moha (मोह): Delusion - the ignorance that clouds clear seeing. Sāntyai (शान्त्यै): “For pacification” - calming the poison of confusion. Why It Matters This ancient line reminds us: the real work of yoga is inner alchemy. The Guru and the practice help neutralize the poison of confusion so we can see clearly and live freely. When we chant, we remember: the obstacles aren’t just outside, they live inside us as fear, attachment, and illusion. The path of yoga transforms poison into nectar, chaos into calm, confusion into clarity. Listen in as we explore more hidden meanings behind this beloved chant and how it can deepen your practice. Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at . Limited time Offer: Sign up for my upcoming Live series in October on Omstars, and get one year of Omstars+ membership free! Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I’m teaching at and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at . /episode/index/show/kinoyoga/id/37612205

#211 A Supported Practice: Finding Balance Between Yoga and Strength Training with Kino MacGregor and Wade Oakley 09/12/2025

#211 A Supported Practice: Finding Balance Between Yoga and Strength Training with Kino MacGregor and Wade Oakley In this insightful episode of the Yoga Inspiration Podcast, Kino MacGregor sits down with longtime Ashtanga practitioner and teacher Wade Oakley to explore the intersection of traditional yoga practice and modern strength training. Wade shares how an early shoulder injury led him to Ashtanga Yoga at the University of Virginia, and how his journey quickly took him to India to study with Sharath Jois. He reflects on practicing in Mysore, balancing academic research with daily sadhana, and what it means to approach yoga with both a beginner’s heart and a scholar’s mind. The conversation dives into Wade’s personal evolution, from golf and weightlifting to yoga, from serious injury and reconstructive surgery to rehabilitation and “prehab” strategies that sustain long term practice. Together, Kino and Wade discuss the sometimes controversial topic of cross training, highlighting how mobility, strength, and yoga can complement each other for healthier movement and more sustainable teaching. Listeners will gain practical insights on the difference between flexibility and mobility, the physical demands of assisting in Mysore style classes, and how weight training can protect hypermobile bodies while deepening the yoga journey. Whether you are an Ashtanga student, a yoga teacher navigating injuries, or a practitioner curious about integrating gym training with yoga, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom for building a supported practice. Highlights from the episode Wade’s first encounter with Ashtanga Yoga and his early teachers Stories from his first trips to Mysore and practicing with Sharath Jois Recovering from major knee surgery through physical therapy and yoga The difference between flexibility and mobility How gym training can support safe assists and prevent injury Strategies for bridging yoga, strength training, and long term practice Practice with Kino and Wade on Omstars.com Practice LIVE with me on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7 day trial at September special - sign up for my upcoming October live series and get one year free of Omstars+! Stay connected with us on social: @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga @wadeoakley Join Wade on Omstars for his upcoming October 24th. Practice with me in person for , , , and Learn more at /episode/index/show/kinoyoga/id/37612315

#210 Living Legacy: Sri Shubha on Krishnamacharya, Yoga, and Teaching from the Heart 08/29/2025

Bonus Episode: The Spiritual Hustle: Build Your Authentic Yoga Business Without Losing Your Soul 08/22/2025

#209 Roots & Branches: Writing, Teaching, and Living Yoga with David Swenson 08/15/2025

#208 The Many Shades of Devotion in Yoga 08/01/2025

#208 The Many Shades of Devotion in Yoga Join Kino MacGregor, Tim Feldmann, Wade Oakley and Chandana Bhowmick as they discuss what devotion means for each of them. Finding the fuel of devotion in their practice is more sustainable than the fuel of ambition. Hear how they each found the student’s heart of love in their relationship with their teachers and how they carry the flame of the practice forward today. In the yogic path, we often associate devotion with sweetness—offering flowers, singing mantras, lighting candles. But true devotion is forged in longing. Longing is love stretched out across time. It is the ache that refuses to settle for surface answers. It is the pull of the soul toward something it remembers but has not yet fully touched. This longing—this burning yearning—is not a problem. It is a sign of awakening. Many of us come to yoga not because life is perfect, but because it hurts. We come to the mat with broken hearts, old questions, unseen grief. And often, we feel that unless we are calm or wise, we cannot be truly devotional. Longing is already devotion. When you show up to practice with no guarantees, that is devotion. When you breathe through uncertainty and stay anyway, that is devotion. When your practice becomes the place where you cry, or break, or ask life’s hardest questions—that is holy. It is not the polish of your practice that sanctifies it. It is the depth of your yearning. As students, let your questions live inside you. Don’t rush to fix them. Let them ripen you. Ask not only “What can I master?” but “What do I truly seek?” As teachers, honor the longing in your students. Know that behind every posture, there is a heart that is yearning—not just to stretch—but to understand. Teach not just to instruct—but to witness, to serve that fire. We are not here to douse that fire. We are here to tend it. Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at . Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics. ! Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I’m teaching at and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at . /episode/index/show/kinoyoga/id/37611985

#207 How Yoga Teaches Us to Stand Up for Justice Without Losing Our Peace 07/18/2025

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