A maverick is someone who is unconventional and thinks for themselves and today's guests are certainly that. Harmony Slater, David Garrigues, and Ty Landrum are all part of the same Ashtanga yoga tradition, and yet, they look almost nothing alike. Each offer their own unique perspective and approach that is in ways, totally opposite. On one end there's David, a lover of form, and on the other, Harmony who embraces the form-less. And then there's Ty and his new Black Lotus Yoga which is both wild...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 36 min
In this episode of the Ashtanga Dispatch Podcast, David Keil, Jen René and Scott Johnson join me to explore the question of whether Ashtanga yoga is suitable for everyone, not just as teachers but as students, ourselves with our own challenges and needs. We talk about the importance of context, adaptation, and the need be critical thinkers. But like all great questions, this one only led us to even more, and especially this one: how can we become better teachers. Because for students, that's rea...
Apr 21, 2025•58 min
In this heartfelt conversation, Mary Taylor, Richard Freeman, Tim Feldmann, and Kino MacGregor join Peg Mulqueen and reflect on the profound sense of loss within the Ashtanga Yoga community after the sudden passing of Sharath Jois. They explore themes of grief, connection, and the importance of practice in navigating uncertainty. The discussion delves into the essence of tradition in yoga, sharing personal stories and insights, highlighting the role of rituals and devotion in maintaining a sense...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 4 min
In today's episode, Dr. Shyam Ranganathan, a scholar and teacher of Yoga Philosophy, discusses how to preserve one's autonomy through the practice and philosophy of Yoga. Learn more about Dr. Ranganathan by visiting his website at www.yogaphilosophy.com and check out his new book, Yoga -- Anticolonial Philosophy: An Action-Focused Guide to Practice. Also, we are currently accepting applications for our Fall Mentorship. Visit www.ashtangadispatch.com to learn more.
May 29, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Meet one of my favorite yoga teachers, fellow word nerd, and an extrovert who also loves introverting -- Ross Rayburn. In today's episode, we talk about Ross's new book, Turning Inward, an inclusive, practical, if not somewhat unconventional, guide to developing a contemplative practice. You can find Ross's book, Turning Inward, on Spotify or order on Amazon. And if you're interested in more down-to-earth practical explanations of yoga philosophy, check out our online courses. Visit www.ashtanga...
Apr 19, 2024•50 min
In today's episode, we take a little break from our usual interviews and conversations to bring you a story from Sumerian Mythology called The Descent of Inanna. It begins as, "From the Great Above, Inanna (goddess of light) opens her ear to the Great Below," and from there, journeys into the Underworld, into known and unknown terrors, to follow that call. And it's a story that beautifully illustrates our own quest for Self through yoga. Which is the theme of our upcoming course in April -- Pata...
Mar 24, 2024•16 min
Patty Ivey is the owner and founder of Down Dog Yoga, one of the hottest yoga studios in Washington, D.C. But after 20 years, she and her husband were ready to embrace the next phase of her life. It was then, at age 70, Patty was diagnosed with breast cancer. Which she now sees as somewhat of a gift -- opening her up to even greater potential. *Registration for our Mentorship Fall Session begins in August. Find details at www.ashtangadispatch.com Today's episode was edited and produced by me, Pe...
Mar 20, 2024•37 min
Today's guest is Ava Taylor, founder of Yama Talent and author of the new book Your Yoga Business. And trust me, today's talk is not just a must for yoga teachers, but anyone starting their own business in today's post-pandemic world. Because things have changed, if you haven't noticed. Some for the better, some not. In today's episode, Ava shares with us business lessons she's learned the hard way and her vision for the future. Visit www.yamatalent.com to learn more! And if you enjoyed today's ...
Jan 17, 2024•59 min
Dr. Jean Byrne, the co-founder of The Yoga Space www.yogaspace.com.au in Perth, Australia, talks with me about changes she's made personally and within her teaching after a momentous crisis of faith -- a turning point that would help liberate her own intuition, personal power, and truth. We hope this conversation inspires more just like this. Btw, we learned about Jean through one of her students, who is currently a part of our Mentorship program, which we are expanding into 2024. To join or fin...
Nov 26, 2023•56 min
"For spiritual expats and philosophical refugees, somatic explorers, soul hunters, star gazers, rule breakers and other mystical miscreants who have had enough of the ruses of religion, and want to set down dogma..." These were the words that Ty Landrum, our guest on today's Ashtanga Dispatch Yoga Podcast, used in describing his Into the Depths course, which Meghan had the pleasure of participating in. But really, Ty might as well have been describing himself. For he truly embodies the boundless...
Dec 19, 2022•1 hr
If you’re a yoga student and on instagram, you might have come across our guest on today's episode, Prasad Rangnekar, where his posts are often widely re-shared by yoga seekers from all style's and lineage's. But what attracted us to Prasad's posts was how they inspired deeper inquiry and curiosity rather than giving us a "right or wrong" answer. Many of his posts focus on topics surrounding not just yoga itself but actually teaching yoga and being a teacher, which Peg and Prasad talk about in t...
Dec 02, 2022•1 hr 3 min
Meet Lea Perfetti, an Ashtanga yoga teacher I discovered on Instagram after a series of posts that were so raw and real, I knew there had to be a pretty powerful story behind. Hers is not just one woman's story, but one that many of us have lived, but often too ashamed to tell. It's a story of vulnerability and courage, of breaking open and breaking free - from cultural norms and societal pressures. From the shame of seeking help and needing to be perfect. We need to stop keeping our stories and...
Nov 12, 2022•44 min
Mark Bint grew up with two parents who cannot hear; Mark is known as a CODA, a child of deaf adults. And in today’s episode, Mark tells his story and how growing up in a non-hearing home taught him what it truly means to listen. Today’s transcript can be found on the website. Visit www.ashtangadispatch.com Join Peg Mulqueen and Meghan Powell in Bozeman, Montana July 31 - Aug 4 for their Mountain Yoga Retreat. Details for this are also on the website. Thanks for listening!
May 09, 2022•45 min
Wambui Njuguna-Räisänen is an Ashtanga yoga teacher based in Finland. Born in Kenya and raised in the U.S., Wambui now lives in Helsinki with her husband, Petri who also teaches, and their two young sons. Wambui is passionate about providing wellness through yoga and meditation to those actively engaged in equity and social justice. For in the midst of dismantling systemic oppression, we need to allow space for our own self care. This is part of our practice. And the way we go get our peace. To ...
Mar 22, 2022•45 min
Though the message isn't necessarily new -- the need for a more malleable and adaptive approach to practice within Ashtanga Yoga -- it's the messenger that may actually surprise you. Today's episode with Eddie Stern is personal and incredibly honest. And one that may leave you with much to (re)consider. If you'd like to experience first hand a kinder, simpler way to practice, visit eddiestern.com to take class with him online. The Ashtanga Dispatch Podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by Peg ...
Feb 15, 2022•50 min
The past few years has been like a story that’s unfolding. One that will be told for generations to come. And it is this personal retelling, a weaving together of stories, we will bring you this year through the podcast. Asking the question: How has the pandemic shifted our sense of identity, purpose, and vision as individuals and as a yoga community? We begin with Kino Macgregor, someone we have always admired and enjoyed, and have had on the podcast many times before. And we thought it not pos...
Jan 26, 2022•52 min
It's the kind of wisdom that can only come from many years of personal practice that guest to the podcast, Kathy Cooper, brings in today's episode. As a female practitioner, now in her 70s, and as youthful and vibrant as ever - Kathy's shared experience is such a gift to the many of us women practicing out there. Speaking of which ... we are excited to announce a unique online practice space, designed especially for women, called The Path. Each month, members will receive a beautiful journal ful...
Dec 15, 2021•1 hr 9 min
Lara Land is the founder of the non-profit, Three and a Half Acres Yoga, a partnership program that offers yoga, breathing and mindfulness practices to underserved communities. In addition, Lara trains yoga teachers in the area of trauma sensitivity -- a training that focuses primarily on a teacher's own self awareness. Starting December 2nd and lasting the entire month, teachers within the yoga community are leading classes online to help raise money to support Three and Half Acres Yoga. Your d...
Nov 30, 2021•54 min
In today's episode, Dr. Shyam Ranganathan explains the process of translating spiritual texts; how belief systems, both conscious and unconscious, can influence our interpretations; and why logic is better than experience in deciphering ethics. Dr. Ranganathan is a trained scholar and researcher of philosophy and is author, editor and translator of numerous peer reviewed, scholarly works. To learn more, visit www.yogaphilosophy.com or follow on Instagram @ yogaphilosophy_com Also, be sure to che...
Sep 20, 2021•1 hr 22 min
Join David Garrigues and me as we discuss Yoga Sūtra 3.17: There is a natural confusion of words, meanings, and our own conceptual experience that arises when we superimpose one upon the other. But with perfect focus on distinguishing between the three, we learn the language of all beings. Basically - words matter. As does our experience, use, and interpretation. Words like discipline, tradition, modification, and even the word yoga itself. So we chose a few and attempted to dissect. This conver...
Jun 20, 2021•1 hr 1 min
In today's episode, listen to Deepika Mehta speak to the power of hope and how it plays such an essential role in times of despair. Especially as India suffers through a second wave of COVID. And why teachers from all over the world - including Deepika and us - are uniting this weekend (May 7th + 8th)to offer hope and help with a 24-hour online yoga marathon. Tickets are by donation and you can get yours here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/24-hour-global-yoga-marathon-for-india-covid-relief-ticke...
May 05, 2021•57 min
Welcome to On the Path – a new ‘talk as we walk’ podcast from Ashtanga Dispatch where we will take you outside on a new trail or with a new walking partner each month. If you enjoy, go over to apple podcasts and subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-path-with-ashtanga-dispatch/id1565083628?i=1000518924627 Like to listen on Spotify? You can find us here: https://open.spotify.com/show/70QJ8u3hTrJzfmVJ9coABt?si=ALJd1T4gQBy-I_xCSgIWlQ Today, you'll be walking with me, Peg Mulqueen,...
Apr 27, 2021•32 min
In 2004, after an explosion in Iraq, Dan Nevins would ultimate lose both his legs. And in today's pod, Dan will not only tell you this story - but also about his life, before and after. Including how he was introduced to yoga which, as he will tell you, saved him during a particularly dark time. (Though to say he was a reluctant participant is an understatement!) Besides being a veteran and yoga teacher, Dan is a master storyteller. He had Meghan and me in tears - both laughing and crying. Somet...
Mar 28, 2021•1 hr 43 min
Visit www.ashtangadispatch.com for more interviews, articles, and our latest online classes and courses. Beginning this Saturday is Elements of a Home Practice - a 4-week immersion with Peg Mulqueen + Meghan Powell. And now, on to today's episode with Santina Giardina-Chard ... Santina is an Ashtanga yoga teacher, living on Australia's Gold Coast. Wildly impassioned and blazing with enthusiasm and emotion - Santina is one of those people who knows what it means to step into the fire and let burn...
Mar 03, 2021•53 min
Today we welcome a very special guest - a woman we hold dear as teacher, mentor, and most especially friend - Dena Kingsberg. Dena has been a devoted student of Ashtanga Yoga for over three decades. Her time spent as a practitioner is evident through her integrative and holistic teaching style. But her devotion and grace are never more apparent than when she closes her eyes, starts to softly hum, and begins to chant. From her homestead in the magical semi-tropics of Goonengerry, Australia - Dena...
Nov 01, 2020•43 min
In today's episode, we sit down with Mary Taylor and Richard Freeman to talk about their new book, When Love Comes to Light: Bringing Wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita into Modern Life. https://www.shambhala.com/when-love-comes-to-light-15498.html Never before has a book felt more timely or applicable. Because who among us doesn't feel like Arjuna right now - standing in the middle of a battlefield, unsure of our own purpose and uncertain of what actions to take? Mary and Richard write as WE are Arj...
Oct 08, 2020•1 hr
Today's chat is with Mark Robberds, Oliver Crossley, and Scott White who together, formed the Yoga Myth Busters. Their hope is to educate and clarify some of those pesky myths that continue to circulate and persist. Like - are your hips always need to be squared? Is it true that anyone can do anything with just practice? And my favorite: No pain, no gain - true or false? Listen and find out! Mark is a certified Ashtanga yoga teacher and movement specialist. And Oliver and Scott are both physioth...
Sep 22, 2020•40 min
This week's offering through the podcast is part of an online talk for Merchant City Yoga in Glasgow on how our definition of a yoga practice could be changing as a result of this ongoing pandemic. Also please note - we've added another session of our popular online course, Equanimity through the Storm. It begins May 8th and you can find more information here: https://www.ashtangadispatch.com/event/equanimity-thru-crisis/ We hope you’ve been enjoying these shorter broadcasts we’ve been offering ...
Apr 21, 2020•10 min
During these challenging times, we are here to support you. And so every Monday morning, we will try and bring you a message of hope and comfort. This week we bring you Roberto Lim from Vital Living Arts with the story of how Shiva got his blue throat along with the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. We hope you enjoy. And because of the overwhelming interest, we have added another session of our online course: Equanimity Through the Storm for May. Please visit www.ashtangadispatch.com for more details. M...
Apr 13, 2020•8 min
During these challenging times, we are here to support you. And so every Monday morning, we will try and bring you a message of hope and comfort - perhaps a meditation, a chant, or inspiring words - like this morning's with Dena Kingsberg. Dena's words were recorded (on an iPhone) during one of her last practice mornings before the shala temporarily closed due to the pandemic. We hope you continue to take quiet moments for yourself, staying well and keeping faith during through these uncharted w...
Apr 04, 2020•2 min
