Yoga Fire

A philosophical exploration of ashtanga yoga. Deep dives into the 8 limbs and how to best approach them, tips and tricks for developing a practice, and occasional interviews with teachers, writers, and thinkers.

Last refreshed: June 30th, 2025 at 11:09 AM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Interview with Gary Plato

A clinical psychologist, a social worker, and an educator walk into a bar... it's all one guy though! Here he is discussing the therapeutic and rehabilitative benefits of yoga for students, incarcerated people, the elderly, and those recovering from injury. Questions for him can be addressed to yogafirepodcast@gmail.com

Jun 22, 2022•47 min

Breadcrumb trails and practice

The most important step in improving your home practice is... getting yourself to practice at home in the first place! I discuss a strategy to help yourself practice more, and more fully, without the peer pressure of being in a live class. Wanna support the podcast? buymeacoffee.com/yogafirepod

Jan 24, 2022•18 min

Pratyahara sensory withdrawal (the fifth limb)

The enigmatic 5th limb of ashtanga involves practicing withdrawing from your senses. It can improve your peace of mind and help dredge up insights from your subconscious mind. But what the **** does any of that even mean? I'll try to break it down for you. Questions or comments? Contact yogafirepodcast@gmail.com

Jun 21, 2021•36 min

Activism and social engagment

Discussion of how the internal work of yoga can be applied to one's engagement with the external (political) world. Extended version of a talk I gave at a big union conference. Om chant from Rajshri Soul https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxoQaZS8YdKkyfBwGZay-Xg

Aug 08, 2020•24 min

Niyama observances (the second limb)

A deep dive into the moral observances of yoga. Practicing them is a way to work on your own consciousness and attitude, to help you better express your authentic self as you go through life. Known as the "niyamas," these are collectively the second limb of ashtanga. Questions or comments? Contact yogafirepodcast@gmail.com or tweet @yogafirepodcast. Want to learn more? Visit Patreon.com/yogafire to sign up for my Zoom classes.

Jun 17, 2020•33 min

Interview with Sylvie Horvath

A Milwaukee yogini chats about the ontology of being, the importance of rituals and mantras, legendary superhuman feats, the teleology of props in your practice, and what teaching is like. You can now find her at souldimension.org

Dec 31, 2019•1 hr 2 min

Yama disciplines (the first limb)

This episode discusses the moral restraints recommended by yoga. Practicing them is a way to work on your own consciousness and attitude, such that the higher limbs of yoga will be easier to attain. Known as the "yamas," they are collectively the first, most fundamental limb of ashtanga, and they're something you can practice anywhere at any time! Questions or comments? Contact yogafirepodcast@gmail.com or tweet @yogafirepodcast.

Jun 21, 2019•21 min

Interview with Clint Murphy

A yogi from the high deserts of New Mexico chats about anusara-style tantric yoga, Fight Club and the importance of surrender, getting stuck in ruts (samskara), and the practice of staying in the present moment.

Aug 02, 2018•23 min

Prana breath (the fourth limb)

This episode discusses the role of breathing in connecting the mind and body with yoga. Known as "pranayama" this fourth limb of ashtanga yoga involves working with the breath to energize the body and center the mind. Questions or comments? Contact yogafirepodcast@gmail.com or tweet @yogafirepodcast. Thanks for listening.

Jul 04, 2018•25 min

Asana poses (the third limb)

This episode of Yoga Fire delves into the metaphysics of the yoga poses we're all familiar with. Known as the "asanas," this third limb of ashtanga yoga allows us to forge a stronger body-mind connection. If you want some great soundscapes or drones to meditate to, check out MyNoise.net. Questions or comments? Contact yogafirepodcast@gmail.com or tweet @yogafirepodcast. Thanks for listening.

Apr 03, 2018•17 min

Introduction to ashtanga

Welcome to Yoga Fire. This episode introduces the host, and gives an overview of the eight limbs of "ashtanga" yoga. Intro music adapted from "Tibet" by Hovatoff. Questions or comments? Contact yogafirepodcast@gmail.com or tweet @yogafirepodcast

Mar 10, 2018•23 min

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android