CHITHEADS with Jacob Kyle (Embodied Philosophy)

Why the Humanities Are Dying and the Revival of Holistic Education with Athena Potari

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this timely and energizing conversation, Jacob speaks with philosopher and Hellenic wisdom teacher Athena Potari about the crisis and rebirth of t...

Manifestation Isn't Magic with Jacob Kyle

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the highest view, the fruit of practice is not the attainment of something new but the effortless recognition of what has always been — ānanda, ...

Everything is the Goddess with Nataraj Chaitanya

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jacob Kyle sits down with his longtime friend and collaborator Nataraj Chaitanya, whose early creative influence helped shape the fou...

Spiritual Bypassing, Non-Dualism Explained, and the 4th State of Consciousness with Jacob Kyle

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jacob Kyle offers a curated selection of teachings from Sādhana School, Embodied Philosophy’s year-long curriculum of contemplativ...

The Power of Poetry in Medieval Kashmir with James D. Reich

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation, Jacob Kyle and James D. Reich discuss the concept of Rasa in Indian aesthetics and literary theory. They explore the idea that p...

Ritual, Reality & the Sri Yantra with Kavitha Chinnaiyan

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jacob Kyle and Kavitha Chinnaiyan delve into the intricate world of the Sri Chakra and Sri Yantra, exploring their significance in Ta...

Change Your Breath to Change Your Life with Jacob Kyle

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jacob Kyle shares an excerpt from the first session of the Winter Sādhana School course — exploring the fundamentals of Yoga Philo...

Abhinavagupta, A.I., and the Matter of Wonder with Loriliai Biernacki

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Loriliai Biernacki is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her research interests include Hinduism, gend...

Anxiety from a Philosophical Perspective with Samir Chopra

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jacob Kyle interviews Samir Chopra about anxiety from a philosophical perspective. In Samir's new book Anxiety: A Philosophical Guide, Samir explores ...

Jain Philosophy Through its Primary Concepts with Shree Nahata

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jacob Kyle interviews Shree Nahata about the fundamental principles of Jain philosophy and how these principles are incredibly timely and insightful f...

Bhāva: A Theory of Imagination

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, we share an excerpt from the 30-Day Sādhana on the topic of bhāva, a Sanskrit word which has a number of different ...

The Lineage of Immortals with Jason Birch

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jason Birch is a scholar of medieval haṭha yoga and a founding member of SOAS's Centre for Yoga Studies. His research includes locating and translat...

This Crack in Time with Shambhavi Sarasvati

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Shambhavi Sarasvati is the spiritual director of Jaya Kula, a nonprofit community in Portland, Oregon. Her principle training is in the View and pract...

Ancient Greek Wisdom with Athena Potari

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Athena Potari is a philosopher, spiritual teacher, and lineage holder of the Hellenicspiritual tradition. She is the founder of Athenoa – an Academy...

The Wisdom of Zero with Jacob Kyle

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Embodied Philosophy Founder Jacob Kyle is interviewed by Kelly Blaser for the 2024 Power of Meditation Summit. They discussed the ...

Yoga Teacher Travails & Transformations with Leslie Kaminoff

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Leslie Kaminoff is a yoga educator inspired by the tradition of T.K.V. Desikachar. He is an internationally recognized specialist with four decades’...

The Vibratory Power of Sanskrit with Lucy Crisfield

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

About the Guest Lucy Crisfield is a speaker at the World Yoga Festival, a plenary speaker at the British Wheel of Yoga Festival, and the founder of ‘...

Subversive Sanskrit Studies with Bihani Sarkar

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

About the Guest Bihani Sarkar is a Calcutta-born, Oxford-educated, scholar of classical Sanskrit literature and pre-modern Indian history and religiou...

On the Role of the Guru with Hari-kirtana das, Ken Rose, Trish Tillman & Stephanie Corigliano

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

About the GuestsHari-kirtana das is a yoga teacher, spiritual mentor, and author. He's been practicing devotional yoga and various other yogic discipl...

The Luminous Self with Tracee Stanley

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

About the Guest Tracee Stanley is the author of the bestselling book Radiant Rest: Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation and Awakened Clarity and the founder...

Body by Breath with Jill Miller

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

About the Guest Jill Miller, C-IAYT, ERYT, YA-CEP is a fascia and movement expert that forges links between the worlds of yoga, massage, athletics, an...

TRIBUTE [Best of]: Sally Kempton on the Divine Feminine, Deity Yoga and Spiritual Pragmatism

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

About the Guest Sally Kempton was a master of meditation, yoga philosophy, and practical tantric philosophy. Her retreats and workshops were known for...

Options For Yoga Teachers Today with Ava Taylor

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

About the Guest Ava Taylor, Founder of YAMA Talent, is a tenacious entrepreneur & avid yogi. Committed to running an ethics-based business, her pe...

Knowledge, Experience, and the Yoga Teacher with Daniel Simpson

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

About the Guest Daniel Simpson is the author of The Truth of Yoga, an accessible guide to yoga history and philosophy. His approach combines scholarly...

Best Of: Yoga for Recovery with Nikki Myers

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

About the Guest An accomplished speaker, teacher, and practitioner, Nikki Myers is an MBA, C-IAYT Yoga Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, A...

Joe Loizzo on The New Mind-Body Research & the Yogic Science of Integration

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of Chitheads is a talk from Joe Loizzo republished from Embodied Philosophy’s Yoga Seminar.  It's a taste of a deeper dive with Dr. Jo...

Ashtanga Yoga in Sutras and the Gītā: A Comparison with Edwin Bryant

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This talk is being republished from the Radial Practice Conference in 2018. If you have a Gītā handy you might want to grab it while you listen. Abo...

Is the West Ready for Tantra? with Andrew Holecek

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, author and Embodied Philosophy faculty, Andrew Holecek, is in conversation with Stephanie Corigliano and Jacob Kyle, as they discuss ...

Following the Non-Dual Path of the Divine Feminine with Sally Kempton

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of Chitheads is a talk from Sally Kempton republished from Embodied Philosophy’s 2017 Radical Body Conference.  In this episode, Sally...

Nikki Costello on the New Yoga Classroom

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nikki Costello is an educator with 30 years of teaching and training experience in the Yoga and Wellness industry. She works at the intersection of so...

Rabbi Rami Shapiro on Living the Golden Rule

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Rabbi Rami Shapiro PH.D. is an award–winning author of over thirty-six books on religion and spirituality. Rami co-directs the One River Foundation ...

Ketamine Therapy with Christi Myers

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Christi Myers is the Founder and CEO of Flow Integrative, a ketamine psychotherapy practice that helps clients deal with mood disorders and substance...

Yoga World Past, Present & Future with Nikki Vilella

12 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nikki Vilella started teaching at Kula Yoga Project in New York City in 2005 and opened Kula Williamsburg (alongside Schuyler Grant) in 2010. She has ...

Is Academia a Religion? with Marcy Braverman Goldstein

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Marcy Braverman Goldstein, Ph.D., began teaching Sanskrit and the history and philosophies of yoga in the 1990s. To design her courses, she draws from...

Shamanic Healing, Divine Feminine, Buddhist Meditation, and the 4 Yogas Mini-Trainings

08 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jacob shares four trailers from free mini-trainings we've recently released on the Divine Feminine, Buddhist Meditation, the 4 Yogas,...

Yoga & Western Esotericism with Anya Foxen

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Anya Foxen is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo...

The Tao of Now with Diane Dreher

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Diane Dreher, Ph.D., is a bestselling author, researcher, and positive psychology coach. Her books, The Tao of Inner Peace, The Tao of Personal Leader...

Gavin Flood on Hindu Monotheism & the 12 Kalis (Radical Theology Series)

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Gavin Flood is the Academic Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, Professor of Hindu Studies and Comparative Religion at Oxford University,...

Matthew Fox on Creation Spirituality (Radical Theology Series)

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In 1993, Theologian and activist Matthew Fox, Ph.D., was expelled from the Dominican Order of the Catholic church after 34 years, by Cardinal Ratzing...

A Queer Dharma with Jacoby Ballard

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jacoby Ballard is a social justice educator and yoga teacher who leads workshops and trainings around the country on diversity, equity, and inclusion....

Intellectual Bhakti (Tarka Journal Podcast Ep.1) with Stephanie Corigliano & Jacob Kyle

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of the Chitheads podcast is actually the first episode of a new podcast we’re releasing as a part of the new Embodied Podcasts Network ...

Body Theology with Michelle Voss Roberts (Radical Theology)

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rev. Dr. Michelle Voss Roberts is professor of theology and past principal at Emmanuel College, a multireligious theological school in the Toronto Sch...

Theology Without Walls with John J. Thatamanil (Radical Theology)

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

John J. Thatamanil is Associate Professor of Theology and World Religions at Union Theological Seminary in New York. He is the author of The Immanent ...

Andrew Harvey on Sacred Activism and Radical Regeneration (#140)

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew Harvey is an internationally acclaimed writer, poet, translator, and mystical teacher. He is the author of over 40 books, including Son of Man,...

Stephen Porges On Trauma & Polyvagal Theory (#139)

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Stephen W. Porges is a distinguished university scientist at Indiana University, where he is the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Researc...

Krishna Das on Chanting Divine Names (#138)

23 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Layering traditional kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Krishna Das has been called yoga’s “rock star.” With ...

Cornel West on Spiritual Citizenship (#137)

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this interview with Dr. Cornel West, originally a keynote event from our July 2021 Spiritual Citizenship Online Conference, co-host for the confere...

Raj Balkaran on the Wisdom of Stories (#136)

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Raj Balkaran is a scholar of Sanskrit narrative texts and the author of The Goddess and the King in Indian Myth (Routledge 2018), The Goddess and ...

Michelle C. Johnson on Finding Refuge (#135)

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Michelle C. Johnson is an author, yoga teacher, social justice activist, intuitive healer, and Dismantling Racism trainer. She approaches her life and...

Shreena Gandhi on White Supremacy (#134)

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Shreena Gandhi is a part of the Religious Studies Department at Michigan State University, where is primarily teaches classes on religion and race in ...

Isa Gucciardi on Birth & Initiations (#133)

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the mid-nineties, Isa Gucciardi began developing Depth Hypnosis as she entered into clinical practice. Her studies, both in academia and in the fie...

Richard Katz on Indigenous Psychology and Allyship (#132)

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After receiving his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Harvard, Richard Katz began a journey beyond the confines of psychology, into a world of experie...

Françoise Bourzat on Consciousness Medicine (#131)

20 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Françoise Bourzat has been bridging the divide between western psychology and indigenous wisdom for the past 30 years in collaboration with healers i...

Prentis Hemphill on Healing Justice & Queer Spiritual Purpose (#130)

06 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Prentis Hemphill is a movement facilitator, Somatics teacher, and practitioner, and working at the convergence of healing, collective transformation, ...

Vineet Chander on Hindu Chaplaincy (#129)

09 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss: The roots of pastoral care and chaplaincy  Incorporating the frameworks of Vendantic, yoga philosophy in Hindu chaplainc...

Tracee Stanley on Yoga Nidra (#127)

09 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss:1. The philosophy of yoga nidra, the goddess of yoga nidra and the four states of consciousness. 2. Yoga nidra as a state ...

Tias Little On Practice as the Path (#126)

12 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: How yoga communities and the industry have changed during the Covid pandemic. The inspiration for Tia’s new book “Th...

Shailla Vaidya on Yoga for Stress & Burnout (#125)

30 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: Growing up Indian in a majority white culture, shame and the impact of disconnection from culture. The value of yoga and...

Kulreet Chaudhary on Sound Medicine (#124)

15 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: Understanding the culture of Contemporary medicine and medicine as an industry. The Ayurvedic approach, addressing the p...

Swami Swatmananda on Diwali, Vedanta & Shiva (#123)

01 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: Invocation as a tool to invoke the divinity from within us. The celebration of Diwali and the purpose of celebrating fes...

Alberto Villoldo on Shamanism (#122)

18 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Medical anthropologist Alberto Villoldo has studied the shamanic healing practices of the Amazon and Andes for more than 25 years. He is the founder o...

Daniel Simpson on the Truth of Yoga (#121)

20 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss: Daniel Simpson’s upcoming book, The Truth of Yoga. Daniel shares his intention and inspiration behind this comprehensiv...

Philip Goldberg on Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times (#120)

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: Co-sustaining spiritual practice and effective social action. Tips for carving out time for practice/ finding your core ...

Chris Walling on Yoga Therapy Research (#119)

16 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Chris Walling, PsyD, SEP, C-IAYT has been an active leader in healthcare for nearly two decades. His work integrates the developmental, biological...

Mirabai Starr on Feminine Mysticism (#118)

08 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mirabai Starr is an award-winning author of creative non-fiction and contemporary translations of sacred literature. She taught Philosophy and World R...

Lisa Danylchuk on Yoga for Trauma Recovery (#117)

25 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lisa Danylchuk is a licensed psychotherapist and yoga teacher trainer whose specialty is bringing yoga into trauma treatment. A graduate of UCLA and H...

Jeffrey Kripal on Flips of Perspective (#116)

11 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jeffrey J. Kripal is the Associate Dean of the Faculty and Graduate Programs in the School of the Humanities and the J. Newton Rayzor Chair in Philoso...

Alex Auder on Socialist Yoga (#115)

21 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Alex Auder, recently hailed by the NYTimes as “Yoga’s Instagram Provocateur” (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/31/style/yoga-instagram-alex-auder...

Lama Rod Owens on Love & Anger (#114)

14 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: The utility of righteous anger in activism. Spiritual practice as an expression of disrupting violence in the world. Dis...

Nkem Ndefo on Trauma & Resilience (#113)

08 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss: Trauma as the root of most of our suffering  Common misperceptions about trauma and stress  6 principles of a trauma-in...

Greta Gaard on Mindful Ecofeminism (#112)

30 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Greta Gaard began practicing Vipassana meditation in 1995 at Common Ground Meditation Center in Minneapolis, MN. An early proponent of ecofeminism, Ga...

Georgi Y. Johnson on NonDual Therapy (#111)

09 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss:  Contemplating death, existence looking at non-existence Trauma, dissociation, suffering and spiritual emergency The mys...

Todd Norian on Unreasonable Happiness (#110)

21 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss: Unreasonable happiness as a way to engage in this time of crisis  Todd’s personal experience of spiritual awakening  ...

Mary Reilly Nichols & Kavitha Chinnaiyan on Bhakti (#109)

14 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss: The spirit of Bhakti Breath as a supreme principle, relating to the Divine through breath - a delivery system of love The...

Shambhavi Sarasvati on Expanding our View (#108)

07 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss: The nature of reality as wisdom and compassion even in the face of obstacles Spiritual challenges we are facing in the Co...

Nina Rao & Hari-kirtana das on Bhakti (#107)

31 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Porges on Polyvagal Theory (#106)

25 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. is a Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University, where he is the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Res...

Coronavirus Contemplations with Miles Neale & Isa Gucciardi (#105)

17 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jacob Kyle speaks with Miles Neale and Isa Gucciardi about the corona virus, how we can skillfully respond to the situation, and why contemplative pra...

Neil Dalal on Vedanta & Self-Inquiry (#104)

05 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: Neil’s documentary film, Gurukulam, which explores a living Advaita Vedanta lineage through sensory ethnography What b...

Joakim Vindenes on Virtual Reality (#103)

28 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: How can we make interactions with VR meaningful VR as a support for contemplative practice The parallel between VR and H...

Andrew Holecek on Dreams & the Primary Delusion (#102)

24 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss: Dreams from the perspective of Eastern tradition What is the non-dreaming state Spiritual benefits of lucid dreaming, inc...

Christine Caldwell on Bodyfulness (#101)

10 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss: Christine Caldwell's new book, Bodyfulness: Somatic Practices for Presence, Empowerment, & Waking Up in This Life Bod...

Vanamali on Sanatana Dharma & Religious Fundamentalism (#100)

26 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss:  How religious fundamentalism is problematic Many gods and choosing one god to workshop The key to finding heaven here a...

Amit Goswami on Quantum Activism & Archetypal Living (#99)

29 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: Quantum physics is an astounding entry into consciousness and puts trans-personal psychology on the map. Why spiritual t...

Susanna Harwood Rubin on Pilgrimage, Kali & Cancer #98

01 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: Yoga’s evolution in New York City immediately following 9/11 and how Susanna found a yoga practice rooted in an intell...

Ekabhumi Ellik on Sacred Art (#97)

13 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: What is a deity and the spectrum of deities Different ways to approach deities (as a person with whom you have a perso...

Sally Kempton, Judith Blackstone, Rae Johnson, Scott Lyons and Tara Judelle on Somatics and Spirituality (#96)

23 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of the CHITHEADS podcast is from a previous panel discussion hosted by Embodied Philosophy on the intersection of somatics and spirituali...

Nevine Michaan on Yoga as Practical Mysticism (#95)

09 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: How the world and yoga are open sourced. Vocabulary and framework of Daoist vs Indian yoga. The yoga technique doesn’t...

David Regelin on Teaching & Yoga Nonsense (#94)

17 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: How David found yoga, his evolution as a teacher, and the teachers who have influenced him. His current view on his 20...

Oneika Mays on Privilege and Incarceration (#93)

04 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: Yoga as activism in the context of freedom and agency How her contemplative practices have shifted her relationship t...

Jill Purce on the Healing Voice (#92)

16 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: Symbol of spirals and the journey of the soul  How forms come into being  Morphic resonance and how working with sound...

Julie Brown Yau on Rage and Trauma (#91)

19 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: Whole body / whole brain approaches to addressing trauma through the body, mind, intellect, imagination and spiritu...

Rupert Sheldrake on Materialist Assumptions (#90)

19 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: Obstacles to the science of spiritual practice - limitations of a materialist view Engagement with the Indian traditi...

John Greer on Perennial Philosophy (#89)

12 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: Role of his travels and his perennial philosophy Using metaphors to make sense of non-duality (e.g. “hole in the chees...

David "Davidya" Buckland on Stages of Consciousness (#88)

12 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: His continual journey of awakening 7 stages of consciousness Awakening inside and outside of a tradition Chasing experie...

Judith Blackstone on the Realization Process (#87)

08 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: Embodied nonduality – Judith’s definition of embodiment and nonduality Fundamental features of the Realization Proce...

Kenneth Rose on the Brain, Mystical Experience & Religious Studies (#86)

01 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: Commonality between mystical experiences Expressing difference vs. unity and our ability to communicate with each other;...

Rae Johnson on Embodying Social Justice (#85)

23 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

“Unless we transform the wounds of oppression in our own bodies and then by extension into our own embodied relationships with others...no amount of...

David Loy on Nonduality (#84)

12 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss: Ecodharma Being grounded through a spiritual practice as an activist 5 types of non-duality Interpreting history from a ...

Nikki Myers on Yoga for Recovery (#83)

10 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

An accomplished speaker, teacher and practitioner, Nikki Myers is an MBA,C-IAYT Yoga Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, AddictionsRecovery ...