A Curious Yogi with Bobbi Paidel

"The only important thing is peace, and peace is your true nature.”

In this enlightening episode, I’m talking to a friend and master yogini, Deep Priy, who has been teaching Patanjali Yog Sutras since 1986. Deep Priya shares her profound journey through yoga, dance, and meditation, exploring the interconnectedness of these practices.

The conversation delves into the essence of the witness self, the nature of the mind, and the path to liberation through meditation and self-awareness.

Deep Priya explores and emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment, understanding the nature of thou...

“Be curious about the right stuff. Who are you really? Ask yourself, what’s the truth that never changes its truthfulness?”

Today I’m joined by a real modern-day yogi and meditator live from the Himalayas. Mr. Richard Taylor became Dikpal when he met Swami Shyam in 1973. He’s been meditating ever since, and in this delightful and illuminating conversation, Dikpal shares his wisdom from living and studying with a Self-realized teacher for 50 years and coming to understand the purpose of this human life.

We touch on a lot here, but here are just a few...

Curious Yogis! Wow!

Such a treat to compile these key moments and threads of knowledge that have been woven throughout the past season of a Curious Yogi Podcast.

Today I give my thoughts on everything picked up in the past season and share my reflections on the endlessly inspiring topics to support our continual unfoldment in sadhana.

Enjoy special moments of wisdom shared by Daniel Simpson, Stewart Gilchrist, Sheena Sood, Acharya Shunya, Magnust Fridh, Prasad Rangnekar, Mayank, Lars Ims and Shaarda.

Let me know what your thoughts have been for season 3! <...

“Be patient with your spiritual journey. I believe that when you stop looking at spirituality as one more project to fuel one’s ego it finds its own pace. Natural, effortless growth happens.”

Another great, illuminating conversation with the ever generous, one and only Prasad Rangnekar. You may know him from his popular Instagram account with his 30 years of teaching and mentoring wisdom under his belt that he delivers in digestible, relatable nuggets.

Today my intention was to “get deep” with Prasad and we definitely hit that for all you spiritually curious seekers out there. We discuss...

“Sadhana is to realize the embodied being and know the difference. This human incarnation is something we have, it’s not what we are. Avidya is mistaking what we have for what we are.”

Lars Ims is a meditator and author who has spent his life immersed in sadhana under the guidance of his Guru, Swami Shyam.

He is also a friend, so he is the perfect yogi to discuss the real meaning of Sadhana. It’s such a great joy to share in the Satsang space, where he delivers the true meaning of sadhana, the impo...

"Yoga is pointing towards the possibility of an impersonal approach to everything that is experienced."

Hey yoga nerds! This one is for you.

Daniel Simpson makes timeless insights accessible and relevant. He’s the author of The Truth of Yoga, an engaging overview of history and philosophy. He also hosts the Ancient Futures podcast. His latest course is a year-long immersion, The Path of Knowledge – you can find out more and join here.

In today’s engaging, informative and light-hearted conversation, Daniel offers up so much inspiration from ancient yogic knowledge to applied modern...

"Your practice is meant to remind you that you’re free."

Today I’m graced with the presence of the one and only master Padma Yogi. Padma is a certified advanced meditation teacher from the International Meditation Institute in India and one of Canada’s most respected teachers.

In today’s satsang conversation, Padma brings the ancient knowledge of yoga to life with eloquence and clarity, answering my questions with knowledge and presence.

Padma makes the teachings accessible so all the curious yogi’s listening can begin to inquire and unfold the knowledge and medita...

“Freedom is a state of needlessness and acceptance.”

Today I share in a heartfelt discussion on the oneness that sadhana unfolds and the unending polarities of life, beginning with celebration and despair.

My dear friend Truus Breukers (Tripti) is a registered nurse, holds a master's in child psychology, and is a children’s book author living between Northern India and the Netherlands in a “dynamic exchange”. She is a creator, a hiker, a wife, a friend, a generously giving spirit and she is a sadhak.

In our satsang, we discuss experience on “two tracks”, how...

“Not California oneness. Real oneness is where everything is inclusive.”

Swami Svatmananda is a rare scholar who has delighted audiences worldwide with his lectures on various Vedic knowledge. His rare combination of innate skills, broad life experience and dedicated scriptural study translates into a uniquely comprehensive approach to teaching and applying ancient wisdom in modern times. Swami Svatmananda’s teaching style makes the elusive ancient wisdom accessible to all who earnestly seek it.

In our talk together we discuss studying the Vedas practically, how essential is the teacher, having time for contemplation, ending suffering and so muc...

“Buddhists always consider new people as friends. Not the other way around, we should see each other as friends. It makes the world a better place.”

In this episode, I’m talking to Magnus Fridh, a teacher of yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. Magnus is also one of the founders of The Mindfulness App. His latest book, “The Art of Stillness in a Noisy World” (Hardie Grant), is about how to find tranquillity and peace in everyday life.

Magnus started meditating in his teens and immersed himself in the subject through Tibetan Buddhism and university studies in Indolog...

In this short episode, I share my personal story of how Himachal Pradesh, India shifted my belief and mindset to one that is rooted in freedom, service and sadhana.

And I let you in on why I decided to do something as crazy as hosting a retreat there and of course, invite you to join me for an incredible journey in this lesser-explored area of Northern India in March 2025. Come explore the magic!

✨ Visit www.bobbipaidel.com/himalayan-retreat to download the info guide.

✨ Hit me up at yoga@bobbipaidel.com if you're curious and...

“What are the ethical implications of yoga being used by these racially oppressive, colonial forces and being used to help people who are agents of that oppression feel better and decompress and destress?”

I am honoured to introduce you to this week's guest, Sheena Sood, PhD, an Assistant Professor of Sociology, activist, yoga practitioner, and healing justice visionary. Sheena is on the editorial board of Race & Yoga Journal; is a co-founder of Yogis for Palestine - and the founder of Yoga Warrior Tales. Her research is focused on what she calls Omwashing; the weaponization of yoga by far...

“The communion of spiritual life and worldly life. Only if you understand your spiritual life, can actually live your worldly life quite beautifully.”

A special guest and inspiration today is the one and only Arohini Narain, Chief HR and Strategy officer from Lucknow, India. But more than a successful businesswoman, Ruhi is a satsangee first and foremost.

In this episode Arohini shares the wisdom of her spiritual master who has guided her through her successes and challenges in life. She speaks with clarity and conviction in the teachings and shares the resting places shes’ cultivated within...

“We have both always been searching for something that gave us purpose and meaning, to fill that whole and guidelines to live after.”

Raw. Real. Totally Joyful.

Richard Grønlie and Line Sortehaug made a huge impression when I met them earlier this year. They are a Norwegian married couple with three kids, they are yoga teachers, and they are addicts.

Their story is one of transformation and redemption. They share their views on life, yoga, recovery and how to handle the ups and downs that will inevitably come our way. Richard and Line...

“Being truly conscious requires stepping back from compulsions and attachments - a change in the operating system. And sometimes we need a helping hand for that. We can’t do it alone, nor should we have to.”

For me, the healing, the coming home, starts with shame. And is currently seeped in gratitude.

In this solo episode, I share my personal story woven together with words from wise teachers and thinkers. Borrowed from the sages, saints and sponsors who have inspired my own inquiry into addiction, mental health and healing, I share my take aways from 6...

“Take that 7 minutes (meditation) a day. And nurture it like a little seedling and watch how it grows into the beautiful plant of oneness and watch how it oozes out into your life.”

This week's guest is Mayank in New Zealand, he is first and foremost a yogi and meditator. He teaches Somatics, Restorative Movement & QiGong at the Wisdom of Meditation Centre in Te Horo, New Zealand.

Mayank and I discuss his story of growing up in a religious home and talk about the expanded meaning of the “G” word (GOD!). Mayank graciously shares his lifetime...

“Decolonizing yoga is admirable but I think it is just better to learn yoga.”

I’d like to introduce you to Dr. Shyam Ranganathan a field-changing researcher, scholar, author, and teacher of philosophy, and an expert in the neglected traditions of Indian moral philosophy, which covers practical questions of how to live, what to aim for, and what we should value—including Yoga.

Find Dr. Shyam Ranganthan 100 Hour Level 1 Yoga Philosophy Training and other courses at: yogaphilosophy.com/level-1-and-2-certification

Find his most recent book Yoga - Anticolonial Philosophy HERE

I’m look...

“The real beauty of yoga is about letting go, being flexible and seeing that there is infinite potential in every moment.”

Today I’m joined by R. Alexander Medin, a certified Ashtanga Teacher and all around amazing human with an incredible capacity for giving and sharing yoga with generosity, joy and clarity.

Alexander shares his story and perspective with immense insight from transitioning from professional boxer to breakdancer to ballet dancer to being certified by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois - an honor achieved by only 33 individuals.

Alexander and I discuss his work with addict...

"A very very important practice that has to be included in our lives is to not believe our thoughts. Any thought that comes in and makes you unhappy be sure it is untrue."

Wow wow wow! This episode was incredibly delightful to record and edit because it is packed to the brim with knowledge rooted in freedom and can be applied practically without any struggle.

A jewel in my podcast treasure chest and a real privilege to introduce you to Shaarda, a Shashtri Scholar with a PhD in Vedant, a poet, a photographer, a lover...

In this episode, I’m talking to Simon Jalonen, or Nurse Yogi as you might know him.

Simon is a registered nurse, a yoga practitioner and a certified teacher.

Simon is also my partner in freedom and in life and it was such a joy to have his perspective and lived wisdom on a Curious Yogi. He is a Swede of few words, but yes, those words are very carefully selected and wonderful.

Our conversation today is focused on Seva or selfless service, healthcare work and charity. Where do they all intersect with ou...

“Meditation is not for being relaxed or gaining some expertise. It’s for recognizing that space as yourself - then you are not fearful of the beginning or end because you recognize yourself as Pure Free and Forever.”

In this episode, I’m talking to Alka Srivastava, an extraordinarily advanced meditator and total master who has devoted her life to unfolding Self-awareness. Alka is the youngest daughter of Swami Shyam, founder of the International Meditation Institute in the Himalayas of India.

She has been meditating and singing since age three and has spent her life studying...

“If you get rid of what you’re not you suss out what you are. Whatever you’re left with is you. And it’s the same with meditation.”

Another mind-stretching conversation with teacher and spiritual friend Stewart Gilchrist. We recorded this in Rishikesh during Stew's retreat and it is such a joy and privilege to share it with you.

We cover a lot of terrain in this packed episode. Here’s a peek:

➖ Hinduism and Hindutvas

➖Santana Dharma or the Eternal Truth and understanding the ancient aspects of yoga

➖Why people do...

"It's the daily practice of meditation without expectation. It's not a wish-fulfilling cow that if you meditate you'll have a great day. It's the practice of placing the identification on that meditation state as who you are."

A loaded, joyful episode filled with satsang and conversation with my dear friend and fellow yogi Anandi Brownstein - a cinematographer and documentary director who shares her lived wisdom with us from a lifetime of meditating and growing up in the Himalayas of India.

We surf on some profound concepts and share each of our unique perspectives. Nandi...

“The empowered person is a role model to all beings.”

This week's guest - is the trailblazing Vedic spiritual teacher Acharya Shunya. With brilliance, generosity and grace, Shunya shares her stories and the Vedic teachings in a totally approachable way. She leaves us with much to take away and apply in a practical yet profound way.

Thanks for listening!

💭 Find the full show notes at bobbipaidel.com/podcast-s3-ep2-acharya-shunya

💭Support the podcast and join monthly satsangs at patreon.com/acuriousyogi

💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review

...

A very special episode recorded live from my living room with some of my best friends and fellow yogis. Join us in the light hearted space of kirtan which is “the dimension of pure love.”

Thanks for listening!

💭 Find the full show notes at bobbipaidel.com/podcast-s3-ep1

💭Support the podcast and join monthly satsangs at patreon.com/acuriousyogipodcast

💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review on Apple podcasts – it really, really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one.

💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instag...

Namaste from India, Curious Yogis!

I’ll be back with new episodes and illuminating conversations every other week beginning April 12th.

Join my Patreon page for early access and perks: patreon.com/acuriousyogipodcast/posts

And if you're looking for Sadhana support right now, come practice with me!

Classes running Fridays and Tuesdays at bobbipaidel.com/yoga-schedule

See you soon, sweet friends, and stay curious. ❤️

in oneness,

Bobbi

Today I’m joined live in Sainj Valley, Himachal Pradesh, with a wonderful teacher, satsangee and great human being who I’m honoured to call my friend - Vijay Shyam. Check out season 1 episode 5 for the first conversation we had on the podcast, where Vijay shares his stories and insights and his meeting with Baba Vivekanand almost 40 years ago.

As Vijay and I adventured for a few days in the Himalayas, we had a special meeting with this very same Baba before we recorded this episode. As we discuss what we’re experiencing and understanding in our own sa...

“Nothing can teach us more about yoga than being in the presence of a yogi.”

Today’s guest is the founder and director of AyurYoga Eco-Ashram Krishna Chaitanya. Having lived and studied in ashrams, seeking the wisdom of Guru's for 12 years, he has been trying to understand what it means to be spiritual from a realistic standpoint and made it his mission to unlearn everything he learned over the years.

In this enlightening conversation, Krish shares his vision of living and studying yoga and spirituality. Here are some of the highlights:

➖08:45 The highest gift is...

“Life as the unfoldment of bliss through the journey of self enquiry - this was the only thing that made sense to me.”

Today’s brilliant conversation is a peek into the lesser-known and profound Avadhoot Gita with a very special yogi, author, musician and teacher, Seegla Vistar Brecher. The Avadhoot Gita of Dattatraya: Song of the Unborn is a deep, meditative exploration of a 9th-century Advaita Vedanta text. Vistar offers her unique vision and interpretation of the Avadhoot and reveals the essence behind our collective, universal journey.

We touch on so much! But here are a...

“Patience, finding your teacher, and a community, a community that is led by a higher goal, led by purpose, by empathy, togetherness - will help you.”

In this episode, I talk to the ever-fresh and brilliant Prasad Rangnekar. Humble and humorous with a way of connecting the listener to the underlying essence of yoga is, with total clarity, Prasad has been teaching and living those teachings of yoga as a scientific system of spirituality for nearly 30 years.

Today, he gives us a broader context to consider when arriving at the practices and study of yoga, as w...

Swamiji's words ring true today; "Saadhaana, or practice, is only relevant when you as your source are united to the Whole, and that is called Yog."

Today I share thoughts on the nature of the mind, resolutions or Sankalp, and how social media can keep us in conflict.

I invite you to contemplate the following in your sadhana;

➖ How does your mind work? Why do you think, feel, act, and relate the way you do?

➖ What might your life look like if your resolution was to simply know, accept and love your...

“There’s no peace until we truly know ourselves; until we know the unchanging being.”

It is a total delight to share the Satsang space with friend, seeker, creator and teacher Sundaram. Originally from Poland, Sundaram has been studying and sharing Advait Vedant (non-dualism) teachings for 15 years. Today, we get into his story, along with the ancient wisdom from stories in Indian scriptures, how to find peace through meditation and satsang, plus so much more!

Some of our highlight moments:

➖19:39 Where we put our attention is everything

➖26:00 The choice we’re all facing a...

“Bring all your attention to the nature of your “I.” Study it, examine it, become doubtless.”

In this episode, I’m talking to my dear friend Devon Pipars, a masterful meditator & teacher with years of experience exploring our topic today of self-inquiry. We share our thoughts and experiences of arriving at a place of wholeness through inquiring deeper through mediation.

Here’s what we discuss:

➖07:56 The big question we ask ourselves is, “Why am I here?”

➖18:07 Divine disillusionment

➖20:40 Who am I as the Self, not as the person?

➖27:24 How to unlear...

This weeks guest is the one and only Ira Trivedi. She shares a little insight into her journey of growing up in a yoga family to travelling the world in private jets to arriving in the yoga space on her own terms.

Here’s a few gems we pack into the conversation;

➖04:50 Shunning rituals and rediscovering yoga

➖11:10 Ira’s quest from material success to a deeper purpose

➖16:05 Finding teachers in books

➖16:19 We are our own best Gurus

➖19:07 As a yogi searching, sometimes you will get lost

➖22:40 Yoga...

How can your life get better with yoga, or how can your yoga get better with your lifestyle?

Today, I touch on 5 non-yoga habits that have skyrocketed my practice and give you some insight into how they might look in your life.

Check out all the shoutouts I mentioned in the episode:

➖ 10-week sadhana and satsang meetup beginning December 5th. Join here: momence.com/s/97481981

➖ Book: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker

➖ If you're inspired to support World AIDS Day please visit: tribeoflambs.com/donate/world-aids-day/

➖ Podcast Episode...

“If we can begin to see that there is a power and deep soul connection to that concept which really rings true in all of our hearts at some level, if we clear away or dust away that baggage that gets in way of that reality that we want freedom. All of us. Spiritual and political. And the only way to get there is justice and equality for all peoples.”

This weeks episode is an important one as I share in deep conversation with

Ned Rosch a certified yoga teacher and social justice activist based out...

“The most profound experiences we can have, or developments we can have, are from visiting our meditation practice regularly.”

Today, I sit down with skilled teacher and sweet soul Virginia Edmond-Kent, whom I met on Lake Atitlan in 2020. Virginia has dedicated a decade to practicing and sharing the transformative power of yoga. She believes in the synergistic potential of combining plant medicine with yoga to heal trauma and promote personal growth. Her teachings encourage free thinking and transcendence of our current reality, empowering students to explore their inner landscapes and expand their consciousness.

We get into...

“There’s always someone looking for help, whether we notice it or not. I think that we don’t need to create a reality separate from the actual reality.”

Such a meaningful conversation today with Tejal Patel, a first-generation Indian American yoga teacher, writer, podcaster, and community organizer. Tejal aims to educate and empower individuals and groups worldwide to practice yoga holistically and through a social justice equity lens.

Touchpoints;

➖ 14:10 Yoga is not a gift given to the world, it’s a relationship

➖23:31 Cultural appropriation vs appreciation

➖32:51 Social justice and yoga are int...

“You’re Free! Freedom has nothing to do with being free or not free, freedom, in this sense, is the essence, the fabric, the substrata, the fibre of everything. Freedom alone is.”

Today I share an elevated and joyful conversation with Kevin Hewitt. Master meditator, teacher and friend, Kevin has been living and teaching the principles of meditation for over 40 years. We dive into the connection of life, the big questions many of us curious yogis ask, and how to get beyond the fear of death we all share. He even offers us the chance to put what h...

“I know it is possible to get through the darkest times. To overcome suffering. There is always an ember to ignite.”

*Trigger warning: this episode mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is suffering from mental health and concerned with suicidal ideations, please know that help is available to you. Here are resources in Canada;

Talksuicide.ca Suicideprevention.ca Wellnesstogether.ca Mentalhealthcommission.ca

Today I’m joined by teacher and friend Ryan Leier, a globally known Yoga ambassador, leader of One Yoga community, founder of the non-profit initiative “Vinyasa Yoga for the Youth” a...