The Sivana Podcast

Learn how self-compassion can radically transform your life with the world’s leading expert on self-compassion research. Dr. Kristin Neff teaches us the three main elements of self-compassion - mindfulness, common humanity and self-kindness – and how to apply them in challenging situations. We’ll learn how to relate to moments of struggle in order to thrive and achieve more.

Learn how to step into your courage and connect with your Shakti energy in this powerful conversation with Master Yogini, Shiva Rea. In this conversation, Shiva Rea shares with us her personal evolution from the structure of Ashtanga yoga, to listening to the call of her own “sway” to found her own style: Prana Vinyasa Yoga.

In this episode, author Brian Leaf provides us with insight on how to power our personal practice through 108 prompts that are part of his most recent book. We learn about how he used the tools of yoga and ayurevda to overcome both ulcerative colitis and ADD, as well as a major Vata dosha imbalance. We also ask – who is the teacher? And how can we trust them to appear?

Who among us has not been paralyzed by fear? In this episode, award-winning journalist Jaimal Yogis explains why fear so often dominates our lives, what makes it tick, and how we can use fear to our advantage. He shares with us his experiences living in a monastery, overcoming heartbreak, and how we all can emerge triumphant from even the most paralyzing of fear, sadness and loss. Learn how fear evolved in the human brain, how to use the latest neuroscience to transform fear memories.

Did you know your mental and physical Ayurvedic dosha might not be the same? In this episode, Ayurvedic expert Sahara Rose reviews the basic principles of Ayurveda for those of you whom are new to this science. Next, she explains why your dosha may be different in your body and your mind, and why this has so many people confused about their dosha. Through this mind-body unique approach, Sahara has helped her clients overcome major health challenges and personal obstacles.

Think you know all there is to know about yogic breathing? Think again! In this episode, Lucas Rockwood challenges us to redefine yogic breathing into “water, whiskey or coffee.” Learn practical hacks like how to “check” your nostrils to know if it’s a good time to work, eat, or exercise. Discover how you can manipulate your breath to wake up and fall asleep. Lucas also shares with us why C02, not oxygen, is what we need to focus on and understand when analyzing our breath.

All of us have character traits or emotions like greed, envy or fear, that we wish we could change. In today’s episode, we embrace the beauty of the darker aspects of our personality. Instead of suppressing these emotions, learn how a technique called Shadow Work can enlighten us by focusing on these darker aspects of ourselves. Join us for this conversation is Kassandra Reinhardt, one of the world’s leading Yin Yoga instructors online with over 4 million views on Youtube.

We all want to take our yoga practice beyond the mat, but what does that practically look like? In this conversation with Sivana’s new podcast host, Brett Larkin, you’ll learn how to personalize your practice by “dating” multiple yoga styles, how to create a daily ritual combining yoga, journaling and meditation, and simple tips to integrate yoga philosophy into the mundane moments of daily living.

Plant medicine is playing a larger and larger role in the west, but what does that mean? What do we see happening in the community? What are the effects on indigenous cultures that are happening? Join us as we discuss how plant medicine plays an increasingly pivotal role in the world, and all the benefits and dangers they bring.

What does it mean to be a man? Or a woman? And how do we bridge these feminine and masculine energies in order to find deeper levels of harmony? Wes Parrish is a clarity junkie, spiritual warrior, and meditation guide. With a long history of being a digital art director (creating cultural movements, branding, and social media marketing), he has an even longer history of blending the universal aspects of Buddhism, Toltec wisdom, warrior mindset, and A Course in Miracles.

What does it mean to fully embrace our inner sacred feminine and masculine? How do we discover our own personal strengths? Johnny Blackburn is a professional coach, speaker & facilitator who empowers clients, organizations and audiences to discover and then live from their deeper Presence. Residing in San Diego, CA, he is a highly respected authority on human embodiment and professional performance.

Have you ever experienced having all your dreams come true, only to find they weren’t all that fulfilling? Many people have through history. So what’s the answer? Join us as we explore this important topic with Tricia Huffman. As soon Tricia found out her father had passed, she had an overwhelming urge to do more with her life. She wanted everyone, everywhere, to love the life they are leading, no matter what they are doing and no matter where they are.

Join us as we dive into using yoga and meditation as a tool to unwind trauma and intense emotional distress. Our two guests are as impressive as they are compassionate in their approach to this important topic.

Why is it that people speak differently when they’re dying? Lisa Smartt’s father had always been a skeptical and rationalist person. But three days before dying, her father announced, "The angels say only three days left now." He spoke of a "green dimension" and his room crowded with people who were unseen. He also spoke in a poetic and metaphoric language, describing the big art show that was approaching and the boxes he had to carry for his ceramicist wife of 54 years.

What exactly are the chemical reactions in the brain that occur during spiritual experiences? What do they do to us, and can they be isolated? This fascinating topic of discussion is talked about at length in this podcast with Dr. Rick Strassman. Dr. Rick Strassman is a board certified psychiatrist at the New Mexico School of Medicine, where he teaches.