Yoga Matters Podcast
Join an experienced yoga teacher and her skeptical yet curious husband as they explore the fascinating world of yoga philosophy and principles. This lighthearted yet deeply insightful podcast bridges ancient wisdom with modern life, through playful banter, relatable stories, and thought-provoking discussions. Emma and Andy aim to tackle a wide range of life affecting topics as well as the deeper meaning behind yoga — all while keeping it fun, engaging, and accessible for everyone, skeptics included! Perfect for couples looking to connect, learn, and laugh together.
Episodes
32 episodes
031 The Benefits of Yoga
Maybe we should have started with this subject - rather than waiting until episode 31 before covering it! But we decided that it was about time we went back to basics and discussed the ways in which yoga can benefit you from both a physical and...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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42:52
030 Pranayama (Breath & Energy)
This podcast episode is all about Pranayama (breathing and energy). Now, we know what you are thinking: "I know how to breathe - I've been doing it all my life!" But you'd be amazed how we underestimate its true (hidden) strength. So we take a ...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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47:06
029 Karma
Most people think they understand the concept of Karma, however, it might actually be far more wide reaching and varied than you first thought. There are a number of different aspects to Karma, including that it is neither good nor bad. In this...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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42:30
028 No, Yes, Wow
In this episode we have fun discussing the concept of 'no, yes, wow': i.e. saying 'no' less often, 'yes' more often and 'wow' as frequently as possible. All taking into account when it is appropriate to do so for your own well-being. We know th...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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33:17
027 Andy's journey to yoga
This episode takes a slightly different approach to our norm... instead we discuss Andy's rather convoluted journey to finding yoga. We chat about the impact that a near-death experience had on him (due to necrotising fasciitis) as well as the ...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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40:40
026 Asana (yoga postures)
Asana is the Sanskrit word for postures, and refers to all aspects of physical yoga - usually carried out on a yoga mat. We discuss this aspect of yoga - which the majority of the Western world often mistakenly believes is the main, if not only...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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34:12
025 Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender) - Niyama 5
This discussion is about surrendering yourself, in Sanskrit: Ishvara Pranidhana. It is the final, and arguably, the most important of the 5 Niyamas. Our discussion describes what yoga principles mean by the term 'surrender' and how this can imp...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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31:58
024 Svadhyaya (Self Study) - Niyama 4
Here we discuss Svadhyaya - the process of self-study and self improvement. This is a really key aspect that truly seems to encompass all aspects of yoga in its comprehensive form - which is to continue to learn and improve yourself as a human ...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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34:27
023 Tapas (Self-Discipline) - Niyama 3
In this episode we discuss the third of the 5 Niyamas, Tapas, which can be translated as Self-Discipline. This is much more than just forcing yourself to go to the gym once in a while, and can be a major factor to all aspects of drive and deter...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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27:07
022 Santosha (Contentment) - Niyama 2
In this episode we talk about contentment, which is the second niyama, Santosha. An arguably hugely under appreciated value that can have profound effects on our wellbeing and happiness.
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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30:26
021 Saucha (Purity) - Niyama 1
In this episode we start to discuss the 5 Niyamas - which are also known as 'positive duties' or 'observances', and are a set of self-disciplinary practices that complement the previously discussed Yamas (which are ethical / social restraints)....
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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39:45
020 Karuna (Compassion)
In this episode we discuss Karuna - which is translated as compassion. And you can witness Andy actually learning something during this recording! He has a small epiphany on the subject of compassion and genuinely comes to a new realisation he ...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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40:25
019 The Challenges of Learning Yoga Philosophy
Learning about yoga philosophy is incredibly rewarding, positively life affecting and beneficial to all. But it is not always as easy as it arguably could or should be. In this episode Andy and Emma discuss the challenges of learning about the ...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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33:23
018 Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness) - Yama 5
In this episode Emma and Andy discuss the 5th and final Yama - Aparigraha, which means non-possessiveness, or to put it in a more positive light: 'letting things go'. It's a really important Yama, and one that can have profound effe...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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34:12
017 Brahmacharya (Non-excess) - Yama 4
Brahmacharya is the 4th Yama in the 5 Yamas that make up the first limb of the 8 limbs of yoga. The Yamas are the ethical restraints all humans should be practicing according to yoga principles. Brahmacharya means non-excess, or moderation, or ...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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36:37
016 Asteya (Non-stealing) - Yama 3
In this episode we discuss Asteya, or non-stealing (occasionally also referred to as generosity). Asteya is the third of the 5 Yamas, which make up the first limb of the 8 limbs of yoga. And as with previous Yamas, the subject matter is not as ...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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29:53
015 Satya (Truthfulness) - Yama 2
In this episode we discuss Satya, or truthfulness. Satya is the second of the 5 Yamas, which make up the first limb of the 8 limbs of yoga. And it's not as straight forward as you might think. It's not just about not lying or being dishonest......
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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35:59
014 Ahimsa (Non-Harming / Kindness) - Yama 1
In this week's episode, we discuss the first of the 5 Yamas, which form the first limb of the 8 limbs of yoga:- The first Yama is the fundamentally important topic of Ahimsa, which can be translated as non-harming, or kindness, or consideration...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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39:37
013 Reincarnation - Scientific fact?
We had a lot of fun discussing and debating the topic of reincarnation! We go through some of the scientific facts behind the subject, alongside the related yoga principles and other belief systems regarding the emotive subject, in an attempt t...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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30:24
PROMO CLIP - a 4 minute sample of one of our podcasts (013 Reincarnation)
This is a 4 minute sample of one of our podcasts. Hopefully it will give you a feel for the kind of conversations we have and the way we try to tackle yoga philosophy. Our aim is to try to have light-hearted but informed discussions based on ou...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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4:00
012 Yoga and Eating Disorder Recovery
In this episode we talk about the profound effects yoga had on Emma's recovery from her eating disorder, and how this can translate to other people who are experiencing disordered eating or a poor relationship with body self-image. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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43:50
011 Yoga is for Men Too!
Yoga is definitely for men too! We really want to get across just how beneficial it is for everyone - especially middle aged men, to help them deal with the effects of aging - which affects the flexibility of both their muscles and their ...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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27:36
010 The 7 Chakras
In this episode we introduce the subject of the 7 Chakras - which are our body's energy centres positioned along the spine. The word "chakra" comes from the Sanskrit word for "wheel" or "disk", which is why the Chakras are often depicted as col...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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40:11
009 The Meaning of Guru
Emma and Andy discuss the meaning of the word Guru, from its dictionary definition to its truest yogic sense. We debate the concept of the inner guru and the potential benefits people can get from initiating this kind of thinking. It's an enlig...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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33:47
008 The Serene Lake Analogy
Andy and Emma discuss this very useful analogy, which helps people to picture how external influences affect their attitude and perception. By understanding the Serene Lake concept, a person can be better able to understand how best to manage t...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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29:00