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
25 episodes
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
007 The 5 Kleshas
In this episode Emma and Andy talk about the principles of the Kleshas - the 5 main causes of human suffering. Often illustrated as a tree trunk and 4 branches, Emma talks Andy through the details of this useful construct whilst also introducin...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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30:47
006 The Pros and Cons of Yoga Retreats
There are many pros to going on a yoga retreat, but we try to balance this by delivering the cons too! Having both experienced and run yoga retreats, Emma and Andy discuss the benefits, costs and drawbacks, as well as touching on how to establi...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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27:36
005 Different Types of Yoga
In this episode Emma and Andy discuss the many types of yoga that exist today. Some of the variations they have experienced first hand, some they would like to and others they have no desire to try! This episode could enlighten you to various t...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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42:09
004 The 5 Koshas
A discussion between Emma and Andy on the principle of the 5 Koshas - otherwise know as the 'sheaths of existence' or the 'layers of being'. Here we chat about the 5 Koshas - where Emma explains the meanings and principles behind these differen...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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30:59
003 The Meaning of Namaste, Yogi, Bogi...
In this episode we discuss the full meaning of Namaste and why some yoga teachers choose to use this term during their classes and some don't. We also discuss the true meaning of yogi, a term often used incorrectly in the western world, along w...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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19:35
002 Intro to the 8 Limbs of Yoga
In this episode Andy and Emma discuss the 8 Limbs of Yoga - the overall construct of full yoga practice, designed to offer guidance on living a healthy and balanced life. The ancient philosophy, dating back thousands of years, details the impor...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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36:36
001 Intro to the Yoga Matters Podcast
In this episode we introduce ourselves, provide a bit of background regarding our own yoga journeys and discuss what it is we hope to achieve with this Yoga Matters podcast series:- i.e. to discuss yoga principles from 2 different angles - a Fe...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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24:59