Shows
JivaChaiChatDuncan Wong (part 1)This episode has been a long time coming, and it was worth the wait. Some people have stories...Duncan has EPICS! Seriously, one of the most fabulous guys around. In this episode, Sensi Wong opens up about his childhood, his early days in the San Francisco yoga scene, meeting Sharon and David, the importance of adjustments, meeting Shri Brahmananda, traveling to Mysore, how to annoy Madonna in the shala, and following your own path. Follow Duncan on Instagram In Japan, he teaches at Form Yoga Studio Kyoto More about...
2025-12-2149 min
JivaChaiChatClare NichollsClare’s interest in yoga was ignited as a child when she was introduced to the Mahabharata; she fell in love with the stories and the philosophies woven throughout. Since 2001, Clare has practiced asana and views the physical practice as a way to undo the habits we hold in our bodies and release the past, creating space for the future.Clare began teaching in 2005 with a British Wheel of Yoga Diploma. In 2011, she qualified to teach Jivamukti Yoga and became advanced certified in 2017. In 2014 and 2015, Clare travelled around India, experiencing many sites of pilgrimage and int...
2025-11-2457 min
JivaChaiChatPeter RizzoPeter Rizzo is a yogi's yogi (a real one, as the kids would say.)Residing in Vermont, Peter’s teachings and lifestyle are deeply rooted in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the vinyasa principles he learned from Sharon Gannon and David Life.He offers private lessons and small group classes, both in-person and online. Treat yourself to an "old school vinyasa class," as Peter likes to call them, by reaching out to schedule a session. Peter takes pride in making the wisdom of yoga both approachable and affordable for his students.
2025-11-1140 min
JivaChaiChatMark StevensMild technical issues during this interview. Please accept my apologies that I wasn't able to smooth out all the rough edges; however, the lessons that Mark gives are worth the minor inconveniences.Mark Stevens started practising Yoga at art school in 1986 after a career in motorcycle road racing, which left him with a body badly in need of rehabilitation! After leaving art school, he worked as an artist for many years, sustaining a regular yoga practice and studying in the Sivananda and Iyengar traditions. Gradually, the medium shifted from painting to yoga. Mark has...
2025-10-181h 01
JivaChaiChatCatherine MirandaOriginally from Woodstock, NY, Catherine has been teaching yoga since 2017 after completing the 300-hour Jivamukti training in India, followed by an additional 500-hour apprenticeship with senior teacher Jules Febre. Catherine taught at Jivamukti NYC before its closing in 2019 and has since co-led two yoga teacher trainings and taught in large and small studios around the country. Catherine is also a licensed occupational therapist and enjoys integrating both bodies of knowledge into her classes, making yoga fun, accessible, and meaningful for all interested! Catherine is honored to pass down the dynamic and inspiring method that her te...
2025-10-1440 min
JivaChaiChatSchalk ViljoenSchalk started practicing yoga in 2000 after moving from South Africa to Germany. His practice deepened immensely once he discovered Jivamukti Yoga in New York in 2007. He completed the Jivamukti Teachers Training in 2011 with Sharon Gannon, David Life, and Lady Ruth—a life-transforming experience.He is an 800-hour Advanced Certified Jivamukti Yoga teacher, having completed his apprenticeship in London with Emma Henry (his remover of gu).Schalk teaches in Darmstadt and Basel.Practice with Schalk and the 3 devas in SalentoEarth Child ProjectSome of hi...
2025-09-2551 min
JivaChaiChatLuis ValentineLuis is an Advanced Certified Jivamukti yoga teacher. He trained with the method's founders, Gannon and David Life, in New York and later received his Advanced Certification from Ruth Lauer Manenti in Munich. Luis trained as an actor and singer in London and started practicing yoga in 2007 while at drama school to support his body through movement and dance training. However, the effect on the mind really drew him to Yoga. It has supported Luis on so many levels that he feels a responsibility to share, leading him to the practice. It initially inspired and continues to...
2025-09-0950 min
JivaChaiChatKatchie AnandaKatchie Ananda has been with Jivamukti since its early days. Originally a student, she became a teacher at the 2nd Avenue Center after Shyamdas encouraged Sharon to hire her. Katchie has lived in Switzerland, Brazil, New York City, San Francisco, and now resides in South Dakota with her husband, Joshua, and their dog, Naya.Katchie is certified in Anusara, Jivamukti, and Integral Yoga, and she has two certifications for completion in Ashtanga Yoga Training with Richard Freeman. In addition to her yoga background, she was trained in Theravadan Buddhism by Jack Kornfield and co-founded...
2025-08-231h 05
JivaChaiChatAmanda Van KesselShe's friendly, she's from the Midwest, and she wants her students to get closer to God. What's not to like? Come into the Chai Shop and get to know Amanda van Kessel. Amanda first heard the phrase, “yoga is politics and politics is yoga” from Seane Corn in 2016. Since then, through a series of *random* events, yoga became her organizing principle, a non-negotiable and constant source of guidance and joy.Amanda Is 300hr certified Jivamukti Yoga Teacher and continues to deepen her understanding of the Jivamukti Yoga Method under the guidance of her teacher and Souk...
2025-08-0143 min
JivaChaiChatYogesvara / Joshua M. GreeneYogesvara / Joshua M. Greene is a treasure to the Jivamukti Community. At age twenty, Joshua was initiated as Yogesvara dasa by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. In 1982, after living thirteen years in ashrams of India and Europe, Yogesvara returned to New York and started a career in film, producing children’s programs for The Disney Channel and PBS. In 1995, he became Director of Programming for Cablevision, the nation’s sixth largest cable television provider. From 1999 to 2002 he served as Senior Vice President at Rude...
2025-07-1651 min
Not Just ĀsanaARRIVAL FALLACY: do have to, or do you get to?EPISODE 14
Inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, Keith introduces the concept of “arrival fallacy” and the pair discuss many topics including how to turn daily tasks holy, reframing I “have” to, to I “get” to and the sacred act of drinking fancy water. Instead of trying to figure out what our “purpose” focus is shifted to doing every-day things purposefully. We get a look into Sandy’s pantry (aka neurodivergence) and remember to ultimately do our best and let Krishna do the rest.
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Keith's studio in Penrith, Bija Yoga. Contact Keith for info on teacher trainin...
2025-07-0938 min
JivaChaiChatAndrea BoydAndrea is a sincere and benevolent teacher, who is a grounding presence, fierce, intuitive, and sweet. Her classes are challenging, musical, and creative, with an emphasis on slow, deep, and equal breathing, and teachings grounded in life experience and yoga philosophy. The seamless sequencing of her classes is fluid and reflects her knowledge of the body and rhythm through many years of dance and asana.Andrea has been a guest teacher at yoga centers all over the world, including: Indonesia, Russia, Germany, South Africa, Australia, Czechoslovakia, Italy, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, England, France, Israel, Turkey, Mexico, and Costa...
2025-06-221h 00
JivaChaiChatTim BishTim is a health and wellness professional with over 25 years of experience, Tim helps people live their happiest lives by working with them to be their healthiest. Tim brings his unique sensitivity and energetic balance to the Embodied Masculine community, with experience across a wide range of men’s work modalities – including group facilitation, 1-on-1 coaching, breathwork, embodiment, asana, visualization, and healing touch. Tim is an alumni of the MI-IR program and a Certified Embodied Masculine Facilitator (C.EMF) after completing Amir’s first Facilitator Training Program. Initially he trained as a professional dancer and had a successful career on Bro...
2025-06-1846 min
JivaChaiChatKiKi FlynnKiki Flynn began her yoga studies in 1983 as a student in theater and dance at New York University. Living in Downtown New York as a young theater artist, she soon studied, and then taught at Jivamukti Yoga. In 1993, she first studied AshtangaYoga with Pattabhi Jois in his ground breaking classes in NYC. In 1995 she began the first of more than a dozen visits to Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India to study with Jois. Under the directive of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, she pursued Sanskrit chanting and in 1998 began her studies with Dr. M.A. Jayashree. Kiki has...
2025-06-141h 07
JivaChaiChatMarni TaskMarni is a delight. Join us in the chai shop and find out why. We talk about old school Jivamukti, offering veganism in a graceful way, David and Sharon, and sticking to yoga when you're at a crossroad in life. More Marni hereFollow Marni on Instagram
2025-05-2649 min
JivaChaiChatMoritzThe one and only Moritz. Follow Moritz on Instagram. Take a class at his (and his husband's) studio => Peace Yoga Berlin Jivamukti Yoga Studio Moritz on SpotifyMoritz Ulrich is the Co-Director of Peace Yoga Berlin – Jivamukti Yoga School, an Advanced certified Jivamukti Yoga Teacher, and a Medical Doctor. After having practiced almost daily for several years, studying with different teachers from all Yoga traditions, Moritz decided to start teaching Yoga. This was over 10 years ago. While studying at Berlin Music College he was enthusiastic to share his knowledge. After visiting th...
2025-05-2341 min
JivaChaiChatNick CombsNick joins Chris in the Chai Shop where they talk about introducing Jivamukti Yoga into an established studio, the challenges of owning a business, and the joys of studentship. Nick co-owns M3Yoga with his adorable husband Nick. M3Yoga will be hosting the Spiritual Warrior Training in October => more info hereFollow Nick on Instagram More about Nick - Nick hails from the DC metro area where he has lived most of his life, though Nick’s family is largely from Athens, GA...
2025-04-1841 min
JivaChaiChatPurnima Maria LangenFollow Purnima on Instagram Purnima Maria Langen is an Island Girl from Hawaii who moved to the Island of NYC, where she discovered her passion and path in life as a Jivamukti Yoga Teacher. She became inspired to become a Jivamukti Yoga teacher after taking classes at Gold’s Gym with Sandhi Gayatri Ferreira. Her focus and devotion to the discipline of Kung Fu helped her transition to the discipline and study of Yoga. In 2007 she was certified at the 300 Hour level under the Co Founders of Jivamukti Yoga, Sharon Gannon and David Life. In 2009...
2025-04-1643 min
JivaChaiChatKatie RoseKatie Rose is an advanced-level Jivamukti Yoga Teacher with the highest possible accreditations with Yoga Alliance and Yoga Australia and has taught yoga for over twenty years. Katie is a published author of several books (her newest Trust Life, Trust Yourself, Find Peace can be found here). Follow Katie Rose on Instagram Katie's website => bhaktirose.com.au
2025-04-1353 min
JivaChaiChatRima RabbathRima Rabbath has had an incredible journey! Visit the Chai Shop to hear about her transformation from Professional Tennis Player to MBA Student, Fancy Business Woman, Jivamukti Teacher, and current incarnation as Souk Studio Co-Owner.Get to Souk (they offer online classes as well) Rima's website => soukofrima.comFollow Rima on Instagram & Spotify
2025-04-1053 min
JivaChaiChatFOTM April '25 Candida VivaldaApril 2025 FOTM => The Jewel in the Heart of the Lotus FOTM April 2025 Playlist by Candida More on Candida => candidavivalda.comFollow Candida on Instagram
2025-04-0832 min
JivaChaiChatJamie LoganHer name is Jamie Logan and she is an animal advocate, YouTuber, filmmaker, yogi, content creator and podcast host. She is based in NYC and makes videos that get people thinking— Some call it ruining lives and pushing her agenda but she is committed to sharing an obvious truth that most people tend to ignore.Follow Jamie on Instagram Jamie has a lot of offerings => click here to find out moreDocumentaries: EarthlingsDominionCowspiracyWhat The Health The Animals Film
2025-04-0250 min
JivaChaiChatMayela Gonzalez Jivamukti Yoga TijuanaMayela Gonzalez (who's incidentally a former DJ) is influenced by her love of music, mantra, and Eastern Philosophy. Mayela sits down with Chris as they talk about the obstacles and inspiration she encountered as yoga transformed her from a stressed out designer into a studio owner. note: after the interview Mayela-ji remembered the name of the artist who gave the concert at Woodstock => Paul McMahon
2025-03-2843 min
JivaChaiChatFOTM March '25 Frances VicenteFrances Vicente's webpage Frances Vicente reads her heartfelt FOM for March.
2025-03-2529 min
JivaChaiChatJoan Ivars RibesJoan Ivars Ribes is the original Spanish Sweetheart with pointed toes. He promotes yoga as a means for personal and social transformation. Along with a disciplined approach to his yogic practices, he is dedicated to serving others with a empathetic heart. Listen to our conversation to discover why Chris gave him the nickname Hanuman after the interview concluded.Some non-yogic background on Joan: he began his dance training at the Institut del Teatre in Barcelona, then studied at the School of American Ballet in New York from 2015 to 2017 and finally graduated from the Palucca University of Dance i...
2025-03-2045 min
JivaChaiChatCassandra RigneyThe Jivamukti Sequence Sorceress, Ms. Cassandra Rigney, joins us at the Chai Shop today. Listen in to find out why Chris nicknamed her the Jivamukti Witch after the interview. Cassandra loves cats, vegan ice cream, and Howard Stern (yes, we talk about him). Not only is she a plant-powered yogini, but she is also a real-life nurse. After listening to Cassandra, you'll want to join her coven.
2025-03-1849 min
JivaChaiChatCasey GramagliaHe's a family man, a teacher, a yogi, a Buddhist practitioner, and Thailands biggest cheerleader. If life were a series of competitions to identify who has lived the coolest life, we would all be runners-up to the one and only Casey Gramaglia. Words of My Perfect Teacher by: Patrul RinpocheA Guide to the Words of My Perfect Teacher by: Khenpo Ngawang PelzangThe Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep by: Tenzin Wangyal RinpocheThe Way of the Bodhisattva by ShantidevaThe Tibetan Book of Living and Dyin...
2025-03-0755 min
JivaChaiChatElizabeth (VV) TobierVV, affectionately shortened from Viveka, was initially a student at Jivamukti Yoga and later began working at the studio. Her first class was with David Life, and she had the fortunate opportunity to attend satsang with Shyamdas, Bhagavan Das, and Krishna Das. Grab a seat at the chai shop and join VV as she shares her oral history of Jivamukti Yoga.Learn about Joe Frank
2025-03-0548 min
JivaChaiChatKeith KempisKeith was born in the year of the Rabbit. Though introduced to the devotional practices of yoga early in life, he began practicing yoga asana as a way to deal with adolescence.Throughout his career as a musician (including a long time gig as house pianist and musical director at legendary jazz venue, side-on cafe; and playing the Rhapsody in Blue for six pianos at the Gershwin Centenary) and dancer (favorite roles include Prince Rama in the Ramayana and The King in The Firebird) he felt creatively satisfied yet somehow spiritually hungry. It was Casey Gramaglia who...
2025-02-281h 01
JivaChaiChatHelene HarresHelene came into contact with yoga for the first time at the age of 18, first through philosophy, later also through physical practice. In 2016 she completed her 200h Vinyasa training and expanded her knowledge in 2020 with a 300h Jivamukti training. She is currently in the prerequisite phase of the 800h Apprenticeship. In April 2024 she founded Jivamukti Yoga Düsseldorf as co-founder.“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.”Hearts of Fire Jivamukti Yoga Retreat (Aug 2...
2025-02-2638 min
JivaChaiChatHaChi YuHaChi Yu, Director. Jivamukti Yoga Collective NYC.Bhakti Yoga Shala (good folks 2 donate 2) Jiva Liberated Inc. HaChi Yu is an Advanced Certified Jivamukti Yoga teacher and founder/director of Jivamukti Yoga Collective – New York. She is also the founder of Prana Productions LLC,/The Prana Life and was the owner and founder of Jivamukti Yoga LaLaLå! building the first Jivamukti Yoga School on the west coast. (which sadly closed in 2020 due to the global pandemic). HaChi was born and raised on the Lower East Side of NYC, and has trave...
2025-02-221h 02
JivaChaiChatCory Bryant, PhD, ERYT-500Follow Cory on IG: @coryyoga — @the_spiritual_pilgrimHis website - thespiritualpilgrim.comHis studio - Yoga Shala NashvilleCory Bryant is the Founder of Yoga Shala Nashville and The Spiritual Pilgrim, which offers pilgrimages to Nepal, India, and Bhutan. His journey into yoga began at Jivamukti Yoga School in New York City, shortly after 9/11 in 2001, and has been on a profound and continuous path ever since. Cory has been teaching yoga since 2008 when he was certified to teach Jivamukti.A dedicated practitioner, Cory has devoted much of the past decade to ex...
2025-02-2056 min
JivaChaiChatDexter in IndiaDexter is back in the chai cafe and he has stories about India and shares information his upcoming tour with Sharon Gannon and Jamie Logan .
More information about the tour can be found here
Check out PETA India
Curious about his friend Jamie? More info about her can be found here
2025-02-0226 min
JivaChaiChatSandy KingSandy was a seeker, a student, then a teacher; and the Jivamukti Community is richer for it. Check out Sandy's online offerings or their amazing playlists on Spotify.
2025-01-301h 06
JivaChaiChatAdrienne BurkeShe took classes with Sharon in a gym.
She was there on Second Avenue.
She was in the first graduating class of Jivamukti Yoga Teachers.
She is the one and only Adrienne Burke.
Classes with Adrienne are at Souk
Follow Adrienne on Instagram
2025-01-2345 min
JivaChaiChatYogeswariYogeswari. For those who know, know. Come to the JivaChaiChat Cafe and listen to Yogeswari share her journey of becoming a yoga teacher, her experiences studying under Saraswathi Jois, and the story behind her name.
Link to the song Yogeswari refers to => beGun by Salia Sahi
Yogeswari still teaches two online classes a week => yogeswari.org
AZAHAR Foundation
2024-12-211h 13
JivaChaiChatJuan SierraHave you ever talked to a person and thought, "Wow, I wish they lived on my street so I could invite them for chai and vegan cookies on the regular?" Well, that's what the conversation with Juan was like. Intuitive and humble are words that come to mind when one thinks of Juan. Check out our conversation as we wait for the waitress.
More info on Juan => wildchildyogaretreats.com
Follow Juan on Instagram
Practice with Juan (starting in January '25) => yogaloft.lu
2024-12-1234 min
JivaChaiChatJai SugrimDo yourself a favor and try the Fibonacci Sequence
Jai on Instagram
Jai Yoga Shala on Instagram
Jai's Yoga Shala => jaiyogashala.com
The Art of Aging Mindfully => theartofagingmindfully.com
2024-12-111h 00
JivaChaiChatJutta Ariane Mele-MauerBhakti in practice = Jutta
Jivamukti Rome
Jivamukti Rome on Instagram
Jutta Ariane Mele-Mauer website => here or on Instagram
Benedetta Genuardi on Instagram
Chiara Intorcia on Instagram
Giulia Salvi on Instagram
2024-11-2145 min
JivaChaiChatKatya GrinevaKatya Grineva has a remarkable story to tell. She is a Jivamukti practitioner, concert pianist (like for real), and kind human being. I am honored she agreed to share a cup of chai with me.
Katya's Charity => click here
More info about Katya => http://katyagrineva.com
2024-11-1731 min
JivaChaiChatAndrea KwiatkowskiAndrea is lovely, listen to her and find out why.
Jivamukti Yoga Cambridge can be found here
Andrea can be found on Instagram here
Jivamukti Yoga Cambridge can be found on Instagram here
Andrea's playlist can be found here
2024-11-0245 min
2024-10-1825 min
JivaChaiChatNathalie WahlbergAdvanced Certified Jivamkuti Teacher Nathalie Wahlberg
More of her offerings can be found here.
Join her for class at Jivamukti Yoga Barcelona
2024-10-0943 min
JivaChaiChatCorinne GervaiJoin Jivamukti Teacher (spiritual goddess?) Corinne Gervai and Chris at the Chai Shop.
More info on Corinne's Studio
More info on Omega
More info on Agatha All Along (yes we, well I, talk about it)
2024-09-2545 min
2024-09-201h 04
JivaChaiChatJulie KirkpatrickInstagram for Julie @juliefrancie11
Julie on Facebook on Facebook @ Julie.Kirkpatrick.58
2024-09-0657 min
JivaChaiChatCarla Ollarhinebeckyogacenter.com
Jivamukti Yoga Retreat
Carla Olla Curated Jivamukti Playlist - Spotify
Carla Olla Curated Jivamukti Playlist - iTunes
Shyamdas
2024-08-2738 min
JivaChaiChatFrances VicenteFrances on Instagram - @jivafrances
Frances on the web - francesvicente.com
The Textbook of Yoga Psychology
Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie
The Best Vegan Chocolate Cake
2024-08-2241 min
JivaChaiChatJessica SticklerShe's been in the game for a while now - a real pro you might say.
More about Jessica - yogastickler.com
Jessica's Spotify Playlists
Here is the edition of the Yoga Sutra that Jessica referred to - Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: An Analysis of the Sanskrit with Accompanying English Translation by Christopher Chapple and Yogi Ananda Viraj
Jessica's Podcast
2024-08-0745 min
JivaChaiChatDavid YuGrab some chai and get to know the thoughtful and insightful David Yu.
Yoga Teachers:
Dharma Mittra
Anja Kuehnel
Guy Donahaye
Eddie Stern
Musicians:
Anna von Hausswolff
Beyoncé
Photo Credit: Richard Pilnick, @yogaphotographer, www.yogaphotographer.com, www.richardpilnick.com
2024-07-2946 min
JivaChaiChatKatherine FreelandCome grab a seat at the chai shop and listen to this heartfelt conversation with Katherine Freeland!
https://www.katherinefreeland.com
Info for Katherine in Bali
https://www.katherinefreeland.com/bali2025
Katherine's Playlist
On Spotify
or
Tidal
2024-07-2250 min