Peter's Podcast
184 episodes - English - Latest episode: 22 days ago - ★★★★★ - 44 ratingsConversations with yoga master Peter Ferko about real yoga, actual happiness, and deep living.
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Episodes
May You Flower this Spring!
April 05, 2024 13:36 - 1 hour - 58.7 MBToday we head to meditation class for Shakti Chalani, a beautiful practice that traditionally uses the image of a snake to represent kundalini shakti — the movement from the earthbound to the transcendent perspective. Alan Finger taught us a form of this alternative, which uses a sprouting flower. I think it's a perfect image for Spring. Enjoy the 10-minute introductory dharma talk and the meditation, too, when you have a chance. You can join me live, in person or online, at ISHTA Yoga. ...
Ups, Downs, Cycles: a Meditation
March 18, 2024 16:26 - 1 hour - 59 MBJoin me in class for a meditation on the cycles of life.
Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, and Taylor Swift
February 10, 2024 23:56 - 1 hour - 59.5 MBWe're off to class for a talk and a meditation on the granthis, with a nod to Tay Tay.
Happy New Perspective! with Wendy Newton
January 05, 2024 16:42 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBWendy and I share some insights from our New Year's special class on drishti and perspective. I mention a podcast episode and quote Dr. Mark Leary. The podcast is Finding Mastery 12/27/2023 . Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Thank you! You can take class and workshops with Peter. Find the full list of links here. You can find Wendy at ISHTA Yoga and Ascend Center in Cold Spring.
Ayurveda and Yoga with Naomi Edwards
November 28, 2023 05:00 - 41 minutes - 37.7 MBPeter talks Ayurveda, the Indian science of health, with Naomi Edwards. Naomi is a Holistic Health Practitioner who specializes in Ayurveda, Yoga and Plant Medicine. Her passion is to share the knowledge of these ancient practices and give people the education of preventative health in a joyful way. She is the founder of Hillabrant Holistics, an Ayurvedic wellness studio and apothecary. It is a place to heal and to be empowered to take ownership of your health and well being. Naomi Edwards...
A Gratitude Meditation for Thanksgiving
November 22, 2023 17:45 - 58 minutes - 53.9 MBToday we go to ISHTA Meditation class for a fusion meditation of kriya yoga and gratitude practice. Enjoy! There is 18 minutes of silence in the middle, followed by a practice of mantra and mudra to bring inspiration from your meditation back into living. Enjoy, and happy Thanksgiving. Namaste Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Take the upcoming meditation training with Alan Finger, Sarah Finger, and Peter; or take a class online or in person at ISHTA Yoga.
Practice is the Silver Bullet
October 29, 2023 16:54 - 44 minutes - 40.3 MBWendy Newton and I discuss the practical importance of subtle body, spiritual practices in addition to taking care of business out in the physical world. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. You can take class online and in-person with Peter (and Wendy!) at ISHTA Yoga. Know a video gamer you wish would take care of their wellness, including yoga and meditation? Check out FITGMR. Namaste.
Seeing the Whole Picture: Om Namah Shivaya Meditation
October 13, 2023 09:13 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MBToday, we go to meditation class at ISHTA Yoga for a meditation that helps make sense of our turbulent world. You can listen to the intro or join in the meditation. There are 20 minutes of silence in the meditation itself. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. May there be peace on earth. Namaste
Meditation in Romania
August 28, 2023 09:00 - 22 minutes - 21 MBGreetings from Romania! In today's episode, I talk about the why, how, and tips about our favorite topic of real yoga: meditation. I'm talking to gamers who are competing 150 miles from the Ukrainian border. With 120 countries represented here, the only war they are focused on is happening onscreen, and it's wonderful to watch so many nationalities together. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon! Talk to you soon. Namaste.
Proof of Spiritual Phenomena with Mona Sobhani
June 29, 2023 11:56 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBIn this episode, I interview Mona Sobhani, PhD, the author of Proof of Spiritual Phenomena: A Neuroscientist's Discovery of the Ineffable Mysteries of the Universe. (available at https://monasobhaniphd.com/book/) We discuss Dr. Sobhani's survey of the abundant research on divination, reincarnation, and other topics typically called "spiritual." We also talk about the capabilities and limitations of neuroscience to describe and explain mental phenomena. Dr. Sobhani speaks about her own journe...
Equanimity: Joy and Sadness
June 05, 2023 19:35 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBIn this episode, I parse the notion of equanimity in a world where we all experience emotion. Please join me and Wendy Newton at our day retreat Fresh Air Friday on July 7. Details here. Thank you for supporting Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Namaste!
Fresh Air Friday Yoga Retreats
May 10, 2023 16:46 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MBIn this episode, Wendy and I are getting excited about you joining us for a day of yoga, meditation, and nature on the first Fridays of summer. Hosted by Ascend Center + Collective on Main Street in the Village of Cold Spring. Details and a link to each date are at https://linktr.ee/peterferko. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.
What Peter's Listening to #1
April 30, 2023 11:41 - 27 minutes - 25 MBIn this episode, I indulge my love of music to share a mixed-genre playlist. The full songs are available at the links below or wherever you get music. The podcast episode includes my critiques/comments on the songs. This episode is also available on YouTube as a video. Check it out! Listen on Tidal. Tidal was created by Jay-Z and a dozen musicians as an alternative to other platforms to help musicians and to provide CD+ quality. There is a free version, or you can upgrade for higher resolu...
Yoga as a Life Toolbox w/Katrina Repka
April 24, 2023 18:31 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBIn this episode, I speak with Katrina Repka. Katrina is an ISHTA Yogiraj (master) who has led classes, workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings in her home in London and beyond. She is the co-author with Alan Finger of Breathing Space: Twelve Lessons for the Modern Woman and Chakra Yoga: Balancing Energy for Physical, Spiritual, and Mental Well-being.You can take class with Katrina online at ISHTAYoga.com. Wendy Newton and I are hosting 4 day-long retreats this Spring and Summer. Join us ...
ISHTA Diksha Meditation
April 10, 2023 18:02 - 58 minutes - 53.5 MBWe head to meditation class for the eponymous ISHTA practice: ISHTA Diksha. This practice, based on a kriya from Paramahansa Yogananda and refined by Alan Finger moves you efficiently into and out of meditation. Diksha means "initiation" and refers to this practice as a bedrock practice at ISHTA Yoga. Have a listen to the intro, and join in the meditation if you like. You can join Peter for meditation classes or look into training at ISHTA Yoga in person or online at ISHTAYoga.com Peter's...
What is Yoga? A Deep Dive w/Stephen Mark
March 28, 2023 21:00 - 35 minutes - 35.9 MBIn this episode (which is also available on video at YouTube), Stephen Mark and I discuss tantra and several other topics in preparation for my workshop this weekend. You can attend the workshop in person or online by going to ISHTAYoga.com. What Is Yoga and Why Do We Do It? A deep dive for practitioners and teachers. Sunday, April 2, 12:15–5:00 Online and in-person info at ISHTAYoga.com Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon
The Art of Sacred Listening w/Wendy Newton
March 22, 2023 14:16 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBIn this episode, I talk to Wendy Newton about "sacred listening," a phrase she's using to describe how to learn more about how we relate to self and other. Check out Wendy's deep understanding of the Yoga Sutras and somatic energy work here and at her upcoming workshop at ISHTA Yoga. The workshops is a multi-part learning and practice experience offered in-person and online beginning Friday March 24. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon Namaste!
Me, Myself, and I: a meditation
March 13, 2023 15:42 - 1 hour - 55 MBIn this episode, we go to meditation class. By the way, you can join my classes at ISHTA Yoga in person or online. I got a couple requests for a recording of this Sat Yam meditation from people who were there, so here is the whole practice for you. Enjoy! Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Namaste.
Actual Happiness
February 26, 2023 05:00 - 23 minutes - 25.5 MBIn this episode, Wendy Newton and I show up on video to discuss happiness, "santosha" and practice. We tackle the difference between wanting something and getting it, about accepting reality versus settling for something inadequate. See what we look like on YouTube or check the audio only version here. Please consider supporting Peter's Podcast on Patreon. You can take class with Wendy or Peter online or in person at ISHTA Yoga.
The Kleshas w/Wendy Newton
February 02, 2023 13:24 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBWendy Newton and I discuss the Kleshas, or "obstacles" that challenge our practice, but make our life what it is! Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Take class, workshops or training with me (and Wendy!) at ISHTA Yoga, online or in person. Namaste.
New Year's Resolution w/Stephen Mark
January 16, 2023 05:05 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBIn this episode, ISHTA teacher, actor, and software engineer Stephen Mark and I discuss "sankalpa," or intention, that aligns with your purpose. We touch on a lot of topics around the nature of goals, career hopes, and the unique attitude tantra yoga brings to the mix. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. You can see some episodes of Peter's Podcast on YouTube @peterspodcast. Join me for class online or in person at ISHTA Yoga.
Knowledge & Experience with Wendy Newton
January 08, 2023 21:30 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBWendy and I discuss a quote from one of our early teachers, Mark Whitwell. It's about the relationship between our actual experience and all our thoughts about it. We also share thoughts about finding the right practice for yourself, and about the thing to keep in mind when marketing yoga. NEW: You can view this episode as a video: https://www.youtube.com/@peterspodcast You can catch Wendy's new class and my classes, too online or in person at ISHTA Yoga. Please support Peter's Podcast at...
A New Year's Meditation
January 01, 2023 19:29 - 1 hour - 58.5 MBIn this episode, we go to class at ISHTA Yoga for a New Year's meditation. Enjoy the talk at the beginning and stay for the granthi meditation practice. By the way, you can attend regular classes with me live or via Zoom at ISHTAYoga.com. Happy New Year!
Looking in; Looking Out w/Stephen Mark
December 18, 2022 19:13 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBIn this episode, Stephen Mark and I discuss antar karana, or learning to sense inwardly. We recorded this just before I headed to Australia and Bali to teach, as the season in New York covers the last month before the winter solstice. We touch on how yoga relates to acting, as Stephen trained as an actor, and on how work and other activities and relationships benefit from yoga practice. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. And please check out video versions of Peter's Podcast on YouT...
Meditation: Mindful & Transcendent w/Wendy Newton
November 20, 2022 00:00 - 35 minutes - 43.4 MBWendy Newton and I compare thoughts on meditation, including mindfulness practice and yoga meditation. We touch on neuroscience, religion, samadhi, and more! This podcast episode is also a video on YouTube. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.
The Gifts of the Yamas and Niyamas w/ Wendy Newton
November 09, 2022 13:19 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBIt's a new media world (again) and Peter's Podcast is going video! Episodes will still appear here as podcasts, but if you want to see what Wendy Newton and I look like when we're talking, you have that option, too! Watch Peter's Podcast on Youtube. In this episode, we elaborate on the practice of the Yamas and Niyamas described in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Drawing on Tantra of the Yoga Sutras by Alan Finger and Wendy Newton and Wendy's Unbound Yoga Sutras trainings at ISHTA Yoga, we help cl...
Mantra w/ Stephen Mark
October 26, 2022 12:50 - 48 minutes - 44 MBToday I talk about mantra with delightful yogi/actor/tech pro Stephen Mark. We talk about how mantras work, how to use them, and how they fit into a yoga practice. During the episode, I mention an ecologist. His name is David Abram and I heard him here: https://emergencemagazine.org/interview/the-ecology-of-perception/ I also mention a book by a neuroscientist. You can find out more about Dr. Mona Sobhani at https://monasobhaniphd.com Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Namaste
Trust to Practice to Knowing
August 14, 2022 13:25 - 1 hour - 57.3 MBYoga asks us to trust its philosophy enough to practice. Then practice provides its own understanding. Join meditation class at ISHTA for this podcast episode. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Check out class at ISHTA. Got a gamer in the family? Turn them on to FITGMR.
Coping with the News
July 10, 2022 04:00 - 55 minutes - 50.6 MBI talk with Wendy Newton about the Yoga Sutras guidance for maintaining equilibrium in all our relationships. Whether it's your personal challenges or jealousy, or your anger with the Supreme Court, it's possible to gain perspective that lets you move gracefully through challenges toward your best actions. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.
The Tao of Yoga
June 30, 2022 09:32 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MBToday we head to meditation class. There I share some guidance on staying calm through the kinds of upheavals we're facing in the news these days. Listen to the talk, from my Saturday morning class at ISHTA Yoga, and join in the short meditation when you have the time. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon, and join me in person at ISHTA in Manhattan. Gamers can join me on the FITGMR app. Peace and Love.
You Got This! Beginning, Middle, and End
May 14, 2022 00:06 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MBToday, I talk about the granthis — the cycles of nature that keep us moving through life. Recognizing them is the first step to being able to gracefully move through life. Thanks for listening! Please rate the podcast, and support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.com Check out classes, workshops, and trainings at ISHTA Yoga Got a video gamer in the house? Check out FITGMR, where we teach gamers wellness, including yoga and meditation!
Yoga Sutras Foundation Training w/ Wendy Newton
March 29, 2022 12:08 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBIn this episode, Wendy Newton describes the training she's teaching on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali starting May 3. It's for teachers and interested students and yogis. Details are at ishtayoga.com Wendy is happy to take questions via email as well. Write her here. You can find Peter in person again at ISHTA Yoga in Manhattan, and find classes online at ishtayoga.com Peter is helping gamers increase their wellness and performance through an innovative app called FITGMR. Check it out! Plea...
Ukraine
March 16, 2022 20:54 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MBI talk about our response to the war in Ukraine, and about what ayurveda has to do with our responses. I am Ukrainian on my mother's side and Slovak on my fathers. It's tempting to see this current situation as a that-could-be-us situation, but it's important to remember that our world is full of war, terror, and refugees, all of whom are suffering in similar ways, but who receive a variety of welcomes based on racial and ethnic factors. As yogis, we are trying to realize that we are all one...
In Person Again!
February 03, 2022 01:03 - 2 minutes - 2.21 MBGuess what? We're live and in person this week. Plus an online Gita workshop!
Bliss and Darkness
January 26, 2022 23:48 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBFrom my hibernation cave, some thoughts about finding our bliss! Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Namaste
Santosha New Year!
January 01, 2022 15:08 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBIn this episode, I talk about santosha, part of the niyamas of yoga's eight limbs. Santosha is most often translated as "contentment," but in fact it's a powerful active practice — a way of living. I describe "happiness," "contentment" and "santosha," and tell you why I wish you a santosha new year! Thank you for supporting Peter’s Podcast on Patreon! Namaste
Finding Time, Like the Vulcans Do
December 11, 2021 05:00 - 7 minutes - 7.19 MBFind time for meditation and that state of mind will be there when you need it!
Two Yogis Walk into a Buddhist Bar
October 29, 2021 20:13 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBIn this episode, Yoga master Wendy Newton and I discuss a practice from Chögyam Trungpa, a master whose teachings are the basis of Shambhala Buddhism. The practice is from Training the Mind and Cultivating Loving-Kindness. We discuss the theory and practice and relate it to some yoga ideas.
Om, the Call to Joy
October 20, 2021 14:22 - 8 minutes - 8.01 MBI talk about the topic of my upcoming workshop "Om, the Call to Joy." And we do a short Om meditation. Join the virtual workshop at ishta yoga.com.
Who Am I?
October 05, 2021 16:59 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBIn this episode, I reflect on Sri Aurobindo's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. Got questions? Write me: [email protected] Namaste!
Yoga Is …
September 01, 2021 17:41 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBIn this episode, I summarize this thing called yoga. A useful reflection for teachers and practitioners, and a chance for me to explain what I mean when I say “real yoga.” Thank you for using Patreon to support Peter's Podcast: Real Yoga, Actual Happiness, and Deep Living. Take class with me online at ISHTA Yoga. Namaste!
Emotion, Attachment, Balance
August 21, 2021 19:27 - 1 hour - 66 MBThe Bhagavad Gita puts a lot of emphasis on the gunas — natures forces of action. Today's podcast is a discussion on how those forces interact with our desires and emotions. The Gita says, attachment to things we desire leads to "ruin." I say more about why that's the case and what we can do about it. Listen to the talk alone, or add the meditation afterwards. It's a full practice with pre-meditative asana, a kriya practice, an 18-minute silence, and regrounding after. Namaste! Please sup...
MetaAnatomy w/ Kristin Leal
July 31, 2021 16:21 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBKristin Leal is a yoga teacher trainer and yoga anatomy specialist who has a new book out. We discuss MetaAnatomy: A Modern Yogi's Practical Guide to the Physical and Energetic Anatomy of Your Amazing Body, the new release and update of her previous books. We also talk about teaching and training during the pandemic and share our two cents on vaccines and the future with Covid-19. Help make this podcast possible by supporting Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Thank you for listening!
Klesha Part 2 Upgrading Human Nature
July 09, 2021 23:26 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBIn this episode, I finish a discussion of the five challenges that humans tackle, and how we can get better at working within our nature rather than expecting circumstances to be different. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon by making a pledge. It's easy! Join me for livestream yoga and meditation class at ishtayoga.com. It's fun! Namaste.
Klesha: Part 1 Upgrading Human Nature
June 06, 2021 16:22 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBIn today's episode, I describe the kleshas and elaborate on the first two: Avidya and Asmita. I mention the ISHTA Yoga Meditation Training that I'm teaching with Alan and Sarah Finger June 8–10. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon. Thanks for listening! Namaste.
Coming to Grips with Research
April 10, 2021 21:37 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBI've been viewing a lot of scientific research lately, and I love that it's there. At the same time, it creates an annoying implication that the practices that have been used for generations are suspect until research validates them. It's a tension I'm struggling with in my own teaching, and I share my own musings about the state of the art. I mention two authors: James Nestor. His book Breath is about breathing techniques of yogis as well as some contemporary breath researchers. Carlo ...
Springtime Every Day
March 10, 2021 00:31 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBIt's almost Spring in the northern hemisphere. It's a kind of Covid Spring as more of us get vaccinated. Today, I talk about the reason to meditate and give yourself a kind of personal Spring every time. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon! It's how I fund the podcast. Thank you for listening.
A Valentine Card <3
February 14, 2021 20:42 - 9 minutes - 8.66 MBHappy Valentine's Day to you! I mention a previous episode when Wendy and I read from Elyse Poppers' The Little Love Book.
Tuning the Chakras
February 09, 2021 19:02 - 1 hour - 59.9 MBToday, we head to meditation class, where I share a little deeper description of the chakras and how practicing with this as a tool can bring you more understanding and flow in your living. There's a talk first, then a half-hour meditation practice. You can listen to the talk and or jump to 18:00 minutes in and do the practice. (Apologies for the couple of audio artifacts and speed glitches of the Zoom recording.) Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon.