Audio Recordings from Past Conferences
(Right-click on a link and "Save Link As" to download the full file)2013 Yoga Journal Conference: New York
Panel Discussion--Handle with Care: Ahimsa in Asana
with Jason Crandell, Leslie Kaminoff, and Judith Hanson Lasater. Moderated by Charity Ferreira, Yoga Journal's Executive Editor.
Closing Remarks by Rod Stryker: Teacher or No Teacher: Yoga's Path to Ultimate Success and Empowerment
The sacred teachings of yoga have thrived from time immemorial thanks entirely on the unique relationship between master and student. Yet, the tradition's central aim is that students ignite the flame of the inner teacher and become their own master. Skillfully navigating these two realities is yoga—the path to ultimate freedom and self-empowerment.
2013 Yoga Journal Conference: San Francisco
Panel Discussion: May I Be Happy
Join Kathryn Budig, Cyndi Lee, Les Leventhal, and Dayna Macy as they explore how yoga's focus on the body can stir up feelings of low self-esteem, but can also help people feel better about their bodies--and themselves--than ever before.
2012 Yoga Journal Conference: Colorado
TANTRA YOGA IMMERSION
Welcome Remarks with the Tantra Immersion Faculty
Hear the Tantra Yoga Immersion faculty--Douglas Brooks, Manoj & Jyothi Chalam, Sally Kempton, Gary Kraftsow, Shiva Rea, and Sianna Sherman--each give an introduction to their teachings. Rod Styker will give an overview of Tantra Yoga and set the intention for the Immersion. (1 hr 36 minutes)
The Philosophical Foundations of Tantric Yoga: Lecture by Gary Kraftsow
We'll explore the philosophical foundations of Tantric yoga, as well as the methods and purposes of the various practices that have emerged from the tradition. (1 hour)
Churning the Ocean of the Heart: Lecture by Sianna Sherman
Discover how the practices of yoga are embedded within the Churning the Ocean of Milk, the mythic story of Lakshmi's birth. In mythic consciousness, activate your own insight and become every character in the story. Listen to the pulse and rhythm of your life as a great epic on your own heroic journey. (44 minutes)
Living a Tantric Life: Lecture and Practices by Sally Kempton
How do the insights of Tantra change the way we live and practice? How does a Tantric life look when it comes to our relationships, our ethics, our understanding about ourselves, and our way of acting in the world? Come to this lecture to explore these questions, and more, about living a Tantric life. (1 hour 12 minutes)
Kundalini Awakening: An Exploration of the Tantric Science of Laya Yoga: Lecture by Rod Stryker
Come participate in a practical and in-depth discussion on yantra and Kundalini Yoga's systematic approach to spiritual awakening. As part of our exploration, we'll review the traditional role of asana practice in the context of Tantra and Kundalini Yogas and how both relate to the breadth, wisdom, and spirit of the more elevated Tantric practices. We'll examine the chakras from a "developmental" view as well as how the system of laya (dissolution) yoga uses this understanding of the chakras to overcome unconscious patterning and embodiment of the Sacred. (1 hour)
Temple of Rasa: An Afternoon of Tantric Poetry: Lecture by Shiva Rea
From the Bauls, contemporary Tantric bards to the songs of the yogini Lalla or the sutras of Kshemaraja, these poetic teachings cultivate the inner experience of the heart's rasa, or transforming nectar, in the midst of the fullness of life. Come awaken the flow of the sacred. (37 minutes)
What If Life Asks More From You?: Lecture by Douglas Brooks
Tantra is unapologetic about how we might need to face life's challenges and opportunities. What are the commitments, risks, and claims of Tantric yoga? How can the yogi's choices in relationships create greater value to the risky business of human embodiment? How do we embark on a Tantric life of yoga when we can't predict a sense of all the risks involved? We'll explore these questions, and find out more about such controversial ideas as initiation, vows, and the teacher-student relationship. (58 minutes)
Round Table Discussion with the Tantra Immerson Faculty
Join the Tantra Immersion Faculty in a round-table discussion of questions posed by the participants. (2 hours)
MAIN CONFERENCE
Opening Keynote with Richard Freeman:
Minding the Gap: The Paradox of You and Me
While practicing yoga we soon discover that Prana (internal breath) and Citta (mind) are two ends of the same stick. This eventually allows us to feel our yoga stretches—sensations, patterns, and feelings—extend to infinity. But what about our beliefs, hopes, opinions, and philosophies about ourselves, others, our world and our yoga? Do they stretch out to infinity in the same delightful way as our internal Prana? This keynote will look at ideas about yoga, its many practices, its many philosophies, the patterns they make, what matters and who really cares.
Panel Discussion:
Boundaries, Power, and the Teacher-Student Relationship
What is the role of the yoga teacher, and why is power so often misused in our community? How do Light and Shadow play into the archetype of the Fallen Guru? Understanding the psychology of the teacher-student relationship, and its different stages of development, is important to our growth individually and as a community. Join us as four expert teachers—Judith Hanson Lasater, Bo Forbes, Amy Ippoliti, and Gary Kraftsow—discuss these important self-study questions and the level of sadhana required of senior teachers.
2012 Yoga Journal Conference: New York
Conversation with 93-year-old Yoga Master Tao Porchon-Lynch and Terri Kennedy
2012 Yoga Journal Conference: San Francisco
Keynote by Rodney Yee: Integrating Yoga into the Health Care System
Closing Remarks by Dharma Mittra: A Divine Closing
In Every Ending, There Is a Beginning—Sowing the Seeds of Practice
2011 Yoga Journal Conference: Colorado
Dharma Talk by Tias Little: Yoga and the Quest for the Im/Perfect Pose
2011 Yoga Journal Conference: Midwest
Panel Discussion: The Yoga of Food
with Seane Corn, Cyndi Lee, Steve Nakon and Aadil Palkhivala. Moderated by Dayna Macy.
Keynote Address by Andrew Harvey: Heart Yoga and Sacred Activism
Closing Remarks by Gary Kraftsow: Yoga and Daily Living: Outer and Inner Dimensions of Practice
2011 Yoga Journal Conference: New York
Saturday, May 14
Keynote by Matthew Sanford: "Inner Body, Outer Activism"
Sunday, May 15
Panel Discussion: "The Yoga of Food"
with Seane Corn, Ana Forrest, Aadil Palkhivala, and David Romanelli. Moderated by Dayna Macy.
2011 Yoga Journal Conference: San Francisco
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Keynote by Dr. Dean Ornish
2010 Yoga Journal Florida Conference
Friday, November 12
Panel Discussion: "The Business of Being a Yoga Teacher"
with Jason Crandell, Kino MacGregor, and Laura Tyree
Saturday, November 13
Keynote by Stefanie Syman
"How Yoga Has Scandalized Americans and Shaped Our Understanding of the Practice"
Sunday, November 14
Closing Remarks and Meditation with Tias Little
"Yoga Amidst the Ordinary: Taking the Practice Home with You"
2010 Yoga Journal Colorado Conference
Thursday, September 23
Keynote by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait
"Empower Your Yoga with the Wisdom of Tantra"
Friday, September 24
Panel Discussion: Shiva: Yogi, Lover, Hero––Yoga and the Ideal Man
Join Baron Baptiste, John Friend, Aadil Palkhivala, and Rod Stryker as they discuss what is the ideal man as seen through the eyes of the Yoga tradition. In what ways can yoga practice help men more completely embody and fulfill their unique potential as men? How should Yoga teach men to be better mates, fathers, leaders, and empower them to fulfill their roles as modern day Shiva's?
Saturday, September 25
Dharma Talk with Richard Freeman
"Ganesh’s Secret: The Obstacles to Yoga"
Sunday, September 26
Closing Panel: Bringing Your Practice to Life
with Aadil Palkhivala, Sianna Sherman, and Rusty Wells. Moderated by Kaitlin Quistgaard.
2010 Yoga Journal Boston Conference
Thursday, April 8
Panel Discussion:
The Business of Being a Yoga Teacher
with Carrie Tyler, Lynne Begier, and Natasha Rizopoulos. Moderated by Virginia S. Cowen, PhD
Saturday, April 10
Keynote by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait
"Yoga and the Awakening of Kundalini Shakti"
Sunday, April 11
Panel Discussion: Going Beyond the Stretch--How Outreach and Service Can Transform Our Lives
with Beryl Bender Birch, Seane Corn and Matthew Sanford. Moderated by Kaitlin Quistgaard.
2010 Yoga Journal San Francisco Conferenc
Saturday, January 30
Keynote by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait
Tantra: The Opening of a New Frontier of Yoga
Sunday, January 31
Panel Discussion: Living Joyfully: What Tantra Teaches Us About Life On and Off the Mat
with Sally Kempton, Sianna Sherman, and Rod Stryker. Moderated by Kaitlin Quistgaard
2009 Yoga Journal Colorado Conference
Sunday, September 20
Keynote by Gary
Kraftsow
“Healing Through Yoga: The Therapeutic Process”
Tuesday, September 22
Panel Discussion: “Distinguishing the Field—The Professional Yoga Therapist: What Principles Should Guide Educational Standards for Training Yoga Therapists?”
with Chase Bossart, Bo Forbes,and Gary Kraftsow. Moderated by Molly Kenny of
the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT).
Thursday, September 24
Opening Keynote by T.K.V. Desikachar
“Why Yoga Works”
Friday, September 25
Panel Discussion: “The Power of Women in Yoga”
with Seane Corn, Judith Hanson
Lasater, and Shiva Rea. Moderated by Kaitlin Quistgaard
Saturday, September 26
Panel Discussion: “The Business of Being a Yoga Teacher"
with Jason Crandell, Shannon
Paige Schneider, and Rusty Wells. Moderated by Lynn Bushell.
Sunday, September 27
Closing Keynote by Sonia Nelson
2009 Yoga Journal New York City Conference
Friday, May 14
Panel Discussion: "The Business of Being a Yoga Teacher"
with Jason Crandell, Cyndi Lee, and Susan Maier-Moul. Moderated by Virginia Cowen.
Saturday, May 15
Keynote Address by Dr. Robert Thurman
"Yoga and Tantra: Out of Body or Magic Body"
Sunday, May 16
Panel Discussion: "Living the Yamas and Niyamas in Daily Life"
with Gary Kraftsow, Judith Hanson Lasater, and Aadil Palkhivala. Moderated by Seane Corn.
Closing Remarks by Dharma Mittra
"The Purpose of Yoga"
2009 Yoga Journal Grand Geneva Conference
Friday, March 27, 2009
Panel Discussion: "The Business of Being a Yoga Teacher"
with Jason Crandell, Debra Hennesy, Cyndi Lee, and David Swenson.
Moderated by Tracey Bartos from Yoga Alliance.
Keynote Address by Rodney Yee
"Our Responsibility as Yogis"
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Keynote Address by Dr. James Gordon
"Unstuck: Using Mind-Body Medicine to Move Through Depression and Beyond Anxiety"
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Panel Discussion: "Yoga as a Life Tool: How the Practice Can Help You Through Challenging Times"
with Seane Corn, Aadil Palkhivala, Matthew Sanford, and David Swenson
VIDEO Part 1: Introduction of the Panel
VIDEO Part 2: Suggestions for how yoga practice can help in times of crisis
VIDEO Part 3: In the face of tough times, what can we do to release fear?
VIDEO Part 4: How does yoga help us stay grateful in the face of loss?
VIDEO Part 5: Is it OK to use yoga as an escape from difficulty?
2009 Yoga Journal San Francisco Conference
Friday, January 16, 2009
Panel Discussion:"The Business of Being a Yoga Teacher"
With Jason Crandell, Pretzel France, Cyndi Lee, and Rogelio Nunez. Moderated by Terri Kennedy from Yoga Alliance.
Keynote Address by Wes "Scoop" Nisker
"Crazy Wisdom Saves the World Again"
Saturday, January 17
Keynote Address by Matthew Sanford
"Presence in Your Body"
Sunday, January 18
Panel Discussion:
"Spiritual Activation: Taking Our Yoga Practice Off The Mat and Into the World"
With Julia Butterfly Hill, Katchie Ananda, and Seane Corn
Closing Remarks by David Life
"Spiritual Activism: Inner Revolution"
Monday, January 19
Keynote by Dr. William Stewart
"Awakening The Healer Within"
2008 Yoga Journal Florida Conference
Friday, November 14
Panel Discussion:"Handle with Care: Ahimsa in Asana"
with Gary Kraftsow, Chuck Miller, and Rod Stryker.
Moderated by Terri Kennedy chair of the board of Yoga Alliance.
Keynote Address: "The Yoga of Money"
by Brent Kessel
Saturday, November 15
Panel Discussion: "The Power of Women in Yoga"
with Beryl Bender Birch, Maty Ezraty, Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, and Patricia Walden
Sunday, November 16
Keynote by Matthew Sanford
"Presence in Your Body"
Closing Remarks by Seane Corn
"Souljah For Change"
2008 Yoga Journal Colorado Conference
Monday, September 22
Panel Discussion with Tantric Scholars
with Douglas Brooks, Sally Kempton, and Bill Mahony. Moderated by John Friend
Wednesday, September 24
Anusara Gathering Morning Meditation
with Bill Mahony
Thursday, September 25
Lecture: The Yoga of Money
by Brent Kessel
Friday, September 26
Panel Discussion: "Handle with Care: Ahimsa in Asana"
with John Friend, Judith Hanson Lasater, Aadil Palkhivala, and Rod Stryker.
Moderated by Terri Kennedy, chair of the board of Yoga Alliance
Saturday, September 27
Ganesha & Other Stories: Symbolisms of Hindu and Buddhist Deities
by Dr. Manoj Chalam
2008 Yoga Journal Boston Conference
Saturday, May 17
Guided Meditation
by Anne Ornish
Saturday, May 17
Opening Keynote:
"The Power of Yoga: Creating Sustainable Models of Transformation"
by Dean Ornish M.D.
Saturday,May 17
Keynote Address by Donna Karan
Sunday, May 18
Keynote Address: "Trauma, Yoga, and Healing"
by Matthew Sanford
Sunday, May 18
Closing Remarks by Stephen Cope
2008 Yoga Journal San Francisco Conference
Saturday, January 19
Lunchtime Keynote Address: "Power To The Peaceful"
by Michael Franti
Sunday, January 20
Panel Discussion: The Power of Women in Yoga
with Sharon Gannon, Judith Hanson Lasater,
and Shiva Rea - moderated by Janice Gates, president of IAYT and author of Yogini, The Power of Women in Yoga.
Sunday, January 20
Closing Remarks: "Fearlessness and Joy: Yoga's Vision of Your Best Life"
by Rod Stryker
Monday, January 21
Welcome Remarks: Yoga As Medicine
by Timothy McCall, M.D.
2007 Yoga Journal Colorado Conference
Sunday, September 23
Pre-Conference Opening Keynote by Gary Kraftsow
"Ancient Insights for Modern Healing"
Click here for Audio Clip
Monday, September 24
Panel Discussion: "To Choose or Not to Choose?" with
Maty Ezraty, Gary Kraftsow, Elise Miller, and Eddie Modestini
moderated by Yoga Journal Senior Editor Andrea Ferretti
There are many styles of yoga--should a student study only one, or should the student experiment with many styles.
Click here for Audio Clip
Tuesday, September 25
Panel Discussion: "Do You Need a Guru?" with
Barbara Benagh, Judith Hanson Lasater, Aadil Palkhivala, and David Swenson
moderated by Yoga Journal's Online Editorial Director, Andrea Kowalski
Click here for Audio Clip
Wednesday, September 26
Pre-Conference Closing Keynote by Matthew Sanford
"Trauma, Yoga, and Healing"
Click here for Audio Clip
Thursday, September 27
Main Conference—Opening Keynote Address by Timothy McCall, M.D.
"Yoga as Medicine"
Click here for Audio Clip
2007 Yoga Journal Grand Geneva Conference
Friday, May 4
Panel Discussion: with Gary Krafsow, Ana Forrest, and Aadil Palkhivala “What Are We Teaching and Why?”
In this panel three renowned conference presenters discuss why yoga teachers teach what they teach and the various issues and challenges that arise throughout the teaching.
Click here for audio clip (55:09)
Seane Corn, an introduction for Keynote speaker Caroline Myss
In this clip Seane first shares her personal and unique connection to YouthAIDS, the organization that this year’s Grand Geneva Keynote address benefited.
Click here for audio clip (28:11)
Caroline Myss, Opening Keynote Address. “Entering the Castle”
Caroline Myss is a pioneer in the field of energy anatomy. She is the founder of the Institute for the Science of Medical Intuition and author of six books, including the groundbreaking best-seller Anatomy of the Spirit. Caroline gives workshops and lectures internationally and consults with physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other health practitioners as a medical intuitive.
Click here for audio clip (53:10)
Saturday, May 5
Panel Discussion with Rabbi Jeffrey Feinberg, Ph.D., Ali Niederkorn, Gary Kraftsow, and Aadil Palkhivala. “Is Yoga a Religion?”
Is yoga a physical practice, a spiritual path, or a religion? Can I be part of another religion and still do yoga? How do I reconcile my religion with my yoga practice? Do I have to choose? In this thought-provoking and informative discussion, our panel of experts answered these questions and more.
Click here for audio clip (1:18:10)
Sunday, May 6
Matthew Sanford, Keynote Address. “Trusting Yoga: The Path of a Paralyzed Yoga Teacher”
Matthew Sanford is a visionary, philosopher, yoga teacher, speaker, author of WAKING: A Memoir of Trauma and Transcendence, and expert of mind-body integration. Sanford’s life’s work began at age 13 when he survived a car accident that took the lives of his father and sister and left him paralyzed from the chest down. For the last 27 years, he has been on a practical exploration of the mind-body relationship.
Click here for audio clip (53:42)
2007 Yoga Journal San Francisco Conference
Friday, January 19
Continuing Education for Teachers Panel Discussion:
What are We Teaching and Why?
with Ana Forrest, Judith Hanson Lasater, and Aadil Palkhivala. Moderated by Jason Crandell.
Click here for Audio Clip (55:56) Note: you may need to turn the volume up.
Saturday, January 20
Opening Keynote by Sally Kempton
"Letting Go Without Giving Up"
Click here for Audio Clip (34:43) Note: you may need to turn the volume up.
Sunday, January 21
Panel Discussion: Classical Vs. Tantra Yoga--What is the Difference?
with Sally Kempton, Carlos Pomeda, and Richard Rosen.
Moderated by Andrea Kowalski.
Click here for Audio Clip (73:33) Note: you may need to turn the volume up.
2006 Yoga Journal Colorado Conference
Sunday, September 24
Continuing Education for Teachers—Opening Keynote Address by Aadil Palkhivala
Truth In Teaching
Click here for Audio Clip (39:32) Note: you may need to turn the volume up.
Thursday, September 28
Main Conference—Opening Keynote Address by Dr. Robert Svoboda
Alignment
Click here for Audio Clip (51:40)
2006 Yoga Journal Boston Conference
Saturday, April 8, 2006
Keynote Address by Gessner Geyer
Yoga, Breath, and the Brain: The Neurobiology of Insight, Emotional Well-Being, and Enlightenment
The practice of yoga helps us grow calmer, clearer, and more compassionate. Brain research over the previous two decades affirms what yogis have known for years --how we move and breathe affects how we think and feel.
Click here for Audio Clip (59:12)
Gessner Geyer has been teaching how brain biology affects human behavior foir over a decade. He is Executive Director of Brainergy, Inc. and has presented research on the neurobiology of spirituality, innate wisdom, and emotional well being to educators, health care providers, and other groups. He holds two Master's degrees from Harvard University and is a certified teacher of Kundalini Yoga and co-founder of Consciousness Rising.
Sunday, April 9, 2006
Panel Discussion: Living the Yamas and Niyamas in Daily Life
Did you ever puzzle over how to integrate yoga's ethical guidelines into your daily life? Learn from seasoned yogis who've studied the yoga texts and have been immersed in their teachings for decades: Gary Kraftsow, Judith Hanson Lasater, David Life, and Desiree Rumbaugh.
Click here for Audio Clip (1:08:01)
Gary Kraftsow began his study of yoga with T.K.V. Desikachar in 1974. As the founder and director of the American Viniyoga Institute in Maui, he teaches classes, leads workshops, and trains teachers in the Viniyoga approach to yoga and yoga therapy. His second book, Yoga for Transformation, was published in 2002.
Judith Hanson Lasater is president of the California Yoga Teachers' Association and cofounder of Yoga Journal. A yoga teacher since 1971 and a practicing physical therapist, Judith holds a Ph.D. in East-West psychology. She is the author of Living Your Yoga: Finding the Spiritual in Everyday Life.
David Life is cofounder of the Jivamukti Yoga Method, which integrates asana practice with an ethical lifestyle focused on attaining enlightenment through compassion for all beings. Coauthor of Jivamukti Yoga and The Art of Yoga, David also codirects the Jivamukti Yoga Center in New York with Sharon Gannon and is a renowned teacher of yoga around the world.
Desiree Rumbaugh is co-owner of Arizona Yoga in Scottsdale, and has been teaching yoga for more than 15 years. A senior certified teacher studying with John Friend, Desiree leads workshops and retreats around the world that celebrate the transformational healing power of Anusara Yoga.
Sunday, April 9, 2006
Closing Remarks and Mediation by Cyndi Lee and David Nichtern
Join OM Yoga founder Cyndi Lee and Buddhist teacher and musician David Nichtern for some final thoughts and contemplation as we reenter our lives after our weekend together.
Click here for Audio Clip (36:39)
Cyndi Lee is director of OM Yoga Center, and practices both hatha yoga and Tibetan Buddhism. A yoga teacher for more than 20 years, Cyndi is the author and artist of the best-selling OM Yoga in a Box series as well as OM Yoga: A Guide to Daily Practice, and Yoga Body, Buddha Mind.
David Nichtern, a senior teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition, is director of Buddhist Studies and Practice at OM Yoga Center and leads retreats with his wife, Cyndi Lee, around the world. An award-winning musician, composer, and producer, he is the founder of Dharma Moon and 5 Points records and cofounder of the world-fusion band Drala.
2005 Yoga Journal Grand Geneva Conference
Friday, May 13, 2005
Opening Keynote by Rodney Yee
Service as Practice
Click here for audio clip
Rodney Yee is codirector of the Piedmont Yoga Studio in Oakland, CA. He is featured in 30 yoga videos and DVDs and is coauthor (with Nina Zolotow) of Yoga: The Poetry of the Body and Moving Toward Balance. Rodney conducts workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings worldwide.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Closing Remarks by Wendy Doniger
"Ancient Indian Philosophical Yoga: The Roots of Contemporary Practice"
Wendy Doniger is the Mircea Eliade Distinguished Service Professor of the History of Religions at the University of Chicago and the author of The Bedtrick: Tales of Sex and Masquerade and the Woman Who Pretended to Be Who She Was, among other books. She graduated from Radcliffe College and holds doctoral degrees from Harvard and Oxford Universities.