Spiritual Leadership Podcast with AlannaK (Modern Mystics)
Calling all yogis, mystics, and spiritual practitioners! Welcome to your destination for the wisdom and tools you need to step into your role as a spiritual leader in today's modern times. We are being called to support others with our work, and make more impact with our gifts. Come learn exactly how to do this with the diverse tools of the Spiritual Leader including: yoga, astrology, tarot, psychology, alchemy, spirituality, divination, and ritual. No crystal will be left un-turned, and no incense will be left un-burnt! We are here to take a modern, grounded, academically-minded, and unapologetically honest look at the practices that make YOU an incredible modern mystic and spiritual leader! Renowned author and teacher, Alanna Kaivalya, Ph.D. (The Yoga Doctor) walks you through mini masterclasses, educates you on essential yoga psychology wisdom, and provides step-by-step spiritual business guidance that is designed to help you take action in creating a thriving career serving others. With more than 20 years in the industry, three books behind her, and a Ph.D. under her belt, Alanna founded the Modern Mystics Academy, and trains yogis and spiritual practitioners worldwide in the same tools and techniques she brings to you right here on the podcast. Discover why tens of thousands of yogis turn to Alanna to become extraordinary yoga teachers and spiritual leaders, and implement practices that generate abundant results.

While 2020 seems to continuously bring us conflict, elevating anxiety, and wreaking havoc on our mindscapes, there is a way to escape it all: through a carefully crafted gratitude meditation. This particular practice has long been the balm on the weary soul of students, and this meditation will bring light and joy to your heart. Note: The music portion contains the chant, Gam gam gam ganapataye namaha, Ganesha Sharanam. This chant invokes Ganesh, remover of obstacles.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_TBD_Gratitude_Meditation.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 1:13pm EDT

Struggling as a yoga teacher? This podcast clearly outlines five ways you can boost your income and serve your students with tools you have right now. Learn to pivot your business to go online and reach a wider audience!

Direct download: MM_Podcast_TBD_5_Ways_to_Make_Money.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 1:47pm EDT

As a career yoga teacher, making a decent living is truly challenging. However, moving our yoga business online paves the way for true success. Going online is even more important in 2020, as fellow yoga teacher, Jory Serota, shares with us in this podcast. Hear his journey of going online and his $55K launch, and how you can do it, too!

Direct download: MM_Podcast_46_Interview_Jory_Serota.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

2020 brings with it so many challenges, so much grief, and so many reasons to connect to our sensuality, eros, and wildness. The practice of embodied sexuality is deeply therapeutic in order to help us overcome grief to achieve greater states of pleasure. Kait Singley teaches us the importance of erotic embodiment as a spiritual practice, and offers practical tools to embark on the journey!

Direct download: MM_Podcast_45_Interview_Kait_Singley.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

We all dream, but did you know that working with your dreams unlocks the power of your psyche? Melissa De Los Santos teaches us how to delve into dreamwork and understand what messages are encoded in our dreams. There is great personal growth to be had by diving into dreams...especially for the spiritual leader!

Direct download: MM_Podcast_44_Interview_Meli_DeLosSantos.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Spiritual leaders and yogis often struggle with what to eat based on ethics and belief systems. Registered Dietician, yogi, and funcitonal nutritionist, Kylie Fagnano, walks us through how to ethically make the best decisions for your health to keep you strong and fit to serve others with your gifts. She provides practical advice on discovering a new level of health and guidance on the warning signs of how what you eat may be impairing your wellbeing.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_43_Interview_Kylie_Fagnano.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

As a yoga teacher, it is likely you have experienced the perils of working in the yoga industry. Whether it be wage theft, devaluation, shady hiring practices, or something else...you deserve better. Emily Stewart, founder of Group Fitness Instructors United and The Kaivalya Yoga Method Academy lead mentor, is creating a groundswell of support for her union that helps to protect yoga teachers and raise their level of work to a legitimized and protected career path.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_42_Interview_Emily_Stewart_TKYM_Mentor.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

The primary tool of the yoga instructor and spiritual leader is the voice! How do we ensure that everything we say in class lands with compassionate direction? We tune up our cues, refine how we say things, and elevate our speech (and silence). Director of The Kaivalya Yoga Method Academy online teacher training, Andrew Hoffman, joins the podcast in this episode to give his essential insights!

Direct download: MM_Podcast_41_Interview_Andrew_Hoffman_TKYM_Mentor.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

On our journey to becoming extraordinary yoga teachers and spiritual leaders, we often receive feedback and support on how to grow and become better. Whether it be via tests, video uploads, or one-on-one coaching, the ability to take feedback and use it for growth, rather than as an obstacle is critical. Alyssa Arroyo, lead mentor on The Kaivalya Yoga Method Academy online teacher training, shares with us unique ways to grow and change as a spiritual leader -- and human! -- in the midst of challenge.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_40_Interview_Alyssa_Arroyo_TKYM_Mentor.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

The Heroic Journey is talked about often in spiritual circles, but how does it really relate to our spiritual practice? Learn how the Hero's Journey informs our yoga practice and guides us toward the transformation and fulfillment we seek.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_TBD_Hero_Spiritual_Journey.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 5:55pm EDT

The four main types of yoga: Bhakti, Raja, Karma, and Jnana, give us the opportunity to bring yoga into our everyday life and make the state of yoga (psychospiritual wholeness) our new normal. Learn the four main yoga paths, and how to practice and teach them for greater wellbeing!

Direct download: MM_Podcast_TBD_Four_Main_Types_Yoga.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 4:34pm EDT

So many things are coming to the surface in 2020...the pandemic, social justice issues, climate change..what are we to make of them all? Diana Vilas, the Cosmic Cheerleader walks us through astrology's viewpoint on what is happening to the world right now. Receive guidance from the stars about how to move through 2020 with grace as a spiritual leader.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_37_Interview_Diana_Vilas.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Mythology and ritual help us discover more about ourselves, move through challenging times, connect to something greater than ourselves, and engage us in our community. No one knows this better than Kwame Scruggs, founder of Alchemy Inc., an organization that works with youth to give them a mythological structure within which to grow and thrive. Learn how spiritual leadership is a required element of the process of growth and transformation!

Direct download: MM_Podcast_36_Interview_Kwame_Scruggs.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

One of the ways in which we participate in activism daily is through our food choices. As yogis and spiritual leaders, we want to make the most compassionate choices possible! One of these choices is supporting regenerative farmers like Jenni Harris, and her family. They have been running White Oak Pastures for five generations and challenge themselves to be the best stewards of land and animals possible. Hear Jenni talk about holistic farming, and how she and her family honor the purpose of the animals, plants, and people on her farm!

Direct download: MM_Podcast_35_Interview_Jenni_Harris.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Veterans and active duty military put their lives on the line for the benefit of others -- an ultimate act of selfless service. In turn, as spiritual leaders, we must step up to provide safe, healing space for this community to participate in yoga practice. Justin Blazejewski, founder of Vetoga, talks about the best ways to do this and work with military and veterans.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_34_Interview_Justin_Blazejewski.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

As we navigate racial justice issues as spiritual leaders, it is important to think about how we create wellness spaces that invite Black, BIPOC, and other communities into the fold. How do we communicate safety and inclusion? Eric Mosley, founder of Black Mat Yoga NYC, helps us to navigate this important conversation.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_32_Interview_Eric_Mosley.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 4:03pm EDT

As spiritual leaders, we are here to usher people through all transitions in life...including death. This is a sacred privilege and one that we can hold with dignity and honor. Chaplain Andrew talks about the importance of holding the space for death and dying personally and professionally.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_31_Interview_Andrew_Campbell.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 7:22pm EDT

In light of recent police violence against people of color, including the death of George Floyd, our country has reached a boiling point. This podcast features social activist, yoga teacher, and mindfulness practitioner, Shawn J. Moore, who provides us with thoughtful strategies to lean into this evolution as spiritual leaders so we can better support ourselves and our community to create positive change.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_28_Interview_Shawn_Moore20-2063A53A202C202.5020PM.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

While many consider enlightenment to be the goal of yoga, it's not! That is just a practice that helps us to get better at the REAL goal of yoga: excellent decision making. Learn about the yoga sutra and how it supports viveka (discernment) as the goal of yoga...so you can say an enthusiastic, "Yes!" to your life!

Direct download: MM_Podcast_27_Viveka_Goal.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

The demand is HIGH for getting your spiritual business online pronto. It's an important step to serve your students now...and long into the future! In this podcast, learn the most essential (and easy!) steps to create a successful online business that allows you to make more impact, and income.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_26_Business_Crash_Course.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Feminine energy has long been repressed, dismissed, and even forgotten. Take some time to rediscover the power of the feminine and learn more about its place as an essential energy of the universe. Along with the masculine, the feminine influences our life, practice, relationship, culture, and existence. Get to the heart of human nature -- of your nature! -- by learning more about how to honor the feminine and find a sense of equality between these two polarities.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_25_Feminine_Masculine.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

This week, three planets turn retrograde. This is a major astrological event! Alanna guides you through what each of these planetary retrogrades mean, how to utilize their energies for your highest good, and the best ways to bring their influence into your life and work as a modern mystic!

Direct download: MM_Podcast_24_Retrograde_May_2020.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Yoga professional and visionary, Emily Stewart, talks to Alanna about her creation of a yoga union to help professionals earn better wages, secure insurance coverage and make a living in our tough industry. She recognized many of the struggles of the yoga teacher and has sought to solve those problems by bringing yogis together and protecting them in this old school, yet innovative way!

Direct download: MM_Podcast_23_Interview_Emily_Stewart.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

You may have noticed that your "yoga bliss" is gone during this time, and your practice isn't producing the same results. Times of high stress (like right now) may require we adjust our practice in order for it to be more effective. In this podcast, we talk about four different practices that may help move the body out of a trauma response and restore relaxation.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_22_Tools_for_Stressful_Times.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

As a spiritual leader, you are on the front lines of the mental and emotional crisis happening right now. This podcast gives you the practical structure of yoga psychology as well as immediately implementable tools to help you (and your clients and community) de-stress, feel more connected, and increase resilience.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_21_Koshas_Covid.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

It is more important than ever to have an online presence as a yoga teacher and spiritual leader. With people at home and sheltering in place due to COVID-19, we must reach them where they are: at home! You have the tools of yoga which expressly help your audience mitigate stress and anxiety as a result of this crisis. It is critical that you provide them with offerings that give them the tools they need...by going online!

Direct download: MM_Podcast_20_Building_Biz_Covid.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Rituals may feel like a thing of the past, but they are absolutely essential tools for modern day people...especially the modern mystic! Learn why ritual is so critical for every human being, the elements of ritual, and how to put together powerful (relevant) rituals for yourself or others.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_17_Ritual.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

As a spiritual leader, by default, you are also an entrepreneur. Essential to your business tool kit is your smart use of social media. Alanna shares with you potent tips on how to make your social media shine so you can attract your tribe and make more impact with your work!

Direct download: MM_Podcast_16_Social_Media.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Yoga teachers are deeply affected by this pandemic with yoga studios closures. On the flip side, yoga students are now bereft of a primary source of comfort and camaraderie during this crisis…which is so needed. Yoga teachers need to step up into their roles as spiritual leaders and support their communities through this crisis. Alanna discusses ways to maintain spiritual and emotional wellbeing while continuing to responsibly connect to your community, even while practicing social distancing.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_16a_Covid_Crisis.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Have you heard that yoga is a 5,000 year old tradition? Well, that's partly true! However, asana (posture practice) is a really modern invention in the yoga repertoire. Bust through some theories on this podcast and learn the true history (and relevance) of yoga postures as a (very) modern day practice.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_15_Asana_History.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

We often find ourselves in front of groups of people as spiritual leaders, and sometimes that means being with negative energy that we can't control. What can we do about it? This podcast covers techniques to maintain a high vibe and elevated energy, because it is so important for your success as a spiritual leader. Some of the tools Alanna shares with you on this podcast may surprise you! But, all will help to keep you in the highest vibration possible for the important work you do.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_14_Spiritual_Protection.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Modern Mystic and Alchemical Astrologer, Shellie Crow, joins us on the podcast to talk about bringing forth the feminine in astrology and modern life. Through her deep dive into women and gender studies, as well as all things mystical, Shellie has developed a unique niche and perspective in the way she utilizes astrology as a tool of empowerment and change for today's practitioner. Learn how, regardless of gender, how you can bring forth more of the feminine, and why it's so important!

Direct download: MM_Podcast_13_Shellie_Interview.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

As yoga teachers and spiritual leaders, we are small business owners...whether we like it or not! It is through empowering ourselves as entrepreneurs that we are able to actually make more impact with our gifts. At the heart of building our spiritual businesses is successful branding, which starts with getting super clear about who you are, who you serve, and what problem you solve. In this podcast, we explore the power of niching down, and telling your story through your brand so you can reach your unique audience and make a big impact with your business!

Direct download: MM_Podcast_12_Branding20.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

The month of February is all about love! Let's talk self-love, compassion, and forgiveness in terms of Metta (or, Maitri in Sanskrit), the practice of loving-kindness. This is one of the most powerful practices we can employ as spiritual leaders. It elevates our mind, and keeps our hearts clear so that we may absorb all the powerful benefits of our practice. Learn the background of the loving-kindness practice, as well as it's roots in the yoga tradition. Plus, you learn how to do a Metta meditation practice, so you can start opening your heart right away!

Direct download: MM_Podcast_11_Metta_Love.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 11:21am EDT

Money is often a dirty word in the yoga and spiritual communities, and the idea that we should make money as spiritual entrepreneurs is often ridiculed, shunned, and shamed. This is an outdated way of thinking, and that belief system keeps us small and impoverished. Listen to Alanna share her insights of two decades of wading through this particular challenge, and coming out the other side with a multi-six figure business. She offers specific tips and tricks to elevate your spiritual entrepreneurship and embrace your inherent value.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_9_Entrepreneurship_Basics.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

You've heard Alanna talk about this concept in previous podcasts: Spiritual Leadership. Hear her talk about why this is such a critical role to be filled in our modern day culture by mystics such as yourself. Learn the history of what lead us here...to this gaping god-sized hole in our collective psyches...and how as spiritual leaders, we assist our students, clients, and community in navigating this treacherous landscape. Learn the pitfalls of not addressing this void, and the best ways to step up into your role as a spiritual leader. You are being called to do this...the time is now!


Traditionally, at the beginning of any year, we look for ways to optimize our lives in the coming months. Mystics of old have long had methods of divination to assist in positive planning, and looking forward to create opportunities. This is not fortune telling! Rather, it is a way to commune with the subtler aspects of the psyche to bring forth what is already within us. This allows us to make the best choices for ourselves and take advantage of the energies at hand. For us as modern mystics, one of the great tools of divination is the tarot deck. In this podcast, Alanna introduces you to the concept of modern divination, and gives a brief overview of the tarot deck and how you can add it to your practice of spiritual leadership.

Direct download: MM_Podcast_7_Divination_Tarot_Basics20-201_11_202C206.0320PM.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

At the beginning of the year, it is tempting to make new years resolutions. But, why would you do that when they only lead to heartache and disappointment! The mystic has another way, a way of greater hope and positive change. Let Alanna illuminate for you the path of least resistance, and help you set 2020 up for the most successful (and happy) year (and decade) possible!

Direct download: MM_Podcast_5_New_Year.mp3
Category:Modern Mystics -- posted at: 8:00am EDT