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Robbie Wood 10/29/26 Robbie Wood 10/29/26

Embody Prana in Breath, Body, Mind and Beyond

Prana is more than breath, it is the subtle energy underlying all dimensions of our life. Join guest Prasad Rangnekar, author of Prana, as he invites us into a deeper relationship with our own vital force and explores how it flows through every part of our lives.

Prasad Rangnekar is a yoga educator based in India, with over 40 years of personal practice and study and 30 years of teaching experience. Grounded in a deep Yogic foundation shaped by his family and enriched by years of study across multiple philosophical and mystical traditions, his teachings bridge timeless wisdom with modern application. He holds a BS in Biology and two master’s degrees—in Philosophy and Business Management—which support his integrative and practical approach to Yoga.

🔗 Learn more about Prasad Rangnekar and his work: prasadrangnekar.com

📚 Discover the book discussed in this program: Prana: The Practice of Body, Mind, and Breath

Dr. Trujillo’s Comments

I highly recommend listening to this episode with Prasad Rangnekar about prana. I appreciated his expanded translation of the Sanskrit word prana in the Vedic tradition to include “life”, “movement”, “vibration” and “awareness”. I particularly enjoyed his discussion of prana in three dimensions: cosmic or divine, the elemental, and the innermost, individual experience. His discussion of the cyclic phenomenon of creation as an inhale and exhale, the breath of creation, was particularly beautiful. We can appreciate our prana, our breath and aliveness, as another thing that connects us to the One.

The Yoga Hour Team Comments

I really enjoyed the conversation today about the meanings beyond "breath" for a term we hear often in the Yoga world: prāṇa. One of my favorite parts of the conversation was when he talked about each of us being a part of the inhale and exhale of the universe. One will definitely come away with a deeper understanding of prāṇa and our role in it.

Robbie Wood 2/19/26 Robbie Wood 2/19/26

Embrace The Hero’s Journey Through Francis of Assisi

How did the young and privileged Francis from Assisi become one of the world's most revered saints and a heroic leader who is more relevant now than ever? Author and spiritual teacher Isha Das (Craig Bullock) shares how Francis’ heroic journey is also our heroic journey.

Isha Das is an accomplished teacher, writer, lecturer, and psychotherapist who has authored books and recorded CDs on spirituality and meditation. The former Pastoral Administrator at St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Church, Isha Das earned graduate degrees in Religious Studies from the University of Notre Dame and in Clinical Psychology from the University of Duquesne. His broad and diverse education includes extensive study in psychology, spirituality, mysticism, world religions, and yoga.

Isha Das is the spiritual director of The Assisi Institute in Rochester, New York

This episode discusses Isha Das’ book Merchant to Mystic, The Hero's Journey of St. Francis of Assisi

DR. TRUJILLO’S COMMENTS: I enjoyed discussing the interface between mystical Christianity and Kriya Yoga with Isha Das, author of the book Merchant to Mystic: The Hero’s Journey of Francis of Assisi. As he points out, we become the hero that we admire, so reflecting on our heroes and heroines, and understanding more about their journey is important. Francis’ journey is an inspiring one, from being born into a wealthy family and living a worldly life through hardships that wounded him, to his time spent in silence and contemplation leading to his mission to rebuild the church. Our discussion about the householder spiritual path, the importance of silence, and the similarity between the yoga practice of self-surrender and the Christian vow of poverty was illuminating.

THE YOGA HOUR TEAM COMMENTS: This conversation with Isha Das explores St. Franscis’ hero’s journey of self-surrender. The discussion brings into focus the essence of kriya yoga in Christianity. St. Francis’ mantra was “Who are you? And who am I?”. That is the heart of awakening. The listener can get the experience of how time in silence, listening to the still small voice within, brought St. Francis to follow his spiritual path in ever-new joy. That joy with self-surrender and Grace eventually grew into the Franciscan order. Don’t miss this heart-felt podcast.

Robbie Wood 2/6/26 Robbie Wood 2/6/26

Find Healing and Vitality with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Yoga

Drawing from the earth-based wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, yoga, and meditation, guest Jennifer Raye offers modern insights into using yoga postures, healing foods, herbal medicine, meditation, and other practices to balance the body and mind in an accessible and holistic way.

Jennifer Raye is an internationally recognized Chinese Medicine practitioner and yoga and meditation teacher. She holds a doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine with professional licensure in acupuncture and herbal medicine. Her unique approach also includes integrating Ayurveda, holistic nutrition, somatic studies and therapeutic movement. She maintains a private medical practice and teaches online and in person.

This episode discusses Jennifer’s book, Wisdom of the Earth, Wisdom of the Body: wisdomofthebodybook.com

Learn more about Jennifer: jenniferraye.com

DR TRUJILLO’S COMMENTS: Jennifer Raye has done a wonderful job of integrating Chinese Medicine, yoga, and Ayurveda in her book Wisdom of Earth, Wisdom of the Body, which carried into our conversation. I love the view that we are microcosms of the larger world, and that changes in the outer world such as seasons also affect us. To me, this is a demonstration of the Oneness that is at the heart of yoga philosophy. In addition to discussing basic principles such as vital energy (qi or prana) flowing through channels in the body (meridians or nadis), we discussed imbalances that might occur in winter and spring, and how to make lifestyle changes that help us return to balance.

THE YOGA HOUR LISTENER COMMENTS: If you were ever curious about Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda and Yoga this is the podcast for you! Jennifer Raye is a very well studied practitioner of these modalities and in this engaging conversation she shares her passion and knowledge for our listeners.