Mato just raised pre-seed Read more
Podcast charts
Published by Susan Johnson
Welcome to "On the Light," a podcast dedicated to illuminating the profound teachings and legacy of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar. Join us as we engage in enlightening conversations, diving deep into the life's work of B.K.S. Iyengar, whose dedication and insight have touched countless lives around the world. From his innovative approach to asana practice to his profound spiritual teachings, we'll uncover the essence of Iyengar Yoga and its relevance in today's world. This podcast also explores the auspicious subject of yoga itself, delving into its ancient roots and texts, and receiving insight from established Iyengar Yoga teachers. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your yoga practice, "On the Light" offers a space for learning and inspiration. Please enjoy “On the Light”. “Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame.” B.K.S. Iyengar
On the charts
Every published chart this podcast appears in, in the snapshot behind this page. Each one links to the chart it came off.
The Mato Topic Intelligence Platform does not report this podcast as charting in a published category in this snapshot.
From the feed
The latest episodes published to this podcast’s own RSS feed. Titles and descriptions are the publisher’s.
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to On the Light , a podcast dedicated to illuminating the profound teachings and legacy of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar and the auspicious subject of Yog. I’m your host, Susan Johnson. In this conversation, I speak with Prashant Iyengar about a book Guruji published on the occasion of his 60th birthday in 1978, titled Body the Shrine, Yoga Thy Light . Prashantji helps us explore the significance of this title and what it reveals about Guruji’s understanding of yoga as a spiritual pursuit. Our conversation moves beyond the physical practice of asana into some profound questions. What does it mean for the body to become a shrine? How is contentment different from happiness? What might we discover when we turn our attention inward rather than continually seeking fulfillment outside ourselves? And how might we begin to understand asana not simply as a posture to be perfected, but as a means of cultivating the mind and consciousness? Prashantji also challenges us to reconsider familiar ideas about yoga practice, from the role of prayer and invocation to Guruji’s teaching of “pose and repose.” He offers a great deal to contemplate about the deeper culture and purpose of yoga. I f you haven’t yet registered for our live Zoom conversation with Prashantji on Sunday, October 18, there’s still time! We’ll have an opportunity to continue the conversation and ask questions about this episode or any of Prashantji’s previous appearances on On the Light . You can find registration details at iyengaryogawithsusan.com/on-the-light . I hope you’ll join us. Thank you for listening. 🙏🏼 Support the show
Send us Fan Mail Today I am delighted to welcome back Eric Small. Eric has been teaching for more than sixty-five years and has devoted much of his life to working with people living with multiple sclerosis, a condition he himself was diagnosed with as a young man. In this conversation, Eric reflects on his first encounters with Guruji, the extraordinary guidance he received from teachers returning from Pune, and the path that eventually led him to create programs for people with MS. We also explore how his own practice has evolved over the decades, what it means to continue practicing and teaching at age ninety-six, and why preparation, observation, and gratitude remain at the heart of his work. Eric's stories are rich with history, wisdom, humor, and humanity. More than anything, they remind us that yoga is not simply something we do—it is a lifelong relationship that continues to deepen and unfold. Please enjoy this conversation with Eric Small. I would like to remind listeners about our upcoming live event with Prashant on October 18. At the event Prashantji will be addressing questions from any of his episodes on the podcast. The event is free for paid monthly subscribers as a thank-you for supporting the podcast. For more information about the live event, the podcast, and ways to support the show, please visit iyengaryogawithsusan.com. Thank you for listening, Namaskar Support the show
Send us Fan Mail Today's episode with Prashant Iyengar is one of my favorites. If you're a regular listener to my conversations with Prashant, you'll notice that I often begin by posing a topic or question in a rather mundane way—one might even say with a somewhat unintelligent delivery—and Prashantji responds with something profound and extraordinarily insightful. His wisdom and ability to expound upon the subject of Yog never cease to amaze me. In this episode, Prashant examines the meaning of Sanatana Dharma and its relevance in the modern world. Drawing on the wisdom rooted in the traditions of India, he explains why Dharma is not merely a system of beliefs or practices, but a universal principle meant for all beings. If today's conversation sparked a question, I'd like to invite you to a special live On the Light event with Prashant Iyengar on October 18. If you have questions from this episode—or from any of Prashant's previous appearances on the podcast—you'll have the opportunity to ask them during this exclusive live event. As a token of appreciation, the event is free for all paid monthly subscribers of the podcast. Don’t worry … Registration is also open to non-subscribers. For event details, information about becoming a supporter, and access to all podcast episodes, please visit: iyengaryogawithsusan.com/on-the-light Thank you for listening to On the Light . Support the show
Send us Fan Mail ✨ In lieu of a Monday episode, I have exciting news to share with the On the Light community! For the first time, On the Light will host a live episode with Prashant Iyengar, exclusively for paid subscribers. As a show of appreciation for your support, this event is **free for all current monthly subscribers to ** On the Light . If you're not yet a subscriber, you can still become one and receive complimentary access by subscribing monthly before October 1. For those who prefer not to subscribe, registration will be available for a one-time fee. Over the past 3 years, Prashantji has generously joined me for a series of conversations exploring Guruji's life and the auspicious subject of Yog. Many listeners have told me how much they value these episodes, which is why I'm so grateful that Prashantji has agreed to join us for this special live event. Participants will be invited to submit questions in advance, inspired by any of Prashantji's previous appearances on On the Light . We'll spend our time together exploring those questions in conversation with Prashantji. The B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Studio of Dallas has generously offered to host this event and to provide registration via their WellnessLiving platform. As many of you know, On the Light is an independently produced podcast, created as a labor of love and dedicated to preserving and sharing the teachings and legacy of B.K.S. Iyengar. Listener support is what makes these conversations possible. I hope you'll join us for this special opportunity to interact directly with Prashantji and continue the conversation. Registration details are available on my website, iyengaryogawithsusan.com . I look forward to seeing you there! To become a subscriber, click on “Support the Show” in the show notes. A small monthly donation helps support the continued production of this podcast. Thank you for listening to On the Light . Until next time, Namaskar. Support the show
Send us Fan Mail My guest today is Claudia Díaz Boitano, a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher from Chile whose life and work have been deeply shaped by the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar and the teachers who carried those teachings forward. I'm also joined by my dear friend, Yemile Mizrahi, who suggested I reach out to Claudia and helped make this conversation possible. Together, we explore Claudia's journey from a background in sports to a life devoted to yoga, her experiences studying with Faeq and Corine Biria, and the lasting impressions left by Guruji, Geetaji, and Prashantji. Along the way, Claudia shares beautiful reflections on devotion, community, and the responsibility we all share in keeping these precious teachings alive. If you enjoy On the Light , please consider liking, sharing, and subscribing. This independently produced podcast relies on listener support. By clicking "Support the Show" in the show notes, you help preserve and share the stories, teachings, and voices of the Iyengar Yoga community. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. Support the show
Send us Fan Mail This episode is an absolute must-listen for anyone who teaches yoga, and for any practitioner of yoga as well. In this thought-provoking conversation, Prashant Iyengar reminds us that teaching is about far more than conveying techniques, postures, or information. Every interaction with a student leaves an impression, and with that comes a profound responsibility. As teachers, we are not only transmitting methods; we are shaping how students understand and relate to yoga itself. Prashantji speaks about the importance of Shastra as a living tradition of wisdom, one that has been handed down through generations and must be approached with humility, respect, and ongoing study. He also emphasizes that students are not objects to be instructed, but human beings to be guided with love, care, and sensitivity. This conversation challenges us to reflect deeply on what it means to teach, what it means to learn, and how we can honor the tradition while serving the students who come to us. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. If you enjoy On the Light , please consider liking, sharing, and subscribing. This independently produced podcast relies on listener support. By clicking "Support the Show" in the show notes, you help preserve and share the stories, teachings, and voices of the Iyengar Yoga community. Support the show
Send us Fan Mail My guest today is Virendra Naik, one of the many students who grew up in the children's classes at RIMYI in Pune. Raised within the atmosphere of the Institute, he experienced firsthand the teachings of Guruji, Geetaji, and other senior teachers who shaped generations of Iyengar Yoga practitioners. In this conversation, Virendra shares memories from those early years, the lessons that stayed with him, his journey from student to teacher, and some of his profound revelations through his study with Prashant Iyengar. We also discuss his life as an engineer in Germany, his work teaching children, and his reflections on the passing of Guruji and Geetaji. This episode offers a rare glimpse into life at the Institute through the eyes of someone who quite literally grew up there. If On the Light has enriched your study, deepened your practice, or connected you to the broader Iyengar Yoga community, please consider liking, sharing, and subscribing. This podcast is independently produced and relies on listener support. By clicking “Support the Show” in the show notes and making a small monthly donation, you help preserve and share the stories, teachings, and voices of the Iyengar Yoga community. Please enjoy this episode with Virendra. Support the show
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I am honored to speak with Eyal Shifroni. Eyal is a senior Iyengar Yoga teacher from Israel, a longtime student of the Iyengar family, and the author of nine books on yoga practice and philosophy. Eyal began studying began studying yoga in 1978 in the Sivananda tradition and came to studying Iyengar Yoga in 1982. He has spent more than four decades immersed in the study, practice, and teaching of yoga. Over the years, he made many trips to Pune to study directly with B.K.S. Iyengar. In addition to his teaching, Eyal has made significant contributions to our tradition through his writing, his translations of The Tree of Yoga and Light on Pranayama into Hebrew, and his thoughtful exploration of yoga philosophy. In our conversation, Eyal reflects on his first encounters with yoga, his years of study at RIMYI, the importance of self-practice, and the responsibility we all share in preserving the integrity of the method. As he says, "We have to keep the knowledge alive and pure." It is a simple statement, but one that carries profound implications for students and teachers alike. Please enjoy this conversation with Eyal Shifroni. If you enjoy On the Light , please consider liking, sharing, and subscribing. Click on “Support the Show” in the show notes. A small monthly donation helps support the continued production of this podcast. Support the show
Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I am joined by senior Iyengar Yoga teacher Rebecca Lerner. Rebecca's journey into yoga began through rehabilitation after a devastating injury as a teenager that permanently altered the course of her life. What started as a search for healing became a lifelong path of study, practice, and teaching. Over the decades, Rebecca has studied with B.K.S. Iyengar, Geetaji, Prashantji, and Abhijata, all while balancing the equally important roles of wife, mother, and teacher. In our conversation, Rebecca shares memories of her early trips to Pune, stories of Guruji and Geetaji, insights from years of study, and reflections on how yoga helps us persevere through life's inevitable obstacles. She speaks candidly about her own physical challenges and the lessons she learned from Guruji's simple but profound instruction: "Let that leg be your guru." I hope you enjoy this heartfelt conversation with Rebecca Lerner. Support the show
Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to On the Light . I'm your host, Susan Johnson. This is the third conversation in my series with Prashant Iyengar exploring the History of Yog. In our previous two episodes, Prashantji encouraged us to understand our own history before turning to the history of the Yog tradition itself. Today, we begin exploring that tradition. Prashantji explains the relationship between the classical texts and the living teacher, reminding us that while the texts illuminate the path, the guru must customize the teaching according to the individual student, the time, and the circumstances. If you enjoy On the Light , please consider liking, sharing, and subscribing. Click on “Support the Show” in the show notes. A small monthly donation helps support the continued production of this podcast. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. Support the show
Send us Fan Mail In our previous conversation, Prashantji challenged us to rethink what it means to study the history of yoga. Before looking outward, he suggested that we first examine our own history—to honestly acknowledge our mistakes, express gratitude where it is due, and recognize the ways our past continues to shape who we are today. Today, he expands that idea in remarkable ways, inviting us to consider karma, memory, and the timeless nature of our existence. If you enjoy On the Light , please consider liking, sharing, and subscribing. Click on “Support the Show” in the show notes. A small monthly donation helps support the continued production of this podcast. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light Support the show
Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is especially meaningful to me because it was recorded in person in Pune, during my recent visit to study at the Institute. My dear friend, Yemile Mizrahi, joined me for this interview as well, making the experience even more memorable. This is the first in a series of conversations on the history of yog. I arrived with what I thought was a straightforward question—but I was completely surprised by where Prashantji took the conversation. Rather than simply discussing the history of yog, he turned the inquiry inward in a way I never expected. His response challenged me, and I think it will challenge you as well. If you enjoy On the Light , please consider liking, sharing, and subscribing. Click on “Support the Show” in the show notes. A small monthly donation helps support the continued production of this podcast. I hope you enjoy this episode of On the Light . Support the show
Send us Fan Mail If you've ever traveled to Pune to study at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, there's a good chance you've met today's guest. His name is Amin, and for many years he has welcomed students from around the world—not only by driving them through the streets of Pune, but by helping them feel safe, cared for, and at home. For countless practitioners, a ride with Amin is as much a part of the Pune experience as practicing at the Institute itself. When I recently shared a photo of Amin with us on social media, I was amazed by the response. Many people reached out to me saying, "I love Amin!" It made me realize that while many of us know Amin, very few of us know his story. In this conversation, Amin shares how he first became connected with the Iyengar community, the relationships he has built with students and members of the Iyengar family over the years, and what it has meant to spend his life serving those who come to Pune to study yoga. This was Amin's very first podcast interview. His first language is Marathi, and he speaks from the heart with remarkable honesty and humility. I hope you'll listen not only to his words, but to the kindness, gratitude, and generosity that have made him such a beloved member of our community. Please enjoy this conversation with my friend, Amin. Support the show
Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to On the Light . I'm your host, Susan Johnson. If you enjoy On the Light , please consider liking, sharing, or subscribing. And if you’re able, a small monthly donation helps support the continued production of this podcast. My guest today is Victoria Austin—an Iyengar Yoga teacher, Zen priest, and longtime student of B.K.S. Iyengar and Geeta Iyengar. For more than four decades of study, Victoria has explored the profound relationship between yoga, meditation, and the human experience, bringing the teachings of Iyengar Yoga into dialogue with Buddhist practice, chaplaincy, and the care of those facing illness, trauma, and death. In this conversation, Victoria shares extraordinary stories of her time with Guruji and Geetaji—stories filled with humor, compassion, challenge, and unwavering precision. She reflects on how the teachings carried her through serious accidents and surgeries, how practice became a means of meeting fear rather than avoiding it, and why yoga remains available to us at every stage of life. This episode is ultimately about what it means to truly receive a teaching—not simply to hear it, but to allow it to transform us over time. Please enjoy my conversation with Victoria Austin. Support the show
Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to On the Light . I'm your host, Susan Johnson. My guest today is Nikki Costello, a longtime student and teacher of Iyengar Yoga. Nikki reflects on her first encounters with Light on Yoga , her studies with Mary Dunn and Gulnaz Dashti, and the profound experiences that shaped her understanding of the teachings at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune. Along the way, Nikki shares stories of Guruji and Geetaji that illuminate not only their brilliance as teachers, but also the depth of care, discipline, and transformation that lie at the heart of the guru-disciple relationship. She speaks about lineage, mentorship, oral tradition, and what it means to carry the teachings forward—not as a collection of techniques, but as a living practice that continues to evolve within each of us. This is a conversation about transmission, responsibility, and the enduring vitality of the teachings. If you enjoy On the Light , please consider liking, sharing, or subscribing. And if you’re able, a small monthly donation helps support the continued production of this podcast. Please enjoy my conversation with Nikki Costello. Support the show
Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to On the Light and to what is now our fifth season. I'm your host, Susan Johnson. My guest today is Jaki Nett Jaki is one of the recipients of the Lighting the Way Award presented by IYNAUS in recognition of her decades of dedication to the study, practice, and teaching of Iyengar Yoga. Jaki received this honor at the recent IYNAUS Convention in Philadelphia. In this conversation, Jaki reflects on nearly four decades of study in Pune, her deep and enduring relationship with Geeta Iyengar, and the profound influence Geetaji had on her life as a student, teacher, and practitioner. She shares stories of both Guruji and Geetaji that reveal not only their brilliance as teachers, but also their humanity, humor, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the subject of yoga. At its heart, this is a conversation about lineage—how it is received, how it transforms us, and the responsibility each of us carries to preserve and pass on the teachings with integrity. If you enjoy On the Light , please consider liking, sharing, or subscribing. And if you’re able, a small monthly donation helps support the continued production of this podcast. Please enjoy my conversation with Jaki Nett. Support the show
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Light on Cooking: The Iyengar Tradition . I’m your host, Susan Johnson In this opening conversation, Prashant Iyengar reflects on the role of food within the life and culture of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar—not simply what was eaten, but the deeper philosophy surrounding food, discipline, ritual, timing, silence, and awareness. What unfolds is far more than a discussion about meals or favorite dishes. Prashantji offers a rare glimpse into the atmosphere of the Iyengar household: food prepared by family members, meals taken in silence, eating as an offering rather than consumption, and the profound relationship between nourishment and practice. He speaks about sattvic food, the discipline of mealtimes, Guruji’s simplicity and moderation, and the understanding that yoga does not end on the mat, but extends into every aspect of daily life. The conversation moves between philosophy, culture, memory, and lived experience, revealing how even the most ordinary acts can become sacred when approached with awareness. This episode sets the tone for the series itself: an exploration not only of cooking and food traditions, but of care, consciousness, family, and the subtle ways yoga is woven into everyday living. Welcome to Light on Cooking: The Iyengar Tradition . Please consider supporting the cookbook . 🙏🏼 Support the show
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Light on Cooking: The Iyengar Tradition , a companion podcast to On the Light . In this series, conversations move into the kitchen and toward the role of food within the life and teachings of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar. Through stories shared by family members, students, and long-time practitioners, we explore cooking, nourishment, daily ritual, and the ways yoga extends into all aspects of life. These conversations are not simply about recipes or meals, but about care, discipline, culture, and the lived experience of practice. This podcast will also document the unfolding process of creating the Light on Cooking cookbook project — a gathering of stories, traditions, recipes, and memories connected to the Iyengar family and lineage. I’m Susan Johnson, and I’ll be your host. Stay tuned for Episode One with Prashant Iyengar, coming next week. Thank you for listening. Support the show
Send us Fan Mail This episode holds a special place for me because …it is my 50th interview! and it feels deeply appropriate that this milestone is shared with Prashant Iyengar. From the very beginning of this podcast, Prashantji has been a guiding presence. His generosity with his time, his willingness to engage in these conversations, and his continued support have made this work possible in ways I don’t take lightly. This podcast, in many respects, lives in the space he continues to illuminate. Rooted in the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar, On the Light has always been about listening more deeply—to the method, to the tradition, and to the voices that carry it forward. And Prashantji sits right at the center of that living tradition. In this summative episode on sangeet — He reminds us that while forms may evolve over time, the essence remains untouched—like the sun behind an eclipse, or a diamond beneath layers of dust. Prashant speaks to the importance of preserving the source of the tradition, even if only a very small number continue to carry that work forward. And I find myself reflecting that this podcast, in its own small way, is part of that effort—to listen, to learn, and to help keep that thread alive. It is an honor, and truly a privilege, to share this 50th conversation with him. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light . Support the show
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to On the Light . I’m your host, Susan Johnson. In this episode I am deeply honored to be in conversation with Eric Small—a pioneering teacher of Iyengar Yoga whose work has spanned more than six decades. At 93, Eric brings a lifetime of experience shaped by direct study with Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar and Geeta Iyengar, as well as his groundbreaking work adapting yoga for students with multiple sclerosis. Through storytelling, reflection, and lived experience, he shares what it means to teach from the heart, to observe deeply, and to serve with humility. This conversation is both a historical record and a personal testament—offering insight into the early years of Iyengar Yoga in the West, the depth of the teacher-student relationship, and the enduring power of practice as a path of healing and self-understanding. Please enjoy this conversation with Eric Small. Support the show
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed November 3, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
Apple and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Pairs with
Bring this source into Mato to read its transferable patterns, then turn them into an original show for your own audience.