EPISODE · Feb 2, 2026 · 1H 1M
How the West Changed Yoga and Lost Its Real Power ft. Eddie Stern
from Something Bigger Talk Show · host Rodrigo Canelas
Want to start or grow your podcast? I went from 3k to 400k YouTube subscribers in under 18 months - no ads. I share everything I’ve learned, honestly and practically, in my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://rodrigocanelas.substack.com/subscribeAbout the Episode This episode features an in-depth exploration of yoga’s true purpose, moving far beyond the physical poses seen in modern fitness culture. Guest Eddie Stern discusses the intersection of ancient Eastern spirituality and Western science, focusing on how yoga serves as a biological tool for nervous system regulation. The conversation spans Stern’s roots in the New York punk scene to the establishment of traditional temples in Manhattan. It serves as a powerful reminder that yoga is a path toward internal balance, healing chronic inflammation, and reclaiming one's authentic self in a consumer-driven world.About the Guest Eddie Stern is a world-renowned yoga teacher, author, and lecturer based in New York City. He is best known for his expertise in Ashtanga Yoga and his work in bringing yoga to diverse populations, including high-profile celebrities and inner-city school children. Eddie is the co-founder of the Broome Street Ganesha Temple and the author of the best-selling book One Simple Thing: A New Look at the Science of Yoga and How It Can Transform Your Life.Highlights 🧘 The Spiritual Roots of Yoga: Eddie discusses the commercialization of yoga in America and the importance of reconnecting the practice to its community-focused, spiritual foundations. ⚡ Nervous System Mastery: An exploration of how yoga postures and breathing techniques (pranayama) allow us to manually regulate our autonomic nervous system and reduce stress. 🎸 From Punk to Pranayama: Eddie reflects on his journey from the rebellious NYC punk culture to a life of meditation, finding common ground in the search for truth and identity. ⚖️ Healing through Homeostasis: A look at how disruptions to our internal balance lead to chronic inflammation and how mindful practices can restore metabolic health. 🔄 Breaking the Identity Trap: The importance of evolving past rigid labels, even the identity of being a "yoga practitioner", to find true creative freedom and authenticity.TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Yoga's commercialization in America 2:11 - Establishing the Ganesha Temple in Manhattan 6:45 - Seeking meaning through punk culture 8:56 - Transitioning from rebellion to meditation 13:42 - The nervous system and spatial awareness 15:38 - How yoga enhances physiological functions 19:42 - Disruptions to homeostasis and health 21:56 - Chronic inflammation and stress responses 27:50 - The 4-6 breathing technique for relaxation 31:51 - Enhancing sensory awareness through breath 39:23 - Transforming habits through regular practice 44:51 - Yoga as a catalyst for life changes 46:43 - The dark side of the yoga industry 52:35 - Trusting your path in learning 58:42 - Embracing newfound freedom and authenticity👇 Connect with Eddie Stern Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eddiestern/ Web: https://eddiestern.com/ App: https://www.thebreathingapp.com/👇 Connect with Rodrigo and Something Bigger Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigocanelas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodrigocanelas Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rodrigo_canelas Web: https://www.somethingbigger.com X: https://x.com/rodrigo_canelas🎬 Production TeamHost: Rodrigo CanelaVideo Editor (Long- Format): Rishabh GuptaVideo Editor (Short-Form ): Vishal MeenaThumbnail design: Vishal Meena & Rishabh GuptaContent Producer: Arsh KhanKeywords #YogaScience #NervousSystem #EddieStern #Mindfulness #Homeostasis #Breathwork #PersonalTransformation
What this episode covers
Want to start or grow your podcast? I went from 3k to 400k YouTube subscribers in under 18 months - no ads. I share everything I’ve learned, honestly and practically, in my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://rodrigocanelas.substack.com/subscribeAbout the Episode This episode features an in-depth exploration of yoga’s true purpose, moving far beyond the physical poses seen in modern fitness culture. Guest Eddie Stern discusses the intersection of ancient Eastern spirituality and Western science, focusing on how yoga serves as a biological tool for nervous system regulation. The conversation spans Stern’s roots in the New York punk scene to the establishment of traditional temples in Manhattan. It serves as a powerful reminder that yoga is a path toward internal balance, healing chronic inflammation, and reclaiming one's authentic self in a consumer-driven world.About the Guest Eddie Stern is a world-renowned yoga teacher, author, and lecturer based in New York City. He is best known for his expertise in Ashtanga Yoga and his work in bringing yoga to diverse populations, including high-profile celebrities and inner-city school children. Eddie is the co-founder of the Broome Street Ganesha Temple and the author of the best-selling book One Simple Thing: A New Look at the Science of Yoga and How It Can Transform Your Life.Highlights 🧘 The Spiritual Roots of Yoga: Eddie discusses the commercialization of yoga in America and the importance of reconnecting the practice to its community-focused, spiritual foundations. ⚡ Nervous System Mastery: An exploration of how yoga postures and breathing techniques (pranayama) allow us to manually regulate our autonomic nervous system and reduce stress. 🎸 From Punk to Pranayama: Eddie reflects on his journey from the rebellious NYC punk culture to a life of meditation, finding common ground in the search for truth and identity. ⚖️ Healing through Homeostasis: A look at how disruptions to our internal balance lead to chronic inflammation and how mindful practices can restore metabolic health. 🔄 Breaking the Identity Trap: The importance of evolving past rigid labels, even the identity of being a "yoga practitioner", to find true creative freedom and authenticity.TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Yoga's commercialization in America 2:11 - Establishing the Ganesha Temple in Manhattan 6:45 - Seeking meaning through punk culture 8:56 - Transitioning from rebellion to meditation 13:42 - The nervous system and spatial awareness 15:38 - How yoga enhances physiological functions 19:42 - Disruptions to homeostasis and health 21:56 - Chronic inflammation and stress responses 27:50 - The 4-6 breathing technique for relaxation 31:51 - Enhancing sensory awareness through breath 39:23 - Transforming habits through regular practice 44:51 - Yoga as a catalyst for life changes 46:43 - The dark side of the yoga industry 52:35 - Trusting your path in learning 58:42 - Embracing newfound freedom and authenticity👇 Connect with Eddie Stern Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eddiestern/ Web: https://eddiestern.com/ App: https://www.thebreathingapp.com/👇 Connect with Rodrigo and Something Bigger Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigocanelas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodrigocanelas Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rodrigo_canelas Web: https://www.somethingbigger.com X: https://x.com/rodrigo_canelas🎬 Production TeamHost: Rodrigo CanelaVideo Editor (Long- Format): Rishabh GuptaVideo Editor (Short-Form ): Vishal MeenaThumbnail design: Vishal Meena & Rishabh GuptaContent Producer: Arsh KhanKeywords #YogaScience #NervousSystem #EddieStern #Mindfulness #Homeostasis #Breathwork #PersonalTransformation
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How the West Changed Yoga and Lost Its Real Power ft. Eddie Stern
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