S2 E6 | Yoga Philosophy, Meditation, Sanskrit & Spirituality with John Slade | Off The Mat Podcast

What happens when yoga becomes more than a physical practice? In this episode of the Off The Mat Podcast, I sit down with John Slade - London-based yoga teacher, retreat leader, and philosophy teacher - to explore how yoga can transform the way we relate to ourselves and the world around us. Filmed on Gili Meno, Indonesia, John begins with a grounding meditation before sharing how he first discovered yoga 17 years ago in the Philippines and how a consistent practice in Sydney helped him process emotions, ease anxiety, and feel more at home in himself as a gay man. Drawing on years of study in asana, pranayama, meditation, Sanskrit, mantra, and yogic philosophy, John shares how his practice has evolved into a lifelong journey of self-study, spirituality, and authentic living. Together, we explore svadhyaya (self-inquiry), chanting, Brahman and Atman, the Yoga Sutras, and practical ways to live yoga beyond the mat. Whether you're new to yoga or a dedicated practitioner, this conversation offers practical tools and timeless wisdom for cultivating greater awareness, compassion, and inner freedom. --- 🌿 What You'll Learn in This Episode • Using yoga to process emotions, anxiety, and self-acceptance • Why yoga is more than physical movement • The role of pranayama, meditation, and journaling • Understanding svadhyaya (self-study) and yoga philosophy • Sanskrit, chanting, and the spiritual roots of yoga • Practical ways to apply yoga in everyday life • Resources for deepening your yoga practice --- 🧘 About John Slade John Slade is a London-based yoga teacher, retreat leader, and lifelong student of yoga. His teaching blends vinyasa, restorative yoga, pranayama, meditation, mantra, Sanskrit, and yogic philosophy, making traditional teachings accessible and relevant to modern life. With a background in movement and years of study with internationally respected teachers, John encourages students to see yoga not simply as exercise, but as a lifelong practice of self-awareness, compassion, and transformation. --- 📚 Resources Mentioned Books The Truth of Yoga — Daniel Simpson • One Simple Thing — Eddie Stern Podcast The Truth of Yoga — hosted by Daniel Simpson Texts The Upanishads • The Bhagavad Gita • Patanjali's Yoga Sutras (Book 1, Sutra 33) Teachers Mentioned Simon Borg-Olivier & Bianca Machliss • Charlie Merton • Lizzy Rumsey (Jivamukti) • Elena Jessup (Sanskrit) • Samadhi Collective • Mina Asakawa --- 🌍 Connect with John Slade Website: johnsladeyoga.com • Instagram: @johndoesyoga --- ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:18 Guest Lead Meditation 06:08 Meditation Simplified 09:07 How John First Found Yoga 10:59 Yoga + Emotional Connection 12:57 What Is The Ultimate Goal of Yoga? 16:12 How Practice Evolves With Age 18:05 Svadhyaya 20:01 Sanskrit And Chanting 23:17 Yoga And Spirituality 25:54 Universal Love And Hope 28:43 Daily Life Accountability 29:24 Sutra Wisdom in Action 33:16 John's Retreats 34:27 Being a Yogi in London 35:16 London Community and Teachers 37:27 Deepening Practice Tips 40:28 Final Flow 44:18 Resources + Where to Find John 46:41 Closing --- ✨ Final Thoughts If you're interested in yoga philosophy, meditation, Sanskrit, pranayama, spirituality, and personal growth, this conversation is full of practical insights for taking your practice beyond the mat and into everyday life. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations around yoga, mindfulness, philosophy, and conscious living. #YogaPodcast #YogaPhilosophy #Meditation #Pranayama #Sanskrit #Spirituality #YogaTeacher #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #OffTheMatPodcast