<![CDATA[The Student Within ]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-student-within-nu More than just a podcast, The Student Within is a growing community, fostering understanding, building networks, and investing in the bright, unfolding potential of each student voice. Through open conversation, we explore what it means to learn, grow, and navigate the unfolding path of education and life. This is a space to listen, learn from one another, and find connection in shared experience. The Student Within offers a platform for the unheard voices of the students in Naropa University, to speak about their career and contemplate life together. We frequently hear from established experts, published authors, and seasoned professionals, and we rarely get insight into those just beginning their journey. Students brimming with fresh ideas, that with the right support, can blossom to their highest potential. We aim to bridge that gap.

]]> RSS.com 2026.401.141116 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 22:10:18 GMT en 04b79931-5352-51c3-95bf-32eab15360c6 https://media.rss.com/the-student-within-nu/20251029_051001_83be10dfd71afe70ea97e506694bc9e5.png The Student Within https://rss.com/podcasts/the-student-within-nu yes Naropa University Melissa Ra Melissa Ra true episodic podcast <![CDATA[Training the body while tending the spirit with Anisa Guajardo ]]> In this episode, we sit with student Anisa Guajardo, whose journey moves between intensity and introspection. As professional athlete and winner of the 10th season of Exatlón, she reflects on what it means to move beyond intellectual understanding and into embodiment. Now, studying a master's in Transpersonal Mindfulness Counseling at Naropa becomes part of her self-discovery journey. Our conversation explores what happens when the rigor of physical training meets the subtle work of inner awareness.

Her story reveals that strength is not only built as we physically train, but when we learn from within.

Follow Anisa on Insta

Watch the season finale where Anisa won!

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-student-within-nu/2706373 e306eae0-f935-4a74-bc6a-38272f28a1ef 2676 full 1 1 5 5 false Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:51:45 GMT <![CDATA[Resilience as a practice with Austin Gates]]> In this episode, we sit with a lifelong student Austin Gates, whose path is shaped by devotion to practice, inquiry, and community. From contemplative psychology to meditation instruction, research, student organizing, and even Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, he reflects on what it means to remain a student throughout. Through stories of study, service, and embodied practice, this conversation becomes an invitation to meet challenge not as failure, but as initiation into deeper learning.

Visit his youtube channel:

The Rad Futurist

The Charis Foundation for New Monasticism & Interspirituality:

https://charisinterspirituality.org

And their Naropa University partnership:

The Keating-Schachter Center (KSC) for Interspirituality at Naropa University

The Zendo project, the company we discussed that sets up at festivals:

https://zendoproject.org/

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-student-within-nu/2575837 7e5cb683-8fc4-46e1-a996-6adde5aa4ee3 2718 full 1 1 4 4 false Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:56:28 GMT <![CDATA[Lifelong learner Matthew Kopp]]> In this uplifting conversation we meet Matthew, a student in his third year of graduate Yoga Studies at Naropa University. He is pursuing his third master’s degree. With warmth and humor, he shares his perspective on embracing life without the weight of academic stress and how spiritual connection to his ancestors encourage a life full of meaning.

Radiating energy and curiosity, Matthew reminds us that learning is not confined to classrooms but is a lifelong rhythm, one that nourishes both mind and spirit.

Follow him on IG @ mattsinglebean

You can find the "Great Swan Meetings with Ramakrishna" book by Hixon Lex here

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-student-within-nu/2299837 6961f937-3b24-4419-ba88-5d57cd9a9236 2041 full 1 1 3 3 false Thu, 30 Oct 2025 18:05:59 GMT Naropa University, 6287, Arapahoe Road, Boulder, Boulder County, Colorado, 80303, USA Red Feather Lakes, Red Feather Lakes, Larimer County, Colorado, 80545, USA <![CDATA[Beloved Veteran student Jon Morton]]> In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with a veteran student who opens up about his journey from undergraduate to graduate studies at Naropa. With honesty and vulnerability, he shares how returning to school shaped his understanding of healing, identity, and purpose.

Now working at a nonprofit that supports fellow veterans, he reflects on the importance of community, mental health awareness, and finding meaning through service. His story offers a powerful reminder that education can be both an inner and outer act of transformation.

Transpersonal psychology Stanislav Grof project:

https://groflegacyproject.org/resources/history-of-transpersonal-psychology/

Warrior Pathh:

https://www.travismillsfoundation.org/pathh/

If you are interested in reading and learning more about Ngöndro;

Ngöndro (preliminary practices of Tibetan Buddhism)

When Jon begins his practice:

Also the word that we were looking for, which refers to the most auspicious time before dawn is brahma muhurta.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-student-within-nu/2297687 7f2f64c1-beb5-4bb3-bf9d-416fe5d4a896 2443 full 1 1 2 2 true Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:58:00 GMT Naropa University Offices, 2111, Arapahoe Avenue, Goss-Grove, Boulder, Boulder County, Colorado, 80302, USA Red Feather Lakes, Red Feather Lakes, Larimer County, Colorado, 80545, USA <![CDATA[Embodying the Goddess with Cynthia Abulafia ]]> Our dialogue explores her evolving relationship with Tantra and Śaivism, her dedication to contemplative study, and the balance between academic and embodied practice. She reflects on how each stage of learning continues to unfold new dimensions of insight and devotion. She is a very much adored student within our cohort. Cynthia is currently pursuing her second master’s degree (Yoga Studies) and studying Sanskrit. She brings over two decades of experience leading yoga trainings and retreats around the world.

Cynthia's first book will be released on January 20, 2026. And you can preorder your copy here:

Embodying the Goddess: How to Awaken Curiosity and Reverence on the Spiritual Path

Visit her website and sign up for her yoga teacher trainings:

Cynthia Abulafia website

Her own words "Just the Goddess talking to Herself, dismantling the transcendence bias in patriarchal spirituality. Because it's time to remember pulsation." from her substack bio. Please check out her interesting and inspiring essay form posts:

Cynthia substack

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/the-student-within-nu/2297613 01030d69-1165-4962-aa0c-5d06a8b4a995 1755 full 1 1 1 1 false Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:20:00 GMT Naropa University Offices, 2111, Arapahoe Avenue, Goss-Grove, Boulder, Boulder County, Colorado, 80302, USA Red Feather Lakes, Red Feather Lakes, Larimer County, Colorado, 80545, USA