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!

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/

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