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Artwork for Ancient Futures

Ancient Futures

Daniel Simpson
Yoga
Buddhism
Bhagavad Gita
Yoga Philosophy
Psychedelics
Philosophy
Meditation
Tantra
Bhagavad Gītā
Dharma Code
Hinduism
Addiction
Politics
Yoga Principles
Colonialism
Therapeutic Use Of Psychedelics
Vedanta Tradition
British Colonialism
Hatha Yoga
Narendra Modi

Timeless wisdom for modern dilemmas, combining yoga philosophy, practical insight and critical thinking. Hosted by Daniel Simpson. ancientfutures.substack.com

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes86Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Religion & SpiritualityPhilosophySociety & Culture

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Artwork for Ancient Futures

Latest Episodes

What if yoga meant technology, jihad or sex with multiple partners? 😳

That’s just a sample of the thought-provoking papers presented in Paris at the Yoga Darśana Yoga Sādhana conference last week. This podcast shares a few reflections on what was ... more

How might we be inspired by a worldwide community of Yiddish-speaking Jews, whose cultural identity was broadly internationalist?

David Mazower is the author of Yiddish: A Global Culture, which accompanies an exhibit he curated at the Yiddish Book C... more

What defines the right thing to do, and how helpful is yoga in doing it? 🤔

Yogic traditions present different frameworks for ethical conduct, with varying degrees of engagement in worldly affairs. If their aim is to promote liberation, can they als... more

How reliable are articles on yoga by contributors to Wikipedia? 🤷‍♂️

More than they used to be, thanks to the input of Ian Alexander, who’s personally edited between a third and half of them. Many meet the criteria for what the free encyclopaedia c... more

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Recent Guests

David Mazower
Former BBC journalist and author of Yiddish, A Global Culture; curator of the Yiddish Book Center exhibition
Author, Yiddish Book Center exhibition
Episode: Yiddishland – David Mazower
Ian Alexander
Contributor to yoga articles on Wikipedia; author and yoga practitioner
Wikipedia yoga editor
Episode: Propagandananda? – Ian Alexander
Dan Turello
Author of Connection, photographer, cultural historian, yoga and meditation practitioner
Author of Connection
Episode: Human Technology – Dan Turello
Ron Purser
Author of McMindfulness; Professor of Management at San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University
Episode: Beyond McMindfulness – Ron Purser
Sonia Faleiro
Writer of narrative non-fiction; author of The Robe and the Sword
Author, The Robe and the Sword
Episode: Buddhist Violence – Sonia Faleiro
Valentin Gerlier
Scholar, musician and author; founder of the School of Sophia
School of Sophia
Episode: The Love of Wisdom – Valentin Gerlier
Tova Olsson
Scholar of religion and yoga teacher researching contemporary Tantra in Europe.
Episode: Contemporary Tantra – Tova Olsson
Simon Haas
Author of two guides to Indian teachings and scholar with a PhD from Oxford
Episode: Enlightened Choices – Simon Haas
Sravana Borkataky-Varma
Co-author of The Serpent's Tale, specialized in Goddess Tantra
Episode: Kuṇḍalinī Experiences – Sravana Borkataky-Varma + Anya Foxen

Host

Daniel Simpson
Host of Ancient Futures; facilitates discussions on yoga philosophy, open knowledge, and critical thinking.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 48 ratings
  • Always a great listen.

    Daniel has such interesting guests and conversations around yoga, and is always very respectful. He asks some great questions, giving them time to respond, and never interrupting their flow. I always look forward to the next podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NakedYogi
    United Kingdom3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The host asks insightful questions without rushing guests, creating a comfortable pace.
Content balances scholarly critique with practical, accessible takeaways.
The show consistently invites diverse perspectives on yoga and philosophy.
Listeners appreciate thoughtful, respectful conversations and well-chosen guests.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Yiddishland – David Mazower
Q: What is the concept of Yiddish Land and how did it shape cultural identity?
Yiddish Land represents a global imagined community formed through migration and culture rather than a physical nation; it is a mural and a notion that binds communities from Australia to Shanghai to New York, underscoring a transnational civilization built around language.
Yiddishland – David Mazower
Q: Could you explain how Yiddish emerged and why it is called that rather than other names?
Yiddish simply means Jewish; it is the native language of Ashkenazi Jews and, over a thousand years, evolved as a Germanic language with its own culture, literature, and institutions, despite lacking a homeland.
Human Technology – Dan Turello
Q: Could you clarify what you mean by technology so we can ground the conversation before exploring further?
Technology is understood as everything that goes beyond the naked human body and creates a space in which humans can cultivate meaning through ceremonies, relationships, and communal infrastructure rather than simply as devices or external forces.
Human Technology – Dan Turello
Q: And before we dive into any of that, perhaps you could share a few of those thoughts to start us off.
We discussed broad definitional frames for technology and how tools have evolved from mere implements to relational structures that protect and enable human meaning, with a particular emphasis on the idea that technology can contribute to human flourishing when grounded in community and mindful intention.
Practical Wisdom – Jessica Böhme
Q: What were the questions that came up for you at the very beginning?
I was trained as a mechanical engineer and worked in a corporate job, but my love for sustainability pushed me to explore deeper questions about change and how society functions.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ancient Futures

What is Ancient Futures about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful, philosophy-forward show that explores yoga, spirituality, and modern dilemmas through a critical, open-minded lens. Episodes mix deep dives into yoga philosophy, Buddhist and Hindu traditions, tantra, and the social implications of mindfulness and tech, often featuring scholars, authors, and practitioners who bring rigor and personal storytelling. The format tends to blend scholarly critique with practical application, making complex ideas accessible for listeners who want both intellectual nuance and real-world relevance. The show is noted for respectful questioning, diverse guest ranges—from academics to memoirists—and a commitment to open knowledge and self-inquiry rather than dogma.

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Which podcasts are similar to Ancient Futures?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Ancient Futures:

1. J. Brown Yoga Talks
2. Yogaland Podcast
3. Let's Talk Yoga
4. The Emerald
5. Buddha at the Gas Pump

How many episodes of Ancient Futures are there?

Ancient Futures launched 3 years ago and published 86 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Ancient Futures?

Recent guests on Ancient Futures include:

1. David Mazower
2. Ian Alexander
3. Dan Turello
4. Ron Purser
5. Sonia Faleiro
6. Valentin Gerlier
7. Tova Olsson
8. Simon Haas

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