#131 - ADAM KEEN - Honouring Yoga’s Roots in Today’s World
In this candid and compelling episode, Adam Keen(@adam_keen_ashtanga) returns to the mic to unpack decades of experience as a yoga practitioner, teacher, and deep thinker. Practising since 1999 and one of the rare few to complete the Advanced A series in Mysore under Sharathji, Adam shares insights that only years of dedication can offer—cutting through the fluff of modern yoga while still teaching with compassion, humour, and nuance.
Adam's teaching style is framed in inclusivity, compassion, and lucid, explicit, practical instruction. Alongside this, he shares his interest in deeper inquiry about the fundamental questions of life – what we’re doing and why we’re here.
Drawing on his experience running a Mysore programme in London for over a decade and his time immersed in the roots of Ashtanga at Purple Valley Goa, we explore; spinal stimulation, aging as a teacher, spiritual bypassing, social media illusions, and whether yoga is becoming just another performance art. For those interested in intelligent, inclusive, and reality-based yoga, this episode offers clarity, humility, and some laugh-out-loud truths.
Adam now shares his reflections through the Keen on Yoga podcast, YouTube, and social media—Whether you’re a newer teacher or a long-time student, this conversation offers sharp insight into how we can honour yoga’s roots while teaching in today’s world—and why sometimes the most revolutionary thing we can do is admit we’re still figuring it out.
WE CHAT ABOUT
Why “belly breathing” and cueing matters
Asana as spinal stimulation vs. aesthetic movement
The myth of yoga being just about relaxation
Why “listening to your body” needs context
The dilution and commodification of yoga
How aging changes your teaching (and practice)
Penitence, pain, and ego in physical yoga
Modern students: overachievers vs. undercommitted
What dharma means in today’s world
NOTABLE QUOTES
On the intent of yoga practice:
“If you're just looking to relax, there are easier routes than yoga—light a candle and take a bath.”
On belly vs. thoracic breathing:
“Belly breathing is calming, but if you're doing dynamic asana, you need thoracic breathing to support the core and spine.”
On spiritual transformation:
“We’re not looking for the cessation of thought—we’re seeking transformation of consciousness.”
On performative yoga culture:
“Doing advanced poses doesn’t mean you’re enlightened. Some of the most flexible yogis I’ve met were the most lost.”
On teaching as an older yogi:
“Now I’m less about impressing, more about watching, helping, and allowing people to have their own experience.”
On dharma in modern life:
“Dharma today isn’t one life-long mission—it’s how we meet each role we step into, with presence and purpose.”
PERKS FOR YOU
10% off Liforme yoga mats with code HUSLER10
10% off expert validated wellbeing brand at Healf via this link
10% off Colorful Standard clothing with code ADAMHUSLERCS10
20% off Vivobarefoot shoes with code HUSLER20
5% off Nurosym vagus nerve stimulation device with code ADAMH5
25% off our online studio full of yoga, sound and meditation, with code HONEST25 (25% off single 12 month membership or reoccurring monthly membership until cancellation)
THE HOSTS
@adamhusler - Drawing from a variety of lives lived off the mat, Adam Husler brings a unique perspective to those who seek more from yoga than making pretty shapes. He offers creative, effective and clearly-sequenced teachings that focus on balancing flexibility and strength; physically and mentally. Educated by globally renown teachers, including Jason Crandell and Michael Stone, Adam specialises in a signature style of Alignment-Based Vinyasa— fuelled by a fascination with anatomy and a desire to ask ‘why?’.
Based in London, Adam teaches a robust schedule in one of the worlds top yoga studios, Triyoga, and world leading gym, Equinox. On top of this, Adam leads workshops, trainings and teaches festivals continuously around the world, leaving him with thousands of teaching hours under his belt and plenty of appearances in national and international media.
For workshops, trainings, events and retreats, find out more here.
@iamhollyhusler - From belting out original pop tunes at the London O2 stage to 20,000 people, whilst supporting Westlife, to singing healing mantras and playing magical instruments, to seas of sleeping yogis, at events and studios across the globe; Holly’s journey has led to a deep desire to help people find conscious connection and their own inner peace.
For trainings, workshops, music, events and retreats, find out more here.
