What does real transformation look like—not in theory, but lived through the body, mind, and spirit?

In this powerful conversation, Swami Kripananda shares his journey from addiction and recovery to deep immersion in yoga, meditation, and spiritual practice. Drawing from decades of experience—including training with masters such as B.K.S. Iyengar—he offers a raw and unfiltered look at what it means to truly change.

This is not a discussion of surface-level wellness or technique. It is a direct exploration of discipline, addiction, embodiment, and the realities of spiritual awakening.

Swami Kripananda speaks openly about:
• The dangers of practicing without guidance
• Addiction as both obstacle and doorway
• The difference between experience and transformation
• Kundalini, breath, and the mechanics of inner change
• Why most people misunderstand meditation and stillness

His insights challenge common assumptions about yoga and spirituality—cutting through idealism to reveal the work required for real transformation.

This episode is for those who are serious about practice—not just as an idea, but as a lived process.

ABOUT SWAMI KRIPANANDA

Swami Kripananda is a yoga teacher and spiritual practitioner whose path has been shaped by direct experience, discipline, and recovery. Having trained under influential teachers including B.K.S. Iyengar, his work integrates classical yoga, breathwork, and meditative practice with a grounded understanding of the body and mind.

His teachings emphasize personal responsibility, experiential knowledge, and the necessity of guidance in serious practice.

More content at www.InnerLifeWithMarkWiley.com

What if most self-defense training is teaching the wrong thing?

In this episode of Transformations with Mark V. Wiley, Teja VanWicklen breaks down why traditional self-defense often fails women—and what actually works in real-world situations.

Drawing from decades of martial arts training, personal experience, and deep research, Teja introduces the concept of Protective Offense—a radically different approach that moves beyond techniques into awareness, psychology, behavior, and survival.

This is not about memorizing moves.
It's about changing how you perceive danger, make decisions, and respond under pressure.

• Why traditional self-defense models fall short
• The psychology of fear, freezing, and aggression
• Situational awareness and recognizing intent early
• The self-defense continuum—from prevention to recovery
• Emotional regulation and self-de-escalation
• What actually works in real-world encounters

Teja's work reframes self-defense as a complete human system—not just physical skill, but perception, decision-making, and lived awareness.

Teja VanWicklen is a writer, researcher, and self-defense specialist focused on reimagining how women approach personal safety. With decades of experience across martial arts, physical training, and behavioral study, she developed the concept of Protective Offense—a system that integrates awareness, psychology, and real-world survival strategies.

Great content at www.InnerLifeWithMarkWiley.com

Sifu Alan Yee is a 5th-Generation practitioner of Choy Lee Fut who lives in Sydney, Australia. His teacher was 4th Generation Grandmaster Li Yiu Ling who was one of only two direct inner chamber disciples of 3rd Generation GGM Chan Yiu Chi, the grandson of the Founder of Choy Lee Fut, Chan Heung Gung. Chan Yiu Chi's other inner chamber disciple was his eldest son, the late-GM Chan Wan Hon.

Alan Yee started his Choy Lee Fut journey with Li Iu Ling in January 1975. He did not teach outside his family until around 1995. Over the years he has only taught small classes. He has never taught in a commercial environment because he believes genuine transmission of true kung fu traditions are best achieved in small groups. Students are admitted selectively.

Together with kung fu brother, Victor Wong, Yee is the entrusted joint-lineage holders of the Chan Yiu Chi - Li Yiu Ling lineage of Choy Lee Fut. Yee teaches is directly from his late-Sifu characterized by internal power using Chi, swift light footwork, and fluid whip-like strikes.