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PODCAST

Ancient Futures

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

society & culture philosophy

All Episodes

70:45

Human Technology – Dan Turello

Ancient Futures ·

2026/04/08

What does it mean to be human in the age of AI? 🤖How old is the fear of machines taking over? What might we learn about how to respond from previous examples? Is technology dehumanising or can it also be liberating? How could philosophy expand our understanding of its potential?Dan Turello is a cultural historian, photographer and author. His new book Connection: How Technology Can Make Us Better Humans explores a middle way between nostalgia and utopianism, focusing closely on social

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54:53

Ways of Seeing – Daniel Simpson

Ancient Futures ·

2026/03/25

How do we know what we think we know? Are our opinions our own, or are they conditioned by external influences? What helps to balance opposing views? How important are such questions to yoga – both philosophically and practically?This podcast explores some of the voices in my head. It was inspired by a recent conversation about the Yoga Sūtra on my year-long course, The Path of Knowledge. There are also ingredients from Gavin Flood, a colleague at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, plus an essay

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66:30

Beyond McMindfulness – Ron Purser

Ancient Futures ·

2026/03/11

If mindfulness has drawbacks, what’s the alternative? 🤔Ron Purser is perhaps best known as the author of McMindfulness, critiquing the movement as “capitalist spirituality”. His latest book Mind Space is radical in other ways. It considers how to meditate without being a meditator – inspired by the writings of Tarthang Tulku, a Tibetan Buddhist lama.As Ron sees it, one problem with mindfulness is its view of the self as an “inner manager”. Striving to control things narrows the focus to coping with

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63:02

Buddhist Violence – Sonia Faleiro

Ancient Futures ·

2026/02/25

Although Buddhism is widely considered a peaceful tradition, some of its monks incite hatred and slaughter. Sonia Faleiro explores this trend in her latest book The Robe and the Sword: How Buddhist Extremism is Shaping Modern Asia.Drawing on reporting from Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand, she unflinchingly shows how extremists target minorities, highlights alliances between ethnic nationalists who demonise Muslims, and reflects on resistance to militant Buddhism.Together, we look at the roots of

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58:28

The Path is a Spiral – Daniel Simpson

Ancient Futures ·

2026/02/11

How do I interpret my rollercoaster ride on the yogic path? 🎢This is a different sort of podcast to the usual interview – my guest today is my younger self. Responding to a listener’s question, I reflect on how to deal with the challenging “ups and downs of the yogic journey”.To help with that, I turn to the writings of Hermann Hesse – particularly his novel Siddhartha, which features a character whose strong-willed independent streak reminds me of mine…When Siddhartha complains to his companion

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61:27

The Love of Wisdom – Valentin Gerlier

Ancient Futures ·

2026/01/28

Can wisdom be taught? What if it were more about questions than finding "the answer"? How might reading be a meditative practice? Can writing from earlier centuries provide inspiration without mediation by academic experts?Valentin Gerlier is a scholar, musician and author, who is also the founder of the School of Sophia – a new hybrid educational platform that explores these sorts of subjects. “Inspired by the ancient Wisdom Schools”, its seminars are grounded in collective inquiry, with

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74:28

Contemporary Tantra – Tova Olsson

Ancient Futures ·

2026/01/14

What exactly is Tantra, and how do modern teachings relate to traditions? Which other ideas inform intimacy workshops? Why is there often an emphasis on secrecy and power, and how is this exploited to enable abuse?Tova Olsson is a scholar of religion, as well as a teacher of yoga and Tantra. Our conversation explores these questions, along with many others – particularly the prevalence of what Tova calls “erotic spirituality”, and the extent to which Indian sources inform its practices. We also

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49:11

Ask Me Anything – Daniel Simpson

Ancient Futures ·

2025/12/31

What would you like me to talk about in 2026? 🗣️As another year draws to a close, I’m reflecting on new types of podcasts. Today marks my 75th episode and while I plan to continue with the interview format, I’m also working on other ideas – including answering questions about any topic.So if there’s anything you want me to clarify, or to investigate, or if you have a dilemma you’d like to resolve from a yogic perspective, please get in touch – all suggestions and questions are welcome. Here are

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67:07

Enlightened Choices – Simon Haas

Ancient Futures ·

2025/12/17

What does it mean to choose wisely? Which kinds of values support this? To what extent are they related to ethics? How similar are Indian traditions to modern ideas about what to prioritise? Might teachings need reframing to speak to us clearly?Simon Haas presents ancient wisdom for everyday life. He is the author of The Book of Dharma – subtitled “Making Enlightened Choices” – and Yoga and the Dark Night of the Soul, which draws on ideas from the Bhagavad Gītā. He’s also spoken on these topics at

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71:04

Kuṇḍalinī Experiences – Sravana Borkataky-Varma +...

Ancient Futures ·

2025/12/03

What exactly is Kuṇḍalinī? It depends... What began as an energetic metaphor has morphed into a framework for transcending trauma, and much else besides. Does a snake-like entity really ascend? What sparks the experience? If it happens by chance, how should someone respond? There are few simple answers.Sravana Borkataky-Varma and Anya Foxen are co-authors of The Serpent’s Tale, subtitled “Kuṇḍalinī, Yoga and the History of an Experience.” Both are scholars as well as practitioners – of Tantra

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60:15

Practical Wisdom – Jessica Böhme

Ancient Futures ·

2025/11/19

What if change had more to do with relationships than miracle solutions? Which priorities help them work better? How does one take meaningful action without having the power to determine its outcomes? Who ought to act if not us?In this podcast, I talk about these questions – along with many others – with Jessica Böhme, PhD. Jes is the founder and director of the Institute for Practical ekoPhilosophy, “a post-disciplinary research and education institute dedicated to cultivating wisdom as a way of

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67:35

Breath Cultivation – Lena Kraler

Ancient Futures ·

2025/11/05

What distinguishes contemporary breath-control from earlier prāṇāyāma? 💨To what extent have external influences shaped Indian practices? How have things changed since the mid-nineteenth century? How might that relate to broader trends in yoga history?Lena Kraler is the author of Yoga Breath: Prāṇa and Prāṇāyāma in Early Modern Yoga. Her research explores the reinterpretation of breath-based techniques in light of ideas from Western occultism, fitness and science, as well as Hindu reform movements

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69:45

Le Carré in Action – Michela Wrong

Ancient Futures ·

2025/10/22

What distinguishes fiction from facts? John le Carré is renowned for Cold War spy thrillers, yet over half his books were published after 1990 and they tackled modern issues that he had to research. A new exhibition in Oxford documents his methods, and spotlights the networks of experts who helped him.An accompanying book – titled Tradecraft: Writers on John le Carré – explores their experiences. Reflecting on her trip with the author to Congo, Michela Wrong sheds light on the collaborative

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69:47

Transformative Stories – Lily Dunn

Ancient Futures ·

2025/10/08

What was the impact of the Osho / Rajneesh cult on the families of members? Why might some people struggle to heal old wounds? To what extent is abuse of children still unacknowledged? How can telling one’s story facilitate recovery?Lily Dunn is an author, teacher and mentor of literary memoir. She explores its potential in her new book, Into Being, which cites many writers including herself – Lily’s last book, Sins of My Father, describes her enchantment with an absent parent, who joined the

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75:17

Studying Yoga – Theo Wildcroft + Barbora Sojkova

Ancient Futures ·

2025/09/24

What might scholars learn from yoga practitioners, as well as vice versa? To what extent do their worldviews differ? Are their methods of inquiry compatible? Since many academics also practise yoga, as well as educating teachers via courses and trainings, can these roles be compartmentalised?Theo Wildcroft and Barbora Sojkova are the co-editors of a new book titled Yoga Studies in Five Minutes, presenting short summaries of scholarly knowledge from a burgeoning field. Each of its chapters – written

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67:28

Embodied Resistance – Anjali Rao

Ancient Futures ·

2025/09/10

What might we learn from the marginalised stories of women in yogic traditions? 🧘‍♀️Although female practitioners are prevalent today, ancient texts mostly talk about men. However, broadening the focus beyond ascetic yogis, we find empowered women – as well as awkward truths about social restrictions.Anjali Rao is the author of Yoga as Embodied Resistance: A Feminist Lens on Caste, Gender, and Sacred Resilience in Yoga History. Our conversation explores hidden links between gender and caste, and

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59:23

Natural Harmony? – Daniel Simpson

Ancient Futures ·

2025/08/27

What does it mean to be well in yogic terms? How far does this involve integration with natural surroundings? 🌳Many early teachings prioritise the opposite, promoting withdrawal and inward focus, while the goal in the best-known text – Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra – is to disengage completely from material things.This podcast includes a talk I presented this summer at a British Wheel of Yoga event, whose themes were harmony, nature, community and wellbeing (slides available here). I was asked to present

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71:16

Shall All Be Well? – Hannah Lucas

Ancient Futures ·

2025/08/13

What can we learn from a medieval hermit about how to live? A surprising amount perhaps. Julian of Norwich is the author of the oldest surviving book by a woman in English – her Revelations of Divine Love provides a fascinating guide to what it means to be well despite experiencing suffering.Hannah Lucas is a scholar of Julian’s work, among other medieval contemplative literature. She explores the entanglement of illness and insight in her recent book Impossible Recovery: Julian of Norwich and the

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72:35

Evolving Traditions – Richard Davis

Ancient Futures ·

2025/07/30

To what extent has yoga been influenced by socio-political forces, or competition for resources between different groups? Does understanding historical context help to make sense of teachings? What might we learn from the past that’s still relevant today?Richard Davis is an emeritus professor of religion at Bard College in New York. His latest book, Religions of Early India: A Cultural History, explores the fluidity of ancient traditions, including interactions between Brahmanical renouncers,

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59:37

Moulding Minds – Jessica Frazier

Ancient Futures ·

2025/07/16

What does it mean to have mental plasticity? ♳Unless the mind is to some extent controlled, it controls our experience. This axiom of yoga philosophy has helpful applications in everyday life – from avoiding being triggered by politics to making wise choices.Jessica Frazier is a lecturer at Oxford University, and also a fellow of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies. She recently organised a conference that discussed the radical nature of Indian ideas about self-transformation. This podcast includes

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