Surviving Satchidananda: The Dark Secrets of an International Yoga Movement
Surviving Satchidananda is the podcast that exposes the toxic underbelly of Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville, an internationally acclaimed spiritual retreat in Central Virginia. Through raw personal stories and interviews with experts, Brianna Patten, a former Yogaville resident and insider, reveals the hidden truths behind the so-called sanctuary.
survivingsatchidananda.com
- Update frequency
- every 39 days
- Average duration
- 44 minutes
- Episodes
- 7
- Years Active
- 2025
At The Right Hand of The Guru: Vijay's Story
Vijay played a significant role creating and developing the Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco. He describes his experiences working with Swami Satchidananda, including both the positive spirit…
Assaulted by the Guru: Sharada's Story
Sharada Thompson shares about the abuse she experienced at the hands of Swami Satchidananda, how the Integral Yoga Community responded, and tools spiritual seekers can use to notice toxic patterns a…
Growing Up in Yogaville: Forest’s Story
Forest, who grew up in Yogaville, shares about the challenges of being homeschooled in an isolated community. We discuss the disciplinary culture at the ashram, violence among kids who grew up there…
Carol Merchasin: “The Cult Assassin” who is taking Yogaville to Court
In this episode, Brianna interviews Carol Merchasin, the notorious attorney who takes on abusive spiritual communities in court. Her firm, Mcallister Olivarius, is currently supporting plaintiffs Sh…
Growing Up In Yogaville: Chai's Story
Chai opens up about the complexities of growing up in Yogaville, sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly. He delves into the ways ashram leaders interfered with his family dynamics, corporal punishm…
Indoctrination
Satya, Brianna’s close friend from Yogaville, shares her personal journey of what led her to the ashram. They reflect on their experiences in the Living Yoga Training program, the unhealthy eating b…
Initiation
Brianna Patten, former resident of a spiritual retreat center in Central Virginia called Yogaville, unpacks the community's toxic inner workings. She reflects on her secret mantra initiation ceremon…