Podcast 1

In the premiere episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, host and podcast producer Taina Rodriguez-Berardi sits down with Christopher Miller, PhD, co-founder, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Professor of Jain and Yoga Studies at Arihanta Institute. Together, they delve into the genesis, aims, and aspirations of this groundbreaking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

• Defining Key Terms: Dr. Miller clarifies the practical differences between "engaged," "applied," and "embodied" studies of religion and spirituality, providing listeners with a foundational understanding of these concepts.
• Dr. Miller’s Unique Journey: From his beginnings as a public accountant to becoming a professor of Engaged Jain Studies and Modern Yoga, Dr. Miller shares his inspiring career transformation. Learn about his path to co-founding an innovative online institution for higher learning.
• The Podcast’s Vision: Discover the motivations behind the podcast and why it serves as a crucial resource for both Jains and non-Jains, as well as academics and general listeners interested in religious and spiritual studies.

Join us as we explore the significant role of Engaged Jain Studies in contemporary discourse and why this podcast is set to become an essential listen for a diverse audience.

Listen now to gain insights into the vibrant world of Jain studies and the dynamic intersection of religion, spirituality, and modern academic inquiry.

Subscribe and stay tuned for more enlightening episodes!

Guest: Christopher Miller, PhD, Professor at Arihanta Institute

Christopher Jain Miller is the co-founder, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Professor of Jain and Yoga Studies at Arihanta Institute. He completed his PhD in the study of Religion at the University of California, Davis and is also a Visiting Researcher at the University of Zürich's Asien-Orient-Institut and Visiting Professor at Claremont School of Theology where he co-developed and co-runs a remotely available Masters Degree Program focusing on Engaged Jain Studies. His current research focuses on Engaged Jainism and Modern Yoga, and he is the author of a number of articles and book chapters concerned with Jainism and the practice of modern yoga. Christopher is the author of Embodying Transnational Yoga: Eating, Singing, and Breathing in Transformation (Routledge 2024), as well as co-editor of the volumes Engaged Jainism: Critical and Constructive Approaches to the Study of Jain Social Engagement (SUNY 2025) and Beacons of Dharma: Spiritual Exemplars for the Modern Age (Lexington 2020).

Host: Taina Rodriguez-Berardi, MBA, MA, Arihanta Institute

Taina Rodriguez-Berardi (she/her/hers) is a scholar-practitioner of Yoga’s history, philosophy, traditions, and Sanskrit texts. She earned an MA in Yoga Studies from Loyola Marymount University where her research focused on the historical origins, culture, and customs of transnational yoga systems at their intersection with contemporary social justice movements and advocacy communities.

Taina has also worked for more than 18-years as a marketing and communications executive in the tech, higher-education, and non-profit sectors, leading large international teams to drive corporate strategy and develop community-first approaches to marketing, public relations, and social media implementation. After earning her Master of Business Administration at San Diego State University, she melds her passion for Dharmic studies with her experience developing business strategy and brand marketing campaigns to mentor and consult with conscious businesses and social entrepreneurs who aspire to bring compassion and wellness to the masses.

Resources:

• Learn More: Master of Arts - Engaged Jain Studies - Now accepting applications! Scholarships available.
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