In this episode of the Modern Mystics Podcast, Kasia and Stephanie sit down with Niraj Naik, founder of SomaBreath and former pharmacist turned breathwork pioneer, to explore his extraordinary journey from underground music producer and corporate healthcare to global wellness educator.

After facing a life-threatening autoimmune illness and being told surgery or experimental drugs were his only options, Niraj turned inward. Through breathwork, meditation, music, Ayurveda, cold exposure, and radical lifestyle shifts, he rebuilt his health and developed the foundations of what would become SomaBreath.

The conversation moves through the science and spirituality of breath, how rhythmic music can guide altered states of consciousness, why intermittent hypoxia and breath holds may influence longevity, and how healing trauma does not have to be dramatic or destabilizing. Niraj also shares his views on group breathwork versus one-on-one facilitation, the importance of nervous-system safety, and how daily practices can quietly transform energy, mood, and resilience.

Kasia and Stephanie dig into ancient Vedic ideas of Soma, the role of visualization and affirmations in rewiring the subconscious, why gut health sits at the centre of emotional wellbeing, and how music and sacred geometry visuals can deepen meditative states.

Plus: running massive raves at nineteen, producing music for Wim Hof, studying under yogic teachers, building global breathwork communities, Cambridge-validated research into altered states, and simple breathing rituals listeners can start using today.

Follow Niraj Soma Naik Instagram: @nirajnaikofficial

Explore Soma Breath Instagram: @somabreath soma-breath.com linktr.ee/nirajnaik

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Follow Stephanie Instagram: @themindfulmodern themindfulmodern.ca

Follow Kasia Instagram: @kasiasmusic kasia.music mysticmeditations.com