Full-Time Yoga Teacher

In this episode, I sit down with Chase Bossart to explore what it really means to practice and live yoga beyond the mat.Chase shares his journey from studying philosophy to becoming a longtime student of T.K.V. Desikachar, offering a rare glimpse into the depth of the teacher-student relationship. Through his years of study in India and ongoing practice, we talk about individualized teaching, humility, and why yoga is something that unfolds over a lifetime.This conversation touches on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the role of personal practice, and how real change happens through consistency, relationship, and time. It’s a grounded and honest look at what it means to walk the path of yoga in a deeper way.Connect with Chase:Yoga Well InstituteInstagram: @yogawellinstitutePodcast: Yoga Well PodcastConnect with Reika:⁠⁠Apply for the Mentorship program⁠⁠⁠Ethical Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua⁠Website: ⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@reikayoga

In this episode, I’m joined by Brenna Barzenick, yoga teacher, studio owner, and physical therapist with over 30 years of experience. Brenna shares her journey from traditional PT to yoga and how she now bridges both worlds of science and yoga.Brenna shares her journey from working in orthopedic physical therapy to discovering yoga later in life, and how that path eventually led her to become a SmartFlow teacher and co-owner of a thriving yoga studio in Louisiana. With a deep background in biomechanics and anatomy, she offers a grounded and refreshing perspective on movement, one that prioritizes longevity, accessibility, and presence over performance.Connect with Brenna:Instagram: @dptyogaBrenna & Britni's Studio: @downtwonyogalaYoga Studio Website: https://hammondyoga.comConnect with Reika:⁠Apply for the Mentorship program⁠Ethical Yoga Retreat in NicaraguaFree Community Yoga in Costa Mesa⁠Social Media for Yoga Teachers Workshop⁠Website: ⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠Instagram: ⁠@reikayoga

In this episode, Sunny returns to share how her teaching career has completely shifted, from teaching over a dozen classes a week to intentionally scaling back for a more sustainable and aligned life. We talk about the real process of valuing yourself as a yoga teacher, setting boundaries, and making difficult decisions around work and finances.Sunny also shares how her path has expanded beyond studio classes into events, collaborations, and community-driven opportunities, along with insights on social media, networking, and avoiding burnout. This is an honest conversation about redefining success and building a career that actually supports your well-being.Connect with Sunny:YouTube:  @sunnysideyogalates  Website: https://www.healingwithsunny.org/Instagram: @sunnysideyogalatesConnect with Reika:Apply for the Mentorship programSocial Media for Yoga Teachers WorkshopWebsite: www.reikayoga.comInstagram: @reikayoga

In this solo episode, I share a real-time update on my teaching life: what my current schedule looks like, the different streams of income that support my work as a full-time yoga teacher, and a continuing education program I’m in that’s been expanding how I see movement, pattern recognition, and teaching. In the second half of the episode, I answer two of the most common questions I hear from newer teachers in my mentorship progra: Am I over-cueing? and How do I learn to teach without demoing? I offer practical, experience-based insights on how to refine your voice, teach with more intention, and develop the skill of observing bodies in real time, so you can become a more adaptable, confident, and skillful teacher. Reika's Ethical Nicaragua Yoga Retreat:⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more⁠⁠⁠⁠Advanced Hands-on-Assist workshop with Kallie:April 4th, Saturday 2-4pm PSTIn-person in Long Beach, CAPrice: $35⁠⁠Register⁠⁠Connect with Reika:Instagram: ⁠@reikayoga⁠Website: ⁠www.reikayoga.com

In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, Reika Shucart speaks with longtime yoga teacher and yoga therapist Rebecca Sebastian, the host of the podcast Working In Yoga. Rebecca shares her unconventional path from nonprofit fundraising into a 25-year career in the yoga industry, including becoming a yoga therapist, studio owner, nonprofit co-founder, and now a full-time media creator covering the realities of working in yoga. Together they discuss building a sustainable yoga career, the economics behind teaching yoga full-time, and why popularity on social media doesn’t necessarily translate to financial success. Rebecca also offers candid insights into yoga therapy training, studio ownership, and how yoga teachers can build a profitable career through workshops, referrals, and professional relationships rather than relying solely on group classes or online visibility.Connect with Rebecca:Podcast: Working in YogaMedia Company: Sunlight MediaReika's Nicaragua Yoga Retreat:⁠⁠⁠Learn more⁠⁠⁠Intro to Meditation Workshop with Cayce:March 15th, Sunday 2-4pm PSTIn-person & on zoom (recording will be available)Price: Donation-based (min $20)⁠Register⁠Cayce's Interview Podcast Episode 77Connect with Reika:Instagram: @reikayogaWebsite: www.reikayoga.com

In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, host Reika Shucart sits down with Elizabeth Clark, a full-time yoga teacher, prenatal and postnatal yoga specialist, birth doula, and founder of Looma Birth. Elizabeth shares her decade-long journey of building a sustainable yoga career rooted in motherhood, birth work, and entrepreneurship. From becoming a yoga teacher in the same year she became a first-time mom to teaching yoga while navigating postpartum recovery, Elizabeth offers an honest look at what it means to grow alongside your work in the yoga industry.This conversation explores how Elizabeth carved out a niche in prenatal yoga and postnatal yoga, transitioned from studio teaching to running her own business, and ultimately launched Looma Birth. Elizabeth reflects on the realities of being a full-time yoga teacher, balancing family life, and evolving her business alongside motherhood. This episode is a must-listen for yoga teachers interested in the yoga business, yoga entrepreneurship, and creating a career that aligns with real life, especially for those curious about prenatal yoga, postnatal yoga, and long-term sustainability in the yoga industry.Connect with Elizabeth: Website: https://www.loomabirth.comIG: @loomabirthReika's Nicaragua Yoga Retreat:⁠⁠Learn more⁠⁠Intro to Meditation Workshop with Cayce:March 15th, Sunday 2-4pm PSTIn-person & on zoom (recording will be available)Price: Donation-based (min $20)RegisterConnect with Reika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the online yoga studio for $20 for two weeks!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, Reika sits down with Lauren Cohen, a San Francisco-based yoga teacher and retreat leader, to talk honestly about what it takes to build a sustainable life in yoga.Lauren shares her journey from ballet and competitive figure skating to discovering yoga during a deeply challenging period in college, an experience that ultimately changed the course of her life. She reflects on transitioning from a corporate job into full-time teaching, navigating financial uncertainty, and learning to trust the path even without a perfect plan.Together, Reika and Lauren explore teaching through the pandemic, building and maintaining community, leading retreats, and the very real experience of burnout. They also discuss the importance of mentorship, continuing education, and why having a teacher matters, especially for long-term growth and longevity in teaching.This episode is a grounded, candid conversation for yoga teachers who are questioning sustainability, redefining success, and seeking a more aligned way forward in their teaching and life.Connect with Lauren: Website: https://www.laurencohenyoga.com/IG: @laurencohenyogaReika's Nicaragua Yoga Retreat:⁠Find out more⁠Connect with Reika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the online yoga studio for $20 for two weeks!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Reika sits down with Aimee Echo, a yoga teacher and educator devoted to preserving the integrity of classical Yoga while making its tools accessible to modern practitioners. Aimee is the owner of Community Yoga Club, home of Ashtanga Yoga Long Beach, where she leads a daily Mysore-style program and offers Individual Yoga Therapy.Together, they explore what it means to remain a lifelong student of yoga, the humility required to stay in relationship with the practice, and why believing you’re “done” often marks the moment growth stops. Aimee reflects on her decades of study in the Krishnamacharya lineage, her experience weaving together Ashtanga and Yoga Therapy, and her perspective on holding tradition with care while meeting students where they are. This conversation speaks to the responsibility of teaching yoga in a way that is both deeply rooted and profoundly human.Connect with Aimee Echo:Website: https://www.aylb.org/Reika's Nicaragua Yoga Retreat:Find out moreConnect with Reika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the online yoga studio for $20 for two weeks!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, I sit down with Jivana Heyman, founder of Accessible Yoga, to reflect on over 30 years of teaching, learning, and evolving within the yoga world.Jivana shares his journey into yoga, early influences from Integral Yoga, and how his experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to accessibility, service, and community. We explore the realities of teaching yoga beyond the poses, power dynamics in teacher-student relationships, the role of ego and feedback, emotional awareness, and what it really means to teach yoga as a form of service.Our conversation also touches on the evolution of Accessible Yoga as a nonprofit, financial accessibility in yoga education, lessons from leading 200-hour trainings, and the challenges teachers face as they navigate sustainability, self-awareness, and growth. Jivana offers honest reflections on creativity, collaboration, parenting, and staying connected to practice while teaching full-time.This episode is a grounded, insightful look at the heart of yoga teaching, and what it means to remain devoted to the practice over decades.Connect with Jivana:Website: http://www.jivanaheyman.com/Instagram: @jivanaheymanPodcast: Accessible Yoga PodcastReika's Nicaragua Yoga Retreat:⁠⁠Early-Bird Discount: Use code EARLYBIRD100⁠⁠Reika's Mentorship for Yoga Teachers:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentorship 2026 Application⁠⁠⁠Connect with Reika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the online yoga studio for $20 for two weeks!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this solo year-end episode, I reflect on 2025, a year shaped by endurance, teaching, travel, and honest observation.I share highlights from running my first marathon and first 50k ultra, leading a SmartFLOW 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, producing weekly podcast episodes, and guiding retreats in Nicaragua while preparing for what’s ahead in 2026. I also reflect on my pilgrimage on the Kumano Kodo in Japan and how walking, nature, and simplicity continue to inform my practice and teaching.In the second half of the episode, I share reflections on current trends in the yoga industry, from the fitnessization of yoga and the rise of hybrid classes to the disappearance of levels, lineage, and long-term mentorship. I explore what’s changing and what’s being valued.I close with what I’m looking forward to in 2026: continued training, upcoming retreats, teaching more YTTs, and staying devoted to the long path.Nicaragua Yoga Retreat with Reika:⁠Early-Bird Discount: Use code EARLYBIRD100⁠Reika's Mentorship for Yoga Teachers:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentorship 2026 Application⁠⁠Connect with Reika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the online yoga studio for $20 for two weeks!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Reika sits down with Amanda Kingsmith: 500-hour RYT, yoga business coach, podcast host, author, world traveler, and mom of two, for an honest conversation about building a sustainable yoga career while living a nontraditional life. Amanda shares her journey from leaving a corporate job to teaching yoga full-time, launching Mastering the Business of Yoga, and eventually embracing online teaching and remote work as a way to support both her family and her creativity.Together, they explore the realities of the business of yoga, podcasting as a long-term project, and how motherhood reshapes priorities, energy, and ambition. Amanda also reflects on life in Mexico as an expat family, the evolution of online and hybrid yoga offerings, and why taking intentional breaks is sometimes essential for longevity. Connect with Amanda:WebsitePodcastInstagramEthical Yoga Retreat with Reika:Early-Bird Discount: Use code EARLYBIRD100Reika's Mentorship for Yoga Teachers:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentorship 2026 Application⁠Connect with Reika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the online yoga studio for $20 for two weeks!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikay⁠oga.com⁠

In this episode, Reika interviews Francesca Cervero, a yoga teacher and mentor with over 20 years of experience teaching yoga and working one-on-one with students. Francesca shares her journey from dancer to full-time yoga teacher.Together, they explore the art and sustainability of yoga teaching, the role of mentorship and continuing education, and what it really takes to build a long-term yoga career. Francesca reflects on transitioning online, creating a mentorship community, balancing motherhood with teaching, and why private yoga offers a powerful, co-creative space for both teacher and student. This conversation is a grounded, honest look at teaching yoga as a craft, one that evolves with experience, curiosity, and care.Connect with Francesca:Website: https://www.francescacervero.com/Instagram: @francescacerveroReika's Mentorship:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentorship 2026 Application⁠Connect with Reika:⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the online yoga studio for $20 for two weeks!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikay⁠oga.com

In this special 100th episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, Reika reflects on the journey of creating the podcast over the past two years and the many lessons learned from interviewing over 65 yoga teachers from around the world. She shares an honest behind-the-scenes look at the realities of podcasting, including slow growth, unpaid labor, and what it truly takes to stay committed to a long-term project driven by passion rather than immediate results.Reika also weaves together the biggest themes that emerged across 100 episodes: what it really means to build a sustainable career as a yoga teacher, why group classes alone are rarely enough, the inevitability of burnout, and the importance of diversifying income streams. She speaks on how the yoga industry is evolving, the rise of hybrid offerings, and the necessity for teachers to adapt while staying rooted in their values.This solo episode is both a celebration and an honest check-in for anyone navigating the full-time yoga path. Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentorship 2026 ApplicationConnect with Reika:⁠⁠⁠Join the online yoga studio for $20 for two weeks!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikay⁠oga.com

In the final episode of this anatomy mini-series, Reika and Olga dive into the importance of understanding movement patterns and what they reveal about how the body truly functions. They explore why there is no one “correct” alignment for every body, how anatomical differences shape the way we move, and how yoga cues can either support or limit healthy movement if we’re not careful.This conversation also expands beyond the yoga mat to address an important question: Is yoga asana alone enough for a well-rounded movement life? Together, they discuss the role of strength training, cross-training, and varied movement in maintaining long-term physical and mental health. They touch on how yoga fits into a broader “movement diet,” the importance of community, and why continuing education is essential for yoga teachers who want to serve their students responsibly.Resources:⁠Mentorship 2026 Application⁠Workshop: Busting Yoga Alignment Myths with Thomas. December 8th, Saturday 2-4pm pst.⁠Connect with Olga: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@_olgamoves⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.olgakay.yoga⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Reika:⁠⁠Join the online yoga studio for $20 for two weeks!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikay⁠oga.com

In this second of the anatomy mini-series, Reika and Olga dive into one of the most important and most overlooked topics in yoga education: anatomical variation. They explore how differences in bone structure, joint shape, and movement capacity influence every student’s experience on the mat.This conversation breaks down why flexibility isn’t just about stretching more, why some poses feel accessible for one person and impossible for another, and how understanding variation can completely shift the way yoga teachers approach sequencing. Reika and Olga discuss how anatomy-informed teaching leads to more inclusive, compassionate, and effective classes and how empowering students to explore their own bodies can deepen their practice in meaningful ways.Whether you're a yoga teacher or a curious practitioner, this episode will help you rethink the way you see bodies, movement, and the purpose of yoga itself.Resources:Paul Grilly's Website with BonesBusting Yoga Alignment Myths with Thomas. December 8th, Saturday 2-4pm pst.Connect with Olga: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@_olgamoves⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.olgakay.yoga⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Reika:⁠Join the online yoga studio for $20 for two weeks!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikay⁠oga.com

In this first episode of our three-part mini-series on anatomy for yoga teachers, Reika and Olga dive into their personal journeys of learning anatomy, starting from their early experiences in 200-hour trainings to the continuing education programs that helped everything finally “click.” They reflect on what was missing in their initial anatomy education, what sparked their fascination with functional movement, and how ongoing study has transformed the way they teach.This conversation highlights why anatomy matters for yoga teachers, how outdated cues and concepts can create confusion, and why understanding real human variation is essential for teaching safer, more empowering classes. Reika and Olga also share the trainings, courses, and teachers they recommend for anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge and stay current with evolving research in movement and anatomy.Previous podcast episodes with Olga:Episode 12: Interview with Olga4-Part Series on Creative Sequencing (Episode 53-56)Connect with Olga: Instagram: ⁠⁠@_olgamoves⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠https://www.olgakay.yoga⁠⁠ Connect with Reika:Join the online yoga studio for $20 for two weeks!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.reikay⁠oga.com

In this episode, Reika sits down with Jo of Organic Adaptive to reflect on their shared experience organizing and leading the Ethical Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua. Together, they revisit the planning process, from developing a clear theme to balancing structure with free time, and share what it truly takes to bring a meaningful retreat to life.Reika and Jo discuss the value of collaboration, communication, and organization behind the scenes, as well as the importance of ethics and community in retreat work. This conversation offers a transparent look at the joys, lessons, and challenges of leading yoga retreats that are rooted in purpose, integrity, and connection.Whether you’re a yoga teacher dreaming of hosting your own retreat or someone curious about what goes into creating an intentional group experience, this episode provides grounded insight and heartfelt reflection on the art of retreat facilitation.Connect with Jo:Email: [email protected] on the Waitlist for:Ethical Yoga Retreat: Align with Purpose in Nicaragua 2026Connect with Reika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Website: ⁠⁠www.reikay

In this episode, Reika sits down with Mado Hesselink, yoga teacher, mentor, and host of The Yoga Teacher Resource podcast, to explore what it truly means to build a sustainable and fulfilling yoga career. Mado shares her journey from teaching group classes to mentoring yoga teachers worldwide through her online courses and community. Together, they discuss the realities of the yoga industry, balancing passion with business and creating meaningful relationships with students. This conversation is a grounded and inspiring reminder that sustainability in teaching comes from both heart and strategy.Connect with Mado:Website: https://teachingyoga.net/Instagram: @yoga.teacher.resourcePodcast: Yoga Teacher ResourceMap Your Year 5-Day Strategy SessionsUpcoming Workshop:⁠Yoga Meets Physical Therapy: Strength, Stability, and Safety for the Hypermobile Body ⁠November 8th, Saturday,4 pm 2-4pm PST. Sliding-scale $10-60Connect with Reika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Website: ⁠www.reikay

In this episode, Reika sits down with Debbie Livingston, yoga teacher, ultra runner, coach, mother, and lifelong advocate for mindful movement. Debbie shares how she discovered yoga and trail running during college and how both practices have remained beautifully intertwined throughout her life.With over two decades of experience in fitness, yoga, and coaching, Debbie reflects on the importance of listening to the body, cross-training for longevity, and finding balance between family, work, and passion. ✨ Topics we explore:The intersection of yoga and trail runningBalancing career, motherhood, and athletic pursuitsMindful movement and longevity in sportCoaching philosophy and community connectionListening to your body and honoring restConnect with Debbie:Website: https://debbielivingston.com/Instagram: @trailrunningmomUpcoming Workshop:Yoga Meets Physical Therapy: Strength, Stability, and Safety for the Hypermobile Body November 8th, Saturday,4 pm 2-4pm PST. Sliding-scale $10-60Connect with Reika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Website: www.reikayoga.com

In Part Three of the Intelligent Sequencing for Vinyasa Yoga mini-series, Reika and Karen explore the power of consistency in yoga sequencing and how it supports both teachers and students. They discuss why predictability can actually create a deeper sense of safety, embodiment, and connection, rather than stifling creativity.This conversation dives into how a consistent framework allows teachers to layer in creative variations with clarity and intention. Reika and Karen also touch on how sequencing can help “wake students up” to their own bodies, rather than lead them to check out of their experience.Upcoming Workshop:⁠Intelligent Sequencing for Yoga Teachers⁠October 25th, Saturday 2-4 pm PSTIn-person @Long Beach & LivestreamedConnect with Karen:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sodiumsoul⁠⁠⁠Connect with Reika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's

In Part Two of the Intentional Sequencing for Vinyasa Yoga mini-series, Reika and Karen dive into one of the most common challenges yoga teachers face: doing too much in a sequence. They unpack the pressure many new teachers feel to prove their creativity through complex flows and explore why simplicity often creates a more impactful experience for students.Through candid conversation and personal teaching reflections, they discuss how intentionality can help narrow the focus of a class, why students only absorb a fraction of what’s offered, and how repetition and restraint can lead to deeper engagement. Reika and Karen also explore the balance between being a teacher and a choreographer, and how embracing simplicity allows both teachers and students to truly be in the practice rather than perform it.Upcoming Workshop:⁠Intelligent Sequencing for Yoga Teachers⁠October 25th, Saturday 2-4 pm PSTIn-person @Long Beach & LivestreamedConnect with Karen:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sodiumsoul⁠⁠⁠Connect with Reika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠

In this first episode of our mini-series on Intelligent Sequencing, Reika sits down with Karen to explore what it really means to design a thoughtful yoga class. They unpack the concept of sequencing as the “why” behind each pose, and how teachers can intentionally prepare and unravel the body throughout a practice. From the role of vinyasa krama in building toward peak poses to the importance of a complete cool down, this conversation highlights how sequencing can transform a student’s experience. Whether you’re a yoga teacher looking to refine your craft or a student curious about what goes into a well-designed class, this episode will give you insight into the art and purpose of intentional sequencing.Upcoming Workshop:Intelligent Sequencing for Yoga TeachersOctober 25th, Saturday 2-4 pm PSTIn-person @Long Beach & LivestreamedConnect with Karen:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@sodiumsoul⁠⁠Connect with Reika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠

In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, Reika sits down with Danielle Neathery, yoga studio owner, recovery yoga teacher, and ultra trail runner, to explore her unique journey from engineering to full-time yoga. Danielle shares how she stepped into studio ownership through an unexpected opportunity, the lessons she’s learned teaching in recovery centers, and how the pandemic has affected her business..We also dive into her passion for ultra running and the ways yoga supports her training, mental health, and overall balance. From navigating the challenges of running a studio to finding strength and meditation on the trails, Danielle opens up about what success means to her: cultivating peace and contentment in both work and life.This conversation is a must-listen for yoga teachers balancing multiple roles, studio owners navigating business realities, and anyone curious about the intersection of yoga, recovery, and endurance sports.Connect with Danielle: Instagram: @dln1010Studio's Instagram: @tententruthyogaStudio's website: https://tententruth.com/Reika's Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠

In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, Reika sits down with Karol De Souza, a yoga teacher, entrepreneur, and mother whose journey has taken her from a childhood shaped by meditation and mindfulness to building a thriving six-figure hybrid yoga business.Karol shares how her bold decision to leave the corporate world and embrace a nomadic lifestyle. From traveling and teaching yoga across the globe to eventually settling in Portugal, Karol opens up about the challenges of financial stress, redefining her purpose, and the resilience it took to transition from low-paid studio classes to leading international retreats and creating online offerings.We also dive into how Karol grew her business during the pandemic, harnessed social media authentically, and built a global community that allows her to work from anywhere in the world. She reflects on the balance between motherhood and entrepreneurship, the power of retreats in transforming lives, and why success is about more than numbers; it’s about finding fulfillment and alignment.Whether you’re a yoga teacher seeking inspiration to break free from burnout, an entrepreneur navigating the online space, or someone curious about balancing passion, family, and business, this conversation offers practical insights and soulful encouragement from Karol’s journey.Connect with Karol:Website: https://www.kdsyoga.com/Instagram: @karol_de_souzaReika's Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠

In this episode, I sit down with AJ White-Graff, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, E-RYT 500, a physical therapist, experienced yoga teacher, and anatomy educator based in Long Beach, California. With over a decade of experience in yoga and fitness, AJ brings a unique perspective on bridging yoga and physical therapy.AJ shares their journey from being a multi-sport athlete and dancer to discovering yoga through injury recovery, eventually becoming a full-time yoga teacher and later pursuing a career in physical therapy. We talk about the challenges of being a full-time yoga teacher, why anatomy knowledge is essential for yoga teachers, and how AJ integrates physical therapy with yoga to make movement safe, accessible, and empowering, especially for yoga teachers.This conversation is full of insights for yoga teachers, physical therapists, and anyone passionate about movement education, injury recovery, and lifelong learning.Connect with A.J.:Instagram: @aj.wt.ptEmail: [email protected]'s Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠

In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, Reika sits down with Jordan Norman, founder of Ivy Wild Wellness, to explore her journey from the corporate tech world to a nomadic lifestyle as a full-time yoga teacher and wellness entrepreneur. Jordan shares how yoga first entered her life through movement and discipline, and how it later became a foundation for personal growth, teaching, and business building.We dive into the realities of transitioning from corporate life to teaching yoga full-time, finding creative opportunities in corporate wellness, teaching online yoga and retreats. Jordan also reflects on her time living in Costa Rica, where she has been able to deepen her practice, connect with community, and expand her offerings.A passionate fertility awareness educator, Jordan opens up about the importance of body literacy, understanding the menstrual cycle, and integrating these teachings into her wellness business. Whether you’re a yoga teacher, wellness entrepreneur, or simply curious about blending business with mindful living, this conversation is full of wisdom on following your path and building a practice, and life, that feels aligned.Connect with Jordan:Website: www.ivywildwellness.comInstagram: @adventuresofjordannorman & @ivywildwomenReika's Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's website: ⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠

In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, Reika sits down with Steve Szakal, an ultra runner, full-time yoga teacher, to explore the powerful intersection of yoga and endurance running.Steve shares how he went from feeling unhealthy and burnt out from years of manual labor to transforming his life through running and hot yoga. What started with a two-mile run grew into a passion for marathons, ultras, and a dedicated yoga practice. Along the way, Steve discovered how yoga philosophy, and mindfulness deeply inform his running, and vice versa.Together, they discuss the physical and mental challenges of ultra running, and the intersection of ultra running and yoga history and philosophy. Steve also reflects on his transition to full-time yoga teaching, the role of Ghosh Yoga and his teachers in shaping his path, and how living simply allows him to pursue both passions with joy and clarity.Whether you’re a yoga teacher, a runner, or someone curious about how two seemingly different disciplines complement one another, this conversation is filled with wisdom and inspiration.Connect with Steve:PatreonInstagram: @run2805projectEmail: [email protected] that Steve was a guest on:Running Times: "The Example"J.Brown: "Becoming the Best Version of Yourself"Reika's Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentorship for Yoga Teacher Application⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Women's Hiking & Yoga Retreat Interest List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's website: ⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠

In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, Reika sits down with Lily Dwyer Begg, a seasoned yoga teacher with over two decades of practice and full-time teaching since 2006. Lily shares her unique journey from professional dancer to yoga teacher, navigating multiple relocations, motherhood, and the ever-changing landscape of the yoga industry.From shifting online during the pandemic to running transformative retreats, Lily emphasizes the importance of community, diversification, and defining success on your own terms. She opens up about the challenges of starting fresh in new cities, balancing personal growth with financial sustainability, and setting clear boundaries in teaching spaces.This honest and inspiring conversation offers valuable insight for yoga teachers seeking longevity, fulfillment, and resilience in their careers.Connect with Lily:Website: https://www.lilydwyerbeggyoga.com/Instagram: @lilydwyerbeggRetreat RoadmapReika's Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentorship for Yoga Teacher Application⁠⁠⁠⁠Women's Hiking & Yoga Retreat Interest List⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's website: ⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠

In this week’s episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, I sit down with returning guest Diana May, who has grown her Instagram following from 2,000 to over 75,000 in about one year. Diana opens up about the intentional steps she took to grow her online presence, what worked (and what didn’t), and the personal stories around money she had to overcome to consistently put herself out there.We talk about the transition from teaching yoga in-person to building a thriving online community, the role of trauma and nervous system work in her teaching, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries with social media. Diana also shares how investing in professional guidance helped accelerate her growth, and she offers grounded, practical advice for yoga teachers who feel hesitant about stepping into the online space.If you’ve been curious about content creation, community building, or growing your yoga business online, this conversation is full of insights, inspiration, and encouragement.Listen to:Diana's first podcast interview: Episode 19Connect with Diana:Website: ⁠www.dianamay.com⁠Instagram: ⁠@dianamayyoga12-day Neuro Somatic WorkbookReika's Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentorship for Yoga Teacher Application⁠⁠Women's Hikeing & Yoga Retreat Interest List⁠Subscribe to Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's website: www.reikayoga.com⁠

In this episode, I reconnect with Sarah Taylor, a fellow yoga teacher I worked with while leading 200-hour Yoga Teacher Trainings in the Peruvian jungle. Now she is based in Lima, Sarah shares what it’s like to teach yoga full time in Peru’s bustling capital.We talk about her transition from the serene jungle to a growing urban yoga scene, how she’s taught 10 teacher trainings since moving to Peru, and why diversifying income streams is essential for long-term success as a yoga teacher. Sarah opens up about the evolving yoga culture in Lima, and the role continuing education plays in both her career and the wider community.If you’ve ever dreamed of teaching yoga abroad, running retreats, or building a sustainable yoga career, Sarah’s story is full of practical advice and inspiration, plus a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’re brave enough to ask.Keywords: yoga, teaching, Lima, Peru, yoga community, continuing education, retreats, yoga teacher training, yoga culture, yoga stylesConnect with Sarah:@⁠themiamiyogini⁠https://www.themiamiyogini.comFirst interview with Sarah:Episode 36: From Miami to Peru: Sarah’s Journey of Finding Authenticity as a Yoga TeacherReika's Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentorship for Yoga Teacher Application⁠Women's Hikeing & Yoga Retreat Interest List⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠

In this week's episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, I sit down with Josh Blatter, a yoga and meditation teacher, mindfulness educator, and Peace on Purpose facilitator with 16+ years of experience. From his early days as a chef to becoming a respected voice in the San Diego yoga community, Josh shares his unconventional path to full-time teaching, and the lessons he's learned along the way.We dive deep into the evolution of the yoga industry, the difference between Eastern and Western perspectives on yoga therapy, and how introverted teachers can stay authentic without burning out. Josh also speaks about his time studying in India at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, his experience with the UN Foundation, and why staying authentic is more important now than ever before.Whether you're a new teacher or seasoned practitioner, this conversation is full of grounded insights on how to create a sustainable teaching path while honoring your personal practice and values.Connect with Josh:website: http://www.joshblatter.comemail: [email protected]'s Resources:⁠⁠⁠Mentorship ApplicationAccessible Yoga Training at Ra Yoga⁠⁠⁠ – August 10 & 17, 2025⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠

In this final episode of the Debunking the Myths mini-series on the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, Reika unpacks one of the most overlooked but deeply felt misconceptions in the yoga world, the belief that yoga teachers must wear all the hats: therapist, doctor, best friend, spiritual, entertainer, and more. With compassion and clarity, she explores the unrealistic expectations yoga teachers often face, and how those pressures can lead to burnout, depletion, and blurred boundaries.This episode is an invitation to redefine your role as a yoga teacher. Reika shares tools and insights for setting ethical boundaries, managing expectations, and protecting your energy, so you can stay grounded, show up authentically, and avoid taking on responsibilities that aren’t yours. Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned full-time instructor, this conversation is a must-listen for creating sustainable, empowered teaching relationships in your yoga career.✨ Mentioned in the episode:Upcoming workshop: ⁠⁠Yoga Meets Physical Therapy: Teaching Yoga for Healthy Aging with AJ⁠⁠ – July 26, 2025⁠⁠Accessible Yoga Training at Ra Yoga⁠⁠ – August 10 & 17, 2025⁠⁠Subscribe to Reika's Newsletter⁠⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com

In the third episode of her four-part mini-series, Reika Shucart tackles one of the most pervasive myths in the yoga world: that to be a yoga teacher, you must be young, thin, flexible, or fit. Reika shares her own journey of not fitting the "yoga teacher mold" and the insecurities that came with it, and how she's learned to show up confidently as she is. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that yoga teachers come in all shapes, sizes, ages, backgrounds, and levels of ability, and that showing up as your authentic self is powerful. Whether you're an aspiring teacher or a seasoned one, this episode will remind you why your voice and presence in the yoga world matter.✨ Mentioned in the episode:Upcoming workshop: ⁠Yoga Meets Physical Therapy: Teaching Yoga for Healthy Aging with AJ⁠ – July 26, 2025⁠Accessible Yoga Training at Ra Yoga⁠ – August 10 & 17, 2025⁠Subscribe to Reika's Newsletter⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠@reikayogawww.reikayoga.com

In the second episode of this four-part mini-series, Reika Shucart debunks the myth that teaching yoga is “not a real job.” She dives into the realities of full-time yoga teaching, what it actually looks like to sustain a livelihood from your practice and service. Reika shares her personal journey, including explaining the unseen behind-the-scenes labor, continued learning, and business responsibilities that make yoga teaching a deeply fulfilling, professional, and challenging career path.✨ Mentioned in the episode:Upcoming workshop: ⁠Yoga Meets Physical Therapy: Teaching Yoga for Healthy Aging with AJ⁠ – July 26, 2025⁠Accessible Yoga Training at Ra Yoga⁠ – August 10 & 17, 2025⁠Subscribe to Reika's Newsletter⁠Reika's Instagram: ⁠@reikayoga

In this solo episode, Reika kicks off a special 4-part mini-series busting common myths about being a full-time yoga teacher. First up? The myth that teaching yoga is a calm, peaceful, stress-free career, where you're always zen, balanced, and relaxed.Spoiler alert: It’s not that simple.Reika opens up about the emotional and energetic demands of teaching, the unrealistic expectations placed on yoga teachers, and how burnout is more common than you think. She shares personal stories, insights from past guests, and practical tips to maintain boundaries, prevent burnout, and build sustainability in your teaching career.If you've ever felt pressure to be the “perfect” yoga teacher or wondered why you're exhausted after a full teaching day, this one’s for you.🌱 In this episode:The myth of the always-Zen yoga teacherWhat makes yoga teaching stressful and emotionally demandingSigns of burnout and how to avoid itThe importance of boundaries, rest, and hobbies outside of yogaReika’s self-care rituals and how she rekindles inspiration✨ Mentioned in the episode:Upcoming workshop: Yoga Meets Physical Therapy: Teaching Yoga for Healthy Aging with AJ – July 26, 2025Accessible Yoga Training at Ra Yoga – August 10 & 17, 2025Subscribe to Reika's NewsletterReika's Instagram: @reikayoga

In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, Reika sits down with veteran teacher and podcast host J. Brown to explore his decades-long journey in the yoga world. From his early days with Jivamukti to founding his own studio in New York, J shares what it means to teach from lived experience, how pain reshaped his approach to teaching yoga, and why slow is the new advanced.The conversation dives into the changing face of yoga, from the studio boom to the pivot to online teaching, the role of community, and the evolving standards around Yoga Alliance and teacher training. J also reflects on the therapeutic value of podcasting, teaching in juvenile detention centers, and how staying true to your voice can serve as a radical act in modern yoga culture.Reika's interview on J.Brown Yoga Talkshttps://www.jbrownyoga.com/yoga-talks-podcast/2025/6/reika-shucartConnect with J.BrownWebsite: jbrownyoga.comPodcast: J.Brown Yoga TalksConnect with Reika:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Yoga Meets Physical Therapy: Teaching Yoga for Healthy Aging with AJSAT JUL 26, 2 - 4 PM⁠⁠⁠Accessible Yoga Training⁠⁠⁠: August 10 & 17

In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, I’m joined by meditation teacher Cayce Howe, whose path has taken him from a curious seeker reading Siddhartha as a teen to a seasoned practitioner within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. With over 25 years of meditation experience, Cayce shares the deep insights he gained from living in retreat centers, including a full year in silent retreat and the profound shift that came from caring for a loved one in chronic pain.We explore the challenges of balancing the sacredness of this work with the business/practicalities of teaching, what it means to live with intention, and the power of community in spiritual life. Cayce offers a grounded perspective on teaching meditation from a place of authenticity rather than commercialism and reflects on how his practice continues to evolve with service at the heart.Connect with Cayce:Instagram: @caycehoweInsight LA: Sunday SitsUpcoming course: Introduction to AwarenessConnect with Reika:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Accessible Yoga Training⁠⁠: August 10 & 17

In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, I’m joined by Amanda Martinez, a mindful movement facilitator, yoga teacher, somatics educator, and community builder. Amanda shares her unique path from working as a professional makeup artist in LA and becoming a yoga and mindfulness facilitator deeply rooted in accessibility and social justice.We dive into how Amanda balances her many identities, the role of community in her teaching, and how the pandemic reshaped her perspective on wellness and connection. Amanda also speaks about her work with My Comunidad, a nonprofit dedicated to making yoga more accessible for historically excluded communities, and the importance of trauma-informed teaching.Whether you're a yoga teacher, a creative, or someone navigating multiple callings, this conversation is full of wisdom on creating inclusive spaces, staying true to your voice, and defining success on your own terms.Connect with Amanda:Website: www.beyoutyintelligence.comInstagram: @amandarose4209My Comunidad: https://mycomunidad.org/Instagram: @mycomunidadConnect with Reika:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Accessible Yoga Training⁠: August 10 & 17

In this episode of The Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, Reika sits down with Giana Gambino and Bradshaw Wish, co-founders of CAYA Yoga School and hosts of The Funny Thing About Yoga podcast. Based in Chicago and San Francisco, this dynamic duo has crafted a full-time teaching career that blends humor, joy, structure, self-inquiry, and self-care.They dive deep into what it actually takes to teach yoga full-time, from managing burnout and setting boundaries, to creating an ideal teaching schedule and honoring teaching style that is true to thema . Giana and Bradshaw share how they balance teaching group classes to running international retreats, leading teacher trainings, hosting a podcast, and building a business that honors yoga’s roots while making space for laughter and growth.Whether you’re an aspiring teacher or long-time practitioner, this conversation offers raw insight and inspiration on how to create a yoga career that’s authentic, balanced, and fully your own.Connect with Giana & Bradshaw:Giana's Instagram: @gianagambinoBradshaw's Instagram: @bradshawwishC.A.Y.A Yoga SchoolFunny Things About Yoga PodcastConnect with Reika:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Accessible Yoga Training: August 10 & 17

In the final episode of this 4-part series, Reika and Allie G. explore the variety of hands-on assist techniques used in yoga, from tactile and verbal cues to the often-overlooked power of self-assists. They discuss how to empower students by fostering body awareness and how a skillful blend of touch and language can deepen the practice. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator, this episode offers insight into the evolving art of adjustments, and why creating a safe, informed, and embodied learning space matters now more than ever.Connect with Allie:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.hathamood.com⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@alienjg⁠⁠⁠⁠ Free classes: on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube ⁠⁠⁠Connect with Reika:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this third episode of our series on hands-on assists, Allie and I dive into how adjustments in yoga have evolved, especially in the wake of the pandemic. We reflect on the shifting norms around touch, the influence of different yoga lineages, and the increasing awareness of the teacher-student power dynamic. From love and care to boundaries and consent, we explore how teachers can approach hands-on assists with more intention and nuance in today's yoga landscape.Connect with Allie:Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.hathamood.com⁠⁠⁠IG: ⁠⁠⁠@alienjg⁠⁠⁠ Free classes: on ⁠⁠⁠Youtube ⁠⁠Connect with Reika:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this second episode of our 4-part series on yoga adjustments, Reika sits down with fellow teacher Allie G. to explore what hands-on assists mean in today’s yoga world. We discuss our positive and negative expriences with hands-on-assist and the role of consent, and how their own teaching experiences have shaped their approach. Whether you’re a yoga teacher rethinking your use of touch or a curious student, this conversation unpacks the complexity of a topic that’s often glossed over.Connect with Allie:Website: ⁠⁠www.hathamood.com⁠⁠IG: ⁠⁠@alienjg⁠⁠ Free classes: on ⁠⁠Youtube ⁠Connect with Reika:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this first episode of our 4-part series on yoga adjustments, Reika sits down with fellow teacher Allie G. to explore what hands-on assists mean in today’s yoga world. They discuss the evolving language around “adjustments,” the role of consent, and how their own teaching experiences have shaped their approach. Whether you’re a yoga teacher rethinking your use of touch or a curious student, this conversation unpacks the complexity of a topic that’s often glossed over.You’ll also hear what’s coming up in future episodes—from the different types of hands-on techniques to how our understanding of adjustments has shifted over time.Connect with Allie:Website: ⁠www.hathamood.com⁠IG: ⁠@alienjg⁠ Free classes: on ⁠Youtube Connect with Reika:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Decolonized History of Yoga Workshop (5/17, Sat 2-4pm pst)Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this solo episode, I’m sharing the three foundational pillars that I believe every impactful yoga teacher builds their career on — and they might not be what you think.Whether you're just starting out or years into your teaching journey, this episode is here to help you reflect, refocus, and recommit to your path. I talk about:Why teaching a lot (quantity) matters more than being “ready”How consistency builds trust, referrals, and longevityWhy continuing education is non-negotiable if you want to growI’m also sharing personal stories, honest truths about the industry, and practical tips for new teachers looking to gain experience outside of studios.This is the pep talk, reminder, and reality check I wish someone had given me when I first started. 🎧Connect with Reika:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentorship Program for Yoga Teachers⁠⁠⁠⁠Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat⁠⁠⁠

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Karen Fabian—yoga teacher, podcast host, author, and founder of Bare Bones Yoga. Karen shares her inspiring journey from a career in the corporate world to teaching yoga full-time. We talk about the evolution of teacher training in the early 2000s, the realities of building a sustainable yoga business, and how Karen’s background in anatomy and rehabilitative medicine shaped her approach to teaching. She also opens up about the impact of the pandemic, shifting to online teaching, and the lessons she’s learned about creating a resilient career. Whether you’re a new or experienced teacher, Karen’s insights into business-building, diversifying income, and staying connected to your purpose will leave you motivated and refreshed.Connect with Karen:Webiste: https://barebonesyoga.com/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@barebonesyogaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/barebonesyoga/reels/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KarenFabianKaren’s Freebieshttps://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/the-5-day-confidence-challenge/https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/the-bare-bones-yoga-guide-to-incredible-yoga-teaching/https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/free-guide-steps-to-confident-teaching/https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/how-to-build-a-yoga-sequence-lead-page/Connect with Reika:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentorship Program for Yoga Teachers⁠⁠⁠Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat⁠⁠

In this week’s episode, Reika sits down with Jenny Link—yoga therapist, educator, and founding member of the Integrative Collective—for an inspiring conversation about bridging yoga with healthcare and mental wellness.Jenny shares her journey from working as an athletic trainer to stepping fully into the world of yoga therapy, and how her background continues to shape the way she teaches and supports others. Together, they explore the evolution of therapeutic yoga, the impact of the pandemic on teaching, and how Jenny’s work today integrates individualized care, education, and community support.If you're a yoga teacher looking to explore a more therapeutic, integrative path—or you're curious about how yoga can truly meet people where they are—this episode is a must-listen.🔑 Topics covered:Jenny’s transition from sports medicine to yogaTeaching during the pandemic and the shifts that followedThe Threes Physiyoga Method and its impact on teacher educationThe value of therapeutic yoga for injury prevention and mental healthBuilding community and finding your unique path as a yoga teacherConnect with Jenny: Website: yogalinkllc.comInstagram: @yogalink.19Connect with Reika:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentorship Program for Yoga Teachers⁠⁠Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat⁠

In Part 2 of our SmartFlow Yoga teacher series, Reika reunites with Bianca, Dre, and June—fellow certified SmartFlow teachers—to dive into what it's like teaching the method that shaped their practice. They explore how the intelligent sequencing, movement principles, and mindfulness embedded in SmartFlow create a teaching structure that’s both clear and creative.From the way students experience a “return to center” to how SmartFlow challenges habitual patterns (for both teacher and student), this episode is all about the art of teaching this method. Expect honest reflections, fun anecdotes, and insights into how SmartFlow brings depth, clarity, and curiosity to the classroom.If you’ve ever wondered how to structure classes that are grounded yet innovative, or how to teach in a way that encourages true inquiry, this conversation will resonate deeply.Connect with:June: Instagram: ⁠@bodyworkwithjune⁠Bianca: ⁠@biancasapetto⁠Dre: ⁠@yoga_with_dre⁠Connect with Reika:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentorship Program for Yoga Teachers⁠Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat⁠

In this special group conversation, Reika is joined by fellow certified SmartFlow teachers June, Bianca, and Dre to reflect on our shared path under the guidance of Annie Carpenter. Each of us shares our personal journey into the world of SmartFlow Yoga: a method of yoga developed by Annie Carpenter —what initially drew us in, why it felt like “home,” and how Annie’s rigorous, thoughtful, and deeply intelligent approach to yoga continues to shape our teaching and practice.This episode is the first in a two-part series dedicated to unpacking the impact of SmartFlow Yoga on our lives. From the challenges and rewards of the certification process to the growth that comes from ongoing mentorship and community, this is a heartfelt and honest conversation for anyone curious about the SmartFLOW method of practicing and teaching yoga.Whether you're new to SmartFlow, never heard of SmartFlow, or have been practicing it for years, this episode offers insight into the beauty of dedication and the lifelong journey of teaching yoga.Connect with:June: Instagram: @bodyworkwithjuneBianca: @biancasapettoDre: @yoga_with_dreConnect with Reika:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠Mentorship Program for Yoga TeachersNicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat⁠

What happens when a Londoner falls in love with Colombia and decides to build a yoga community from the ground up? 🌍✨ In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Singer, an experienced yoga teacher, trainer, and the founder of Flying Tree Yoga in Medellín, Colombia.Andrew shares his incredible journey from teaching languages around the world to dedicating his life to yoga. We discuss the evolution of yoga in Colombia, the challenges of creating a thriving yoga space, and how he navigated the pandemic as a studio owner. Andrew also reflects on balancing business with personal life, making yoga more accessible to Spanish-speaking communities, and his future plans for bilingual teacher training programs.If you're curious about building a yoga career abroad, adapting to cultural differences, and fostering authentic community connections, this episode is for you! 🎧🔹 Topics We Cover:🧘‍♂️ Moving from London to Medellín and falling in love with the culture🌍 The evolution of the yoga scene in Latin America📢 The impact of the pandemic on yoga studios and online training🔄 How to adapt and grow as a yoga teacher🌱 Creating high-quality yoga teacher training programs in Spanish🎙️ Listen now and join us in exploring the dynamic world of yoga beyond borders!Contact Andrew:Andrew's Insgagram: @andrewjsinger Flying Tree Yoga Instagram: @flying_tree_yoga Flying Tree Website: https://www.flyingtreeyoga.com/Yoga Internship: https://www.instagram.com/yogainternshipshttps://www.yogainternships.com/Connect with Reika:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠Trauma-Informed Workshop, April 5th, Saturday 2pm PST⁠Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat⁠

In this episode, Reika and Karen challenge common misconceptions about knee and ankle alignment in yoga. Should your shins really be parallel in pigeon pose? Does flexing your ankle actually protect your knee? Together, they unpack the science behind these cues, discuss why fear-based language can be harmful, and explore how teachers can promote a more informed, adaptable approach to movement. Whether you're a yoga teacher or practitioner, this episode will help you rethink outdated alignment cues and cultivate a deeper sense of body awareness in your practice.Connect with Karen:Instagram: ⁠⁠@sodiumsoul⁠⁠Connect with Reika:Instagram: ⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠Trauma-Informed Workshop, April 5th, Saturday 2pm PSTNicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat