Leadership and Yoga

"The only thing that matters with dreams is that you keep them alive." -Londrelle Today, I take you on a journey of what it feels like to be seen as you chase your dreams, I show you all of my bad angles and "reasons" why I thought I wasn't good enough for my dreams, and why I was wrong. Today's episode is fire: a fire of inspiration and a bit of a fire under your ass to go after those big, lofty ideas. But I also throw you a lifeline of tangible tips for staying organized like a to-do list HACK. Find Shawna on instagram: @shawnakru - https://www.instagram.com/shawnakru Try OfferingTree for free with my link here (My sponsor) Ayurvedic consultation with Art, TEND - https://www.tend.eco/collections/consultations Yoga Teacher Roundtable free community events & mailing list:https://www.shawnakru.com/fam Own a copy of the guided journal I created, code POD for $33.https://www.ritualofwritingjournal.com/ Contributors: @iamcleer and @spiritualshores Time stamps: 00:00 intro01:20 let me show u all my bad angles07:00 heartbreak of following dreams10:50 know ur stories & OfferingTree trial13:15 Londrelle on dreams17:30 no good vibes only meditation 19:00 how to problem solve better20:30 to-do list HACK24:00 Ayurveda with TEND  25:450 magic vs logic28:00 the mind of light - Richard Rudd32:00 someone who makes things feel easy34:00 David Swenson on energy to keep going

In this episode, Naoise Ni Bhroin shares her journey into yoga and how teaching through the Irish language has become a way to connect people both to the practice of yoga and to cultural belonging. She reflects on the evolution of yoga in Ireland and growing confidence as a yoga teacher and leader. Naoise also discusses facilitating large yoga events, including Techno Yoga, the importance of ritual and community, and what it means to teach with authenticity and integrity.Follow Naoise on Instagram: @yogalenaoise Naoise’s Website: https://www.yogalenaoise.com/Find Shawna on instagram: @shawnakru Shawna’s website: ⁠https://www.shawnakru.com/⁠ Try OfferingTree for free, plus 50% off your first three months or 15% off your first year ⁠with my link here⁠: ⁠https://www.offeringtree.com/shawnakru?utm_source=leadership-and-yoga&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=partner-discount⁠  (My sponsor) Ayurvedic consultation with Art, TEND - ⁠https://www.tend.eco/collections/consultations⁠ Time Stamps:00:00 intro01:13 offering tree and TEND07:06 how did you find yoga?09:25 naoise’s first yoga teacher10:53 the yoga scene in Ireland 12:00 the Irish language 17:19 teaching yoga in Irish19:46 how did it feel to teach your first yoga class?23:13 how has your perspective on teaching yoga evolved over time?24:26 public speaking & confidence as a yoga teacher27:40 hosting yoga events and techno yoga31:53: how do you bring your dreams to life?35:03 finding aligned community38:21 grounding rituals before teaching a yoga class/event40:00 teaching on off days 46:10 connecting people with the Irish language 48:47 yoga is a practice of self-awareness and interconnection50:12 what makes an exceptional yoga teacher?51:47 billboard question

In this roundtable episode, yoga teachers from around the country gather to reflect on how yoga has shaped their lives and how yoga can shape the world. Through honest stories of grief, connection, and presence, they share insights on how the practice of yoga can help us connect with ourselves, our communities, and create a ripple effect that extends into our lives and the lives of our students.Thank you to the participating yoga teachers:Ally Braxton @allybraxtonAlly Braxton on FacebookDenisse Aimar @denisse.aimarlinktr.ee/denisseaimarHannah Winokur @hannypackJen Armistead@yogaendeavouryogaendeavour.comDr. Meredith Calvert@meriyogasfmeriyoga.comwildcalmretreats.comDr. Meredith's Podcast "Calm With Me"Victoria Luciana @__victorialucianaDo you want to join the next Yoga Teacher Roundtable episode? Join the waitlist here: https://www.shawnakru.com/yoga-teacher-roundtableFind Shawna on instagram: @shawnakru - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shawnakru⁠⁠Shawna’s website: ⁠https://www.shawnakru.com/⁠ Try OfferingTree for free, plus 50% off your first three months or 15% off your first year ⁠with my link here⁠: ⁠https://www.offeringtree.com/shawnakru?utm_source=leadership-and-yoga&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=partner-discount⁠  (My sponsor) Ayurvedic consultation with Art, TEND - ⁠https://www.tend.eco/collections/consultations⁠ Time Stamps:00:00 intro02:09 how did yoga change your life?06:32 “yoga allowed me to save myself”08:47 yoga practice during grief13:00 how can yoga change the world? 15:54 presence and movement over fear20:25 sharing the wisdom of yoga creates a ripple effect25:10 “yoga enables you to be your own home”27:57 developing a lens of compassion and kindness30:40 start by being honest with yourself on the mat32:16 billboard messages40:13 closing 

Today’s episode is with Paris-based yoga teacher and writer Ty Watson. We dive into teaching yoga, creativity, and the art of observation, exploring how attention and discernment shape the way we lead and guide our students. Ty also shares his thoughts on the magic of language and how the words we choose can transform a class. This episode is for yoga teachers and creators interested in language, creativity, and how mindful attention shapes the way we teach, learn, and lead.Ty Watson’s website: https://www.tywatsonyoga.com Ty’s Instagram: @tywtsn - https://www.instagram.com/tywtsn/?hl=en Find Shawna on instagram: @shawnakru - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shawnakru⁠⁠Shawna’s website: ⁠https://www.shawnakru.com/⁠ Try OfferingTree for free, plus 50% off your first three months or 15% off your first year ⁠with my link here⁠: ⁠https://www.offeringtree.com/shawnakru?utm_source=leadership-and-yoga&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=partner-discount⁠  (My sponsor) Ayurvedic consultation with Art, TEND - ⁠https://www.tend.eco/collections/consultations⁠ Time Stamps:00:00 intro03:29 moving from new york to paris06:13 how did you find yoga?10:31 the magic of language: words as spells12:21 paying attention to detail13:44 the practice of being observant as a yoga teacher17:57 discernment & the creative process 20:33 your body is the container for your psychology24:44 what matters is the story you’re telling yourself26:37 time, technique, & repetition29:41 how do you choose what information deserves your attention?33:23 what makes an exceptional yoga class for you?39:53 there’s always a way to change your angle42:44 morning routine 50:37 yoga is really about the mind51:47 your practice should keep you in reverence for what is happening around you52:56 billboard question

A 3-part episode: my 10k story on instagram, what works vs. what doesn’t, and case studies from yoga teachers with over 10k followers. This is the deep, real-talk coffee chat on social media I wish I could have had with myself 3 years ago. Tune in for case studies from my own story of growing as a small creator on instagram to 10k followers, along with case studies from 4 of my yoga teacher & creator friends.Find Shawna on instagram:  @shawnakru Enter for free social media mentorship with Kimi’s Soulcials program! Try OfferingTree for free with my link here (My sponsor) Yoga Teacher Roundtable free community events & mailing list:https://www.shawnakru.com/fam Own a copy of the guided journal I created, code POD for $33.https://www.ritualofwritingjournal.com/ My friends that I mention: @kimiahajian @benkalra @marlasyoga @brandonberg_Time stamps:00:00 intro 01:30 social media series04:45 the beauty of my slow growth is that i could document it for you06:15 the size of the platform matches your mission08:30 3 part episode agenda11:30 my 10k social media story12:40 the 2nd puberty online19:30 the year i hit my goals & how24:30 the real thing you need to learn25:35 what worked 27:58 what Victoria Hutchins taught me about being an artist29:00 audience matching35:00 mission & moral ambition 37:58 build something cool38:40 what doesn’t work45:50 10k+ teachers case studies: Kimi47:45 message from Kimi - Soulcials mentorship56:00 how long did it take for you to blow up? case studies.

Today, I sat down with consciousness researcher and author Frederick Dodson to explore the idea that changed how I see everything: levels of energy. From what energy actually is and how it shows up in us, our relationships, places, and even world events, to why we get stuck, why anger can sometimes be useful, and why manifestation is often misunderstood, we unpack the full spectrum, from the lowest states of blame and victimhood to higher levels of love, humor and bliss. We talk about like attracting like, parallel universes of self, healing, belief, and what it really means to raise consciousness. Fred shares stories from his childhood, pieces of the mission he is on here on earth, his views on infinity, leadership, and humanity’s future. Listen to feel empowered, and at the same time, to take life a little less seriously.Fred’s website & Higher Realms live seminar August 2026, Italyhttps://www.realitycreation.org/ Find Shawna on instagram: @shawnakru - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shawnakru⁠Shawna’s website:https://www.shawnakru.com/ Try OfferingTree for free, plus 50% off your first three months or 15% off your first year with my link here: https://www.offeringtree.com/shawnakru?utm_source=leadership-and-yoga&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=partner-discount  (My sponsor) Ayurvedic consultation with Art, TEND - https://www.tend.eco/collections/consultations Time stamps:00:00 intro01:00 L&Y fam04:40 levels of energy08:59 what is energy really12:30 the scale & categories of consciousness15:30 anger can be good: relativity18:40 writing a highly offensive book20:30 stuck? Why?23:30 like attracts like, broken window energy field25:14 every step on the scale requires a new kind of energy26:30 sincerity & devotion will get you there27:35 manifestation is watered down28:45 highest energies to lowest energies34:30 freeing yourself38:40 relationships and influence44:30 infinity: context to take life less seriously47:40 meaning of life: training49:00 Fred’s childhood of otherworldly experiences59:30 Mission 1:00:00 beings of other worlds and levels1:06:00 spillover effect, parallel universes of self1:11:00 how to really believe something new1:16:30 entering parallel universes1:18:00 healing: invented pain vs manifested pain1:21:00 leadership: the making of an exceptional leader1:23:00 rapid fire & billboard

Part two of an episode on how things mysteriously fall into place. From insane to mundane synchronicities… This is for anyone who wants to feel connected to the heartbeat of life. Inspired from a moment in an interview I did with Sri Dharma Mittra, I sat down to contemplate my life over coffee as I do most mornings. But on this particular morning, everything I’ve learned from Richard Rudd of the Gene Keys, Frederick Dodson of Levels of Energy and Parallel Universes of self, and even some Dr. Joe Dispenza organized itself in my head in a new way. The result is the “thought experience” I prepared for you in part one of this episode, and today’s spontaneous explanation of “how” to live connected to the magic of it all. Try OfferingTree for free, plus 50% off your first three months or 15% off your first year with my link here. (My sponsor) Ayurvedic consultation with Art, TEND - https://www.tend.eco/collections/consultations Follow me on instagram:@shawnkruOwn a copy of the guided journal I created, code POD for $33.Ritual of Writing Journal 

Today on the Leadership and Yoga podcast, Jonah Kest!! Let's talk leadership, creativity, and modern yoga with one of the most well-known and influential yoga teachers of our time. We talk building community in yoga, what it’s really like to meditate, and how life feels when we surrender. I also ask him to give his thoughts on the evolution of yoga, and how real transformation happens in our lives. Jonah shares wisdom on teaching yoga, and behind the scenes stories from his creative process and morning rituals.Join my retreat! 1 spot opened up. Jan 25-29.Try OfferingTree for free with my link here. (My sponsor)Find me on instagram: @shawnkruMy monthly newsletter:  leadership and yoga fam, for yoga teacher meet-ups & joining roundtable episodesJonah’s instagram:  @kestyogaJonah’s website & trainings:  https://www.jonahkestyoga.com/Time stamps: 00:00 intro1:23 leadership and yoga6:10 yoga from childhood to now7:30 what Jonah wanted to be when he grew up9:40 manifestation?11:60 pressure and legacy 14:40 qualities Jonah looks for in teachers16:40 devotion18:55 pain: we are part of nature22:30 Jonah’s favorite type of yoga class25:25 weaving stories into class & experiencing transcendence26:55 what to do with ideas28:55 how Jonah energetically prepares to lead33:40 Jonah’s ideal morning routine35:20 prana37:20 creativity is tuned into39:20 dropping fear and creating from love43:35 how do we change? actually?45:50 music & rhythm49:25 evolution in yoga51:40 rejection & feedback54:40 continue to grow as teachers56:40 Nike signing story1:00:00 it’s not mind-body connection1:03:40 doors1:07:21 yoga impacting the world1:09:30 fate or free will1:11:30 losing control1:17:20 the real yoga is coming back to the fire1:21:17 meditation is like fasting for the mind.1:23:25 community & being surrounded by high-energy people1:29:10 rapid fire1:31:10 billboard message

In this episode, I guide yoga teachers and creators through a grounded reset for 2026, exploring when to simplify, when to let go, and how to create from integrity rather than urgency. We talk about disappointment and forgiveness, goals that are too big, quitting at the right time, and what becomes possible when you stop forcing the future and start listening more deeply.Join my retreat! 2 spots opened up. https://www.shawnakru.com/sweet-simplicity-retreat Try OfferingTree for free with my link here. (My sponsor)TEND ayurvedic consultations (My sponsor)https://www.tend.eco/collections/consultations Follow me on instagram:@shawnkruMy monthly newsletter: https://www.shawnakru.com/mailinglist Time stamps:00:00 intro visualization03:45 dear entrepreneurial yogi 08:00 4 step reset09:21 sweet simplicity retreat12:00 step out of the past into something new13:15 if it’s half-right, it’s wrong15:07 grateful for opportunities that you don’t take17:45 disappointment & forgiveness are skills 23:40 goals that are too big 25:44 learn to be impeccable with your word26:50 when to quit29:40 destruction & creation in 202633:00 what can i create when i feel like destroying something?34:00 your fall starts EVERYTHING  35:30 digestion & TEND for 202637:18 real purpose38:45 iOs vs dream board42:00 selfish wellness43:30 pillars activity 45:30 organization & OfferingTree48:00 Jonah Kest quote on transformation50:30 homework: writing 

In this episode of Leadership and Yoga, I sit down with Kino MacGregor, one of the most thoughtful voices in the yoga world, for a wide-ranging, honest conversation about practice, leadership, creativity, and impact through yoga. We talk about high standards and self-compassion, ritual and discipline, discernment in creativity, and how to work with failure without letting it turn into self-denigration. We explore lineage and tradition in Ashtanga yoga, the power of storytelling, and what makes an impactful yoga teacher.This conversation moves from a behind the scenes look at Kino’s daily rituals and decision-making to the deeply spiritual and big questions of, why are we here? If you’re a yoga teacher, leader, or lifelong student navigating devotion, creativity, and real human life, this one is for you.If you enjoyed this episode with Kino, please subscribe. Thank you! :) Try OfferingTree all-in-one business software for yoga teachers for free, plus 50% off your first three months or 15% off your first year with my link here. (My sponsor)Kino’s website:https://kinoyoga.com/ Practice with Kino on Omstars:https://omstars.com/ Find Kino on instagram: @kinoyoga Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Opportunities to join my podcast LIVE for yoga teacher roundtable episodes:https://www.shawnakru.com/fam  My website & contact:https://www.shawnakru.com/ Time Stamps:00:00 intro02:16 inspired by Kino’s story03:32 how did you realize you wanted to dedicate your life to yoga?07:25 when you were little, what did you dream of being when you grew up?12:30 do you remember your first ashtanga class?19:34 from a dream about Pattabhi Jois to traveling to India23:08 what is the essence of ashtanga yoga for you?24:12 the guru’s grace28:01 what characteristics of your teachers helped you the most?31:00 the ashtanga authorization process36:39 future of the teacher-student relationship in yoga38:29 staying rooted in service as a yoga teacher41:41 how can yoga be a tool for good in the world?44:07 different paths of change49:27 how do you prepare yourself to show up in the world to teach?51:47 what is your relationship with creativity?55:47 book recommendations? 01:00:00 tradition vs innovation 01:03:00 experiencing the transcendent 01:05:00 why do you think we’re here? 01:07:00 “let everything you do be an act of love” 01:12:00 the billboard question