Leadership and Yoga

Join me, Shawna Krueger, and my best friend, Katie McAuliffe, for an episode on how to host a yoga retreat. We just got back from hosting our 3rd yoga retreat in the span of one year!  Katie is the co-author of The Ritual of Writing Journal (our beloved brain child), a yoga teacher and the editorial manager for Alo Moves.  A year ago, we were just finishing up our first ever retreat and we have learned so much in a short amount of time. We are here to show you that rapid transformation is possible, and to share our major tips for hosting, what to watch out for and of course some stories of success and some stories that will make you laugh from our retreat last month.  Our third retreat was sold out, with our largest group so far — 20 women.  We don’t hold anything back: the mistakes, how to sell, what you need to do to pull it all off.  Whether you are a yoga teacher or not, today’s episode is meant to inspire you to take action on planning any dream project. Have a pen, it’s a lot! (This is technically part 2 to one of my most popular episodes: “How to Host a Yoga Retreat” from November 2023, check it out for even more details on hosting.) Agenda: Programming and planning a retreat. How to sell a yoga retreat. Execution of the event. Join the Leadership and Yoga Fam email list to stay up to date on giveaways: Join the fam. Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Find Katie on instagram:  @katiewilliamsyoga  Purchase a copy of our guided journal. https://www.ritualofwritingjournal.com/  COMING SOON: Join our upcoming Retreat. February 17-22, 2025 https://shawnakru.com/retreats/ Time stamps:  00:00 Intro 02:00 Agenda 03:30 Our personal why. 06:00 Where to start: clarity on your message and experience. 9:00 What’s your long-term plan? 10:00 Why do a scholarship for locals? 11:30 Finding a location. Our recs.  13:40 Under promise, over deliver. Handwritten notes example. 15:20 Finances of hosting a retreat. Be a detective for expenses.  19:00 Run a worldwide giveaway. 24:30 Aligned people and synchronicity.  28:00 Tips for selling a yoga retreat. Starting with a PDF.  30:00 What to do if you don’t have photos teaching yoga. 33:00 Don’t be afraid to invite people directly. Repeat your invite.  39:00 Execution starts with travel.  42:50 Rats in the control tower and diverted flight. Comedy and chaos. 45:50 Faceless monsters and being overly tired. 47:30 Being the only child and extrovert vs introvert. 52:40 Visualize the itinerary. 53:00 Setting rules, especially around deep topics.  54:40 Make guests feel safe and welcome.  57:00 Advice for getting started.  58:00 Next retreat with Ness Baker — Inversioness, and our Ritual of Writing Journal.

Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an interview with Linda Yoonjin. Linda is the director of Brain Education TV and also a content creator and wonderful teacher. I take classes with her nearly every day virtually. She does a number of very admirable and impressive things from teaching brain education to kids, to growing a YouTube channel to a community of over 346K. On a personal note, I wanted to talk to her because she was my first Body and Brain teacher, which is thanks to my mom showing me her videos when I was having a serious health problem and could not practice my normal “physically intense” yoga practice last year. We discuss Linda’s personal practice and healing story, and her journey growing on YouTube. This episode is incredibly inspiring and a refreshing outlook on content creation.  What is “Korean Yoga?” Brain Education is a comprehensive system of mind-body training created by Ilchi Lee for developing the brain’s capacity to create physical, emotional, and mental health. It has been researched at top universities and research institutions—such as the University of London and the Korea Institute of Brain Science. Made popular in South Korea, it has now been practiced for over 40 years by millions around the world.  Practice with Linda on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrainEducationTV  Find Linda on instagram: @braineducation_tv @areavanta Body & Brain: https://www.bodynbrain.com/  Join the Leadership and Yoga Fam email list to stay up to date on giveaways and L&S news. Plus, get immediate access to the free week-long 6am Club training: Join the fam. Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 02:30 Agenda 03:10 What is Brain Education? Korean Yoga?  05:00 It’s not just mindfulness, it’s tangible. It’s not yin.  07:00 My first Body and Brain class. 11:00 Witnessing change in our moms and starting to practice.  13:45 Linda’s story curing her hormone issues - PCOS 15:50 Changing your relationship with yourself. 17:50 Teaching brain education to kids. 21:00 Trying unconventional, odd things.  22:00 Belly button healing. 24:00 The gut needs massage.  28:30 Water Up, Fire Down 32:00 If we know the science, why don’t we do it? 34:00 Getting comfortable on camera, overcoming fear. 39:00 Making a YouTube video EVERY SINGLE DAY. 45:40 Break the fantasy that content creation is easy. It’s normal not to blow up immediately. It’s a marathon.  48:20 The art of exceptional leadership: clear direction and higher consciousness.  52:00 Getting into state before teaching. 55:00 Take Back Your Brain.

Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an interview with my guest, Adell Bridges. This is a special episode because Adell is the MOST requested interview on the Leadership and Yoga podcast and today I have the honor of sharing our conversation with you!! Adell is a yoga teacher, movement motivator, author and creator of the MWA (Move with Adell) method. Based in the UK, she is “an internet personality” according to google. If you are tuning in today, you will hear insights from Adell on teaching yoga, the brain, handstands, and creativity in teaching. You’ll also find out how she went from taking 3 yoga classes over 10 years and thinking yoga wasn’t “for her” to being where she is today. You don’t want to miss this one!  If you enjoyed this interview with Adell, please SUBSCRIBE and drop me a RATING so I can continue to bring you more awesome interviews. Thank you!! Adell’s creative sequencing course: https://adellbridgesyoga.com/getcreative  Adell’s website: https://adellbridgesyoga.com/ Find Adell on instagram: @adellbridges Join the Leadership and Yoga Fam email list to stay up to date on giveaways and L&S news. Plus, get immediate access to the free week-long 6am Club training: Join the fam. Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 03:00 Growing up and studying abroad 05:50 Took 3 classes in 10 years and didn’t like it, later fell in love with yoga.  07:20 The instagram yogis. 10:00 The importance of the cool factor and seeing yoga as art. 11:30 Hitting a rock bottom. 14:00 Not trusting herself to stick with yoga, dunning kruger effect. 18:00 Difficulty that comes with teaching and being an entrepreneur.  21:00 Studying the brain and yoga. 25:30 Why is it that sometimes training doesn’t work? 27:25 Brain thinking something is not safe prevents progress. 29:30 The creation of Move with Adell Method. The creation of the app and community. 32:30 How to consistently come up with creative flow? 35:00 Tangible tips for finding new ways to move on the yoga mat. 36:30 Reintroduction to handstands as an adult. 40:00 For the love of handstands. 44:30 What makes an excellent leader and yoga teacher? 46:00 Being inspired by older women who are breaking stereotypes.  49:00 Billboard message: STAY CURIOUS. 

Join me, Shawna Krueger, for a special interview with Bhushan Deodhar. Bhushan is a meditation and breathwork expert. He facilitates leadership training sessions that integrate breathwork and meditation for organizations that range from the World Bank and United Nations to MIT and Coca Cola.  He’s a board member and facilitator for The Art of Living Foundation, and is currently dedicated to nurturing a new generation of leaders and facilitators within the organization.He also has extensive knowledge in business and entrepreneurship, and is the CEO of Shankara Naturals.  Bhushan is also Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s manager and orchestrates crucial meetings with world leaders, executives, and celebrities playing a pivotal role in the growth of The Art of Living Foundation and The International Association for Human Values. Within this, he plays an active role in promoting peace and cultural understanding by leading revolutionary humanitarian initiatives such as the World Culture Festival.  He really has a seat at the table with some of the finest minds in the world, including presidents, all for the greater good. As you may know, one of my moonshot goals is to teach yoga to world leaders so it was beautiful to speak to someone who does exactly that! Tune in to hear about key findings in sharing the practice of yoga, meditation and mindfulness with leaders, along with insight on business and impact in the wellness space.  If you enjoyed this episode with Bhushan please SUBSCRIBE and drop me a RATING. Thank you!  Art of Living @artoflivingusa Bhushan on LinkedIn Shankara Naturals Join the Leadership and Yoga Fam email list to stay up to date on giveaways and L&S news. Plus, get immediate access to the free week-long 6am Club training: Join the fam. Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Purchase a copy of my guided journal. https://www.ritualofwritingjournal.com/  Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 03:30 Logic, human potential and beyond. 5:15 Moving from one perfection to another. 07:00 Those of us who bring yoga to leaders. 9:50 World Bank, Meditation in Nigeria. Collaborative leadership for development. 12:00 How to get leaders to pay attention to the breath. 15:20 Pressure in presenting and how to be confident.  20:00 Gurudev sharing on acceptance 25:00 Art of Living. 27:45 Speak with conviction, don’t convince.  31:00 World Culture Festival 35:00 Fear of losing identity brings aggression. 38:40 Making mindfulness mainstream. 40:00 Business: Shankara Naturals 43:00 Impatience, entrepreneurship 47:50 What makes an extraordinary leader?

Join me, Shawna Krueger, for a solo episode on business tips for yoga teachers and entrepreneurs. I have just hit my 2 year entrepreneur anniversary and I feel like it is springtime for my business. I’m here to share everything I wish I would have known about content creation and offer creation, and what has moved the needle the most in my yoga business. If you are wondering how to start a yoga business, how to be more confident as a teacher, and what to do when you’re first getting started, this episode is for you.  Whether you are a yoga teacher, speaker, aspiring leader, entrepreneur or dreaming of becoming an entrepreneur and starting your own business… I share 8 ways you can grow your business and tap into your own power. No matter how many people are listening, and even if you feel like you are speaking into the abyss, I guarantee you that you’re inspiring people who pretend not to notice you.  Plus, I tell the story of how I got invited to attend a retreat in Hawaii for free because of my podcast. A baby book moment for me: Podcasting Influencer trip. Message me on instagram: @shawnakru Join the Leadership and Yoga Fam email list to stay up to date on giveaways and L&S news. Plus, get immediate access to the free week-long 6am Club training: Join the fam. Purchase a copy of my guided journal. EARTH DAY SALE OF IMPERFECT JOURNALS. 30% off. That’s $29.40 instead of $42 y’all… https://www.ritualofwritingjournal.com/  Past episodes I mention: Breakthrough, Change Your Life - MY STORY  1 Year After Quitting My Job Dealing with Stage Fright Build your Greenlight List and iOS  Emmy Faria Proud on Teaching Yoga Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:15 Springtime era for my business.  07:14 Symbolic food stories. 8:30 Microwaved Hard Boiled Egg. 11:40 Selling my own guided journal. 14:45 Agenda 16:20 From inertia to invincibility.  17:25 Podcasting influencer trip. 20:22 You’re inspiring people who pretend not to notice you. 22:17 Don’t let life sort you. 26:15 Get comfortable with unease. 32:45 Do not fear the haters. 35:55 Make a name for yourself. 40:52 Learn how your creative mind works.  46:00 Oversaturated yoga market?  47:55 Silver platter effect.  52:27 Stop making extra work and processes for yourself. 55:00 How to spend your time if you have no business. 57:00 What has moved the needle in my business?  1:03:00 Big fish symbiotic relationships. 1:08:00 Show up as the version of you that has IT.

Join me, Shawna Krueger, for a special interview with Alice Maisetti. Alice is an experienced yoga teacher currently based in California. She hosts worldwide “Wild Woman Retreats” and is also a Transformational Embodiment Coach, and a Somatic and Breathwork facilitator. She’s a freediver, former gymnast, and she empowers women to cultivate fluidity, self-trust, and self-love. I wanted to invite Alice to the show because her presence is captivating, and in addition to that she has incredible handstand and dancing talent, energy, and confidence. I admire people who free others and inspire others to step into their power… And Alice strikes me as the type of person who draws that out of other people simply by being how she is.  Find Alice on instagram: @alicemaisetti  Alice’s website: https://www.alicemaisetti.com/  Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Please SUBSCRIBE and drop my podcast a RATING if you enjoyed this interview, it enables me to bring you more epic episodes. THANK YOU. Time stamps: 00:00 Intro upside down 03:30 Training at age 10 in Italy - Gymnastics and prior embodiment. 05:40 Intuitive ability to make decisions. 07:48 No turning back. 11:00 Eyes open for opportunities  15:30 Advice for being confident and empowered.  18:30 Singing lessons example of finding voice. 24:00 Handstands and confidence. 28:00 What is a wild woman?  34:30 Dealing with disappointment helps us learn more about ourselves.  37:15 Breakthroughs and marriage. 39:40 What makes an exceptional leader?  44:10 Think with your body.  45:15 Practice with Alice. 

Today we discuss how to be ready and open to finding teachers that will truly change your life. Leaders and teachers are everywhere, but an exceptional leader is priceless.  We’ve all heard the saying that when the student is ready, the teacher appears. But what do we do if we don’t feel like the inspiring teacher of our dreams has appeared? Where do we look for them? What will they be like?  A lot of times we don’t even give teachers the chance to have an impact on us. But at the same time, we should look to be taught, not just told, and be aware that power and influence often do not correlate to value. Look for a teacher who wants you to be even better than they are, who would never dream of holding you back. Who can show you how to be the way that you’d like to be, who has something that does not come natural for you.  Join the fam. Join the Leadership and Yoga Fam email list to stay up to date on giveaways and L&S news. Plus, get immediate access to the free week-long 6am Club training. Message me on instagram: @shawnakru Purchase a copy of my guided journal. EARTH DAY SALE OF IMPERFECT JOURNALS.  https://www.ritualofwritingjournal.com/  Upcoming Retreats: https://shawnakru.com/retreats/ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 05:00 Number one answer: Empathy 08:40 Be coachable 11:40 Taught vs Told 12:45 Abundance mindset in yoga teachers 14:40 A teacher who wants you to be better than they are. 17:07 Stand on the shoulders. 18:20 Someone who is where you want to be. 21:15 Joe Rogan only bats for home runs.  23:05 Too eager. 28:05 Not traditional leaders. 29:20 Focused instead of spread too thin. 31:30 Action steps. 33:45 Earth day sale for journals.

Join me, Shawna Krueger, for a special interview with Emmy Faria Proud. Emmy is a certified yoga instructor, who got certified by the way at age 17 which made her the youngest yoga teacher in Miami at the time. She is a Junior at the University of Miami studying Psychology and Communications and she is the creator of the “HEART TO HEART MOVEMENT” a series of wellness driven events.  Tune in to hear insight from Emmy about teaching yoga, leadership, starting to work with Alo Yoga, goals, time management, breakthroughs, relationships and other behind the scenes moments relating to yoga.  I adore this episode with Emmy. She has such a way with words and so much wisdom and energy to share with the world. Feeling grateful.  If you enjoyed this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and drop me a rating. THANK YOU!  Find Emmy on instagram: @emmyfariaproud Join the Leadership and Yoga Fam email list to stay up to date on giveaways and L&S news. Plus, get immediate access to the free week-long 6am Club training: Join the fam. Message me on instagram: @shawnakru Upcoming Retreats: https://shawnakru.com/retreats/ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro  02:45 My life is a dream 04:15 Time management and looking up to people. 06:10 Age: Why did Emmy get certified at 17? 09:00 If you learn how to breathe, you learn how to control your life.  11:00 Advice for feeling too young or too old to start. 12:00 If you believe in yourself, you can teach other people to believe in you. 14:00 I’m an old soul in a tiny body. College at 16.  15:15 Starting to work with Alo.Every teacher has a valuable message to share. 17:45 Abundance mindset in the wellness industry. 18:50 Emmy’s Moonshot 21:08 Relationships: Yoga is sitting with a mirror. 23:50 When people are attached to an old version of you. 26:00 Wherever your heart feels at peace, rather than chasing the peace. 28:40 Emmy’s self-care and self-love ritual. 29:45 Teach yourself that you are someone you can rely on. 31:00 Pre-teaching ritual. 35:50 When you have to face a challenge, it’s life’s way of testing how much you want it. 40:00 An excellent leader is… 42:00 Emmy’s sources of inspiration.  43:10 Coffee chat with Mel Robbins. 44:40 Billboard message: Alignment and love.

Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an episode on three ways to capture attention authentically as a yoga instructor. While the subject of attention and influence tend to be taboo in the yoga world, I discuss why we should think more about the important role they play. We discuss talent, boundaries and connection. Plus, I share how I accidentally charged $50,000 Bad Bunny tickets to my credit card and some other essential story time moments to add a little laughter to your day. Join the Leadership and Yoga Fam email list to stay up to date on giveaways and L&S news. Plus, get immediate access to the free week-long 6am Club training: Join the fam. Message me on instagram: @shawnakru Upcoming Retreats: https://shawnakru.com/retreats/ Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction 06:30 Free week long morning training 10:50 3 ways to capture attention authentically 13:24 The monkey walk 14:45 A night in the St. Louis airport 17:40 $50k Bad Bunny tickets 22:15 What keeps people coming back is talent 23:50 The example of the Daily Victorian 27:00 What to do when our best is not good enough 28:20 Set boundaries so you don’t fear attention 29:55 Entrepreneurship infancy baby talk 32:00 Showing the vulnerability of needing something 34:00 A note on choice from Pura Rasa 36:00 Let people see your work IRL 37:00 Why you don’t have to spend time on going viral 39:00 The power of authentic connection 41:00 Your presence is ENOUGH

Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an episode on how to be more confident, today. It’s time to switch into your very own “confident mode.” This is for the person who wants to be bold, to take action, to find their voice, stand up tall, not fear the anxiety butterflies when they enter a room. To harness their power, step into their power, whatever you want to call it.  Whether you are a yoga teacher, speaker, aspiring leader, or someone facing social anxiety, I share 12 ways you can show up confidently so you can find focus, boldness and awareness under pressure.  Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:00 First viral video to hit 1 million views 08:30 Agenda 12:15 Take care of yourself behind the scenes 15:20 Quitting self-destructive behaviors 17:30 Dealing with self-pity and guilt 20:00 Prepare yourself to be in a different state. 24:15 Make a mistake or admit you don’t know as soon as possible. 25:55 Posture and power stances. 28:50 Spend time around confident people who speak well, make decisions with ease, who things just seem effortless for.  34:15 Confident does not necessarily mean extroverted or loud. 35:30 Age does not matter, you are not too young or too old. 38:20 Make a decision. 41:00 Speak with action oriented words and at a steady cadence.  39:57 Get comfortable with silence. 46:00 Pay attention to your belly. 48:20 Solar plexus governs confidence and the ability to be assertive. 51:40 Get experience and record compliments. 54:30 Do something that scares you every day. 58:00 What humans CAN do is extraordinary, what you WILL do is another story.  Join the Leadership and Yoga Fam email list to stay up to date on giveaways and L&S news. Plus, get immediate access to the free week-long 6am Club training: Join the fam. Message me on instagram: @shawnakru Upcoming Retreats: https://shawnakru.com/retreats/