Leadership and Yoga

you are a curator, not just creator: how yoga teachers & conscious creators can start a podcast with purpose. whether you’re a yoga instructor, wellness entrepreneur, or conscious creator, this episode will help you move past overthinking, embrace consistency, and share your work more boldly in the podcast world and long-form media world. we talk how to start your podcast, naming your podcast, audience matching, beliefs, growth & the tangible tips. here’s 10 tips from 3 years of podcasting: from zero to sponsored. Try OfferingTree for free, plus 50% off your first three months or 15% off your first year with my link here. (My sponsor)Follow me on instagram:@shawnkruCome on my Costa Rica yoga retreat in January 2026:https://www.shawnakru.com/sweet-simplicity-retreat Substack on Taste that I mentionTime stamps:00:00 intro04:00 my experience hiring help for the podcast07:15 uplevel your business?08:30 Costa Rica!10:50 one: hit record, start with a story15:00 two: value18:00 how to name your podcast21:00 your podcasting set up & background22:30 three: you are a curator, not just a creator26:30 four: the 7-11-4 concept29:00 five: if not in state, always wait36:20 six: balance consistency & refinement40:00 stop copying42:40 seven: share your show more than you think45:00 eight: audience matching47:30 searchability, naming & topics49:30 nine: guests on your show51:30 ten: audio quality of your podcast53:20 wrap up

Discover how to build a daily meditation habit in just five minutes! With practical techniques like the pause method and committing to stillness, the host emphasizes making meditation a non-negotiable part of your life. She reflects on her personal journey, sharing insights into handling distractions and deepening presence. Learn how yoga's eight limbs provide a roadmap for meditation and explore the simple joy that comes from the practice, leading to greater clarity and creativity.

Feeling stuck or anxious about change? Here are 5 life-changing reasons why it could be exactly what you need, afterall. In this episode, I share 5 powerful reasons why change is exactly what you need right now. From the dragonfly’s dream to the magic of fresh beginnings, let’s talk about how change breaks old patterns, makes you fully present, and helps you embrace the unknown. If you’ve been feeling stuck, anxious, or craving a breakthrough, this conversation is for you.Download your free SEO Checklist for yoga instructors & entrepreneursAlso, try OfferingTree for free, plus 50% off your first three months or 15% off your first year with my link here. (My sponsor)Mailing list:https://www.shawnakru.com/ Follow me on instagram:@shawnkruCome on my Costa Rica yoga retreat in January 2026:https://www.shawnakru.com/sweet-simplicity-retreat 00:00 the dragonfly’s dream07:50 the under the stars mishap12:30 change makes me feel discomfort16:00 we are moving19:50 a magical message 21:30 part 1: change breaks the pattern of the past24:00 part 2: change makes you present31:30 how we really change33:30 part 3: change brings the unknown38:16 part 4: change reclaims your power42:30 part 5: change is the purpose of it all: freshness44:00 dragonfly’s dream full-circle

I sat down with Sri Dharma Mittra in the Dharma Yoga Center in New York to record this live, in-person interview on his story, teaching yoga, compassion, God, headstands, the infinite nature of who we are, and what qualities we can cultivate as yoga teachers. This interview is a reminder of the magic that occurs when we act from trust rather than fear, and when we livel simply and from the heart. The kirtan music at the end was recorded live right before the interview and features Adam Frei on guitar, Sri Dharma on the drums and the whole group singing.IF YOU ENJOYED THIS INTERVIEW WITH SRI DHARMA, PLEASE DROP ME A RATING & SUBSCRIBE. Thank you! <3Download your free SEO Checklist :) Also, try OfferingTree for free, plus 50% off your first three months or 15% off your first year with my link here. (My sponsor)Find me on instagram: @shawnkruFind DYC on instagram: @dharmayoganycDharma trainings & website: https://www.dharmayogacenter.com/ time stamps:00:00 intro03:22 the blessing 04:30 Dharma’s first headstand07:00 why Dharma yoga is so loved09:40 how Dharma sees God12:00 yoga practice as prayer13:40 what Dharma wanted to do when he was little16:30 doubt on the yogic path?19:50 remember this when in pain…23:45 teaching yoga in the space station27:21 a story from Yogi Gupta, Dharma’s teacher28:40 when we trust, mysteriously we receive: a lesson on the unknown & abundance30:00 Dharma had only one student & he left mid class32:30 what people don’t know about him34:30 what makes a good leader 37:30 Dharma’s greatest joy in life40:49 what worries him42:30 billboard question45:38 behind the scenes46:53 kirtan - music

In this 3-part episode, I share how to stop overthinking and prepare your energy so you can show up with clarity and confidence. Learn how to shift from fear to love, trust yourself, and create with flow instead of anxiety. Part 1: How to prepare yourself in the way before, part 2 the night before and part 3 the right before. Download your free SEO Checklist!! Also, try OfferingTree for free, plus 50% off your first three months or 15% off your first year with my link here. (My sponsor)The Gene Keys tool I share.Mailing list:https://www.shawnakru.com/ Follow me on instagram:@shawnkruGet my guided journal for $33 with code POD33 https://www.ritualofwritingjournal.com/ Come on my Costa Rica yoga retreat in January 2026:https://www.shawnakru.com/sweet-simplicity-retreat Time stamps:00:00 intro01:00 mug story4:50 anxiety fires in my mind6:30 it’s my birthday!!10:30 the 3 parts to this episode12:15 PART 1: THE WAY WAY BEFORE14:00 beating indecision & recovering energy 17:30 act out of love, not fear. act on what gives you energy, not what’s logical. 20:00 life death life cycles 21:45 my biggest failure of the year24:50 SEO story & my new podcast sponsor!!28:00 how to start to prepare from worthiness31:40 PART 2: THE NIGHT BEFORE34:40 the only reason things “work” 37:00 how to actually change your beliefs40:00 trust yourself enough to STOP41:13 PART 3: THE RIGHT BEFORE42:30 how to last minute prepare: be decisive46:30 overthinking robs you of the ability to see the obvious.49:30 what inspires you to create greatness? 50:15 this is not your one and only shot: abundance

This interview with Leah Hester brings me so much joy! Here’s a beautiful bts into a little bit of her journey and who she is and also a deep dive into following alignment and trust and choosing optimism and authenticity. It's refreshing, it's tangible, but at the same time, it's a conversation that really feels like it reconnects us to the magic of life. Leah is a yoga instructor and retreat facilitator and a wonderful creator currently based in Costa Rica.IF YOU ENJOYED THIS EPISODE WITH LEAH, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & DROP ME A RATING. Thank you! <3 Patanjali Yoga Sutra mentioned: 2.1 – Reducing klesas Find Leah on instagram and her retreats:@iamleahhester - @surfandshantiFind me on instagram:@shawnakruTime stamps:00:00 Intro03:00 Yoga Trade job & leap to living in Costa Rica06:50 self-worth & delusionally optimistic 08:00 what Leah wanted to do when she grew up9:40 finding our purpose11:50 how do we know if we are changing?19:00 learning to trust20:30 from indecision to decisiveness 25:00 how to start teaching yoga28:30 reality creation32:00 no more information overload34:00 Leah’s morning rituals36:30 hormone cycles38:00 breaking habits that you’re stuck in41:50 Leah’s creative process & social media: authenticity 47:20 Leah’s take on leadership49:00 rapid fire questions51:40 billboard: authenticity is magnetic 

in this episode i’m answering your questions on teaching, discipline, purpose, and community. i share behind the scenes updates on hosting my yoga retreat, my podcast sponsorship, and my own yoga journey. from handstands to belonging abroad, this is a q&a filled with honesty.Mailing list:https://www.shawnakru.com/ Follow me on instagram:@shawnkruGet my guided journal for $33 with code POD33 https://www.ritualofwritingjournal.com/ Come on my Costa Rica yoga retreat in January 2026:https://www.shawnakru.com/sweet-simplicity-retreat

In this episode, I sit down with Jen Morel to talk about making bold decisions, trusting yourself, and taking risks—even before you feel ready. Jen shares how shadows can become our greatest gifts, why letting go creates space for purpose, and what it really takes to build confidence. We explore Gene Keys, Human Design, and the limits we place on ourselves, plus Jen’s lessons in love, leadership, and living without limits.Find Jen on instagram & join her events:@jenmorelhttps://www.theinferna.com/ Find me on instagram:@shawnakruBooks mentioned:True Wealth - Ken HondaYou are a Goddess - Sophie BashfordThe Sophia Codes - Kaia RaWild Power - Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo WurlitzerTime stamps:00:00 intro03:06 making a decision that’s outside the box: blessedyoga05:36 taking a yoga teacher training before taking even one class07:31 how to have unwavering trust in yourself09:36 learning to take risks & be decisive12:06 shadows are the access points to our greatest gifts13:06 no doubts, only pivots on the entrepreneurship journey15:36 letting go of what doesn’t bring you energy18:26 not able to “find purpose”20:36 clear it all out. the old thing hanging about takes space22:56 let the yoga be an extension of you24:06 stop trying, if you’re trying your not being you25:36 how to show up to host a retreat without being drained29:26 how to build confidence31:36 confidence can’t be built in the comfort of your room saying affirmations34:21 gene keys and human design40:06 confusion keeps us out of our power42:36 slap in the face moments: falling in love with Danny45:56 we don’t see reality, 99% is filtered out49:06 breaking the upper limit50:16 story of breaking into limitlessness54:36 book recommendations from Jen56:36 leadership lessons & billboard message

In this solo storytime episode, I share the behind-the-scenes journey of traveling to New York City to interview Sri Dharma Mittra. The full interview goes live on September 10th — but before then, I wanted to sit down with you fireside-style and tell the whole story while it’s still fresh: the risks, the doubts, the synchronicities, the headstand photo, the salsa dancing, and the tears of joy that come with pursuing a creative dream.This episode is for anyone building something of their own — a podcast, a yoga practice, a project that feels bigger than you. It’s about showing up, trusting the process, and remembering to enjoy the ride.Mailing list:https://www.shawnakru.com/ Follow me on instagram:@shawnkruGet my guided journal for $33 with code POD33 https://www.ritualofwritingjournal.com/ Come on my Costa Rica yoga retreat in January 2026:https://www.shawnakru.com/sweet-simplicity-retreat Photos of Sri Dharma and Shawna in headstand:https://www.instagram.com/p/DNUCHpwPFRt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Time stamps:00:00 Why this episode is unedited & storytime vibes05:29 Starting the podcast in 2022 & committing to weekly episodes10:51 Taking the leap: investing in a NYC trip to interview Dharma17:02 Pre-interview challenges, self-care, and processing emotions23:13 The Interview Experience with Sri Dharma Mittra33:32 The conversation with Dharma: presence, awe, and intention37:28 Post-interview reflections and joy40:57 The Importance of solitude and reflection47:04 Bringing Awe and wonder back to reality

Yoga teachers! This one's for you. In this episode of the Leadership and Yoga podcast, Shawna Krueger interviews Marcus Veda, the creator of 4BEAT yoga. They discuss the unique concept of synchronizing breath and movement to a steady beat, the origins of 4BEAT yoga, and the importance of music in enhancing the yoga experience. This episode is for yoga teachers — a deep dive into the art of teaching an incredible yoga class. IF YOU ENJOYED THIS EPISODE WITH MARCUS, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & DROP ME A RATING. Thanks!!NEXT 4-BEAT TRAINING: September 1-6, 2025https://www.marcusvedayoga.com/teacher-training Find Marcus on the gram:@goodlordvedaFind me on the gram:@shawnakruTime stamps:00:00 Intro02:00 Introduction to 4-Beat Yoga04:50 The Concept and Origins of 4-Beat Yoga08:05 Teaching Flow and Breath in Yoga10:51 The Role of Music in Yoga Practice14:03 Flow State and Meditation in Yoga16:55 Inspiration vs. Intimidation in Teaching20:03 Managing Mixed-Level Classes22:56 Injuries and Learning in Yoga25:56 Personal Journey and Background in Yoga28:47 Martial Arts Influence on Yoga Practice34:14 Martial Arts and Yoga: A Unique Connection37:13 The Journey into Music Creation43:52 The Art of Class Delivery50:20 Finding Your Voice as a New Teacher54:40 The Influence of Teachers and Life Experiences58:20 Qualities of Exceptional Leaders01:00:49 The Billboard Question: A Message for the World