Leadership and Yoga - podcast cover

Leadership and Yoga

Shawna Kruegershawnakru.com
Leadership and Yoga by @shawnakru is the go-to hub of interviews and episodes for yoga teachers and creatives. Shawna explores creativity, confidence, and presence through conversations with top teachers, artists, creators, and thought leaders. She also creates captivating musical and poetic solo episodes. Over the past 3 years, Shawna has lovingly grown an intimate, niche following of fellow yoga instructors into a major nucleus for self-discovery. She enjoys interviewing even “non-yogis” from a yogic perspective. Support Shawna on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/shawnakru
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Episodes

Laurentine ten Bosch on How Media Can Heal & Raise Consciousness: Filmmaking from Food Matters to Gaia

Laurentine is a filmmaker who is a contributor for Gaia, an author, and a nutrition & business coach. She has produced five feature documentary films, two best-selling books, a streaming TV channel, Food Matters TV that became part of Gaia. She has worked alongside hundreds of wellness and healing experts from around the globe including Joe Dispenza and Wim Hof. https://www.foodmatters.com/films Find Laurentine: @foodmatters @laurentinetenbosch Try OfferingTree for free, plus 50% off your fi...

Oct 01, 202557 minSeason 2Ep. 190

how to start a podcast as a yoga teacher (or conscious creator) without adding to the noise

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 podcasti...

Sep 26, 202556 minSeason 2Ep. 179

build your meditation habit: short, simple, unguided practice you can stick with - meditation for beginners with 5 minutes a day

This is how to start a daily meditation practice in just 5 minutes. You’ll learn simple steps to make unguided meditation a non-negotiable habit, even if you struggle to focus. I walk you through practical techniques like the pause method, committing to stillness, and finding true presence, while weaving in wisdom from yoga’s 8 limbs. If you’ve ever felt that meditation was too hard, this episode will show you that it can be simple, enjoyable, and something you can actually stick with. Join the ...

Sep 19, 202540 minSeason 2Ep. 177

the dragonfly's dream: 5 reasons why change is what you need right now

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 SE...

Sep 12, 202546 minSeason 2Ep. 176

Sri Dharma Mittra Interview in NYC: Teaching Yoga & Living from the Heart

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 g...

Sep 10, 202550 minSeason 2Ep. 176

stop overthinking: 3-step energy prep to create & show up at 100%

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 Ge...

Sep 05, 202554 minSeason 2Ep. 175

Leah Hester on Trust, Optimism, Intuition & the Mental Universe

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...

Sep 03, 202555 minSeason 2Ep. 174

Q&A on Yoga Teaching, Motivation & Connection

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: @shawnkru Get my guided journal for $33 with code POD33 https://www.ritualofwritingjournal.com/ Come on my Costa Rica yoga retreat in January 2026: https:...

Aug 29, 202546 minSeason 2Ep. 174

Jen Morel on Trust, Confidence & Limitlessness

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: @jenmorel https://www.theinf...

Aug 27, 202559 minSeason 2Ep. 173

Sri Dharma Mittra Interview Storytime BTS of NYC Podcasting Trip

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 — ...

Aug 22, 202550 minSeason 2Ep. 172

Marcus Veda on 4BEAT Yoga & the Art of Teaching Yoga

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 ...

Aug 20, 20251 hr 5 minSeason 2Ep. 171

Put Your Mission into Words & Simplify Your Message: Clarity for Creatives

If you ever feel like you have something inside of you that you want to share with the world but you can’t quite find the right words to say it, or make it make sense, this episode is for you. Join me for a dose of inspiration to simplify and refine your mission and how to put your message into words. You will leave feeling fired up and energized to work on your projects whether you are an entrepreneur, artist, writer, podcaster, yoga teacher or all of the above. I give you two tangible steps yo...

Aug 15, 202548 minSeason 2Ep. 171

becoming an artist: creative awakening & world creators - musical poetry immersive special

Listen if you liked books like the Creative Act by Rick Rubin. Or the War of Art by Steven Pressfield. This is like a haunted house journey through the creative soul. Maybe this is my Pink Floyd the Wall. A 12-part experience, Influences include: Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Cameron Rosin on being bloated and full of other people’s words. Sofia Isella’s Everybody Supports Women . Rick Rubin. Richard Rudd. Josh Schrei. And dozens of teachers and mentors whose words hav...

Aug 08, 202540 minSeason 2Ep. 170

making money & letting go of lack

It’s time!! The money episode is here. Today we explore the emotional and energetic roots of money and why we experience financial fear, and how survival instincts, inherited beliefs, and subconscious patterns shape the way we relate to money. Let’s talk stories of unexpected abundance, purpose-driven income, and giving as a spiritual act, along with reflections on how to shift from scarcity to expansion by getting clear on what we’re truly seeking through wealth. Mailing list: https://www.shawn...

Aug 01, 202557 minSeason 2Ep. 169

Annysa Baker & Daniel Rama de France

An interview with my fav yoga duo, Ness and Rama! In this episode, Ness Baker and Daniel Rama de France share what it’s really like to teach, create, and live together in Ko Samui. From their first impressions to their different teaching voices, creative habits, and morning routines, they offer an honest look behind the scenes. They talk fate vs. free will, leadership, and how yoga shows up in everyday life — even lizard sightings and ocean "greenlights." IF YOU ENJOY THIS INTERVIEW WITH NESS &a...

Jul 30, 202543 minSeason 2Ep. 168

sacred stillness: the gene keys, meditation, contemplation & pausing

Stillness is a return to power, a pause that grinds the grains of life into real wisdom, and that alone has brought in more joy, clarity, and aligned opportunity than all the forcing ever could. Inspired by my favorite story that Richard Rudd wrote in the Gene Keys. What happens when we actually experience silence, surrender, and deep rest? This episode is burnout recovery, and a reminder that staying in touch with the magic of life through pausing is not a luxury, it is fundamental, and without...

Jul 25, 202549 minSeason 2Ep. 167

7 keys for teaching yoga that changes lives

In this episode, 7 Keys for Teaching Yoga That Changes Lives, I share the heart of what it really means to teach yoga as art, service, and courageous self-expression. I talk about what it takes to step out on the limb creatively, hold the energy of the room with invisible impact, and stop judging yourself through the eyes of others. We explore how to set clear expectations, create soulful structure, and bring confidence that students can feel before you even begin. I share Gene Key 26 with you a...

Jul 18, 20251 hrSeason 2Ep. 166

creatively blocked? 2 doses of something strong, quantum physics & a beliefs reboot

short and sweet! how to build the passion & fire to create back. if you’re feeling blocked, burned out, or just stuck in your head, this one’s for you. this is creativity on the next level: change your beliefs about your ability to create and hear some stories along the way. thanks for being here. :) Mailing list: https://www.shawnakru.com/ Follow me on instagram: @shawnkru Get my guided journal for $33 with code POD33 https://www.ritualofwritingjournal.com/ Come on my Costa Rica yoga retrea...

Jul 11, 202538 minSeason 2Ep. 165

yoga magic: musical poetry - immersive special

Leadership and Yoga fam, this is an immersive episode brought to life with music and sound effects rather than the usual video, and it is a special one because it includes words from listeners in our community. This episode will start with the discussion of the feeling of magic, and then turn to how yoga is the basis of all this magic. Today I am here to remind you of all that is beautiful about the yoga lifestyle, the devotion to ritual and the energy that yogic practices and ideas can bring us...

Jun 27, 202541 minSeason 2Ep. 164

nonsense episode

Not everything is yoga, but yoga is in everything. This episode is exactly as the title says, a little bit of nonsense that I found meaningful enough to share. Listen if you want the tea on why I am in Italy and something that made me smile recently. Thanks for being here. :) Join my retreat: Sweet Simplicity, January 2026 https://www.shawnakru.com/sweet-simplicity-retreat Get a copy of my guided journal for $33 with code POD33 https://tangerine-burgundy-8cw9.squarespace.com/config/commerce/disc...

Jun 20, 202514 minSeason 2Ep. 163

stress: your gut, your breath & a new story

This episode is for you if you frequently feel on the threshold of breaking through into the “I’m so stressed” panic, or giving up, or rushing around like something is the end of the world when you kinda know that it’s actually not. Welcome to my most straightforward, real talk on stress. This is not about how to eliminate stress from your body but actually why we need it, and how to raise your threshold for dealing with it. I give you all of the practices I have been doing for the last year and...

Jun 13, 202554 minSeason 2Ep. 162

public speaking: procrastination, pressure, & “approach avoidance”

Let’s talk public speaking and procrastination, two big beautiful topics. Have you ever wondered why we sabotage ourselves before we even start public speaking? The voice is a powerful tool for healing, not performance. Pressure is really about worthiness, and your most embarrassing stories are actually your most valuable. The big idea: the stakes are high, not because you need to be perfect, but because your voice matters. Join my retreat: https://www.shawnakru.com/sweet-simplicity-retreat Get ...

Jun 06, 202554 minSeason 2Ep. 161

musical poetry: return to simplicity - immersive special

From dragonflies and water skis to the jungle meeting the sea, this immersive music filled poetic episode brings themes like trusting doubt, dropping into presence, and what it really means to “make it” without chasing outcomes. There’s Richard Rudd, 100-foot waves, and why some days need to be brilliantly bland. If you're into mindfulness, storytelling, nature metaphors, and spiritual discovery, this one’s a ride. 10 spots only, my smallest retreat & my first solo retreat! ⁠https://www.shaw...

May 30, 202539 min

7 Things I’ve Learned About Feeling Let Down & 1 Trick That Turned Resentment into Gratitude

In this episode, I’m getting honest about feeling let down, about resentment, and about what it actually takes to move through those feelings instead of shoving them down. This isn’t from a book; it’s from what I’ve been journaling about and processing these past few weeks. So hey if you are harboring hard feelings, feeling slighted, holding a grudge, carrying emotional baggage, nursing a wound, feeling wronged…. Let’s talk. Find Shawna on instagram: @shawnakru Get a copy of my guided journal: h...

May 23, 202551 minSeason 2Ep. 159

Hannah Singer on Meditation, Reality Creation, Rewiring Your Brain, Healing & Making Art

In this episode, I sat down with Hannah Singer and was absolutely blown away with how energized and inspired I was after soaking in every word. “Life is a wild taste test, and the real magic happens when we live in tune with who we truly are.” We talk about the slow art of self-discovery, the healing power of meditation, and how chronic pain often speaks the language of unspoken beliefs. Hannah shares how creating—especially self-publishing her book—became a personal homecoming. We explore what ...

May 21, 20251 hr 1 minSeason 2Ep. 158

pain, presence & the power of belief

In this episode, I reflect on what it means to grow gently, to be present in the mess, and to let go of the need to be seen. I've learned that healing isn’t a finish line—it’s a quiet unfolding. I speak about the power of intention over perfection, and how true worth doesn’t come from achievements, but from simply being. I also discuss my back pain. Pain has taught me to listen more closely—to my body, my emotions, and the stories I’ve carried too long. Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Immersive...

May 16, 202554 minSeason 2Ep. 157

7 Happiness Keys

I’m here for you whether you want to amplify happiness or salvage a tiny spark. In this solo episode, I share seven key ideas around the pursuit of happiness, including why we may not truly know what brings us the most joy, and why using happiness as a metric can be limiting. Through stories like the housefly metaphor and reflections on intuition, expectations, and energy, I share insights on amplifying happiness, taking accountability, and letting go of blame. I discuss the role of patience, pu...

May 09, 20251 hrSeason 2Ep. 152

Marie Belle PR on Teaching Yoga with Heart

What if the heart grew arms? I sat down with Marie Belle Pérez Rivera, Ph.D., to talk about teaching and practicing yoga from the heart. In this rich conversation, Marie Belle invites us into the deeper layers of teaching yoga—where cueing becomes poetry, the koshas guide us, and yoga returns us to our quantum blueprint. She shares a behind-the-scenes look at her life of silence, strength, and leadership, reflecting on witnessing a school shooting and the delicate art of caring without needing o...

May 07, 20251 hr 3 minSeason 2Ep. 155

immersive special: breaking free from the webs we weave

"Locks, keys & breaking free from the webs we weave." This is a special immersive solo with music and sound effects on the space between feeling stuck and finding freedom — the subtle shifts that help us unlock old patterns and step into light. We reflect on the webs we weave, the keys we already hold, and what it really means to move from stuck to soaring. This is how to love the process, and how that conjures up the very breakthroughs we long for. Find me on instagram: @shawnakru The other...

May 02, 202526 minSeason 2Ep. 154

David Kyle: Rocket Yoga & Other Mysteries, Q&A Special

Today I sat down with David C. Kyle “Baba Rocket” in Austin, Texas. This is my 3rd interview with David, and it is a Q&A from teacher and student submissions. We talk about the craft of teaching Rocket yoga—from the importance of public speaking and scripting your classes, to handling embarrassing moments and finding physical balance. We get into David’s Ashtanga roots, the legacy of Larry Schultz and Pattabhi Jois, and why adjustments can be a tricky subject. We also talk about David’s back...

Apr 23, 20251 hr 11 minSeason 2Ep. 153
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