everytime I make one of these freeform episodes, there's a part of me that feels incredibly vulnerable and excited. here's what happened when I doubted my episode on doubt so much that nothing came out. this is for those who are dreaming and trying to remind themselves why they should ride out the doubts. find me on instagram: @shawnakru 00:00 Embracing Doubt: An Introduction 02:57 The Journey of Self-Discovery 05:50 Dancing with Doubt 08:59 The Nature of Distraction and Energy 11:52 The Cycle o...
Apr 18, 2025•34 min•Season 2Ep. 152
Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an interview with Rey Cardenas—a yoga teacher, former professional poker player, co-owner of Practice Yoga Austin, and deep thinker—for a wide-ranging conversation that flows from the intensity of professional poker to the mysteries of human consciousness. We talk about how life can feel like a game, how what we focus on shapes us, and how yoga shifted from the background of Rey’s life into a central practice. He shares why he sees yoga as a karmic amplifier, his ref...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 151
This is not about giving tips for the sake of giving tips or drills, this is a cutting back and simplifying. This is also how to teach handstands to others in the yoga room. In this episode, I strip back the noise and focus on what really matters in handstand training—both mentally and physically. I share how handstanding helped me rebuild trust in myself, and key lessons like overcoming obstacles, avoiding aesthetic traps, and understanding true balance. We break down technique—fingers, wrists,...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Yoga teachers, this one's for you. In this episode, I sit down with Miles Mortensen to dive deep into the heart of yoga—not just the physical practice, but the mindset, philosophy, and energy behind it. We kick things off by exploring what yoga really is at its core and how it connects to the idea of reality creation. Miles shares his journey into teaching, the lessons he’s learned, and even some special moments practicing with his mom. We get into the struggles that come with self-doubt, the pu...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 149
This is a special episode brought to life with sounds and music as an immersive experience. Thanks for being here. :) This one’s to help you weather your doubts, to trust a bit more in your own potential. This isn’t anything “to do.” it's a first step in the direction of where you want to go. This is a dose of energy. Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Time stamps: 00:00 Intro & dedication to J Balvin’s Colores Experience 02:45 My white hat (song & story) 04:45 Purple poem (song) 6:20 Hide...
Mar 28, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 148
Join Shawna Krueger and Ben Kalra to discuss teaching yoga and what yoga teaches us about a joyful life. If you’ve ever wondered about radically transforming your life, why we experience polarities of highs and lows, how to find your yoga teacher, what it’s like to travel to India and go on a silent retreat, or how to refine your yoga teaching craft… let’s talk. Plus, Ben takes us through a grounding exercise at the end of the episode. Find Ben on instagram: @benkalra Ben’s website, mentorship p...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 147
Stories of wild synchronicities to inspire you to believe in magic. Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an interesting episode that will bring magic moments down to the ordinary. This is about manifestation, reality creation, and joy. Why does the desire behind what it is we are wishing for is often something that is already a part of us when we start the journey? Often it’s only at the end that we see the full circle moment, that we close the circle and we can put on the pearl necklace. But what if it...
Mar 21, 2025•50 min•Season 2Ep. 146
This is unlike any episode I have ever created, I hope you enjoy the evolution of my writing and podcasting with this special bonus episode. I tell my story of finding true inspiration and share my poetry to express what we’ll be doing in Río Chirripó in May. All of this is my original writing from the past few weeks. If you like this style of episode and think I should do another one, let me know! Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Leadership and Yoga Retreat info May 8-12: https://www.shawnakru....
Mar 10, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 144
In this episode of the Leadership in Yoga podcast, host Shawna Krueger interviews Andrijana Darkov, an online yoga teacher from North Macedonia currently living in Austria. They discuss Andrijana's journey into entrepreneurship through yoga, her identity shifts, educational background, and the challenges of moving to a new country. Adriana shares her experiences with yoga, its impact on her mental health, and her mission to inspire others through her teachings. She discusses the importance of so...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 134
Social media part 2 of 2. Let’s talk about social media tips and my real experience growing my platform... the good, the bad and the ugly, holding nothing back. I share my road to 10k, and lift the veil on everything I can, including what I was paid for my first sponsored reel on instagram. Social media, Instagram tips for small creators and for yoga instructors. Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Leadership and Yoga IRL info MAY 8-12: https://www.shawnakru.com/leadership-and-yoga-irl Time stamps:...
Feb 28, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 143
This is an unedited, straight from the heart JUNGLE SPECIAL. In this stream of consciousness style episode I take you through my stories of abundance and lack, deep fear, following passions all the way through, changing my life and the magic and synchronicities that have lead me here. This is not a "normal" episode but I felt called to share and be seen in this way. Join cohort 2 of the Podcast Launchpad FEBRUARY 27TH: https://www.shawnakru.com/the-podcast-launchpad Find me on instagram: @shawna...
Feb 21, 2025•51 min•Season 2Ep. 142
Attention is the most valuable currency. If you have a message, it needs a platform to be heard. Stop setting unrealistic goals and set the small ones you’re afraid to set because you know that you can actually do it. This episode is full of massive mindset shifts that you can switch on right NOW. Sharing from a state of lack only creates more lack. Start to answer your own questions, and I bet along the way other people will start to resonate with your ideas big time. This is part 1 one. We wil...
Feb 14, 2025•56 min•Season 2Ep. 141
Today I sat down with Kimia Hajian for a behind the scenes look into her recent move to Portugal and fulfilling a lifelong dream, her content creation journey, the reality of being a yoga teacher, her experience with body image and learning to appreciate yoga off the mat. I adore Kimi’s energy and this little coffee/tea chat and I hope you enjoy it as well!! IF YOU ENJOYED THIS EPISODE WITH KIMI PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & DROP ME A RATING. Thank you!! <3 Find Kimi on instagram: @kimiahajian The 1...
Feb 12, 2025•54 min•Season 2Ep. 140
Join me, Shawna Krueger, for one of my most powerful episodes of all time… seriously. This is everything I know about how we can actually change our lives without forcing things. It’s fun, it’s intense and inspirational and yet it is soft. Because sure we can force ourselves to change and be successful and struggle every day with stress and fighting ourselves, and we may do it, but at what cost? Here’s another way. It’s more than manifestation, it’s synchronization. Join cohort 2 of the Podcast ...
Feb 07, 2025•48 min•Season 2Ep. 139
Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an epic interview with Adam Keen. This will be an episode that will further develop your understanding of Ashtanga, and it will be Ashtanga-newbie friendly. I found Adam’s podcast, Keen on Yoga, long before I had my own, over two years ago, when I was trying to figure out what Ashtanga yoga really was. Adam has been practicing yoga since 1999 and teaching Ashtanga since 2004. He is one of the very few practitioners anywhere to have completed the Advanced A series in ...
Feb 05, 2025•58 min
Hi friends!! Today’s episode theme hit me BIG TIME this week. If you feel that urge to slow down, and tune into a way of living that feels deeply inspiring, I am here for you. Finding my way back to little magic moments ultimately built the bridge to the most insane, life-changing magic moments I’ve ever experienced and I’m here to share the one secret that started it all. Grab a tea, light a candle, decorate your space with fresh cut flowers or leaves and let’s begin. It’s poetic wisdom meets m...
Jan 31, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 133
Today I sat down with Chelsea Williams Hofer, also known as chelseasyoga in the online world. Chelsea is a Seattle-based yoga instructor and full-time content creator that I’ve been keeping up with for quite some time and finally got to meet in person! Tune in to dive into Chelsea’s journey with yoga, how social media has shaped her practice, and why morning rituals are a game-changer for self-care. She opens up about the transformative power of yoga, going through a divorce, the beauty of vulne...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 135
Have you ever failed to stop feeling envy? Or wanted someone to just give you a chance, boost you to fame, to do the hard part for you? Or find yourself unable to destroy your hidden agendas? The ticket to where you are trying to go is non-transferrable. Nobody can just print one off for you. It’s not willy wonka and the chocolate factory golden tickets where only the select few get lucky enough. It’s not about luck. It’s about excellence and staying inspired. It’s not about chasing clout or let...
Jan 25, 2025•50 min•Season 2Ep. 134
In this episode of the Leadership in Yoga podcast, I sit down with Matt Meko to dive into his inspiring journey—from working in the entertainment industry to fully embracing yoga and tantra. Matt opens up about the power of self-acceptance and learning to feel comfortable in your own skin. We also get into the concept of naked yoga, and he shares an insightful presentation on tantra, highlighting the balance of energies and how creating a safe space can foster exploration and growth. Our convers...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 133
Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an episode intertwined with wisdom from the Gene Keys on why there is something deeply transformative about not being good at something. The original title was going to be “5 reasons you are bad at things you want to be good at” and there is some of that motivational energy in here. Join cohort 2 of the Podcast Launchpad: https://www.shawnakru.com/the-podcast-launchpad Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Leadership and Yoga IRL info: https://www.shawnakru.com/leadership...
Jan 17, 2025•52 min•Season 2Ep. 132
Tune in as yoga teachers join us live from California, Florida, Texas and Peru, Mexico and Canada to discuss X-factor, impact and the art of teaching yoga. Join us in the next roundtable! https://www.shawnakru.com/yoga-teacher-roundtable Join cohort 2 of the Podcast Launchpad: https://www.shawnakru.com/the-podcast-launchpad Find me on instagram: @shawnakru Leadership and Yoga IRL info: https://www.shawnakru.com/leadership-and-yoga-irl Catch up with the contributors!! @themiamiyogini - www.themia...
Jan 15, 2025•53 min•Season 2Ep. 131
Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an episode that will quickly motivate you and remind you what it means to actually give something your all. I share the specific details of what I’ve learned about dedicating myself to a project and the biggest mindset breakthroughs I’ve experienced. I promise this one is quick, effective and maybe even a bit funny. I believe in you. Let’s get after ittttt. Podcast I mention: Soul Gum by Victoria Hutchins Books I mention: Parallel Universes of Self by Frederick Dodso...
Jan 10, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 130
Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an episode on FRIENDS. In this episode, we explore how the people around us influence our lives and how we can take control of those relationships. It's not about "winning friends," but about recognizing that you have the power to choose who you spend time with and how they impact you. We talk about assessing your current relationships, setting a vision for the kind of people you want in your life, and being open to those who challenge you to grow. The key is to let ...
Dec 20, 2024•54 min•Season 2Ep. 126
Leadership and Yoga fam, Today’s interview is one that reminded me that nothing happens by accident. It is built day by day because we are bold enough to dream and to use our energy to solve problems to make it happen over and over and over again. Our reality is impacted by life and its magical ways, and yet we are also able to pull on the strings of the divine by the dedication we offer up. Dan and Paloma are yoga teachers from Mexico City, chemical engineers, and content creators who have hit ...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 128
Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an episode that will motivate you and prepare you to follow your dreams. I’m here to tell you that what you dream of, is for people like you. Not someone wiser, younger, older, prettier, more popular or richer. No. We’re talking about everything from life and business to health, happiness, and the impact you’re here to make. When I first started, I didn’t have that friend to hype me up in the way I needed, so I’m here to be that person for you. We’ll dive into mindse...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 6Ep. 129
Join me, Shawna Krueger, for a special interview with David Swenson. In today’s episode, David gives us a behind the scenes look into Ashtanga history and his adventure-filled life. From police showing up when he was practicing in the park in 1969 to becoming one of the world’s foremost practitioners and instructors of Ashtanga Yoga, there are stories that will make you laugh and leave you shocked. We talk about his first impression of Ashtanga, being present when Pattabhi Jois arrived in the US...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 126
Join me, Shawna Krueger, for an episode that takes us back to the essence of what the Leadership and Yoga podcast is about. The art of teaching yoga. Here are my unfiltered observations and things you might want to keep an eye on. Exceptional teachers come in infinite forms and they excel not just in what they do, but in how they show up. Thanks for being here and I hope together we can continue this conversation of how we can deliver classes that move students and inspire them profoundly. Find ...
Dec 06, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 125
Join Shawna Krueger and Morgan Lee as they dive into the intricate relationship between Ashtanga yoga, injury management, and personal growth. They explore the cycle of pain, the importance of mobility over flexibility, and how traditional practices can evolve to better serve practitioners. Morgan shares insights from his personal journey as a nurse and level two authorized yoga teacher, emphasizing the need for a more holistic approach to yoga that incorporates various movements and healing mod...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 124
Join me, Shawna Krueger, on an episode about the truth behind relaxation. In this episode, I explore the concept of relaxation, challenging common misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of doing things for joy rather than obligation. I discuss the significance of slowing down, breaking free from information addiction, and finding personal practices that work for individual relaxation. I also highlight the role of preventative care in maintaining a relaxed state and the impact of deadlines...
Nov 22, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 122
Join Shawna Krueger for a special interview with Deanna Di Carlo, also known as Dedica in the online world. In part one of this interview, Dea opens up about her background getting started teaching yoga, and behind the scenes of how she’s risen stronger after experiencing extreme anxiety and a medical emergency that required her to start from zero. Tune in to hear how her style and teaching philosophy developed largely without influence and the origin story behind “Dedica.” Next week in part two...
Nov 20, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 122
