In this episode of Leadership and Yoga, I sit down with Rey Cardenas, Austin-based yoga teacher, and co-studio owner of Practice Yoga Austin, to explore what it means to teach yoga in rhythm with the seasons. We talk astrology in the yoga class, the relationship between the sun and our bodies,consciousness, Ayurveda and seasonal practice, burnout and sustainability for yoga teachers, and how presence, sound, and language shape a truly transformational yoga experience. Rey also shares insights fr...
Feb 11, 2026•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 210
This episode is exactly what is sounds like. Me checking in, telling you some updates, like a little nonsensical voice note update from me to a friend (you, dear listener). Yet, this nonsense episode is oddly motivational and also somewhat historical if you've ever been curious about when I started teaching yoga and how I decided to host a retreat after only teaching for a year and why it actually worked.... and lead to me hosting my 5th (not 4th like I said in the pod) yoga retreat in Costa Ric...
Feb 06, 2026•9 min
"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...
Jan 30, 2026•42 min•Season 2Ep. 208
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 Instag...
Jan 28, 2026•54 min•Season 2Ep. 207
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 @allybraxton Ally Braxton on Facebook Deni...
Jan 23, 2026•41 min•Season 2Ep. 206
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:...
Jan 21, 2026•54 min•Season 2Ep. 202
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 Ki...
Jan 16, 2026•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 204
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 attra...
Jan 14, 2026•1 hr 27 min•Season 2Ep. 203
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...
Jan 09, 2026•58 min•Season 2Ep. 202
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 ...
Jan 07, 2026•1 hr 32 min•Season 2Ep. 201
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...
Jan 03, 2026•56 min•Season 2Ep. 200
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 a...
Dec 17, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 199
This episode is for you if you haven’t started and don’t know how to spend your time to find the success you long for. In this intimate solo episode, I share the truth about finding my first “thread” of success in my mission, business, life, my podcast, and social media. It’s about finding that small, almost fragile feeling of something finally working, and how I learned to turn that single thread into real momentum. I talk about the lessons I wish I knew three years ago: why trying something 20...
Dec 12, 2025•56 min•Season 2Ep. 198
In this episode, Dedica joins us for an inspiring conversation about presence, adaptation, and what it means to stop betraying yourself by learning to listen to and trust your inner voice. She shares her journey from injury to returning to a physical yoga practice, rebuilding self-trust, and discovering the power of keeping the promises you make to yourself. We also explore finding balance between momentum and rest, the connection between yoga and creativity, and how lived experience becomes our...
Dec 10, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 197
This is what actually makes dreams come true. Join me for a magical, spontaneous, story-filled episode after traveling to Miami to interview legendary yoga teachers, Kino MacGregor and Jonah Kest. Embedded in this episode are teachings I’ve put into practice from Richard Rudd of the Gene Keys, Blu from the Deja Blu Podcast, Frederick Dodson of Levels of Energy and Dr. Joe Dispenza from Rewired. Try OfferingTree for free, plus take advantage of the winter sale with my link here . (My sponsor) Ent...
Dec 06, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 196
David Swenson is a man who needs no introduction in the yoga world. If you practice Ashtanga yoga, you’ve likely studied his Ashtanga Yoga practice manual, and he recently wrote another book called Only Dead Fish Go with the Flow. This is his second appearance on the leadership and yoga podcast and his stories are like none other. They will leave you in shock, and sometimes with a laugh, but always with a sense of remembering that anything is possible. This episode is a reminder of what happens ...
Dec 03, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Season 2Ep. 195
Poetic, deep inspiration for yoga teachers & those new to yoga. I read a collection of poems about why I fell in love with yoga, how practice becomes a ritual, and why teachers have the power to change the world. I share pieces about presence, impact, acceptance & growth, and finish with three poems that inspired me this month — including “Start Close In,” by David Whyte, and “The Invitation,” by Oriah Mountain Dreamer. Whether you teach or simply show up to your mat, this episode is an ...
Nov 28, 2025•56 min•Season 2Ep. 194
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 have prepared for you today. Here’s a divine fractal theory I enjoy thinking about when...
Nov 21, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 193
In this episode, poet Meghan Bay reveals how writing poetry is a way to practice presence. She shares how creativity can be seen as a gift from the Creator and how to create space to invite in more creative ideas. Meghan also shares the importance of honoring every version of yourself as you grow and evolve, allowing your journey of transformation to be uniquely your own. Follow Meghan on Instagram: @meghan.bay And find her writing: Meghan’s Substack Enter the TEND yourself & a friend self-c...
Nov 19, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 192
In this episode, I break down the four steps every yoga teacher needs to grow a business with moral ambition. Let's talk about why your mission is your most valuable business asset, why your systems determine your sustainability, how to face numbers, pricing, and fees without shrinking, and how “minimum viable structure” can change your whole life. I walk you through the ONE symbolic action you can take today—something you might look back on years from now as the exact moment everything began to...
Nov 14, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 191
This conversation with yoga teacher Eva Vriens explores embodiment, discerning gut feelings, teaching yoga in other languages, why there is no such thing as going backward, and much more! Find Eva on Instagram @eva.vri Sign up here to join the next Yoga Teacher Roundtable Try OfferingTree for free, plus 50% off your first three months or 15% off your first year with my link here . (My sponsor) Download your free SEO Checklist for yoga instructors & entrepreneurs Follow me on instagram: @shaw...
Nov 12, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 190
In this episode, I talk about what it means to live addicted to the hormones of stress—constantly rushing, pushing, and chasing success instead of allowing life to unfold. I share how I learned to slow down, cultivate patience, destress, and trust the process of following my dreams without burning out. If you’ve ever struggled to find calm, balance, and faith while chasing your purpose, this conversation will help you remember that slowing down is how you truly speed up. Try OfferingTree for fre...
Nov 07, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 189
Amy Newmark, publisher and editor-in-chief of Chicken Soup for the Soul, shares how stories can inspire, heal, and transform our lives. We talk about forgiveness, gratitude, synchronicities, and the kinds of stories the world needs most right now. The Chicken Soup For The Soul Website The Chicken Soup For The Soul Podcast Try OfferingTree for free, plus 50% off your first three months or 15% off your first year with my link here . (My sponsor) Download your free SEO Checklist for yoga instructor...
Nov 05, 2025•57 min•Season 2Ep. 188
Join Shawna Krueger, Ben Kalra, Kimia Hajian, Marla Tortorice and Brand Bergado for a behind the scenes look into our self-created yoga teacher mastermind and friendship group. There are some absolute keys for finding authentic friendship in the yoga world, along with some good laughs. This episode explores what it means to grow in community as a yoga teacher and creative. Let’s talk finding aligned friendships, choosing collaboration over competition, and building accountability and honesty wit...
Oct 31, 2025•51 min•Season 2Ep. 187
This roundtable episode brings together yoga teachers from across the country! Tune in to hear what’s inspiring their classes right now, unexpected teaching moments, personal stories, practical insights, and lessons learned on their teaching journeys. Do you want to be part of the next Yoga Teacher Roundtable? Sign up here ! Try OfferingTree for free, plus 50% off your first three months or 15% off your first year with my link here . (My sponsor) Download your free SEO Checklist for yoga instruc...
Oct 29, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 186
This is not just a list of “stops” to regain energy. It’s a call to remember why you started teaching yoga in the first place. I have episodes on starting a meditation habit, getting clear on your mission as a conscious creator, and an episode called 7 keys for teaching yoga that changes lives that may also be of interest to you, linked below. :) October 28th Webinar on creating your homepage Try OfferingTree for free, plus 50% off your first three months or 15% off your first year with my link ...
Oct 24, 2025•50 min•Season 2Ep. 185
Guru Benny is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and creator working at the intersection of quantum physics and human psychology. In this conversation, she shares about the power of belief, how mental health and spirituality are connected, and how consciousness is the key to both personal and collective liberation. She also shares practical ways to align with your higher self and tune into the endless possibilities all around you. Find Guru Benny on her TikTok @itsgurubennny , Instagram @i...
Oct 22, 2025•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 184
Welcome in for a sonic and poetic journey back to what’s real. This immersive special episode is for anyone who’s ever felt lost in life — lost in the vastness of it all — and needed a reminder that we are never truly separate, and we have nothing to fear. Today I blend story and music in hopes that you feel something deeper. It’s not about fixing yourself — it’s about remembering your power, your softness, and your mission in a world that often forgets what matters most. This is for the ones wh...
Oct 17, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 183
An episode on what makes the impossible synchronicities not only possible, but incredibly probable. I hope y'all enjoy this special late night session. Thanks for being here. :) The concept of spillover effect and parallel universes of self come from the author Frederick Dodson.
Oct 10, 2025•25 min•Season 2Ep. 182
In this episode, I’m sharing my most powerful breakthroughs from living in Austin—along with structure to help you reflect on your own. I talk about how meditation, hot yoga, and conscious lifestyle choices have shifted my body, mind, and energy. I dive into reframing money as a tool for appreciation, breaking free from FOMO, and cultivating friendships and self-worth that feel truly nourishing. I also share stories from my travels, experiences with wellness practices, and the mindset shifts tha...
Oct 03, 2025•54 min•Season 2Ep. 181
