In Episode 54, Olga and I continue our deep dive into creative sequencing in yoga with Part 2 of our four-part series. This time, we tackle some big questions: Is there a place for creative sequencing in yoga? How can we tap into our creativity as teachers and practitioners? And what does the history of creativity in yoga tell us about where it fits in today’s practice?

Together, we explore how to balance tradition and innovation, honor the roots of yoga while embracing creative expression, and approach sequencing in a way that’s both thoughtful and inspiring. Whether you’re a teacher seeking to evolve your classes or a student curious about the creativity behind the mat, this episode offers thought-provoking insights and practical takeaways.

Stay tuned for Part 3 as we continue this engaging conversation about creativity and yoga!

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Welcome to Episode 53, the first of a special four-part series with Olga, a van-life yoga teacher, and online yoga teacher you may remember from Episode 12. In this series, we dive deep into the art and philosophy of creative sequencing in yoga.

In this episode, Olga and I explore what creative sequencing truly means and how it relates to the broader concept of creativity. We discuss the transitions in yoga—how creativity affects the transitions from one pose to the next —and touch on the potential pitfalls of creative sequencing, but more to come.

Whether you're a yoga teacher looking to refine your sequencing skills or a student curious about the magic behind a well-constructed class, this episode sets the stage for an insightful and inspiring series. Stay tuned for the next parts, where we’ll dive even deeper into this dynamic and essential topic!

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As 2024 comes to a close, I reflect on a year full of growth, travel, and new milestones. From launching my podcast and completing 44 interviews to teaching yoga teacher trainings across Peru, this year has been transformative in so many ways. I also embraced personal challenges, like training for my first full marathon and learning Spanish, all while expanding my yoga business and announcing my first ethical retreat in Nicaragua.

In this episode, I share highlights from the past year—travels to incredible places like Tulum, El Salvador, and Joshua Tree—and discuss what’s on the horizon for 2025. With exciting new projects, yoga trainings, and personal aspirations like traveling to Japan and Thailand, the year ahead is all about TRUST—my word for 2025.

Join me for a heartfelt wrap-up as I reflect on lessons learned, growth achieved, and dreams to come.

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In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Garcia, an experienced

Michelle shares her inspiring journey of traveling and living around the world to pursue her dream of teaching yoga. We discuss how her passion and persistence eventually led to the founding of her own yoga school in Costa Rica, where she now empowers aspiring yoga teachers to craft authentic, holistic instruction rooted in their unique strengths.

Tune in to hear Michelle’s incredible story of resilience, purpose, and the transformative power of yoga, as well as her advice for teachers dreaming of forging their own paths in the yoga world.

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Join her weekly online classes and on-demand class library through ⁠www.firstnationsyogini.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠@firstnationsyogini ⁠

Upcoming Trainings with Michelle: 

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In this solo episode, I dive into the not-so-glamorous side of working for yoga studios—a topic that’s often left unspoken in the yoga world. Having worked for numerous studios over the years (and still working for some), I’ve seen the ups and downs firsthand. While working for a studio can seem like a dream job for new yoga teachers, the reality often includes challenges and complexities that aren’t always apparent from the outside.

In this episode, I share my personal experiences as well as stories from other yoga teachers who have opened up about their journeys. From unfair practices to the darker sides of studio politics, I shed light on the realities many teachers face. But my intention isn’t to demonize working for studios—it’s to empower yoga teachers to protect themselves, build strong support systems, and know their rights.

If you’re a yoga teacher or considering this career path, this episode is filled with insights and advice to help you navigate studio work with clarity and confidence.

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In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sunny, a dedicated yoga and Pilates teacher who has been sharing her passion for movement and mindfulness since 2019. As a lululemon ambassador, Sunny has cultivated meaningful community connections while inspiring others to explore their physical and energetic selves through yoga and Pilates.

Sunny’s journey is truly inspiring as she balances her role as a full-time professor, her love for teaching, and her life as a mom. We dive into how she juggles her professional career with her part-time teaching schedule and her efforts to integrate her two worlds. She shares her perspective on staying grounded, and mindful as she navigates through her life. Whether you’re a full-time yoga teacher, part-time yoga teacher, a busy professional, or a parent, this conversation is full of insights on finding harmony and purpose in a multifaceted life.

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Instagram: @soulcare_shametrice

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Welcome to this week’s episode! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Tina, the founder of Soul Spark Creation. Tina brings a unique perspective to the yoga world, blending her extensive experience in senior management roles in the travel and digital health industries with her passion for creativity, community, and well-being.

With an Executive MBA and years of expertise in marketing, branding, and business development, Tina realized she wanted to help others connect with their purpose in a more meaningful way. She now runs a remote business, empowering yoga teachers and wellness entrepreneurs to thrive by helping them with branding, websites, social media, and so much more.

What’s particularly inspiring about Tina’s story is how she shows that you don’t have to be a yoga teacher to create a career in the yoga world. By utilizing the skills she gained in the corporate world, she has found a way to stay connected to her love for yoga while building a successful business.

In this conversation, we dive into her journey, how she bridges the worlds of business and spirituality, and her insights on crafting a fulfilling career path in the wellness industry. I can’t wait for you to hear her story. Let’s dive in!

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Websites: www.tinaschmelzer.com

www.Soulsparkcreation.com

www.Schoolof.yoga

Instagram:@ tina_soulsparkcreation

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In this week’s episode, I sit down with Andrea “Dre” Pavela, a Certified SmartFLOW® yoga teacher and dedicated student of Annie Carpenter’s method. Dre shares her inspiring journey of living an inside-out life—listening to her higher self and aligning her choices with her true purpose, rather than succumbing to external pressures.

We dive into Dre’s transformative shift in how she approaches yoga and teaching, from a place of overwork and burnout to one of balance and nourishment. She shares how she created healthy boundaries, allowing her teaching to support her life instead of depleting it. Her philosophy of letting yoga serve her—rather than the other way around—offers a powerful perspective for any yoga practitioner or teacher.

Dre also opens up about her journey into motherhood and how it has reshaped her priorities, her teaching, and her own practice. She beautifully reflects on how the interconnected aspects of her life—motherhood, partnership, teaching, and practice—now nourish one another, creating harmony and fulfillment.

Tune in for an honest and heartfelt conversation about finding alignment, practicing self-compassion, and creating a life where yoga truly supports the soul.

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www.andreapavela.com

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In this episode, I sit down with Gwen, a business mentor and mindset coach for wellness experts and coaches. Gwen has helped countless wellness professionals create authentic, simple online businesses that generate six-figure incomes while supporting financial independence and freedom.

What stood out to me in this conversation was how Gwen has crafted her dream life on a stunning island in Indonesia, balancing her thriving business with a lifestyle of ease and intention. She shares invaluable insights on setting healthy work-life boundaries and how she instills these practices in her mentorship clients.

If you're looking for inspiration to scale your wellness business or to design a life filled with freedom and balance, this episode is a must-listen!

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Instagram: ⁠@businesswithgwen⁠

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In this special episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Erica Hartnick, the inspiring founder of Yoga Trade. Erica’s grounded, humble nature shines through as she shares her journey of creating a global platform that connects traveling yoga teachers with transformative opportunities. Growing up in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills, Erica’s love for nature, adventure, and mindfulness led her to establish a life between Lake Tahoe and Costa Rica, where she facilitates nature-inspired yoga experiences and wellness retreats. In our conversation, she offers a raw and honest look at what it takes to run a meaningful yoga business, balance the demands of entrepreneurship, and live a life of exploration and connection. Erica’s story is a powerful reminder of the beauty in following your passion, living your truth, and building a community that uplifts others.

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Email: [email protected]

Erica's IG: @tahoeoutdooryoga

Yoga Trade IG: @yogatrade

Yoga Trade Website: ⁠http://yogatrade.com/⁠

Erica's Website: http://ericahartnick.com/⁠

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