Join us on this week’s episode of the Full Time Yoga Teacher Podcast as we explore the inspiring journey of Will, the founder and director of Suan Sati Yoga Retreat Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Originally from Washington State, Will has spent nearly a decade in Thailand, transforming his vision of a yoga retreat center into a thriving reality. In our conversation, Will shares his experiences of traveling and living abroad for many years before finally settling in Thailand to build Suan Sati from the ground up.

Will’s story is a testament to the power of following your dreams and staying true to your values. Despite the challenges and obstacles, his unwavering dedication and alignment with his vision have resulted in the creation of a leading retreat center in Northern Thailand. This episode highlights the importance of pursuing your passions, even when the journey seems daunting. Tune in to learn from Will's experiences and be inspired to chase your own dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.

Connect with Will:

Website: ⁠www.suansati.com⁠⁠

Instagram: @suansati

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Connect with Reika:

Website: www.reikayoga.com

Instagram: @reikayoga

Join us on this week’s episode of the Full Time Yoga Teacher Podcast as I sit down with June, an inspiring international yoga teacher and fellow SmartFLOW enthusiast. June and I first connected through Annie Carpenter's SmartFLOW 200-hour YTT, assisting and observing with the shared aspiration of leading our own SmartFLOW YTT someday. Although we initially met on Zoom, our friendship truly blossomed during a week-long retreat in Tulum, Mexico, where we bonded over our mutual passion for yoga and SmartFLOW.

In this episode, we delve into June's fascinating journey as a full-time yoga teacher for the past 12 years. With a background in journalism, June has a unique approach to yoga, creating sequences that tell a compelling story. From her initial yoga training in India to her awakening through SmartFLOW, and her diverse certifications in Pilates, Barre, Lagree Fitness, Thai Yoga Massage, and sound healing, June’s teaching is a rich tapestry of experiences and disciplines. Tune in to hear about June’s international teaching adventures, her dedication to the SmartFLOW method, and how she integrates her passion for sound healing into her practice.

Connect with June:

Webiste: www.bodyworkwithjune.com

Instagram: @bodyworkwithjune

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Join us on this week’s episode of Full-Time Yoga Teacher as we sit down with Ja Cole, the visionary founder and owner of The Tree Yoga Cooperative. Ja’s multifaceted journey from a successful career in computer engineering to becoming a prominent yoga instructor and advocate for mindfulness, self-responsibility, and social justice is nothing short of inspiring. With a deep-seated passion for decolonization and empowering underserved communities, Ja has dedicated his life to spreading the transformative power of yoga and mindfulness.

In this episode, we explore Ja's work at The Tree Yoga Cooperative, a unique, cooperative model studio located in South Central LA, where he and three other yoga teachers bring yoga and mindfulness practices to predominantly Black and Hispanic communities. Ja shares his insights on the importance of decolonization, the philosophy of mindfulness, and the concept of coming home—both to oneself and to the community. Tune in to discover how Ja’s innovative approach to yoga is fostering a sense of unity, healing, and empowerment in underserved areas of Los Angeles.

Connect with Ja Cole:

Ja's Instagram: @10thletteryoga

The Tree Yoga Cooperative: https://thetreeyogacoop.org

The Tree Yoga Instagram: @thetreeyogacoop

The Tree Yoga Facebook

Connect with Reika:

Website: www.reikayoga.com

Instagram: @reikayoga

Join me on this week’s solo episode of Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast as I delve into the essential considerations for deciding whether to keep a yoga class in your schedule. Teaching yoga can be incredibly rewarding, but it's important to regularly assess your commitments to ensure they align with your personal and professional goals.

In this episode, I share nine key factors to reflect on when evaluating your yoga class commitments. We'll explore questions like: Do you enjoy working with your students? How long is your commute to the studio? Are you compensated well? Do you feel aligned with your workspace? By considering these aspects and more, you'll gain valuable insights to help you make thoughtful decisions about your teaching schedule. Tune in for practical tips and advice on creating a balanced and fulfilling yoga teaching practice.

Receive an Infographic of this episode:

https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/9-questions

Instagram: @reikayoga

Website: www.reikayoga.com

Join us on an inspiring episode as we dive into the impactful work of Diana, a dedicated yoga teacher, environmental organizer, and soon-to-be Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. Diana's approach to yoga is imbued with a deep sense of purpose and compassion, as she infuses her teachings with anatomy, playfulness, and somatic awareness. What sets Diana apart is her commitment to using yoga as a tool for reducing pain and collective action.

Throughout the episode, we explore Diana's unique journey, from her role as a full-time yoga teacher to her endeavors in environmental activism. One aspect that stands out is Diana's dedication to organizing outdoor yoga retreats where she donated 100% of the proceeds to frontline activists fighting for the environment. With her strong belief in the power of yoga to effect positive change, Diana exemplifies how mindfulness and activism can intertwine to create meaningful impact. Tune in as we delve into Diana's passion for yoga, her advocacy for environmental causes, and her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world.

Diana:

Website: www.dianamay.com

Instagram: @dianamayyoga

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Reika:

Website: www.reikayoga.com

Instagram: ⁠@reikayoga

Join us for an enlightening episode as Reika sits down for a captivating conversation with Taina Rodriguez-Berardi, a scholar-practitioner deeply immersed in yoga's rich history, philosophy, and traditions. With an MA in Yoga Studies from Loyola Marymount University, Taina's research focuses on the cultural and historical contexts of transnational yoga systems intersecting with social justice movements and activist communities.

As an experienced yoga teacher and YTT educator, Taina blends revisionist history storytelling, embodiment practices, movement therapeutics, and trauma-informed wellness to create inclusive and accessible yoga classes. She firmly believes in yoga's universal benefits and strives to foster a holistic experience that harmonizes mind, body, spirit, and community.

From lecturing at universities to leading workshops and teacher trainings, Taina is dedicated to sharing her expertise and supporting others on their yoga journey. Tune in as we delve into Taina's multifaceted approach to yoga and her commitment to creating equitable and empowering spaces for all.

Taina:

Website: www.HelloHolaNamaste.com

Instagram: @tainaberardi

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Reika:

Website: www.reikayoga.com

Instagram: @reikayoga

Join us for a thought-provoking episode as we unravel

Find Kallie:

Instagram: @kallieoop

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Contact Reika:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Virtual Mentorship Program⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Application Form⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠

Join us this week on the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast as I sit down with Ashley McKeachie, a dynamic yoga teacher from Huntington Beach, California, whose journey with yoga is as inspiring as it is transformative.

Ashley turned to yoga in 2010, Ashley discovered a profound renewal of body, mind, and spirit. Her experience ignited a passion for yoga therapy, leading her to become a certified yoga therapist specializing in mental and emotional health.

From teaching in chronic pain facilities to crafting innovative yoga programs within community colleges, Ashley's story is one of resilience and determination. She's not only a seasoned yoga instructor but also a certified health and wellness coach, spreading positivity and empowerment through her classes, workshops, and retreats.

In our conversation, we delve into Ashley's journey—how she navigated challenges, seized opportunities, and carved a unique path in the yoga world. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of yoga and the unwavering spirit of those who dare to pursue their dreams.

Contact Ashely:

Website: www.ashleymckeachieyoga.com

Retreats: http://www.ashleymckeachieyoga.com/retreats/panama-2025/

Rancho La Puerta: http://www.rancholapuerta.com/

Saddleback College: https://www.saddleback.edu/learning-saddleback/emeritus-institute

IG and Facebook @ashleymckeachieyoga

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Contact Reika:

⁠⁠⁠Virtual Mentorship Program⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Application Form⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠

Join us this week as we explore the captivating journey of Aimee Echo, the only KPJAYI Authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher in Long Beach, CA, whose life has seamlessly woven together music, yoga, and profound personal transformation. Aimee's career began as a rock singer and songwriter, touring globally with her band theSTART and collaborating with renowned artists like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Garbage. In 1999, her path took a transformative turn when she stepped into her first Ashtanga Yoga class, igniting a passion that would redefine her life's trajectory.

Over the years, Aimee has devoted herself to the practice, learning, and teachings of Ashtanga Yoga, studying extensively with influential figures such as R. Sharath Jois and delving deep into yoga philosophy through texts like Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita with Chase Bossart. She is completing her training to become Yoga Therapist through The Yoga Well Institute. Beyond her yoga journey, Aimee has courageously confronted personal challenges related to body image and disordered eating, eventually becoming a certified Weight Neutral and Diet Recovery Coach. Join us for a compelling conversation with Aimee Echo shares her inspiring evolution from rockstar to esteemed yoga instructor, yoga therapist, and advocate for holistic well-being. Discover how her profound commitment to yoga and wellness has not only transformed her own life but also empowered her to guide others on their paths toward healing and self-acceptance.

Aimee Echo:

Webiste: www.AYLB.community

Instagram: @aylb.community @aimeeecho

Email: [email protected]

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Contact Reika:

⁠⁠Virtual Mentorship Program⁠⁠

⁠⁠Application Form⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠

Join us in this inspiring episode as Darren shares his remarkable journey from struggling to make ends meet as a full-time yoga teacher, teaching a staggering 25 classes per week, to building a thriving yoga business. Darren's story is a testament to perseverance and dedication as he navigated the challenges of starting out in the wellness industry. Discover how he transformed his passion for yoga into a multifaceted career, now offering yoga, breathwork, meditations, and sound baths to corporate wellness programs, leading retreats, and running a successful private practice.

Learn about Darren's transition into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) school as he works towards becoming a TCM doctor, enriching his practice with a deeper understanding of holistic healing. This episode is filled with insights into Darren's path of personal growth, entrepreneurship, and the integration of ancient wisdom with modern wellness practices. Whether you're a yoga enthusiast, wellness professional, or simply curious about holistic health, Darren's journey offers valuable lessons and inspiration for anyone seeking to follow their passion and create a meaningful impact in the world of wellness.

Contact Darren:

Website: https://darrenobong.com/

Instagram: @darrenobong

Contact: [email protected]

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Contact Reika:

⁠Virtual Mentorship Program⁠

⁠Application Form⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠