In Part 2 of our SmartFlow Yoga teacher series, Reika reunites with Bianca, Dre, and June—fellow certified SmartFlow teachers—to dive into what it's like teaching the method that shaped their practice. They explore how the intelligent sequencing, movement principles, and mindfulness embedded in SmartFlow create a teaching structure that’s both clear and creative.

From the way students experience a “return to center” to how SmartFlow challenges habitual patterns (for both teacher and student), this episode is all about the art of teaching this method. Expect honest reflections, fun anecdotes, and insights into how SmartFlow brings depth, clarity, and curiosity to the classroom.

If you’ve ever wondered how to structure classes that are grounded yet innovative, or how to teach in a way that encourages true inquiry, this conversation will resonate deeply.

Connect with:

June: Instagram: ⁠@bodyworkwithjune⁠

Bianca: ⁠@biancasapetto⁠

Dre: ⁠@yoga_with_dre⁠

Connect with Reika:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Mentorship Program for Yoga Teachers⁠

Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat⁠

In this special group conversation, Reika is joined by fellow certified SmartFlow teachers June, Bianca, and Dre to reflect on our shared path under the guidance of Annie Carpenter. Each of us shares our personal journey into the world of SmartFlow Yoga: a method of yoga developed by Annie Carpenter —what initially drew us in, why it felt like “home,” and how Annie’s rigorous, thoughtful, and deeply intelligent approach to yoga continues to shape our teaching and practice.

This episode is the first in a two-part series dedicated to unpacking the impact of SmartFlow Yoga on our lives. From the challenges and rewards of the certification process to the growth that comes from ongoing mentorship and community, this is a heartfelt and honest conversation for anyone curious about the SmartFLOW method of practicing and teaching yoga.

Whether you're new to SmartFlow, never heard of SmartFlow, or have been practicing it for years, this episode offers insight into the beauty of dedication and the lifelong journey of teaching yoga.

Connect with:

June: Instagram: @bodyworkwithjune

Bianca: @biancasapetto

Dre: @yoga_with_dre

Connect with Reika:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠

Mentorship Program for Yoga Teachers

Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat⁠

What happens when a Londoner falls in love with Colombia and decides to build a yoga community from the ground up? 🌍✨ In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Singer, an experienced yoga teacher, trainer, and the founder of Flying Tree Yoga in Medellín, Colombia.

Andrew shares his incredible journey from teaching languages around the world to dedicating his life to yoga. We discuss the evolution of yoga in Colombia, the challenges of creating a thriving yoga space, and how he navigated the pandemic as a studio owner. Andrew also reflects on balancing business with personal life, making yoga more accessible to Spanish-speaking communities, and his future plans for bilingual teacher training programs.

If you're curious about building a yoga career abroad, adapting to cultural differences, and fostering authentic community connections, this episode is for you! 🎧

🔹 Topics We Cover:
🧘‍♂️ Moving from London to Medellín and falling in love with the culture
🌍 The evolution of the yoga scene in Latin America
📢 The impact of the pandemic on yoga studios and online training
🔄 How to adapt and grow as a yoga teacher
🌱 Creating high-quality yoga teacher training programs in Spanish

🎙️ Listen now and join us in exploring the dynamic world of yoga beyond borders!

Contact Andrew:

Andrew's Insgagram: @andrewjsinger

Flying Tree Yoga Instagram: @flying_tree_yoga

Flying Tree Website: https://www.flyingtreeyoga.com/

Yoga Internship: https://www.instagram.com/yogainternships

https://www.yogainternships.com/

Connect with Reika:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠

⁠Trauma-Informed Workshop, April 5th, Saturday 2pm PST⁠

Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat⁠

In this episode, Reika and Karen challenge common misconceptions about knee and ankle alignment in yoga. Should your shins really be parallel in pigeon pose? Does flexing your ankle actually protect your knee? Together, they unpack the science behind these cues, discuss why fear-based language can be harmful, and explore how teachers can promote a more informed, adaptable approach to movement. Whether you're a yoga teacher or practitioner, this episode will help you rethink outdated alignment cues and cultivate a deeper sense of body awareness in your practice.

Connect with Karen:

Instagram: ⁠⁠@sodiumsoul⁠⁠

Connect with Reika:

Instagram: ⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠www.reikayoga.com⁠

Trauma-Informed Workshop, April 5th, Saturday 2pm PST

Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: ⁠https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat

In part two of our Yoga Cues Debunked series, Karen and I dive into one of the most debated cues in yoga: Should you tuck your tailbone? We explore the spine’s natural curves, the role of the pelvis in movement, and how different bodies respond to common cues. This conversation unpacks the difference between internal and external cueing, the challenges of forward folds, and why neutral spine isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you're a yoga teacher or student, this episode will help you rethink traditional alignment cues and develop a more personalized, sustainable practice.

Tune in to learn:
🌀 Why “neutral spine” is different for everyone
🚫 When tucking the tailbone might do more harm than good
🔍 How hamstrings impact pelvic positioning in forward folds
💡 The power of awareness in movement for longevity and injury prevention

Let’s continue evolving our teaching and practice together!

Connect with Karen:

Instagram: ⁠@sodiumsoul⁠

Connect with Reika:

Instagram: ⁠@reikayoga⁠

Website: ⁠www.reikayoga.com

Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: https://www.reikayoga.com/pages/retreat

Welcome to a special series with returning guest Karen, where we dive into the evolution of yoga teaching cues. In this first episode, we focus on shoulder alignment in yoga poses—breaking down outdated cues, rethinking Chaturanga alignment, downward facing dog, and exploring how a better understanding of anatomy leads to more effective and individualized teaching. As the yoga world continues to evolve, so should our language and approach in class. Tune in as we debunk common shoulder cues in yoga and discuss why continuous learning is essential for yoga teachers.

Connect with Karen:

Instagram: @sodiumsoul

Connect with Reika:

Instagram: @reikayoga

Website: www.reikayoga.com

Spring Equinox Yoga & Sound Event at Altar Society

In this episode, I sit down with Johnny La Pasta, a movement and mindfulness instructor with over 11 years of experience in yoga, fitness, meditation, and mindfulness. Based in Long Beach, Johnny is known for his creative sequencing, inspiring themes, and fun playlists—sometimes even singing along to pop divas in class!

Johnny shares his journey from discovering yoga through his mother to embracing teaching full-time. We discuss the unexpected turns of his career, the challenges of setting boundaries as a teacher, and how the post-pandemic yoga world is evolving. He also opens up about the importance of giving back to the community, supporting new teachers, and his future plans for retreats and wellness resources. If you're a yoga teacher or student navigating the changing yoga landscape, this conversation is full of valuable insights!

Connect with Johnny:

Instagram & Thread: @johnnylapasta

Website: https://johnnylapasta.com/

Connect with Reika:

• Instagram: @reikayoga

• Website: www.reikayoga.com
• Equinox Sound & Yoga Event at Altar Society in Long Beach (March 16th, Sunday 11-12:15am)
• Handstand workshop Recording

The yoga world is changing—fast. In this solo episode, I dive into the shifts I’ve noticed in the industry, especially since the pandemic. From the rise of fitness-fusion studios to the decline of fully in-person teacher trainings, yoga is evolving in ways we couldn’t have predicted.

Why are so many yoga studios now incorporating strength training, Pilates, and HIIT just to stay afloat? Why are fewer students committing to long-term mentorship with teachers? And what happened to the once-booming plant-based diet and yoga lifestyle? I explore how these trends are reshaping the way we practice, teach, and experience yoga today.

Tune in as I unpack these changes and reflect on what they mean for the future of yoga. Is this just another evolution, or is yoga losing its identity? Let’s talk about it.

🎧 Listen now and let me know your thoughts!

Connect with Reika:

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Advanced Handstand Course for Yoga Teachers with Allie Galasso, March 1st, Saturday 2-4pm. In-person & Livestream⁠

This week, I’m joined by Bianca, a former Olympic-level rhythmic gymnast, Cirque du Soleil performer, and yoga teacher with a deep passion for movement as self-discovery. Bianca trained under Annie Carpenter and teaches SmartFLOW classes, blending alignment, breathwork, and creative sequencing.

In this episode, we dive into what it’s like to teach SmartFLOW, the challenges and joys of being a mother in the yoga industry, and how Bianca has navigated the changing landscape of yoga over the years. She shares insights from her time as a performer, how she transitioned into teaching, and her approach to balancing art, movement, and yoga philosophy.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, creativity, and carving your own path in the yoga world!

Connect with Bianca:

Instagram: @biancasapetto

Website: https://biancasapetto.com/

Scheduling Page: https://biancasapetto.as.me/

Connect with Reika:

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠Www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠⁠

⁠Advanced Handstand Course for Yoga Teachers with Allie Galasso, March 1st, Saturday 2-4pm. In-person & Livestream⁠

In this episode, I sit down with Madison, a dedicated yoga teacher and mentor whose journey from ballet to yoga has shaped her unique approach to the practice. After a decade as a ballerina left her body injured and exhausted, yoga became her path to healing—both physically and spiritually. Madison shares her deep love for philosophy, psychology, and the Yoga Sutras, weaving these elements into her dynamic and creative teaching style. We also discuss the invaluable role of mentorship in the yoga world, the many hats she wears as a yoga professional and lead teacher in Ra Yoga’s 300-hour training, and how every yoga teacher can carve out a career path that aligns with their own rhythm and balance. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a sustainable, fulfilling yoga career, this episode is full of wisdom and inspiration.

Connect with Madison:

Instagram:@mizzmadison

[email protected]

RA Yoga 300 Hour YTT

Connect with Reika:

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠⁠

Website:⁠⁠⁠Www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠

Advanced Handstand Course for Yoga Teachers with Allie Galasso, March 1st, Saturday 2-4pm. In-person & Livestream