In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, I sit down with Lauren Ikeda, a seasoned yoga teacher and YouTube entrepreneur based in Long Beach, CA. With over a decade of experience teaching yoga to students of all ages and abilities, Lauren has built a thriving yoga business, both in-person and online. We dive into the business side of being a full-time yoga teacher, from standing up for yourself as a yoga teacher to creating a sustainable career. Lauren also shares her journey of growing a successful YouTube channel, leading yoga retreats around the world, and her unique approach to "Modern Yoga for Skillful Living." Whether you're a new teacher or an experienced yogi, this episode is packed with practical advice on balancing business and passion while staying authentic to your teaching style.

Connect with Lauren:

Befriending Backbends Workshop w/Karen

September 22nd, Sunday 2-4 pm

In-person @Long Beach

Price: $45

⁠Register⁠

Connect with Reika

Instagram: ⁠@reikayoga⁠

Website: ⁠www.reikayoga.com

In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, I sit down with Sarah, a passionate yoga teacher who has traveled throughout Central and South America, following her dream of leading yoga teacher trainings in new and inspiring places. Starting her journey in Miami, where she managed a popular yoga studio, Sarah eventually left everything behind to teach full-time in Costa Rica and Peru. Now, as the wellness program manager at a stunning retreat center in Peru's Sacred Valley, Sarah shares her inspiring story of pursuing her passion and living authentically. We discuss the importance of staying true to yourself and your students, breaking free from the expectations of what a yoga teacher 'should be,' and embracing courage both on and off the mat.

Connect with Sarah:

@themiamiyogini

https://www.themiamiyogini.com

Befriending Backbends Workshop w/Karen

September 22nd, Sunday 2-4 pm

@Long Beach

Price: $45

Register

Connect with Reika

Instagram: @reikayoga

Website: www.reikayoga.com

In this week's episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jessi McMaster, a dynamic Holistic Fitness Coach and Yoga Teacher. Jessi’s approach to movement is truly inspiring, as she seamlessly integrates various fitness modalities—beyond just yoga—into her teachings. With a deep knowledge of anatomy and the human body, Jessi crafts unique and accessible programs that empower her students to move with confidence and strength.

We delve into her journey of transitioning from in-person teaching to a primarily online format, including launching an online 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program before the pandemic hit. Jessi shares her insights on how yoga philosophy guides her path, allowing her to live and teach with authenticity. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge of movement or seeking inspiration for your own teaching journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights and motivation.

Connect with Jessi:

Reika's Announcements:

Mentorship Program for Yoga Teachers:

Backbending Workshop with Karen (9/22, 2-4pm)

Register

Connect with Reika:

This week's podcast episode features an inspiring conversation with Alina, a yoga teacher who has carved out a unique and unconventional path by combining her passion for travel with her dedication to teaching yoga. Alina’s journey has taken her around the world, where she has taught in various YTT programs, constantly seeking new opportunities and embracing the unknown. In this episode, Alina shares the challenges and rewards of being a full-time traveling yoga teacher, and how her fearless approach to life allows her to find and create opportunities wherever she goes. Her story is a testament to the power of following

Connect with Alina:

Website: https://www.alinakazan.com

IG: @alinakazz

Panama Retreat: Inner Essence Retreat, Panama — Alina Kazan

Mentorship Program for Yoga Teachers:

Connect with Reika:

In this week's episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, I sit down with Andrea Lodico, a seasoned yoga teacher and director based in New York City. Andrea and I first connected during the Threes Physiyoga Advanced YTT program, a science-informed training that applies physical therapy principles to the foundations of yoga. With a rich background as both a yoga teacher and the director of a dance company, Andrea brings a unique blend of skills, from budgeting and organization to leadership and strategic planning, into the yoga world. We explore her journey of leading yoga teacher training programs and organizing transformative yoga retreats, and how she creates accessible, individualized, and somatic yoga practices that empower students to move with awareness and balance. Whether you're a yoga teacher or a practitioner, this conversation offers valuable insights on cultivating a sustainable yoga practice and teaching career while leveraging diverse skill sets for success.

Connect with Andrea:

Yoga 4 Change: Fundraiser Zoom yoga class for Souljourn

August 25th, Sunday 8:30am PT / 11:30am ET

Free to register and open to EVERYONE

Donations are WELCOME but not required.

100% of the donation will go to the Souljourn Foundation

⁠⁠Link to Register⁠⁠

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Mentorship Program for Yoga Teachers:

Connect with Reika:

In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, I am honored to welcome Jordan Ashley, a visionary yoga teacher, activist, and the founder of Souljourn Yoga Foundation—a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and funds for young women’s education around the world.

This conversation is particularly dear to my heart because Souljourn Yoga embodies the very work I am passionate about: bridging yoga and Humanitarian NGO work, leading ethical yoga retreats, and uplifting communities in other countries. I was thrilled to learn about Jordan’s journey and the mission behind her incredible NGO, which aligns so closely with my own aspirations in the yoga world.

This episode is a powerful reminder to all yoga teachers that our work goes beyond the mat—we have a responsibility to use our privilege and voice to impact the world positively.

Join me as we explore Jordan’s inspiring story and discuss how we, as yoga teachers, can contribute to the betterment of our global community.

Connect with Jordan/Souljourn:

Yoga 4 Change: Fundraiser Zoom yoga class for Souljourn

August 25th, Sunday 8:30am PT / 11:30am ET

Free to register and open to EVERYONE

Donations are WELCOME but not required.

100% of the donation will go to the Souljourn Foundation

⁠Link to Register⁠

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Mentorship Program for Yoga Teachers:

Connect with Reika:

In this week's episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Hannah Lee, a Licensed Social Worker, therapist, and yoga teacher based in Chicago. Hannah teaches at Room to Breathe, a unique yoga studio that offers both virtual and in-person trauma-informed yoga classes and therapy sessions. In our conversation, Hannah shares how she seamlessly integrates therapy, mental health, and trauma-informed yoga into her career. We discuss the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in yoga spaces, and delve into what trauma-informed yoga truly means. Whether you're a yoga teacher, therapist, or simply interested in the intersection of mental health and yoga, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips.

Connect with Hannah:

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Announcements:

Connect with Reika:

To celebrate the 30th episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, I'm doing a special solo episode all about me, your host, Reika Shucart. In this episode, I share my personal background, my journey to becoming a full-time yoga teacher, and the passion and dreams that drive me. I'll take you through the winding roads I've traveled to get to where I am today and discuss my past and goals for the future. Whether you're curious about my story or looking for inspiration on your own yoga path, this episode is filled with insights and reflections from my heart to yours.

Connect with Reika:

In this week's episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing an inspiring yoga teacher based in New York City. With a rich background in dance and a deep love for movement, she has successfully transitioned from a professional dance career to a full-time yoga teaching career. Our conversation delved into her

Connect with Marisa:

Website: https://www.marisaemartin.com/

Instagram: @marisamartin_

Email: [email protected]

Threes Physiyoga

Related Episodes:

Connect with Reika:

Website: www.reikayoga.com

Instagram: @reikayoga

In this week’s episode of the Full Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Brent, a seasoned yoga teacher with a calm and kind demeanor who is also a deep thinker and passionate about yoga philosophy. With a decade-plus years of experience as a full-time yoga teacher, Brent is known for his ability to teach strong, challenging classes infused with kindness and care. His journey to becoming a successful full-time teacher is both inspiring and insightful, as he shares the realities of the profession, emphasizing that while it is not easy, teaching with love can energize rather than exhaust you.

Brent has led international retreats and yoga teacher trainings (YTT) across the globe, blending intensity with calm, creativity with tradition, and movement with philosophy. He empowers yogis of all levels to elevate their practice both on and off the mat. As the president and founder of The Association of Yoga Professionals, Brent is dedicated to connecting students with the most qualified teachers to meet their needs. Join us as we delve into Brent’s journey, his approach to teaching, and his advice for aspiring full-time yoga teachers.

Connect with Brent:

Website: www.brentlaffoon.com

Instagram: @brentasana

The Association of Yoga Professionals

President & Founder

Connect with Reika:

Website: www.reikayoga.com

Instagram: @reikayoga