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 In this first episode, we focus on shoulder alignment in yoga poses—breaking down outdated cues, rethinking Chaturanga alignment, downward facing dog, and exploring how a better understanding of anatomy leads to more effective and individualized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

In this episode, I sit down with Brian Hyman, a yoga and meditation teacher with over a decade of experience integrating yoga into addiction recovery. Brian has been sober since 2009 and has dedicated his career to making yoga accessible to those in need, particularly in recovery spaces. We discuss his journey into teaching, the transformative power of yoga in healing, and how the Twelve Steps intersect in his yoga teaching work. Brian also shares his experience on teaching courses and meditation on the app: Insight Timer. Whether you're a yoga teacher, someone interested in mindfulness, or curious about yoga’s role in addiction recovery, this episode offers wisdom, inspiration, and practical tools for personal growth and healing.

Connect with Brian:

Connect with Reika:

Instagram: ⁠⁠@reikayoga⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠Www.reikayoga.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠SmartFLOW 200hour YTT in Laguna Niguel

In the final installment of our four-part series on creative sequencing, Olga and I explore the art of integrating yoga philosophy into your classes. We discuss how philosophical themes can inspire your sequences, creating a deeper connection between the physical practice and the teachings of yoga. Olga shares insightful examples of themes rooted in yoga philosophy and how they can be woven seamlessly into creative class sequences. Whether you’re a yoga teacher looking for new inspiration or a student curious about the interplay of movement and meaning, this episode offers practical tips and thoughtful ideas to enrich your practice and teaching.

Connect with Olga:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@_olgamoves⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.olgakay.yoga⁠⁠

Connect with Reika:

Instagram: ⁠@reikayoga⁠

Website: ⁠Www.reikayoga.com⁠

⁠SmartFLOW 200hour YTT in Laguna Niguel

In Part 3 of our Creative Sequencing series, Olga and I dive into the potential pitfalls of creative sequencing in yoga. While creativity can enhance a practice, it’s essential to balance it with intention, safety, and accessibility.

In this episode, we discuss the challenges of creative sequencing, including:

Olga brings valuable insights into how to avoid these common mistakes and create sequences that are not only creative but also purposeful and impactful. This episode is a must-listen for yoga teachers looking to refine their sequencing skills and elevate their teaching!

Connect with Olga:

Instagram: ⁠⁠@_olgamoves⁠

Website: ⁠⁠https://www.olgakay.yoga⁠

Connect with Reika:

Instagram: @reikayoga

Website: Www.reikayoga.com

SmartFLOW 200hour YTT in Laguna Niguel

Ethical Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua

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!

Connect with Olga:

Connect with Reika: