Join us in this week's episode as I sit down with the remarkable Amy, an American from Connecticut who embarked on a transformative journey from Clinical Social Worker to yoga teacher, spanning continents and cultures. After experiencing burnout in the USA, Amy made the bold decision to move to Colombia, where she immersed herself in the local culture, learned Spanish, and embarked on a path of self-discovery.

Amy's yoga journey took an unexpected turn when she won a 200-hour YTT contest on Instagram and completed the Yoga Medicine 200 YTT. She wasted no time in putting her newfound skills to use, diving headfirst into teaching yoga in Colombia. Despite the challenges, Amy persevered, saying YES to every opportunity that came her way.

When the pandemic hit, Amy pivoted to teaching yoga online, finally earning the recognition and compensation she deserved. She launched her own online yoga studio, which quickly gained traction and expanded into a brick-and-mortar establishment in Colombia.

However, Amy's journey hasn't been without its setbacks. A heart-breaking event prompted her to move to Southeast Asia, where she continued to teach in person and grow her online studio.

Now residing in Laos, Amy is embracing the next chapter of her journey, combining her therapist experience, education, and therapeutic yoga to create transformative courses and group experiences. Tune in to hear Amy's inspiring story of resilience, reinvention, and the power of saying YES to life's opportunities with self-care and love.

Resources Discussed in this Episode

Find Amy

Instagram

Facebook

Website: https://upyogacenter.com/

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Message Reika

Instagram: @reikayoga

Website: www.reikayoga.com

Join me in this week's episode as I sit down with the incredible Amber Costilow, a lifetime athlete, long-time yogi, and late-blooming dancer. With over 20 years of experience in the wellness sphere, including physical therapy, athletic training, massage therapy, and human nutrition, Amber's journey is nothing short of inspiring.

As the founder and director of Get Lit Power Yoga, Amber specializes in yoga therapy, yoga for athletes, women's health, yin yoga, and meditation. But her expertise doesn't stop there—she's also certified to teach pole dance and twerk, and is passionate about creating safe spaces where people can explore their primal feminine energy and move through their self-limiting beliefs.

In our conversation, we delve into Amber's remarkable journey from New Mexico to LA, exploring her transition from the restaurant industry to teaching yoga. She shares candidly about the challenges of starting afresh in a new city, hustling to build her client base and business from the ground up. Amber embodies independence, strength, and resilience as a powerhouse female business owner and experienced yoga teacher who has forged her path without financial assistance from others.

Tune in to hear Amber's story—a narrative of determination, empowerment, and unapologetic authenticity. Get ready to be inspired by her unwavering confidence in her teaching.

Find Amber:

www.ambercostilow.com

IG:  @getlitfromwithin, @getlityogaandfitness

FB:  Get Lit From Within

Patreon:  Get Lit Fitness

YouTube:  Amber Costilow

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The Host of the Podcast: Reika

Website: www.reikayoga.com

IG: @reikayoga

In our latest episode, join me in a captivating conversation with the incredible Allison Gomes, a California native with a background in ballet and a degree in Dance from UC Irvine. Allison had a semi-professional career as a modern dancer, and her journey seamlessly evolved, leading her to become a seasoned Pilates and yoga instructor.

In 2019 she decided to leave LA and travel to Southeast Asia to teach yoga. Having made Southeast Asia her home for the past 6 years, Allison has spread her yoga wisdom in Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Laos—her current residence. In this episode, she candidly shares her transformative shift from the bustling yoga and pilates teacher life in LA to embracing a slower, more intentional lifestyle in Laos.

Allison reflects on her journey, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of teaching yoga while constantly on the move. She thought she was a yogi back in LA, teaching countless classes per week to make a living. However, life in Southeast Asia has taught her to slow down, appreciate the simplicity of each moment, and embrace a more profound yogic lifestyle than she ever experienced in the hustle of Los Angeles.

Tune in to hear Allison's story in this episode—an exploration of evolution, adaptation, and finding serenity in unexpected places. Perfect for those curious about teaching yoga abroad or dreaming of traveling and teaching yoga in Southeast Asia.

Allison Gomes:

Instagram:

Take Allison's yoga and/or pilates class on Reika's online yoga studio!

www.reikayoga.com

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Connect with Reika

Upcoming In-Person Workshop with Reika:

Empower Your Flow: Yoga for Menstrual Health

February 10th, Saturday 1-3 pm PT.

Embark on an inspiring journey in Episode #4 as I dive into a

Stephanie:

Instagram:

Website:

Yoga Instructor Training Program at West Coast Community College

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Reika

In this engaging episode, I sit down with the wonderful Karen to delve into the essence of being an authentic yoga teacher. Karen generously shares her unique journey into the world of yoga teaching, offering insights into her transformation from working at a salon to becoming the most popular yoga teacher in Long Beach with packed and waitlisted classes.

We navigate the misconceptions surrounding the role, addressing the common belief that being a "yoga teacher" isn't a "real" job. Karen shares her perspective on the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) being just the beginning of the learning journey and breaks down the myth that yoga teachers don't face the same human experiences as everyone else.

Join us in this candid conversation as we explore the real and relatable aspects of being a yoga teacher. From the challenges to the triumphs, Karen's story unfolds, providing a glimpse into the authentic and inspiring world of yoga teaching. Tune in and discover the depth of what it truly means to be an authentic yoga teacher. 🎙️

Learn more about Karen:

Instagram: @sodiumsoul

Website: https://www.karenshideler.com/

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Learn more about Reika:

Instagram: @reikayoga

Website: www.reikayoga.com

Welcome to the first full episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast! In this kickoff, I take you behind the scenes and share the reasons behind starting this podcast. It's a bit of a peek into my journey and the motivation that sparked the creation of this space.

I unfold a snippet of my personal backstory, with the promise of sharing more stories and experiences in bite-sized pieces throughout the podcast's journey. Consider this episode a casual chat, the beginning of a conversation where we connect on a personal level.

Tune in as I delve into what a Full-Time Yoga Teacher means to me. Plus, I break down the two distinctive categories of full-time yoga teachers.

This episode sets the stage for the diverse and inspiring stories to come. Join me on this adventure as we explore the fascinating world of Full-Time Yoga Teaching, one episode at a time! 🌟🎙️

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Follow Reika on Instagram!

Visit Reika's Website: www.reikayoga.com

Welcome to the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast!

Join Reika Shucart for weekly engaging and informative conversations with other full-time yoga teachers. Together, we'll explore the untold stories of inspiring full-time yoga teachers from around the world. Each with their unique struggles and accomplishments, navigating the beautiful and challenging path of full-time yoga teaching. We'll delve into their personal journeys, exploring the highs and lows, wins and setbacks, and the invaluable lessons learned on the path of being a full-time yoga teacher.

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Visit Reika's Virtual Yoga Studio:

www.reikayoga.com

Follow Reika on Instagram:

@reikayoga