The Funny Thing About Yoga

In this heartfelt and honest episode, Giana opens up about her long-time relationship with perfectionism—how it quietly shaped her path, fueled impostor syndrome, and kept her playing small. We explore the sneaky ways perfectionism shows up in teaching yoga, and especially on social media, where carefully curated feeds can end up hiding who we really are.

We talk about how striving to appear flawless can hold us back from taking risks, speaking our truth, and feeling like we truly belong in the spaces we've worked so hard to enter. That lingering sense of “never being enough”? Yep, we go there. And we talk about how embracing your full, messy, brilliant self can change everything. Authenticity creates connection. Vulnerability opens doors.

This episode is your reminder that your presence doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Bring the mess. Bring the magic. There’s space for you, just as you are.

Also, there may or may not be a tangent about editing podcast episodes, faking it till you make it, and the stereotypical yogi facade. You’ve been warned.

Sign Up For Giana’s Yoga Retreat Mentorship by June 1st- DM her on Instagram for more info!

UPCOMING RETREAT:

Nicaragua Yoga Retreat for Students (February 2026): https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/nicaragua-retreat

Yoga Teachers Retreat: Costa Dulce, Nicaragua (MARCH 2026): https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/teachers-retreat

BE PART OF OUR FUNNY FAM: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/community

PODCAST SUBSTACK: https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/

FOLLOW US:

@thefunnythingaboutyoga @cayayogaschool @gianagambino @bradshawwish

LINKS:

https://www.cayayogaschool.com/

https://www.gianayoga.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this joyful, wide-ranging convo, we’re joined by the radiant Diaz—aka @dancingwarrior on Instagram! We dive into the origin story behind his vibrant online presence, how he found his footing in the yoga and movement world, and his spicy takes on the satire behind his videos. We chat about Bali as influencer HQ, cell phone use in class, his bold career shift into yoga, and the journey of finding your people in this field.

Of course, we also go delightfully off-topic—covering relationships, LGBTQIA+ experiences, and a surprising confession about the one secret item Bradshaw always packs on retreats. (Hint: it’s very... Bradshaw.)

Diaz is funny, grounded, and an absolute joy to talk to. This episode felt like catching up with an old friend, and we’re already dreaming about visiting him in Bali someday. Until then, we’ll be following along and cheering on whatever he does next.

Find Diaz Online:

• Instagram: @thedancingwarrior
• Weekly Yoga Classes: @yoga_pranava @serenitybali
• YouTube: Diaz’s Channel

UPCOMING RETREATS:

• Nicaragua Yoga Retreat for Students (Feb 2026): More Info
• Yoga Teachers Retreat: Costa Dulce, Nicaragua (March 2026): More Info

JOIN OUR FUNNY FAM: Community Link

PODCAST SUBSTACK: Subscribe Here

FOLLOW US:

• @thefunnythingaboutyoga
• @cayayogaschool
• @gianagambino
• @bradshawwish

MORE LINKS:

• Caya Yoga School
• Giana Yoga

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode kicks off, as always, with a touch of chaos. Bradshaw dips a toe into heterosexuality, Giana tries to steer the ship, and together they banter, bicker, and bulldoze through the boundaries of your typical yoga podcast. These two are not for the faint of heart (or the Yelp reviewer type). They curse, they care, and they actually know what they’re talking about. Eventually, they get around to the topic: What the hell is Power Yoga, really?

They break down the stereotypes versus the reality, name-drop OGs like Bryan Kest and Baron Baptiste, and call out the culty, hustle-y vibes of modern studio culture. Expect tangents galore- on breath, pacing, cueing, rushing, reverse revolved lunge disasters, and yes... the flippity flop flop (and you know exactly what they’re talking about).

They also ask a big question: How much is too much to challenge your students? There’s a fine line between empowering and just plain exhausting. They dish on how long to hold poses, the art of connecting students to sensation, and when to push vs. when to back the hell off.

Buckle up. This one’s sweaty, spicy, and kind of sweet.

UPCOMING RETREAT:

Nicaragua Yoga Retreat for Students (February 2026): https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/nicaragua-retreat

Yoga Teachers Retreat: Costa Dulce, Nicaragua (MARCH 2026): https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/teachers-retreat

BE PART OF OUR FUNNY FAM: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/community

PODCAST SUBSTACK: https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/

FOLLOW US:

@thefunnythingaboutyoga @cayayogaschool @gianagambino @bradshawwish

LINKS:

https://www.cayayogaschool.com/

https://www.gianayoga.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This one starts off strong — Bradshaw and Giana chat about house elves, some important announcements, and a very crucial update about Bradshaw’s date with his dream guy (trust us, it’s a story worth sticking around for).

After the laughs, they dive into the real topic: Why Creative Sequencing Isn’t Everything.

They break down what creative sequencing actually is, why some teachers may lean heavily into it, and why it can sometimes be counterproductive. Giana and Bradshaw explore how sequencing shapes the overall experience of yoga — and how overly complex or random flows can sometimes feel chaotic, create confusion, and pull students away from the heart of the practice.

They advocate for meeting students where they are, building them up thoughtfully, and recognizing that being in an overly anticipatory state (always wondering "what's next") can actually detract from the yoga itself. Instead of simply leaving students feeling good in the moment, they believe great sequencing should help students both feel and learn — ideally, it should do both.

They also touch on essential topics like safety, accessibility, and the big question: Who is the creative sequencing really for — the student or the teacher?

Expect real talk, real laughs, and a real reminder of what yoga is truly about.

UPCOMING RETREAT:

Starved Rock Yoga Retreat (JULY): https://www.cayayogaschool.com/starvedrock

Yoga Teachers Retreat: Costa Dulce, Nicaragua (MARCH 2026): https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/teachers-retreat

BE PART OF OUR FUNNY FAM: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/community

PODCAST SUBSTACK: https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/

FOLLOW US:

@thefunnythingaboutyoga @cayayogaschool @gianagambino @bradshawwish

LINKS:

https://www.cayayogaschool.com/

https://www.gianayoga.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, we’re serving up a short and sweet one—but it’s full of flavor. Giana and Bradshaw kick things off with a little behind-the-scenes chat, then dive into your juicy listener questions: How do you actually get your name out there as a new teacher? How the heck do you lead students into a silent savasana without it feeling awkward?

Naturally, that spirals into a full-on savasana deep dive complete with cue examples from Giana and a minor existential crisis from Bradshaw (classic). It’s a cozy, candid episode packed with inspo, real talk, and a few laughs along the way.

Come hang with us—your ears (and inner yoga nerd) will thank you.

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: [email protected]

JOIN US ON A RETREAT:

Starved Rock Yoga Retreat (JULY): https://www.cayayogaschool.com/starvedrock

ITALY Yoga Retreat (AUGUST): https://www.cayayogaschool.com/italy

Yoga Teachers Retreat: Costa Dulce, Nicaragua (MARCH 2026): https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/teachers-retreat

FOLLOW US:

@thefunnythingaboutyoga @cayayogaschool @gianagambino @bradshawwish

BE PART OF OUR FUNNY FAM: https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/

PODCAST SUBSTACK: https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/

LINKS:

https://www.cayayogaschool.com/

https://www.gianayoga.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Jonah Kest, yoga teacher, traveler, and legacy disruptor, for a deep, hilarious, and refreshingly honest conversation. We dive into everything from growing up in a yoga family to carving his own path, his recent Club Med partnership, the importance of authenticity and language, and why he’s not trying to be the teacher for everyone. Jonah shares how society these days feels a little clenched, learns about poppers (yep), and lets Bradshaw take him on some wild tangents. We trade mid-class stories, including one where a student straight-up cursed him out, unpack AI and buzzwords in the wellness world, and dig into his powerful advice for new teachers. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been on the mat for years, this one is packed with humor, inspiration, and unapologetic realness.

Find Jonah Kest’s official social media profiles:

• Instagram: @kestyoga
• TikTok: @jonahkest
• YouTube: @jonahkestyoga
• Twitter (X): @kestyoga 
• Web: jonahkestyoga.com

UPCOMING RETREAT:

Starved Rock Yoga Retreat (JULY): https://www.cayayogaschool.com/starvedrock

ITALY Yoga Retreat (AUGUST): https://www.cayayogaschool.com/italy

Yoga Teachers Retreat: Costa Dulce, Nicaragua (MARCH 2026): https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/teachers-retreat

BE PART OF OUR FUNNY FAM: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/community

PODCAST SUBSTACK: https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/

FOLLOW US:

@thefunnythingaboutyoga @cayayogaschool @gianagambino @bradshawwish

LINKS:

https://www.cayayogaschool.com/

https://www.gianayoga.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, we kick things off with a heartwarming (and slightly chaotic) update from Bradshaw, who may have met the man of his dreams. Checking back weekly for more unfolding in this new rom-com.

Then we dive into the big question: What actually makes a great yoga class? From sequencing and cueing to music, energy, and that hard-to-define vibe—we unpack it all. We talk about holding space, embodying presence, and tuning into students' needs, plus the subtle elements that can truly make or break a class.

It’s a fun, thoughtful convo that got our wheels turning. Sure, we’d like to think all our classes are great (obviously), but there’s a sprinkle of magic that makes some truly stand out.

UPCOMING RETREAT:

Starved Rock Yoga Retreat (JULY): https://www.cayayogaschool.com/starvedrock

ITALY Yoga Retreat (AUGUST): https://www.cayayogaschool.com/italy

Yoga Teachers Retreat: Costa Dulce, Nicaragua (MARCH 2026): https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/teachers-retreat

BE PART OF OUR FUNNY FAM: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/community

PODCAST SUBSTACK: https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/

FOLLOW US:

@thefunnythingaboutyoga @cayayogaschool @gianagambino @bradshawwish

LINKS:

https://www.cayayogaschool.com/

https://www.gianayoga.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive deep into the art of schedule stacking—aka how to design a sustainable, feel-good lineup of group yoga classes without burning out or losing your mind. We chat about managing your workload, reducing awkward mid-day breaks, spending less time (and money) outside the house, and the eternal question: how many classes in a row is too many?

Giana gets some real-time troubleshooting help from Bradshaw (who's in the middle of his own schedule glow-up), and we both manifest our dream teaching weeks—because balance is possible... we think.

As always, it’s sprinkled with stories, sass, and side-tangents—like almost snapping on students, phoning it in, and other teacher confessions. Tune in for tips, laughs, and maybe a little inspiration to stack your schedule with more intention and ease.

UPCOMING RETREAT:

Starved Rock Yoga Retreat (JULY): https://www.cayayogaschool.com/starvedrock

ITALY Yoga Retreat (AUGUST): https://www.cayayogaschool.com/italy

Yoga Teachers Retreat: Costa Dulce, Nicaragua (FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026): https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/teachers-retreat

BE PART OF OUR FUNNY FAM: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/community

PODCAST SUBSTACK: https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/

FOLLOW US:

@thefunnythingaboutyoga @cayayogaschool @gianagambino @bradshawwish

LINKS:

https://www.cayayogaschool.com/

https://www.gianayoga.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this raw and honest episode, we dive deep into the uncomfortable yet crucial conversation about money—asking for a raise, setting your rates, pricing workshops, and navigating those tough discussions. Along the way, we get real with some hilarious tangents about MDMA, renunciates, vaping, and counting heads in savasana. We also explore identity and intersectionality, shedding light on the inequities that persist in the yoga world. With full transparency, we share how we handle money in our own business and why open, honest communication about payments is essential for everyone’s growth. This episode is packed with tips for up-leveling your worth, empowering yourself to have difficult conversations, and creating a more equitable space for all in the field. Tune in for the truth, the laughs, and the tools to help you rise together!

UPCOMING RETREAT:

Starved Rock Yoga Retreat (JULY): https://www.cayayogaschool.com/starvedrock

ITALY Yoga Retreat (AUGUST): https://www.cayayogaschool.com/italy

Yoga Teachers Retreat: Costa Dulce, Nicaragua (FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026): https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/teachers-retreat

BE PART OF OUR FUNNY FAM: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/community

PODCAST SUBSTACK: https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/

FOLLOW US:

@thefunnythingaboutyoga @cayayogaschool @gianagambino @bradshawwish

LINKS:

https://www.cayayogaschool.com/

https://www.gianayoga.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, we’ve got a short and sweet bonus episode! Bradshaw and Giana start with their usual sisterly banter before diving into your questions: What’s next after filling your classes? Are online trainings worth it—and which ones do we recommend? How should you price privates, and should you charge more for a second student added to It? It’s packed with insights, advice, and personal experiences. Enjoy the listen!

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: [email protected]

JOIN US ON A RETREAT:

Starved Rock Yoga Retreat (JULY): https://www.cayayogaschool.com/starvedrock

ITALY Yoga Retreat (AUGUST): https://www.cayayogaschool.com/italy

FOLLOW US:

@thefunnythingaboutyoga @cayayogaschool @gianagambino @bradshawwish

BE PART OF OUR FUNNY FAM: https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/

PODCAST SUBSTACK: https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/

LINKS:

https://www.cayayogaschool.com/

https://www.gianayoga.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.