Yoga Teacher Chats

In today's bonus episode, Ashley chats with Emily Hogan for a real, unfiltered conversation about what it actually looks like to build a career as a yoga teacher.

From pay structures and class rates to the reality of being a 1099 contractor, this episode pulls back the curtain on the “yoga teacher hustle” and the gap between teacher training and real life.

This conversation isn’t here to discourage, it’s here to empower you with the information you need to make informed, aligned decisions on your path. Because yes, it can work… but not by accident.

Whether you’re a new or seasoned teacher, considering teacher training, or curious about turning your passion into a career, this one’s for you.

Connect with Emily on social media: @hogi.the

Connect with Ashley on social media: @ashleysimonisyoga and/or @homeyogamo

Thank you for listening. <3

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com

In this episode, Ashley chats with Stephani Jungmeyer, owner of Trailside Yoga and Beyond in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to explore her journey of building and rebuilding a yoga studio rooted in community, resilience, and trust.

Stephanie shares the behind-the-scenes reality of opening her studio without loans, relying on friends, family, and a whole lot of DIY spirit to bring her vision to life. What started as a grassroots effort became a space filled with genuine love because the community quite literally helped build it.

After 10 years in business, Stephanie faced an unexpected challenge when her building was sold, forcing her to relocate. What followed was a fast-paced, high-stakes transition: finding, purchasing, and renovating a new space without pausing classes. In the midst of uncertainty, she leaned deeply into her yoga practice, learning to release control, trust the process, and step out of her own way.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that yoga isn’t just something we teach. It’s something we live, especially when things don’t go according to plan.

Connect with Stephani on social media: @mamayoga108 and @trailsideyoga

Visit Trailside Yoga's website here: https://www.trailsideyoga.com/

Thank you for listening. <3

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com

In today's episode, Ashley sits down with Jamie for an honest and expansive conversation on what it really means to grow as a yoga teacher.

They explore the evolution of practice beyond the mat, from navigating imposter syndrome and stepping away from teaching, to returning with deeper clarity, confidence, and self-trust. Jamie shares how life experiences shaped her understanding of yoga, especially the practice of letting go, and how that transformation now informs the way she teaches.

This episode is a reminder that yoga isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about showing up, staying curious, and living the practice in real time.

Connect with Jamie on social media: @jjobe729

Thank you for listening. <3

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com

In today's episode, Ashley sits down with longtime friend and teacher Lindsay Mooney to talk about the many seasons of a yoga teacher.

From the early days of teacher training and studio teaching, to building her own brand, navigating motherhood, and experiencing the profound grief of losing her father, Lindsay shares how her relationship with yoga has evolved through it all.

Together they explore the realities of the yoga teacher hustle, the role of community in the practice, and what it means to keep showing up when life changes the path you thought you were on.

This conversation is an honest reflection on practice, identity, and learning to surrender to the unfolding of life.

Connect with Lindsay on social media: @linds.moon

Thank you for listening. <3

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com

In today's episode, Ashley chats with teacher Bek Lokey to talk about the journey from dedicated student to teacher.

Bek shares how her background in dance eventually led her to yoga, beginning with YouTube practices at home and eventually finding her way into a studio community that changed everything. What started as a personal practice to manage anxiety and reconnect with movement slowly evolved into teacher training, stepping into the front of the room, and finding her own voice as a teacher.

Together, Ashley and Bek talk about the power of in-person teacher training, the importance of remaining a student of the practice, honoring the teachers who shape us, and allowing your teaching to evolve over time.

This conversation is a reminder that the most meaningful teaching often begins with a deep commitment to practice first.

Connect with Bek on social media: @beklokey and @yoga_with_bek

Join her for an arm balance workshop on April 4th from 1-3pm at hOMe Yoga. Register here: https://www.homeyogamo.com/schedule

Thank you for listening. <3

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com

In today's bonus episode, Ashley sits down with returning guest Shea Radcliff to talk about an important topic in the yoga world: yoga mats. From slippery beginner mats to high-end favorites, they break down their real-life experiences with some of the most popular brands including Manduka, Liforme, Lululemon, Jade, Prana, Alo, cork mats, and B Mat. They chat about what actually matters when choosing a mat, from grip, to durability, to thickness, sustainability, and price. They even share how investing in a quality mat can completely change your practice. Whether you're a teacher or a student, this conversation might help you find your next favorite mat (or at least save you from sliding around in Down Dog).

Check out the Let's Talk Yoga Podcast episode 122 with Bmat creator Andrea McKay.

Check out b,halfmoon's website: https://us.bhalfmoon.com/collections/mats

Find us on social media: @ashleysimonisyoga @shearadcliff and @bhalfmoon_official

Register for Shea's Sequencing 101 workshop at hOMe Yoga this Saturday (3/8) from 12-2pm here: https://www.homeyogamo.com/schedule

Thank you for listening. <3

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com

In today's episode, Ashley chats with THE LEGEND herself, Jenn Jones! Together they explore the journey from an anxious mind to a more aligned life. What began with a simple meditation practice slowly unfolded into teacher training, deep study of the mind, and a path rooted in surrender rather than control.

We talk about sensitivity as strength, the role of discipline and digestive fire (on and off the mat), and what it means to trust the path before you feel fully ready. This conversation is about more than becoming a yoga teacher.. it’s about becoming yourself.

Connect with Jenn on social media: @jenn.jones.stuart

Thank you for listening. <3

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com

In todays, Ashley chats with Jamie Fuller to explore her evolution from lifelong athlete to yoga teacher, teacher trainer.

Jamie shares how a devastating ski injury, back-to-back pregnancies, and the identity shift of staying home with young children unexpectedly led her back to yoga transforming her life. What began as hot vinyasa for physical recovery became community, connection, and ultimately a career.

Connect with Jamie on social media: @its_jamiefuller

Thank you for listening. <3

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com

In this bonus solo episode, Ashley shares everything coming up at hOMe Yoga in St. Peter’s, Missouri for the rest of February and into March.

From our monthly SEVA supporting Marcy’s Project, to Reiki + Sound, Yoga Nidra, Ayurveda workshops, and a free nervous system workshop with Tim Applebaum, there’s a lot unfolding at the studio.

She also shares a little about getting more comfortable behind the mic and her gratitude for this growing community.

Thank you for listening. <3

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com

In today's episode, Shannon shares a beautiful reflection on the teachers who shape us and the communities that hold us. She shares how an intimate teacher training became a family, how her mentors modeled compassion in action, and how those lessons now live on through her community work with St. Louis Yoga Collective. Shannon’s story is a reminder that the most powerful practices begin by simply showing up and grow in the presence of love.

Connect with Shannon on social media: @shannonlenzen and @stlyogacollective

St Louis Yoga Collective's next event is 4/26! Check out their website here >>> https://www.stlyogacollective.com/

Thank you for listening. <3

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com