In this second of the anatomy mini-series, Reika and Olga dive into one of the most important and most overlooked topics in yoga education: anatomical variation. They explore how differences in bone structure, joint shape, and movement capacity influence every student’s experience on the mat.
This conversation breaks down why flexibility isn’t just about stretching more, why some poses feel accessible for one person and impossible for another, and how understanding variation can completely shift the way yoga teachers approach sequencing. Reika and Olga discuss how anatomy-informed teaching leads to more inclusive, compassionate, and effective classes and how empowering students to explore their own bodies can deepen their practice in meaningful ways.
Whether you're a yoga teacher or a curious practitioner, this episode will help you rethink the way you see bodies, movement, and the purpose of yoga itself.
Resources:
Connect with Olga:
Connect with Reika:
Join the online yoga studio for $20 for two weeks!
Join Reika's Newsletter
Reika's Instagram: @reikayoga
Reika's Website: www.reikayoga.com
In this first episode of our three-part mini-series on anatomy for yoga teachers, Reika and Olga dive into their personal journeys of learning anatomy, starting from their early experiences in 200-hour trainings to the continuing education programs that helped everything finally “click.” They reflect on what was missing in their initial anatomy education, what sparked their fascination with functional movement, and how ongoing study has transformed the way they teach.
This conversation highlights why anatomy matters for yoga teachers, how outdated cues and concepts can create confusion, and why understanding real human variation is essential for teaching safer, more empowering classes. Reika and Olga also share the trainings, courses, and teachers they recommend for anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge and stay current with evolving research in movement and anatomy.
Previous podcast episodes with Olga:
Episode 12: Interview with Olga
4-Part Series on Creative Sequencing (Episode 53-56)
Connect with Olga:
Connect with Reika:
Join the online yoga studio for $20 for two weeks!
Join Reika's Newsletter
Reika's Instagram: @reikayoga
Reika's Website: www.reikayoga.com
In this episode, Reika sits down with Jo of Organic Adaptive to reflect on their shared experience organizing and leading the Ethical Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua. Together, they revisit the planning process, from developing a clear theme to balancing structure with free time, and share what it truly takes to bring a meaningful retreat to life.
Reika and Jo discuss the value of collaboration, communication, and organization behind the scenes, as well as the importance of ethics and community in retreat work. This conversation offers a transparent look at the joys, lessons, and challenges of leading yoga retreats that are rooted in purpose, integrity, and connection.
Whether you’re a yoga teacher dreaming of hosting your own retreat or someone curious about what goes into creating an intentional group experience, this episode provides grounded insight and heartfelt reflection on the art of retreat facilitation.
Connect with Jo:
Email: jo@organicadaptive.com
Get on the Waitlist for:
Ethical Yoga Retreat: Align with Purpose in Nicaragua 2026
Connect with Reika:
Join Reika's Newsletter
Reika's Instagram: @reikayoga
Reika's Website: www.reikay
In this episode, Reika sits down with Mado Hesselink, yoga teacher, mentor, and host of The Yoga Teacher Resource podcast, to explore what it truly means to build a sustainable and fulfilling yoga career. Mado shares her journey from teaching group classes to mentoring yoga teachers worldwide through her online courses and community. Together, they discuss the realities of the yoga industry, balancing passion with business and creating meaningful relationships with students. This conversation is a grounded and inspiring reminder that sustainability in teaching comes from both heart and strategy.
Connect with Mado:
Website: https://teachingyoga.net/
Instagram: @yoga.teacher.resource
Podcast: Yoga Teacher Resource
Map Your Year 5-Day Strategy Sessions
Upcoming Workshop:
Yoga Meets Physical Therapy: Strength, Stability, and Safety for the Hypermobile Body
Connect with Reika:
Join Reika's Newsletter
Reika's Instagram: @reikayoga
Reika's Website: www.reikay
In this episode, Reika sits down with Debbie Livingston, yoga teacher, ultra runner, coach, mother, and lifelong advocate for mindful movement. Debbie shares how she discovered yoga and trail running during college and how both practices have remained beautifully intertwined throughout her life.
With over two decades of experience in fitness, yoga, and coaching, Debbie reflects on the importance of listening to the body, cross-training for longevity, and finding balance between family, work, and passion.
✨ Topics we explore:
The intersection of yoga and trail running
Balancing career, motherhood, and athletic pursuits
Mindful movement and longevity in sport
Coaching philosophy and community connection
Connect with Debbie:
Website: https://debbielivingston.com/
Instagram: @trailrunningmom
Upcoming Workshop:
Yoga Meets Physical Therapy: Strength, Stability, and Safety for the Hypermobile Body
Connect with Reika:
Join Reika's Newsletter
Reika's Instagram: @reikayoga
Reika's Website: www.reikayoga.com
In Part Three of the Intelligent Sequencing for Vinyasa Yoga mini-series, Reika and Karen explore the power of consistency in yoga sequencing and how it supports both teachers and students. They discuss why predictability can actually create a deeper sense of safety, embodiment, and connection, rather than stifling creativity.
This conversation dives into how a consistent framework allows teachers to layer in creative variations with clarity and intention. Reika and Karen also touch on how sequencing can help “wake students up” to their own bodies, rather than lead them to check out of their experience.
Upcoming Workshop:
Intelligent Sequencing for Yoga Teachers
October 25th, Saturday 2-4 pm PST
In-person @Long Beach & Livestreamed
Connect with Karen:
Instagram: @sodiumsoul
Connect with Reika:
Join Reika's Newsletter
Reika's Instagram: @reikayoga
Reika's
In Part Two of the Intentional Sequencing for Vinyasa Yoga mini-series, Reika and Karen dive into one of the most common challenges yoga teachers face: doing too much in a sequence. They unpack the pressure many new teachers feel to prove their creativity through complex flows and explore why simplicity often creates a more impactful experience for students.
Through candid conversation and personal teaching reflections, they discuss how intentionality can help narrow the focus of a class, why students only absorb a fraction of what’s offered, and how repetition and restraint can lead to deeper engagement. Reika and Karen also explore the balance between being a teacher and a choreographer, and how embracing simplicity allows both teachers and students to truly be in the practice rather than perform it.
Upcoming Workshop:
Intelligent Sequencing for Yoga Teachers
October 25th, Saturday 2-4 pm PST
In-person @Long Beach & Livestreamed
Connect with Karen:
Instagram: @sodiumsoul
Connect with Reika:
Join Reika's Newsletter
Reika's Instagram: @reikayoga
Reika's website: www.reikayoga.com
In this first episode of our mini-series on Intelligent Sequencing, Reika sits down with Karen to explore what it really means to design a thoughtful yoga class. They unpack the concept of sequencing as the “why” behind each pose, and how teachers can intentionally prepare and unravel the body throughout a practice. From the role of vinyasa krama in building toward peak poses to the importance of a complete cool down, this conversation highlights how sequencing can transform a student’s experience. Whether you’re a yoga teacher looking to refine your craft or a student curious about what goes into a well-designed class, this episode will give you insight into the art and purpose of intentional sequencing.
Upcoming Workshop:
Intelligent Sequencing for Yoga Teachers
October 25th, Saturday 2-4 pm PST
In-person @Long Beach & Livestreamed
Connect with Karen:
Instagram: @sodiumsoul
Connect with Reika:
Join Reika's Newsletter
Reika's Instagram: @reikayoga
Reika's website: www.reikayoga.com
In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, Reika sits down with Danielle Neathery, yoga studio owner, recovery yoga teacher, and ultra trail runner, to explore her unique journey from engineering to full-time yoga. Danielle shares how she stepped into studio ownership through an unexpected opportunity, the lessons she’s learned teaching in recovery centers, and how the pandemic has affected her business..
We also dive into her passion for ultra running and the ways yoga supports her training, mental health, and overall balance. From navigating the challenges of running a studio to finding strength and meditation on the trails, Danielle opens up about what success means to her: cultivating peace and contentment in both work and life.
This conversation is a must-listen for yoga teachers balancing multiple roles, studio owners navigating business realities, and anyone curious about the intersection of yoga, recovery, and endurance sports.
Connect with Danielle:
Instagram: @dln1010
Studio's Instagram: @tententruthyoga
Studio's website: https://tententruth.com/
Reika's Resources:
Join Reika's Newsletter
Reika's Instagram: @reikayoga
Reika's website: www.reikayoga.com
In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, Reika sits down with Karol De Souza, a yoga teacher, entrepreneur, and mother whose journey has taken her from a childhood shaped by meditation and mindfulness to building a thriving six-figure hybrid yoga business.
Karol shares how her bold decision to leave the corporate world and embrace a nomadic lifestyle. From traveling and teaching yoga across the globe to eventually settling in Portugal, Karol opens up about the challenges of financial stress, redefining her purpose, and the resilience it took to transition from low-paid studio classes to leading international retreats and creating online offerings.
We also dive into how Karol grew her business during the pandemic, harnessed social media authentically, and built a global community that allows her to work from anywhere in the world. She reflects on the balance between motherhood and entrepreneurship, the power of retreats in transforming lives, and why success is about more than numbers; it’s about finding fulfillment and alignment.
Whether you’re a yoga teacher seeking inspiration to break free from burnout, an entrepreneur navigating the online space, or someone curious about balancing passion, family, and business, this conversation offers practical insights and soulful encouragement from Karol’s journey.
Connect with Karol:
Website: https://www.kdsyoga.com/
Instagram: @karol_de_souza
Reika's Resources:
Join Reika's Newsletter
Reika's Instagram: @reikayoga
Reika's website: www.reikayoga.com
In this episode, I sit down with AJ White-Graff, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, E-RYT 500, a physical therapist, experienced yoga teacher, and anatomy educator based in Long Beach, California. With over a decade of experience in yoga and fitness, AJ brings a unique perspective on bridging yoga and physical therapy.
AJ shares their journey from being a multi-sport athlete and dancer to discovering yoga through injury recovery, eventually becoming a full-time yoga teacher and later pursuing a career in physical therapy. We talk about the challenges of being a full-time yoga teacher, why anatomy knowledge is essential for yoga teachers, and how AJ integrates physical therapy with yoga to make movement safe, accessible, and empowering, especially for yoga teachers.
This conversation is full of insights for yoga teachers, physical therapists, and anyone passionate about movement education, injury recovery, and lifelong learning.
Connect with A.J.:
Instagram: @aj.wt.pt
Email: ajwhitegraff@gmail.com
Reika's Resources:
Subscribe to Reika's Newsletter
Reika's Instagram: @reikayoga
Reika's website: www.reikayoga.com
In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, Reika sits down with Jordan Norman, founder of Ivy Wild Wellness, to explore her journey from the corporate tech world to a nomadic lifestyle as a full-time yoga teacher and wellness entrepreneur. Jordan shares how yoga first entered her life through movement and discipline, and how it later became a foundation for personal growth, teaching, and business building.
We dive into the realities of transitioning from corporate life to teaching yoga full-time, finding creative opportunities in corporate wellness, teaching online yoga and retreats. Jordan also reflects on her time living in Costa Rica, where she has been able to deepen her practice, connect with community, and expand her offerings.
A passionate fertility awareness educator, Jordan opens up about the importance of body literacy, understanding the menstrual cycle, and integrating these teachings into her wellness business.
Whether you’re a yoga teacher, wellness entrepreneur, or simply curious about blending business with mindful living, this conversation is full of wisdom on following your path and building a practice, and life, that feels aligned.
Connect with Jordan:
Website: www.ivywildwellness.com
Instagram: @adventuresofjordannorman & @ivywildwomen
Reika's Resources:
Subscribe to Reika's Newsletter
Reika's Instagram: @reikayoga
Reika's website: www.reikayoga.com
In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, Reika sits down with Steve Szakal, an ultra runner, full-time yoga teacher, to explore the powerful intersection of yoga and endurance running.
Steve shares how he went from feeling unhealthy and burnt out from years of manual labor to transforming his life through running and hot yoga. What started with a two-mile run grew into a passion for marathons, ultras, and a dedicated yoga practice. Along the way, Steve discovered how yoga philosophy, and mindfulness deeply inform his running, and vice versa.
Together, they discuss the physical and mental challenges of ultra running, and the intersection of ultra running and yoga history and philosophy. Steve also reflects on his transition to full-time yoga teaching, the role of Ghosh Yoga and his teachers in shaping his path, and how living simply allows him to pursue both passions with joy and clarity.
Whether you’re a yoga teacher, a runner, or someone curious about how two seemingly different disciplines complement one another, this conversation is filled with wisdom and inspiration.
Connect with Steve:
Instagram: @run2805project
Email: Szakal2805@hotmail.com
Podcasts that Steve was a guest on:
Reika's Resources:
In this episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, Reika sits down with Lily Dwyer Begg, a seasoned yoga teacher with over two decades of practice and full-time teaching since 2006. Lily shares her unique journey from professional dancer to yoga teacher, navigating multiple relocations, motherhood, and the ever-changing landscape of the yoga industry.
From shifting online during the pandemic to running transformative retreats, Lily emphasizes the importance of community, diversification, and defining success on your own terms. She opens up about the challenges of starting fresh in new cities, balancing personal growth with financial sustainability, and setting clear boundaries in teaching spaces.
This honest and inspiring conversation offers valuable insight for yoga teachers seeking longevity, fulfillment, and resilience in their careers.
Connect with Lily:
Website: https://www.lilydwyerbeggyoga.com/
Instagram: @lilydwyerbegg
Reika's Resources:
In this week’s episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, I sit down with returning guest Diana May, who has grown her Instagram following from 2,000 to over 75,000 in about one year. Diana opens up about the intentional steps she took to grow her online presence, what worked (and what didn’t), and the personal stories around money she had to overcome to consistently put herself out there.
We talk about the transition from teaching yoga in-person to building a thriving online community, the role of trauma and nervous system work in her teaching, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries with social media. Diana also shares how investing in professional guidance helped accelerate her growth, and she offers grounded, practical advice for yoga teachers who feel hesitant about stepping into the online space.
If you’ve been curious about content creation, community building, or growing your yoga business online, this conversation is full of insights, inspiration, and encouragement.
Listen to:
Diana's first podcast interview: Episode 19
Connect with Diana:
Website: www.dianamay.com
Instagram: @dianamayyoga
Reika's Resources:
Mentorship for Yoga Teacher Application
Women's Hikeing & Yoga Retreat Interest List
Subscribe to Reika's Newsletter
Reika's Instagram: @reikayoga
Reika's website: www.reikayoga.com
In this episode, I reconnect with Sarah Taylor, a fellow yoga teacher I worked with while leading 200-hour Yoga Teacher Trainings in the Peruvian jungle. Now she is based in Lima, Sarah shares what it’s like to teach yoga full time in Peru’s bustling capital.
We talk about her transition from the serene jungle to a growing urban yoga scene, how she’s taught 10 teacher trainings since moving to Peru, and why diversifying income streams is essential for long-term success as a yoga teacher. Sarah opens up about the evolving yoga culture in Lima, and the role continuing education plays in both her career and the wider community.
If you’ve ever dreamed of teaching yoga abroad, running retreats, or building a sustainable yoga career, Sarah’s story is full of practical advice and inspiration, plus a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’re brave enough to ask.
Keywords: yoga, teaching, Lima, Peru, yoga community, continuing education, retreats, yoga teacher training, yoga culture, yoga styles
Connect with Sarah:
https://www.themiamiyogini.com
First interview with Sarah:
Episode 36: From Miami to Peru: Sarah’s Journey of Finding Authenticity as a Yoga Teacher
Reika's Resources:
In this week's episode of the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, I sit down with Josh Blatter, a yoga and meditation teacher, mindfulness educator, and Peace on Purpose facilitator with 16+ years of experience. From his early days as a chef to becoming a respected voice in the San Diego yoga community, Josh shares his unconventional path to full-time teaching, and the lessons he's learned along the way.
We dive deep into the evolution of the yoga industry, the difference between Eastern and Western perspectives on yoga therapy, and how introverted teachers can stay authentic without burning out. Josh also speaks about his time studying in India at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, his experience with the UN Foundation, and why staying authentic is more important now than ever before.
Whether you're a new teacher or seasoned practitioner, this conversation is full of grounded insights on how to create a sustainable teaching path while honoring your personal practice and values.
Connect with Josh:
website: http://www.joshblatter.com
email: josh@joshblatter.com
Reika's Resources:
Accessible Yoga Training at Ra Yoga – August 10 & 17, 2025
In this final episode of the Debunking the Myths mini-series on the Full-Time Yoga Teacher Podcast, Reika unpacks one of the most overlooked but deeply felt misconceptions in the yoga world, the belief that yoga teachers must wear all the hats: therapist, doctor, best friend, spiritual, entertainer, and more. With compassion and clarity, she explores the unrealistic expectations yoga teachers often face, and how those pressures can lead to burnout, depletion, and blurred boundaries.
This episode is an invitation to redefine your role as a yoga teacher. Reika shares tools and insights for setting ethical boundaries, managing expectations, and protecting your energy, so you can stay grounded, show up authentically, and avoid taking on responsibilities that aren’t yours. Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned full-time instructor, this conversation is a must-listen for creating sustainable, empowered teaching relationships in your yoga career.
✨ Mentioned in the episode:
Upcoming workshop: Yoga Meets Physical Therapy: Teaching Yoga for Healthy Aging with AJ – July 26, 2025
Accessible Yoga Training at Ra Yoga – August 10 & 17, 2025
In the third episode of her four-part mini-series, Reika Shucart tackles one of the most pervasive myths in the yoga world: that to be a yoga teacher, you must be young, thin, flexible, or fit. Reika shares her own journey of not fitting the "yoga teacher mold" and the insecurities that came with it, and how she's learned to show up confidently as she is. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that yoga teachers come in all shapes, sizes, ages, backgrounds, and levels of ability, and that showing up as your authentic self is powerful. Whether you're an aspiring teacher or a seasoned one, this episode will remind you why your voice and presence in the yoga world matter.
✨ Mentioned in the episode:
Upcoming workshop: Yoga Meets Physical Therapy: Teaching Yoga for Healthy Aging with AJ – July 26, 2025
Accessible Yoga Training at Ra Yoga – August 10 & 17, 2025
In the second episode of this four-part mini-series, Reika Shucart debunks the myth that teaching yoga is “not a real job.” She dives into the realities of full-time yoga teaching, what it actually looks like to sustain a livelihood from your practice and service. Reika shares her personal journey, including explaining the unseen behind-the-scenes labor, continued learning, and business responsibilities that make yoga teaching a deeply fulfilling, professional, and challenging career path.
✨ Mentioned in the episode:
Upcoming workshop: Yoga Meets Physical Therapy: Teaching Yoga for Healthy Aging with AJ – July 26, 2025
Accessible Yoga Training at Ra Yoga – August 10 & 17, 2025