Full-Time Yoga Teacher

In Part 2 of our SmartFlow Yoga teacher series, Reika reunites with Bianca, Dre, and June—fellow certified SmartFlow teachers—to dive into what it's like  teaching  the method that shaped their practice. They explore how the intelligent sequencing, movement principles, and mindfulness embedded in SmartFlow create a teaching structure that’s both clear and creative. From the way students experience...

In this special group conversation, Reika is joined by fellow certified SmartFlow teachers June, Bianca, and Dre to reflect on our shared path under the guidance of Annie Carpenter. Each of us shares our personal journey into the world of SmartFlow Yoga: a method of yoga developed by Annie Carpenter —what initially drew us in, why it felt like “home,” and how Annie’s rigorous, thoughtful, and deep...

What happens when a Londoner falls in love with Colombia and decides to build a yoga community from the ground up? 🌍✨ In this episode, I sit down with  Andrew Singer , an experienced yoga teacher, trainer, and the founder of  Flying Tree Yoga  in Medellín, Colombia. Andrew shares his incredible journey from teaching languages around the world to dedicating his life to yoga. We discuss the  evolu...

In this episode, Reika and Karen challenge common misconceptions about knee and ankle alignment in yoga. Should your shins really be parallel in pigeon pose? Does flexing your ankle actually protect your knee? Together, they unpack the science behind these cues, discuss why fear-based language can be harmful, and explore how teachers can promote a more informed, adaptable approach to movement. Whe...

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 i...

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 In this first episode, we focus on shoulder alignment in yoga poses—breaking down outdated cues, rethinking Chaturanga alignment, downward facing dog, and exploring how a better understanding of anatomy leads to more effective and individualized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

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 embrac...

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 fe...

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 moth...

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 he...

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 i...

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 seamle...

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: Designing classes that don’t meet the needs of the students in front of you. Overcomplic...

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...

Welcome to Episode 53, the first of a special four-part series with Olga, a van-life yoga teacher, and online yoga teacher you may remember from Episode 12. In this series, we dive deep into the art and philosophy of creative sequencing in yoga. In this episode, Olga and I explore what creative sequencing truly means and how it relates to the broader concept of creativity. We discuss the transitio...

As 2024 comes to a close, I reflect on a year full of growth, travel, and new milestones. From launching my podcast and completing 44 interviews to teaching yoga teacher trainings across Peru, this year has been transformative in so many ways. I also embraced personal challenges, like training for my first full marathon and learning Spanish, all while expanding my yoga business and announcing my f...

In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Garcia, an experienced Indigenous yoga teacher and the founder of Two Rivers Yoga. With over 6,000 teaching hours and 1,500 hours of advanced training in a variety of yoga styles, Michelle has spent nearly a decade following her love for teaching yoga across the globe. From Canada to Peru, Mexico to Costa Rica, she’s led more than 30 teacher training progr...

In this solo episode, I dive into the not-so-glamorous side of working for yoga studios—a topic that’s often left unspoken in the yoga world. Having worked for numerous studios over the years (and still working for some), I’ve seen the ups and downs firsthand. While working for a studio can seem like a dream job for new yoga teachers, the reality often includes challenges and complexities that are...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sunny, a dedicated yoga and Pilates teacher who has been sharing her passion for movement and mindfulness since 2019. As a lululemon ambassador, Sunny has cultivated meaningful community connections while inspiring others to explore their physical and energetic selves through yoga and Pilates. Sunny’s journey is truly inspiring as she balances h...

Welcome to this week’s episode! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Tina, the founder of Soul Spark Creation. Tina brings a unique perspective to the yoga world, blending her extensive experience in senior management roles in the travel and digital health industries with her passion for creativity, community, and well-being. With an Executive MBA and years of expertise in marketing, branding, and bus...

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Andrea “Dre” Pavela, a Certified SmartFLOW® yoga teacher and dedicated student of Annie Carpenter’s method. Dre shares her inspiring journey of living an  inside-out life —listening to her higher self and aligning her choices with her true purpose, rather than succumbing to external pressures. We dive into Dre’s transformative shift in how she approaches yog...

In this episode, I sit down with Gwen, a business mentor and mindset coach for wellness experts and coaches. Gwen has helped countless wellness professionals create authentic, simple online businesses that generate six-figure incomes while supporting financial independence and freedom. What stood out to me in this conversation was how Gwen has crafted her dream life on a stunning island in Indones...

In this special episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Erica Hartnick, the inspiring founder of Yoga Trade. Erica’s grounded, humble nature shines through as she shares her journey of creating a global platform that connects traveling yoga teachers with transformative opportunities. Growing up in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills, Erica’s love for nature, adventure, and mindfulness led he...

In this episode, I sit down with Claudia Vas, who shares her inspiring journey of leaving a 20-year career to follow her passion for yoga. Claudia opens up about how the stress and unhappiness of her previous job even affected her physically—and how, remarkably, her chronic back pain disappeared once she made the brave decision to pursue yoga full-time. Claudia is now an E-RYT500 yoga teacher and...

In this episode, I sit down with an inspiring teacher, Arbely, to hear about her remarkable journey as a full-time, traveling yoga instructor. She shares the highs and lows of her global teaching adventure, including an unforgettable story about getting arrested in Thailand—a true insight into the challenges of a traveling teacher's life. We also discuss her move to Bali, where she now teaches in...