Leadership and Yoga

I started a top 5% Spotify video podcast without being an influencer, and the years that you didn't see, built everything. Truthfully, I feel like I'm just getting started, but when I pause, I see that I have come a long way! This podcast is my "true north" and the reason I wake up and get to "work" writing, interviewing and creating every day. I believe in the power of inspiration, especially in times like these. I wanted to tell my full story, for those who are asking. I hope you feel inspired to think about telling (and creating) your OWN story, whatever it may be. I believe in you. :) And thanks for being part of the Leadership and Yoga fam. Find Shawna on instagram: ⁠@shawnakru ⁠⁠Shawna’s website⁠⁠Ayurvedic consultation with Art, TEND⁠Yoga Teacher Roundtable free community events & mailing list⁠

Londrelle shows us how spiritual practice becomes music that heals the world. Welcome to the inner workings of Londrelle’s songs, his creative process, and how he shares what he knows with the world. His music is communion with God, and he follows the Bhagavad Gita as instruction for everything he creates. Let’s talk about his spiritual practice and how it has made him the artist we know today: from maha mudra, kriya yoga and meditation to making music that elevates our vibration. Londrelle brings words of wisdom for us on how we can make an impact in the world, and also how we can make it through our own dark nights of the soul as he shares his own story from birth to present day. “Spiritual practice helps us tune into our gifts and abilities, they make us more open and less tense about what we do, so that we can go with the flow of that greater consciousness and intelligence that is always there.” -Londrelle “God for me is not something that you can put your finger on it, but you can't miss it. Everywhere you go, everywhere you turn, there is the presence of the most high God.” -LondrelleLondrelle on instagramLondrelle on SpotifyLondrelle’s mindfulness app: Eternal SunshineLondrelle’s websiteShawna on instagram: ⁠@shawnakru ⁠⁠Shawna’s website⁠Try OfferingTree for free⁠ ⁠with my link here⁠⁠ (My sponsor) Join YogaTrade Council & take workshops with me (Try it free) And check out jobs on https://yogatrade.com/  (My sponsor)⁠Yoga Teacher Roundtable free community events & mailing list⁠Time stamps:00:00 this is Londrelle!! 01:00 Yoga Trade02:00 OfferingTree03:10 join the podcast?05:00 yoga connection 07:30 Bhagavad Gita as instruction for music09:00 how Londrelle writes songs like Gratitude10:15 more meditative than creative11:45 when a song arrives, no sleep or pause, until it’s complete14:30 if they can see it in you, they can see it in themselves16:45 God: when you close your eyes and think of God..18:00 Protest and activism: Police brutality 20:00 setting out to serve, you open yourself to universal intelligence24:00 music is broadcasted to the world & shapes culture27:00 growing up: no space to dream, only survive31:10 Londrelle’s story from birth33:45 studying the divine you see your own true nature & importance35:10 Londrelle’s teachers/influences39:00 religion & spirituality are the same, two expressions of the same truth41:00 virgos! both Londrelle and Shawna are virgos. 45:00 dark nights of the soul & initiations46:00 death experience49:30 tests following 53:00 can’t escape yourself. wherever you go, there you are55:00 artist journey: becoming the Londrelle that we know today57:50 music is a science 59:00 Londrelle’s spiritual practices: maha Mudra, kriya yoga & meditation1:01:43 be less tense & tune into our gifts1:02:00 is there yoga in your music?1:04:00 supporting people going through darkness with our art1:05:09 winter in life1:08:00 self-acceptance1:11:00 impact in the outer world and introspection 1:12:50 this world is not meant to be heaven1:14:00 the world as a projection of yourself1:15:58 yoga’s role in addressing suffering of the world1:18:00 yoga is the process of opening ourselves1:19:00 how can we keep our dreams alive (song discussion)1:21:00 doing music for 25 years: dreams are seeds1:23:00 how to dream: look to serve1:25:00 billboard message: stay free!

FOR CONTEXT, SEE THE FULL EPISODE. This is the musical poetry, quick taste of my episode on the architecture of a moonshot dream coming true. It also is a standalone piece to get you thinking about your dreams and how to move towards them. Is it spring for the tree of your dreams stop trying to hold your life together with glue, and start giving your attention to what you actually want to grow. (In the style of my immersive special episodes... )

This is the architecture of a moonshot idea coming true (a transmission, not a list.) Let’s talk about how improbable dreams become reality. Blending mindset, spirituality, yoga philosophy, and personal storytelling, this episode explores manifestation, self-belief, identity shifts, intuition, and the energetic process of becoming. Perfect for listeners interested in personal growth, spiritual development, leadership, and conscious living, this is a reflective, poetic transmission designed to expand your perspective and reconnect you with your power.Find Shawna on instagram: ⁠@shawnakru ⁠⁠Shawna’s website⁠Join YogaTrade Council & take workshops with me (Try it free) And check out jobs on https://yogatrade.com/ ⁠Yoga Teacher Roundtable free community events & mailing list⁠Time stamps:00:00 intro01:00 poetic 03:00 what restored my faith in myself09:50 Yoga Trade 13:07 definition of moonshot16:00 why architecture 18:45 the mountain 20:00 the improbable bus story 27:00 event horizon discomfort 33:00 the moment you KNEW 35:00 living as that version of you41:00 how do we change beliefs44:00 the better we are at being patient, the less we need it49:00 being that brings opportunities 55:00 musical poetry: tree of your dreams

Kirby Gordon is a yoga teacher based in Austin, Texas and hosting retreats around the world. In this episode we talk about nomadic teaching, building confidence and decisiveness as a teacher, and advice on hosting your first retreat. Kirby also shares tips for teaching yoga and finding your people. If you're a yoga teacher looking to travel, are ready for your next adventure or to take that next step, this episode is for you!Kirby’s Website: https://www.kirbyyoga.com  Find Kirby on Instagram: @kirbygordon Find Shawna on instagram: ⁠@shawnakru ⁠⁠Shawna’s website⁠Try OfferingTree for free⁠ ⁠with my link here⁠⁠ (My sponsor) 30-day trial: Join Yoga Trade Council & take workshops with me(my sponsor) Get a job teaching yoga abroad? https://yogatrade.com/ ⁠Ayurvedic consultation with Art, TEND ⁠(My sponsor) ⁠Yoga Teacher Roundtable free community events & mailing list⁠Time Stamps: 00:00 intro01:39 OfferingTree & TEND05:09 nomadic teaching13:00 decisiveness & confidence 19:03 finding your people26:18 traveling after teacher training 31:05 consistency in yoga practice34:35 the importance of yoga retreats39:20 hosting your first yoga retreat 44:32 leave your students with something they can take with them48:00 what makes an exceptional yoga class?51:32 rapid fire questions52:36 billboard question

Hey fellow underdog. Did you know that the world loves an underdog? Let’s talk about why, and what that means for you. If you feel stuck, behind, or like an underdog in your life, business, or creative path, this episode will show you how to turn that struggle into your greatest advantage. We break down the underdog mindset, the biggest mistakes keeping you stuck (like comparison, shiny object syndrome, and self-doubt), and practical steps to build momentum, confidence, and long-term success as a creator, yoga teacher, or entrepreneur. Whether you're growing a podcast, building a brand, or chasing a dream, this episode is your roadmap to stop feeling behind and start winning.It’s a 3-part episode: 1. Reasons being an underdog is a blessing. 2. Major underdog mistakes that will keep you flailing, stuck and hopeless. 3. Instructions for living as an underdog. (For now. Because this is just an era.) Find Shawna on instagram: ⁠@shawnakru ⁠⁠Shawna’s website⁠Try OfferingTree for free⁠ ⁠with my link here⁠⁠ (My sponsor) Join YogaTrade Council & take workshops with me (Try it free) And check out jobs on https://yogatrade.com/ ⁠Yoga Teacher Roundtable free community events & mailing list⁠Time stamps: 00:00 intro04:28 3 part episode08:30 Yoga Trade10:00 OfferingTree 12:00 join the podcast! 13:55 PART 1: underdog blessings17:50 nothing to lose22:18 days of “trying” train you26:00 you don’t want a one hit wonder30:50 the danger of starting when things are easy33:55 PART 2: underdog mistakes36:20 envy 38:20 blindly leaping on a shiny object41:00 not looking at what you create critically45:40 “this is my only chance” 47:50 judging yourself too soon49:20 expert positioning when you’re not51:15 PART 3: underdog instructions

In this yoga teacher roundtable, yoga teachers from around the world share stories from teaching and practicing yoga: their "goosebump moments," unexpected lessons, synchronicities, and their very own billboard messages. See the link below if you're a yoga teacher and would like to participate in the next roundtable!⁠Yoga Teacher Roundtable free community events & mailing list⁠Thank you so much to the participating yoga teachers! Links to connect with them:Chelsea Forte: @fortechelsea, https://www.embodiedsoul.art/ David Marquez Hincapie: @DavidinbalanceAakash Shah: @djkash_officialDavid William Pearce: @davidwilliampearce, https://sexprayers.online/davidwilliampearceIzzy Martens: @yoga.humans, yogahumans.substack.comRachel Larsen: @racheology, rachellarsenyoga.comFind Shawna on instagram: ⁠@shawnakru ⁠⁠Shawna’s website⁠Try OfferingTree for free⁠ ⁠with my link here⁠⁠ (My sponsor) 30-day trial: Join Yoga Trade Council & take workshops with me (my sponsor)Get a job teaching yoga abroad? https://yogatrade.com/ ⁠Ayurvedic consultation with Art, TEND ⁠(My sponsor) Time Stamps: 00:00 intro01:46 yoga trade 02:57 mini-lesson from art (TEND)05:04 cueing 108 sun salutations (rachel)7:48 you never know what someone’s going through (david marquez hincapie)10:02 full circle: from the first class to teaching (izzy)13:28 learning to slow down & find stillness (aakash)16:57 synchronicities (chelsea)21:03 finding yoga community & a magical savasana (david william pearce)26:48 izzy marten’s billboard message29:39 rachel larsen’s billboard message31:16 chelsea forte’s billboard message33:26 aakash shah’s billboard message34:27 david marquez hincapie’s billboard message36:45 david william pearce’s billboard message39:32 closing

So much of the wellness world has become busy work to keep up from focusing on the bigger problems in the world. But our own selfish pursuits don’t bring happiness anyways. So can we take more accountability for what’s happening around us? In a season of world politics and wars that feels like spiritual wintertime, let’s talk about ignorance and neutrality vs standing up, jumping to conclusions vs thinking for yourself, and how we can stay informed while not losing our power and sanity. Who is the bad leader? Is it them, “up there?” Is it you? Is it me? Let’s find out. Today’s episode is a combination of poetic interpretations of the current state of events and its effect on our state of being. My substack piece mentioned “What’s going on up there”Piece by Jeff Foster “Behind the Curtain”Video about meditation mentionedFind Shawna on instagram: ⁠@shawnakru ⁠⁠Shawna’s website⁠Try OfferingTree for free⁠ ⁠with my link here⁠⁠ (My sponsor) ⁠Yoga Teacher Roundtable free community events & mailing list⁠Time stamps: 00:00 intro03:30 the mental whirlwind of being in a season of winter06:00 who this episode is for07:30 my turn to answer: can yoga change the world?9:30 OfferingTree11:00 my story: burnt out on news15:58 we create what we consume, but that doesn’t mean..17:23 what does this have to do with yoga?22:00 2 steps for better democracy 25:20 beliefs are tea steeping in your water26:30 desire to “belong” to a group28:00 being a real activist means31:30 the 3rd option36:00 when is it enough?40:00 survival mode does not gift the privilege of contemplating 43:50 news 48:50 bad leaders characteristics 50:00 just trying to get through the week51:20 Jeff Foster “I saw behind the curtain”56:00 spiritual bypassing59:30 “it’s all divine plan” 1:00:00 take accountability, you are not a hamster1:05:00 how to make real change

DJ Taz Rashid is a DJ and music producer creating music with a deeper mission to awaken, uplift, and empower humanity with music. His work lives in yoga, breathwork, dance and wellness spaces around the world, and you’ve likely already heard some of his tracks in a yoga class or added them to a playlist of your own. In this episode, we explore the power of music, how a carefully curated playlist can completely shift the energy of a yoga class, the practice of creating with intention, and more.DJ Taz on SpotifyDJ Taz’s WebsiteFind DJ Taz on instagram @djtazrashid ⁠⁠Shawna’s website⁠⁠Find Shawna on instagram: ⁠@shawnakru ⁠Try OfferingTree for free⁠ ⁠with my link here⁠⁠ (My sponsor) 30-day trial: Join Yoga Trade Council & take workshops with me(my sponsor) Get a job teaching yoga abroad? https://yogatrade.com/ ⁠Ayurvedic consultation with Art, TEND ⁠(My sponsor) ⁠Yoga Teacher Roundtable free community events & mailing list⁠Time Stamps: 00:00 intro1:31 yoga trade2:43 offering tree4:00 TEND & mini-lesson from Art08:20 starting to create music with intention14:38 expectations in the creative process16:43 music is energy and emotion19:55 music is a powerful portal24:17 the mission to awaken & empower humanity with music26:49 study your own story30:15 did you ever doubt your music path?37:54 creating with intention41:17 consistency & finding a focus45:50 understanding music as a yoga teacher48:21 tips for yoga teachers on making an intentional playlist50:12 yoga classes without music52:30 festivals57:20 collaborating in art01:01:17 current inspirations?01:06:01 getting aligned then taking action01:09:31 rapid fire questions01:10:44 billboard question

Here’s me telling the truth about how stuck I’ve felt over the last 4 months and what finally set me free. Feeling stuck, living at home, my parents are selling the house that raised me, and all our excuses. We paint reasons in our minds about “why we are stuck” or “why now isn’t a time that I am capable of breaking a cycle.” Which is NOT TRUE. Today is the day you get UNSTUCK: motivation with a side of humor and funny stories. What’s the point if literally everything we do makes us stressed and negative? Let’s talk about how to experience true JOY. Being stuck is the grey area in which you are holding some part of yourself back, not fully allowing yourself to feel or see what is right in front of you. Find Shawna on instagram: ⁠@shawnakru ⁠⁠Shawna’s website⁠30-day trial: Join YogaTrade Council & take workshops with me(March 13th - “Find Your Voice part 1” w/Shawna live, my sponsor) ⁠Yoga Teacher Roundtable free community events & mailing list⁠Substack I mention on feeling stuck by scarcity and lacktime stamps:00:00 intro 03:00 you cannot wait on anything external05:50 indecisiveness 07:00 revealing my earnings on substack09:30 i woke up “paralyzed” physically 12:20 slipping back into my old self16:50 yoga trade!! find your voice workshop with19:00 number 1: how much room for the unknown do you have?21:00 toxic algae 23:30 how i unstuck myself25:30 joy, actual JOY. experience it. 26:35 number 2: what are you not seeing?28:30 a total fail33:00 hoping and wishing implies that you DON’T have it34:20 gratitude, what it means really38:00 musical send off :)