Feeling stuck or anxious about change? Here are 5 life-changing reasons why it could be exactly what you need, afterall. In this episode, I share 5 powerful reasons why change is exactly what you need right now. From the dragonfly’s dream to the magic of fresh beginnings, let’s talk about how change breaks old patterns, makes you fully present, and helps you embrace the unknown. If you’ve been feeling stuck, anxious, or craving a breakthrough, this conversation is for you.Download your free SEO Checklist for yoga instructors & entrepreneursAlso, try OfferingTree for free, plus 50% off your first three months or 15% off your first year with my link here. (My sponsor)Mailing list:https://www.shawnakru.com/ Follow me on instagram:@shawnkruCome on my Costa Rica yoga retreat in January 2026:https://www.shawnakru.com/sweet-simplicity-retreat 00:00 the dragonfly’s dream07:50 the under the stars mishap12:30 change makes me feel discomfort16:00 we are moving19:50 a magical message 21:30 part 1: change breaks the pattern of the past24:00 part 2: change makes you present31:30 how we really change33:30 part 3: change brings the unknown38:16 part 4: change reclaims your power42:30 part 5: change is the purpose of it all: freshness44:00 dragonfly’s dream full-circle
--------
46:19
--------
46:19
Sri Dharma Mittra Live in NYC: Teaching Yoga & Living from the Heart
I sat down with Sri Dharma Mittra in the Dharma Yoga Center in New York to record this live, in-person interview on his story, teaching yoga, compassion, God, headstands, the infinite nature of who we are, and what qualities we can cultivate as yoga teachers. This interview is a reminder of the magic that occurs when we act from trust rather than fear, and when we livel simply and from the heart. The kirtan music at the end was recorded live right before the interview and features Adam Frei on guitar, Sri Dharma on the drums and the whole group singing.IF YOU ENJOYED THIS INTERVIEW WITH SRI DHARMA, PLEASE DROP ME A RATING & SUBSCRIBE. Thank you! <3Download your free SEO Checklist :) Also, try OfferingTree for free, plus 50% off your first three months or 15% off your first year with my link here. (My sponsor)Find me on instagram: @shawnkruFind DYC on instagram: @dharmayoganycDharma trainings & website: https://www.dharmayogacenter.com/ time stamps:00:00 intro03:22 the blessing 04:30 Dharma’s first headstand07:00 why Dharma yoga is so loved09:40 how Dharma sees God12:00 yoga practice as prayer13:40 what Dharma wanted to do when he was little16:30 doubt on the yogic path?19:50 remember this when in pain…23:45 teaching yoga in the space station27:21 a story from Yogi Gupta, Dharma’s teacher28:40 when we trust, mysteriously we receive: a lesson on the unknown & abundance30:00 Dharma had only one student & he left mid class32:30 what people don’t know about him34:30 what makes a good leader 37:30 Dharma’s greatest joy in life40:49 what worries him42:30 billboard question45:38 behind the scenes46:53 kirtan - music
--------
49:52
--------
49:52
stop overthinking: 3-step energy prep to create & show up at 100%
In this 3-part episode, I share how to stop overthinking and prepare your energy so you can show up with clarity and confidence. Learn how to shift from fear to love, trust yourself, and create with flow instead of anxiety. Part 1: How to prepare yourself in the way before, part 2 the night before and part 3 the right before. Download your free SEO Checklist!! Also, try OfferingTree for free, plus 50% off your first three months or 15% off your first year with my link here. (My sponsor)The Gene Keys tool I share.Mailing list:https://www.shawnakru.com/ Follow me on instagram:@shawnkruGet my guided journal for $33 with code POD33 https://www.ritualofwritingjournal.com/ Come on my Costa Rica yoga retreat in January 2026:https://www.shawnakru.com/sweet-simplicity-retreat Time stamps:00:00 intro01:00 mug story4:50 anxiety fires in my mind6:30 it’s my birthday!!10:30 the 3 parts to this episode12:15 PART 1: THE WAY WAY BEFORE14:00 beating indecision & recovering energy 17:30 act out of love, not fear. act on what gives you energy, not what’s logical. 20:00 life death life cycles 21:45 my biggest failure of the year24:50 SEO story & my new podcast sponsor!!28:00 how to start to prepare from worthiness31:40 PART 2: THE NIGHT BEFORE34:40 the only reason things “work” 37:00 how to actually change your beliefs40:00 trust yourself enough to STOP41:13 PART 3: THE RIGHT BEFORE42:30 how to last minute prepare: be decisive46:30 overthinking robs you of the ability to see the obvious.49:30 what inspires you to create greatness? 50:15 this is not your one and only shot: abundance
--------
53:47
--------
53:47
Leah Hester on Trust, Optimism, Intuition & the Mental Universe
This interview with Leah Hester brings me so much joy! Here’s a beautiful bts into a little bit of her journey and who she is and also a deep dive into following alignment and trust and choosing optimism and authenticity. It's refreshing, it's tangible, but at the same time, it's a conversation that really feels like it reconnects us to the magic of life. Leah is a yoga instructor and retreat facilitator and a wonderful creator currently based in Costa Rica.IF YOU ENJOYED THIS EPISODE WITH LEAH, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & DROP ME A RATING. Thank you! <3 Patanjali Yoga Sutra mentioned: 2.1 – Reducing klesas Find Leah on instagram and her retreats:@iamleahhester - @surfandshantiFind me on instagram:@shawnakruTime stamps:00:00 Intro03:00 Yoga Trade job & leap to living in Costa Rica06:50 self-worth & delusionally optimistic 08:00 what Leah wanted to do when she grew up9:40 finding our purpose11:50 how do we know if we are changing?19:00 learning to trust20:30 from indecision to decisiveness 25:00 how to start teaching yoga28:30 reality creation32:00 no more information overload34:00 Leah’s morning rituals36:30 hormone cycles38:00 breaking habits that you’re stuck in41:50 Leah’s creative process & social media: authenticity 47:20 Leah’s take on leadership49:00 rapid fire questions51:40 billboard: authenticity is magnetic
--------
54:37
--------
54:37
Q&A on Yoga Teaching, Motivation & Connection
in this episode i’m answering your questions on teaching, discipline, purpose, and community. i share behind the scenes updates on hosting my yoga retreat, my podcast sponsorship, and my own yoga journey. from handstands to belonging abroad, this is a q&a filled with honesty.Mailing list:https://www.shawnakru.com/ Follow me on instagram:@shawnkruGet my guided journal for $33 with code POD33 https://www.ritualofwritingjournal.com/ Come on my Costa Rica yoga retreat in January 2026:https://www.shawnakru.com/sweet-simplicity-retreat
Here we talk creativity, confidence, and presence through conversations with inspiring teachers and spiritual leaders who walk the path ahead of us. You’ll hear my personal stories—woven with poetry, storytelling, and even musical episodes—all rooted in a spirit of reconnecting with the magic of life and inspiring you to remember that your dreams are made for people like you. Above all, this is a space for discovering what it means to live with deeper awareness, to bring yoga into leadership, and leadership into yoga. Here’s to feeling at home in the unknown. -@shawnakru
Ireland