Yoga Teacher Chats

with Ashley Simonis and friends
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Updated Weekly

Conversations with yoga teachers about the practice, the path, and the real-life lessons between classes. ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com

  1. Episode 45: The Process of Becoming

    1h ago

    Episode 45: The Process of Becoming

    In today's episode, Ashley chats with Keri Kugler, leadership mentor and strategist, and host of The Aligned Woman Podcast for a conversation about the lifelong process of becoming. Keri shares how she found yoga after not even enjoying her first classes, why her 200-hour teacher training changed the course of her life, and how the practice continues to shape her work as a leadership and business coach. Together, they explore self-study, trusting the quiet nudges that lead us forward, finding your authentic voice as a teacher, navigating burnout, and why the deepest lessons of yoga continue to unfold long after teacher training ends. Whether you're a yoga teacher, a student, or simply someone finding your way, this conversation is a reminder that there is no final destination, only the process of becoming, one layer at a time. Find Keri on social media: @keri_kugler_ Listen to her podcast: The Aligned Woman Visit her website here: https://www.kerikugler.com/ Thank you for listening. ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com

    47 min
  2. Episode 44: A Way, Not The Way

    Jun 24

    Episode 44: A Way, Not The Way

    In today's episode, Ashley chats with one of her longtime teachers Sam Rice for a conversation about lineage, curiosity, and what it means to keep evolving in practice. Sam reflects on the teachers and experiences that shaped her, the importance of learning the "scales" before finding your own voice, and the humility of recognizing that there are many ways to approach the practice. Together, they explore the tension between certainty and openness, the wisdom that comes from changing your mind, and why the best teachers never stop being students. This is a conversation about honoring tradition without becoming rigid, trusting experience without clinging to absolutes, and allowing both yoga and life to continue to teach us. Because perhaps the greatest lesson of all is this: there is a way, but rarely the way. Connect with Sam on social media: @samriceyoga Visit her website here: https://www.samriceyoga.com/ Thank you for listening. ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com

    2h 28m
  3. Episode 43: Kindness is the Rule

    Jun 17

    Episode 43: Kindness is the Rule

    In todays episode, Ashley sits down with longtime teacher, educator, and mentor Candace Glass for a heartfelt conversation about finding yoga through life's hardest moments, the courage it takes to truly know ourselves, and the communities we create through kindness. Together, they explore the practice beyond the poses, touching on mindfulness, the Bhagavad Gita, teaching children, creating spaces where everyone belongs, and the quiet inner work that allows us to show up more fully in the world. Through her shares Candace reminds us that joy matters, acceptance is a practice, and perhaps most importantly: kindness is the rule. Connect with Candace on social media: @candace_glass and @wandering_wondering_one Take class from her on Sunday's from 9:15-10;30am at Pack Dance. Thank you for listening. ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com

    1h 3m
  4. BONUS EPISODE (42): What We're Really Doing Here

    Jun 12

    BONUS EPISODE (42): What We're Really Doing Here

    In today's bonus episode, Ashley shares reflections from her ongoing teacher training journey and the unexpected lessons emerging along the way. From studying yoga philosophy for the third time to wrestling with questions of purpose, lineage, and what it means to truly practice, this conversation explores the deeper layers of yoga beyond the postures. Ashley also opens up about a recent realization: that hOMe Yoga may be the very work she's been searching for all along. Along the way, she reflects on the teachers who shaped her path, the value of continued study, and why choosing to learn in a distracted world can feel like a radical act. Plus, hear about all the workshops, classes, and community events coming up at hOMe Yoga this month. Connect with Ashley on social media: @ashleysimonisyoga and @homeyogamo Register for events at hOMe Yoga: https://www.homeyogamo.com/ Register for Yoga and Sound at Lucky Dog Farm: https://www.luckydogmo.com/ Learn more about The Oxygen Project here: https://www.oxygenproject.org/ourstory Thank you for listening. 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

    32 min
  5. Episode 41: A Life of Practice

    Jun 10

    Episode 41: A Life of Practice

    What does it mean to devote yourself to a practice—not for a season, but for a lifetime? In today's episode, Ashley sits down with longtime practitioner, teacher, writer, and homesteader Meg Newlin for a conversation about studentship, mentorship, and the transformative power of showing up again and again. Meg shares stories from her early days studying with Christina Sell, Darren Rhodes, and other influential teachers, the evolution of her relationship with yoga over nearly three decades, and why some of the most meaningful learning happens outside of formal classes and teacher trainings. Together, Ashley and Meg explore practice as a way of life, the value of discomfort, the importance of devotion, and how the lessons we learn on the mat shape everything we do beyond it. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that yoga isn't about perfection, it's about returning, learning, and continuing to grow. Connect with Meg on social media: @treeduckmama Visit Meg's website here: https://www.megabenenewlin.com/ Thank you for listening. 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

    1h 1m
  6. Episode 40: From Healing to Holding Space

    Jun 3

    Episode 40: From Healing to Holding Space

    In today's episode, Ashley chats with Annie Geile, owner of South River Yoga in South County, MO to talk about the winding path that led her from corporate America and chronic illness into the world of yoga, restorative practice, and studio ownership. Annie shares how a life-changing diagnosis shifted her relationship to movement, introduced her to restorative yoga, and ultimately transformed the way she moves through the world. They talk about healing, dharma, hypermobility, yoga philosophy, teacher training, imposter syndrome, business ownership, and the importance of creating spaces rooted in community over competition. Annie also shares her perspective on Yoga Alliance, continuing education for teachers, and the beautiful collaboration between some St. Louis yoga studios through A Collective Breath benefiting The Oxygen Project. This conversation is full of wisdom about slowing down, listening deeply, and building a life that feels aligned from the inside out. Connect with Annie on social media: @anniekg2 and @southriveryoga Visit South River Yoga's website: https://www.southriveryoga.com/ Thank you for listening. ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com

    1h 9m
  7. Episode 39: Disco Balls & Devotion

    May 27

    Episode 39: Disco Balls & Devotion

    In today's episode, Ashley chats with the endlessly creative and deeply heartfelt Emma Crackel. Emma shares her journey from growing up drawn to yoga, to navigating early motherhood, her son Jude’s leukemia diagnosis, and ultimately finding healing, community, and purpose through the practice and teaching of yoga. They talk about resilience, artistry, philosophy, family yoga, learning to embrace uncertainty, and what it means to consciously make magic out of everyday life. This conversation is tender, playful, emotional, and a beautiful reminder that even through life’s hardest moments, joy, connection, and color can still exist. Connect with Emma on social media: @emmacrackel and @earthtoemmaco Thank you for listening. ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com

    58 min
  8. Episode 38: Indelible by Nature

    May 20

    Episode 38: Indelible by Nature

    In today's episode of Yoga Teacher Chats, Ashley chats with her teacher, mentor, and friend, Darren Rhodes, owner of Yoga Oasis in Tucson, AZ and mastermind behind the teaching technologies of yogahour®. Together, they explore the roots of practice, the power of community, and the experiences that leave an indelible mark on a life. Darren shares stories from his early introduction to yoga, the evolution of yogahour, building YO, and the teachings that continue to shape the way he lives, practices, and teaches today. This conversation is reflective, story-filled, and deeply meaningful for anyone interested in lineage, purpose, practice, and the lasting impact of great teachers. Learn more about Darren and purchase his teaching tools here: https://www.darrenrhodesyoga.com/ Connect with D on social media: @darrenrhodesyoga and @yogaoasis Visit YO in Tucson, AZ to learn from him. YO has online offerings as well: https://www.yogaoasis.com/#/ 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

    1h 1m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Conversations with yoga teachers about the practice, the path, and the real-life lessons between classes. ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    with Ashley Simonis and friends
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ashley Campise
  • Show Website
    Yoga Teacher Chats