Yoga Teacher Chats

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/ [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/#/ [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 [https://ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 37: Becoming Yourself Through Practice and Community

In Today's episode of Yoga Teacher Chats, Ashley chats with Raveen Johnson, yoga teacher, writer, singer, and journaling facilitator based in Houston, Texas. Raveen shares her journey into yoga through community, heartbreak, faith, intuition, and the transformative power of being witnessed. They talk about the studio that shaped her, the impact of immersive community practice, navigating teacher training during a pandemic, and learning to trust the quiet nudges that change the course of your life. They also explore journaling as practice, the evolution from power yoga into yin, creativity as nourishment, and the importance of honoring the parts of ourselves that keep us alive. This conversation is warm, reflective, and deeply affirming for anyone learning to trust themselves, deepen their practice, and become more fully who they are. Connect with Raveen on social media: @raveenalexis Visit her website here: https://www.theraveenalexis.com/ [https://www.theraveenalexis.com/] Thank you for listening. <3 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 [https://ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

BONUS EPISODE (36): The Courage to Learn Again and upcomings at hOMe Yoga

In today's bonus episode, Ashley shares a vulnerable reflection on stepping back into the role of student after beginning a new 500-hour training with a different lineage. From identity shifts and ego to growth, discomfort, and becoming a beginner again, this episode is an honest conversation about what it means to keep learning. Ashley also shares everything happening this month at hOMe Yoga, including workshops, Yoga Nidra, sound baths, family yoga, SEVA, and special community events both in and outside the studio. Register for events at the studio here: https://www.homeyogamo.com/schedule [https://www.homeyogamo.com/schedule] Gateway Pet Guardians wish list: https://gatewaypets.org/wishlist/ [https://gatewaypets.org/wishlist/] Register for Yoga and Sound at Lucky Dog farm here: https://www.luckydogmo.com/product/may-yoga-sound-and-farm-tour/GCB7I2MGB4MFOUNUVT5JILND?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false [https://www.luckydogmo.com/product/may-yoga-sound-and-farm-tour/GCB7I2MGB4MFOUNUVT5JILND?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false] Connect with Ashley on social media @ashleysimonisyoga and/or @homeyogamo Thank you for listening. <3 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 [https://ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 35: Tradition, Rebellion & Building Community

In today's episode, Ashley (Simonis) chats with Ashley Ribaudo of St. Louis Ashtanga Yoga (SLAY) and Expansion Therapy. Ashley shares her unconventional path from advertising school to flight attendant to physical therapy assistant to yoga teacher, mentor, and community leader. We talk about how Ashtanga first hooked her, why Mysore-style practice can be one of the most individualized and supportive ways to learn, and how injuries and life experience transformed her relationship with a once-rigid practice. Ashley also shares what it looked like to step forward when local teachers moved on, carry the torch for the St. Louis Ashtanga community, and build SLAY into the thriving space it is today. From yoga philosophy groups to myofascial release work to mentorship outside traditional systems, Ashley offers a grounded and refreshing perspective on what yoga can become when we allow it to evolve. This conversation is grounded, expansive, and inspiring for anyone curious about honoring tradition while creating a practice that truly fits real life. Connect with Ashley on social media: @ashley.ribaudo.yoga @stl.ashtanga and @expanion.therapy Practice Ashtanga with Ashley: https://www.saintlouisashtangayoga.com/ [https://www.saintlouisashtangayoga.com/] Ashley offers free discovery sessions for Expansion Therapy (in person and virtually) Find out more here: https://www.expansion-therapy.com/ [https://www.expansion-therapy.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 [https://ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 34: Expansion Therapy - Healing Through Breath, Body & Being Seen

In this episode, Ashley chats with Dr. Carolyn Meister, physical therapist and founder of Expansion Therapy for a conversation that completely redefines what healing can look like. Dr. Carolyn’s work blends fascia release, breathwork, movement analysis, and energetic awareness to help people understand the deeper stories their body is holding. This isn’t just physical therapy, it’s a practice of learning how to see yourself more clearly. They talk about how the body stores lived experience, how limiting beliefs can show up as tension or pain, and how becoming aware of your patterns through the way you move, breathe, and exist can open the door to real transformation. They also explore the vulnerability of being truly seen, the importance of boundaries and energy exchange, and what it means to come back into relationship with your body in a more honest and empowered way. This conversation is powerful, confronting, and deeply supportive for anyone who is ready to move beyond surface-level healing. Connect with Dr. Carolyn on Instagram and TikTok at @dr.carolyn.meister and @expansion.therapy Dr. Carolyn offers free discovery sessions (in-person and virtual). Find out more here: https://www.expansion-therapy.com/ [https://www.expansion-therapy.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 [https://ashleysimonisyoga.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]