Episode 41: A Life of Practice

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/ [https://www.megabenenewlin.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]

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/ [https://www.southriveryoga.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]

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. <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 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]