Discover
The Funny Thing About Yoga

The Funny Thing About Yoga
Author: C.A.Y.A. Yoga School
Subscribed: 45Played: 1,353Subscribe
Share
© Giana Gambino
Description
Welcome to The Funny Thing About Yoga. Each week, Giana Gambino and Bradshaw Wish talk all things yoga with a touch of humor. From their years of experience as both yoga students and teachers, they cover every topic from the technical inquiries of the physical practice, to the business side of teaching, to casual banter about yoga playlists or disruptive students, and everything and anything in between. They also invite listeners in to contribute to real conversations on real topics we face daily. This podcast is sure to inspire yoga teachers and practitioners alike, or at least make you laugh for a moment.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
163 Episodes
Reverse
In this episode, Giana and Bradshaw delve into the growing trend of yoga teachers using ChatGPT to create their class sequences, scripts, and themes. They unpack the difference between using AI as a supportive tool versus outsourcing your own creativity and intuition. Giana talks about developing trust in your own voice, instincts, and body wisdom, saying, “ChatGPT doesn’t have a body. So why are we asking it to tell us how to move ours?”They explore the importance of building confidence as a new teacher and understanding how to do this. They urge listeners to use AI thoughtfully and know how to edit or when to rely on it. Without editing, critical thinking, and embodied experience is thrown out the window, and it actually stunts your growth as a teacher.To put it to the test, they ask ChatGPT to create a 60-minute full-body yoga class and go through the sequence section by section to explain exactly why you can’t outsource AI for this- especially if you want to be a good teacher! It’s not all negative, though; they also highlight the many ways AI can support your teaching career, from simplifying admin tasks and refining marketing copy to sparking ideas for themes, workshops, and other offerings.Expect honest conversation, a few laughs, and a reminder that your real power as a yoga teacher doesn’t come from a perfect script, it comes from your embodiment, your lived experience, and your ability to connect!Support our podcast? Join Patreon for more content - Liforme Yoga Mat giveaway by October 10th!* CHECK OUT OUR 300-HOUR PROGRAM * Early Bird ends October 20th!🌊 Upcoming RetreatsTodos Santos, Mexico Retreat: December 4-8, 2025 Nicaragua Yoga Teachers Retreat: February 2026Starved Rock Retreat: June 12-14, 2026Amalfi Coast Yoga Retreat: July 25 - August 1, 2026 Portugal Relax by the Sea Retreat: August 4-10, 2026📚 Read the Podcast Blog: The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack📲 Follow UsPodcast: @thefunnythingaboutyoga | School: @cayayogaschoolHosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish🌐 More Linksgianayoga.com | bradshawwishyoga.com | cayayogaschool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In today’s episode, Giana and Bradshaw recap their Amalfi Coast yoga retreat, starting with a quick stop in New York to film online courses, a few days of wandering around Rome, and a visit to Naples before heading out on retreat.We share about the luxurious villa we stayed in, the incredible attendees who joined us, the funny content we created, and what our retreat days looked like. Along the way, we tell plenty of hilarious stories about “edging” the Sistine Chapel, realizing we didn’t actually know what a shepherd is, and sprinting through the rain with pizza in hand.This trip was unforgettable, and we’re thrilled to announce we’ll be heading back next July. Don’t miss out on this experience- spots are limited, so snag yours while you can!Want to support our podcast? Join our Patreon for extra content** CHECK OUT OUR 300-HOUR PROGRAM **🌊 Upcoming RetreatsTodos Santos, Mexico Retreat: December 4-8, 2025 Nicaragua Yoga Teachers Retreat: February 2026Starved Rock Retreat: June 12-14, 2026Amalfi Coast Yoga Retreat: July 25 - August 1, 2026 Portugal Relax by the Sea Retreat: August 4-10, 2026📚 Read the Podcast Blog:The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack📲 Follow UsPodcast: @thefunnythingaboutyogaSchool: @cayayogaschoolHosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish🌐 More Linksgianayoga.combradshawwishyoga.comcayayogaschool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, we’re answering listener questions about the ideal number of retreat attendees, what to do when a studio asks to record your classes, and how to get over first-time teaching nerves. Of course, our banter takes a few detours—into cycle syncing and freebleeding (because obviously that has everything to do with yoga).⚡Heads up: soon these bonus episodes will be Patreon-only! Join now for behind-the-scenes, extra episodes, classes, and more: 👉 PatreonCHECK OUT OUR 300-HOUR PROGRAM: https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/300-hour🌊 Upcoming RetreatsMexico Retreat – Dec 4–8, 2025 — 2 SPOTS LEFTYoga Teachers Retreat – Feb & Mar 2026 — 2 SPOTS LEFTStarved Rock Retreat – June 12–14, 2026 — Use code EARLYBIRD40 for $40 off📚 Read the Podcast Blog:The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack📲 Follow UsPodcast: @thefunnythingaboutyoga School: @cayayogaschool Hosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwishLINKS:https://www.cayayogaschool.com/https://www.gianayoga.com/https://bradshawwishyoga.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, Giana and Bradshaw sit down with Jenny Clise, a San Francisco yoga teacher and author of The Complete Guide to Yoga Props. They dive into everything from moving and settling into new cities, finding community, and managing studios to carving out your niche wherever you are.You’ll hear fun “get-to-know-you” stories from Jenny’s time teaching in New York (including her favorite class with septuagenarians) to stepping into a San Francisco class formerly led by a beloved Bhakti teacher, only to disappoint students when they discovered she couldn’t sing.The conversation then turns to pandemic-era shifts that sparked growth, including Jenny’s pursuit of yoga therapy training and the creativity that led to her block-based eBook, which eventually became a full book deal! She shares insights into the process: researching prop uses, mapping it out, getting friends to demo poses, and weaving together years of experience into a valuable resource.They also explore using props in fun, approachable ways, flipping the script so props are not just “modifications” but can be both supportive and deepening.The episode wraps with lighthearted stories of frantic moments before restorative classes, chaotic retreat travel, and COVID-era travel challenges. Jenny is full of wisdom, warmth, and humor: you don’t want to miss this one!Jennys Book: https://amzn.to/46BTNSoFind Jenny Clise Online:Web: https://jennyclise.com/Ig: @jennyclise_About Jenny Clise:Jenny Clise (C-IAYT) is a certified yoga therapist with over 1,000 hours of training and has been teaching since 2012. She completed her yoga therapy training at Prema Yoga Institute, integrating therapeutic principles to make yoga accessible and inclusive. Jenny emphasizes mindful movement, breath work, props, and alignment tailored to individual needs, helping students cultivate physical and mental strength. An avid traveler, she leads retreats worldwide and writes for Yoga Journal on yoga, meditation, and wellness. She began with her ebook Blockasanas and later authored The Complete Guide to Yoga Props, empowering others on their yoga journey.Want to support our podcast? Join our Patreon for bonus content!CHECK OUT OUR 300-HOUR PROGRAM: https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/300-hour🌊 Upcoming Retreats• Todos Santos, Mexico Retreat: December 4-8, 2025 • Nicaragua Yoga Teachers Retreat: February 2026🌐 More Linksgianayoga.combradshawwishyoga.comcayayogaschool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Giana and Bradshaw explore what it looks like to teach beyond the group class setting. They discuss taking the leap into workshops, day retreats, and series, and stepping confidently into the role of yoga entrepreneur (even if they never use that word).They share their own journeys: Bradshaw opens up about his annual Mariah Carey Christmas tradition that sparks joy year after year, while Giana reflects on the resourcefulness that has shaped her career- from working in a chiropractor’s office to hosting day retreats on her brother’s farm. Most recently, she led a Bay Area day retreat complete with sauna and cold plunge, building community in a brand-new space.The two also dive into practical strategies for getting students to sign up and marketing your offerings. Plus, Giana announces her new mentorship beginning October 1, designed to help teachers branch out and start creating their own events.This episode is packed with stories, strategies, and inspiration to fuel your entrepreneurial spirit.CHECK OUT OUR 300-HOUR PROGRAM: https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/300-hour🌊 Upcoming Retreats• Todos Santos, Mexico Retreat : December 4-8,2025 • Nicaragua Yoga Teachers Retreat : February 2026• Starved Rock Retreat : June 12-14, 2026📚 Read the Podcast Blog:The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack📲 Follow UsPodcast: @thefunnythingaboutyogaSchool: @cayayogaschoolHosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish🌐 More Linksgianayoga.combradshawwishyoga.comcayayogaschool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bradshaw and Giana kick things off with Bradshaw’s questionable French accent (and a history tangent that somehow lands on Mussolini), plus a lighthearted detour into their celebrity crushes. But behind the laughs lies something big: the announcement of their upcoming 300-Hour Teacher Training and the central role of community in the program.They dive into what sets this training apart: personal mentorship, meaningful community building, and a hybrid model designed to fit the realities of working teachers’ lives. From accessibility and multiple learning styles to the transformative power of connection in the yoga world, they explain how this program was thoughtfully crafted from the ground up.Throughout the episode, Giana and Bradshaw reflect on their own training journeys- the moments they felt unseen, the challenges of navigating a sometimes competitive yoga world, and how mentorship and authentic connection can redefine a teacher’s path. They share how the pandemic strengthened their partnership, how engaging with community beyond your home studio fosters collaboration, and why connection- through classes, retreats, and even their Patreon “funny fam” remains at the heart of everything they do.As always, the conversation weaves between heartfelt reflection, hilarious stories, and a few surprises, including a secret about early-bird registration that you won’t want to miss.CHECK OUT OUR 300-HOUR PROGRAM: https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/300-hour🌊 Upcoming Retreats• Todos Santos, Mexico Retreat : December 4-8,2025 • Nicaragua Yoga Teachers Retreat : February 2026• Starved Rock Retreat : June 12-14, 2026📚 Read the Podcast Blog:The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack📲 Follow UsPodcast: @thefunnythingaboutyogaSchool: @cayayogaschoolHosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish 🌐 More Linksgianayoga.combradshawwishyoga.comcayayogaschool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Three years in, and we’re still asking: will we ever run out of things to say on this podcast? (Spoiler: not a chance.) Every episode is a chance to learn, grow, and laugh and this one is no exception.In today’s episode, Giana and Bradshaw dive deep into Savasana. At first, they weren’t sure if an anatomy breakdown of this pose was even necessary, but it turns out savasana deserves way more attention than it usually gets. From alignment that supports the nervous system to why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, they unpack it all.Expect a mix of technical insight, humor, and personal stories as they cover:How timing, music, and environment shape the experienceVariations (because savasana doesn’t feel the same for everyone)The role of “dropping in” to experience pratyaharaNavigating discomfort, avoidance, and the vulnerability of stillnessAnd so much more...Whether you’re a student or a teacher, you’ll leave with practical tips, relatable laughs, and maybe a new appreciation for the most “simple” yet profound pose in yoga.✨ If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe- it really helps us keep going!🌊 Upcoming Retreats• Todos Santos, Mexico Retreat : December 4-8,2025 • Nicaragua Yoga Teachers Retreat : February 2026• Starved Rock Retreat : June 12-14, 2026📚 Read the Podcast Blog:The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack📲 Follow UsPodcast: @thefunnythingaboutyogaSchool: @cayayogaschoolHosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish🌐 More Linksgianayoga.combradshawwishyoga.comcayayogaschool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this juicy bonus Q&A episode, we kick things off with banter about East Coast Italian-American pride, Bradshaw’s first Italian adventure, and our surprising discovery of supri- Rhode Island’s beloved cured pork specialty. Then we dive into listener questions: the nitty-gritty of sequencing requirements and what to do when a distracting moaner in class sparks complaints. We explore how sequencing rules can feel limiting but also inspire creativity, and how one moaner story sends Giana spiraling into a tangent about a farter—navigating complaints, boundaries, and those unavoidable uncomfortable conversations.SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: CAYAYOGASCHOOL@GMAIL.COM🌊 Upcoming Retreats• Todos Santos, Mexico Retreat : December 4-8, 2025 • Nicaragua Yoga Teachers Retreat : February 2026• Starved Rock Retreat : June 12-14, 2026📚 Read the Podcast Blog:The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack📲 Follow Us Podcast: @thefunnythingaboutyoga School: @cayayogaschool Hosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish🌐 More Links gianayoga.com • bradshawwishyoga.com • cayayogaschool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today we’re joined by Jason Bowman, a San Francisco–based teacher and one of the leads behind the Castro Room. Bradshaw kicks things off with some banter about Jason’s Instagram and dating life before the conversation dives into practice itself: meditation, Vipassana, Buddhism, and the layers of distraction, avoidance, and discomfort that surface along the way. Jason shares a formative teaching moment that shaped his approach, sparking reflections on the line between treating people as clients versus students, and the balance of being “nice” versus “strict,” especially given the gendered double standards women teachers often face.From there, they explore how teaching shifts with class size, the deep trust students offer when they “hand over the marionette strings” of their bodies, and the importance of community that comes from staying rooted in one place. The discussion broadens to the paradoxes of modern yoga: the irony of turning hobbies into identities, CorePower as a “gateway yoga drug,” and how marketing promises can cheapen a practice that speaks for itself. They trace the origins of Castro Rooms and the community it has built, while also touching on Jason’s personal life, writing, psychedelics, and the moments Bradshaw nudges him into sharing about his trauma.Amidst the big themes, there are plenty of lighter stories about lavender towel drama, slammed doors, inappropriate DMs, and the unforgettable moment Jason spotted an old party friend walking into class.Find Jason Bowman Online or IRL:Web: https://www.jasonarthurbowman.com/Ig: @_jasonbowmSubstack: https://jasonbowman.substack.com/Studio: https://www.castroroom.com/🌊 Upcoming Retreats• Todos Santos, Mexico Retreat : December 4-8,2025 • Nicaragua Yoga Teachers Retreat : February 2026• Starved Rock Retreat : June 12-14, 2026📚 Read the Podcast Blog:The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack📲 Follow UsPodcast: @thefunnythingaboutyoga School: @cayayogaschool Hosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish🌐 More Linksgianayoga.com bradshawwishyoga.com cayayogaschool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Giana and Bradshaw kick things off with playful banter and an unboxing where Bradshaw opens a box of goodies Giana influenced him to buy, as he is her reluctant but loyal “Dobby.” From there, the conversation flows into the theme of Growing Beyond People and Places. They explore the inner knowing that arises when it’s time to move on from relationships, friendships, jobs, or communities that no longer feel aligned, and the mix of grief, fear, and excitement that often comes with change.They talk about friendships that shift over time, the balance between surface connections and deeper ones, and the importance of safety in creating true vulnerability and depth. Giana reflects on her relationship and the depth of connection that sometimes can challenge slipping into trauma dumping, while Bradshaw jokes about his tendency to dive deep without always reciprocating. Together they wrestle with the discomfort of small talk, the difference between time spent and true connection, and how to recognize when something has run its course.The conversation also turns to work and purpose, from the sadness of outgrowing spaces to the professional necessity of letting go to make room for new opportunities. Bradshaw shares his experience of staying at the same gym for twelve years, tied to personal history but also limiting his growth, while Giana reflects on how that loyalty kept him from investing in himself through CAYA. In the end, they circle back to the truth that change requires introspection, boundaries, gratitude, and trust- an ongoing practice of letting go to create space for what’s next.🌊 Upcoming Retreats• Todos Santos, Mexico Retreat : December 4-8,2025 • Nicaragua Yoga Teachers Retreat : February 2026• Starved Rock Retreat : June 12-14, 2026📚 Read the Podcast Blog:The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack📲 Follow UsPodcast: @thefunnythingaboutyoga School: @cayayogaschool Hosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish🌐 More Linksgianayoga.com bradshawwishyoga.com cayayogaschool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Giana and Bradshaw are thrilled to announce their brand-new Patreon channel- your backstage pass to classes, deeper dives into postural alignment, behind-the-scenes retreat content and podcast videos, and plenty of random personal tidbits.They also share some exciting news: they’re officially creating for Yoga Journal! Their debut piece, “Frustrated by Warrior 1? These Are the Cues You Can—and Should—Ignore,” features a video breakdown by Bradshaw and a step-by-step companion article by Giana.In this episode, they unpack everything about Warrior 1 - alignment of the feet, positioning of the tailbone and spine, what’s happening with the shoulders, where to gaze, and they offer both the traditional cues and modern alternatives for more comfort and ease. With a nuanced approach that honors different body types, they invite you to explore what truly works for you.And of course, they wrap things up with a laugh: Bradshaw confesses he’s already forgotten a key part of his new job, and Giana recounts a very “Marin” experience at the hottest yoga studio in town, complete with a style wildly different from anything she’s ever seen before.Thanks for listening, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review.Read our Article in Yoga Journal: https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/warrior-1-pose/🌊 Upcoming Retreats• Mexico Retreat – December 4-8,2025 • Yoga Teachers Retreat – February & March 2026• 2026 Starved Rock Retreat -- June 12-12, 2026📚 Read the Podcast Blog:The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack📲 Follow UsPodcast: @thefunnythingaboutyoga School: @cayayogaschool Hosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish🌐 More Linksgianayoga.com bradshawwishyoga.com cayayogaschool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this lively, wide-ranging episode, we dive into life beyond the yoga mat. We kick things off with Giana’s stay at a monastery, Bradshaw’s dating escapades, and a collective longing for an assistant (or five). From there, the conversation spirals into our favorite guilty pleasures, from TV shows, hobbies, social lives, shopping habits, and pandemic-era FaceTime glam sessions (yes, makeup was involved).We also get into the real stuff: creativity, the importance of rest, the healing path, being of service, and what we might be doing if we weren’t yoga teachers. There’s art, animals, some honest shart talk, and of course, Bradshaw’s latest “boy crazy” adventures- including his genius idea for a dating app that matches people by trauma.This episode is fun, honest, nostalgic, and full of tangents in the best possible way.🌊 Upcoming Retreats• Mexico Retreat – December 4-8,2025 • Yoga Teachers Retreat – February & March 2026• 2026 Starved Rock Retreat -- June 12-12, 2026📚 Read the Podcast Blog:The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack📲 Follow UsPodcast: @thefunnythingaboutyogaSchool: @cayayogaschoolHosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish🌐 More Linksgianayoga.com bradshawwishyoga.com cayayogaschool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this juicy bonus Q&A episode, we tackle two big topics: what to do when a student asks you out (yep, it happens) and how to approach sequencing for an entire month without losing your mind. Along the way, our banter takes a few detours, including what it’s like navigating an unequal partnership, the emotional weight of Bradshaw’s first retreat after his dad’s death, disassociating vs. Pratyahara, and other behind-the-scenes info. It’s raw, real, and a little ridiculous, just how we like it.SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: CAYAYOGASCHOOL@GMAIL.COM🌊 Upcoming Retreats• Mexico Retreat – December 4-8,2025 • Yoga Teachers Retreat – February & March 2026• 2026 Starved Rock Retreat -- June 12-12, 2026📚 Read the Podcast Blog:The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack📲 Follow UsPodcast: @thefunnythingaboutyoga School: @cayayogaschool Hosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwishLINKS:https://www.cayayogaschool.com/https://www.gianayoga.com/https://bradshawwishyoga.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If you’ve ever unrolled a B Mat in class, or have been on the hunt for the grippiest yoga mat out there, this one’s for you.Today we’re joined by Andrea McKay, founder and CEO of b, halfmoon, and the force behind one of the yoga world’s most beloved props: the B Mat. She shares how the brand was born, her business background and inspiration, and how a little bit of naivety and a lot of passion helped her get her start.We talk about the evolution of the company, from logo changes to the acquisition of Halfmoon, and the deeper meaning behind the brand’s signature comma. Giana fan-girls over a hard-to-find mat (that Andrea jokingly promises her) and pitches a custom “G Mat,” because we all need one of those.There’s plenty of laughter, a few trade secrets (yes, we talk stickiness), and real talk about returning to your roots and the power of simplicity. Andrea opens up about the company’s major production pause, the challenges that led to it, what it taught her, and how the support of the community brought them back stronger.We also dive into uncertainty, resilience, throwing things into the fire, grounding practices, feeling like a hypocrite in this work, and the importance of staying connected to your purpose. And yes, we reference Bradshaw’s viral sticky mat reel that has the yoga world giggling, because everyone has an opinion.Press play and join us for an episode full of heart, hustle, and sticky mats. Plus, use code FUNNYTHING20 for 20% off anything from B, Half Moon.B, Halfmoon Website: www.bhalfmoon.comIG handles: @bhalfmoon_official + @beingandreamckay🌊 Upcoming Retreats• Mexico Retreat – December 4-8,2025 • Yoga Teachers Retreat – February & March 2026• 2026 Starved Rock Retreat -- June 12-12, 2026📚 Read the Podcast Blog:The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack📲 Follow UsPodcast: @thefunnythingaboutyogaSchool: @cayayogaschoolHosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish🌐 More Linksgianayoga.combradshawwishyoga.comcayayogaschool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Buckle up for the longest pre-show catch-up ever as Giana and Bradshaw reunite on the mic with a summer’s worth of updates. First up: summer travels, the ins and outs of Bradshaw’s weekend workshop in Indiana, and the unexpected moment when Giana interrupts to reveal a secret text Bradshaw sent, because of course she needs to share the juicy gossip. That naturally opens the door to a brand-new update on Bradshaw’s love life, and he spares no details. Like, none.Once they finally get around to yoga, they dive into a detailed conversation about gym yoga versus studio yoga, and the elitism that can quietly creep into the yoga world. They both reflect on how teaching in gyms shaped them as teachers, especially in the early days. Giana reminds us that Bradshaw’s gym job actually sparked their connection, and thus, the existence of this podcast—and Bradshaw shares how it forced him to dig deeper in his teaching. Giana opens up about teaching in corporate versus not-so-corporate gyms, and how those experiences sharpened her teaching and broadened her perspective. They both agree: there’s no need to place a hierarchy on where you teach.They swap funny gym stories, sprinkle in some solid advice for new teachers, and reflect on the freedom, structure, and surprising growth that can come from teaching outside the traditional studio box. Whether you’re teaching in a boutique studio, a big-box gym, or out of your living room, this one might just shift the way you think about where yoga happens, and who it’s really for.🌊 Upcoming Retreats• Mexico Retreat – December 4–8, 2025• Yoga Teachers Retreat, Nicaragua – February & March 2026• Starved Rock Retreat – June 12–14, 2026📚 Read the Podcast BlogThe Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack📲 Follow UsPodcast: @thefunnythingaboutyogaSchool: @cayayogaschoolHosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish🌐 More Linksgianayoga.combradshawwishyoga.comcayayogaschool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode, we’re joined by Vytas, a seasoned yoga teacher with over 20 years of experience in Los Angeles and online.Giana has taken his classes many times throughout her travels to LA and has always been curious about his journey, especially during the heyday of sweaty, packed vinyasa classes that defined a certain golden era of yoga in the city. Vytas shares a raw and powerful story that brought him to the mat, including his struggles with heroin addiction as a teen, time in prison, and the pivotal moment when friends pushed him toward yoga.He found a mentor in Bryan Kest, whose approachable style resonated deeply, and eventually began teaching at Power Yoga in Santa Monica. Vytas walks us through his transition into teaching, staying rooted in one studio for two decades, and opens up about the Power Yoga studio split. Oh yes, we got some tea.True to form, Vytas keeps it real. He’s blunt, direct, and totally unfiltered, which had us both jaw-dropped and cracking up. His intense teaching style even earned him the nickname “The Punisher.” But we also loved hearing how fatherhood, sobriety, and stepping into his 40s have softened him in surprising ways. Along the way, we dive into the culture of mirrors in yoga studios, the struggle with mouth breathing, the importance of diversifying your income as a teacher, and a few of the wildest stories we’ve ever heard- one involving pushing a student too far, and another that ended in a full-blown attack.You don’t want to miss this one.Find Vytas on the FitOn app or in person at Power Yoga East and Open.Thanks for listening!Find Vytas Online:IG: @vytasyogaWEB: vytasyoga.com🌊 Upcoming Retreats in Nicaragua• 2026 Starved Rock Retreat- June 12-14, 2026 • Yoga Teachers Retreat – February & March 2026📚 Read the Podcast Blog:The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack📲 Follow UsPodcast: @thefunnythingaboutyoga School: @cayayogaschool Hosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish🌐 More Linksgianayoga.com bradshawwishyoga.com cayayogaschool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Giana and Bradshaw catch up during a late-night recording session as they batch episodes ahead of their summer travels. Bradshaw shares about his upcoming workshops and some pre-travel nerves, while Giana gears up for a return to Chicago, prompting Bradshaw to prep by cleaning his bathroom in her honor.They share some exciting announcements, including the 2026 Starved Rock Retreat, the upcoming Yoga Teachers Retreat, and a little teaser about launching their Patreon.Then they dive into the main topic: mentorship. Bradshaw talks about his one-on-one mentorships and how many of his mentees come in with questions about sequencing, social media, and all kinds of random teaching challenges. Giana shares what she’s been up to with her group mentorship for yoga retreat leaders, guiding folks through the nitty-gritty of visualizing, planning, budgeting, and executing their retreat dreams.They reflect on what they’ve learned from their own mentors- how to be inspired without becoming a carbon copy, and tell some great stories: losing money on a retreat, a funny lunch with Jason Crandell, and fond memories of their old teacher development program.By the end, they’re both fired up to launch a group mentorship program together (stay tuned!), and they talk honestly about how mentoring others is one of the best ways to keep growing themselves, both personally and professionally.They also get a little mushy about their own friendship, and how much support, mentorship, and growth they’ve found in each other over the years all before winding down with some hilarious stories. 🌊 Upcoming Retreats in Nicaragua• 2026 Starved Rock Retreat- June 12-14, 2026 • Yoga Teachers Retreat – February & March 2026📚 Read the Podcast Blog:The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack📲 Follow UsPodcast: @thefunnythingaboutyoga School: @cayayogaschool Hosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish🌐 More Linksgianayoga.com bradshawwishyoga.com cayayogaschool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today we have on Karrie Myers, aka SelfKarrie, a deeply intuitive and talented astrologer Giana happened to meet at a tea house in Marin.We dive into a mind-bending conversation about the current cosmic climate, and Karrie breaks down the incoming 7-year Uranus in Gemini transit (starting July 7!)—what it means for how we learn, communicate, and move through the world.She explains why this next chapter may feel more fluid than past transits—Uranus and Gemini are both air signs—but also why it’s about to radically disrupt how we speak, travel, and even think. From telepathy to AI to neurodivergence as expanded awareness, Karrie opens up a portal into what’s next.We also touch on war in the Age of Aquarius: less about weapons, more about who controls the information. Cyber-activism, hacking, and the internet as our collective consciousness? Yep, we go there.Plus, Karrie gives Giana and Bradshaw a joint business partner reading, and things get real. She shares why their playful, purpose-driven partnership is exactly what this moment calls for—and how staying childlike, creative, and bold with their voices is key to expansion. There’s talk of shadow work and podcasting as soul work.Come for the astrology, stay for the insight into how current transits may be shaping our communication, creativity, and collective direction.🔮 Where to Find Karrie Myers:Website: www.selfkarrie.comInstagram: @selfkarrieYouTube: SelfKarrie✨ Bio:Karrie Myers (aka SelfKarrie) is an Astrological Coach & Counselor. With a background in Astrology, Mindfulness, Buddhist Psychology, Life & Relationships Counseling and Business Coaching, Karrie provides custom, astrology-informed sessions, life strategies and wellness advice for individuals, couples and business owners.Karrie has provided workplace astrological services to Pinterest and Roblox, and has taught astrology at Esalen Institute. She has been a featured astrologer for the NY Post, Well + Good, Bustle Magazine, San Francisco’s Gate Magazine, Redfin’s Real Estate blog, and a guest on multiple podcasts and platforms.Karrie is host of the podcasts, "Waking Up to Your Worth", “You & Me in Orbit”, and one half of the popular astrology & tarot podcast, “The Melanated Mystics”.🌊 CAYA Yoga School Retreats:Yoga Teachers Retreat – Nicaragua, February & March 2026: Retreat InfoStarved Rock Retreat – June 2026: Retreat Info🌐 More Linksgianayoga.combradshawwishyoga.comcayayogaschool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this bonus episode, we kick things off with some chitchat about podcast consistency—Bradshaw reflects on feeling good while Giana takes a quick spiral. Then we dive into your questions: our favorite classes to teach, whether we tell students if their leggings are see-through, and what our experience has been with CorePower. Thanks for sending these in—it’s a fun one!SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: CAYAYOGASCHOOL@GMAIL.COMJOIN US ON A RETREAT:Yoga Retreat (Open to All): Costa Dulce, Nicaragua (February 2026): https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/nicaragua-retreatFOLLOW US:@thefunnythingaboutyoga @cayayogaschool @gianagambino @bradshawwishBE PART OF OUR FUNNY FAM: https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/PODCAST SUBSTACK: https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/LINKS:https://www.cayayogaschool.com/https://www.gianayoga.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, your favorite yoga podcast hosts turn the mic on each other for a totally unscripted, anything-goes interview, AND nothing is off-limits.Before diving in, they share retreat updates, a big announcement about their new Patreon, and a classic moment of Bradshaw’s forgetfulness. Then the real fun begins: Bradshaw kicks things off with a bold (and slightly unhinged) question about Giana’s past trauma, while Giana responds with a gentler, but no less revealing, prompt about what people often misunderstand about Bradshaw.What follows is a chaotic, heartfelt exchange of deeply personal and delightfully weird questions: irrational fears, dating at 38, queerness in teaching, childhood beliefs, surprise moments of growth, what kind of lesbian Giana would be, and the reality show Bradshaw would absolutely star in.It’s honest, hilarious, a little unhinged, and full of heart, like a sleepover with your emotionally intelligent besties.⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of masturbation, sexual identity, and sex. Please listen with care.🌊 Upcoming Retreats in Nicaragua • Yoga Teachers Retreat – February & March 2026📚 Read the Podcast Blog:The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack📲 Follow UsPodcast: @thefunnythingaboutyoga School: @cayayogaschool Hosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish🌐 More Linksgianayoga.com bradshawwishyoga.com cayayogaschool.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.