Shanna Small joins Peg and Zoe to explain why her own personal growth required leaving the Ashtanga yoga community. In this episode, we also discuss the true meaning of tradition, why community is important, and how it can get in the way. There's even a bit on weightlifting in yoga -- if that's even yoga!

Join Peg in person this fall at Yoga East in Kittery, Maine (Oct. 21-25) and The Breathing Space in Amsterdam (Nov. 4-8). Details for this, along with our online Yoga Mentorship, are on the website. Visit ashtangadispatch.com

Also, you can now find my essays on Substack for those more inspired to read: pegmulqueen.substack.com

As always, thanks for listening!

Zoe DiPirro joins me (Peg Mulqueen) as co-host for this new season of the Ashtanga Dispatch podcast. In this first episode, the two openly question the more harmful aspects inherent within the Ashtanga yoga tradition, including a power imbalance that leaves little room for agency, autonomy, individual experience, and, in worst-case scenarios, leads to abuse.

This series will be a process of re-examination, reflection, and dialogue -- and we’d love to hear from you. Share your personal thoughts and experiences by emailing me (Peg) at ashtangadispatch@gmail.com or sending a message over Instagram: @unrulyascetic (Zoe) or @ashtangadispatch

Also, Meghan and I are now accepting applications to the fall session of our Yoga Mentorship, and we'd love to welcome you. You can find all that information on our website.

Thanks for listening and joining the conversation!