In this episode of the Bigger Life Adventures Podcast, we get real about the nitty-gritty reality of the yoga industry in the United States. From the outside, teaching yoga can look like a dream job — flowing through classes, building community, and living a peaceful lifestyle. But behind the scenes, the path to making a sustainable living as a yoga teacher is far more complicated.

We dive into the challenges many teachers face: inconsistent income, having to "sell" yourself, burnout, certification expectations, and the hustle required to actually make it work. This honest conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a career in the yoga world in the U.S., and how the industry is evolving.

🎉 Big announcement: Our Patreon is officially LIVE!

If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and want to support the show, you can now join us on Patreon. By joining, you’re becoming an investor in our long-term dream of creating a retreat center where sober community, adventure, and personal growth can come together in real life. You can also access perks like our online yoga library, surprise stickers mailed to your mailbox, and discounted retreats!!!!

Join the community here:
👉 https://patreon.com/BiggerLifeAdventures?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Your support helps us continue creating the podcast and building toward that bigger vision together.

If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might benefit from hearing the real story behind the yoga industry — and thanks for being part of the Bigger Life Adventures community. 🌍

*There are a few little audio blips and glitches; thank you for letting us be imperfect! 🙏🏻

Carrie and Zach talk about the last month of life at Lake Atitlán in Guatemala. Is it ok to feel happiness during a time when many are suffering? What does yoga say about how we should act in trying times? We talk politics, the yamas and niyamas, and explain how we feel about some of the current events in the USA.

www.BiggerLifeAdventures.com

In this episode, we explore what it means to get stuck in the cycle of healing, especially in recovery and spiritual spaces. We talk about addiction recovery, trauma, identity, integration, service, and the danger of over-identifying with our wounds.

From AA and sobriety to yoga philosophy, Jung’s wounded healer, and the importance of service, this conversation invites listeners to ask:

Am I in need of more healing… or am I avoiding living and sharing my gifts?

You don’t have to be fully healed to serve. You don’t need the perfect environment to practice yoga. And growth doesn’t always mean doing more healing work every second.

Zach and Carrie talk about 2025 in review. They discuss the drama of the yoga retreat industry, travel, and entrepreneurship as a couple. They share plans and goals for 2026.