Ep #193: Creating Belonging with Leah Santa Cruz

Some spaces are built from ambition. Others are built from survival, devotion, and a long commitment to inner work.In this episode, Leah Santa Cruz shares the deeply personal journey that shaped her role as a founder of The In Movement. From early experiences with chaos and instability to burnout, meditation, motherhood, and leadership, Leah reflects on how lived experience becomes the foundation for meaningful community.Rather than offering polished answers, Leah speaks honestly about discipline, healing, and the responsibility that comes with creating a space meant to hold others. She explores why depth matters now more than ever, how belonging is cultivated rather than assumed, and what it means to lead without repeating old patterns of self sacrifice.This conversation is not about quick fixes or feel good moments. It is about building something that lasts and what it asks of the people creating it.Episode Chapters:00:00 – The season of building and what feels real now01:48 – Three life chapters that shaped Leah’s path02:52 – Growing up in chaos and learning self responsibility04:35 – Burnout, anxiety, and the body as messenger05:55 – Meditation as a turning point06:47 – Commitment, trust, and moving to Bali08:02 – From inspiration to structured transformation09:52 – Why depth and human connection matter now13:45 – Community shifts and what feels missing15:53 – Creating spaces for belonging beyond class17:23 – Collaboration, friction, and leadership growth22:30 – Partnership, parenting, and boundaries25:14 – When this project almost did not happen28:45 – Feeling seen, belonging, and activation31:49 – What this space is asking of Leah now33:27 – Sustainability, trust, and nervous system regulationMentions & Resources:Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/ Leah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesant/ The IN Movement Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/the_in_movement/Tags: The In Movement, founders journey, embodiment, meditation, healing and discipline, community building, conscious leadership, yoga philosophy, belonging, personal transformation

Some visions are born from stillness. Others are forged through discipline, friction, and a willingness to commit fully.In this episode, Paul Teodo shares his perspective on building The In Movement from the inside out. Not as a sudden leap, but as the result of years of partnership, responsibility, and choosing purpose over comfort.Paul speaks openly about what felt missing in the wellness culture around him, and why devotion, structure, and service are just as essential as softness and self love. He reflects on fatherhood, leadership, and the tension between nurturing and challenge, offering a grounded look at what it takes to build something that asks more of the people inside it.This conversation is not about branding or aesthetics. It is about standards, integrity, and the quiet courage required to say “I am all in” and mean it.Episode Chapters:00:00 – Why this studio began as an idea years ago02:40 – The deeper spark behind creating this space04:51 – What felt missing in the wellness culture05:30 – Feminine healing and masculine purpose07:27 – Discipline, provocation, and asking harder questions09:01 – Fatherhood and redefining leadership10:19 – Trust, roles, and long-term collaboration11:41 – Working with your partner and setting boundaries15:38 – Regulation, stress, and self care practices16:25 – When the project almost did not happen18:49 – Community, standards, and shared purpose20:01 – What this space is asking of Paul nowMentions & Resources:Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/ Paul Teodo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/teodoyogaguitar/ The IN Movement Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/the_in_movement/Tags: The In Movement, yoga leadership, founders journey, masculine and feminine balance, discipline and purpose, conscious community, yoga philosophy, fatherhood and leadership, embodiment, personal growth

The moment a vision stops feeling theoretical and starts asking something real of you, everything changes.In this episode, Byron speaks candidly about what it means to bring The In Movement into form. Not as a brand concept, but as a lived philosophy shaped by years of teaching, partnership, risk, and trust.Rather than offering a polished origin story, Byron reflects on the quieter forces behind the studio’s creation. The long arc of preparation, the subtle pivots that could have led somewhere smaller, and the internal clarity required to choose something bigger. He explores the tension between going inward and showing up fully in the world, and why embodiment, community, and lasting transformation sit at the heart of this movement.This conversation invites you behind the scenes of a project still unfolding. It does not explain everything. Instead, it opens a doorway into the questions, values, and inner work that make this space what it is becoming.Episode Chapters:00:00 – Returning to the mic and the season of building02:03 – A pivotal moment and the idea of preparation meeting opportunity05:52 – Truth, freedom, and the inner work behind the vision10:00 – What “The In Movement” actually means15:37 – Alignment, disagreement, and creative tension between founders20:14 – Byron’s role as a visionary and pattern seer23:25 – When the project almost took a smaller form25:20 – Curating an experience of lasting transformation29:26 – Community, embodiment, and why people come back30:50 – What this space is asking of him now35:18 – Empowerment, oscillation, and long-term support37:43 – How to stay connected as the movement unfoldsMentions & Resources:Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/ Byron de Marse’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byronyoga/ The IN Movement Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/the_in_movement/Tags: The In Movement, Yoga philosophy, Founders journey, Embodiment, Community building, Vision and leadership, Conscious business, Transformation, Inner work, Yoga culture

What if the most powerful step forward is… to stop?This short episode is a gentle invitation to pause with intention. It announces a brief break and a coming name change to The In Movement Podcast, all framed as part of a larger practice: letting ideas integrate instead of rushing to the next thing. You’ll hear a simple reflection on why rest matters, how stepping back can create space for meaning, and a spoken passage on forgiveness, surrender, and inner strength that lingers long after the audio ends. If you’re tired of constant input and craving a more grounded way to grow, this one asks you to breathe, soften, and let it land—so the next chapter can begin clear and true. —-------—-------—-Episode Chapters:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:24 Choosing a Pause00:01:27 A Season of Rest00:01:50 Rebrand: The In Movement Podcast00:02:19 Why Integration Matters00:02:57 Reading on Empowerment & Forgiveness00:04:44 Sit With the Words00:05:03 Stay Connected & See You in the New Year—-------—-------—-📚 Mentions & Resources:Book: Live the Life of Empowerment — Kefa Bates (excerpt read). Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/ Byron de Marse’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byronyoga/ Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/—-------—-------—-Tags: pause, integration, rest, reflection, forgiveness, surrender, empowerment, mindfulness, embodiment, inner strength, reset, transition

What if the stories you repeat every day aren’t yours—but someone else’s script running your life?In this episode, Byron and Michael look closely at narratives—the powerful stories we absorb from media, culture, and community—and how they shape what we feel, believe, and choose. They explore the difference between raw facts and the emotional storyline built around them, naming how hype can manipulate attention, belonging, and identity. They invite a return to truthfulness (Satya) and witness consciousness (sakshi bhava)—seeing the story without becoming the story—so decisions come from inner integrity, not crowd pressure. He also touches on collective “open secrets,” victim narratives, and why neutrality can get misread as opposition. For teachers, he offers a practical lens: every class is a narrative—so what are you feeding? Ego, or autonomy and intention? They close with a simple map for crafting transformational stories in class: personal lesson → yogic principle → clear bridge back to the student’s life. Curious where your choices end and the narrative begins? This conversation is your mirror. —-------—-------—-Episode Chapters:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:43 Rebrand Tease00:02:08 What Is a Narrative?00:03:39 Algorithms & Echo Chambers00:07:16 Facts vs. Story (Manipulation & Hype)00:10:56 Self, Other, and Collective Narratives00:15:29 Belonging, Shame, and Agreeableness00:20:50 “First to Share” and Worthiness00:24:57 Satya & Witness Consciousness00:27:28 Language: From Truth to Spin00:28:38 Victim Narratives00:29:40 Why Old Stories Stick00:33:17 Truth in the Present Moment00:34:40 Teaching as Narrative00:37:07 From Personal Story to Student Insight00:39:40 Neti Neti & Ego Softening00:41:07 Closing—-------—-------—-📚 Mentions & Resources:Book: The Tipping Point — Malcolm Gladwell. Yogic concepts: Satya (truthfulness), sakshi bhava (witness), neti neti (“not this, not that”). Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/ Byron de Marse’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byronyoga/ Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/—-------—-------—-Tags: narratives, yoga philosophy, Satya, witness consciousness, neti neti, belonging, hype, manipulation, identity, victim mindset, teaching craft, sequencing, decision-making, algorithms, culture

What if chasing “one more healing” is the very thing keeping you from feeling whole??In this episode, Byron and Michael look at the fine line between helpful practice and healing addiction. They name the hidden driver—pain and disconnection—and how it can turn breathwork, plant medicine, and nonstop workshops into a spin cycle that never truly lands. Byron questions the inner program of “I am broken,” and offers a reframe: protect your energy with gentleness, boundaries, and integration—letting insights settle before reaching for the next fix. They contrast feminine healing (feeling, processing) with masculine commitment (clear intentions, follow-through), reminding us both are needed. Instead of digging forever, he suggests real-time healing: slow enough to notice what’s alive now, journal it, meet responsibilities, and return to it with honesty. The heart of his message: stop outsourcing your power to healers or methods; claim your own change. If you’ve ever felt stuck in “just one more ceremony/class/session,” this conversation gently opens the door out.—-------—-------—-Episode Chapters:00:00:00 Introduction00:02:26 Addiction vs. Habit00:05:31 Pain, Disconnection, and the Void00:07:49 Dopamine, Sugar, Coffee, and Phones00:10:27 When Healing Becomes a Spin Cycle00:13:46 The “I Am Broken” Program00:16:15 Gentleness Without Bypassing00:18:08 Self-Talk, Journaling, Therapy00:21:10 Ahimsa & Svadhyaya in Practice00:27:03 Intention, Commitment, and Balance00:28:36 Integration > Endless Doing00:35:11 Real-Time Healing00:39:31 Altered States vs. Slowing Down00:41:07 Pedestals, Gurus & Claiming Your Power00:44:13 No Finish Line; Keep It Human00:46:10 Closing—-------—-------—-📚 Mentions & Resources:Concepts: Samskaras, Ahimsa, Svadhyaya, Sankalpa, Shiva/Shakti; integration vs. overdoing; altered states (breathwork, plant medicine) Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/ Byron de Marse’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byronyoga/ Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/—-------—-------—-Tags: healing addiction, integration, gentleness, boundaries, real-time healing, ahimsa, svadhyaya, samskaras, intention, masculine and feminine balance, plant medicine, breathwork, dopamine, nervous system, self-talk

What if sadness, frustration, and anger weren’t problems—but instructions?In this solo episode, Michael explores three everyday emotions—sadness, frustration, and anger—and shows how each one carries a message. This episode doesn’t tell you to “feel better.” It asks better questions. Why does a heavy mood arrive out of nowhere? Why does a tiny obstacle spark a huge reaction? And what if that surge of heat isn’t “too much,” but a message you haven’t learned to read yet?Across three familiar emotions—sadness, frustration, anger—you’ll be invited to listen in new ways, try small experiments, and notice what shifts when you don’t rush to fix or perform. No neat answers, just a clearer path: pause, pay attention, and let the body’s signals point to the next right step. If you’re curious about what your feelings are asking for, press play and find out.—-------—-------—-Episode Chapters:00:00:00 Introduction00:03:06 What Sadness Signals00:03:54 Vipassana Story: Missing Someone00:09:11 Neuroscience of Sadness (ACC/Insula)00:10:09 Power of Being Witnessed00:14:27 Numbing & Dorsal Vagal Shutdown00:16:11 Short Grounding for Sadness00:18:25 Shifting to Frustration00:24:01 Prediction Error & Dopamine Dip00:27:39 When Disagreement Triggers You00:29:10 Enter Anger: Boundary Energy00:31:06 Frustration vs. Anger (Definitions)00:32:37 Escape Room Example00:35:44 Integrating Questions00:39:40 Closing Meditation & Mantras—-------—-------—-📚 Mentions & Resources:Vipassana meditation (10-day silent retreat)Neuro notes: ACC/insula, prediction error, dopamine dipPolyvagal concepts: dorsal vagal shutdownMichael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/ Byron de Marse’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byronyoga/ Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/—-------—-------—-Tags: sadness, frustration, anger, nervous system, dorsal vagal, witnessing, prediction error, dopamine, boundaries, breathwork, meditation, self-compassion, emotional regulation, yoga and emotions

What can AI optimize—and what can only a person transmit?This episode invites a curious look at where technology ends and yoga begins. A seasoned teacher explores the uneasy mix of excitement and fear around AI: the urge to use smarter tools vs. the risk of losing something essential. Instead of answers, you’ll get questions that linger:If a sequence is flawless, why can it still feel empty?How do you tell support from substitution?When does help from AI become dependent?You’ll hear a thought experiment about a “perfect” robot-led class, a challenge to our habit of outsourcing judgment, and a reminder about what lands only when two people share a room: presence, accountability, being truly seen. If you’re curious about using AI without losing your craft—or your why—press play and decide for yourself.—-------—-------—-Episode Chapters:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:10 AI in the Body: Fear or Freedom?00:02:28 Byron’s First Feeling: Fear + Excitement00:04:53 Will AI Replace Yoga Teachers?00:05:58 AI as Tool, Not Replacement00:08:31 The Risk of Blindly Trusting AI00:10:59 Thought Experiment: Robot-Led Yoga00:11:19 What Only Humans Bring: Presence & Touch00:15:07 Don’t Outsource Your Prefrontal Cortex00:17:31 Perspective: We’re Early in AI00:18:57 Tipping Points & Cultural Adoption00:21:04 Mastery and Being Irreplaceable00:22:49 Human Connection > Perfect Cues00:24:19 Technology Changes; Values Remain00:27:27 Intentions at the Center00:28:14 Closing—-------—-------—-📚 Mentions & Resources:Book: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell (on how ideas spread)Figure: Sadhguru (Inner Engineering, Save the Soil mention) Artist: Harry Mack (freestyle rap + mastery example) Idea: Observer effect / “being witnessed” (quantum physics reference) Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/ Byron de Marse’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byronyoga/ Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/—-------—-------—-Tags: AI and yoga, embodiment, human connection, teaching craft, sequencing, ethics of tech, mastery, presence, accountability, non-attachment, critical thinking, creativity, intention, classroom energy

Do you say “yes” when your body says “no”? This episode is a gentle guide to stop people-pleasing and start speaking your truth.The speaker explores the fear of being seen and the habit of fawning—agreeing to keep the peace—even when it doesn’t feel right. You’ll learn a simple way to tell the difference between your authentic intuition and old people-pleasing patterns: pause, breathe, and ask clear yes/no questions like, “Do I want this?” “Will it be good for me?” The episode highlights Satya (truthfulness) from yoga philosophy and the practice of Ishvarapranidhana (surrender), reminding us we can offer our truth but cannot control how others receive it. There’s also a science lens: social fear can feel like physical pain, yet every small act of honest expression rewires the brain toward self-trust and resilience. You’ll finish with a short grounding practice—hand on throat and heart—and affirmations like “I am safe to be seen.” If you’re ready to move from external approval to inner anchoring, this conversation will help you begin—kindly, clearly, and now.—-------—-------—-Episode Chapters:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:42 Being Seen, Heard, Valued00:02:34 Fear of Judgment vs. Truth00:04:08 Naming Fawning (People-Pleasing)00:04:46 Satya: Living in Truth00:06:15 Intuition vs. Old Patterns00:10:17 Body-Led Yes/No Questions00:12:30 Collecting a Clearer Truth00:14:21 Neuro Lens: Social Pain & Fear00:15:58 Why Speak Your Truth00:17:47 External Validation vs. Inner Anchor00:21:05 Ishvarapranidhana: Surrender00:21:56 Rewiring for Self-Trust00:23:23 Conscious Boundaries & Choices00:24:32 Grounding Questions00:25:18 Hand-to-Throat/Heart Practice00:29:11 Willing, Not Fearless00:30:19 Authenticity over Perfection00:33:05 Reflective Prompts & Close—-------—-------—-📚 Mentions & Resources:Yogic concepts: Satya (truthfulness), Ishvarapranidhana (surrender)Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/ Byron de Marse’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byronyoga/ Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/—-------—-------—-Tags: authenticity, fawning, people-pleasing, boundaries, Satya, Ishvarapranidhana, visibility, self-trust, inner validation, external validation, nervous system, neuroplasticity, yoga philosophy, mindset, emotional resilience

Have you ever felt pressure to be the “perfect” teacher—or the “perfect” student?In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Byron de Marse shares his personal experiences of becoming a teacher and the complex relationship that develops between teacher and student. He explores how stepping into the role of a teacher often brings up feelings of doubt, discomfort, and the fear of being seen. But rather than avoiding these feelings, Byron believes they are invitations to grow.The episode touches on how students often project ideas onto their teachers—seeing them as more wise, perfect, or powerful than they really are. This can create tension on both sides. Byron speaks openly about the responsibility teachers hold, the need to keep learning, and how being a teacher is really about being in service—not in control.He also dives into the importance of confidence, vulnerability, and humility in both teaching and learning. Whether you’re new to teaching or deep in your practice, this episode is a reminder that nobody has it all figured out—and that’s okay.✨ This episode will leave you thinking deeply about the energy you bring into the spaces you hold, and how we can all honor the sacred exchange between student and teacher.—-------—-------—-Episode Chapters:00:00:00 Introduction00:04:10 Byron's Journey into Teaching00:11:44 The Power Dynamic in Student-Teacher Relationships00:16:30 Projecting Perfection and Receiving Projection00:22:55 Teaching as a Mirror00:29:35 Vulnerability and Confidence as a Teacher00:35:58 Owning the Seat of the Teacher00:41:02 When the Student Becomes the Teacher00:47:19 Closing Reflections on Teaching with Integrity—-------—-------—-📚 Mentions & Resources:Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/ Byron de Marse’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byronyoga/ Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/—-------—-------—-Tags: teacher-student dynamics, yoga teaching, imposter syndrome, vulnerability, comparison, personal growth, space holding, self-inquiry, yoga philosophy, emotional intelligence