167: We Don't Want AI Yoga with Cyndi Lee
The Mentor Sessions · Jan 20, 2026 · 53:33
The Mentor Sessions · Jan 20, 2026 · 53:33
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I am so honored to be joined on the podcast by my teacher Cyndi Lee. As a senior yoga teacher, author, and Buddhist chaplain—Cyndi talks to us about what's being gained, lost, and misunderstood as artificial intelligence enters yoga, writing, and teaching spaces.
Cyndi reflects on her five decades of practice and teaching. As the founder of Om Yoga Center in New York City, a global hub for yogis from 1998 to 2012, she has witnessed firsthand how yoga has shifted under the pressures of capitalism, scalability, and speed.
In this episode, you'll hear:
a discussion of two growing trends: students using AI as a "yoga teacher" and yoga teachers using AI for emails, sequencing, and social media
why Cyndi chooses not to use AI in her writing or teaching
why lineage is vital—not as rigidity or hierarchy, but as continuity, care, and accountability
a hopeful message for yoga teachers about the fast changes in our word
Learn More From Cyndi:
Follow Cyndi on Substack: Drip, Drip, Drip
OfferingTree is a proud sponsor of this episode, and I am honored to be an affiliate. Visit OfferingTree at www.offeringtree.com/mentor and you'll get 50% off your first three months (or 15% off any annual plan). OfferingTree supports me with each sign-up and I'm proud to be supported by a public benefit company whose mission is to further wellness access and education for everyone.
