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: @_jasonbowm
Substack: 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
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Hosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish
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