Kino MacGregor

Roots & Branches: Writing, Teaching, and Living Yoga with David Swenson

Some conversations feel like coming home. This one, with my dear friend and legendary Ashtanga Yoga teacher David Swenson, is one of them.

David’s new book, Only Dead Fish Go With the Flow, is more than words on a page. It is a collection of stories, reflections, and hard-won wisdom from decades of living yoga both on and off the mat. It carries the humor, humility, and humanity that are so deeply woven into David himself.

In our talk, he shares what sparked the book, what surprised him during the writing process, and why he chose to self-publish, keeping his voice clear, true, and unfiltered. He even reads a few stories straight from the pages, each one a reminder that yoga is about much more than shapes and sequences.

We laugh about life’s simple pleasures, teaching students across the world, staying connected to those we love, and tending to the fruit trees on his Hawaiian land. These are the roots that keep us grounded, the daily rituals that nourish the branches of our lives.

Yoga, David reminds us, is not only practiced on the mat. It is a way of meeting life with courage, humor, and a willingness to swim against the current when your heart says so.

Takeaways:

• Why Only Dead Fish Go With the Flow is a book for every yogi and seeker
• Practical insights on writing and self-publishing
• Teaching stories and life lessons from decades of practice
• Honest reflections on staying rooted in what matters most
• A glimpse into David’s island life — fruit trees included

If you’ve ever wondered how to live your yoga with authenticity and joy, this conversation is for you.

Practice with me and David anytime on Omstars. You can also tune into the full conversation on the Yoga Inspiration Podcast, now streaming on all platforms.