From Panic Attacks to 168K Followers: Jo Hutton's Journey to Yoga for Tired People
built a thriving in-person yoga studio for 10 years. Then the pandemic hit, and everything changed. After experiencing panic attacks while teaching, she discovered something profound: sometimes our breakdowns become our breakthroughs.In this powerful conversation, Jo shares how burning out from traditional yoga led her to create "Yoga for Tired People" - a revolutionary approach that brings yoga off the mat and into everyday life through 5-10 minute practices. What started as her personal healing journey transformed into a movement that attracted 168,000 Instagram followers in just one year.
Jo's story reveals a truth we see repeatedly in Sacred Business:
when we address our inner patterns and build aligned outer systems, we create offerings that deeply resonate with others facing similar challenges.
Her journey from fear of online visibility to becoming a magnetic presence on social media shows us what's possible when we honor both our limitations and our calling.
Show Notes
[00:02:00] - From University to Yoga Studio Owner
Started yoga in university and went "all in" immediately
Lucky to start young with low overhead and fearlessness
Built a successful in-person studio in Newcastle for 10 years
Had zero interest in internet business before the pandemic
[00:03:38] - The Burnout That Changed Everything
Post-pandemic exhaustion led to panic attacks while teaching
Couldn't imagine life without yoga - "it was my community, everything"
Completely stopped physical practice to heal
Returned to yoga sutras and off-the-mat practices
[00:05:00] - Birth of Yoga for Tired People
Started with 5-10 minute practices woven through the day
Discovered this approach transformed her relationship with yoga
Realized everyone was burned out from hustle culture
Created practices for people who need rest but struggle with "commodified rest"
[00:07:00] - Reverse Engineering Instagram Success
Decided to give Instagram one year of focused effort
Grew to 168,000 followers despite being "a normal person in Newcastle"
People resonated with authentic, non-performative approach
"Thank god there's someone not telling us to get up at 5am"
[00:14:00] - Working with Fear in Business
"I'm frightened all the time" - fear never goes away
The pain of not doing something eventually exceeds the pain of doing it
First teaching experience: got physically sick from fear
Business milestones are "rites of passage" not reasons to quit
[00:22:00] - Building Authentic Online Community
Choose where your community lives (Instagram vs Substack)
Set boundaries: doesn't reply to Instagram comments to preserve energy
"You get to play platforms however you want"
Different platforms = different prizes
[00:25:00] - The Business Model Reality Check
Could spend 9 hours daily on Instagram and make nothing
Chose Substack for "honest, clean exchange" vs selling attention
Think about monetization from the start
Begin with the end in mind
Key Quotes
"At some point, the pain of not doing the thing gets worse than the pain of doing the thing." - Jo Hutton
"You don't stop being frightened. You just know that the fear is okay... it's often when you're butting against your comfort zone." - Jo Hutton
"I feel like when you do yoga in smaller amounts more often, it feels closer to the surface... your life is yoga rather than you have yoga and then your life." - Jo Hutton
"Things that were awful at the time, when I look back on them I'm like oh that happens three times a week now and I don't even care." - Jo Hutton
"You get to choose where your community is. My community exists on Substack." - Jo Hutton
Resources Mentioned
Yoga for Tired People on Substack - Jo's main platform and community
Free complete beginner's yoga course (no mat needed)
Weekly short yoga sessions every Monday (first of month free)
Instagram: @johuttonyoga (172k+ followers)
Where to Find Jo
Jo has declared Substack as her community home! Find her at Yoga for Tired People on Substack where she offers:
Free beginner's yoga course
Weekly yoga sessions (Mondays)
Active community discussions
Regular "yapping" about life and yoga
As Jo says:
"If yoga is your thing, or if you just like hearing someone yap, you can subscribe."
Ready to Transform Your Business Patterns?
Jo's journey shows us how our greatest challenges often become our most powerful offerings. If you're feeling called to transform your own business struggles into sustainable success, we'd love to support you.
The Sacred Growth Club helps entrepreneurs like Jo identify the inner patterns affecting their business and build aligned outer systems for sustainable growth. Just like Jo transformed her relationship with yoga, we help you transform your relationship with business itself.
Learn more about Sacred Growth Club →
Thank You
Deep gratitude to our Sacred Business Stories community for showing up live and engaging with these powerful conversations. Your presence makes this space truly special.
P.S.
If you found value in Jo's story, please share this recap with someone who might be struggling with their own version of "tired" - whether that's business burnout, creative exhaustion, or the pressure to constantly hustle. Sometimes the medicine we need is permission to do less, more intentionally.
What's Next
Join us next week for another Sacred Business Story where we explore how entrepreneurs are building businesses that honor both their spiritual values and material success.
Can't wait? Browse our previous interviews in the Sacred Business Stories archive →
Thank you
, , , and many others for tuning into into this episode of Sacred Business Stories with and your hosts, Phil Powis ❤️⚡️ and Carolina Wilke!P.S. You can read all previous editions of the newsletter here, and you can upgrade your subscription here.
What’s next?
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