Rick Shugarman is a yoga instructor, growth coach, and entrepreneur whose work bridges the physical, mental, and creative aspects of human potential. As the founder of Beat Up The Sun, he explores the transformative power of morning rituals, yoga, and mindfulness to cultivate clarity, resilience, and purpose. The phrase “beating up the sun” refers to a morning routine of being up and moving with the sun as it’s rising. Like most transformations, it was born out of necessity.

Before stepping into the personal growth space, Rick’s career spanned multiple industries, from real estate investing and construction to teaching high school mathematics in underprivileged settings, and two years as a professional musician. As a real estate investor and business owner, he honed the discipline, vision, and adaptability needed to navigate uncertainty. As a math teacher, he developed a deep appreciation for structure, problem-solving, and guiding others toward breakthrough moments. And as a lifelong musician, he embraces creativity as an essential tool for personal evolution.

For most of his life, Rick thought yoga was weird, and spirituality even weirder. He knows firsthand what it’s like to be spiritually disconnected—and has experienced, in real time, the profound impact that a deeper connection with nature, presence, and the universe can have. By integrating these elements, he has seen how they can supercharge not only inner peace and happiness, but also professional success, financial freedom, and personal relationships.

Leveraging his background in education, Rick has created a step-by-step introduction to yoga on his website, BeatUpTheSun.com, which he gives away for free. His aim is to make yoga accessible to beginners of all abilities, guiding them from their very first pose with confidence and an immediate sense of “I can.

Essie Jain is an English singer and songwriter, who has been performing and recording music for over two decades. Her songs have traveled far and wide out into the world and gently weaved themselves into the fabric of people’s lives, daily healing practices and stories.

Essie often works alongside her husband, guitarist and long term collaborator Patrick Glynn, for both recordings and live performances. They live in Los Angeles with their daughter Opal.