Danni Pomplun Collab
We are so stoked to be collaborating with Danni Pomplun on our newest shorts design. Inspiration from this design actually came from the tattoo on Danni's calf! When we started bouncing ideas for the art, I just kept circling back to his ink and am so glad we rolled with it 'cause I think our design turned out SO dope!
Danni’s journey started in a dark place, but yoga was his lifeline to a bright future. Danni shares his story and insights and explains why WERKSHOP shorts are “the most comfortable in the whole wide world”!
The story of your early years sounds like an intense and difficult one. And yet you say your yoga path brought you out the other side. Can you describe that transition? Was there a "light bulb moment" that perhaps other folks facing similar challenges could relate to?
Yoga came and picked me up when I was at my lowest. I felt I had nothing else that I going for me in life. I had a really bad drinking problem, and I had a failed suicide attempt. I was introduced to the yoga practice and to a community, and I think that was the thing that really helped me. The transition, I think, was really rough. I didn’t understand the words that were coming out of the yoga world – you know, talking about compassion and checking in and tuning into yourself. That stuff never made sense to me, because that meant you had to feel. And so it took time to really start to dive into that. When I did, it made absolute sense, but you have to put in the work in order to get to that point. There wasn’t a light bulb moment, per se. It was just sitting back with it all and trusting that there had to be something better. And there was.
Tell us about your podcast - its history, subject matter, the overall message you're imparting?
I was sick in bed one day, and I was listening to a podcast, and I thought, “I can create my own podcast, why not?” So I decided to create my own podcast. At first, it was just a way to have a conversation with some of my friends, and then it turned into a way for me to have conversations with cool yoga teachers from around the world. We talk about everything on the show. It’s a great platform to spread the message of yoga and the different messages behind yoga, like inclusivity and yoga for substance abuse, yoga for women’s health, things like that. Different areas that yoga applies to in our lives. I love it, it’s one of my favorite things to do, because you get to share more of yourself literally using your voice than just Instagram and Facebook.
Folks like hearing human stories from experts like you about the ups and downs of a career in the fitness industry. So let's hear it - the sublime and ridiculous: Can you tell us a story about something weird or embarrassing that has happened to you along your journey?
I don’t even know where to start! I remember when I first decided to do a tour; I went to Chicago and I was so excited because I was going to teach at a new studio that’s not in California. When I arrived, one person had shown up to the workshop. So it wouldn’t say it was embarrassing, but it was a cool learning moment. I was still humble about it, and I taught to that one person like I would to anybody else. It was definitely one of the lows. I’ve had so many highs and so many lows, it’s just part of the process, you just sit back and you rock it out.
... And also something triumphant - where you accomplished a difficult goal or a client's journey you were particularly proud of.
Probably the biggest accomplishment so far is being able to team up with my teacher Noah Mazé for the 300-hour training I’m leading in San Francisco in 2020. It’s probably the thing I’ve worked hardest on, and I’m so proud of it. I never thought that I would get to this point, and here I am doing it. It’s weird and crazy and exciting all at the same time. They tell you if you put your mind to something you can really do it. And you do the hard work and it’s definitely one of these times that I can feel it coming to fruition.
Can you describe your health and wellness philosophy in three words?
Functional, real and fun. It should work, it should be readily available in the real world, and you should have fun doing it.
What is one bit of advice you would give to someone just starting their fitness/wellness journey?
Just do it. Show up and do the work. It’s really simple.
What sets your WERKSHOP shorts apart from other fitness/workout gear you've used? Is there anything special about your collab/design that you would like to share with us?
Just put ‘em on! They’re the most comfortable shorts in the whole wide world. They’re super comfy and cozy and they fit like a glove, and they stretch and they dry and you can use them for almost everything. What’s special about the collab is obviously my tattoo is integrated into it, but I got to work with Tina, who I love and adore. I’m so proud of her as a business owner and as a friend, and it’s just cool to support her. And to have her also support me is a dream. Hangin’ out and working with my friends – I love that!
What does the future hold for Danni? What's next in your busy career?
Just continue to spread this message of yoga to as many people as I can. And to remind people that they are awesome and “they can and they will” and that yoga is a platform that they can lean on when they need it.
Stay in touch with Danni: