The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast is a place where yoga teachers can tune in each week to learn, connect with community and gain inspiration. After a yoga teacher training it can feel like being left out in the wilderness for yoga teacher entrepreneurs. The business side of yoga is often not talked about as much as philosophy, anatomy and other topics covered in a yoga teacher training. This podcast addresses the questions and challenges that yoga teachers face. Hear interviews with yoga teachers and other professionals on a variety of topics.
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The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast is an incredibly valuable resource for yoga teachers and practitioners alike. Hosted by Shannon Crow, this podcast covers a wide range of topics related to the yoga industry, business, teaching techniques, and personal development. Shannon is a knowledgeable and engaging host who brings on a diverse range of guests to provide different perspectives and expertise. The podcast is filled with practical advice, inspiring stories, and thought-provoking discussions that can benefit both new and experienced yoga teachers.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the variety of topics covered. Shannon does an excellent job of addressing not only the technical aspects of teaching yoga but also the business side of things. She offers valuable insights into marketing, branding, social media, and other important aspects that can help yoga teachers grow their businesses. Additionally, she dives into deeper subjects such as pelvic health, trauma-sensitive yoga, accessibility in yoga, and more. This diversity allows listeners to gain a well-rounded understanding of the various aspects of being a successful and inclusive yoga teacher.
Another great aspect of this podcast is the sense of community it fosters. Shannon has created a Facebook group called The Connected Yoga Teacher where listeners can connect with each other, ask questions, share resources, and support one another. This community provides a space for collaboration and growth within the yoga industry.
If there was one potential downside to this podcast, it would be that some episodes may not be as relevant or interesting to every listener. With such a wide range of topics covered, there may be episodes that resonate more with certain individuals depending on their specific interests or needs as yoga teachers. However, given the vast library of episodes available, there is still plenty of valuable content for everyone.
In conclusion, The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone in the yoga industry. Shannon Crow's expertise and genuine passion shine through in each episode as she provides practical advice and insightful conversations that can help listeners improve their teaching skills, grow their businesses, and deepen their understanding of yoga. Whether you're a new teacher or an experienced practitioner, this podcast is worth tuning into for its wealth of knowledge and sense of community.
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 397: How to Suck at Marketing with Brea Johnson Description: Do you feel overwhelmed by marketing your yoga? It is something that many yoga teachers struggle with - especially when it feels like the world often prioritizes being polished over showing up authentically. Brea Johnson shares her insights about how to suck at marketing – and why that can work for your yoga business. Brea Johnson is the founder of Heart + Bones Yoga, a globally recognized online platform for anatomy-informed yoga, mobility and inclusive practices for both yoga teachers and everyday people. She has been teaching yoga, anatomy and movement since 2003 and regularly teaches workshops and trainings around the world. At Heart + Bones, Brea offers online yoga, education and teacher training where functional and inclusive practices are celebrated and encouraged. In this episode, Brea shares what inspired her to start talking about marketing and what we can do when we suck at it. She highlights some common marketing practices that do not align with her values and belief systems and how she navigates the changing social media and online marketing landscape. Brea and Shannon also discuss showing up honestly, imperfectly, and authentically, what motivates them to keep posting about topics that may bring pushback, and much more. If you feel like your marketing is not "enough" to make a meaningful impact, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: [1:59] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode, marketing, and her guest - Brea Johnson. [3:45] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree. [5:37] What does Brea do and who does she do it for? [8:07] What inspired Brea to start talking about marketing and what to do when we suck at it? [13:38] What are some things that Brea doesn't do in marketing because they don't align with her? [17:29] How does Brea turn things that irk her about the yoga world into playful content that educates? [20:46] How has social media shifted for Brea in the past few years? What are some new trends and changes she is noticing? [27:10] Shannon and Brea discuss how social media can be a place to let your authentic self shine through. [34:44] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsor, OfferingTree. [36:08] What is Brea's advice for when your inner critic shows up to discourage you from marketing your yoga? [45:54] When we show up and share our values and opinions online, we might get back a lot of hate or pushback. How does Brea deal with that? [55:27] What keeps Brea posting about "controversial" topics or social justice issues? [58:42] Shannon and Brea discuss the importance of small actions, even when it feels like those actions may not be making a difference. [65:49] Learn more from Brea via her website and social media. [67:08] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Brea. Links: Brea Johnson, Heart + Bones Yoga Heart + Bones Yoga on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 078: Creating an Online Yoga Studio with Brea Johnson The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 375: Why Marketing is Different Now with Tristan Katz & Brooke Monaghan - The Connected Yoga Teacher The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Shannon Crow on Instagram Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree Quotes from this episode: "How do I promote what I share, what I do, how I know I can help people, and how my business can help people without falling into that trap of playing to the algorithm?" "There's something about the consistency and letting go of The so-called vanity metrics and seeing that more broad view of how social media can help connect us." "What is my why? Why am I even doing this? What is my who? Who am I helping? And what is my how? How am I helping?" "How can you show up in the way that works for you?" "This isn't about you. You've got to see the fear and the imposter syndrome and the insecurity and do it anyway.”
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 396: Yoga for Abortion Care with Sasha Sigel Description: We live in a time when access to abortion care is increasingly under threat and attacks on reproductive health are intensifying. What does yoga have to do with abortion care and how can yoga teachers support people going through abortion care before, during, and after the process? Sasha Sigel shares her insights. Sasha Sigel is a pelvic floor yoga teacher, Reiki practitioner, and abortion doula. Sasha is also a cofounder of a queer yoga collective called Be Queer Now, which offers virtual and in-person programming for the queer community. In her work, Sasha focuses on folks in the LGBTQIA+ community seeking pelvic health support as well as offering trauma-informed, gender-affirming practices. When Roe v Wade was overturned in 2022, she trained to be an abortion doula where she supports folks going through abortion care with accurate information and practical, emotional, and physical support. In this episode, Sasha shares more how how yoga intersects with reproductive justice and how we can lean on the foundational values of yoga to guide us in supporting people through their reproductive choices. Sasha also explains how yoga is more than just movement – it is a liberatory practice that can offer space for validation, rest, and healing, especially for those who've experienced abortion or miscarriage. Tune in to learn more about the barriers many people face when accessing care, how community doulas and yoga teachers can safely show up, and why normalizing abortion as a part of human healthcare is a crucial part of our work as compassionate spaceholders. Key Takeaways: [2:20] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsor, OfferingTree. [2:46] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sasha Sigel. [4:51] What does Sasha do and who does she do it for? [8:37] What does abortion have to do with yoga? [10:03] What are some quick-bites that Sasha shares with people who may not have considered that abortion is healthcare? [15:43] How does yoga help people through the journey of abortion care? [21:42] How can yoga teachers support their students going through an abortion or post-abortion emotionally and with their language? [23:38] What are some words or phrases that are unhelpful to a person after abortion? What are some ways yoga teachers can reassure them? [27:51] What has Sasha's experience been with yoga offerings that support people who have received abortion care? [30:05] Shannon pops in with a message about OfferingTree. [32:09] What is Sasha's advice about looking up information online and resources for people who live in a place where abortion care isn't available? [36:45] How does Sasha approach marketing her services as an abortion doula and making sure that people know support is available? [40:09] Does Sasha have to deal with online hate or misinformation? [41:32] Where does Sasha suggest a yoga teacher start if they are wanting to get more involved in offering abortion care and support? [45:06] What would Sasha say to someone who has gone through abortion care or are considering it? [47:24] Shannon shares a book that has resonated with her on the topic. [48:48] Learn more about Sasha and her work via her website or social media. [50:26] Sasha shares some final thoughts for yoga teachers about abortion care. [54:29] Shannon and Sasha discuss how people might think that certain things would never happen in their country or state and that's an assumption worth challenging. [56:52] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation. Links: Sasha Sigel Sasha Sigel on Instagram Aborsh — A podcast about abortion in Canada Guttmacher Institute Center for Reproductive Rights Signal DuckDuckGo Shout Your Abortion AbortionFinder.org New York Abortion Access Fund National Network of Abortion Funds The Great Simplification Podcast - Jeremy Grantham: “The Baby Bust: How The Toxicity Crisis Could Cause the Next Economic Crash” Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings Looking for Jane, by Heather Marshall The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Shannon Crow on Instagram Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree Quotes from this episode: "Yoga is a liberatory practice and reproductive justice and healthcare is something that's under attack right now in terms of folks having agency over their own body." "Use non-assumptive, non-judgmental language. We don't know why this person got an abortion. We don't know what their experience was. So our main role is going to be listening to whatever information they do give us." "How people report their experience after an abortion is often mixed and complicated, but very seldom is the main emotion or experience regret." "This is not new. This is something that we have the right to, and our bodies have been doing since the beginning of humans being alive."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 395: Anticolonial Philosophy & Yoga with Shyam Ranganathan Description: Yoga philosophy can sometimes feel overwhelming, inapplicable to the modern problems we face today, or just too abstract. Dr. Shyam Ranganathan, a repeat guest on the podcast, has a gift for breaking philosophy down in a way that we can relate to. Dr. Shyam Ranganathan is a philosopher, author, researcher, and leading voice in anti-colonial philosophy, as well as the founder of the Yoga Philosophy Institute. He specializes in the study and translation of philosophy, especially South Asian philosophy and Yoga. In his recent book, Yoga — AntiColonial Philosophy, Shyam explores yoga as a decolonial tradition and how we can reconnect to that legacy in our modern practice. In this episode, Shyam explains how colonialism shows up even in yoga philosophy, and how we can apply the practice of yoga and yoga philosophy to the many social justice issues we face in the world. He shares more about Ishvara Pranidhana (devotion to sovereignty), samskaras (rituals and practices), and how we might apply them to our daily lives to take back agency and practice yogic behavior. Tune into this conversation if you are seeking to be inspired by how philosophy can be a tool for liberation. Key Takeaways: [2:04] Shannon gives a shout-out to sponsor, OfferingTree. [3:08] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Dr. Shyam Ranganathan. [6:20] What does Shyam do and who does he do it for? [8:06] How did Shyam choose the title of his book, Yoga — AntiColonial Philosophy? [9:27] Why is it that yoga philosophy does not often give a platform to the voices of South Asian yoga teachers and authors? [13:35] Shyam reflects on how education is not really about learning but about training people to follow instructions. [16:39] How does the practice of yoga and yoga philosophy apply to the many social justice issues we are facing in the world? [21:40] Shyam explains the concept of Ishvara Pranidhana (devotion to sovereignty) in more concrete terms with some examples. [24:19] What is the practice to get out of being stuck in our own prejudices? [26:23] What are samskaras in yoga and how do they affect us? [29:55] Shyam shares how we can take back and redeploy our agency instead of getting stuck in loops and patterns. [31:58] Shannon pops in to give a shout-out of thanks to OfferingTree. [33:25] Simply practicing yoga is the easiest way to disrupt the harm of colonialism. [34:47] Shannon and Shyam discuss how challenging certain laws may be a part of resisting colonialism and is yogic behavior. [39:47] Shyam explains what he means by "the real philosophical practice is what one does where one already is in relationship to the people that are already in one's life." [44:51] What is a practice that can be a first baby step for someone who has not explored much of yoga philosophy? [46:57] What might the first moment of conscious thought look like when we are showing up as an ally for ourselves? Shyam talks about what the practice of yoga can look like in our daily lives. [51:31] Shannon and Shyam discuss the future of (de)colonization. [57:35] Shannon and Shyam chat about how he felt writing the book and how Shannon felt reading it. [58:49] Connect with Shyam via his website or on Instagram to learn more. [59:18] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation. Links: Dr. Shyam Ranganathan Dr. Shyam Ranganathan on Instagram Yoga AntiColonial Philosophy by Dr. Shyam Ranganathan The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 269: Yoga Philosophy and Colonialism with Shyam Ranganathan The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Shannon Crow on Instagram Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree Quotes from this episode: "The fact that people do self-select in this way speaks to a kind of an actual fear of learning." "What we call education, especially in the West, is not really education. It's geared to getting us to follow instructions." "Every kind of bigotry or small-mindedness is part of just not being free from those past experiences." "What happens is we don't see our agency when we're in these patterns and loops because our agency is hidden by these patterns, but our agency is what's powering it. So we have to find a way to redeploy our agency." "You can't be working on your autonomy and also being colonized at the same time."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 394: A Pep Talk to Share Your Yoga with Shannon Crow Description: Taking a big leap can feel scary and overwhelming, and you may be filled with doubt and hesitation. You may feel imposter syndrome creeping in, start procrastinating, or simply feel unable to take the first (or next) step. In this episode, Shannon shares her pep talk to motivate you (and herself) to make the leap. Shannon has been considering the idea of starting a farmer's market for some time now, but is also struggling with taking the heap. She shares how she knew it was the right time to start taking baby steps towards making her dream a reality and what that might look like for you. Shannon also shares some advice on overcoming doubts and fears that creep in, explains why connection and collaboration can help move you forward, and tips to stay motivated and take action. If you are feeling nervous or overwhelmed and are procrastinating on launching something new in your yoga business, this is the perfect episode for you. Key Takeaways: [0:32] Shannon shares something she learned while working at M'Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Center. [8:15] Shannon gives a shout out to the podcast sponsor, OfferingTree. [9:42] The inspiration for this episode came from Shannon's own fears and hesitation. [13:58] How do you know when it's the right time to take a big leap or launch something new? [17:15] It can feel comfortable to stay in the dreaming, planning, and wishing stage, but when you're constantly thinking about it, it's time to start taking baby steps towards making it happen. [19:13] Once you have the motivation to do the thing, where do you start? [20:57] If it starts to feel overwhelming, think back to all the things you've already done to prepare for this moment. [24:36] If you are feeling overwhelmed about not having a website or not knowing how to set up the tech side of things, OfferingTree can be a great solution. [26:36] How can you deal with the fears and doubts that creep in? [31:31] Consider collaborating and building connections with others to help you along the journey. [33:10] Mark and celebrate your wins and successes along the way. [33:28] Are you launching something new? Share in the comments, the Facebook group, or send Shannon a voice message. Links: M'Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre Bannock Recipe The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 319: Do I Need Another Yoga Training? with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 392: Concussion Recovery & Yoga with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Shannon Crow on Instagram Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree Quotes from this episode: "I have ideas all the time. ... But when they really stick and they just keep coming back, that's when I know, OK, this is one that I really have to listen to." "When your message gets bigger than your fears, it's time." "Think back to what you've already done to prepare for this moment." "Because failure or being wrong on something is literally just feedback. It's just more learning so we can do better."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 393: Opening a Yoga Studio with Michael Jay Description: Have you ever thought about opening a yoga studio? Perhaps you own a yoga studio and have been wondering how to take it to the next level. If you've ever had questions about owning or running a yoga studio, Michael Jay is the expert to talk to – and on this episode, he shares his insights. Known as the yoga biz champ, Michael Jay has over 26 years of experience in the yoga world. Michael has taught yoga, run a successful yoga studio, and now focuses on helping yoga studio owners thrive and build a profitable business. Dedicated to elevating yoga studios from mere survival to genuine thriving, Michael provides yoga studio owners with clear, actionable advice based on insights from his hands-on experience and Certified Business Consultant background. In this episode, Michael shares his journey to yoga and into the world of running a yoga business. He talks about what it takes to start and grow a studio and how he sold his own studio to a yoga teacher. Michael also gives tips on how yoga studios can create financial stability, the best strategies for marketing a yoga studio, and why being on ClassPass may not be such a great thing. He highlights the importance of community building and explains why planning ahead is essential for building a thriving yoga business. Whether you own a studio, are dreaming of opening one, or just need some tweaks for your own yoga business to make it more sustainable, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: [2:22] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Michael Jay. [3:44] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree. [6:06] What does Michael do and who does he do it for? [13:32] How did Michael transition from teaching yoga to running his own yoga studio? [21:13] Michael talks about how useful OfferingTree has been in helping him run his business. [25:05] If you are interested in checking out OfferingTree, use Shannon's discount code at offeringtree.com/shannon. [25:45] How important is a business mindset for running a yoga studio? [28:17] What are some things yoga teachers who are thinking about starting a yoga studio should consider to prepare themselves? [33:27] Offering a signature series can be a profitable way to run a yoga business. [35:50] If you're offering a yoga series, support it by doing some additional marketing with automated emails. [38:09] How many classes should be in a yoga series? [39:19] What are Michael's thoughts on using ClassPass in your yoga studio? [45:13] What would the ideal payment structure be for a yoga studio? [47:05] How can yoga studio owners figure out what the best times are for classes? [52:33] What are some things yoga studio owners could save themselves the headache of if they prepared in advance? [55:40] Michael shares some strategies for marketing yoga studios. [61:06] Learn more from Michael on his podcast, Yoga Biz Champ, or book a free chat with him. [65:38] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Michael. [69:12] Shannon shares a quick update about her recovery. Links: Michael Jay Yoga Biz Champ Podcast Book a call with Michael Jay The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 277: Yoga and Land Acknowledgement with Jessica Barudin & Emmy Chahal How I Broke Up with ClassPass - Sarah Morgan Red Sun Yoga Yoga Biz Champ with Michael Jay Michael Jay on OfferingTree. The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 392: Concussion Recovery & Yoga with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Shannon Crow on Instagram Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree Quotes from this episode: "If you're passionate about it, dial into your superpowers and get help on the things that you need help on." "You can run a very, very good business with a signature series." "The best way to do [email marketing] is: teach a class, and then create a follow-up email based on that class, and then you build your automation sequence ... as you go along." "Learn how to do a dedicated landing page for your series." "First of all, you need to know what your mission, vision, and values are." "There's never been a better time for an independent business, whether a solo practitioner or a studio."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 392: Concussion Recovery & Yoga with Shannon Crow Description: As yoga teachers, we don't often expect to become the student. Shannon Crow recently had a concussion and a health scare. As a result, she has had to shift from her role of yoga therapist to patient and student. She shares the unexpected challenges in her concussion recovery journey. In this episode, Shannon talks about how grateful she is for all the people who reached out after she shared that she had experienced a concussion and health scare. She reflects on her recovery journey, including how difficult it has been for her to step into the role of patient and student. Shannon also shares some of the things that have helped in her recovery journey, including her yoga practice with Ray Zott. This has been a challenging time for Shannon but has reminded her about the impact that yoga teachers can have on their students' lives. Whether you're teaching or practicing yoga, this episode is a reminder of the power of patience, community, and showing up for one another. Key Takeaways: [1:49] Shannon is sharing an update on her concussion recovery journey in this episode and the role yoga has played. [3:37] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree. [4:39] Shannon gives thanks to everyone who reached out to her with well wishes after she shared about her concussion and health scare. [6:42] Shannon reflects on her experience being a student in healing and recovery this week. [9:13] Shannon shares more about her yoga experience in supporting her healing journey post-concussion. [12:05] Shannon gives a shout out to OfferingTree and talks about how she uses it in her business. [13:48] Shannon's physiotherapist has reminded her that the process of healing can be frustrating but it's important to take it easy. [16:27] If you're teaching, you may not always realize how much of an impact you're making. [18:43] If you are going through your own healing journey, you are not alone. Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 391: Yoga for Wheelchair Users with Rodrigo Souza Proactive Physio Plus (Owen Sound, Canada) Ray Zott The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Shannon Crow on Instagram Ray Zott's Yoga Practice Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree Quotes from this episode: "You are moving forward, but there definitely are setbacks on that healing journey, especially with a concussion." "It's a huge reminder also of how profound the yoga practice can be when you're living through something that's so challenging." "What really stood out to me was the way the intention and the slow pace and matching that breath and movement can make such a deep impact." "If you're teaching, you may not always realize how much of an impact you're making."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 391: Yoga for Wheelchair Users with Rodrigo Souza Description: How can we make yoga classes more inclusive and accessible to wheelchair users? What are some dos and don'ts when it comes to working with differently-abled people? Rodrigo Souza shares his insights and perspectives. Rodrigo Souza is the founder of Allihopa Yoga. After experiencing a life-changing spinal cord injury, Rodrigo turned his journey of recovery into a mission to make yoga accessible for all bodies. He shares adaptive yoga with people who have experienced trauma, loss, and disability while helping them find comfort, joy, mindfulness, and acceptance in their unique experiences. In this episode, Rodrigo invites us to consider the language we use and how to be more inclusive with the words we use. He also shares his personal experiences with disability and being a wheelchair user, while reminding us that mistakes are a normal part of learning to be more inclusive. Rodrigo provides tips on practical ways to create more welcoming yoga spaces as well as guidance on teaching yoga to wheelchair users. Whether you are seeking ways to adapt your yoga lessons to be more inclusive or simply want to challenge your assumptions, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Key Takeaways: [2:09] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree. [2:52] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Rodrigo Souza. [5:24] What does Rodrigo do and who does he do it for? [8:44] Shannon and Rodrigo discuss some of the terminology and language around people in wheelchairs. [10:58] What are some key things yoga teachers could change with their language? [14:24] Shannon shares a mistake she made when talking about a wheelchair user. [17:09] Rodrigo talks about the Golden Rule when it comes to working with wheelchair users. [19:31] It is important for us to diversify our friend circle, or at the very least, our social media feeds. [22:33] Rodrigo shares his experience tackling internalized ableism. [25:46] Shannon pops in with a few messages for listeners, including a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree. [27:42] What has Rodrigo's experience been as a wheelchair user attending a regular yoga class? [30:21] Shannon and Rodrigo discuss how YTTs often tend to be rigid and not focused on inclusion, accessibility, and equity. [33:02] What are some variations of yoga poses that yoga teachers can offer to students who are wheelchair users? [40:16] What are some resources available to yoga teachers who want to make their yoga classes more accessible to wheelchair users? [42:10] Rodrigo is starting to write a book - he shares a little about some of the themes he will cover. [47:21] Rodrigo explains how yoga has helped him deal with pain. [51:24] Find out more about Rodrigo and learn from him via his website and social media. [53:07] Shannon shares some of her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Rodrigo. [55:56] Shannon shares a personal update. The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast turns 8! Links: Rodrigo Souza, Allihopa Yoga Rodrigo Souza on Instagram Accessible Yoga Ambassador & Mentorship Program The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 365: How to Teach Accessible Yoga with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 092: Accessible Yoga Begins with Language with Elliot Kesse, Chantel Ehler and Katie Juelson The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga (Podcast Series) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 289: Limb Difference and Yoga with Melissa D'Errico Nemahsis Nemahsis says her label dropped her for her pro-Palestinian stance | CBC Arts Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga - Resources by The Connected Yoga Teacher The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Shannon Crow on Instagram Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree Quotes from this episode: "Mistakes are a step for us to learn." "I think a teacher should never feel sorry for the student. That is the wrong power dynamic you have in the room if you go that way." "Every mistake is a learning opportunity."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 390: Yoga for People with Limited Energy with Katie Blecker & Audrey Description: People with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or other health conditions may have limited energy. As yoga teachers, what are some things we should know when teaching people with limited energy? What are some things that are helpful, and what should we avoid? Katie Blecker and Audrey share their insights as yoga teachers with limited energy. Katie Blecker is a yoga teacher, advocate, and visual artist. Her lived experience with complex chronic illness informs her worldview and inspires her passion for disability advocacy. In her work as a trauma-informed yoga facilitator both online and in-person, Katie focuses on supporting folks who live with chronic illness and pain, disability, and chronic stress using tools such as therapeutic asana, pranayama, and meditation. Audrey also is a yoga teacher and advocate whose experience with complex chronic illnesses informs her way of practising and teaching. As a disabled and neurodivergent person, her philosophy is that the practice will adapt to the person, not the other way around. Audrey devotes herself to sharing the transformational tools of yoga with other people so they too can find a practice that serves them, where community, access, and joy are centred. In this episode, Katie and Audrey share their personal journeys with chronic illness and how these experiences have shaped their inclusive teaching methodologies. They explain what "limited energy" means and how it differs from someone who is simply more tired than usual, and how their own conditions influence their work as yoga teachers. Katie and Audrey also highlight the importance of adapting yoga practices to individual needs, the role of community in fostering a supportive environment for those with chronic conditions, and how yoga teachers can best support people with limited energy. Key Takeaways: [2:20] Shannon introduces her guests for this episode - Katie Blecker and Audrey. [8:31] What work does Audrey do and who does she do it for? [10:21] What does Katie do and who does she do it for? [11:58] What are CFS and ME? Katie and Audrey share a little about these chronic conditions. [15:02] What are some things that Audrey has found unhelpful in a yoga class because it does not work well for someone with limited energy? [19:45] Having limited energy is not just about feeling more tired than usual. Katie explains the distinction. [23:55] What do yoga teachers who are working with people with limited energy need to know? [30:48] Shannon pops in to share a little about OfferingTree. [33:13] Katie invites us to take a step back and reflect on why we might feel the need to "fix" or "help" someone through yoga. [35:33] What are some of the benefits of yoga for people with limited energy? [42:15] How do Katie and Audrey show up for their work as yoga teachers as people with limited energy? [50:21] Find out more about Katie and Audrey's work via their websites and on Instagram. [54:33] How do Katie and Audrey speak up for social justice when they have limited energy? [63:13] Speaking up for social justice is not a sprint, it's a marathon, and it is important not to make it a competition. [70:08] Shannon shares her takeaways from this conversation with Katie and Audrey. [74:22] Shannon shares a quick personal update. Links: Audrey Audrey on Instagram Katie Blecker Katie Blecker on Instagram Yoga for People with Limited Energy 5-week Series Cozy Yoga Winter Series Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga - Resources by The Connected Yoga Teacher Shannon Crow on Instagram Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree Quotes from this episode: "Limited energy is like a profound absence of being able to create energy through the body. It's not being tired, it's a severe level of fatigue that can't really be recovered from on a day to day level. ... We start out with almost an impairment in energy on a daily basis." - Katie "First and foremost, remembering that our students are the experts in their own bodies and their own experiences." - Katie "Yoga will not heal or fix any anyone." - Audrey "It's important to look at all of the wonderful practices of yoga and not always focus on Asana and movement." - Audrey
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 389: Cultivating Self-Acceptance with Donna Noble Description: Sometimes, we can be very hard on ourselves (or others). We may feel we need to change parts of ourselves, look or behave in certain ways, or have certain things in order to be better. How can we overcome this kind of thinking? Donna Noble shares her insights. Donna Noble is a yoga teacher and advocate for inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity in yoga. In her work, she is focused on disrupting the yoga and wellbeing space to make it more inclusive and diverse and is on a mission to create welcoming spaces for everyone—regardless of body type, background, or ability. She aims to bring people who feel unwelcome in mainstream yoga spaces to explore yoga and enjoy its benefits. Donna is also an author and wellbeing coach. In this episode, Donna shares her inspiring journey of using yoga to overcome personal challenges, including Bell's palsy. She explains her philosophy on self-acceptance, the importance of gratitude in self-love, and the transformative power of mindfulness. Donna also offers some powerful insights about how we can go about addressing unconscious biases and fostering social justice in yoga. Key Takeaways: [0:20] Shannon reflects on some of the current crises we are experiencing. [3:05] Shannon shares a personal anecdote wondering why we are all so hard on ourselves at times. [4:49] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree! [5:28] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Donna Noble. [6:37] What does Donna do and who does she do it for? [7:55] What does Donna tell people who think they may be limited in some way so they can't do yoga? [9:34] What are Donna's thoughts on the topic of self-love? [11:19] What are some things that helped Donna in accepting her body and in her yoga practice? [14:52] What practices does Donna suggest for a person who is comparing themselves to others and beating themselves up? [20:29] Shannon pops in with a message about OfferingTree. [21:47] Donna clarifies the difference between acknowledging the negative thoughts and working on changing them, and engaging in toxic positivity. [26:54] Shannon and Donna discuss the internal work that we need to do of looking at our biases and also why it's important not to invalidate other people's experiences even if they are not the same as yours. [31:59] Donna talks a little about her yoga journey and how and why she become body positive. [35:33] How did Donna move towards body positivity and self-acceptance? [38:49] Shannon pops in to share a note about the harm caused by Bikram (the person, not the yoga style). [40:09] Donna shares how yoga has impacted her life. [43:02] Shannon and Donna discuss how social justice is a part of yoga. [45:50] Shannon and Donna reflect on the relationship between self-love and ahimsa. [47:41] Check out Donna's book and her website to learn more about body positive yoga. [50:02] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Donna. Links: Donna Noble Donna Noble on Instagram Teaching Body Positive Yoga by Donna Noble The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 312: We Stand With Survivors with Rebecca Sebastian & Colin Hall Ecosia Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga - Resources by The Connected Yoga Teacher The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Shannon Crow on Instagram Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree Quotes from this episode: "I see that so many people want to do yoga, but because of what the mainstream is saying, they don't think it's for them. So I try to debunk it as much as possible." "If you're doing yoga and you have a body, you have a yoga body." "If we can appreciate our bodies for all the things that it does for us without asking. We become accepting of ourselves and see that we are fine as we are." "A lot of us are out there fighting the good fight and creating the change, and sometimes we don't even realize the impact or the changes that we're making."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 388: Fertility Yoga with Sherry Longbottom Description: Global fertility rates have dropped significantly over the past few decades. Many factors influence people's desire and ability to conceive and bear children, such as stress, lifestyle, and societal shifts. For those wanting to have children but facing challenges, fertility yoga can help in their conception and pregnancy journey. Sherry Longbottom shares her insights about fertility yoga and its benefits. Sherry Longbottom is an author and yoga teacher specializing in fertility, prenatal, and baby and me yoga, with over 20 years of experience. Sherry offers online private and group classes as well as occasional studio pop-ups. She creates supportive spaces for individuals at every stage of their fertility and pregnancy journeys. In her classes, Sherry brings together fertility and prenatal yoga students in unique environment that allows all students to inspire and uplift one another, while supporting each other through the challenging times. In this episode, Sherry shares some of her recommendations for yoga teachers offering support to students on a fertility journey, including recommended poses and poses to avoid. She also offers tips and insights for yoga teachers on class design, pose modifications, and the importance of mindfulness. This conversation is a heartfelt exploration of how yoga can provide both physical and emotional support for those navigating fertility and pregnancy. Key Takeaways: [1:09] In this episode, Shannon and her guest will be talking about fertility and how yoga can help. [3:34] Shannon gives a shout out to the sponsor, OfferingTree. [3:56] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sherry Longbottom. [7:04] What is the work that Sherry does and who does she do it for? [11:08] What are some main things that yoga teachers might need to consider when deciding to offer 1:1 support for someone in the fertility journey vs. adding certain elements to a group class that might benefit them? [16:42] Does Sherry teach online or in person? [17:30] Shannon and Sherry discuss the external pressure that people often face when they are trying to conceive. [20:13] Sherry shares some tips on poses she recommends for people trying to conceive as well as some things to avoid. [23:23] What are some of Sherry's students' favorite poses in her classes? [25:51] When people have been on a fertility journey for a while, there can be a lot of fear that arises. How does Sherry support her students through that? [30:19] How does Sherry navigate both ends of the spectrum in a group setting focused on yoga for fertility i.e. someone getting pregnant vs. someone dealing with loss? [34:42] Shannon pops in to share a message about using OfferingTree to run your yoga business. [36:33] Sherry shares a little about her book about fertility yoga and the courses she offers for yoga teachers wanting to teach fertility yoga. [40:55] What are IVF and IUI? [43:43] Sherry shares more about the kinds of people who might undergo each procedure (IVF and IUI) that she sees in her classes. [46:16] How does Sherry facilitate community building in her yoga classes? [54:17] Connect with Sherry and learn more from her via her website or on social media. [56:00] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation. [65:08] Shannon shares a podcast she recently listened to about the topic of fertility. Links: Sherry Longbottom Sherry Longbottom on Facebook and Instagram OfferingTree Facebook Group The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 284: Beyond Pronouns and Pride Month with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 265: Teach LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Yoga with Gabi Parkham The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 247: Being Wrong is Part of Learning with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 217: Yoga of Trans* Affirmation with Avery Kalapa & Maygen Nicholson The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 195: LGBTQ Awareness for Yoga Teachers with Tristan Katz The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 246: Anger, Forgiveness & Self-Care with Jacoby Ballard The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens Podcast Episode 155: Jeremy Grantham: “The Baby Bust: How The Toxicity Crisis Could Cause the Next Economic Crash” The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Shannon Crow on Instagram Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree Quotes from this episode: "Movement is great for your body." "Just having that supportive group of women is key." "There's a lot of things that are out of our control, but at least in this class, the women do feel like they're doing everything that they can do."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 387: The Five Kleshas with Michelle Cassandra Johnson Description: What lies at the root of all human suffering? How can we relieve our suffering and that of others? According to the yoga sutras, our suffering comes from five root causes, the five kelshas, and there are practices we can do to alleviate suffering. Michelle Cassandra Johnson has studied this topic in-depth and shares her insights. Michelle Cassandra Johnson is an author and activist. She has been a racial equity educator for 25 years and is also a yoga teacher, spiritual teacher, and practitioner. Michelle works with people 1:1 and in group settings to help them connect to their intuitive abilities and supports them within intuitive healing practices. Her latest book, Illuminating Our True Nature: Yogic Practices for Personal and Collective Healing, was released in July 2024 and focuses on the kleshas. Michelle explains what the five kleshas are, and how we see them showing up in our lives with examples. She shares her reflections on our interconnectedness with each other, nature, and the earth as well as why we have become so disconnected. Michelle offers some practices to help us lessen suffering individually and collectively, and how we can avoid contributing to suffering through our actions. Key Takeaways: [4:01] Shannon gives a shout-out to the sponsors, OfferingTree, and her own 20-hour Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training. [4:01] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Michelle Cassandra Johnson. [7:12] What does Michelle do and who does she do it for? [10:54] How does Michelle define the kleshas? [13:41] Michelle introduces the five different kleshas. [18:11] Can all human suffering be distilled into the five kleshas? [23:50] Shannon and Michelle discuss how interconnected we are, not just to each other but to nature and the earth as well. [28:34] Shannon pops in to share about a workshop that Billie Smith is running, hosted by sponsor, OfferingTree. [30:38] Is avoiding suffering contributing to suffering? [37:52] Shannon and Michelle reflect on their connection to the earth and being in relationship with nature. [44:26] Some people are unable to see the disconnect in between different areas of their lives. How can we navigate that? [50:16] What are the ways that we can reduce or relieve suffering? [56:19] Which of the kleshas is the most challenging to address and what is a practice that can help? [62:02] Learn more from Michelle via her website, where you can get access to her books, workshops, and other resources. [64:52] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Michelle. Links: Michelle Cassandra Johnson Illuminating Our True Nature, by Michelle Cassandra Johnson The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode BONUS: Anti-Racism & Yoga with Michelle Johnson OfferingTree Webinar: Queer Inclusive Teaching with Billie Smith and Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 5 Koshas Series: Annamaya Kosha The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 073: 8 Limbs of Yoga [Part 1] with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 074: 8 Limbs of Yoga [Part 2] with Jennie Lee The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 385: When the Yoga Teacher Stumbles with Jivana Heyman Yoga for Pelvic Health 3-Hour On Demand Workshop with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Shannon Crow on Instagram Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, and Yoga for Pelvic Health 20-hr Online Training with Shannon Crow. Quotes from this episode: "This is illuminating our true nature which speaks to the fact that we are nature and that so many of us have been conditioned to be divorced from nature as if it doesn't exist within us." - Michelle " This path calls us to study the root causes of suffering so that we suffer less. And ultimately,... become liberated, but it's not just about my liberation, it's about everyone's liberation." - Michelle "Am I also contributing to suffering by thinking, I'll just avoid this." - Shannon "If we're going to take action, we need to do it from a steady and a grounded place." - Michelle "The path of yoga in so many ways is about us shedding our conditioning and at a minimum, interrogating our conditioning and then shedding what is not aligned with nature." - Michelle "We have to understand why we suffer and how we suffer. ... It's an ongoing practice and study and it's a muscle to build."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 386: Weaponization of Yoga with Sheena Sood Description: How can something like yoga, that is meant to be peaceful and focused on meditation and breath, be weaponized? How has it been co-opted by the far-right, colonizer projects, and Zionists? How does this show up in our yoga spaces and what can we do to address it? Dr. Sheena Sood shares her insights. Dr. Sheena Sood (PhD) is a Philadelphia-based activist, educator, sociologist, and healing justice visionary of South Asian descent. She is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Delaware Valley University in Pennsylvania and has studied yoga at Kailash Tribal School of Yoga in India. Her current research project is about Omwashing Yoga: Weaponized Spirituality in India, Israel, and the US, where she investigates the growing incorporation of yoga and mindfulness by far-right law enforcement, military, and vigilante groups. Sheena is also curates “Decolonizing Yoga” workshops through frameworks that recognize yoga's oppressive layers and liberatory potential and is the founder and creative director of Yoga Warrior Tales, an interactive adventure-based educational program that teaches children yoga and mindfulness through a social justice lens. Sheena shares her perspective on the situation in Palestine and the reactions in the yoga world after October 7. She explains why this response of “om-washing” is not unexpected, and how we as yoga practitioners, teachers, and studios can counter harmful narratives to support Palestine. Sheena also has some words of encouragement and motivation for those of us doing the work and feeling exhausted, so be sure to tune in for some powerful insights. Key Takeaways: [3:14] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsors, OfferingTree and her own 20-hour Yoga for Pelvic Health Training. [4:26] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sheena Sood. [11:29] What does Sheena do and who does she do it for? [14:13] How can something like yoga, that is meant to be relaxing and focuses on breath and meditation, be weaponized? What is om-washing? [22:50] Sheena shares her experience of learning about the history of Palestine and how that influenced her interactions with IDF/IOF soldiers in her yoga teacher training. [29:14] Sheena shares her reflections on the video that was circulating of people practicing yoga in support of Israel. [34:42] How is om-washing showing up at a micro level? How does the weaponization of yoga show up in our yoga spaces and studios? [45:22] Shannon pops in with a message about the sponsor, OfferingTree. [49:11] Shannon and Sheena discuss how change can actually be created - it's not by trying to be nice. [54:13] What is Sheena's advice for people who have been taking action but are feeling discouraged or unmotivated that their efforts are making a difference? [62:37] Shannon and Sheena reflect on some of the images they have seen of Israeli soldiers practicing yoga after bombing homes in Gaza. [66:45] Learn more from Sheena on social media or via her website. [69:42] Sheena shares some closing thoughts. [71:26] Shannon shares her reflections from this conversation with Sheena, as well as a personal update. Links: Sheena Sood Sheena Sood on Instagram: @sheena_shining, @yogawarriortales Yogis For Palestine Sign the Yogis for Palestine Solidarity Statement Previous Podcast Episodes Related to the Topic 385: When the Yoga Teacher Stumbles with Jivana Heyman 382: Having Tough Conversations with Rebecca Sebastian 376: Collective Care Over Individualistic Self-Care with Muna Shakour 369: Struggling to Write Content is Normal with Billie Smith 362: Yoga in Times of War & Violence with Molly Nixon Yoga for Peace with Shannon Crow [BONUS EPISODE] 356: How Silence Feels for a Yoga Student with Suzanne Miller 359: Ahimsa in Times of Conflict with Rula Wardeh La La Lil Jidar Queer Inclusive Teaching with Billie Smith + Shannon Crow Yogis for Palestine Merchandise (T-shirts) Aniqa Anwar ABCD Yogi - Om-washing and Zionism on YouTube Southampton Olive Oil Company Move with Billie - Inclusivity Workshops Yoga for Pelvic Health 3-Hour On Demand Workshop with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Shannon Crow on Instagram Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, and Yoga for Pelvic Health 20-hr Online Training with Shannon Crow. Quotes from this episode: "Om-washing is the term for how the global far right and these ethnostates and cultural institutions use yoga as propaganda to make themselves look peaceful or liberatory to the public. But in fact, it's disguising their violent agendas." "If I'm doing yoga according to the ethics that I want to live up to, then yoga invites me to reckon with the violence my ancestors and my relatives might be participating in." "One of the ways in which these yoga studios participate in om-washing is in these unfortunate ways in which they think they're trying to be well-intentioned and decolonial, but they actually are only just doing this diversity and inclusion approach that is not actually anti-colonial and that is not anti-imperial." "No oppressed and formally colonized society has ever won a struggle against their oppressor simply through nonviolent, peaceful resistance." "I just want to encourage folks to not numb yourself as we continue to see these images and think they can't get any worse. Continue to find ways to let your heart feel what it is that you're witnessing."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 385: When the Yoga Teacher Stumbles with Jivana Heyman Description: Have you ever been deeply disappointed in a yoga teacher, mentor, or celebrity? You are not alone. It is a common experience that many yoga teachers and practitioners go through, but how should we react? In this episode, Jivana Heyman joins Shannon to discuss how they deal with their feelings of grief and disappointment caused by folks in the yoga world. Jivana Heyman is a teacher, author, and advocate, well-known in the yoga community. He is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an international non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to yoga teachings for people of all abilities and backgrounds. He has authored multiple books and brings decades of experience as an advocate and teacher to this conversation. Shannon and Jivana discuss the complex topic of navigating a path forward when yoga teachers or mentors disappoint us. Whether through actions that fall short of our expectations, problematic behavior, or situations where trust is broken, these experiences can be deeply personal and disheartening. Jivana draws on his years of experience in teaching and his commitment to fostering compassionate and ethical yoga communities to share some deep insights and thoughtful reflections on tackling these moments with grace, understanding, and authenticity. This episode promises to inspire and empower yoga teachers and practitioners alike to approach disappointment with wisdom and resilience. Key Takeaways: [0:12] Have you ever been deeply disappointed in a yoga teacher, mentor, or celebrity? Shannon and Jivana are discussing their feelings of grief and disappointment in connection with folks in the yoga world. [2:33] Shannon introduces herself and gives a shout-out of thanks to sponsors - OfferingTree and her 20-hour Yoga for Pelvic Health Training. [5:51] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jivana Heyman. [10:05] What's the newest thing in Jivana's world right now with his work and personal life? [15:12] It is common to be disappointed by yoga teachers or celebrities that we are learning from. Jivana and Shannon reflect on their experiences. [19:40] Can we separate the teacher from the teachings? Is it possible to find a distinction between yoga and the people we learned from? [21:26] Shannon shares an experience she had with a yoga teacher with a sizeable following just before the US elections. [27:35] A second part of that interaction Shannon had is that they seemed to stop speaking up because of capitalism. Jivana shares his perspective on Shannon's reaction and disappointment. [30:18] At what point do we call people out or call them in for the harm they are causing and how do we do that? [32:26] Shannon pops in with a message about the sponsor, OfferingTree. [36:00] Someone reached out to Shannon about wanting to call out a teacher they've been studying with who has said nothing about Palestine but has spoken up about other world events. What is the best way to navigate these situations? [42:43] What is Jivana's advice to a yoga teacher who is observing that their teachers or yoga celebrities they follow are not speaking up about the issues that are important to them? [47:46] It can feel like it takes a lot of energy to work in community. How should we approach this task of overcoming our differences to work towards a common goal? [55:14] Yoga doesn't always feel good. It's not the goal of a yoga practice to leave us in a "blissed out" state. [57:57] What would Jivana say to the yoga celebrity who is listening and having people ask them about not speaking up about social justice causes? [59:24] What would Jivana tell yoga teachers who feel like they are not doing enough right now? [65:48] What is Jivana's next book (his fourth) about? [66:34] What are some practices Jivana is using now for grieving the destruction that is happening to the earth and around the world? [71:51] Shannon shares some of the actions that she is taking to fight back against oppressive systems in the world. [73:17] Connect with and learn from Jivana via his website or Instagram. [74:26] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Jivana. Links: Jivana Heyman Jivana Heyman on Instagram Previous Podcast Episodes with Jivana Heyman 365: How to Teach Accessible Yoga with Jivana Heyman 321: Accessible Yoga & Pelvic Health with Jivana Heyman 273: Yoga is a Revolution with Jivana Heyman 251: Reflect & Plan [Part 2] with Shannon Crow & Jivana Heyman 209: Online Yoga Teacher Training with Jivana Heyman 138: Accessible Yoga Beyond Asana with Jivana Heyman Inclusive Yoga: Creating Community Through Accessibility (OfferingTree) Zel Amanzi on Instagram Yoga for Pelvic Health 3-Hour On Demand Workshop with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Shannon Crow on Instagram Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, and Yoga for Pelvic Health 20-hr Online Training with Shannon Crow. Quotes from this episode: "You know, we're all human, we're all trying our best." - Jivana "Where we always get stuck in life is the expectations. .... the expectation is what causes our suffering." - Jivana "Non-attachment is just freedom, that's what this is. Freedom from desire, freedom from being focused on the outcome." - Jivana "When you're giving someone feedback or criticism, try to be as nice as you can about it because we're mostly really insecure people." - Jivana "Direct communication is more effective with people." - Jivana "Don't let your emotions decide your life for you. Don't let emotions make the decision." - Jivana "We all have a lot of power in small ways that we don't recognize." - Jivana
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 384: Yoga for Election Grief with Shannon Crow Description: Many people have shared that they are feeling numb, sad, scared, shocked, and powerless in light of the recent US election results. Shannon Crow has experienced similar feelings and shares her experience in the aftermath of the election results. Shannon relates an interaction she had with a yoga teacher that prompted her to turn inward and reflect and invites us to do the same. She also invites listeners who support Trump to reach out to have a conversation – in these divisive times, Shannon highlights the importance of remaining open to alternative perspectives, finding common ground, and still showing up to do the work we are here to do. If you are feeling grief, helplessness, despair, or fear, Shannon shares some inspiring and uplifting words from her community, as well as her strategies for continuing to move forward through this time. Regardless of where you live, where you are in the election cycle, or who is/has been elected to office, this episode can help you ground into the important things. Key Takeaways: [0:48] This episode was inspired by some powerful messages from friends and colleagues who were feeling so many emotions after the results of the US elections were announced. [3:15] Shannon introduces herself and gives a shout-out of thanks to the sponsors, OfferingTree and Shannon's 20-hour Yoga for Pelvic Health Training. [7:15] Shannon shares how she felt in the aftermath of the elections in the United States. [12:02] Shannon shares an anecdote of an interaction with a yoga teacher related to the elections in the US. [16:08] Shannon understands and empathizes with people who have fears about living in a country and a world where Trump is the President of the US. She seeks to hear from people who voted for him about their perspectives. [19:00] Shannon explains why the US elections are so relevant to her as a Canadian (and all of us) -- and why we should care about cultures and events in other countries outside our own. [24:49] Having someone like Trump voted in makes Shannon look inward and reflect on what part of her she needs to work on. [26:45] Shannon shares a bit about OfferingTree. [28:26] Some things have helped Shannon in the moment of despair she was feeling when she learned the news that Trump had been elected. [35:07] Next week on the podcast, Shannon will be holding some people accountable for their (in)action. Links: Some Related Connected Yoga Teacher Podcasts 323: Finding Support in Yoga Philosophy with Sunita Patil 269: Yoga Philosophy and Colonialism with Shyam Ranganathan 382: Having Tough Conversations with Rebecca Sebastian 356: How Silence Feels for a Yoga Student with Suzanne Miller 359: Ahimsa in Times of Conflict with Rula Wardeh 362: Yoga in Times of War & Violence with Molly Nixon Yoga for Peace with Shannon Crow [BONUS EPISODE] 273: Yoga is a Revolution with Jivana Heyman 203: Do Politics Belong in Yoga? with Chara Caruthers & Maria Kirsten Post by Jezz Chung on Instagram Yoga for Pelvic Health 3-Hour On Demand Workshop with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Shannon Crow on Instagram Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, and Yoga for Pelvic Health 20-hr Online Training with Shannon Crow. Quotes from this episode: "This episode was inspired by some powerful messages from friends and colleagues who were feeling so many emotions." "We talk yoga on this podcast and we talk politics because politics is part of yoga." "Education is the foundational strength of a country." "We need to ask what's underneath this if we really want to build safer communities for everyone." "Having someone like Trump elected in the US definitely does make me ask a lot more questions, but it also makes me look inward." "Do the work that you are here to do."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 383: Gift Certificate Policies & Questions with Shannon Crow Description: What are the policies in your yoga business around gift certificates? If you don't have them in place, this episode is the perfect starting point to get started thinking about creating some policies about gift certificates and more in your yoga business. Shannon shares a question that was asked in the Connected Yoga Teacher Group on Facebook about gift certificates. A member asked about whether they should honor an expired gift certificate given out during a silent auction or offer an alternative that shows compassion for the buyer's circumstances. Shannon shares the feedback on the post and what the original poster decided to do. She also invites us to consider the policies we have in place in our yoga business, not just about gift certificates but in other areas as well. Shannon then shares a response she received on speaking up for social justice causes and other injustices. What can we do when it feels like our actions can't make a difference? Tune in to be inspired by Shannon's response. Key Takeaways: [0:10] This episode touches on two topics - the importance of community and support, and gift certificate policies. [3:46] Shannon gives a shout-out of thanks to sponsors, OfferingTree and two of Shannon's trainings focused on yoga for pelvic health. [6:17] Have you joined the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group yet? It is a wonderful and supportive community of over 12,000 members and yoga teachers from around the world! [7:13] Recently, a yoga teacher asked a question about policies around gift certificates and vouchers - holding a boundary around an expired voucher vs. offering a more compassionate alternative that benefits both parties. [11:24] Did you know that you can create gift cards and discount codes through OfferingTree? [13:23] It would be a great idea to review your policies about gift certificates before giving them out at a silent auction. Shannon shares what the original poster decided to do based on feedback from the community. [15:35] Some countries may have laws about expiration dates on gift certificates. It can be a good idea to consider some of the policies you have in place in your yoga business regarding gift certificates, as well as other areas. [18:15] Shannon shares a little about a response and a question that she received from a yoga teacher in a small rural community in the US about speaking up on social justice issues. [25:38] Keen to work with Shannon? Sign up for her email list to stay in the loop about her latest coaching offerings. Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Gift Certificate for Silent Auction Facebook Post Question About Non-expiring Gift Certificates Facebook Group The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 254: Must-Have Legal Agreements with Erika Kullberg The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 382: Having Tough Conversations with Rebecca Sebastian Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga (Podcasts & Articles) Resource The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Shannon Crow on Instagram Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, and Yoga for Pelvic Health 20-hr Online Training with Shannon Crow. Quotes from this episode: "It would be so great to really review policies about gift certificates before giving them out." "We can't think of every policy that we'll have for everything in our business, but we might want to consider some of the policies." "What is the work that you're doing and is it helping the community in some way?" "As a collective, just like the aster flowers, we can make a tremendous difference together."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 382: Having Tough Conversations with Rebecca Sebastian Description: Many yoga teachers are trying to navigate having tough conversations with their colleagues, friends, and families about many issues going on in the world today - from the genocide in Palestine to racism, from misogyny to cultural appropriation, and much more. These conversations are difficult but so important. Rebecca Sebastian joins Shannon Crow in this episode to discuss having tough conversations. Rebecca Sebastian is a long-time yoga teacher and 11-year yoga therapist. She owns an accessible and inclusivity-focused yoga studio and apothecary in Davenport, Iowa, called Sunlight Yoga + Apothecary, and is the host of the Working In Yoga Podcast. Rebecca is a passionate writer on yoga topics and she participates and loves all things yoga and the yoga industry. She believes that through writing and communication, we can all lift each other up and share what lights us up with the world. This episode came about because of a hard conversation between Rebecca and Shannon as friends when they realized that they were on the same journey but not on the same page about some things. They decided to share what it's like to have difficult conversations with people you care about and are in relationship with, and how they have been navigating these chats. If you have been struggling with having tough conversations with people around you, you are not alone. Key Takeaways: [3:00] Shannon gives a shout out to the sponsors - OfferingTree and Shannon's 20-hour Yoga for Pelvic Health Training. [4:56] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Rebecca Sebastian. This episode is more of a conversation between friends talking about what it's like to have hard conversations with each other than a typical podcast episode. [16:25] Rebecca invites us to give ourselves (and our former selves) and each other grace when having difficult conversations. [18:29] There are many different issues that yoga teachers could be having tough conversations about these days. Does this belong in yoga? [25:53] What are Rebecca's thoughts on yoga teachers who don't want to talk about "politics" in their classes? Shannon and Rebecca discuss the importance of consent in having hard conversations. [30:19] How should/can yoga teachers respond when yoga students bring tough conversations into yoga spaces? [36:38] Rebecca and Shannon discuss holding space for tough conversations and how they react when there are differences in fundamental beliefs or their moral compasses. [40:20] Shannon reflects on how she is reacting to witnessing the genocide in Palestine, which can feel like "too much" for some people. Rebecca shares her perspective. [46:08] It can be difficult to know how to respond when people who care about you give you unhelpful "advice". [48:58] Shannon pops in to share a message about OfferingTree. [51:27] Shannon and Rebecca diverge in their opinions about how they show up for the issues that matter on social media. [56:20] What has Shannon's experience on social media been like since October 7th? [61:20] Rebecca and Shannon discuss the shaming and "infighting" that tends to occur in social justice spaces. [64:53] What are some actions that are effective in supporting the causes we care about, like Palestine? [68:26] Rebecca talks about protesting as a strategy to effect change. [72:13 - 72:17] "I feel like we can struggle and care at the same time." [74:06] Shannon and Rebecca talk about the fact that many people are simply unaware of what is happening in Gaza and Palestine, but also that some people choose not to see it. [77:15] When it comes to difficult conversations, there are a lot of things to consider. What is Rebecca's advice to people who want to do the hard work but don't know where to start? [83:24] Shannon reflects on her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Rebecca. Links: Rebecca Sebastian Rebecca Sebastian on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 312: We Stand with Survivors with Rebecca Sebastian & Colin Hall The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 304: How Are We Still here? with Rebecca Sebastian The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 297: Yoga Philosophy & Business with Rebecca Sebastian The Future Of Yoga Therapy on Facebook (Facebook Post) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 356: How Silence Feels for a Yoga Student with Suzanne Miller The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 375: Why Marketing is Different Now with Tristan Katz & Brooke Monaghan Values as Luxury Goods and Political Polarization Do Politics Belong in Yoga? by Naomi Gottlieb-Miller on Substack The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 361: Connect to Nature & Your Roots with Tracee Stanley Eyes of Gaza by Plestia Alaqad (Pre-Order) Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga (Podcasts & Articles) Resource The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, and Yoga for Pelvic Health 20-hr Online Training with Shannon Crow. Quotes from this episode: "I think we learn a lot from private conversations through friends about tough things." - Shannon "After those [tough] conversations you're like, wow, our friendship is way stronger, but on the flip side of it, when it starts to go sideways, it also can mean the end of a friendship." - Shannon "One of the best things about being able to have hard conversations with friends is that if you truly have respect [and a] friendship connection, the stakes feel a little bit lower because you ... can practice having hard conversations with people who are gonna be still in relationship with you at the end of those hard conversations." - Rebecca "To have conversations that are difficult, all parties should consent to that conversation." - Rebecca "How do we hold space for difficult conversations if we don't want to be in them?" - Rebecca "Every change is a long game. It is always a long game." - Rebecca "I also know that I show up for the work in my own community and that's my priority." - Rebecca "I can't care about everything, I can't. Otherwise I'm not gonna show up for the things that matter to me." - Rebecca
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 381: Making Yoga More Inclusive with Billie Smith Description: How can we make yoga more inclusive? How do we make movement more accessible by adopting a different approach to yoga poses instead of a one-size-fits-all approach? What does it mean to teach in an anti-diet, queer-affirming way? Billie Smith shares their insights. Billie is a queer yoga/movement teacher, trauma/abuse/ED survivor who is disrupting the norm and going against the grain. They are dedicated to eliminating diet-culture, spiritual-bypassing and other excluding narratives from the yoga spaces they create, and helping their students learn to check in with how they feel instead of how they look. Through group classes, one-on-one sessions, and workshops, Billie leads with an open heart and strives to hold safe, inclusive space for folks seeking to move their bodies for emotional health, increase mobility and strength, and feel good in their body for longer. In this episode, Billie shares how they ended up doing work to combat diet culture messages and how they help people start checking in and listening to their bodies. They also share deep insights about letting go of control as teachers and how we can better empower our students to make the decisions that are best for them and their bodies in the moment. Billie also shares some tips on how we can create more inclusive yoga spaces and reflects on how social justice ties in with yoga. Key Takeaways: [0:07] Shannon briefly shares why she is so excited about this podcast! [3:53] Shannon gives a shout-out to the sponsors, OfferingTree and Shannon's 20-hour Yoga for Pelvic Health Training. [6:02] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Billie Smith. [12:59] What does Billie do and who do they do it for? [16:27] What led Billie to start on this journey of making sure their yoga spaces are inclusive and against diet culture? [21:33] Shannon and Billie discuss the common perception in yoga classes that the teacher knows the student's body better than they do. [24:12] One thing we can do as teachers is really reflect on what is the goal of each pose, and consider how else we can achieve the same benefits without the pose having to look a certain way. [26:49] Why is it such a gift when a student approaches a teacher thinking that the teacher knows more, but the teacher uses the opportunity to invite the student into a moment of self-inquiry? [30:49] Sometimes, we may have trouble letting go of control of what our students should be doing in our classes. What is Billie's advice to the teacher who may feel upset that a student is not following their lead? [36:58] Shannon pops in with a message of thanks for OfferingTree. [39:14] How can we make our classes more inclusive and accessible even if we don't have the lived experience? [46:48] What are Billie's thoughts that anything to do with social justice is out of our scope of practice as yoga teachers? [51:19] Get in touch with Billie via their website or check out their podcast, Rebel Movement Podcast. [54:13] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this episode. [56:48] What's next on the podcast? Links: Billie Smith, Move with Billie Rebel Movement Podcast with Billie Smith Billie Smith on Instagram Move with Billie - Anti-diet Workshop Instagram Post by Billie Smith: 4 Diet culture messages in yoga and movement, and how to reframe them The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 265: Teach LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Yoga with Gabi Parkham The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 199: Creating Inclusive Yoga Spaces Erin Ajayi The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 108: Inclusive Language for Prenatal Yoga with Shannon Crow Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga (Podcasts & Articles) Resource The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 369: Struggling to Write Content is Normal with Billie Smith The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 307: Taking Diet-Culture Out of Ayurveda with Diane Finlayson The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 292: Taking Diet Culture out of Yoga with Jessica Grosman & Elyssa Toomey Rainbow Registered (Canada) Aubrey Gordon - Maintenance PHase The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 284: Beyond Pronouns and Pride Month with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 219: Yoga for Abundant Bodies with Dianne Bondy The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, and Yoga for Pelvic Health 20-hr Online Training with Shannon Crow. Quotes from this episode: "The more I learned, the more I didn't want to go back to teaching in ways that I learned were not feeling very inclusive." "There are so many ways of adjusting how we approach postures that are not blaming the body for things that the body didn't do wrong." "If you think of it more of as an experiment, it's giving the student the power to make the choices about what feels best. It's sending the message that there's nothing wrong with their body. And it's also not a big deal if the posture is not fitting." "The thing that's gonna make the most impact is the actions rather than the words."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 380: Yoga for Stress Management with Radhika Mukhija Description: We all live incredibly stressful lives, dealing with pressure from work, families, friends, and the political climate, on top of multiple crises around the world. It can all add up and leave us feeling stressed, burned out, exhausted, and overwhelmed. How can yoga and Ayurveda help us manage this stress? Radhika Mukhija is the founder of Holistic Prana. For over a decade, she has guided women on a regenerative journey to wellness, helping them connect with their innate wisdom, embody their true selves, and create fulfilling lives. With experience in health, life, and executive coaching, Radhika merges ancient and modern science to create a holistic approach that blends ancient wisdom with clinical sensibilities, including neuroscience and biohacking. Radhika shares how her mother's cancer diagnosis inspired her to embark on this journey. She explains how she defines stress, the symptoms of chronic stress, and how yoga and Ayurveda can be useful tools to alleviate this stress. Shannon and Radhika also discuss creating consistent routines and rituals to nurture ourselves, finding balance, the role food plays in our well-being, dealing with “un-yogic” feelings like rage and frustration, and more. Key Takeaways: [0:21] Shannon shares something she recently re-learned. [3:51] Shannon gives a shout-out to the sponsors, OfferingTree and Shannon's 20-hour Yoga for Pelvic Health Training. [7:20] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Radhika Mukhija. [11:07] What does Radhika do and who does she do it for? [11:50] What got Radhika started in doing this work? [16:23] There are many different types of stress we experience. How does Radhika define stress? [20:03] How does stress manifest or show up? What are the signs we might be experiencing chronic stress? [22:49] How can we balance everything that is going on in the world - social justice movements, the after-effects of the pandemic, bearing witness to a genocide - on top of all the stresses of daily life? [28:11] What are some of the practices that Radhika shares to help people return to a place of restoration, peace, and balance? [32:29] Shannon pops in with a quick note about creating memberships and how OfferingTree can support you in that! [35:10] How can we distinguish between unplugging or going inward as a form of self-care to be able to be effective out in the world, versus something that is just ignoring things that are stressful? [48:04] How does Radhika introduce new practices to people knowing that they need to check in with themselves about what they need and people often don't like to be told what to do? [53:14] Connect with Radhika via Instagram or learn more from her via her courses and upcoming book! [58:07] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Radhika. [64:18] Join the Facebook group to become part of a supportive community of yoga teachers and do leave a review for the podcast too! [65:39] Shannon shares a message from a podcast listener. Links: Radhika Mukhija Radhika Mukhija on Instagram Practical Embodiment - Self-Paced Online Seasonal Living Course The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 360: Nature Meditations with Ray Zott Ray Zott's Website Ray Zott on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow Eating Disorders Education and Anti-Diet Podcasts 048: Eating Disorder Education for Yoga Teachers with Tabitha Farrar 348: Yoga for Eating Disorder Recovery with Abbey Morris 218: Body Positive Yoga with Gillian McCollum 293: Eating Disorder Recovery & Yoga with Vivian Selles 338: Eating Disorder Informed Yoga with Jennifer Kreatsoulas 292: Taking Diet Culture out of Yoga with Jessica Grosman & Elyssa Toomey 067: Yoga for Every Body with Amber Karnes 219: Yoga for Abundant Bodies with Dianne Bondy The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 369: Struggling to Write Content is Normal with Billie Smith Move with Billie - Anti-diet Workshop The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 375: Why Marketing is Different Now with Tristan Katz & Brooke Monaghan The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 376: Collective Care Over Individualistic Self-Care with Muna Shakour The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 377: Cultivating Contentment with Mary Flaherty The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, and Yoga for Pelvic Health 20-hr Online Training with Shannon Crow. Quotes from this episode: "There's good stress and bad stress." "How do we just shut the noise of what people are telling us to do or what the books are asking us to do and how do we really get in tune with our inner wisdom?" "How do we balance all of this? We need to begin with ourselves and what we can control... it has to come from a place where we, not just our body, but our mind is in a state of balance and homeostasis."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 379: Chakras with Indu Arora Description: Chakras are a part of yoga, but a lot of us in the yoga world are not familiar with it. We may feel uncomfortable discussing chakras or may have a very limited understanding. In this episode, Indu Arora shares her expertise and insights about chakras. Indu Arora is the founder and Director of Yog Sadhna. She is a yoga and Ayurveda teacher, mentor, and author, based out of the USA. Indu has been sharing simple, effective, practical, and grounded ways of living life through Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Meditation, and Ayurveda since 1999. She also offers in-person and virtual training sessions that focus on a holistic approach where body and mind are integrated with the inner Self. Indu explains what chakras are, how they are related to yoga, the different texts in the yoga tradition that talk about chakras, and how we can access this information. Indu also clears up some common misconceptions about the chakras, and shares her personal experience in learning about and experiencing chakras. If you feel like teaching chakras is challenging, Indu has some tips on how we can make chakras more accessible and beginner-friendly, and so much more. Key Takeaways: [3:10] Shannon gives a shout-out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Shannon's 20-hour Yoga for Pelvic Health Training. [5:35] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Indu Arora. [9:06] How should we pronounce the word "chakras"? [9:58] What are chakras? [13:26] Indu explains a little bit more about where the idea of color and qualities of chakras comes from. [18:42] What are some texts to learn more about chakras? [25:50] How would Indu explain chakras to someone completely new to the idea? [30:21] Shannon pops in to share some big news from OfferingTree. [32:28] Shannon and Indu discuss why teaching or sharing about the chakras can feel like a challenge. Indu explains another way to visualize the chakras. [41:18] How has learning about or experiencing chakras impacted Indu's life and yoga practice? [51:39] Learn more from Indu on her Instagram, her website, and her trainings. [55:55] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this episode. [57:35] Hang out with Shannon in real-time in Pelvic Health Professionals. [58:55] Shannon gives a personal update about an incident that occurred a few weeks ago. Links: Indu Arora Indu Arora on Instagram Indu Arora's Resource Library Laya Yoga of Chakras Upcoming Trainings with Indu Arora The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 288: Shavasana (śavāsana) with Indu Arora The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 377: Cultivating Contentment with Mary Flaherty Facebook Post by Shannon Crow about sharing misinformation Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, and Yoga for Pelvic Health 20-hr Online Training with Shannon Crow. Quotes from this episode: "Because what happens is when we learn one thing a certain way, we also get fixated by that certain way." "Don't use knowledge just for verbal karate. Let there be a reason you have learned things a certain way." "It's so important... to keep our mind open that there is more and we don't need to know everything that is more, but we need to keep space for more." "One of the most important teachings in yoga is vairagya, let go, detach. So you have to have the courage to let go because there is more." "The goal of yoga is yoga. Let's not forget that."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 378: Embodied Leadership with Sumaya K. Owens Description: Being a leader is challenging. From making tough decisions to guiding others, it demands a lot from us and it can be difficult to make the right choices. As yoga teachers, how can we ethically show up as leaders while also being aware of our own power and privilege? Sumaya K. Owens shares their insights. Sumaya K. Owens is the founder of Present Moment Media where they help uplift the voices of changemakers by using content marketing as a tool for social & cultural impact. Sumaya has nearly 20 years of professional experience in the health and wellness field and is a trauma-informed yoga teacher and ayurvedic health coach. They currently teach weekly virtual yoga classes for Burmese students living in a military coup in Bago, Myanmar, as well as offer workshops, trainings, and retreats on mindfulness, stress management, and trauma-informed practices for business and nonprofit leaders. As a community leader, Sumaya serves as the DEI Co-Chai for the local chapter of AIGA Asheville, and the lead organizer for the Embodied Leadership Meetup in Asheville. In this episode, Sumaya explains what embodied leadership means, why it is so important for leaders to check in with their bodies when making decisions, and some tools to integrate this into our leadership playbooks. Sumaya also talks about how to show up for hard conversations and how to balance speaking up for causes we care about while being mindful of the impact we have on our followers and students. Shannon and Sumaya also discuss the need for a supportive community and community care, particularly in these divisive and polarizing times. Key Takeaways: [3:16] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsors OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [5:52] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sumaya K. Owens. [8:05] What does Sumaya do and who do they do it for? [9:13] How did Sumaya get into their line of work? [11:00] What does embodied leadership mean? [12:22] Working in the health and wellness space doesn't necessarily mean that the job is relaxing or stress-free. Sumaya explains why it is important for leaders to check in with their physical bodies when making big decisions. [17:09] What advice does Sumaya have for leaders who might feel like they are struggling to be embodied leaders? [20:25] What does it mean to have privilege and power? [24:01] What defines a leader? [25:52] Shannon reflects that the yoga world has been largely silent in the face of many injustices happening around the world, most noticeably with regards to Palestine. What are Sumaya's thoughts on this? [31:40] We may not be able to stay up to date with all the injustices and news events that are taking place around the world, but we can hold space for one another with compassion and love. [34:43] How can yoga teachers balance wanting to keep their posts on social media positive and helpful, while still sharing about causes they care about that may be triggering or upsetting to others? [39:03] Shannon pops in to share some exciting news from OfferingTree. [41:26] What is lacking in the conversation around embodied leadership in the yoga world? [46:21] What are some of Sumaya's favorite resources to learn about nonviolent communication? [48:40] What advice does Sumaya have for yoga teachers who may be thinking about starting a support group for other yoga teachers and entrepreneurs in their area to learn about and practice embodied leadership? [51:32] How can we get into a more embodied state when it comes to making big decisions in our businesses? [55:12] Find out more about Sumaya and their work on social media and join their Facebook group. [59:05] Sumaya shares a few concluding thoughts about community care. [61:07] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Sumaya. [62:40] Shannon talks about some of the guest expert calls in Pelvic Health Professionals Links: Sumaya K. Owens, Present Moment Media Sumaya K. Owens on Instagram and Facebook Holistic Digital Marketing Strategies Facebook Group The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 376: Collective Care Over Individualistic Self-Care with Muna Shakour The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 266: Social Location, Power & Privilege with Raudhah Rahman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 362: Yoga in Times of War & Violence with Molly Nixon The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 100: Cultivating a Community of Professional Peers with Linda Sparrowe 310: How To Create a Yoga Routine with Shannon The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode Crow Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, by Marshall Rosenberg The Art of Communicating by Thich Nhat Hanh Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, Summer Biz Camp, and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "Embodied leadership is the practice of turning your attention towards the physical body and sensations while in a position of power or privilege." "As a leader, I am in a position of power. I am in a position of privilege and it is my responsibility to be incredibly aware of how I'm using that for the benefit of others." "Every yoga teacher is a leader. ... The whole context of being a teacher means that your students are looking to you for guidance, they're looking to you for support, and that puts you in a position of power." "As embodied leaders, it's also a responsibility to show up in the community and be calm and compassionate and caring, human beings who take care of each other and know how to have hard conversations without lashing out at each other, without blaming each other." "What feels really important to me is that as yoga teachers and as leaders that we have values and that we know what they are and that we stand up for what we believe in and especially if it's something that's really aligned with our brand or our organization, our vision for the business or nonprofit that we run." "One of the best things that we can do as leaders is know when we don't have all the answers and ask for help because that means we'll be more effective in the work that we're doing."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 377: Cultivating Contentment with Mary Flaherty Description: Amid so many negative things currently happening in the world, it can feel challenging to remain positive and be content with ourselves and our lives. How do we cultivate contentment? Is it possible? Is it important? What are some scientifically proven strategies we can adopt to navigate the ups and downs of life? Mary Flaherty shares more. Mary Flaherty has over 30 years of experience as a psychologist and is a highly experienced university lecturer and curriculum developer. She has worked in Australia, Japan, Ireland, and the U.K and is also a researcher with published findings reported in TIME magazine. Her specific fields of interest include positive psychology, sleep, stress and anxiety management, meditation/mindfulness, and yoga. Mary has also been a yoga teacher for over 20 years. In this episode, Mary shares more about her background, why she started studying contentment, and how it is different from happiness. She also talks about her new book "Keys to Contentment - from Science, Monks and My Mother", sharing practical tips about how to be content and manage challenging situations. Mary explains some aspects of how the brain works that might help us when life is hard and highlights why being positive is so important. Key Takeaways: [2:30] Stand a chance to win one of two copies of Mary Flaherty's book in this episode's giveaway! [3:40] Shannon gives a shout-out of thanks to sponsors OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [5:42] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Mary Flaherty. [10:18] What inspired Mary to write a book about contentment and the science behind it? [13:47] Why did Mary decide to include her mother in talking about the keys to contentment? [21:53] What are some scientifically proven strategies that help with contentment? [35:53] Shannon pops in with a message about OfferingTree. [37:56] How do we find Santosha in these challenging times we are living through? How do we balance being positive and grateful while holding space for what's happening to others around us? [42:20] Mary highlights why it is so important for us to become aware of our cognitive biases. [46:00] What is our role as yoga teachers when our students share with us the struggles they are facing? [52:54] What are some other things Mary hopes people would know about leading a more contented life? [63:03] Shannon and Mary discuss how useful it can be to slow down and notice the details of life. [65:08] Get your copy of Mary's book on Amazon, Kindle, Audible, and iTunes. Connect with her on Instagram as well. [66:08] What is one small thing you can try if you feel like you are far from reaching contentment? [67:16] Shannon reflects on her conversation with Mary. [71:22] Shannon shares about some of the guest expert calls available in Pelvic Health Professionals. [74:05] Shannon relates an experience she had recently that has been weighing on her. Links: Mary Flaherty on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn Keys to a Contented Life: From Science, Monks & My Mother, by Dr. Mary Flaherty The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 258: What Does Science Say About Yoga? with Mary Flaherty The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 123: Habits for Health & Business with James Clear 311: A Small Seed of Personal Practice with Shannon The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode Crow 310: How To Create a Yoga Routine with Shannon The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode Crow Canada Land Podcast The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 376: Collective Care Over Individualistic Self-Care with Muna Shakour Ashley Oliver (@YogaAndMahogany on Instagram) Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, Summer Biz Camp, and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "Contentment really is the idea of internal balance." "Contentment is sustainable again through the storms of life, it endures in difficulty." "Nurture those social connections because they really will help us to be more content, to be less anxious, to be happier." "The only way we can counteract cruelty is not with cruelty. It's with care." "Yoga is a wonderful tool, especially when life offers us very challenging circumstances."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 376: Collective Care Over Individualistic Self-Care with Muna Shakour Description: The massacre and genocide of Palestinians in Gaza have been going on for months now, and other genocide emergencies are simultaneously taking place around the world. Yet, many (especially in the health and wellness industry), still refuse to speak up, choosing instead to prioritize their safety and comfort over the need for liberation and freedom for all oppressed people. Muna Shakour shares her perspective as a Palestinian with family in the West Bank about shifting from focusing on self-care to looking at collective care. Muna Shakour is a personal development coach who accidentally became an activist after the events in Gaza started. Her coaching practice has evolved over the years, from a Parenting Coach for parents of children 8 years and younger to coaching small business owners and coaches on how to grow their businesses and personal brands online to attract their ideal clients. Muna also offers corporate training focused on self-reflection and developing soft skills for leadership. Since October 7, Muna has been actively speaking out against the atrocities happening in Gaza and Palestine, sharing information and drawing attention to the situation there. Muna talks about her work before October 7, 2023 and how she gets nervous about talking about her “work” now. She highlights the relationship we have with all people, the earth, and all creatures, and why we need to focus on caring for the collective “we” instead of focusing solely on self-care for “me”. Muna shares very honestly about the emotions she is experiencing and how that influences her decisions in who to connect with, hire, and support. She also offers some suggestions about how to navigate working for a company that won't allow you to speak up and how to continue running your online business alongside speaking up for peace and justice. Key Takeaways: [3:29] Shannon gives a shout-out of thanks to sponsors OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [6:02] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Muna Shakour. [10:35] What does Muna do and who does she do it for? She shares more about her professional journey and how she "accidentally" became an activist. [21:04] Shannon and Muna discuss what it has been like for them to encounter people in the wellness world who say they don't have the capacity to care about everything, especially when they have been increasingly involved in social justice movements in the past few years. [28:35] A lot of us have been feeling a lot of anger and grief. We need to find productive ways to channel that energy. [31:23] How can we be more careful with who we choose to work with and where we give our money to ensure that our values are aligned? [37:48] Shannon pops in to share a little bit about OfferingTree. [40:06] What are Muna's thoughts on when someone says something online that is harmful or hurtful, but it's because they still have some learning to do? [44:39] Muna shares a little about what it's like being a Palestinian and having to avoid mentioning her identity for various reasons. [47:09] We can use our privilege to start speaking up about Palestine and exercise our empathy to imagine what must be like for Palestinians. [53:19] In the health and wellness space, a lot of people try hard not to post political things. Shannon and Muna discuss how they're changing people's minds about this stance. [58:11] Muna shares her dream of people mobilizing en masse to demand change. [63:33] Palestine has become a measure of what we will stand for and what we will not allow. [66:44] What would Muna say to a yoga teacher who has not spoken up till now and is wondering how to do so now? [73:33] We have to speak out even louder because we have privilege and clout that others don't. [80:40] Shannon shares some of her reflections from this conversation with Muna. [81:59] Shannon talks about some of the upcoming events in Pelvic Health Professionals and upcoming episodes of the podcast. Links: Muna Shakour Muna Shakour on Instagram Gabor Mate Teal Swan Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, Summer Biz Camp, and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "Because the focus was so much on the self, we lost that feeling of community and the good of the collective versus the individual." "There's always a relationship between us and nature and the universe and earth and the world and people." "This is the future. The future is you're not following just for the advice. You're following the person, their personal brand, of course, with all of the marketing, but the values of this person and it needs to shine through." "I imagine if I'm a mom there, how would I want people on the outside to be?" "My personal opinion is you can still do work and talk about Palestine and they can even both be done at the same time." "What will you stand for and what will you not allow?" "This whole idea of the separateness is what's hurting us all. We have to remember that we are connected and relationships are the most important thing."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 375: Why Marketing is Different Now with Tristan Katz & Brooke Monaghan Description: How do we market our work in times of collective distress and unrest? How can we show up for our business, our audience, and ourselves in a way that is aligned with our values? Two incredible entrepreneurs in the online space share more about how to navigate being a business owner in our current context - Brooke Monaghan and Tristan Katz. Brooke Monaghan is the founder of Fruition Growth Network, a collaborative platform providing accessible, quality support to self-employed folks and bringing people together to find power in community. Brooke acts as a trusted advisor to founders and leaders who value impact, integrity, and relationships and are on a mission to set things straight in their industry. Her work focuses on the intersection of wellbeing and bottom line, guiding do-gooder lifestyle business owners to intentionally design profitable businesses around their values and their desired lifestyle. Tristan Katz is a writer, educator, digital strategist, and equity-inclusion facilitator. They specialize in content marketing strategies for justice-focused leaders and queer-trans Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB) training and consulting. Tristan's intention is to share this work with an anti-oppression and intersectional lens. Tristan was named one of Yoga Journal's 2021 Game Changers and he is proud to have spent several years serving on the Board of Directors at Accessible Yoga before the non-profit dissolved in early 2024. Brooke and Tristan explain how marketing has changed since the early days of online business and why values matter so much to customers now. They also address using AI in marketing, how to change our strategies when it comes to marketing, and why following a cookie-cutter marketing plan probably isn't going to work for your yoga business – as well as what you can do instead. Key Takeaways: [3:04] Shannon gives a shout-out of thanks to sponsors OfferingTree, Summer Biz Camp, and Pelvic Health Professionals. [7:05] Shannon introduces her guests for this episode - Tristan Katz and Brooke Monaghan. [10:54] What do Tristan and Brooke do and who do they do it for? [14:44] Tristan and Brooke have a podcast together - be sure to check out Reimagining Online Business. [15:58] A lot of yoga teachers are feeling like they don't know how to market to students in the current environment. Brooke shares some of the trends in marketing in 2024. [20:44] Tristan reflects on how new the internet is in the human experience and how that influences and impacts us as business owners and humans. [28:06] Brooke explains that many of us in the online business space have lost sight of doing business with people. Strategies that work for more established business owners may not work for us. [31:50] Tristan contextualizes Brooke's perspective for how it could apply to yoga teachers. [36:00] Shannon pops in with a message about OfferingTree. [37:46] What are some ways to really connect with people in our audience? Brooke suggests experimenting with being real with your audience and tuning into your intuition. [42:02] Tristan brings up the fact that all businesses are struggling right now, and marketing to people is simply not as easy as it used to be. [45:51] It's a lot easier to be consistent when you're not trying to force yourself to do it the right way and you're allowing yourself to show up and be real. [46:47] We can pay attention to trends, but in a loose, non-attached way, and instead try to make them our own or put our own spin on them. [48:31] Shannon and Brooke reflect on how they feel being marketed to, as consumers. [49:49] Tristan highlights how important it is now for yoga teachers to find their niche - find what really sets them apart from others [52:47] Shannon talks about how she is showing up in her business, talking both about topics related to running a yoga business but also what is currently going on in the world. [54:09] Marketing assets can be useful, but we also need content that has a finger on the pulse on how your audience is feeling or what they are experiencing.. [56:01] What advice do Brooke and Tristan have for yoga teachers when it feels like they just can't show up? [62:00] Don't gaslight yourself into thinking you should figure out a way to do something when you don't have the capacity to do it or have the money to invest. [64:46] Learn more about how to repurpose content and get access to other trainings and workshops on the Fruition Growth Network. [65:57] When people are trying to sell you strategies or pathways to success, we have to be discerning. [70:14] Brooke and Tristan share some final closing thoughts. [72:12] Shannon shares her reflections from this conversation with Brooke and Tristan. [80:13] Shannon talks about the latest call in the Pelvic Health Professionals membership site that you can listen to and some upcoming calls. Links: Brooke Monaghan Brooke Monaghan on Instagram Tristan Katz Tristan Katz on Instagram Reimagining Online Business Podcast by Brooke Monaghan and Tristan Katz Michelle Cassandra Johnson Fruition Growth Network Summer Biz Camp Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, Summer Biz Camp, and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "Consumers right now are looking to see companies' values to make their buying decisions." - Brooke "For those of us who are values-led business owners, right now is an opportunity to lead with that more than ever." - Brooke "We have to overcome the fear of speaking because we have to show up as humans in our work to reach humans who are tired of the internet." - Tristan "The most strategic thing that you can do right now is think critically about who your people are." - Brooke "If I'm grieving and angry or whatever it is, I'm sure other people are probably too. How can we bring that approach into our businesses and our marketing?" - Tristan "We are in a moment of experimentation and trying to figure things out." - Brooke "It's a lot easier to be consistent when you're not trying to force yourself to do it the right way and you're allowing yourself to show up and be real." - Brooke "What I'm saying is we do need marketing assets. We also need so much more than marketing assets." - Tristan
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 374: Teaching Yoga to Busy Parents with Naomi Gottlieb-Miller Description: How can busy parents find time for yoga in the midst of all the things they are juggling? How can yoga teachers make yoga more accessible to parents who are facing time scarcity? Naomi Gottlieb-Miller shares how her yoga practice changed when she became a parent and how she now uses this knowledge to share yoga with other parents. Naomi is a mover, a maker, and a mom of 3 kids. She has been teaching yoga and movement since 2005 and is known for classes that are creative, playful, and strong. Naomi specializes in teaching short classes that pack a punch, making sure you can easily squeeze your daily movement into whatever pockets in your day you happen to have. On her website, Naomi offers classes that are 5 to 30 minutes to ensure busy parents (and anyone else short of time) can incorporate movement into their day, no matter what. Naomi opens up about how her yoga practice changed drastically when she became a parent, and how that inspired her to teach much shorter classes online which can be just as good or even better than longer yoga classes! She shares how she has found success in her yoga business offering shorter classes, and highlights the importance of removing barriers that keep people from coming to yoga. Shannon and Naomi also discuss how we don't all have the same amount of time, the high expectations we put on ourselves as parents and as yoga teachers, the double standards society sometimes puts on parents, and more. Whether you are a parent who struggles to find time for your movement practice on top of your hectic schedule or you work with parents who tell you they don't have time for yoga, this is a great episode. Key Takeaways: [0:37] Shannon introduces the topic for this episode - yoga and parenthood. [3:43] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree, Summer Biz Camp, and Pelvic Health Professionals. [7:20] Claire Holloway, a member of Pelvic Health Professionals, shares a little about her experience in the membership. [10:11] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Naomi Gottlieb-Miller. [12:26] What does Naomi do and who does she do it for? [18:15] Shannon reflects on her own parenting journey and how time felt scarce for her when her children were young. [20:42] It can be hard for moms or parents to shake off societal expectations. [26:39] What is Naomi's advice to yoga teachers who are struggling to find time for their own practice, and what can that self-practice look like? [32:21] Naomi offers a 5-minute practice for an entire month. [34:06] Taking away expectations and limiting your daily practice can make it feel more accessible. [34:38] Shannon pops in to share a little about OfferingTree. [36:09] What is one thing a busy parent or parent with an overstimulated nervous system could do to get started? [40:04] What are some of Naomi's recommendations for people who are feeling low on energy and need motivation? [46:07] How does Naomi charge for her classes, considering that they are relatively short? [49:13] Naomi highlights that longer classes can be a barrier for many parents who simply don't have the time or resources to make that commitment. [52:21] Shannon and Naomi discuss why people might feel hesitant about shorter classes. [58:28] Get in touch with Naomi and learn more from her via her website and social media channels. [59:32] Shannon reflects on how Naomi has been showing up and speaking up for peace in these difficult times, and her own process of dealing with grief after witnessing horrific news from Gaza. [66:14] Shannon shares some details of upcoming calls inside Pelvic Health Professionals. Links: Naomi Gottlieb-Miller, Conscious Healthy Mama Naomi Gottlieb-Miller on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 373: Yoga Philosophy for Parenthood with Claire Holloway Summer Biz Camp Sasha Heron, Host of the Grief Cafe Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree, Summer Biz Camp, and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "Whatever I am doing for myself to move is good. It does not have to be 60 minutes or 30 minutes or even 10 minutes. It can be really short. And if that makes my body feel good, that is enough." "Another thing that can be so hard actually, is that if our expectations for our practice are really high, ...we're never going to get anything done." "Why are we putting value judgments on the length of time?" "Your home practice does not need to look like the classes that you teach. Your home practice should look like what you need." "We just need to reframe what we think is necessary for both home practice and what we teach." "Motivation is fickle." "We want to assign so much more power to yoga and to movement because we want things to be miracle fixes." "I don't necessarily think that a 15-minute practice means that you're rushing things."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 373: Yoga Philosophy for Parenthood with Claire Holloway Description: How can yoga philosophy support people in their parenthood or caregiving journey? Are the ancient yogic teachings still applicable to modern life? Claire Holloway shares insights about how we can tap into the wisdom of yoga philosophy to guide our actions as we navigate this phase of life. Claire is the founder of The Centre of Bright Beginnings. She offers yoga, corrective exercise, and educational support for those embarking upon or moving through the journey of matresence – conception, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. Her work supports not only those identifying as mothers but also parents, caregivers, and parents-to-be. She studies and shares yoga through the lens of her personal experiences of becoming and being a mother. In this episode, Claire reflects on her own postpartum journey and the challenges she faced that led her to do the work she does now. She breaks down how we can apply the teachings of ancient yoga philosophy to life today as parents, and shares practical tips on integrating yoga philosophy into our day-to-day activities. Claire also shares how we can moderate our energy as parents when so much of it goes to our children, how to avoid comparing ourselves with the “perfect parents” on social media, the many decisions that are connected to parenting and birthing, and more. This is such a rich discussion for anyone who is a parent, future parent, caregiver, or if you support or know parents in your life. Key Takeaways: [0:06] This episode is about how yoga philosophy can support you as a parent or in some other capacity as a caregiver. [3:41] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals - and Shannon has some big news about Pelvic Health Professionals. [9:11] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Claire Holloway. [13:25] What is the work that Claire does and who does she do it for? [17:02] What was Claire's postpartum journey like and what inspired her to focus on this time with parents? [21:44] Things have changed a lot since yoga philosophy was written. How does it still apply to parenting today? [25:44] How does Claire start to bring in yoga philosophy when talking to brand new parents? [30:57] With social media, it is easy to compare ourselves to others and feel like we're not living a perfect life or being perfect parents. Shannon and Claire discuss how yoga philosophy can support us in those times. [37:22] What other parts of yoga philosophy have supported Claire in her own parenting journey? [41:09] What are some of the challenges new parents are facing now? [48:15] Shannon and Claire discuss tapas and how that can show up in parenting. [50:52] Birth trauma can be a big part of the parenting experience. How does Claire help people navigate that? [55:46] Many new parents deal with a sense of isolation, even more so when they feel they are not living up to societal ideals. Claire speaks a little to this point. [57:27] Learn more about Claire and her work via her website. [61:03] Shannon reflects on her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Claire. [62:47] Shannon shares some of the upcoming calls inside Pelvic Health Professionals, as well as how things are changing with the membership. [67:12] Link - Shulamit episode [68:18] Link - Claire's post Links: Claire Holloway, The Centre of Bright Beginnings Claire Holloway on Facebook and Instagram Previous Episodes on Yoga Philosophy 323: Finding Support in Yoga Philosophy with Sunita Patil 297: Yoga Philosophy & Business with Rebecca Sebastian 269: Yoga Philosophy and Colonialism with Shyam Ranganathan COPE: Centre of Perinatal Excellence Practical Yoga Philosophy for Parenthood Program Practical Yoga Philosophy for Parenthood Online Course (Discount Code: 30offclaire) Bliss Baby Yoga Claire's Instagram Post about Palestine Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "It's just highlighting that there never is pro-balance and that we can stop beating ourselves up for not actually achieving much... Even that simple awareness can bring more compassion to ourselves. " "The more out of control things feel, the more we cling to whatever we feel that we can control." "One of the really underlying themes is about um taking the right action as opposed to stopping and not acting because of the fear." "Yoga is about the opposite of that, about coming back from separation and isolation towards connection and community and unity."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 372: Grow a Private Yoga Business with Dominique Gauthier Description: Wondering how you can teach more one-on-one yoga? Curious if it is possible to turn 1:1 yoga classes into a full time business? Teaching yoga 1:1 and growing a yoga business teaching private yoga classes is not something that is covered in yoga teacher trainings but is so important! Dominique Gauthier shares how she has built a successful yoga business with 1:1; sessions. Dominique is a highly skilled and passionate yoga teacher, personal trainer, core & pelvic floor specialist. She is the owner of Body Mind Fitness based in London (Lambeth) Ontario. Dominique is dedicated to helping clients of all ages and fitness levels achieve their health and wellness goals, with a comprehensive approach to fitness that focuses on building strength, increasing flexibility, and improving overall health and well-being. She is a certified Core and Pelvic Floor Specialist, helping clients overcome common issues related to core and pelvic floor dysfunction, and works with clients in-person and virtually in private sessions and personalized small group classes for clients all over the world. Dominique explains how she is able to make a living teaching only yoga. She shares how she advertises online to get new students, what her schedule is like, and how she teaches both in-person and online private yoga. Dominique also highlights how she managed the transition and why moving from teaching group classes to private yoga is not a quick shift. If you've been wanting to add more 1:1 yoga classes to your schedule, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: [0:06] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - teaching 1:1 yoga. [3:58] Shannon introduces herself and gives a shout out to the podcast sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [8:42] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Dominique Gauthier. [12:27] What does Dominique do and who does she do it for? [15:28] Dominique shares more about how teaching one-on-one yoga is her main source of income. [17:04] What was Dominique's process of marketing when she made the transition from teaching group classes to focusing on 1:1 classes? [21:43] Dominique still offers consultation calls to potential students who might be interested in her services. [24:24] Does Dominique teach 1:1 online or in person? [24:48] Dominique explains how she structures working with 1:1 student, from the time they book a consultation call. [27:38] If you're looking for an all-in-one software option, OfferingTree is the solution! [30:36] Shannon and Dominique discuss the pricing of her 1:1 classes. [31:11] What is Dominique's advice for a yoga teacher who is looking to make the switch to teaching more 1:1 yoga in their business? [34:23] Dominique and Shannon share some inspiring anecdotes about why they do they work that they do. [36:15] How does Dominique manage scheduling her 1:1 yoga sessions? [39:21] There are ebbs and flows and busy periods and slow periods, even with teaching 1:1 yoga. Dominique reflects on how she manages these ups and downs in her yoga business. [41:03] Find out more about Dominique and her work at her website and on social media. [42:23] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Dominique. [44:58] Shannon shares a review from a member of Pelvic Health Professionals. [46:52] Check out the upcoming live calls in Pelvic Health Professionals. Links: Dominique Gauthier Dominique Gauthier on Facebook and Instagram Previous Episodes on Private Yoga 363: Build a Full-Time Yoga Career with Mary Reddinger 206: Get More Private Yoga Clients with Megan Spears 132: Marketing to Increase Private Bookings with Amanda Mays [Consultation Call] 131: How I Structure Private Yoga with Shannon Crow 130: Make a Profit Teaching Private Yoga with Emily Sussell 120: Teach Private Yoga Online with Yael Oppenheim 081: Set Up to Teach Private Yoga [Consultation Call] with Stephanie Brunson 014: Build Your Private Yoga Business with Kate Connell Potts Healers for Palestine - @HealersForJustice on Instagram Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals (Get a free month using the code Connected2024) Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "I really shied away from the idea of talking about 1 to 1 services and possibly part of that was a little bit of imposter syndrome." "I find that especially as an entrepreneur, people want to know who you are as a person and that way they might trust you." "For the most part, I try to give them that face-to-face, putting a face to a name. And I think it shows that you're going the extra mile for them."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 371: Organizing a Yoga Retreat with Checka Antifonario Description: Have you thought about hosting a yoga retreat for a day, a week-end or longer? Retreats are a great way for yoga teachers to provide a new, more immersive experience to their students but planning and executing a yoga retreat can be challenging. Checka Antifonario shares her thoughts as an experienced retreat planner and host. Checka Antifonario is the founder of Yogaway, and she has been guiding yoga and mindfulness classes, workshops and retreats since 2008. She is deeply committed to maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, and grounded space for practice and community. When Checka is not teaching near home or online through her digital platform Anyday Yogaway, she journeys throughout the United States and abroad, leading weekend and week-long retreats. Checka also supports yoga teachers through her mentorship program for new or evolving Yoga teachers, as well as an in-depth retreat planner training. Off of the mat, she is passionate about being in nature and spending time with her dogs, goats and family! Checka shares insights about the fundamentals of planning and organizing a yoga retreat. She gives tips on how to choose a venue for the retreat, the ideal group size, and things to consider when pricing the retreat. Checka also offers an insider view of how to organize a retreat schedule as well as how to build community among the participants of the retreat. If you have been contemplating hosting a retreat but aren't sure how to get started, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: [3:23] This episode is made possible by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [5:25] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Checka Antifonario. [9:54] What does Checka do and who does she do it for? [12:06] What is step 1 when it comes to planning a retreat? [16:19] What are some tips Checka would give to a yoga teacher who needs to clarify their driving force for hosting a retreat? [20:10] How long should a retreat be, especially for the first retreat that you host? [23:42] What are some elements we might consider when planning the retreat schedule? [27:07] What kind of group size should we be aiming for? What should the ratio of leaders or teachers to people attending the retreat be like? [30:09] Shannon pops in with a quick tip about how OfferingTree can support you in hosting retreats in your community or around the world! [32:12] Checka and Shannon discuss pricing for retreats. There can be a big difference in costs between hosting your retreat at a retreat center vs self-hosting a retreat! [38:07] Checka shares some of her experience in terms of managing logistics, coordinating with retreat centers, and handling insurance. [40:41] What are some hiccups that we could run into while planning and hosting a retreat? [46:30] How can we form community and connections while we are on a retreat? [52:14] Learn more about hosting yoga retreats from Checka by connecting with her via her website or on social media. [53:04] Checka shares some final thoughts for yoga teachers who are feeling inspired to plan a retreat. [55:36] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Checka about hosting retreats. [59:00] Shannon shares a review about the yoga series with Tyler Arnason in Pelvic Health Professionals. [60:18] Check out all the different yoga series available in Pelvic Health Professionals with a free month of membership! [62:27] Shannon shares some final reflections about yoga and social justice. Links: Checka Antifonario Checka Antifonario on Facebook and Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 287: Insurance for International Yoga with Beth McVeigh & Joe Fagan Yoga for Humankind on Instagram (@yogaforhumankind) Tender Warrior Co. on Instagram Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals (Get a free month using the code Connected2024) Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "Just finding your own most authentic way toward building community because that's really the foundational piece that will make offering and running retreats so much less intimidating [and] a little smoother when you get to that process." "What is your mission with the retreat?" "Where I'm going to pour my passion and love and energy is where things are going to thrive, and with retreats, I think that's really, really true." "Group size is very important because I do believe it affects the dynamic of things quite a bit."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 370: Is Email Marketing Dead? with Meg Sangimino Description: Many of us are struggling with overflowing email inboxes and receive ever more emails daily. In this context, is email marketing still a relevant tool that can help your yoga business? How can yoga teachers use email marketing effectively? Meg Sangimino some insights. Meg Sangimino is a yoga teacher and business expert. Her expertise is in helping wellness professionals implement sustainable business strategies. With a background in project engineering and a passion for wellness, Meg is your go-to for implementing essential (and efficient) systems that underlie a business that nourishes, supports, and fulfills the lifestyle that you want without spinning your wheels on social media or having constant technology headaches. If you don't already have an email list, you may be wondering where to start. Meg shares tips for effective lead magnets and freebies, and explains why email marketing doesn't have to be cringe-inducing. She also gives some ideas about what to email your list, suggestions on how often to email them, and trends when it comes to effective email marketing for yoga teachers. Key Takeaways: [3:16] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [5:10] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Meg Sangimino. [9:39] What does Meg do and who does she do it for? [10:18] Why do people cringe when they think about email marketing? [11:20] There is a lot of value in the content yoga teachers create to market themselves, and sometimes they may not realize that. [13:25] People go to social media for a different purpose than their email inboxes. [15:55] How can yoga teachers get started with email marketing? [19:23] If you have a freebie or lead magnet and nobody is signing up for your list, you could have two problems: 1) nobody is seeing it, 2) nobody wants it. [23:11] Do not be discouraged if you put something out and it doesn't get the response you hope for! [24:47] Shannon reflects on the freebies she has in her own business. [25:15] You may get people who unsubscribe from your list, and that's okay! [26:25] What is Meg's advice to yoga teachers who feel like they wouldn't like to receive multiple emails about an offer, so feel uncomfortable sending emails to their list? [28:11] What kinds of freebies are working in the yoga space and what are some trends that Meg has observed in email marketing? [32:17] What should yoga teachers write in their emails? [34:35] How often does Meg recommend including a call to action in you emails? [35:42] How often should yoga teachers email their list? [37:11] It's important to continue supporting your list even when you are not selling anything! [38:08] What is something Meg wishes she would have known when starting email marketing? [40:50] Shannon pops in to share about OfferingTree, a great all-in-one software option especially for email marketing! [45:07] Shannon and Meg discuss the popular options for email marketing platforms. [49:01] Shannon reflects on her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Meg. [50:47] Shannon shares some of the upcoming guest calls inside Pelvic Health Professionals. [53:32] Shannon gives a special shout out to yoga teachers who have been and continue to speak out for humanity and Palestine. Links: Meg Sangimino The YogaBiz Podcast by Meg Sangimino Previous Episodes on Email Marketing 176: Email Marketing Strategy with Jessica Stansberry 139: Grow Your Yoga Business via Email with Tarzan Kay 072: Email & Content Strategy [Consultation Call] with Kristen Boyle The Connected Yoga Teacher Live Show: Episode 9: Create and Grow Your Yoga Student Email List Podse.io The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 369: Struggling to Write Content is Normal with Billie Smith Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "For listeners who are feeling drained and a little bit bogged down by social media, email marketing is a really, really solid alternative." "Those of us in the wellness industry tend to be very averse to marketing ourselves." "The fact that people are picky with who they give their email to is why email marketing is so effective." "The more time we invest in growing that list, the more warm leads we have, the more we can promote when we actually have something to promote." "We first have to be the consumer that we want to attract." "The trend that I'm seeing is shorter and simpler are getting more downloads or more subscribers." "Your tool for bringing people onto your email list, whether that's a freebie or something different, should be aligned with what you're going to offer them."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 369: Struggling to Write Content is Normal with Billie Smith Description: If you have ever sat staring at your blinking cursor and wondered how to write an email, social media caption, or blog post for your yoga business when more important things are happening in your personal life or the world – you are not alone. Billie Smith recently faced this same struggle and decided to share their honest thoughts instead of their usual messaging. Billie Smith is a queer advocate, trauma, abuse, and eating disorder survivor, who is shaking up the status quo and challenging conventional narratives in the wellness industry. They believe in discarding harmful ideologies like diet culture and spiritual bypassing, and are dedicated to creating spaces where individuals can authentically connect with themselves, free from judgment and expectation. Billie's approach to movement is all about empowerment, helping students tune into how they feel rather than how they look. With over 600 hours of training and a commitment to inclusivity, Billie's classes, workshops, and one-on-one sessions provide a safe space for those seeking to reclaim their bodies and their narratives. In this episode, originally shared as an email to Billie's subscribers and then as an audio on their podcast, the Rebel Movement Podcast, Billie shares openly about their experience struggling to write an email about topics related to their yoga business while also grappling with other challenges. They talk about how difficult it can feel to hold multiple truths, balance self care and social justice work, and reflect on showing up authentically. Writing content can be hard when we are faced with balancing work, personal life, and tragedies in the world - if you are struggling because of this, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: [3:07] This episode is sponsored by Pelvic Health Professionals. [4:14] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Billie Smith. [7:30] Billie shares a little about a newsletter that they sent out on 14 February and their process of writing it. [14:40] Shannon pops in to talk about a recent call with Mary Reddinger inside Pelvic Health Professionals. [16:17] Listen to a short snippet from Mary Reddinger about how she gets the bulk of her private yoga students. Get access to the full interview by joining the Pelvic Health Professionals membership. [18:13] Billy highlights that it can feel difficult for us to hold all the things that are happening in the world and in our personal lives - what we are experiencing is not normal. [21:12] We are all struggling to find balance lately. [24:47] If you are using your platform to talk about Gaza or Palestine, unfortunately it is a risk. [27:53] Billie talks about the importance of standing up for your values and staying true to them even in difficult times. [31:02] It is important to take care of yourself even as you do social justice work. [32:28] Shannon reflects on her own personal experience of speaking up about the harm taking place in Gaza right now. [36:01] There are so many people who say they want peace and freedom for all people but are afraid to speak up. But we can make a huge difference if we all speak up. [39:29] Do leave a review for the podcast and come hang out in real time with Shannon in the Pelvic Health Professionals membership! Links: Billie Smith, Move With Billie Rebel Movement Podcast with Billie Smith Billie Smith on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and Spotify Shannon's Viral Reel Nourish Your Nervous System, 6-Week Online Series with Kathleen Pratt in Pelvic Health Professionals Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Support the podcast The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsor, Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "Invalidating your own struggles is not gonna give you any more energy to help change the world." "It's ok if you don't feel rage every single second of the day because like how are you supposed to do all your stuff if you do?" "There's a struggle to find balance lately." "[If] you've been having that feeling of doubting yourself or doubting, what is even the point of doing this anymore? I would just encourage you to check in with it and not take it as a sign that you're doing anything wrong in your life." "I don't want my business to negate its values to make money. I don't want to sacrifice my values for profit." "Find the balance between taking care of yourself and then doing social justice work."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 368: Moving to a New City & Marketing with Jennie MacGoy Description: Have you recently moved or are you struggling to grow your yoga business? Have you been posting on social media and not seeing that time convert to students? Have you been thinking about switching your niche or taking a break? Jennie MacGoy has navigated a cross-country move and shares how she found success marketing her yoga business in a new city. Jennie MacGoy opened her first yoga studio in Virginia in 2017 but moved to Southern California in 2021. Since making the move, Jennie has continued to teach gentle and chair yoga and movement to seniors in retirement communities, skilled nursing facilities, and memory care communities while also working 1:1 with older adults. Jennie strongly believes that older adults can live their best lives through physical activity, stress reduction, cognitive exercise, and social engagement and incorporates all of these into her yoga classes. In this episode, Jennie shares her challenging journey of rebuilding her yoga business from scratch in a new city and neighborhood. She openly talks about the struggles she faced, how she overcame them, and what really worked for her in terms of marketing her yoga business. Learn about pivoting in your yoga business and alternative options for marketing in this inspiring conversation with Jennie. Key Takeaways: [2:41] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [4:55] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jennie MacGoy. [8:37] What is the work that Jennie does and who does she do it for? [10:24] What was it like when Jennie moved? What did she learn immediately and what advice does she have for other yoga teachers who may be navigating a move? [13:02] What worked and what didn't work for Jennie when she moved? [17:31] Jennie had to decide if she still wanted to teach yoga when things weren't working out for her. [18:42] Jennie was not marketing on Instagram or Facebook. She explains how she marketed her services to her target audience. [21:38] What kind of offerings is Jennie focusing on in her business? [26:49] What are some things Jennie has learned from working with the population of older adults and/or people with dementia? [30:36] Jennie reflects on what she gets out of teaching a mixed class of people with different abilities. [34:09] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree. [37:45] What is the population that Jennie works with in private sessions? [39:05] Jennie had to make a big shift to continue her yoga business when she moved to a new city. [41:11] Jennie volunteered with some organizations as a way of expanding her local network after she moved. [45:27] What is something Jennie wishes she would have known sooner when she moved to her new location? [48:17] We all struggle with different things at different moments in our business. [52:26] Connect with Jennie via her website. [53:50] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Jennie. [58:36] Shannon shares a personal update about how it has been to stand up for things she believes in. Links: Jennie MacGoy Jennie MacGoy on LinkedIn The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 161: Get Your Yoga Online in 48 Hours with Jennie MacGoy Nourish Your Nervous System, 6-Week Online Series with Kathleen Pratt in Pelvic Health Professionals Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Support the podcast The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "One of the most important lessons that I learned was to be willing to pivot, ... be flexible." "Words are so important and something that I have always been passionate about, but it comes really into play in these classes where you have people of differing abilities." "It was a total mind shift in how it was all word of mouth." "Don't underestimate the value of reaching out."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 367: Money Matters & Budgeting with Jenifer Parker Description: How do you feel about budgeting and money as a yoga teacher? What is your system for tracking income and expenses – is it working? How can you decrease your expenses and/or increase your income? These are some questions Jennifer Parker answers in this insightful money conversation. Jenifer Parker has been a yoga teacher for more than 21 years and is a qualified instructor in 4 lineages: Kripalu, Sivananda, Krishnamacharya, and Thai Yoga. She meets students where they are, teaching a traditional, integrated approach. In general she teaches within the Krishnamacharya lineage, but offers a unique insight into the similarities and differences in practice across lineages. Currently, she offers private lessons, corporate and private group classes, and a few public community classes in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa (Wellington, New Zealand). In this episode, Shannon and Jennifer dive deeper into money matters and budgeting for yoga teachers. Jennifer explains how to get consistent with our budgeting, how to adapt it to our needs and our yoga business, and why it's so important for yoga teachers. She also shares some ideas on how to make more money as a yoga teacher and tackles some big mindset blocks yoga teachers may face when it comes to money issues. Key Takeaways: [0:28] Shannon takes a moment to recognize the harm that is taking place in Palestine right now. [4:13] Shannon briefly talks about her topic and guest for the episode. [5:15] Shannon introduces herself and gives a shout out to the sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [8:47] Kathleen Pratt shares a little about the ongoing online yoga series, Nourish Your Nervous System. [10:13] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jennifer Parker. [15:49] What does Jennifer do and who does she do it for? [18:36] Jennifer shares a little about where she is located. [19:44] Why is Jennifer so passionate about talking about money in relation to teaching yoga and being a yoga teacher? [25:47] What are Jennifer's thoughts on budgets? [32:04] What kind of tools does Jennifer use when it comes to creating a budget? [34:08] What actions does Jennifer take when she's looking at her budget every week? [37:26] Jennifer shares some tips that can help with the mindset part of creating and following a budget. [40:34] What are some ideas for yoga teachers to make more money? [46:49] Having a clear goal in mind will help you move in the right direction. [48:23] Shannon pops in to give a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree. [51:21] What are some other ideas for making money within yoga? [58:17] Jennifer recommends talking to your landlord about subdividing the physical space you are using for yoga classes if the rent has gone up. [62:23] We have to get comfortable talking about money! [0:00] undefined [63:18] Jennifer's advice is to tap into your networks. [74:37] Shannon shares some reflection questions you can journal on. [75:37 - 75:50] Questions: [78:42] Shannon shares an audio message from a podcast listener. [81:11] Support the podcast by making a donation or signing up for one of the offerings! Links: Jennifer Parker Previous Podcast Episodes on Money 366: Get Okay with Making Money with Chioma Njoku 330: Connect with Your Money with Shannon Crow 295: Make Money Teaching Yoga with Betty Welsh 280: Get Paid as a Yoga Teacher with Shannon Simmons 141: Let's Talk Money with Katie Brauer 042: Money Mindset with Geraldine Carter 154: Bookkeeping for Yoga Teachers with Kelly Christian 329: Why Separate Bank Accounts? with Shannon Crow Mint: Budget Tracker & Planner Nourish Your Nervous System, 6-Week Online Series with Kathleen Pratt in Pelvic Health Professionals Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Support the podcast Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Reflection & Journaling Questions: How can we navigate the often unpredictable landscape of income and expenses while staying true to the practice of yoga and the purpose of our work? How do you personally approach budgeting as a yoga teacher? Have you found success in tracking your income before your expenses, and if so, how has it impacted your financial stability? What methods have you used to increase your income beyond teaching classes? Do you prefer using budgeting apps or spreadsheets, and why? How often do you check your bank statements, and what insights have you gained from this practice? In what ways do you see parallels between budgeting and yoga, particularly in terms of consistency and adaptability? Have you been able to build a buffer of savings, and if so, what strategies have helped you achieve this? When do you think it's appropriate for yoga teachers to consider taking on part-time work, and how can one navigate the potential stigma associated with it? Have you ever negotiated rent for your teaching space, or explored alternative venues? What advice would you offer to others in similar situations? Lastly, how do you harness the power of your network and student referrals to grow your yoga community and increase your teaching opportunities? Quotes from this episode: "It's OK to make income teaching yoga.' "It's really helpful if people can actually sit down and look at the numbers and then make for themselves a clear decision. Is this something that I want to do full time all the time or is it something that I just wanna do sometimes?" "Let's talk about different ways of approaching the financials of this business that are based in living our values rather than just ‘I made a beautiful abundance collage and the universe will take care of me'." "The first step of budgeting is: what are my costs?" "The budget will work for you if it works the way you work." "If you're in a place where you can say I'm not gonna be too proud, all of a sudden now there's infinite opportunity."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 366: Get Okay with Making Money with Chioma Njoku Description: Is making money yoga-like? How is making money aligned with the principles of yoga? How do you balance making money as a yoga teacher with keeping your offerings financially accessible to people? Chioma Njoku shares her insights on these questions and more. Chioma is the owner and Chief Mindful Operator at the Mindful Bookkeeper, and host of the Cheers to Your Prosperity podcast. By integrating the lessons she has learned from her own financial struggles and her professional experience as an Accountant of 18 years and Financial Coach, Chioma helps entrepreneurs and small business owners keep more of their hard-earned money in the bank without sacrificing the things that make life enjoyable. In this episode, Chioma dives into the nitty gritty details of the money and finances aspect of running a yoga business. She talks about how bookkeeping software can help us with our finances, how to track payment fees, how to check your financial reports with intention, and why creating money practices is like practicing yoga. Tune in for Chioma's tips on how to be consistent with money and shift your money mindset. Key Takeaways: [2:23] This episode is powered by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [3:58] Kathleen Pratt shares a little about the upcoming yoga series: Nourish Your Nervous System. [5:12] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Chioma Njoku. [9:49] What does Chioma do and who does she do it for? [10:42] What does it look like when Chioma works with someone? [12:47] Chioma addresses the idea that making money is yoga. It's okay to make money. [15:24] How can yoga teachers balance the need to get paid with keeping their yoga classes accessible to people with limited funds? [17:54] Chioma shares a little about the saviorism she encountered in 2020, when people invited her to attend their yoga classes for free because she is Black. [21:09] Chioma talks about bookkeeping and what that means for yoga businesses. [22:11] How often should we be looking at our money? [24:34] What's a good starting point for yoga teachers who are not tracking their income or their expenses? [29:06] Shannon pops in to share a great article that Sinead from the Connected Yoga Teacher Team wrote for OfferingTree. [31:02] Shannon and Chioma chat about different software that is available for bookkeeping and tracking income and expenses. [33:25] How does Chioma recommend yoga teachers look at their reports? [35:18] What are some things yoga teachers can do to cut their expenses or increase their income? [39:34] What are some other roadblocks yoga teachers often run into around mindset? [42:57] How can yoga teachers work on their money mindset and get comfortable with money? [46:33] Chioma shares some final thoughts for yoga teachers around money and running their own yoga business. [47:56] Check out Chioma's podcast to learn more, and visit her website to connect. [49:19] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Chioma. Links: Chioma Njoku Cheers to Your Prosperity Podcast Previous Podcast Episodes on Money 330: Connect with Your Money with Shannon Crow 295: Make Money Teaching Yoga with Betty Welsh 280: Get Paid as a Yoga Teacher with Shannon Simmons 141: Let's Talk Money with Katie Brauer 042: Money Mindset with Geraldine Carter 154: Bookkeeping for Yoga Teachers with Kelly Christian 329: Why Separate Bank Accounts? with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 305: Kicked Out of Yoga [Part 2] with Chioma Njoku Quickbooks Xero Freshbooks Paypal Stripe How to Keep Customers Coming Back and Build a Loyal Base by Sinead O'Connor for OfferingTree HubDoc The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 318: Questions to Ask Before Any YTT with Shannon Crow Get Rich, Lucky Bitch by Denise-Duffield Thomas You Are a Badass At Making Money, by Jen Sincero Profit First, by Mike Michalowicz Nourish Your Nervous System, 6-Week Online Series with Kathleen Pratt in Pelvic Health Professionals Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Support the podcast Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "What we can do is offer our service and give them the opportunity to rise, to come to us, to take a class. Believe me, when someone gets something out of something, ... we will invest, we'll figure it out." - Chioma "It's not our job to save them. We can present our service. It's up to them to say yes or no." - Chioma "You are in business. Doing your bookkeeping is important to your business." - Chioma "It's more of just getting into the habit of looking at that report and what it is to me, it's setting expectations for your business." - Chioma "It's good to have conversations and questions about your money because there are little ways that you can save money." - Shannon "Let's try not to discount a service. We're teaching people to not value yoga." - Chioma
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 365: How to Teach Accessible Yoga with Jivana Heyman Description: How can we make yoga more accessible? From financial accessibility to the language we use in teaching, from offering modifications to supporting students who don't follow our lesson plans, making yoga accessible encompasses many different things. Jivana Heyman shares his insights. Making yoga accessible is at the core of the work Jivana does. He is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an international non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings for people of all abilities and backgrounds. He is also an author, and his latest book, The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga, was recently released (listen in to find out how you can enter to win a copy!). In this episode, Jivana shares how we communicate yoga has evolved over the years, although yoga philosophy remains unchanged, and how accessibility is a part of that. He also talks about figuring things out as new teachers, overcoming imposter syndrome and why maybe a little bit of imposter syndrome is not a bad thing, and many other aspects of making yoga accessible, including how to maintain a yoga practice even when we don't have time! Key Takeaways: [3:52] This episode is powered by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [4:52] Kathleen Pratt shares a little about the upcoming yoga series: Nourish Your Nervous System. [5:58] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jivana Heyman. [10:05] What is the work that Jivana does and who does he do it for? [11:15] How can yoga teachers find that balance between being paid for their work enough to make a living and making sure people can access their classes financially? [13:56] Pay-what-you-can models and tiered pricing models are some options to increase financial accessibility. [15:36] What are some other main things Jivana covers in his new book? [18:43] Shannon and Jivana discuss the idea that there is one best/correct way of doing a pose in yoga. This is not true! [20:13] The general public has a very different idea of what yoga is than how it can actually be practiced. [24:30] What are some new things Jivana has learned recently about making yoga more accessible? [27:31] How does Jivana address situations in his classes where a student gives another student a hands-on assist? [30:20] Jivana is giving away two of his books! Leave a comment in the show notes to stand a chance to win a copy! [30:40] Are you signed up for the OfferingTree newsletter? They offer a free workshop or webinar every month for teachers! [31:53] It can sometimes feel that as we learn more about making yoga accessible, there is always yet more to learn. [34:36] Yoga has remained the same for millennia but how we interpret, communicate, and share it with people has changed and evolved over time. [38:40] How yoga is taught has evolved over time but the yoga philosophy has not. [42:13] It can be tempting to want our yoga practice to be perfect, like we experience at a yoga retreat, but how can we apply yoga to our real day-to-day? [46:38] What are some tools we can use to bring yoga into our lives? [50:28] Shannon and Jivana discuss other ways we can bring yoga into our busy lives. [53:50] We can hold opposing things as true at the same time. [56:05] Jivana shares the ABCs of yoga: Agency, Boundaries, Collaboration. [62:27] How does Jivana handle situations where students don't do what everyone else is doing? [68:08] Many yoga teachers deal with imposter syndrome. Jivana addresses this. [74:08] Join the giveaway for Jivana's books by leaving a comment and find out more about his work and the books at his website and on Instagram. [75:43] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this episode. [79:08] Shannon shares some of the upcoming events in Pelvic Health Professionals, including Nourish Your Nervous System. Links: Jivana Heyman, Accessible Yoga School Jivana Heyman Jivana Heyman on Instagram The Teacher's Guide To Accessible Yoga, by Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 364: 7 Years of Podcasting with Shannon Crow Shannon's Family Maple Syrup The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 321: Accessible Yoga & Pelvic Health with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 273: Yoga is a Revolution with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 251: Reflect & Plan [Part 2] with Shannon Crow & Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 209: Online Yoga Teacher Training with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 138: Accessible Yoga Beyond Asana with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 357: Pay-What-You-Can is Working with Shannon Crow Nourish Your Nervous System, 6-Week Online Series with Kathleen Pratt in Pelvic Health Professionals Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Support the podcast Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "Mostly the studio model doesn't really work for making yoga accessible." "I just don't think advanced yoga is advanced asana anymore. That's not the point." "As a yoga teacher, you're not simply just channeling the teachings in a pure way, you have to be interpreting them." "The question is, how do you make them resonant and applicable to this moment for your students who are in front of you today?" "I don't think yoga practice is just about my personal enlightenment or the goal of becoming that. Rather, it's about becoming of service to the world and to others." "I would say a little bit of imposter syndrome is actually healthier than too much ego."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 364: 7 Years of Podcasting with Shannon Crow Description: It has been 7 years of podcasts on the Connected Yoga Teacher podcast with Shannon Crow. While it is a time of celebrating the consistency and the amazing connections that have come from the podcast, Shannon shares some of her reflections about her recent situation, both personal and on a broader scale. Shannon has been dealing with emotional heaviness, sadness, and heartbreak, on top of a cold. She shares how current events like what's happening in Gaza have been affecting her emotions, especially because of the silence of many people in the health and wellness world. She talks about some things that are helping her through this time and how she is working through the anger and emotions she is feeling. Shannon also invites us to explore how we can start seeing the connections between us and how we can support ourselves as we navigate these challenging times. Key Takeaways: [0:02] It's the 7th year anniversary of the Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast! [4:23] This episode is supported by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals, but you can chip in to keep the podcast going too! [7:05] Kathleen Pratt shares a little about the upcoming Yoga Series she is hosting in Pelvic Health Professionals - Nourish Your Nervous System. [9:26] Shannon guides a short breath exercise. [10:22] Shannon checks in with herself. In addition to dealing with a cold she has been feeling some heaviness, sadness, and heartbreak. [15:14] Shannon has also been feeling angry about the silence from many people in the health and wellness world. [18:13] One thing that has made a difference for Shannon is seeing the yoga teachers who are speaking up and supporting the Palestinian cause. [21:06] Shannon talks about some ways she is working on processing her anger. [25:10] Shannon shares two messages that have held her and kept her steady. [27:39] Shannon gives a shout out to Jivana Heyman's upcoming collaboration with OfferingTree - Chair Yoga is Real Yoga. [29:22] Shannon reads another message she received after sharing Rula's episode. [34:14] How can we start seeing the connections between us? [37:08] The upcoming yoga series, Nourish Your Nervous System, is a great course for anyone who has been feeling stressed. [38:33] Shannon shares some other upcoming events and offerings you can check out. Links: Support the podcast The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 277: Yoga and Land Acknowledgement with Jessica Barudin & Emmy Chahal The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 361: Connect to Nature and Your Roots with Tracee Stanley OfferingTree Webinar - Chair Yoga is Real Yoga: Integrating Chairs into Your Classes with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast: Yoga for Peace with Shannon Crow [BONUS EPISODE] The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 359: Ahimsa in Times of Conflict with Rula Wardeh Nourish Your Nervous System, 6-Week Online Series with Kathleen Pratt in Pelvic Health Professionals Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "I am so grateful to those of you who listen to multiple episodes. It's really a complete honor and the podcast exists because of you." "I want to be able to speak up against harm and oppression because I feel like that's part of yoga." "We can speak up and make mistakes and be in community." "In society, we are not taught to get comfortable with anger." "I am just so grateful when I see a comment on a post that we've made or a podcast that we've done or a message in support of the work that we're doing here on the podcast." "In these connections, we realize how connected we really are."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 363: Build a Full-Time Yoga Career with Mary Reddinger Description: Teaching private yoga is a topic that often comes among yoga teachers. Questions like about finding and retaining private students, the difference between group classes and private sessions, and how to make sure private students are getting what they need are common. Mary Reddinger shares her insights. Mary is a full-time yoga teacher and mother to two boys, ages 9 and 5. Mary has practiced yoga on and off for many years, but integrated it into her life after her first pregnancy when she started really seeing the benefits of yoga. Mary also shares a little about her journey to working with perinatal students – she currently teaches prenatal yoga, postnatal yoga and private lessons. In addition to her yoga teacher training, Mary has also studied under Francesca Cervero about The Science of the Private Lesson. In this episode, Mary gives us a detailed look at her full-time yoga career as a private yoga teacher. She shares how she got started teaching private yoga lessons, what helped her retain her students, how she structures classes with private students and how she manages her schedule as a mother and yoga teacher. Tune in to learn all about the art of teaching private yoga lessons. Key Takeaways: [0:17] Hang out with this episode's guest, Mary Reddinger, in Pelvic Health Professionals! [3:08] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals! [3:44] Check out the upcoming yoga series with Kathleen Pratt - Nourish Your Nervous System. [6:16] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Mary Reddinger. [10:53] What does Mary do and who does she do it for? [11:55] How did Mary build up her private classes as her main business? How did private students find her? [14:37] What challenges did Mary face after she completed her yoga teacher training in teaching 1:1? [16:43] What did Mary find were the best ways to get the initial few students booked? [17:44] How has Mary managed client retention after the initial set of sessions with a student? [21:49] Does Mary do mostly online or in-person classes? [22:47] What makes Mary's private sessions different from the group classes? [26:02] Shannon pops in to share some exciting news about OfferingTree. [27:59] Does Mary take notes when she is teaching 1:1? [29:13] Mary explains why she goes to the student's home rather than having them come to her or meeting at a studio. [34:00] What kind of responses or feedback does Mary get from her students about private sessions? [38:03] How does Mary manage her schedule and find balance between teaching yoga and showing up for her family? [43:06] Find out more about Mary and her work via her website. [43:06] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Mary. [50:15] If you would like to support the podcast, do leave a review or make a financial contribution! Links: Mary Reddinger Previous Podcast Episodes about Private Yoga: 206: Get More Private Yoga Clients with Megan Spears 132: Marketing to Increase Private Bookings with Amanda Mays [Consultation Call] 131: How I Structure Private Yoga with Shannon Crow 130: Make a Profit Teaching Private Yoga with Emily Sussell 120: Teach Private Yoga Online with Yael Oppenheim 081: Set Up to Teach Private Yoga [Consultation Call] with Stephanie Brunson 014: Build Your Private Yoga Business with Kate Connell Potts Francesca Cervero Nourish Your Nervous System, 6-Week Online Series with Kathleen Pratt in Pelvic Health Professionals Support the podcast Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "The number one thing I have done to create a full schedule of private students is to tell people that I am a private yoga teacher." "A lot of yoga teachers do not share that private sessions are something they offer." "Really the first year of working with a new private student, it's about building your relationship with them and it's about building trust." "Part of yoga as a practice is noticing what comes up when we are distracted and then what do we need to do to come back." "In terms of what we're teaching, you can truly make a yoga practice that serves that student that day in the body and the mind they are showing up with that day."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 362: Yoga in Times of War & Violence with Molly Nixon Description: Over 110 million individuals have been forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations. As yoga teachers, we might be seeing people who are refugees in our yoga classes — and we need to know how we can support them, even if we don't know their status. Molly Nixon shares her perspective and experience about how yoga can support us in times of war & violence. Molly Nixon is the Director and Trainer for Yoga Mandala Project, a grassroots initiative cultivating a community of care among refugees and those serving them around the world while providing tools to support mental-health through yoga and other embodied modalities. As a trauma-informed yoga teacher and teacher trainer, Molly believes yoga is an effective way to support the well-being of refugee communities, and can help to foster dignity, compassion and a sense of a shared humanity. She has spent the past eight years weaving together her passions for yoga, travel and service in the heart of the humanitarian sector while co-creating sustainable projects in Greece, Turkey, Jordan and Iraq. In this episode, Molly shares her experience of losing her closest friend to violence in the Middle East and how yoga not only supported her in dealing with the grief and trauma in that moment, but also moved her to bring the healing tools of yoga to refugees, genocide survivors, and aid workers. She explains how supporting refugee communities is part of yoga and how we can help, even if we don't have plans to move to a refugee community and start teaching yoga. Tune in to find out how you can support the work of the Yoga Mandala Project and more. Key Takeaways: [0:07] This episode goes beyond just teaching yoga in refugee communities. [4:54] Shannon introduces herself and gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [7:32] Kathleen Pratt shares about the upcoming yoga series in Pelvic Health Professionals: Nourish Your Nervous System [8:50] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Molly Nixon. [10:45] What does Molly do and who does she do it for? [12:12] What does it look like when Molly goes to a refugee camp? [14:11] Molly shares a little about how she started doing this work. [16:09] Yoga supported Molly through the grief and trauma of losing her friend to violence in Syria. [16:58] How did Molly deal with people in her life who were discouraging her from doing this work? [18:42] Molly provides some context about how yoga teachers partner with the Yoga Mandala Project. [23:20] Connections can be really powerful. Molly shares a little about why connection is a part of the mission of Yoga Mandala Project. [26:44] In light of what is happening in Gaza, Palestine, what is Molly's response to people who are saying that we should be focusing more on the hostages instead of what the people of Gaza are experiencing? [30:50] How is all of this related to yoga? [33:30] Shannon pops in with a quick message about OfferingTree - especially if you dread updating or working on your website! [34:53] How can you sign up for a trauma-informed training? How relevant is it to yoga teachers? [39:08] Shannon and Molly discuss what people who are menstruating in Gaza are going through now with no access to menstruation products. [41:15] What would Molly say to someone who says all this information about Gaza is triggering? [46:39] What was one thing from yoga that helped Molly in the aftermath of her friend being taken? [50:42] Connect with Molly via the Yoga Mandala Project website or email. [52:45] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Molly. [54:58] Come hang out in real time in the Pelvic Health Professionals membership! Links: Molly Nixon, Yoga Mandala Project Email Molly Nixon The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode: Yoga for Peace with Shannon Crow [BONUS EPISODE] The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 359: Ahimsa in Times of Conflict with Rula Wardeh Nourish Your Nervous System, 6-Week Online Series with Kathleen Pratt in Pelvic Health Professionals Stephanie Jain - Inner Landscapes Yoga Stephanie Jain on Instagram Meet the Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "The intention behind our work is to create ... community and a culture of care among those experiencing war and violence." "For me, it really comes down to looking at the intentions of yoga and offering that and making it accessible to people experiencing stress and other impacts of trauma." "There's all sorts of ways to make a difference even if you can't be on the ground in a refugee camp." "I think connection is the only way forward for humanity." "Yoga is not about gymnastics on the yoga mat. It's about living these, living the Yamas and the Niyamas."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 361: Connect to Nature & Your Roots with Tracee Stanley Description: What is our relationship with nature? How do we connect to our roots and our ancestors? Why is all of this important and relevant to yoga? Tracee Stanley shares her insights. Tracee Stanley is the author of Radiant Rest: Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation and Awakened Clarity and The Luminous Self: Sacred Yogic Practices & Rituals to Remember Who You Are. She is also the founder of Empowered Life Circle, a sacred community and portal of practices, rituals, and Tantric teachings. Tracee is devoted to sharing the wisdom of yoga nidra, rest, meditation, self-inquiry, nature as a teacher, and ancestor reverence. In this episode, Tracee talks about her journey in seeking a place beyond all sorrow through yoga, and how this is different from turning inward and blocking out external suffering of others. She also shares her perspective on our relationship to nature, how to change it into one of reciprocity and cultivate a real connection through rituals. Tracee also explains our deep connection to our ancestors and how we can tap into their wisdom and learn from them through our practice. Key Takeaways: [1:10] A snippet from this interview with Tracee Stanley about how nature can help us, our loved ones, and our communities. [1:42] Shannon expresses gratitude to Tracee for not shying away from some tough questions and gives a brief introduction to herself and her work. [6:10] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Tracee Stanley. [8:28] What does Tracee do and who does she do it for? [11:59] Tracee shares a little about turning inward to find this place beyond sorrow, and how it is different from simply ignoring what is going on in the world. [14:50] What is the place that is beyond all sorrows? [16:23] How does getting out in nature help people come back to themselves? [19:21] What are some of the rituals and practices to start connecting with and being in a reciprocal relationship with nature? [21:27] Shannon reflects on how her relationship with her garden has changed since 2020. [27:11] Shannon pops in with a message about OfferingTree. [28:38] Tracee talks a little about our connection to our ancestors. [32:05] Tracee shares her experience of connecting to her ancestral realm. [36:22] Shannon talks about looking up her own settler ancestry. Tracee reflects back some insights about this process of reclaiming our roots. [41:09] What are some of the rituals that Tracee does now that help her? [44:35] Check out Tracee's book on her website. [45:06] Tracee has some final words of advice for people who are feeling worn out. [46:28] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Tracee. [48:39] What's coming up in Pelvic Health Professionals and the podcast? Links: Tracee Stanley Radiant Rest: Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation & Awakened Clarity by Tracee Stanley THE LUMINOUS SELF: Sacred Yogic Practices and Rituals to Remember Who You Are, by Tracee Stanley Empowered Life Circle Ancestry.com Yoga During a Pelvic Cancer Diagnosis: 6-Week Online Series with Tyla Arnason (she/her) Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "If we know that we can also touch into a place that can be revealed to us through stillness and practice. That to me is very hopeful because it becomes an inner resource that we can always go to." "One of the things that happens when we want to look away and pretend it's not happening is that we're not acknowledging this idea that we are all connected." "We actually, as human beings, have to take this respite of rest at some point, whether it's seasonal or whether it's during the day or whether it's because the cycle of the news has carried us to a place where we need to take a moment or a day to rest or more than one or two days. But we have to listen." "Can we, instead of resisting this cold, resisting this time of fallowness, can we welcome the beauty that the snow brings and the cold brings?" "For most of us, I think that has been lost or forgotten or we feel that it's not important. And yet all of the prayers of our ancestors, all of their memories, all of their knowledge is living in our DNA and it's part of who we are." "I can't tell anybody what to do. This is why practice is so important because practice, when we get still and silent and we rest, gives us the answer of what is ours to do." "It really doesn't have to be big, but one little increment of movement in a positive direction can be so helpful." 255 What is our relationship with nature? How do we connect to our roots and our ancestors? Why is all of this important and relevant to yoga? Tracee Stanley (she/her) addresses these questions and shares insights about rituals we can practice to go deeper.
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 360: Nature Meditations with Ray Zott Description: Meditation does not have to be just sitting down and being still. There are other ways to meditate, including being out in and connecting with nature. Ray Zott (she/her/they) talks about how nature offers her a sustainable mediation practice and how she helps others meditate in nature too. Ray is a yoga therapist whose greatest joy in their work is connecting people to nature. She has worked as a park ranger for 12 seasons in a variety of national parks and is currently also building out a retreat center in Costa Rica. In their work, Ray supports all kinds of folks through yoga therapy, nature, and boundary work. In this episode, Ray shares more about how she discovered this unique niche for her yoga therapy work after her experience supporting her husband through his traumatic brain injury. They explain why connecting to and with nature can be the perfect meditation, especially for those who find it difficult to sit still, and offer ways to find connection to nature even if we live in cities or urban settings. Shannon and Ray also discuss the healing powers of nature, spiritual meanings we can find from being out in nature, and how we can turn to nature for lessons and guidance in difficult times. Key Takeaways: [2:02] This podcast is made possible by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [4:25] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Ray Zott. [7:09] Ray share's a little bit about her morning routine. [8:24] What is the work that Ray does and who do they do it for? [11:02] How did Ray's work with being in nature and nature meditation start? [14:01] What does meditation in nature look like? [16:18] What are some guidelines Ray offers for meditating in nature? [18:32] Shannon and Ray discuss where inspiration for their yoga practice and yoga therapy comes from. [21:10] What are some ways we might find connection with nature if we live in a city or suburban area? [26:37] Shannon pops in to share some of the struggles she is having with her Wordpress website, and why she prefers OfferingTree. [29:31] Shannon has recently been feeling an immense gratitude for her life right now, while also experiencing guilt about what is happening in Gaza. How does Ray deal with this? [32:45] Shannon has been turning to nature to help her deal with a lot of grief. [36:49] We can learn a lot from nature and we don't have to know all the tree names or plant names. [39:25] Shannon and Ray discuss finding spiritual meaning in nature. [41:24] How else does the practice of connecting with nature impact Ray or the people she works with? [47:02] Ray and Shannon contemplate whether part of the healing power of nature comes from how we experienced it in our childhoods. [48:22] Check out Ray's podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. [50:58] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Ray. [56:25] Hang out online in real time with Shannon in Pelvic Health Professionals. Links: Ray Zott Ray Zott on Instagram Peace in the Parks Podcast with Ray Zott Discord: Yoga Teachers For Change OfferingTree User Group on Facebook The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 137: Yoga and Brain Injuries with Ann Green The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow Books by adrienne maree brown The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 359: Ahimsa in Times of Conflict with Rula Wardeh Yoga During a Pelvic Cancer Diagnosis: 6-Week Online Series with Tyla Arnason (she/her) Book Club for a Free Palestine on Instagram Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "I use nature and meditation as a way to practice. And that's sustainable for me." "I feel like my relationship to nature has changed so much and that it's just being in it, just being present for it." "All nature is sacred. All nature is holy, whether it's the dandelion growing out of the crack in the sidewalk or the ornamental tree in the yard. It's all so beautiful and important." "Wherever we are in the world, we can tap into nature." "The more we turn to nature, the more we will get clarity on our part and our roles and how we participate and how we heal our communities who are turning to us." 255 How can we meditate in nature? Ray Zott (she/her/they) shares how to connect with nature as a way to meditate, why it can be a more sustainable practice than sitting still, and ways we can learn from and be supported by nature in difficult times.
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 359: Ahimsa in Times of Conflict with Rula Wardeh Description: One of the most important yoga teachings is ahimsa, usually translated as non-violence or non-harming. How do we practice this in times of conflict like the one we are witnessing now in Gaza, Palestine? What can we do to make a difference? Rula Wardeh shares her perspective on the obligations we all have to show up during times like these. Rula is a Palestinian yoga teacher, who studied yoga in Canada. She lives in Jordan, an hour away from the Occupied Territory of West Bank, Palestine. She has family and friends in Gaza and her yoga students are all Palestinian. Rula introduced Yin Yoga to Jordan in 2012 and she now leads a unique Yin Yoga immersion course in Jordan & Cairo. Rula is also one of the directors and founding members of the NGO Yoga Mandala Project which provides refugee communities in Jordan with psychosocial Yoga and trauma related sessions. In this conversation, Rula shares what her experience has been like holding space for Palestininans as Gaza continues to be bombarded and held under siege by Israel. She speaks about yoga activism, how she draws on the teachings of yoga and the 8 limbs for support as she continues to speak up for ceasefire in Palestine, and what yoga teachers can do in these times to make a difference. If you have been wondering how you can show up and practice ahimsa as a yoga teacher in times of conflict, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: [2:05] This podcast is sponsored by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [2:55] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Rula Wardeh. This episode originally aired as a live conversation in December 2023. [5:22] What does Rula do as a yoga teacher? [8:16] Shannon shares some context about the 1948 Nakba in Palestine. [10:38] Rula shares how she started serving the population of urban refugees. [13:03] How has it felt for Rula to hold space for Palestinians or people who have family in Palestine? What has she learned from the experience? [21:08] Rula speaks to her experience of yoga activism: How do we implement what we have learned and what we teach in yoga? [25:26] We can start feeling disconnected from what is happening in Gaza when we only focus on the numbers. We need to also focus on the individual, personal stories coming out of Gaza. [28:55] What can people do when it feels to dysregulating to look at the news? [32:38] Rula explains how we can practice ahimsa in times of conflict. [36:17] We can draw on teachings from the eight limbs of yoga to guide us in how we should show up in times of conflict. [41:18] Shannon shares a comment from a live listener: How we feel is quite frankly irrelevant in the face of people being murdered. We should not be centering our feelings, especially not on social media. [41:58] How can you seek out the real truth and not fall into the trap of confirmation bias? [44:00] Watch the rest of this full interview with Rula on YouTube. [44:35] People are not their religion, their culture, or their government. We need to be mindful of conflating those. [46:47] What should we do if we're afraid to speak up or if we spoke up and got attacked? [50:10] Shannon reflects on her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Rula. [56:29] Hang out live with Shannon inside Pelvic Health Professionals. Links: Rula Wardeh on Instagram Rula Wardeh (Website) Ahimsa in Times of Conflict with Rula Wardeh (Full Video on YouTube) Wiser World Podcast: Palestininan-Israeli Conflict 101 - Part 1 The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017 by Rashid Khalidi Updates from/about Gaza (Non-exhaustive list) @wizard_bisan1 @motaz_azaiza @byplestia @wael_eldahdouh @sbeih.jpg @eye.on.palestine @letstalkpalestine @gazangirl @jewishvoiceforpeace/ Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel) Yoga During a Pelvic Cancer Diagnosis: 6-Week Online Series with Tyla Arnason (she/her) Discord: Yoga Teachers For Change Book Club for a Free Palestine on Instagram Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "At the end of the day, we know this as yoga teachers - that we are all connected." - Shannon "Anger was an agitation, [it] was asking us for action more than sitting down on the mat." - Rula "That's the dilemma. It's not about us. Why am I taking care of myself right now?" - Rula "How can we do less violence?" - Rula "By your silence, you're hurting. You're doing more himsa than ahimsa."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 358: Community and Communication with Shannon Crow Description: Many yoga teachers are dealing with tiredness, overwhelm, sadness, and many other difficult emotions as we navigate living through the active genocide taking place in Palestine. Community and communication can be a good solution to dealing with these heavy emotions and the challenges of consistently showing up for causes we care about. In this episode, Shannon reflects on what has been helping her as she faces some of these big emotions. She shares how being out in nature, doing yoga, and meditating has been helpful to get clarity and different perspectives. It is also easier to keep going when you have community to support you in doing the work. Shannon talks about the different places she has found community, including a Discord server called Yoga Teachers for Change. In times like these, community and communication are what we can lean on and draw strength from. Key Takeaways: [5:09] Shannon reflects on how community and communication have come up for her recently. [8:07] Many yoga teachers that Shannon has spoken to have shared feeling many heavy and deep emotions. Shannon shares what helps her get through those tough days. [10:17] Shannon shares her experience of drawing inspiration from nature. [12:34] Shannon pops in to share a complaint she has about Wordpress, and why she prefers OfferingTree instead. [15:31] Shannon reflects on the clarity and different perspectives that sometimes become available when you spend time in nature, do yoga, or meditate. [17:36] Shannon shares more about the Discord server called Yoga Teachers for Change. [19:11] With a collective community, you can lean on each other for support and take it in turns to keep the torch burning. [23:15] Shannon has also talked about the importance of community in a previous episode with Linda Sparrowe. [24:49] Shannon highlights some other community initiatives that you might be interested in. [27:40] Keen to hang out with Shannon in real time? Check out the Yoga for Pelvic Cancer series with Tyla Arnason. Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 357: Pay-What-You-Can is Working with Shannon Crow Yoga During a Pelvic Cancer Diagnosis: 6-Week Online Series with Tyla Arnason (she/her) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 347: Yoga in the Cancer Community with Tyla Arnason Ray Zott on Instagram Peace in the Parks Podcast Shannon Crow, E-RYT on Instagram: "Snow Sun and Hope Thanks to @brainbow_resilience" Discord: Yoga Teachers For Change The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 356: How Silence Feels for a Yoga Student with Suzanne Miller Mikaela Loach on Instagram: "mantra for 2024: when times get tough we don't give up, we get organised." The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 100: Cultivating a Community of Professional Peers with Linda Sparrowe Book Club for a Free Palestine on Instagram Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "What I know is that in my heart, I'm going to keep living in this world that I know is the world that I want to be a part of where we are all connected and we can make a difference." "Look for the people who are up for communicating right now, who are talking about this, who feel safe to talk about it, who can take this on." "I know that many yoga teachers care about this deeply and are searching for that community. And it's a nice feeling." "I could feel in that moment that what I really needed to focus on was community and communication and the connections were really the answer." "How can you find and/or create community for yourself or for others in your community, a community that's going to support you or maybe you are creating a community that's going to support others?" "If you've been feeling isolated and alone, you're not alone."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 357: Pay-What-You-Can is Working with Shannon Crow Description: Have you tried using the pay-what-you-can model in your yoga business? Shannon recently implemented this model for an upcoming yoga series in Pelvic Health Professionals and was amazed that it has worked! In this episode, Shannon shares more about why she decided to implement the pay-what-you-can model for the Yoga During a Pelvic Cancer Diagnosis: 6-Week Online Series with Tyla Arnason. She talks about how setting it up with OfferingTree was so easy and the best part - that they've already met the minimum required to pay the guest teacher and not lose money, even without extensive marketing! Pay-what-you-can for yoga teachers can be an option. It is one way we can disrupt systems that are not serving us and our communities. Shannon invites you to consider how you could implement this in your yoga business or disrupt harmful systems in other ways. Key Takeaways: [4:14] One of the offers Shannon is sharing now is Tyla Arnason's Yoga for Pelvic Cancer workshop. It operates on the pay-what-you-can model and it's working! [7:32] Even with minimum marketing, Shannon has been able to get enough signups to meet the minimum required to pay the guest teacher! [9:35] Shannon shares how easy it was to set up the pay-what-you-can model with OfferingTree. [11:10] Shannon reflects on how she has approached pricing in her yoga business and the recommendations she has given yoga teachers in consultations too. [14:22] What questions do you have about the pay-what-you-can model? [14:55] Shannon shares some ways you can hang out in real time. [17:07] Crunch, who does the show notes for the podcast (hi!) is hosting some workshops around travel for inner work. Check them out! Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 347: Yoga in the Cancer Community with Tyla Arnason Yoga During a Pelvic Cancer Diagnosis: 6-Week Online Series with Tyla Arnason (she/her) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 341: Online Learning Pro Tips with Emily Light Yoga Teachers for Change on Discord - Join the Yoga Teachers for Change Discord Server! Crunch Ranjani's Website Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "We decided to try something we've never done before with a full yoga series. We made it pay-what-you-can and I am so amazed with how it's working." "What can we do in our own business to really start to disrupt these systems that don't feel great?" "What if we make our offerings more accessible while we still get paid so we can keep doing this work?" "I hope that you are finding moments of joy and peace as we move into this new year together."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 356: How Silence Feels for a Yoga Student with Suzanne Miller Description: Since October 7 2023, Israel has been retaliating to the attack by Hamas by indiscriminately bombing Gaza, resulting in thousands of Palestinians being killed, many more injured, and almost the entire population of Gaza being displaced. In light of this genocide, how are yoga teachers reacting? How are they holding space for their students? Suzanne Miller is a long-time yoga student who shares her experience, particularly about the silence from yoga teachers in this situation. Suzanne has been practicing yoga as a student since around 2000. She has taken classes of different yoga lineages and currently practices at a studio that does vinyasa flow in a hot room. She is a lawyer and works in-house at a US-based global corporation. Suzanne is also a single mom and occasionally teaches law school at nighttime. In this conversation, Suzanne shares more about her experience going into yoga classes where the teacher was simply not acknowledging what is happening in Gaza, Palestine right now. She speaks about her feelings of disconnection and why this interaction felt more jarring and isolating in a yoga space. Shannon and Suzanne discuss what yoga teachers could do to hold space for their students, how our yoga practice can give us tools to navigate these challenging situations and conversations, and why it is so important for us to be having these difficult conversations. Key Takeaways: [2:47] Shannon shares that the upcoming Yoga for Pelvic Cancer series with Tyla Arnason is on a pay-what-you-can model -- and it's working! [5:51] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Suzanne Miller. [7:49] Suzanne shares a little about who she is. [9:23] Shannon provides a little context about the situation between Israel and Gaza. Suzanne shares how it feels for her as a yoga student going to classes now. [15:24] Suzanne did not share with her yoga teachers the disconnection she is experiencing and reflects on how it is a result of her "encoding" as a white woman. [17:32] Shannon invites Suzanne to consider how the interaction with her yoga teacher differs from a similar interaction that could happen at the grocery store. [20:46] Shannon and Suzanne discuss the things that could happen if yoga teachers started addressing the genocide in Gaza in their classes. [27:00] How would yoga teachers know how to navigate this? [28:28] How does Suzanne feel about yoga teachers who say they don't want to talk about politics or war in their classes? [31:22] Doing all of this difficult, uncomfortable, challenging work is easier when it is done in community. [33:32] Shannon and Suzanne discuss how yoga philosophy is weaved in (or not) into the typical yoga classes. [36:04] Shannon pops in to share a little about OfferingTree, how she uses it in her own business, and how they are aligned with Shannon's values. [40:56] Yoga teachers don't often bring yoga philosophy into their typical classes, so what are some things that they could say to help their students feel seen in their classes? [45:47] Suzanne shares a little about bringing yoga into law spaces. Small actions can have a huge impact! [49:15] What if people did more yoga or brought more yoga teachings into their lives? What if people exercised more compassion and empathy? What if there were more love? [54:38] Shannon and Suzanne discuss inclusivity and making yoga spaces feel welcoming to everyone, and the importance of speaking up. [60:41] Shannon and Suzanne reflect on the history of their own settler colonial states. [65:05] This is a flashpoint for yoga teachers who are hungry to mobilize their practice, to put their yoga in action. [67:08] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation. Links: Bisan on IG - Instagram (@wizard_bisan1) How to Have Hard Conversations with Chani Nicholas, Mazal Masoud Etedgi & Esther Farmer Live with Rula - Ahimsa in Times of Conflict with Rula Wardeh UN General Assembly votes for a ceasefire (and talks about how this is in fact a genocide) - Dec 12, 2023 - 200 and 300-hour YTT with Susanna Barkataki - Embody Yoga's Roots The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 318: Questions to Ask Before Any YTT with Shannon Crow Your Talking Points Guide: Israel-Palestine - By Bo Forbes (Substack) Yoga for Pelvic Cancer: 6-Week Online Series with Tyla Arnason (she/her) Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "Even in times of great difficulty of my life, I feel like I can show up at a yoga class, not even talk to other people, but practice in community." "It has been very surreal to show up [to yoga classes] in the middle of a genocide. And no one's talking about it." "This is all from a place of empathy and yet also we, we need to do better." "That's the whole purpose of yoga for me is to meet discomfort with breath and awareness." "Any time we're turning away from suffering, is that because we're just unable to sit with that discomfort? And if so, yoga is a wonderful way to practice that." "I think the solution is going to be in community." "If you can put your ankle behind your ear, but you're a jerk off the mat, you're not practicing yoga." "I really do think that the small tiny conversations that we have and the tiny things that we say as yoga teachers and humans can make a big difference." - Shannon
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 355: A Quick Niche Quiz with Shannon Crow Description: Shannon Crow continues the theme of Niche November by sharing a quick niche quiz she has created to help you figure out what yoga niche you want to be serving! In this short quiz, Shannon goes through a list of “would you rather” questions that can help you get more clarity about what kind of yoga you want to teach. In this series of 14 questions, Shannon invites you to consider your preferences when it comes to 1:1 vs group classes, the age range and gender of your students, the style of yoga, location of your classes, and even class size. All these questions will guide to to uncover the kind of yoga offerings you feel most aligned creating, and will help you in your niching down and specializing journey. If you have been needing help to figure out your niche or yoga specialty or have been wondering how to build a yoga business that suits how you want to work, this episode is for you! Get the downloadable PDF from the links! Key Takeaways: [2:01] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [3:21] Shannon has a niche quiz for you! Answer these questions as authentically and honestly as you can! [7:18] Shannon pops in to share a little about OfferingTree. [8:59] Shannon continues with her list of questions for this niche quiz. [12:35] If you need additional support with finding and defining your niche, book a consultation call with Shannon! Links: Niche Questions for Yoga Teachers The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 354: Do I Need to Specialize with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 284: Beyond Pronouns and Pride Month with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 101: What I Learned as a Yoga Studio Manager with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 262: Run a Successful Yoga Membership with Allie Van Fossen Yoga for Pelvic Cancer: 6-Week Online Series with Tyla Arnason (she/her) Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "How can I help right now if you're thinking about specializing and niching down?" "I hope these questions get you to a place where you can really figure out what is your ideal yoga that you want to teach." “All of these questions can help you to define your niche. You might be left with more questions. And that's ok.”
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 354: Do I Need to Specialize with Shannon Crow Description: Shannon Crow continues the theme of Niche November. In this episode, Shannon explores the question that everyone asks when it comes to niching down and finding a yoga specialty: do I need to specialize? Shannon shares a quick quiz she has created to help you figure out whether you need to niche down in your yoga business. She goes through a list of true-false questions that can help you get more clarity about whether you should be thinking about niching down or if you don't need to right now!. Shannon invites you to consider whether you are comfortable referring students who are not a fit to other yoga teachers, if your ideal students can easily find you, whether you're making money and have a schedule you love, and more. All these questions will guide you to figure out if niching down in your yoga business is something you need now. Get the downloadable PDF from the links! Key Takeaways: [1:30] Shannon gives a shoutout of thanks to sponsors OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [2:35] Shannon niche and specialty has been pelvic health for almost 10 years, as well as niching down! [3:22] Is niching down something you need to be doing? Do you need to specialize? Shannon has some true-false questions that can help you answer that. [5:36] Shannon pops in to share a little about OfferingTree. [7:35] Shannon continues with the second half of the quiz to help you figure out if you should specialize. [10:15] If you answered ‘false' to any of these statements, you might want to think about niching down! [11:40] What are your questions about niching down? Share them on the website or in the Facebook group! [12:47] Shannon shares a few ways you can hang out in real time. Links: Niche Questions for Yoga Teachers The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 353: Is Age a Yoga Niche? with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 347: Yoga in the Cancer Community with Tyla Arnason Yoga for Pelvic Cancer: 6-Week Online Series with Tyla Arnason (she/her) Work with Shannon Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "Today's question is really about, Do I need to specialize? Do I need to niche down?" "If you are already loving how things are set up on your calendar,...And on top of that, if you're making a great income for the work that you're doing, you may not need to specialize and niche down." "If you answered ‘false' to any of these statements, you might want to think about niching down. It might be time for you to do that again."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast [BONUS] Yoga for Peace with Shannon Crow Description: What place does yoga have in the context of the ongoing situation between Israel and Palestine, particularly in light of the current lethal bombardment and blockade in Gaza? What responsibility do yoga teachers have to advocate for a ceasefire, liberation and freedom of all peoples, and peace in the region? Shannon Crow tackles these big questions in a vulnerable and open live video. Shannon is nervous about addressing what is happening in Gaza right now, but a recent interaction with a member of the community has prompted her to share her thoughts. She reflects on how we can apply the teachings of yoga and yoga philosophy, particularly the aspect of ahimsa, non-harm to the current situation. Shannon invites us to consider our own positions, why it is necessary to speak up rather than remaining silent, and how we can use our yoga to amplify compassion. There is complex historical context at play here, and people who have ties to Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, and Palestinian communities are being affected, so it is important to keep that in mind as we navigate this situation. We are all interconnected. However, we must also speak up against harm when we see it and Shannon invites us to consider: What action can we take today that embodies the teachings of yoga? Key Takeaways: [1:47] A Connected Yoga Teacher messaged Shannon on Instagram to respond to a question she had asked on her Stories: How are yoga teachers and students feeling now? This question is in light of the current situation in Palestine. [5:18] In the discussion that followed, Jim asked Shannon a question that gave her pause: Why do the other conflicts going on in the world right now not deserve our action, our compassion, our urgency? [8:55] Jim had also written that he sees his role as expanding people's awareness and hopefully their compassion. [10:15] Shannon brings up the idea of scope of practice, staying in our lane, and niche work. Yet, one aspect of yoga is also ahimsa - non-harm and speaking up when you see harm. [12:49] Shannon shares her personal experience as someone who is speaking up and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza now. [15:05] In the midst of this, Shannon has experienced some moments of hope and excitement. [19:36] Shannon addresses how yoga students may be feeling coming to their classes and what might support them in this time. [24:15] Anyone who is not speaking out to call for a ceasefire is being counted in the group that doesn't want a ceasefire. Shannon reflects on and share some of the conversations she has had with others on this issue. [30:44] Shannon has also been speaking with her therapist about everything that is going on in Palestine. [33:50] What is an action that you can take right now that embodies the teachings of yoga? [37:24] Shannon shares some of the things she is doing in her business. Links: Live Podcast on Instagram TLC Starfish Foundation: Starfish Story The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 269: Yoga Philosophy and Colonialism with Shyam Ranganathan Tristan Katz The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 23 Tristan Katz Yoga for Pelvic Cancer: 6-Week Online Series with Tyla Arnason (she/her) Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Crunch Ranjani on Instagram Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "I was also feeling on edge about it, like something was really not feeling settled in me about it. So I've learned over the years and by making many mistakes, that this is when I need to pause and reflect." "Why does that [the conflict in Sudan and other parts of the world] not deserve our action, our compassion, our urgency?" "How do we address all of the suffering in the world?" - Shannon "What ethical theory would justify cutting off food, water, fuel and bombing trapped people to the order of 12,000 and counting in response to the killing of 1200 [and] the abduction of 240?" "There isn't just one genocide happening right now or one war or one conflict. And there's a lot going on in our own countries and our own communities. There's a lot that we can be doing right now to help the suffering of others." "You might assume that everyone wants peace and a cease fire. But there are a few people who don't. And when people say nothing, they start to get lumped into that group." "The safety of Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Palestinian and really all of us, all people, all of our safety is intertwined. So more violence is never the answer."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 353: Is Age a Yoga Niche? with Shannon Crow Description: Shannon Crow continues the theme of Niche November by answering a question that two people asked in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group - is age a yoga niche? Shout out to Barbara and Beatrix for posting their questions! Shannon shares her insights about niching down. She invites you to consider if there is even a need for you to niche down at this time. She has a helpful PDF to guide your niching process too. Shannon also shares her thoughts about using age as a niche factor and how to showcase your niche on your website and social media. She also reiterates that you don't need a website or a prominent social media presence to niche down! If you have been wondering about niching down, specializing in yoga, or how to communicate that with your dream audience, this episode is for you! Key Takeaways: [3:26] Shannon is responding to two comments in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group that really stood out to her. Both comments talk about age as a yoga niche. [4:59] Shannon reviews Barbara's website. Is her niche of teaching mostly students over 60 immediately apparent? [6:39] Is age a small enough niche or should there be additional niching factors? Shannon has a helpful resource with questions to guide your niche work! [9:45] Another comment was left by Beatrix who is interested in niching down to chair yoga. Shannon shares some of her thoughts around defining this niche. [13:55] Shannon pops in to share a little about OfferingTree. [15:25] It's not necessary to have a website or social media to define your niche and grow your yoga business in that niche! [16:35] Shannon highlights a big reason to find a niche and specialize! [19:03] Shannon wraps up with a straightforward answer to the question: Can age be a yoga niche? Links: Niche Questions for Yoga Teachers Barbara's Website and Facebook Page The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 315: Let's Talk Time Off with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 144: Get More Website Visitors with SEO with Meg Casebolt The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 295: Make Money Teaching Yoga with Betty Welsh The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 345: Try a Month of This Niche with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 352: How to Niche with No Website with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 070: Yoga for Seniors? with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 249: Yoga for Older Grownups with Maria Kirsten Yoga for Pelvic Cancer: 6-Week Online Series with Tyla Arnason (she/her) Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "Do you need to specialize or niche down right now?" "What does the ideal yoga look like that you want to be teaching?" "One of the big reasons that we niche down and specialize is we want our marketing to be a little simpler and we also want to see an increase in yoga students or our income."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 352: How to Niche with No Website with Shannon Crow Description: Shannon Crow continues the theme of Niche November by tackling a question many yoga teachers have struggled with - how do you niche down and specialize without a website? In this episode, Shannon answers a question from a podcast listener and community member, Amy who has been trying to niche down for the past three years. Shannon does some sleuthing to uncover Amy's niche and shares some tips about establishing a niche in your yoga business. Shannon also gives some advice on content ideas, why trying out a niche for a whole month is a good start, and where to market yourself if you don't have a website! Tune in for some valuable tips if you have been thinking about niching down and specializing in your yoga business but have been putting it off because you don't know how to do it without a website! Key Takeaways: [4:03] This episode is all about how to niche down and specialize without having a website. She shares a question from a podcast listener, Amy. [7:48] Shannon shares that she tried to discover Amy's niche by looking on Google and checking out her social media pages, and discovered something interesting. [11:35] If you don't have a website, you should be marketing where your ideal clients are hanging out. Shannon shares some tips on what kind of content to post. [14:59] Shannon pops in with a reminder that if you're looking for an easy way to create a website for your yoga business, you should check out OfferingTree. [16:29] Whatever platform you're choosing to market your niche on, try it out consistently for a month, at least! [20:46] Shannon shares some details about where you can hang out with her in real time and a short personal update. Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 349: Yoga Niche Success Story with Christine Jaureguiberry The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 345: Try a Month of This Niche with Shannon Crow Yoga for Pelvic Cancer: 6-Week Online Series with Tyla Arnason (she/her) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 273: Yoga is a Revolution with Jivana Heyman Dr. Gabor Maté on Israel/Palestine - October 28, 2023 Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "Do not feel like you're going to get to this place where, ok, all of the niche work is done." "You do not need a website to start niching down and specializing." "It is going to feel repetitive. I know it is. I know it so well. But trust me, there are so many ways to talk about [your niche] that if you're already excited to do it, you'll be able to continue it past the month."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 351: Water Yoga with Christa Fairbrother Description: Water yoga (or aqua yoga) may not be widely known but it is a unique variation of yoga that has some amazing benefits. Christa Fairbrother shares her expertise on this uncommon variety of yoga. Christa is an internationally recognized aqua yoga coach and trainer who makes yoga accessible through yoga in the water. She is passionate about helping people start an aqua yoga practice and she trains movement professionals to offer aqua yoga in their communities. Christa is also an internationally recognized expert in water yoga and published author of Water Yoga. In this episode, Christa explains what exactly water yoga is and how it differs from traditional yoga that is done on land. She also talks about the science of immersion in water and the additional or different benefits that water yoga offers. Christa shares more about how water yoga can be a more accessible form of yoga for many people, especially those who deal with pain or are concerned about their strength. Dive into this interesting conversation to learn more about water yoga and how we can support people through different mediums to get the benefits of yoga. Key Takeaways: [3:42] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Christa Fairbrother. [6:56] What does Christa do and who does she do it for? [9:16] What got Christa started in teaching water yoga? [11:14] What are some common questions people have about water yoga? [12:36] Was there ever a moment when Christa felt hesitant or unsure about her niche in water yoga? [14:47] What are the benefits of doing yoga in the water? [18:53] What are some things people can try if they don't have an aqua yoga class in their community but they have access to a pool? [21:06] Shannon pops in to share a conversation she had with Sara Villamil who uses OfferingTree in her yoga business. [23:30] Where can yoga teachers learn more about teaching aqua yoga? [25:41] What are some things that hold people back from attending water yoga classes? [27:56] Christa highlights some of the benefits people find from doing yoga in the water. [30:12] Christa shares a bit more about how she teaches and the tranings and courses she offers. [31:40] Do you need to know how to swim to teach aqua yoga or be trained as a lifeguard? [33:35] Christa often works with yoga teachers where there is nobody else doing aqua yoga in their communities. How has she tackled the challenge of marketing and growing her own classes in a community that doesn't know about aqua yoga? [35:18] Where can you get in touch with Christa and learn more about her work? [38:06] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this interview with Christa. Links: Christa Fairbrother Christa Fairbrother on Facebook and Instagram Water Yoga, by Christa Fairbrother (Code: WY20) Waterproof Guides & Other Resources for Water Yoga by Christa Fairbrother Sara Villamil Six Week Series with Tyla Arnason Pelvic cancer Email Shannon Consultation Call with Shannon Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "A lot of people who live with chronic pain or with arthritis, their joints are uncomfortable and the fact that you suddenly don't weigh as much, literally takes a load off." "Whatever poses you like, try those first." "The barrier is fear of the water and it's really important to acknowledge that because not a lot of people had swimming lessons, they might have had a traumatic experience even if they got swim lessons." "They're building so much body awareness, so much balance."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 350: Yoga for Autism & Special Needs with Shawnee Thornton Hardy Description: Autism spectrum disorder affects about 1 in 100 children globally yet there is still a lot of misconception and misunderstanding about people with autism and other special needs. Shawnee Thornton Hardy shares more about how yoga can support people in this community. Shawnee is the Founder of Asanas for Autism and Special Needs and the Founder/Director of Yoga Therapy for Youth Certification Program. She has worked with children and adults with autism and individuals with diverse needs for almost 3 decades, specializing in working with children and adults with significant cognitive and language delays, sensory processing challenges, significant behavior challenges and trauma histories. Her goal is to bring the experience of yoga and somatic practices to all individuals no matter their differences or challenges. Shawnee is also a published author – and will be giving away three copies of her book! In this episode, Shawnee shares more about the children and teenagers that she works with, what their challenges may be, and how yoga can help. She explains some yoga practices that can help with anger and anxiety and how to bring calm when a class or student has high energy. Shawnee also highlights why it's so important to treat each child as an individual and to let go of our preconceived ideas about them or their special needs label. Key Takeaways: [3:40] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Shawnee Thornton Hardy [7:12] What does Shawnee do and who does she do it for? [9:01] What inspired Shawnee to do this work? [10:33] What are some of the labels that get placed on children Shawnee works with? [14:15] What are some basic things a teacher who encounters a young person with complex needs in their class should know? [17:33] What trainings does Shawnee recommend for a yoga teacher who is starting out on this journey of supporting someone with special needs? [20:37] What are some of the benefits of yoga for young people in this community? Shawnee shares some anecdotes from her experience. [25:35] Shannon and Shawnee discuss how useful it is even for adults to be able to practice self-awareness. [28:35] Many adults today have grown up in environments where we were encouraged not to express our negative feelings like anger or sadness. [29:50] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree. [31:38] What are some practices that can help for children who are feeling a lot of anxiety or worry? [34:14] What does Shawnee do when chaos breaks out in her classes? [37:16] What is something that Shawnee wishes yoga teachers who are supporting children with complex needs knew earlier? [42:02] Shannon and Shawnee discuss the importance of caring for each child as an individual and not assuming that we know everything about them because we know their diagnosis. [45:25] Shawnee is giving away three books! Shannon shares the details of the giveaway. [46:14] How did Shawnee end up writing her books? [49:41] Shawnee reflects on how important leaning into celebration and joy is, and how that is part of her inner child work. [56:26] Shannon shares some of her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Shawnee. Links: Shawnee Thornton Hardy Shawnee Thornton Hardy on Facebook and Instagram Yoga Therapy for Children and Teens with Complex Needs by Shawnee Thornton Hardy Yoga for Autism and Special Needs Teacher Training by Shawnee Thornton Hardy Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "[Labels] can be helpful to understand a diagnosis that a child or teen may have because we can have a sense of what some of their challenges or complications may be. But then once we know the label, we go deeper beneath and just look at that child or teen as just a human being and get to know their specific not only challenges but also strengths and their individual ways of navigating the world." "How can we ground ourselves in the sense of helping this individual child or human, whoever is in front of us, feel a sense of belonging?" "When we have kids that are in a dysregulated state, they're not in a learning space."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 349: Yoga Niche Success Story with Christine Jaureguiberry Description: Niching down is a tried-and-tested method to grow your yoga business while allowing you to focus only on the things you love sharing. A guest from almost 5 years ago is back on the podcast to share her success story with niching down. Christine Jaureguiberry specializes in teaching Yoga for those who live with Scoliosis. She is the founder of Move with Scoliosis, born from her love of yoga and her own personal journey with living with scoliosis. Apart from her Shine membership, a support community with yoga and pilates practices for those living with scoliosis, Christine also offers workshops for yoga teachers who would like to support their students with scoliosis and/or spinal fusion. She also has a thriving YouTube following and is in the process of writing a book. In this episode, Christine shares an update about her business since the previous episode. She explains where she is in her business now and how she has grown her yoga business by focusing on her niche. She talks about running a niche membership, how she grew her YouTube channel to over 30,000 subscribers, as well as the roadblocks and challenges she had to overcome in order to get there. Key Takeaways: [3:04] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Christine Jaureguiberry. [6:49] What does Christine do and who does she do it for? [7:55] Alongside her YouTube channel and a book she is writing, Christine also has a membership offering. [9:47] What kind of struggle was Christine experiencing in 2017 that made her decide she needed to niche down? [13:26] What were some of the challenges Christine had in niching down? [16:10] Why is Christine still looking at ways to let more things go, even though she has picked her niche? [20:33] It's a common misconception that when you niche down, you have to immediately let go of everything that isn't within that niche. [20:59] Shannon pops in with a quick note about creating and hosting a membership site, which you can easily do on OfferingTree! [22:40] Does Christine now feel like an expert in movement for scoliosis? [26:29] We can't predict how our interests and inclinations may change or what our niche may be in a few years from now! [27:52] Sometimes we need a little external help to get started on our niche journey, and sometimes we just need to do one small thing at a time. [29:58] What are some roadblock that have come up for Christine as she navigates refining her niche? [32:12] What does Christine do in those tough times? [33:53] Christine has gotten help from her Virtual Assistant in her business. [37:18] Christine recognizes that she has different interests and may get pulled in different directions along the way, but she has found a way to harness that energy in her niche. [39:34] What advice would Christine offer a yoga teacher who is just starting out? [44:06] What are the benefits Christine sees in her yoga business now that she has really established her niche well? [46:34] How has Christine shifted her marketing efforts now that she has refined her niche? [48:54] Christine has also added Pilates to her offerings, even as she niched down in who she wants to serve. [52:30] Christine shares some of the ways you can connect with her. [53:48] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Christine. Links: Christine Jaureguiberry Previous Episodes about Niching Down Specializing & Niching Down Podcasts & Articles 345: Try a Month of This Niche with Shannon Crow 343: Niche Yoga Marketing with Sarah Karsten [Consultation Call] 324: Niches & Yoga Business Chat with Sunita Patil & Shannon Crow 255: Creating a Niche Online Course with Laura Fowler Massie 112: Niche Down to Market Your Yoga with Amanda McKinney 106: Defining My Yoga Business Niche with Shannon Crow 097: Focusing In On Your Niche [Consultation Call] with Susan Hopkinson Elizabeth Gilbert: Don't Chase Your Passion And Maybe You'll Find It (Hummingbird Talk) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 166: When & How to Hire a VA (virtual assistant) with Sandra Booker The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth about Extraordinary Results a book by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 347: Yoga in the Cancer Community with Tyla Arnason The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "One of them was as a yoga teacher to let people down. I think that was kind of a big thing... they really need me, what's going to happen if I don't teach that class? And there was a huge resistance around this." - Christine "Niche work doesn't end." - Shannon "Another one of my challenges was to fully commit to this work that I was doing because ... I have got many interests and there's lots of different projects that excite me." - Christine "It's just a process that you have to kind of go through over and over again and think of all the things that you do and what is it that you actually want to do?" - Christine "Sometimes the things don't happen obviously overnight and maybe not as quickly as we want them to happen. So we do have to stick with it, which I think is really hard, which is difficult at times." - Christine "If you commit to that journey and stay consistent with it, you will get there, you will get somewhere." - Christine
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 348: Yoga for Eating Disorder Recovery with Abbey Morris Description: Eating disorders are a group of serious health conditions that affect about 70 million people worldwide. Yoga can be a helpful tool for people dealing with eating disorders or in recovery from them. Abbey Morris shares her personal journey and how yoga can support people in eating disorder recovery. Abbey is a Mindfulness & Meditation Instructor, Sound Healer, and Ayurvedic Yoga specialist. At her studio, she hosts unique public yoga and meditation classes, educational workshops and retreats and works 1:1 with clients on their healing journey through these various modalities. Abbey's speciality is in working with folks on the journey to recovery from eating disorders/disordered eating and working on a more loving relationship with oneself. In this episode, Abbey shares the details of her own journey with disordered eating, as well as how yoga and Ayurveda have been a supportive, healing, and nurturing space for her through her recovery. She also highlights how she now works with others in recovery from eating disorders, including offering a series of yoga classes without any movement practice! Abbey explains the ways yoga teachers can support their students through recovery or dealing with an eating disorder through their cues, language, and more. Key Takeaways: [1:58] Shannon shares what sparked inspiration for this episode. [4:50] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Abbey Morris. [7:36] What does Abbey do and who does she do it for? [12:40] How did yoga help Abbey in recovering from her eating disorder? [23:01] Abbey talks about her journey of being reintroduced to Ayurveda. [33:05] Shannon pops in with a message about a 5-day website boot camp hosted by OfferingTree. [34:14] Did Abbey's yoga teachers or yoga teacher trainers know that she was dealing with an eating disorder? [37:37] Having an awareness that our students may be dealing with an eating disorder or in recovery from it is important! What are some things yoga teachers may be doing that are not helpful to this population? [46:29] Abbey has a yoga offering that does not involve any movement. She shares more about that. [56:04] Where can yoga teachers learn more about supporting students who are dealing with eating disorders or in recovery. [62:05] Shannon reflects on her key takeaways from this conversation. Links: Yoga by Abbey - Abbey Morris Yoga for Eating Disorders Program: Everything Yoga Without The Mat Previous Episodes about Eating Disorders & Diet Culture 338: Eating Disorder Informed Yoga with Jennifer Kreatsoulas 293: Eating Disorder Recovery & Yoga with Vivian Selles 048: Eating Disorder Education for Yoga Teachers with Tabitha Farrar 126: Body Mindful Yoga with Jennifer Kreatsoulas 292: Taking Diet Culture out of Yoga with Jessica Grosman & Elyssa Toomey 307: Taking Diet-Culture Out of Ayurveda with Diane Finlayson Yoga for Eating Disorders (Jennifer Kreatsoulas) The 5 Day Wellness Website Bootcamp - OfferingTree Yoga for Endo and Pelvic Pain 7-Week Online Series with Sarah Garden Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "I finally let go of the pressure and the perfectionist attitude and the pushing and the going deeper or going harder or, you know, staying just a little bit longer. All of that was replaced with gratitude for just being in a body that could move." "I was reminded that I am no different than all of these other moving parts around me in nature." "Rather than it being so complicated as navigating digestion and nutrition can feel, it all became quite simple. And I realized that we are the ones that make it so complicated. Diet culture is the one that makes it so complicated." "Ayurveda gave me a lot of agency and it transformed the way that I view nourishment and my body altogether." "Nourishment is so much more than calories and what a disgrace it is to think that that's all it is." "This goes to the idea of yoga being a practice and not a performance." "If we only show up on our mats, when we're feeling like a million percent, then how is yoga supposed to help us through life?" "Everyone's recovery is very different and yoga in your recovery can also look very different as well depending on what you're ready for and what resonates with you."
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