Yogaland Podcast

This week, I'm joined by yoga teacher and global mindfulness facilitator Josh Blatter. We talk about his teaching journey—from the yoga studio to his work with Peace on Purpose, a program that supports United Nations staff working in some of the most high-pressure environments in the world.Josh shares:Why questioning long-held beliefs is vital for yoga teachersStudying in the Viniyoga lineage and the individualized approach to yogaWhat it was like to study at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in ChennaiHow Vedic Chant is a powerful part of his personal practice -- and how challenging it is to learnPeace on Purpose and his recent trips to Bangladesh and PakistanHow Josh teaches in high-stress environments and how cultural sensitivity shapes the workAdvice for yoga teachers on staying inspired, grounded, and financially afloatA guiding principle for sustainable teaching and caregiving (this one's a huge lightbulb moment for me!)Thank you, as always, for listening and sharing the podcast.If you'd like to keep up with us, subscribe to our newsletter at: jasonyoga.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, we dive deep into 5 of the most common yoga cues—offering clearer, more effective alternatives that enhance both understanding and practice.Whether you're a yoga teacher seeking to improve your verbal communication or a dedicated practitioner eager to refine your alignment, this episode will help you:✔️ Clarify common cues like “lift your kneecaps” and “tuck your tailbone”✔️ Understand why some cues aren't landing and how to adjust them✔️ Enhance your students' experience with precise, actionable languageJoin us as we unpack and rephrase cues that are technically correct but can be made more accessible and impactful.ABOUT OUR ONLINE YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS:✅ The Essential Guide to Yoga Anatomy Online Course: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/anatomy✅ Get your 300hr & 500hr Teacher Training Certificate with Jason: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/300✅ The Art of Teaching Beginners Online Course:https://learn.jasonyoga.com/beginners✅ The Art of Yoga Sequencing Online Course:https://learn.jasonyoga.com/sequencing✅ JOIN OUR MAILING LIST and you'll be the first to know whenever we have new content: https://www.jasonyoga.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jason dives deep into one of the most overlooked — and often overwhelming — skills in yoga teaching: verbal communication. Whether you're a new teacher still getting comfortable saying anything aloud, or a seasoned instructor trying to say less with more impact, this conversation is full of practical insights.You'll learn how to refine your voice, distill your message, and create space for your students to absorb and respond.Highlights from the episode include:Why saying less often helps students learn moreThe #1 mistake yoga teachers make with verbal cues (and how to fix it)What Jason learned from Andrea's editorial red pen ✏️How to pair your cues with your sequence (and why this skill takes time to develop)What “over-teaching” looks like and how to avoid itMinimizing jargon (and when it's okay to use it)Managing up-speak and down-speak for clarity and confidenceUsing story, metaphor, and analogy to keep teaching engagingThe hardest skill of all: being yourself, even while giving commands

What if everything you've learned about pranayama tells only half the story?In this episode, Jason Crandell breaks down the two radically different approaches to pranayama found in traditional Hatha Yoga and Patanjali's Raja Yoga. These lineages share a goal—liberation through practice—but their breathwork techniques, underlying philosophies, and mechanisms of transformation couldn't be more different.Whether you're a yoga teacher, a teacher-in-training, or a student curious about the deeper roots of breathwork, this talk will help you understand: • Why pranayama in the Hatha Yoga tradition focuses on energy, purification, and awakening Kundalini • Why Patanjali's approach to pranayama emphasizes stillness, subtlety, and inner quiet • How each tradition views the purpose of pranayama in relation to the mind, body, and spirit • What these differences mean for your breathwork practice and teaching todayThis lecture is excerpted from Jason's online Pranayama Teacher Training, a comprehensive course that combines modern science and traditional wisdom to help yoga teachers build confidence in teaching breathwork.

We're happy to be back with Yoga(ish)! On this episode, we reflect on Autism Acceptance Month. We talk about internalized ableism, ADHD, the power of special interests, and how creating the right environment can unlock learning and joy for neurodivergent kids. Plus: a very passionate review of our current comedy obsession (I Think You Should Leave).CHAPTERS01:05 Autism Awareness Month01:30 Love on the Spectrum: A Heartwarming Show03:54 Personal Reflections on Neurodivergence13:27 Understanding Autism and Support Needs15:55 Challenges and Misconceptions in Neurodivergence23:00 Navigating Social Interactions with Neurodivergent Individuals24:06 Controversial Views on Autism by RFK Jr.30:36 Personal Reflections on Political Statements and Neurodiversity34:13 Challenges and Rewards of Homeschooling40:54 Comedy Recommendations and Personal Humor46:50 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionABOUT JASON AND HIS ONLINE YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS:✅ The Essential Guide to Yoga Anatomy Online Course: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/anatomy✅ Get your 300hr & 500hr Teacher Training Certificate with Jason: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/300✅ The Art of Teaching Beginners Online Course:https://learn.jasonyoga.com/beginners✅ The Art of Yoga Sequencing Online Course:https://learn.jasonyoga.com/sequencing✅ JOIN OUR MAILING LIST and you'll be the first to know whenever we have new content: https://www.jasonyoga.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling stuck, uninspired, or overwhelmed in your teaching journey?In this episode, Jason shares 5 timeless lessons from yoga philosophy that support you — the teacher. These aren't abstract ideas for your students — they're personal, practical teachings to help you stay grounded, motivated, and aligned as you grow.Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned educator, these insights from the Yoga Sutras and beyond offer tools for navigating self-doubt, comparison, burnout, and creative fatigue.Topics include:• Abhyasa & Vairagya (Effort + Letting Go)• Svadhyaya (Self-Study for Teachers)• Dharma (Teaching with Purpose)• Ahimsa (Self-Compassion in Teaching)• Pratipaksha Bhavanam (Reframing Negative Thoughts)Chapters01:11 Upcoming Yoga Training Details02:36 Yoga Philosophy for Teachers04:07 Abhyasa and Vairagya: Developing and Releasing Patterns05:19 Practicing Teaching Skills09:31 Non-Attachment in Teaching11:59 Knowing Yourself as a Teacher18:17 Aligning Teaching with Your Purpose21:45 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception22:10 Defining Your Purpose as a Yoga Teacher23:26 Teaching Techniques and Philosophical Insights26:15 Compassion for Yourself and Your Students33:04 Reframing Your Inner Critic41:53 Final Thoughts and AnnouncementsABOUT JASON AND HIS ONLINE YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS:✅ The Essential Guide to Yoga Anatomy Online Course: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/anatomy✅ Get your 300hr & 500hr Teacher Training Certificate with Jason: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/300✅ The Art of Teaching Beginners Online Course:https://learn.jasonyoga.com/beginners✅ The Art of Yoga Sequencing Online Course:https://learn.jasonyoga.com/sequencing✅ JOIN OUR MAILING LIST and you'll be the first to know whenever we have new content: https://www.jasonyoga.com/newsletterJason Crandell is a natural teacher and author with more than 20 years of experience. Named “one of the teachers shaping the future of yoga,” by Yoga Journal, Jason has been an in-demand teacher at conferences around the world for more than two decades. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Jason shares how to find your voice as a yoga teacher, how it evolves through different life phases, and how to sustain it over the long haul. You'll learn why finding your voice is an ongoing process, how to stay confident as a yoga teacher, and how to overcome burnout, self-doubt, and comparison.You'll learn: • How to find your voice as a yoga teacher (and why it's always evolving) • The role of passions, practice, and personal growth in shaping your teaching style • Common obstacles yoga teachers face—and how to move through them with resilience • Tips to stay inspired, prevent yoga teacher burnout, and build confidence for the long term • How specialized yoga teacher training can help you refine your authentic teaching voiceChapters:03:00 Finding Your Voice as a Yoga Teacher05:55 The Evolution of Teaching Styles09:36 Adopting and Evolving from Your Teacher's Voice12:54 Personal Journey and Influences17:00 Incorporating New Interests and Passions20:29 The Importance of Lifelong Learning23:03 The Importance of Continuous Learning in Yoga24:16 Embracing Authenticity as a Yoga Teacher26:24 Overcoming People Pleasing in Teaching28:31 The Illusion of Pleasing Everyone33:09 Adapting and Evolving as a Teacher36:04 The Need for Ongoing Training41:34 Managing Burnout and Teaching Strategies44:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

On this episode, Jason addresses a common question he gets from yoga teachers: When will I start to feel more sure of myself, more confident in my teaching? Whether you're newly certified or have been teaching for years, this episode will help you fill in the missing pieces and grow into the confident, grounded, and impactful yoga teacher you want to be. What You'll Learn:• Why so many yoga teachers feel stuck or unprepared after their 200-hour yoga teacher training• The real reason yoga teachers struggle with confidence (it's not just imposter syndrome)• How to shift from planning individual classes to designing long-term yoga class sequences and themes• Proven strategies to avoid yoga teacher burnout and stay inspired in your teaching• The most common gaps in yoga teacher trainings—and how to build the skills your students actually need• How to grow your teaching career by deepening your skills and becoming a more effective, in-demand yoga instructorA heads' up that Jason's 300-Hour YTT begins May 7th! This training is flexible, supportive, and comprehensive. Go to jasonyoga.com/300 for the training details and to enroll. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jason guides you through 3 simple yet powerful pranayama techniques to help you unwind, relax, and get better night's sleep. These breathing exercises are perfect for reducing stress, calming the mind, and promoting relaxation—whether you're winding down after a busy day or preparing for a restful night's sleep.Time codes:00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:44 Overview of Pranayama for Relaxation and Sleep02:33 Chandra Bhedana Pranayama Explained07:28 Lengthened Exhalations Breathwork12:53 Lengthened Exhalations with Pauses Breathwork16:10 Practical Tips and Course Information✨ Two big announcements! Jason's 300-Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training is open for enrollment. Get all the details and enroll at: jasonyoga.com/300✨ To celebrate the kick-off of the training, Jason's hosting a free webinar next week, The Confident Yoga Teacher: 5 Skills Every Yoga Teacher Needs. Get info and sign for that here: jasonyoga.com/webinar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Teaching pranayama and breathwork can feel overwhelming—even for experienced yoga teachers. In this episode, Jason breaks down the five most common mistakes teachers make when teaching pranayama and offers simple, research-backed solutions that will help you guide breathwork with clarity, confidence, and impact.Whether you're just starting out or refining your skills, this episode will help you simplify your approach to pranayama, avoid common pitfalls, and create a more meaningful experience for your students.

This is episode 1 of a four-part series on Pranayama: On this episode, we explore why breathwork matters so much for yoga teachers and how to effectively integrate pranayama into your yoga classes.Whether you're a seasoned yoga teacher or simply interested in deepening your pranayama practice, this conversation will help you understand why breathwork is essential and how to teach it with confidence.We talk about:The most important pranayama benefits for your own practice and your teaching.Why pranayama is an essential tool for yoga classes and how it helps students find calm, focus, and energy.How pranayama supports nervous system regulation, emotional balance, and overall well-being.Practical teaching tips for introducing pranayama to your students with clarity and ease.Common challenges teachers face when teaching pranayama and how to overcome them.

Looking for fresh ideas to keep your classes engaging and effective? In this episode of Yogaland, we'll show you how to plan a month-long yoga series that helps your students build skills, gain confidence, and deepen their practice over time.If you're tired of planning classes one-by-one and want to teach more cohesively and effectively, this episode is for you! Whether you're a new yoga teacher looking for guidance or an experienced teacher wanting to expand your teaching approach, you'll learn simple, powerful strategies to take your classes to the next level.Here's what you'll learn:✅ Why a long-term approach to teaching helps students learn faster and retain more.✅ How to structure a 4-week yoga series for consistent growth and progress.✅ Practical ways to apply Thematic Sequencing to build skills week by week.✅ How to use Scaffolded Learning to break down complex poses and techniques.✅ Why revisiting concepts (Spaced Repetition) improves learning and confidence.✅ What the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) means and how it applies to yoga.Timecodes:00:33 Upcoming Pranayama Course01:12 London Yoga Retreat Announcement04:31 Long-Term Yoga Class Planning07:03 Thematic and Progressive Sequencing19:42 Introduction to Vinyasa Class Structure21:34 Teaching Skills Step-by-Step26:00 Building Muscle Memory and Competence26:53 The Importance of Scaffolding in Yoga32:24 Spaced Repetition in Learning34:40 Zone of Proximal Development38:51 Encouraging Growth and Possibility42:14 Recap and Conclusion

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Whether mild (commonly called a concussion) or severe, TBI can create long-term health challenges ranging from cognitive fatigue, to memory loss to insomnia and mental health issues. This episode explores how LoveYourBrain's free yoga and meditation program benefits people affected by TBI and their caregivers. Since 2015, Dr. Kyla Pearce, Senior Director of Programs and Research at LoveYourBrain, has trained over 2,500 yoga teachers and clinicians in how to adapt yoga for TBI. She was the primary investigator on the largest published study of yoga for TBI, which found significant improvement in quality of life, resilience, cognition, and positive affect among 705 people with TBI who participated in the LoveYourBrain program.LoveYourBrain was founded in 2014 by brothers Kevin and Adam Pearce following Kevin's severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a snowboarding accident in 2009 while training for the Olympics. Their family's experience navigating Kevin's recovery inspired them to create LoveYourBrain.To date, LoveYourBrain has supported nearly 50,000 people worldwide, through research-backed programs offered at no cost to empower the TBI community with new tools, resources, and connections.We talk about:Common challenges after traumatic brain injuryHow hard it is to have an invisible injuryWhat the research says about yoga for traumatic brain injury (TBI)How Dr. Pearce designed the LoveYourBrain six-week yoga program — from asana adaptations to types of meditation to group sharingThe importance of cultivating resilience rather than a return to “normal”Post-traumatic growth — what it is and how we can all benefit from seeing life's challenges through this lensMindful March — how you can support people with TBI in accessing yogaLoveYourBrain's online teacher training programLastly: March is Brain Injury Awareness Month! Go to loveyourbrain.com/challenge to join their Mindful March Meditation Challenge and support their efforts in keeping yoga FREE to those affected by TBI.There are lots of resources on their website as well as info about teacher training: I've created a curated list of links for Yogaland listeners: www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode350 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever felt like your students aren't fully absorbing what you're teaching? Want to make your cues, sequences, and insights truly stick? On this episode, Jason reveals the top teaching strategies every yoga instructor should know to enhance student learning, improve retention, and create transformative class experiences.Highlights:✅ The difference between leading a class vs. teaching for deep learning.✅ How repetition & thematic sequencing improve student retention.✅ Why students learn best by doing, seeing, and experiencing—not just hearing.✅ How A/B testing in yoga poses helps students find what works best for them.✅ The role of cognitive load in student learning—and why less is more when cueing.✅ The surprising power of storytelling to make your teaching unforgettable.

Jason's getting Invisalign. Andrea's diving into writing. Our daughter just got a new horse named… Namaste. Yep. It's a lot.

Reggie Hubbard, founder of Active Peace Yoga, has stories to share: He has spent the past year building his online meditation, sound healing, and resilience trainings online, all while recovering from a stroke and learning to care for himself in a completely new way. Prior to his work in the yogasphere, Reggie was a seasoned political strategist, working on the Bernie Sanders campaign, as a congressional liaison for MoveOn, and in many other high profile positions over three decades. Reggie shares his journey with us, serving as an example of how we can continue to navigate all that life throws our way with a sense of resilience and purpose. Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode348 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Jason shares his ambitious new project of documenting a 200-hour yoga teacher training, Andrea has a surprise run-in with one of her favorite actors, and Jason recounts reconnects with high school friends at an LA Clippers game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it just us or has it been an intense year already? We're here to help -- or at least we've got some ideas. On this episode: Jason shares a social media post calling for a bubble of sensible, critical thinkers amid growing societal tumult. We dive into the benefits of yoga in fostering non-reactivity and stress the importance of cultivating joy and creativity in trying times. Plus, we talk about volunteering, cultural influences in yoga, and what we've been reading and watching, including a debate on the TV show, 'The Jackal.'If you'd like to support our recovery efforts for the Los Angeles fires, we have four meditations for your to purchase (100% of proceeds benefit fire recovery). Find them at learn.jasonyoga.com/meditationIf you'd like to join us for our upcoming online retreat and gathering, sign up for Mind-Body Reset at learn.jasonyoga.com/resetThanks for listening and practicing with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's solocast from Jason addresses a frequently asked question from yoga teachers: "Should I teach yoga poses I don't actually practice?" The answer is a lot more nuanced than you might think. Jason explores four scenarios, emphasizing that teaching is not solely about personal ability but also about understanding and communication. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our last episode of the year features answers to your burning questions. We talk about our favorite family moment of the year, our favorite books, Instagram accounts, which sporting event we'd go to if we could go anywhere, and what it means to us to be yogis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we answer your burning questions! We discuss the benefits of long vs. short yoga practices, strengthening the piriformis, structuring cohesive flows for teachers, the role of counterposes in yoga practice, plus lots more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode: Jason shares his intense week of tech challenges and how it triggers his ADHD. Andrea recounts a heartfelt compliment she received from a stranger and asks for some dream analysis. Plus, we share a quirky holiday fail and how Taylor Swift's Eras Tour reminded us of how important it is to take in positive media and messaging. PS: Mind Body Reset -- our online inner retreat -- is happening in February 2025. To learn more and sign up, go to: jasonyoga.com/reset Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week: A short but effective meditation to help you find your place of natural, easy calm in the midst of busy, modern life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On our third episode of Yoga-ish, we share both joyful and not-so-joyful stories of past Christmases and we offer ideas for navigating the holidays if you are just NOT FEELING it this year. We all have those years -- some more than others -- but it is truly part of being human. What if you treated yourself with compassion and endeavored to find your own pockets of joy, however/whatever they may be? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a heartfelt celebration of part-time yoga teachers! We came up with this idea when Jason reflected that, too often, he hears part-time teachers being self-deprecating and implying that they don't feel like "real" yoga teachers. We put out a call on social media for part-time yoga teachers to share their stories -- we asked you why you teach part-time, what keeps you going, and what the challenges are. We culled through the responses and share the highlights in this episode. The stories are inspiring and converge on a simple, yet powerful, truth: Part-time teachers make an invaluable contribution to the yoga community.*********************************************If you'd like to read all of the part-time yoga teacher stories, go to yogaland.substack.comDon't forget! The early bird deadline for Jason's 200-Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training is December 15th. Enroll before then and save $300. www.jasonyoga.com/200 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we talk about our trip to San Francisco, including flash flood warnings, Andrea's 10-year cancer check-up, and why it still feels like home. Plus, Jason shares his passion for Airpods and how they keep him sane. Andrea shares her best and worst Netflix Christmas romcoms. **********************************Don't miss our FIRST EVER Cyber Monday sale (which we're running til Wednesday, go figure). We're offering 20% off all of our continuing education courses including:Mind-Body ResetThe Art of Teaching BeginnersThe Art of Yoga SequencingEssential Guide to AnatomyPreventing & Managing Yoga InjuriesEnter code CYBERMONDAY20 at checkout!

We're introducing another weekly episode into your feed -- it's a less scripted, more casual conversation we're calling Yoga-ish. Just like it sounds, it will be about yoga, but not only about yoga. Because, as we always say, yoga isn't just about poses; it's a lens through which we view life. This week! We share Mike Tyson's unexpected wisdom, the quirky joys of our bedtime routine, what made (sort of) Jason cry last week, and how we're currently attempting to respond to the craziness of our social media feeds post-election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The morning after the US Presidential election last week, Jason woke up and had to teach his 300-hour teacher training students. As soon as he finished the call, he told me how difficult it was to stay focused on teach.Out of that experience came this podcast, where Jason shares two things: His own personal history with politics (and how it has always been separate from his yoga practice) as well as advice for teaching yoga during turbulent times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On last week's episode, we talked about the importance of "putting yourself out there" as a yoga teacher. But most of us genuinely struggle to do this. So, today's episode struggles on embracing the vulnerability that naturally comes with teaching yoga. Jason shares his insights and stories to help you build resilience or, as he says, "become an empath with thick skin." Also, coming up! Jason's 100-hour module -- Shoulders, Neck, & Upper Back starts in just a few days. Get more info at: jasonyoga.com/300And if you are interested in becoming a yoga teacher, Jason's 200-hour is happening and now's the time to lock in the early bird price. Get more in here: jasonyoga.com/200 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's the good news: There are many different ways to build a sustainable career as a yoga teacher. The not so good news? There are so many different ways to spend your time and energy that it can be overwhelming. As yoga business owners ourselves, we feel this deeply. On this episode, we hone in on the most essential steps to take when building your yoga business.Reminders:Jason is starting his Shoulders, Neck, & Upper Back module soon! Go to jasonyoga.com/300 to learn more and enroll.Our 200-Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training is open for enrollment. Join during this pre-training period and get $300 off plus immediate access to hundreds of hours of content! Go to jasonyoga.com/200 to learn more.For links and podcasts mentioned in this episode, go to the shownotes page: yogalandpodcast.com/episode341 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're considering doing a 200-hour yoga teacher training, this episode is a must-listen. Jason answers the most common questions to consider so that you select the right training for you. Listen to this episode to get the most out of your 200-hour teacher training experience! We talk about:How to find the right training for me?Should I do my training in-person? Online?Am I "advanced enough" in my practice to do a YTT?Will I leave teacher training knowing how to teach a whole class?What are the different educational components that make up a Yoga Alliance approved 200-hour?If I want to do an online training, what should I look for? How do I know it's high-quality?How much money on average do yoga teachers make?What is the best part about doing a yoga teacher training?Jason will be offering his online 200-hour yoga teacher training in January 2025. To learn more and to lock in the early bird price: jasonyoga.com/200 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling overwhelmed with sequencing is one of the biggest challenges that most teachers face. Even worse, it leads to burnout and lack of confidence. On this episode, Jason breaks down the 5 essential keys to help you focus your sequences, build confidence, and feel greater joy teaching your classes.Highlights:1:08 -- Yoga Sequencing Template8:45 -- The Importance of Consistency15:56 -- Anchor with Focal Points21:29 -- Simplify your Sequences26:44 -- Trust YourselfWe have tons of free sequencing content, including past podcasts, YouTube tutorials, and home practice sequences on our web site here: jasonyoga.com/blog/yoga-sequences/Jason also offers a self-paced online course, The Art of Yoga Sequencing, which you can learn about at: jasonyoga.com/sequencing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you go through challenging times in life, does your usual yoga practice go out the window? For most of us, the answer is a begrudging, "yep." And yet, we need our yoga and meditation and self-care practices the most when life gets tough. On this episode, Jason and I chat about how we adapt our practice (and add to it), to help create the support, awareness, and safety we need to move through the inevitable hard patches of life.You can find shownotes with resources on this episode at: yogalandpodcast.com/episode337 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Gail Parker joins me on the podcast this week! Gail is a psychologist, yoga educator, and author of two companion books that center restorative yoga as a potent healing modality for ethnic and race-based trauma. These books are incredible and have taught me so much, which is why I wanted to share them with you. Here are a few things I learned from the books and this conversation with Gail:An understanding of what race-based trauma is, both from an historical perspective and from lived experience. How people who have experienced race-based trauma often feel like it's their fault (and how this is so often reinforced by society)The ways that restorative yoga works for race-based trauma: You are working with the nervous system not the traumatic event, which teaches you how to recognize relaxation, immobilize without fear, and supports feeling safe in stillness without hypervigilance.The benefits of understanding your nervous system and attempting to discern the difference between triggers and actual threatsWhen we attempt to learn about racism and race-based trauma, we can (hopefully) make our yoga spaces more welcoming and inclusive! Thank you for listening and go to the shownotes for Gail's books: yogalandpodcast.com/episode336 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason joins me on this episode, where delve into the practice of letting go. We talk about the many instances where the concept of letting go appears in yoga philosophy, why it's beneficial and what is required before we endeavor to let go. We also share our personal journeys toward cultivating emotional maturity, surrender, and resilience in the face of life's challenges.Highlights:02:37 The Art of Letting Go03:08 Core Strength and Yoga Philosophy10:48 The Concept of Surrender in Yoga16:13 Practical Applications of Letting Go22:42 The Importance of Inner Safety25:31 Exploring the Sensation of Safety in Yoga26:05 Meditation and Inner Resilience26:50 Community and Mindfulness28:20 The Mental Game in Yoga Poses31:43 Present Moment Awareness34:59 Letting Go of Future Worries37:44 Personal Stories of Letting Go43:24 Challenges of Aging and Physical Limitations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this solo podcast, Jason shares a roadmap for making a sustainable living as a yoga teacher. He breaks down the importance of yoga teacher training in your career development, the importance of learning to teach higher ticket offerings, and the best ways to develop and maintain a consistent student base.Highlights:Internal success and contentmentThe role of yoga teacher trainingThe 4 aspects of making a livingYoga Teacher MindsetUnderstanding the Yoga EconomyDeveloping and Maintaining StudentsEmbracing Change & AdaptationTrain with Jason's Yoga Alliance accredited trainings! Enroll in his 300-Hour YTT: jasonyoga.com/300Hone your sequencing with Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing: jasonyoga.com/sequencingThe last yoga anatomy course you will need to take! Essential Yoga Anatomy: jasonyoga.com/anatomy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason joins me on this episode to talk about the challenges of making a living as a yoga teacher and how he has managed those challenges over the past 30 years. There have been many twists and turns and even some failures. We give you a peek behind the curtain of his career, honing in on 6 pivotal moments and what Jason learned from them.Related to this episode! Next week Jason is hosting a webinar where he shares his roadmap how to make it as a yoga teacher. You can sign up for this free webinar at www.jasonyoga.com/webinar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giana Gambino and Bradshaw Wish of CAYA Yoga School join me this week to talk all things yoga retreats! These two have come together to create a dream-team when it comes to retreats -- they offer several domestic and international retreats per year (look for their 2025 retreat in Italy) and they've honed their process. They generously share all of their secrets in this conversation. We cover:How they split the workload (and the payout)Planning itineraries vs. farming them outTheir marketing/sales calendarWhat goes into pricing (and what you might be forgetting)The food! (the thing participants often complain about the most)Funny retreat snafus and how they handled themWhy you should never put a charcuterie board out if Bradshaw is on retreat with youYou can get to know Giana and Bradshaw better on their podcast A Funny Thing About YogaI'll put links to their retreats and yoga school on the shownotes page here: yogalandpodcast.com/episode332 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn how to improve your Camel Pose (Ustrasana) and help your students go deeper. This episode breaks down how to make the lower back, knees, and neck more comfortable in this posture. It also outlines the best cues to help everyone feel stronger, more flexible, and more comfortable in this backbend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Practicing--and teaching--Down Dog the same way every time leads to diminishing returns and stale cues. This episode breaks down 5 ways to improve Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) to focus on opening your shoulders, opening your hips, stretching your hamstrings, stretching your calves and more. Perfect for yoga students and yoga teachers alike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I love hearing how longtime yoga teachers make this career work. This week's guest, Erin Jorich, has figured out how to use her skillset as a yoga teacher and combine it with her love for dogs.Along with her dog, Wallace, Erin works part-time for Canine Inspired Change, an organization that brings dogs into schools, juvenile detention centers, and other settings to improve the well being and social emotional skills of the people there. On this episode, Erin talks about how her yoga skills are transferable to the dog therapy work she does: Her years of teaching yoga make it easy for her to communicate clearly and effectively with the dog/human "teams" she trains. Her trauma-informed yoga certification means she understands the importance of giving kids choice and agency when they're working with the dogs. Erin finds that splitting her time between Canine Inspired Change and working as a yoga teacher afford her balance and stability that she might not have if she chose one over the other. Most importantly, as the folks she works with gain a variety of skills -- from more confidence to self-compassion to self-regulation -- she gets to witness the healing power of dogs firsthand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dianne Bondy's web site declares in bold letters, "Yoga is for Every Body. No exceptions. You can do yoga." And she has devoted her teaching career to making sure this is the case. Over the past few decades, she has been proactive in creating yoga spaces that are empowering, inclusive, and equitable for all. I know Dianne from her playful and educational social media presence -- I had even more fun with her magnetic and charismatic presence in our talk. In our conversation she shares:How she became a self-proclaimed "accidental activist"Ideas for creating a more equitable classHow thinness is not equivalent to fitnessWeight-training, Pilates, and yoga as complements to each other, especially during menopauseHow being in diverse spaces helps us see more beautyBeing true to ourselves and our conditioning when it comes to body positivityTo learn more about Dianne, go to our shownotes page: https://yogalandpodcast.com/episode330 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susanna Harwood Rubin is back! Susanna was my guest on episode 165, and we continue our intimate conversation here. Our conversation runs the gamut (but somehow all ties together), ranging from her recent trip to her spiritual home in India, to living fully and joyfully with metastatic breast cancer, to her passion for teaching her own form of "embodied writing." Shownotes for this episode can be found at yogalandpodcast.com/episode329 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam and Holly Husler are an impressive yoga duo: Holly has gone from performing in a girl-band to singing healing mantras and becoming one of the UK's leading crystal bowl sound healing trainers. Adam has taught classes, workshops and trainings in over 60 studios in over 20 countries, with a robust home schedule in London's leading studios. Together they are parents to a young son and co-hosts of the podcast, Honestly Unbalanced.On this episode, Jason and I catch up Adam and Holly to ask them the questions that folks often ask us: How do they balance their relationship while working and podcasting together? How has their practice changed and supported them as they've become new parents? How did Adam stumble and eventually find his voice as one of Instagram's funniest yoga reels creators? Plus, Holly shares all the goods on Sound Healing: How it works, why she started teaching it, and the empowering approach she takes when leading her online Sound Healing trainings.For links to Adam and Holly's trainings, Holly's album, and the interview Andrea did on Honestly Unbalanced, go to : yogalandpodcast.com/episode328 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I needed my yoga to find me, to comfort me -- not be another box to check off." An open and inquisitive conversation about navigating the challenges, grief, and joys of perimenopause and menopause -- and how to craft a yoga practice that meets you in the moment.For shownotes, go to yogalandpodcast.com/episode327Thank you for listening and for sharing the podcast with friends and students! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Jason and I talk about why a home practice is essential if you want to integrate yoga in your day to day life. We also offer our thoughts on what constitutes home practice so that you give yourself a break and focus on what's important -- getting on your mat! Our hope is that home practice can be the thing in your life that consistently feels like a respite, a refuge, a haven.We hope you enjoy this conversation where we talk through these 7 distinct reasons that developing a home practice is beneficial:It's so much easier to be consistentYou can focus on regions of the body that need more supportYou can use it as a supplement to your studio classes (or other forms of exercise)You get to practice the poses you loveYou get to spend more time on the poses you want to master but struggle withWe all need a daily dose of self-regulationFor yoga teachers, it's a way to get in touch with your own voice, creativity, and insightI've linked to five essential sequences on our shownotes page: yogalandpodcast.com/episode326 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Take a deep breath and get ready to take notes for this one: Jason hones in on 5 of the most common mistakes yoga teachers make. They're so common, in fact, that there are a few Jason still has to be mindful of from time to time. This episode is packed with simple, straightforward ideas to help you teach more skillfully and with more confidence.⭐️ Join us in at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts for a morning of yoga to benefit Boston Children's Hospital! The event is April 28th. Join our Team Yogaland here: yogareachesout.org⭐️ For shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode325 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You might look at yoga teacher Brett Larkin, with her 500K YouTube followers and think it all came easily and naturally to her. Not so — over the course of a decade, Brett slowly but surely kept publishing videos while working full-time as a game developer job and mothering her two small boys.On this episode, Brett shares the details of how she overcame imposter syndrome with the help of her online yoga community and ultimately created a thriving online teacher training business.She also shares gems from her new book, Yoga Life: Habits, Poses, and Breathwork to Channel Joy, which helps you create a personalized practice that fits into the chaos of your daily life.Go check out the shownotes for links to all of Brett's work: yogalandpodcast.com/episode324 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you still vying for a decent time slot to teach at your local studio? According to Office Yoga founder Maryam Sharifzadeh, your efforts would be far better spent finding a few corporate teaching gigs. Consider this statistic from Sharifzadeh: In the US there is one yoga studio for every 10,000 businesses. That's a lot more premium time slots, with better pay and, in all likelihood, shorter classes!Sharifzadeh founded her business, Office Yoga, in 2014 and shares all the goods about how to go about teaching in the workplace, including:How to adapt to the time and sequencing constraints in a corporate environmentWhat to wear -- and what not to wear -- to your interviewHow to determine the learning objectives for each class and workplaceImportant ways to gain feedback and understand the inner-workings of the organizationThe most common way she finds corporate gigsThree things to considering when pricing your offeringsSharifzadeh's passion for office yoga is infectious -- as she puts it, people in offices need you, they want you, and they really appreciate the yoga. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason joins me this week to answer questions that have been asked during the group live calls of his online course about preventing yoga injuries. He talks through:Knee pain in Upward Bow (Wheel Pose) and Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)What causes sore hamstring attachments and whether or not to bend the knees to make this pain go awaySacroiliac pain that occurs in twistsSeveral different options for coping with sore wrists in Plank and Chaturanaga!Jason will be teaching at LoveStory Yoga in San Francisco on March 29th, 2024 -- go to lovestoryyoga.com/workshops to register!Come see Jason and I at Gillette Stadium on April 28th, 2024 for the Yoga Reaches Out event benefitting Boston Children's Hospital. Register here: www.yogareachesout.orgThere's still time to join Jason's training, Better Way to Flow: Preventing & Managing Common Yoga Injuries. Join us here: learn.jasonyoga.com/injuriesSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/yogaland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than a decade ago, Sarah Gardner was a yoga teacher with a dream: She wanted to bring a thousand yogis together at Gillette Stadium in Boston to raise money for Boston Children's Hospital.Years before, Sarah's son had spent seven life-saving weeks in the NICU at Boston Children's. After experiencing the love, care, and devotion that the doctors and nurses gave to her family, Sarah knew she wanted to give back. She has spent more than a decade doing just that -- rallying the yoga community each spring to gather at Gillette Stadium to do yoga for a cause. To date, her organization, Yoga Reaches Out, has raised more than 4 million dollars for Boston Children's Hospital. The money raised helps fund the program Until Every Child is Well, which offers dog therapy and art therapy, helps families with food vouchers, hotel stays, vouchers, and more. Hear Sarah's inspiring story, including lessons she's learned along the way.PS: Jason and I are headlining this year's Yoga Reaches Out even on April 28th and we would love to see you there! You can find information about how to join here: www.yogareachesout.org If you can't be there in person but would like to donate, go to www.yogareachesout.org and type Team Yogaland in the search box.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/yogaland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.