Podcast appearances and mentions of shannon crow

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 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  

Text me Your email for my Booking LinkIn this episode, we welcome Shannon Crow, host of the acclaimed Connected Yoga Teacher podcast, a yoga business consultant, and a seasoned yoga teacher. Shannon shares her journey from discovering yoga as a busy mom to building a thriving yoga business rooted in authenticity and community. Together, we explore the art of niching, embracing vulnerability, and adapting to the evolving landscape of yoga marketing. This episode is packed with actionable insights for yoga teachers and studio owners looking to grow their practice sustainably.Key Points:- The Power of Niching: Shannon's success story of focusing on pelvic health and creating her signature series.- Authentic Marketing: Why raw, unpolished content resonates in today's yoga world and how Shannon embraces it through storytelling.- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Insights on starting as a yoga teacher and growing confidence through experience.- Building Community: How Shannon's podcast and Facebook group offer support and connection to yoga teachers worldwide.Episode Highlights:- Shannon's journey from teaching diverse yoga styles to niching in prenatal and pelvic health yoga.- The shift in marketing trends: From polished branding to raw, relatable storytelling.- How technology and systems can empower yoga teachers to focus on what they love.- The role of vulnerability and authenticity in attracting and retaining students.- Grassroots marketing strategies for teachers and studio owners with limited budgets.Quotes:- "When I finally niched down to yoga for pelvic health, I stopped struggling to fill classes and found my passion." - "Marketing isn't about being salesy; it's about being educated and inviting people into your community."- "Keep teaching, keep learning, and don't let imposter syndrome hold you back from sharing your unique gift."Actionable Insights:1. Find Your Niche: Focus on what you're passionate about and align it with the needs of your community.2. Be Authentic: Share raw, relatable stories on social media to build trust and connection.3. Start Small: Avoid overloading on trainings; instead, refine your teaching and build confidence over time.4. Leverage Technology: Use tools like OfferingTree to streamline your business and free up time for teaching.Connect with Shannon:-The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast- Join The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group________TRY OFFERING TREE - FREE 7-DAY TRIAL WITH MY LINKTransform your studio management with OfferingTree's all-in-one platform. Click MY link for a free 7-day trial and see how it can simplify your yoga business!+ WITH MY EXCLUSIVE LINK receive a discount of 50% off the first 3 months on a monthly plan or 15% the first year on an annual planBOOK A FREE CHAT WITH THE YOGA BIZ CHAMP:Visit Yoga Biz Champ Booking  to schedule a free strategy call with Michael Jay.Connect with Yoga Biz Champ:- Website: https://yogabizchamp.link/podlink- Instagram @yogabizchampFREE RESOURCES AND BOOK A CHAT LINKhttps://yogabizchamp.link/podlink

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."

This week I'm happy to be joined by my friend Shannon Crow, and we are talking all about Pelvic health, starting off with the basics: What's the pelvic floor? Who has a pelvic floor? and What are some common misconceptions about the pelvic floor? Shannon's Resources: https://pelvichealthprofessionals.com/ https://www.theconnectedyogateacher.com/ Support Me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Merch⁠⁠⁠ Become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter Subscriber⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tip Jar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find me here: IG: @movewithbillie Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.movewithbillie.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Everything else⁠

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

This one is a personal conversation between friends.Shannon and I have a hard conversation together, and talk about how you can have conversations with friends too. This is one of my favorite conversations ever, and I can't wait for you to hear it.KEY TAKEAWAYS*There are a lot of ways to have a hard conversation. But don't take for granted the powerful act of having hard conversations with your friends. Friends are folks with whom you prioritize your connection over self-serving things. People you are friendly with, don't hold the same weight. For example: you can be friends with your cousin. But the relationship you should have with your boss is “Friendly”*Hard conversations, and social justice conversations, belong in yoga. There is a lot of discourse in our industry around this, and amazing folks like Anjali Rao have been on the podcast talking about this very thing. But consider also this: if yoga can be a process of knowing yourself and knowing others, then hard conversations are a part of that.*Consent in conversations is an absolute must. Everyone needs to be consensual for conversations to flourish–and pushing other people into conversations, or expecting everyone to respond to things that are top of your mind isn't appropriate. These conversations can be had in yoga spaces, but only when everyone is an enthusiastic yes. We all have more fun when that happens.*Change happens in the quiet. I know I have said that before, but it is worth repeating. If you want change to happen don't just show up shouting. Show up to write the permit, arrange the transport, and apply for the grant. *What is your relationship with social media? As I said, I use social media exclusively for business. I have primarily yoga conversations on quite literally all of my channels. But maybe you use social media differently. Please make sure you are conscientious about it, and don't feel pressured to perform on social if that isn't how you show up. RESOURCESWorking In Yoga WebsiteWorking In Yoga NewsletterShannon's WebsiteFind Taylor Casey

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 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 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 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 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 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 345: Try a Month of This Niche with Shannon Crow   Description: Niching down and picking a niche to focus on as a yoga teacher is one of Shannon's favorite things to talk about. However, it can feel overwhelming and seem like there is a lot of planning and work to do before niching down. In this episode, Shannon Crow shares her tips for you to pick a niche and niche down.   Shannon shares a few anecdotes around niching down that can help you see that it really doesn't have to be a big deal or a complicated process. Many yoga teachers are often hesitant or feel nervous about picking a niche because they feel like they have to do it forever or they have to be an expert in that area - but this is not true!   Shannon also gives some ideas about what might be a niche you could pick and clear steps you can take today to start sharing that niche with your audience.This episode is perfect if you've been wanting to niche down but don't know where to start.   Key Takeaways: [2:56] Shannon loves to talk about niching down but it can feel like an overwhelming amount of planning and work goes into it. [3:30] Shannon shares an anecdote about how a couple of people have reached out to her about gardening. [5:35] It can make you nervous to pick a niche or specialty! [6:32] Shannon shares a first baby step you can take to niche down - choose a niche for a month. [11:34] Shannon pops in with a quick message about an upcoming live call with OfferingTree. [13:24] You can do a lot of niche work, and you can do more! Shannon shares a personal reflection about how niche work is showing up for her now. [16:10] What niche will you take on for a month? [17:34] Shannon shares some ways for you to connect with her in real time.   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 343: Niche Yoga Marketing with Sarah Karsten [Consultation Call] The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 337: Plantar Fasciitis and Yoga with Diana Zotos Florio OfferingTree Live Q&A Call on Oct 12, 2023 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 love to talk about niching down and specializing as a yoga teacher, but I also know that when I talk about this, it can feel like an overwhelming amount of planning and work goes into Niching down."   "People get to know you for whatever you're talking about, and then at some point, they often will ask questions."   "If you do want to stand out, you work on your niche or your specialty."   "You do not have to choose something that you are the expert in and this isn't something that's going to be forever."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 344: Grief, Breaks and a Birthday with Shannon Crow   Description: Shannon has been navigating grief and some heavy personal issues recently. She has received a lot of support, kind words, and messages from listeners. In this episode, she reads an email she received from a listener.    Shannon first talks about the grief she has been experiencing and the things that are helping and holding her through this time. She shares the email from a podcast listener and how it made her feel. Shannon reveals that she thought about quitting and even considered selling the podcast and Pelvic Health Professionals recently and the decision she made in the end.   P.S. It is Shannon's birthday and the best virtual gift you could give her is a podcast review!   Key Takeaways: [3:34] Shannon is sharing an email from a listener on this episode. [4:11] Shannon shares a little about the grief she is experiencing and how she is finding comfort at this time. [8:53] Shannon gives an update about OfferingTree. [10:49] Shannon reads an email she received from a listener about the thing she shared in Episodes 339 and 340. [13:38] Shannon reflects on how reading this email made her feel. [15:42] It's Shannon's 47th birthday today! [17:20] Shannon shares a big update about how she was considering quitting and even thought about selling the podcast or Pelvic Health Professionals. [19:42] There are some ways you can hang out with Shannon in real time!   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 339: Personal and Business Check in with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 340: Personal and Business Check in [Part 2] with Shannon Crow Yoga for Endo and Pelvic Pain 7-Week Online Series with Sarah Garden (Discount Code: Podcast50) 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 like them to see how it's not that hard to take a piece of lawn and turn it into a place where you can grow food."   "I really think that when more and more people have time outside. It can impact us emotionally, physically in a good way and also it can impact the earth we're standing on in a really positive way, the more that people are outside."   "What is the minimum that I need to do today to kind of keep things going and how can I ask for help with the rest that still is on my list?"

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 343: Niche Yoga Marketing with Sarah Karsten [Consultation Call]   Description: Marketing your yoga can be easier when you find your niche. How do you discover what you want to specialize in, and once you do, how do you market it effectively? In this live consultation call with Sarah Karsten, Shannon Crow guides her through niche yoga marketing.   Sarah Karsten is a yoga teacher based out of Strathmore, Alberta, Canada. She discovered the transformative power of yoga about a decade ago when seeking a change in the world of fitness. Sarah is passionate about creating a supportive community for individuals who are seeking pain relief, stress management, and overall well-being.    In this consultation call, Shannon asks questions to help uncover the niche Sarah wants to explore and her ideal working schedule. Together, they craft a marketing outline to let students know about her offerings and to expand her reach to new audiences. Shannon also shares helpful tips on where to get content ideas for marketing Sarah's new niche and how to deal with imposter syndrome and overwhelm.   If you are wanting to niche down and market your yoga to get more right-fit students and fill your classes, this is the episode for you.   Key Takeaways: [2:51] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode which is a live consultation call - Sarah Karsten. [6:30] What does Sarah do and who does she do it for? [7:17] What would Sarah's ideal teaching schedule look like? [8:44] Shannon and Sarah dig into her specific niche as a yoga teacher. [11:53] Sarah explores why she feels hesitant and awkward about saying she's a yoga teacher. [14:43] There may be feelings of imposter syndrome to deal with when niching down. [19:27] Shannon and Sarah discuss her marketing efforts and how she can reach more people. [26:53] Shannon shares a little about OfferingTree. [28:37] Shannon and Sarah talk about how to market her online offerings. [30:41] Shannon offers some tips about how to speak to Sarah's niche audience. [33:08] What kind of content is Sarah usually sharing with her audience in terms of email marketing? [40:35] Shannon guide Sarah to find a rhythm that feels doable and sustainable for her in terms of sending out content to her audience. [46:49] It can be helpful to set aside time in your calendar to create content if you are struggling to find the time to do it. [48:43] What hesitations does Sarah have about implementing some of these suggestions? [52:17] Shannon shares some places Sarah can get content ideas. [55:49]  Overwhelm is a very real part of being a yoga entrepreneur. Shannon shares some advice on tackling that. [64:39] Shannon reflects on this consultation call with Sarah.   Links: Sarah Karsten Sarah Karsten on Instagram Sign up for a Consultation Call with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 065: Create Your Ideal Yoga Schedule with Shannon Crow OfferingTree User Group on Facebook Dr. Shanté Cofield | Maestro: Brand Strategy + Online Business The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 225: Yoga for Hip Pain with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 295: Make Money Teaching Yoga with Betty Welsh Yoga for Endo and Pelvic Pain 7-Week Online Series with Sarah Garden (Discount Code: Podcast50) 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 when I first started teaching, I felt awkward to say I was a yoga teacher... And so that's already come easier. So I think it will get easier the more I talk about it." - Sarah   "You're the best person if you're passionate about it." - Shannon   "Remember why you're doing it. Also, remember that you're doing it to help people." - Shannon  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 340: Personal and Business Check-In [Part 2] with Shannon Crow   Description: Shannon Crow shares more personal and business updates on this episode. She reflects that the grief she has been dealing with has been impacting her and some of the things that have been helping her through it, including messages from listeners.She also talks about the exchange student she will be hosting in her home soon and some of the activities she has been engaging in to be more “in-person”.   On the professional front, Shannon reveals that she was recently thinking about quitting her business and the podcast. She notes that she needs to take some of her own advice and lean on her team more while cutting back on things that are not essential to the business. Do share your recommendations for Shannon as she navigates this challenging season of life.   Key Takeaways: [2:46] In this episode, Shannon is sharing more personal and business updates. First, she invites you to take a moment to check in with yourself. [4:45] Shannon is in a season of grief now. She shares some things that are keeping her going, including messages from listeners. She shares a couple of messages listeners have left. [12:44] "Meet up" with Shannon online at the yoga series by Sarah Garden. [16:28] Shannon talks about why she loves using OfferingTree in her business. [17:38] Shannon shares a personal update about the exchange student she will be hosting in her home! [18:47] Shannon and her partner Sean have taken on a hiking challenge this year. [20:34] Shannon has been missing doing in-person activities. She talks about how she is trying to incorporate more of that in her life. [22:19] Recently, Shannon got very close to quitting her job and the podcast. She shares how she is going to address this feeling. [28:48] What recommendations do you have for Shannon as she navigates this season of life and business?   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 175: Coping During a Crisis with Diane Liska The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 302: Yoga for Grief & Loss with Susan Andersen  Yoga for Endo and Pelvic Pain 7-Week Online Series with Sarah Garden (Discount Code: Podcast50) Bruce Trail Conservancy Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Meet The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Pelvic Health Professionals Podcast Episodes Mentioned: 336: Yoga for Endo and Pelvic Pain with Sarah Garden 325: Stress of Teaching Yoga with Sarah Garden 304: How Are We Still here? with Rebecca Sebastian - The Connected Yoga Teacher 166: When & How to Hire a VA (virtual assistant) with Sandra Booker 167: How to Make a Recruiting Plan with Reneé Clair - The Connected Yoga Teacher 103: Hiring and Nurturing Your Team with Shelli Warren - The Connected Yoga Teacher 315: Let's Talk Time Off with Shannon Crow 001: Avoid Yoga Teacher Burnout with Erin Aquin 328: Self-Connection for Yoga Teachers with Tess Jewell-Larsen 314: Plan Your Breaks with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 248: Ayurveda is All About Self-Care with Chara Caruthers 308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow 174: Time for a Break with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 316: Holidays, Vacation & CEO Days with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "Even though I logically know these things [that I need to take a break and lean on my team more], it feels like sometimes it's not the easiest thing to do."   "[I need to] listen to my gut on this and in this season that I'm in and to really notice and this is where I think that yoga really serves me."   "On my list of things I need to do right now is ask for support and help."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 339: Personal and Business Check-In with Shannon Crow   Description: Shannon Crow shares a personal and business update on this episode. She shares that she has been sitting with some deep grief in her life recently as well as how she has been spending time outside in her garden. Shannon also talks about the new stage of parenting she has entered and gives an update on her three children.   On the professional front, Shannon explains the missing piece she has discovered in Pelvic Health Professionals and what is new in that part of her business. There are some upcoming workshops and series so be sure to check that out. She also reflects on how she is eager for more in person time with her team and that she will be looking into how to create that going forward.   Key Takeaways: [4:12] Shannon is giving a personal and business update in this episode but she has a question for you first - how are you? [4:58] Shannon shares a personal update about what has been going on for her recently. [8:50] On the work side, Shannon has an update about Pelvic Health Professionals. [14:55] Shannon has been looking at the finances in her business as well, particularly around her spending on software. [18:08] Shannon got to meet Crunch, the show notes writer for the podcast, for the first time a few weeks ago and it has prompted her reflection on getting more in-person time with the team. [19:29] One software company that has been really supportive of Shannon in her business is OfferingTree.   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 175: Coping During a Crisis with Diane Liska The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 302: Yoga for Grief & Loss with Susan Andersen  Yoga for Endo and Pelvic Pain 7-Week Online Series with Sarah Garden Balance Flow Yoga 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Meet The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Pelvic Health Professionals   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: “Sometimes there are just huge struggles when you're running a small business.”   “For anyone who is dealing with just sadness or grief, I want you to know that you're not alone in this.”   “What are some of the software and website expenses that we could look at consolidating?”

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 330: Connect with Your Money with Shannon Crow   Description: Many yoga entrepreneurs are uncomfortable with their money, but connecting with your money is one of the keys to running a successful business. In this episode, Shannon Crow talks about why connecting with your money is so important and how to do it.   Shannon shares some of the activities she does to connect with her money including Finance Fridays check-in with her income and expenses, daily money check-ins and tracking her revenue and expenses. She also has some suggestions on how you can start connecting with your money too.    If you're a yoga teacher who wants to make more income and profit, or if you're feeling like you're spending too much or not getting ahead, this episode is specifically for you.    Key Takeaways: [1:54] This episode is powered by OfferingTree. [2:23] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - connecting with your money. [4:11] Part of connecting with your money is knowing where your money is going and how it is being spent. [5:02] Shannon shares how OfferingTree allows her to keep track of her income. [6:16] Shannon shares her strategy for looking at her business finances. [7:44] Two things Shannon does on Finance Fridays are paying her bills and looking over the transactions that happened that week. [8:50] Shannon's plan going forward is to add in a daily money check-in. [10:27] Shannon also suggests starting to track your income and expenses if you don't already do that. [14:03] Start by looking at your money and finances at least once a week, if you rarely do! [14:35] Shannon invites you to consider some steps you can take to connect with your money.   Links: ‌Thread about having separate bank accounts on the Connected Yoga Teacher Group on Facebook The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 329: Why Separate Bank Accounts? with Shannon Crow What Expenses Can I Claim as a Yoga Teacher? - The Connected Yoga Teacher The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 280: Get Paid as a Yoga Teacher with Shannon Simmons ‌Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "You need to know how that hard earned cash is being spent."   "Wherever you're landing today, know that we are on this journey together, tackling our money mindset as yoga teachers and entrepreneurs and taking more of a look at the numbers."   "The two main things that I do on [Finance Fridays] are paying all my bills and looking at all the transactions that happened over that week."   "Make sure you're tracking your business expenses."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 329: Why Separate Bank Accounts? with Shannon Crow   Description: Do you have a separate bank account for your yoga business? It is such an important part of starting and growing a business that many yoga teachers overlook or do not prioritize!   In this episode, Shannon Crow shares seven reasons why you should have a separate bank account for your yoga business. She touches on taxes, being more professional in your business, and even the mindset shifts that come with having a business bank account. Shannon also has some homework for you to start getting your yoga business finances on the right track.   If you have been putting off opening a bank account for your yoga business, this episode is for you!   Key Takeaways: [1:52] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - Why you need separate bank accounts for your yoga business. [4:01] Having a separate bank account for your yoga business can make a world of difference to your business. [5:43] Having a separate bank account makes tax time so much easier. [7:26] Shannon gives a shout out to OfferingTree. [9:28] If you have a separate bank account for your yoga business, you can build your business credit score. [9:56] The third reason to have a separate bank account is in case you plan to sell your business in the future. [11:29] Another reason to start a separate bank account is in case you get audited. [12:22] Shannon shares a clip from Hannah Smolinski (an accounting professional) about why it's so important to have a business bank account from the start. [13:40] Having a business bank account helps you shift into the mindset of being a business owner and makes it easier to see how well your business is doing. [14:58] A separate bank account makes it easier for you to track your income and expenses. [15:32] If you want to be seen as a professional and have people take your yoga business seriously, a separate bank account can help. [16:43] Shannon invites you to set up a bank account for your yoga business if you do not already have one! [17:47] Shannon has bonus homework for you - to implement Profit First in your business. [18:40] Shannon shares some insights about the topics she has been covering in the podcast this year. [21:32] What other questions do you have about being a yoga teacher or yoga business owner? Share them with Shannon! [22:40] Interested in hanging out with Shannon in real time? She shares some upcoming calls in Pelvic Health Professionals where you can do that!   Links: ‌Thread about having separate bank accounts on the Connected Yoga Teacher Group on Facebook Podcast episodes and Resources mentioned: What Expenses Can I Claim as a Yoga Teacher? - The Connected Yoga Teacher 104: Legal Answers for Your Yoga Business with Saerin Ally Cho - The Connected Yoga Teacher 254: 3 Must-Have Legal Agreements with Erika Kullberg - The Connected Yoga Teacher 154: Bookkeeping for Yoga Teachers with Kelly Christian - The Connected Yoga Teacher 044: Accounting for Yoga Teachers with Hannah Smolinski - The Connected Yoga Teacher 280: Get Paid as a Yoga Teacher with Shannon Simmons ‌308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 310: How To Create a Yoga Routine with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 311: A Small Seed of Personal Practice with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 314: Plan Your Breaks with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 315: Let's Talk Time Off with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 316: Holidays, Vacation & CEO Days with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 318: Questions to Ask Before Any YTT with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 319: Do I Need Another Yoga Training? with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher 320: What to Pack for a YTT with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher Book a Consultation Call with Shannon Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: “I have seen the difference in my own business and [having a separate bank account] is one of the top things I suggest to yoga teachers, especially when they're working with money mindset stuff.”   “Ask yourself, are you building your business to possibly sell it someday?”   “I really like that idea of thinking about your business as its own entity and its own organism, if you will. Because when you separate it out, you're starting to say, “OK, this is important, this is different from my personal”.

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 327: Working with Teaching Anxiety [Consultation Call] with Lindsay McMurray   Description: Anxiety about teaching yoga and not feeling confident about getting up in front of a class of students is normal. Lindsay McMurray was struggling with teaching anxiety and posted in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group asking for advice. This consultation call with Shannon Crow is a result of that.   Lindsay McMurray is a certified yoga teacher who is also trained in the Yoga for 12 Step Recovery program. She is currently gooing through her 300-hr YTT with plans to become a yoga therapist. Lindsay has been practicing yoga since she was 12 years old and has supported her through many personal challenges, including eating disorders, and drug and alcohol addictions.   In this consultation call, Shannon and Lindsay discuss her fear and anxiety about teaching yoga. Shannon shares from her own personal experience and offers suggestions about strategies Lindsay could try out to address those feelings. If you have ever felt nervous to teach or if you are feeling scared to put something new out into the world, this episode is for you!    Key Takeaways: [4:08] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode, Lindsay McMurray, who joins her for a consultation call. [9:29] Lindsay posted a question in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group about getting confident in teaching yoga which prompted this call. [11:54] How have things changed for Lindsay based on the comments on her post? What has she found useful? [13:33] Shannon and Lindsay discuss her training programs and her experience in teaching during these programs. [15:48] Lindsay shares how her past experiences, anxiety, and feelings of self-worth are tied into her ability to teach yoga. [16:44] Shannon talks about the importance of how we support people with their mental health. [18:25] Has there been a moment for Lindsay in her teaching career that she felt everything was working? [20:26] Shannon invites Lindsay to reflect on what the benefits are for students walking out of her classes. [25:03] Shannon asks Lindsay if it's possible for her to teach now and together they explore the options of what that could look like. [28:01] There's nothing to be ashamed of with regards to feeling anxiety or feeling nervous to teach. [28:54] Lindsay shares some insights about her anxiety around teaching yoga. [31:19] Shannon pops in to share about an exciting free webinar by OfferingTree. [34:11] Shannon shares something that has helped her with her teaching anxiety. [34:46] Shannon shares about the anxiety she felt before starting the podcast and Lindsay talks about her fears about teaching at the treatment center. [39:07] Lindsay shares her "big why" for doing this work. [42:08] Shannon helps Lindsay put into action her plan to teach at a recovery center and reduce the amount of time she spends planning her classes. [47:56] The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group community has been an amazing resource for Lindsay. [53:07] Shannon shares some of her takeaways from this conversation with Lindsay.   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 326: Teach Yoga with Confidence with Shannon Crow Facebook Post about Teaching Anxiety Saugeen Chief Shares Optimism About Upcoming Tourism Season At Sauble Beach OfferingTree Webinars Common Mistakes on DIY Websites (and How to Avoid Them) - OfferingTree Webinar The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 284: Beyond Pronouns and Pride Month with Shannon Crow Previous Consultation Calls 002: Reconnect With Your Yoga Practice with Nina Andic [Consultation Call] 018: Get Creative with Your Yoga Cues [Consultation Call] with Brittany Alred 029: Creating Your About Me Page with Trevor Parks [Consultation Call] 040: Grow Your Audience with a 5-Day Challenge with Patricia Fasciotti [Consultation Call] 059: Market Your Yoga Teacher Training with Ashley Hagen [Consultation Call] 072: Email & Content Strategy [Consultation Call] with Kristen Boyle 081: Set-Up to Teach Private Yoga [Consultation Call] with Stephanie Brunson 097: Focusing In On Your Niche [Consultation Call] with Susan Hopkinson 132: Marketing to Increase Private Bookings with Amanda Mays [Consultation Call] 178: Tired of Social Media? [Consultation Call] with Devon Pelto 198: Share Your Yoga Specialty with Megan Mulrine [Consultation Call] Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "The more I do it, the more comfortable I get." - Lindsay   "It sounds like you're putting a ton of pressure on yourself to deliver this perfect class." - Shannon   "You don't realize how much we don't tune into these sensations in our bodies in the way that we feel physically and yoga provides that." - Lindsay   "There's nothing to be ashamed of with regards to feeling that anxiety or feeling nervous to teach." - Shannon   "My best yoga class experiences are when I don't even notice the teacher, like I forget the teachers there." - Lindsay   "I think the power is going to be in sharing your story, in saying, here's how yoga helped me." - Shannon   "Keep doing just one tiny thing when things feel scary or things feel overwhelming." - Shannon   "It's a huge myth that you have to reinvent the wheel every time you teach a yoga class." - Shannon

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 326: Teach Yoga with Confidence with Shannon Crow   Description: If you are a new (or not-so-new) yoga teacher who is feeling nervous or anxious about teaching yoga to a class full of students, you are not alone! This is a feeling many yoga teachers face and is one of the biggest challenges you have to overcome to teach yoga.   In this episode, Shannon Crow reflects on her experience with fear and self-doubt as a new yoga teacher and the steps she took to overcome her anxiety and build up her confidence around teaching yoga. She shares her list of 15 things that have helped her through moments of self-doubt.   Tune in to learn more about how you too can start teaching yoga confidently.   Key Takeaways: [1:30] Shannon introduces the topic for this episode - teaching yoga with confidence. [4:54] Shannon shares her own experience with fear and self doubt on her journey as a yoga teacher. [8:39] Shannon shares a lesser-known feature of OfferingTree. [12:02] Do not feel like you need another yoga teacher training before you can start teaching. [13:09] Your own experience with yoga is a tremendous source of information and ideas! [15:24] Teach more. You build confidence by doing. Shannon shares some tips to make this process easier. [0:00] undefined [17:31] Remind yourself of why you are teaching yoga. [19:08] Be on time and be prepared. [20:56] Consider how you use demos in your class. [22:19] Start your students from a place where you can find a moment to breathe and center yourself. [23:18] Do not be afraid of repeating a class over and over again! [24:44] Making mistakes is a part of the process. Learn to embrace them. [25:29] Be okay with silence and don't be a cookie-cutter teacher! [26:40] Remember that your students want to be there with you. [27:01] Ask for and be open to receiving feedback. [29:47] See the value in the questions your students are asking - don't make yourself feel like a failure because of it. [32:04] If this episode was helpful, be sure to leave a review!   Links: Facebook Post about Teaching Anxiety The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 214: Yoga Class Bloopers with Shannon and Sinead OfferingTree User Group on Facebook The Curious Case of the Overqualified and Under-Confident Yoga Teacher, by Barrie Riseman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 283: Teach Yoga with Demos with Francesca Cervero Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko (Code: BALANCE)   Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "Start teaching right now and learn as you go."   "It's by being a student that we deepen our teaching. A student of our craft, of course, but perhaps more importantly, a student of ourselves." - Shannon quoting Barrie Riseman   "Please do not feel like you have to plan an entire new class each time you teach."   "We all make mistakes as humans and then they can learn from us and see how we deal with that."   "You can really show up with confidence when it's you."   "Share the yoga that you feel connected to."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 324: Niches & Yoga Business Chat with Sunita Patil & Shannon Crow   Description: It can feel challenging to find your place as a yoga teacher in the yoga industry. That's where finding your niche can be helpful in standing out and serving your dream students. In this episode, Shannon Crow and Sunita Patil discuss niching down in your yoga business. This episode was recorded for the Meditation, Yoga & Stuff with Sunita Podcast.   Sunita has over 30 years of experience in the personal practice of yoga. Over the past 20 years, she has taught thousands of students in Australia, USA, and India. Sunita has studied Yoga and Meditation, Sanskrit, Ayurveda, and the Vedas and Upanishads with teachers from around the world. Today, she offers mentoring sessions, group sessions, talks, workshops to bring the wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda into day-to-day life.   Shannon and Sunita discuss why finding a niche is important for yoga teachers, their own individual journeys discovering their niches, and how you can figure out your own niche. Shannon also highlights some of the myths around niching down and shares some tips for overwhelmed yoga teachers.   Key Takeaways: [1:27] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sunita Patel. This episode was recorded for Sunita's podcast, Meditation, Yoga & Stuff with Sunita. [3:14] Sunita opens the podcast and Shannon introduces herself. [4:47] Many yoga teachers struggle to find their footing in the yoga industry. Shannon shares her journey of how she discovered what worked for her and her suggestions that can help yoga teachers. [9:29] How can yoga teachers find their niche? [12:57] Sunita shares her struggles with finding her niche. [16:42] Shannon highlights that there's a little bit of a myth about finding your niche. It's not just that you figure out your niche and that's it. There's more to it! [18:26] Finding your niche can be a lot about experimentation and taking stock of what's working and what isn't. [22:13] Sunita shares her perspective on why she hosts her podcast. [25:11] Shannon explains how she got interested in the topic of pelvic health and explains a little about the pelvic floor. [29:53] Sunita and Shannon discuss how there is a lot of taboo and shame associated with talking about the pelvic floor and how yoga can help. [33:14] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsor OfferingTree. [35:02] How did the Connected Yoga Teacher come about and how has it evolved? [39:21] Starting a yoga business can be a lot with many moving parts and things to consider. What are some of Shannon's tips for yoga teachers who may be feeling overwhelmed? [43:56] Everything changes really fast, especially with marketing. [46:29] Shannon shares her contact details and how to join the Facebook group. [49:24] Shannon shares some final closing thoughts and information.   Links: Sunita Patil Meditation, Yoga & Stuff with Sunita Podcast Sunita Patil on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 323: Finding Support in Yoga Philosophy with Sunita Patil  The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 084: Yoga for Scoliosis with Christine Jaureguiberry Reflect & Plan Framework - The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 250: Reflect & Plan [Part 1] with Shannon Crow - The Connected Yoga Teacher Hypopressive Technique - The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 007: Breath and Pelvic Health with Trista Zinn Mula Bandha - The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 009: Kegels, Mula Bandha and Pelvic Health with Shelly Prosko  Teaching Online Resources  The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 139: Grow Your Yoga Business via Email with Tarzan KayTarzan Kay Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Pelvic Health Professionals Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko (Code: BALANCE)   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree.   Quotes from this episode: "What helps me … is focusing on: How can I help people? How can I share and how can I just invite people if it feels like a good fit?" - Shannon   "Niche work is not easy." - Shannon   "There's a myth that entrepreneurs and yoga teachers just like get to a point where they have it all figured out." - Shannon  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 321: Accessible Yoga & Pelvic Health with Jivana Heyman   Description: Why is pelvic health important and how can we make it more accessible in our yoga classes? In this episode, which first aired on the Accessible Yoga Podcast hosted by Jivana Heyman, Shannon Crow appears as the special guest to talk about pelvic health and making it accessible.   Jivana Heyman is the founder and director of the Accessible Yoga Association, an international non-profit organization devoted to making yoga teachings more accessible. He is also the author of Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion and Accessible Yoga: Poses & Practices for Every Body.   Jivana and Shannon kick off this episode by discussing their shared love for supporting and connecting yoga teachers to each other and to information and their messy process of learning. Shannon then shares more about why she started Pelvic Health Professionals, the role of gendered language in discussing pelvic health, and how it plays a part in yoga. They also discuss trauma, fear–based language vs clear contraindications, what it really means to engage the pelvic floor, the core, and the difference between weak and relaxed pelvic floor. Tune in to learn more about how to share about this important topic with your students in a way that is accessible to all!   Key Takeaways: [1:39] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jivana Heyman. This podcast episode was originally recorded for the Accessible Yoga podcast. [4:18] Jivana introduces Shannon and she tells listeners a little more about herself. [8:26] Being open to new information and learning is so important, and it can be a messy process. [10:36] Shannon invites experts in pelvic health to share information with other professionals. Is she intimidated by the expertise others bring to the table in her membership community? [13:09] Pelvic health is often seen as a gendered topic that applies more to cis-gender women or people who are giving birth. [14:49] How does Shannon help the people she works with connect with their pelvic floor without gendered language? [16:37] Jivana voices his frustration that there are a lot of gender assumptions in yoga spaces as well. [20:14] If you are keen to learn more about gendered language, Shannon has a coupon code for you. [21:08] What could it look like if yoga teachers started exploring how to remove gendered language from their classes? [23:20] Jivana and Shannon discuss how anatomical terms should be used in trauma-informed teaching. [26:13] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [28:10] What are some specific things yoga teachers could be saying to help yoga students understand more about pelvic health within the context of a yoga class? [31:27] Jivana highlights contraindications in yoga and the pushback against that in the yoga community. Shannon offers some tips on how to avoid fear-based language. [38:36] Shannon shares how she provides yoga cues without using fear-based language.  [41:41] It's common for yoga teachers to cue engagement of the pelvic floor or core. Shannon explains why this may not be a useful cue and how to cue this engagement instead. [47:05] What is the connection between the breath and the pelvic floor? [51:30] Being aware and staying within your scope of practice as a yoga teacher is very important. [53:38] Shannon shares some final thoughts around being subtle in your practice and questioning everything we come across. [60:00] Have more questions about pelvic health? Send Shannon an email or a voice note, or join Pelvic Health Professionals to learn from experts! Links: Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko (Code: BALANCE) Jivana Heyman Accessible Yoga Accessible Yoga Podcast The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 138: Accessible Yoga Beyond Asana with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 273: Yoga is a Revolution with Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 251: Self-Reflect and Plan [Part 2] with Shannon Crow and Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 284: Beyond Pronouns and Pride Month with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 033: A New Perspective on Diastasis Recti with Dr. Sinead Dufour The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 267: Thoughts on Belly Breathing with Shannon Crow Accessible Yoga Community on Facebook Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "Every single human is walking around with a pelvis, with a pelvic floor." - Shannon   "I think it's really important that we start to talk about pelvic health and take out the gendered language." - Shannon   "We all need to be more conscious with our words, especially if you're in the position of teacher or any kind of authority." - Jivana   "We forget sometimes that if you're calling yourself a teacher, then your job is to educate." - Jivana  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 320: What to Pack for a YTT with Shannon Crow   Description: Once you are signed up for a yoga teacher training (YTT) program, what should you pack to bring with you? This is a common question among yoga teachers. Shannon Crow did a survey in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group to find out what people recommend!   Tune in to this episode to find out what are some must-haves, some nice-to-haves and to get Shannon's full list of what she packs for a YTT! This is the perfect episode to listen to if you are wondering what you need to bring for your next YTT.   Key Takeaways: [2:00] Shannon Crow introduces the topic for this episode - what to take with you to a yoga teacher training. [4:25] First few items on Shannon's list are a yoga mat and props. [5:19] Some yoga teachers bring a yoga mat cleaner but Shannon advises against it. She explains why. [7:10] Shawls, scarves, and layers of clothing are all useful items to add to your packing list for a YTT. [8:37] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [11:22] Shannon always packs writing instruments to attend a yoga teacher training. [13:10] Shannon shares some other personal items you may want to include in your packing list like deodorant, snacks, water bottles, and tissues. [15:52] Cell phones can be a useful tool to capture parts of your learning experience at the YTT, and a large tote bag to hold all your belongings is handy too! [17:11] Don't forget to bring an open mind and your critical thinking skills! [18:20] You might want to bring along a towel and your yoga business cards as well! [19:46] What are some of your essentials to bring to a yoga teacher training? Share them in the comments! What to Bring to a YTT: Yoga Mat Blocks Yoga Belt Blanket Bolster Eye Pillow Meditation Cushion Yoga Mat Cleaner (without essential oils if possible) Shawl or Scarf Layers of (or extra) Clothing Notebook, Journal and/or Clipboard Coloured Pencils, Markers, Pens or Crayons Deodorant Snacks, Food & Drinks Water Bottle Kleenex Phone & Charger Large Tote Bag An Open Mind AND Critical Thinking Skills Hand Towel and/or Mat Towel Business Cards   Links: Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko (Code: BALANCE) Yoga Teacher Training Question Facebook Thread in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Article - Doodling: Listening with a Pencil The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 318: Questions to Ask Before Any YTT with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 319: Do I Need Another Yoga Training? with Shannon Crow Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: “Don't forget to bring an open mind.”   “Be ok with questioning and asking for information that supports something that is said in class.” 

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 319: Do I Need Another Yoga Training? with Shannon Crow   Description: It is a common trend among yoga teachers to take one yoga teacher training (YTT) program after another. But is it really necessary and when should you consider taking another YTT? Shannon Crow explores some of the main reasons yoga teachers sign up for YTTs.   There are several reasons why yoga teachers take YTTs. Continuing education is important, but for many yoga teachers, it is often a case of wanting to get more students, make more income, be offered more teaching opportunities, and deepen their expertise in a speciality. Shannon dives into why a YTT may not be the right course of action in some cases, and when it does add value. She also touches on the pyramid scheme of YTTs and some things to watch out for before signing up.   This is the perfect episode to listen to if you are considering signing up for another YTT - give this a listen and ask yourself if you really need another yoga training or if there's something else that would help you achieve the results you are looking for instead.   Key Takeaways: [2:25] It's common for yoga teachers to take many yoga trainings, but this may not be necessary! [4:44] Do you really need another yoga teacher training right now? Shannon shares a question she asked in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group. [6:15] Shannon explores the first reason people have for signing up for another YTT - to get more students in their classes or increase their income - and what you could do instead. [8:22] Another reason yoga teachers cite for taking another YTT is they want to be recognized as more of an expert or they want more teaching opportunities. [10:00] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [12:36] Yoga teachers often take a YTT to upgrade their skills or education to teach specific styles of yoga or a specific population. [13:27] There are also yoga teachers who sign up for YTTs for the community it offers. [13:51] What if you waited to make some profit and then use that profit to invest in your next yoga teacher training or continuing education course? [14:52] Shannon addresses something she has observed in the yoga industry - pressuring yoga teachers to "invest" in continuing education, mentorship, or coaching. [17:26] You can wait to make a profit in your yoga business first before signing up for the next course or training.   Links: Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko (Code: BALANCE) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 318: Questions to Ask Before Any YTT with Shannon Crow Yoga Teacher Training Question Facebook Thread in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 295: Make Money Teaching Yoga with Betty Welsh The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 187: How to Choose a Yoga Teacher Training with Cecily Milne The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 280: Get Paid as a Yoga Teacher with Shannon Simmons Email Shannon Crow Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "Are your students who are signing up going to know that you took this other teacher training?"   "You could take all the training in the world. But if you're not telling people about that niche, that is not going to move the needle for you in terms of being recognized as an expert or getting more teaching opportunities."   "What would it feel like if you waited to make some profit and then use that profit to invest in your next yoga teacher training or continuing education course?"  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 318: Questions to Ask Before Any YTT with Shannon Crow   Description: Continuing education is an important part of your professional development as a yoga teacher but with a multitude of yoga teacher training (YTT) programs available, it is important to pick the right one. Shannon Crow shares some of the questions she asks before signing up for a YTT.   Shannon has had the experience of going from one YTT to the next and this is something that you may experience if you are a newer yoga teacher. While it is important to build the necessary skills to teach, we need to also be aware of where we are investing our time, energy, and money.   Shannon recommends asking questions about the YTT before signing up. Some things to consider include the accessibility and inclusion of the program, the yoga school's stance on cultural appropriation, and their values. She also invites you to ask questions about the lead trainers' experience, their position on medicine and science, religion and spirituality and anything else that may be important for you. The important thing is to ensure that the yoga teacher training you choose is aligned with your values.   Key Takeaways: [1:40] Continuing education is an important part of your professional development as a yoga teacher but there are some hard truths we should be aware of before signing up for the next yoga teacher training. [2:31] Shannon shares her personal experience with yoga teacher trainings and continuing education. [7:14] Shannon shares some questions she would ask if she were signing up for a yoga teacher training today. [10:13] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [12:30] Shannon talks about how she ended up in a yoga teacher training where the lead teacher talked about aliens instead of yoga sutras! [13:33] Some other questions Shannon would ask include their yoga philosophy for the trainings and scope of practice. [14:28] Shannon highlights some other questions you might be interested in asking a yoga school or yoga teacher training program before you sign up. [16:29] It can also be helpful to ask to speak with past graduates and lead trainers of a yoga teacher training to see if it is a good fit for you. [19:21] It's important to ensure that the yoga teacher training you choose is aligned with your values.   Questions to Ask Before Any Yoga Teacher Training Do you teach how to make yoga accessible? What are your thoughts on cultural appropriation? Do you have a diverse group of teachers? How are you paying your teachers and assistants? What do you do to protect students from abuse of power? Can I look over your ethics, values, and philosophy statements? What are your thoughts on social justice? Do you and your teachers share their pronouns? Is your business model built on training more and more yoga teachers? What is your diversity, equity and inclusion policy? Does your yoga school encourage referrals to medical professionals or do you think science isn't real? Are you going to talk about your belief in aliens instead of the yoga sutras during lecture? What yoga texts do you refer to for yoga philosophy? May I see the bibliography section of your manual? What do you teach about scope of practice? How do you ensure that all trainers and teachers are not talking about food and nutrition? What is your policy on scholarships, payment plans and refunds? What are your thoughts on religion and spirituality with regards to yoga? What is the schedule like in this YTT? Will I be reaching the point of exhaustion? Do you believe in “breaking people down” emotionally or physically in a YTT? Has your yoga lineage had any reported (or unreported) abuse? Do you have training with regards to trauma and is this incorporated into your YTT? How can I talk with past graduates and lead trainers of your YTT? How many YTTs have you led and how long have you been teaching yoga? What does your YTT offer with regards to business education? Where can I view the syllabus for the training? How many contact hours are in the training? How much practice teach time is in the training?   Links: Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 312: We Stand with Survivors with Rebecca Sebastian & Colin Hall Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "Looking back now, I feel like it was part of a weird culty pyramid scheme."   "If I was going to sign up for a yoga teacher training today, I would be asking a lot of questions."   "Make sure you're in a training where you can ask questions and question what is being taught in that moment."   "Make sure really that the yoga teacher training that you choose is in alignment with your values."   "Do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions before you sign up and you invest your time and your money. And also don't be afraid to speak up while you're there."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 316: Holidays, Vacation & CEO Days with Shannon Crow   Description: Do you plan out your vacation days, holidays, and CEO days? Do you schedule them into your calendar to ensure you have no-work days to look forward to? If you don't already do this, this episode is for you!   It can feel uncomfortable to take time off work, or even impossible but we need to find a balance. Shannon shares how she has managed to take time off for holidays and vacations even as a single mother of three young children and encourages you to reflect on the time you would like to take off in your yoga business. She also talks about the importance of taking CEO days in your business to plan and move forward. Listen in for tips on how to plan for vacations and holidays in your business, especially if you feel like you don't have time to take time off from work!   Key Takeaways: [1:25] Shannon continues the theme of the last few podcast episodes in talking about taking breaks, time off, and vacations. [4:01] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsors OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [6:56] To help plan out her vacations and time off from work, Shannon recommends looking at a big annual calendar to see the year at a glance. [8:29] Ask yourself: How many days off a year do you want to take for a vacation, staycation, or just to not work? [10:25] Shannon invites you to reflect on a number for the amount of time you would like to take off working and to notice what comes up for you. [11:53] You can plan for time off and give yourself the flexibility to change things if needed. [12:54] Add your vacation time to your calendar. Then mark off the holidays that you want to take off work too. Include state and country holidays, but also think about if there are special days (birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations) you want to be off work too! [13:33] Shannon uses OfferingTree to help her to plan her vacations, holidays, and time off. [15:00] CEO days are planning times for you to look at data from your business and your goals and make big plans. [18:27] Shannon shares some other resources that may be helpful to you as you plan out your vacations, time off, and CEO planning days. [19:56] Hang out with Shannon in real-time!   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 314: Plan Your Breaks with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 315: Let's Talk Time Off with Shannon Crow Steph Crowder (Year on the Wall) Google Calendar People in These Countries Get The Most Paid Vacation Days | World Economic Forum The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 166: When & How to Hire a VA (virtual assistant) with Sandra Booker The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 310: How To Create a Yoga Routine with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 311: A Small Seed of Personal Practice with Shannon Crow Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "How many days off a year do you want to take for vacation or a staycation?"   "The important thing is that you are adding some vacation time to your calendar."   "CEO planning time is where you get to look at the data from your business and your big goals and dreams and ideas and you get to plan big."   "I want to see you really sustain yourself and be in this and enjoying your life outside of work."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 315: Let's Talk Time Off with Shannon Crow   Description: Apart from taking breaks in your work day, it is also important to take time off from work. Whether that's vacations, time away from teaching yoga, or time off for personal development or your mental health and wellbeing, this is a critical element of not getting burnt out. Shannon Crow shares insights from our very own Connected Yoga Teachers.    Shannon reads comments from different yoga teachers in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group about how and when they take time off. Everyone's situation is unique and what works for one person may not for others. Tune in to hear how different yoga business owners are working time off into their schedule and use this episode as an inspiration for you to take more time off work too!   Key Takeaways: [1:02] This week's episode will focus on taking time off, especially when you're feeling overworked and stretched to your limit. [1:48] Have you heard about the 4-day work week? Shannon shares some findings from the largest trial of the 4-day work week. [3:25] Shannon plans her time off and then fits her work time in. [5:33] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [7:07] Shannon recently asked yoga teachers in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group about their thoughts on taking time off. [8:35] Shannon reads a reply from Erin Olsson. [10:59] Shannon shares some comments from Jennifer Parker about how taking time off has evolved for her, and Rebecca Sebastian's comment about how Jennifer inspired her. [14:42] Shannon reads a comment from Nathan Shiva retiring early to follow his passion - yoga. [15:51] Before reading a few more shares from yoga teachers, Shannon answers a question she often gets about how to create an online studio membership. OfferingTree is a great option to check out! [17:07] Charisma Whitefeather commented on the post that she takes about 50 days off a year! [17:42] If you feel like it's impossible for you to take that many days off, Shannon invites you to explore how you can start taking action to make that a reality. [18:58] Some yoga teachers shared their less-than-ideal situation with taking time off. [21:59] Another yoga teacher, Sarah Garden, commented that most yoga teachers who live off their yoga income alone work too much. [24:10] Shannon reads another comment shared by Barbara Germershausen. [26:24] Everyone has a unique situation - not everyone's 24 hours looks the same. [28:11] Shannon gives us a sneak peek into the upcoming episodes and some exciting real-time events! Links: How a 4-Day Workweek Could Boost Your Mental Health - Healthline Working a four-day week boosts employee wellbeing while preserving productivity, major six-month trial finds - Science Daily The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 314: Plan Your Breaks with Shannon Crow Post about taking time off in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group Erin Olsson, Elements Yoga Jennifer Parker Rebecca Sebastian Nathan Shiva Kundalini Yoga with Charisma Whitefeather  Kat Heagberg Rebar Sarah Garden Barbara Germershausen Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: “Time off has a really positive impact for employees for sure, but also for companies.”   "What I actually do is plan my time off and then fit my work time in."   "Let's start small and slow if that feels like a good fit for you."    "What would be the baby step to make [your dream time off] possible?"  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 314: Plan Your Breaks with Shannon Crow   Description: Taking breaks as an entrepreneur and yoga business owner is important, yet difficult to do. It can be easy to dive into your work and forget about taking time off until you hit burnout or start to resent your schedule and even the work you do! Planning your breaks into your schedule can be helpful.   Shannon Crow shares a series of journaling prompts that you can use to reflect on what your ideal week would look like, as well as to include breaks into your work schedule. Using these journal prompts, take some time to write your responses and see what comes up for you. Then, start getting creative on how you can implement this into your life.   This episode is perfect for anyone who is serious about taking breaks from work and is keen to take action to create their ideal schedule!   Key Takeaways: [0:56] Taking breaks as an entrepreneur and yoga business owner is important, yet difficult! [2:32] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTreel and Pelvic Health Professionals. [3:56] Sometimes, we are in a season where we don't get time off. [6:25] This podcast is an actionable podcast, so go get your paper and pen or somewhere to write! [8:33] Shannon has some journaling prompts for you if you are serious about taking time off. [15:59] Take your time with these questions and make your responses as detailed as possible. [16:26] How can you set up reminders for yourself about the important things as you set up your work schedule? [16:56] Shannon shares a tip that has worked very well for her to manage her schedule. [18:17] Join the conversation about taking time off in the Connected Yoga Teachers Facebook group and share your ideal week with Shannon! [19:05] If you want to connect with Shannon in real time, there are some fun ways to do that!   Journal Prompts On an ideal work day, I feel… I can easily get my meaningful work done between the hours of _____ to _____. An ideal start to my day feels… Before I start work for the day, I want to… The next one is my lunch break is _____ hours. Between work, I take _____ minute breaks where I… At the end of my workday, I feel… To close my workday, I do these three things. Before I move into "after work" time, I… In my average work week, I have _____ days off. Is there anything else that you want to feel or outline to have your ideal work week?   Links: Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: “It can be so easy to focus on the work and forget about time off until you hit burnout."   "We want to build a schedule that is not only sustainable but is also your dream schedule because that's why you became an entrepreneur."   "Notice with compassion what feelings start to come up as you outline your work hours."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 313: 6 Years of Podcasting with Shannon Crow   Description: Shannon is celebrating six years of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast! Thank you, dear listener, for your continued support of the podcast through the years. Shannon reflects on her journey in the past six years of podcasting and shares her gratitude for the team, sponsors, and people around her who have helped keep the podcast going.   Keeping a podcast going for six years is no small feat. Shannon also shares some of the tools she uses to keep organized and how she has managed to never run out of content ideas! Tune in to hear some of Shannon's lessons learned from podcasting.   Key Takeaways: [0:57] Shannon is celebrating six years of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast! [2:18] Shannon thanks you, the listener, for your continued support of the podcast. [3:55] Shannon gives a shout out to the team that helps create the podcast each and every week. [7:02] Special thanks to the sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [8:37] How does it feel to be podcasting for six years? [9:31] Shannon has a spreadsheet where she keeps track of every single podcast episode. It shows every single topic that was covered and the guests who have come on the podcast. Shannon reflects on this. [11:08] One thing that keeps Shannon going on the tough days is thinking about how she helps yoga teachers. She keeps the podcast organized with Trello. [13:05] For Shannon, a huge part of being able to come up with content for the podcast has been focusing on her niche. [14:58] How can you apply to be a guest on the podcast? [16:47] Shannon has a quick message for you about OfferingTree. [19:03] Shannon is grateful to be in a place where it feels like the work she does is the right fit. [20:24] Shannon shares her gratitude for other people who have helped her keep the  podcast going by supporting her. [22:28] Shannon has learned some big lessons from her podcasting journey. [23:32] Shannon summarizes her six-year podcasting journey.   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team Trello Apply to be a podcast guest Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "If you are looking at a big project, don't look at all the what ifs and where that might lead. Don't let that hold you back or scare you."   "Podcasting is not about having all the answers, it is about listening."   " I am incredibly grateful and a lot of that gratitude is to you because you are here listening and supporting the podcast and you're the reason for the podcast."   "If you have an idea, what is one small baby step that you could do towards that idea today?”

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 312: We Stand with Survivors with Rebecca Sebastian & Colin Hall   Description: We must not be afraid to speak up when we see harm taking place in the yoga world - that is part of yoga. Recently, there was recent news that Bikram Choudhury was scheduled to teach in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. If you are unaware of this, there are some resources you can use to learn more about why this is problematic and why it is upsetting many people in the yoga world.   In this episode, Shannon Crow is joined by Rebecca Sebastian and Colin Hall to discuss this recent event. They share what actions they and others in the yoga community took to put pressure on the organizers and hotel to stop the event from happening and what additional actions we can take to bring Bikram to justice.   Bikram will no longer present at the event as he was originally scheduled to but there is still more to be done to hold him accountable for his actions and the abuse he inflicted on women in his yoga classes and trainings. Tune in to find out more about what you can do and how we can collectively disrupt the sexual assault and harm that occurs in yoga spaces.   Key Takeaways: [0:00] Shannon reads a note to the survivors. [3:39] This podcast interview was recorded live with Rebecca Sebastian and Colin Hall to discuss the recent news of Bikram Choudhury teaching in Vancouver, BC, Canada. [5:14] Shannon shares some resources where you can read more about the current situation. [7:10] Shannon gives thanks to the sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [8:43] There has been a recent wave of effort to keep Bikram out of Canada, and it has worked but there are many more questions arising from this situation. [13:36] Colin Hall, Rebecca Sebastian, and Shannon Crow introduce themselves. [16:09] Rebecca and Colin share some resources where you can get the backstory of what happened with Bikram. [18:59] Colin started investigating who was behind bringing Bikram to Canada. [22:27] Rebecca shares some of her tips on how to make movement happen, especially when dealing with non-profits. [24:31] Shannon shares that there are survivors of abuse from Bikram who are being threatened by organizers of this event. [27:11] Is this water under the bridge? Is this something that happened and we should all move on? Colin explains why not. [29:20] Josh Cooper joins the call to share his experience in speaking directly with the GM of the hotel where the event was set to take place. [32:04] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree. [33:11 - 33:12] Rebecca has some action steps that you can take if you are in the US. [35:10] Colin explains some of the actions that he and other Canadian yoga teachers took to stop Bikram from teaching yoga in Canada and what actions you can take now. [39:45] How can we decrease sexual assault and harm caused by the power imbalance in yoga? [43:19] Shannon and Rebecca share their thoughts on why people might still be signing up for Bikram's trainings and what we can do about it. [49:18] Not everyone, even in the yoga world, is aware of Bikram and what he did. [52:05] How do we separate the yoga that we do from the people and the harm they caused? [57:42] When people get together and organize, you can get results. [60:16] Rebecca shares some resources for people who have experienced sexual assault. [61:03] Shannon shares some takeaways and upcoming events you can join.   Links: Hotline for Women Against Violence Against Women in Canada - (877) 392 7583  National Sexual Assault Hotline (USA) - 800 656 4673 Rainn.org Rebecca Sebastian on Instagram Colin Hall on Instagram Josh Cooper on Instagram Online Protestors Express Outrage in Response to Bikram Choudhury's Scheduled Classes in Canada, Article by Sarah Herrington and Renee Marie Schettler for Yoga Journal Controversial Bikram yoga founder's planned Vancouver workshops raising flags, Article by Sarah Grochowski for Vancouver Sun  Organizers say controversial Bikram Yoga event will be "rescheduled", Article by Megan Devlin for Daily Hive Navigating Narcissism with Dr. Ramani Podcast Episode: ‎Bikram Yoga and the Abuse of Power w/ Mandeep Kaur Sandhu  Hell-Bent: Obsession, Pain, and the Search for Something Like Transcendence in Competitive Yoga  Benjamin Lorr Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator, Netflix Documentary LA County Courthouse Department of Justice Reports Change.org petition Vancouver Board of Tourism Vancouver CBC OfferingTree User Group on Facebook Canada Yoga Sports Federation Alison Henry of Bikram Yoga Gardom Lake Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "How do we stop the abuse of power that is so prevalent in the yoga world?" - Shannon   "The truth is that we will get more impact by following the money." - Rebecca   "So many people are coming into our practices with that vulnerability piece." - Rebecca   "When people get together and organize, you get results." - Colin Hall  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 311: A Small Seed of Personal Practice with Shannon Crow   Description: Your personal yoga practice doesn't have to be long and complicated. It can be short and simple. You can start with a small seed and grow your personal practice from there. The important part is taking the time daily to do something that feels helpful and nurturing to you.   In this episode, Shannon Crow invites you to take a few minutes to do this short personal practice with her. If you have been wanting to start a short personal yoga routine but feel overwhelmed or like you don't have time, this episode is for you.   Key Takeaways: [2:19] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - planting the first seeds of a personal practice. [5:56] Shannon thanks the sponsors of the podcast, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [9:03] Are you doing something daily that feels helpful and nurturing just for you? [10:22] Shannon invites you to find a comfortable spot to start your personal practice right now. [11:24] Check in with yourself to see what you need in this moment. [12:05] Shannon shares the poem The Cleverness of Seeds, by Pat Brisson. [14:11] Shannon reads an email she received from the author of the poem, Pat Brisson. [15:50] This is an example of a very short personal practice. [16:45] Shannon has some resources that might be helpful as you explore building your own personal practice. [17:44] Do you have a short personal practice? Share it with Shannon!   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 310: How To Create a Yoga Routine with Shannon Crow The Cleverness of Seeds, by Pat Brisson The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 002: Reconnect With Your Yoga Practice with Nina Andic [Consultation Call] The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 030: Rituals to Start and End Your Day with Puja Madan The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 096: How to Create a Yoga Practice Habit with Matt Kowald The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 114: Compassion Fatigue with Diane Liska The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 123: Habits for Health & Business with James Clear The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 164: Deepen Your Yoga Practice with Barrie Risman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 200: Practice, Parenting & Perfectionism with Judith Hanson Lasater & Lizzie Lasater  The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 274: Self-Care for Caregivers with Jo Bregnard -  Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "Are you doing something daily that feels helpful and nurturing just for you?"   "Check in and see: What do I need in this moment?"   “Sometimes we're starting with something that's way too complicated when we're trying to add in a personal practice. So I hope this illustrates how short it can be, how simple it can be.”

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 310: How To Create a Yoga Routine with Shannon Crow   Description: Many yoga teachers started teaching yoga because they experienced the benefits of it for themselves and wanted to share it with others. However, once they start teaching and dive into running a yoga business, it can feel challenging to maintain a consistent personal yoga practice.   In this episode, Shannon Crow explores the reasons yoga teachers often give for not creating a self-care practice that feels nurturing to them, and what the benefits are of cultivating that personal practice. She shares her tips and strategies that have helped her form habits around her personal yoga routine and explains why falling away from our practice is normal - and how to get back to it. If you have been wanting to start a yoga routine for yourself, this episode is for you.   Key Takeaways: [1:41] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - how to create and maintain a personal yoga practice. [3:17] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [4:40] What is holding you back from creating a self-care practice that is nurturing for you? [6:22] You are not alone if you have fallen away from your personal yoga practice. [9:15] Why is having a personal practice so important? [10:34] Shannon invites you to consider the intention of your personal practice as well as what your dream personal practice looks like. [12:03] If creating a personal practice feels impossible to you right now, Shannon encourages you to dig into why that is. [12:33] You don't need to choose movement as a part of your personal practice if it doesn't feel good to you. [14:28] You can try out your chosen practice for a set amount of time to see how it feels to you. [16:29] Shannon pops in to share how she is personally using OfferingTree to book podcast guests. [18:18] Why is creating a routine around our personal practice so important? [20:01] Shannon shares some tips and strategies to make it easier to start and maintain a habit. [23:34] How can we get back to our personal practice when life throws us off track? [27:06] How do you build a personal practice and stick to it? What are your tips and ideas? Share them! [27:56] Shannon shares ways that you can connect with her in real time.   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 096: How to Create a Yoga Practice Habit with Matt Kowald The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 123: Habits for Health & Business with James Clear The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 253: Reflect and Plan [Part 4] with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 053: Yoga Mentors and Lineage with Chase Bossart Email Shannon Crow Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "What is holding you back from creating a self care practice that is nurturing for you?"   "Your personal practice is an amazing source of fuel for your life and business. It's like a promise that you make to yourself."   "Don't wait for the someday of it. Build your ideal personal practice and you'll slowly see that your ideal schedule will also build out of that."   "Similarity and routine really brings us comfort as humans and it really helps us to build it into being a habit."  

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow   Description: Just like in nature, we go through different seasons in our business and in life. Each season is characterized by different rhythms and needs, and no one season lasts forever. How can we embrace these changing seasons and get the most out of each season instead of fighting it?   In this episode, Shannon Crow shares more about the four different seasons you may encounter in your business. She explains what you may be feeling in winter, spring, summer, and fall/autumn, as well as how you can adapt your business activities to match the seasons. Shannon also reminds us that your season in business may be impacted by things outside your control and that other people may be in different seasons from you. Tune in to find out how to work with the seasons and find balance in your business.   Key Takeaways: [2:18] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - the four seasons of business. [2:29] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals. [5:34] What season of life or business are you in now? This may not align with the seasons of nature or the seasons of the people around you, and may be impacted by things outside your control. [8:09] As there are four seasons in nature, there are also four seasons in business. [8:23] Shannon outlines some of the things that you might experience in a winter season of your business. [11:54] Avoid looking at other people who may be in a different season in their business and comparing yourself to them. [13:42] What can a spring season bring for your business? [16:28] Shannon shares how she is using OfferingTree in her business. [18:13] Summer is the season of growth and thriving in your business. [22:22] Fall is the season of harvest. It is also a time to clean up and get ready for the next growing season. [24:41] Fall is also a great time to save up. [26:01] What have you noticed about the seasons of business or life that you're experiencing or have experienced? [27:35] Connect with Shannon in real time in the Pelvic Health Professionals membership site.   Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 065: Create Your Ideal Yoga Schedule with Shannon Crow Shannon Crow on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.   Quotes from this episode: "Seasons always change and there's a way to embrace it and get the most out of it instead of fighting against it."   "Winter is an amazing time to evaluate what's working, to check in on what's draining you, and let go of what is no longer a good fit."   "[Spring] is all about possibility and potential new growth."   "Fall is also a great time to save up."  

Our students' movement patterns directly impact their pelvic health, and their pelvic floor impacts their movement patterns! With those two aspects of our students' health so intertwined, it's really important that yoga teachers understand the nuances of that relationship. We are so lucky to have longtime yoga teacher, teacher's mentor, and yoga for pelvic health expert Shannon Crow on the show with us today!