Yogaland Podcast
Andrea Ferretti
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This down-to-earth podcast by Andrea Ferretti (former executive editor of Yoga Journal) will keep informed and inspired to practice yoga. Topics run the gamut from nitty gritty technique (her yoga teacher husband Jason Crandell often joins to help with this) to down-to-earth conversations about how to apply yoga's lessons and tools to help craft a happy, balanced life.
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Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
6 days ago
Crafting a Career as a Yoga Teacher with Neeti Narula
Carving out a place for yourself as a yoga teacher is no easy task. It was such a treat to have multi-hyphenate Neeti Narula on the show to hear how she has done it. Neeti is an NYC-based yoga and meditation teacher, as well as a mother of two, a contributor at Yoga Journal and now, a freshly minted contributor on the lifestyle platform, Melissa Wood Health.
Neeti shares so many helpful gems on this episode including:
* How yoga came into her life and helped her begin to heal from loss
* The thing that surprised her most when she left investment banking to become a yoga teacher
* How the pandemic helped her reassess her teaching schedule and pursue other avenues to share yoga
* How intuition and persistence have led to the biggest leaps in her career
* The necessity of being willing to fail as she pursued opportunities in her teaching career
* How she pitched Melissa Williams Health and what she will be sharing there.
You can now take classes with Neeti Narula on Melissa Wood Health !
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Sep 20, 2023
The Best Arm Balances for Beginners
This week we continue on with our series for beginners (and those teaching beginners): Our focus is the best arm balances for beginners. Arm balances are typically poses that beginners really enjoy playing around with, because they offer shapes that we don't typically do in other disciplines (unless you're a gymnast or a pro skateboarder). Arm balances can build stability, balance, strength, mobility. They're also aesthetically beautiful and novel -- unless you're a gymast or a pro skateboarder, you won't likely encounter shapes like these in your daily life. So, they're fun! And fun is truly valuable in life and in yoga.
A little bit about what we mean by "best" -- these are families of arm balances that are accessible and emphasize stability and strength. They are poses that can be broken down into steps so that you feel your confidence grow as you progress. As with anything in life, we want to offer ourselves or our students just enough challenge, but not too much. That's what these families of poses do.
To get some sequences where you can work on the arm balances mentioned in this episode, go to the shownotes page here: yogalandpodcast.com/podcast/episode311
Also: We're closing early bird registration for Jason's 200-Hour Online Teacher Training this Saturday! You can learn more and enroll at learn.jasonyoga.com/200
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Sep 12, 2023
The Best Backbends for Beginners
Modern life is not great for your back -- sitting in chairs tightens the hip flexors, which can lead to a chain reaction that stresses the low back. When we type at a computer, we typically roll the shoulders forward or hunch the upper back. And looking at our phones constantly can lead to the dreaded and painful "tech neck." -- chair sitting, typing, and looking at our phones. Simple backbends are a fantastic antidote.
But which backbends are most beneficial for beginners and why? Jason shares his thoughts on this episode.
We talk about:
* Prone backbends like Locust Pose, Medium-Sized Cobra, and Sphinx
* Kneeling backbends like Cobra and New School Anjaneyasana
* Reclined backbends like Bridge Pose and Lying over a block
Learn the best approaches and modifications for these poses. And find lots of sequences to help you practice them by going to the shownotes page here: jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode310
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TWO ANNOUNCEMENTS
Early bird registration for Jason's 200-Hour YTT is open! Go join today and save $300! jasonyoga.com/200
If you're thinking about training but want to learn more, Jason is leading a free webinar that will walk you through his 200-hour online YTT. You can register here: jasonyoga.com/webinar
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Sep 6, 2023
6 Ways Yoga Teacher Training Can Lead to Self-Transformation
Jason joins me on this week's episode to talk about how yoga teacher training goes beyond skill acquisition and can become a catalyst for self-transformation. We just hosted a webinar on the topic last week and we enjoyed it so much we thought we'd re-record the episode especially for the podcast.
This is a fun episode if you're considering YTT or if you've already done a YTT and you'd like to reminisce about all the ways that learning this discipline deepens your understanding of yourself and changes hows you move through the world.
PS: Early bird registration for Jason's 200-Hour Online YTT is open! Get all the details here: jasonyoga.com/200
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Aug 29, 2023
Connecting and Coexisting with Animals Through Asana with Alison Zak
Today's conversation is with Alison Zak, who recently published her first book, "Wild Asana: Animals, Yoga, and Connecting Our Practice to the Natural World." Zak's unique nature memoir artfully weaves together her personal stories, ecological context, and yoga asana. Her book is a moving and urgent call for us to remember our connection to the natural world. As Zak says, "We're more alike than different from even the animals that might seem quite different from ourselves, like a scorpion or a fish."
Wild Asana is the next selection for the Yogaland Book Club, which I host on my Substack. You can sign up for the book club: yogaland.substack.com and Alison will join us on October 24th.
Other announcements: Jason and I are hosting a webinar this Thursday, August 31st on the topic of Yoga Teacher Training as Self-Transformation. You can register for this free live webinar here: jasonyoga.com/webinar
He'll leave some time at the end for questions and a brief overview of his upcoming online 200-hour teacher training program.
You can access all of this info and more on the shownotes page: yogalandpodcast.com/episode308
If you enjoy the podcast, don't forget to Subscribe and share it with friends, colleagues, your cat, your cat's colleagues. Just checking to see if you're still reading. Sharing really does help get the word out, so, my sincerest thanks.
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Aug 23, 2023
Back to school time! 8 key things to look for in a yoga teacher training
There’s something about fall that just feels like back to school time for me, even as an adult.
Jason’s 200-hour YTT is coming up October 24th, so we thought we’d review what to look for if you’re thinking about going back to yoga school!
We talk through the importance of adapting asana to modern knowledge and safety standards, the significance of understanding yoga anatomy in a functional context, and prioritizing strength and stability in practice. We also tough on the need for a thorough understanding of yoga philosophy, and some of the foundational texts to look for on the syllabus.
More highlights from the interview:
* Sequencing is a critical aspect of teacher training. In a 200-hour YTT, learning a few set sequences can be incredibly helpful.
* Immersive and repetitive practice teaching is essential for building confidence as a yoga teacher. Jason shares how he structures it and the advantages of practice teaching on Zoom.
* YTTs that offer specialized training in a specific area of yoga are a plus! These skills can enhance a teacher's expertise and marketability.
* A lead trainer who is stable, compassionate, and mentally/emotionally composed will help you navigate personal growth during your yoga journey.
Join Jason for a free webinar August 31st! The focus is on the psycho-emotional benefits of teacher training. You can register for Yoga Teacher Training as Self-Transformation at www.jasonyoga.com/webinar Attendees will receive a code for $50 off the early bird price of the training.
Andrea just announced her next Yogaland Book Club pick -- Wild Asana, by Alison Zak. This gorgeous book by a wildlife conservationist combines yoga, science and memoir. Join the Yogaland community at yogaland.substack.com
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Aug 16, 2023
5 ways to bring the yoga tradition into modern classes
On our live episode two weeks ago, we answered the question, ‘Is this thing that we’re doing still yoga?’ Jason shared five principles that make even the most modern practices a yoga practice. On this episode, we will walk through how yoga teachers can bring these principles to life in their teaching.
* Here are some of the ideas we talk through:
* Reflecting on whether classes still have liberatory qualities, inviting students to grow beyond self-limiting beliefs and identifications.
* Introducing intentional theming or recommended readings to enhance students' understanding of yoga philosophy and its application.
* Incorporating abhyasa (effort) and vairagya (letting go) -- balancing striving with non-attachment to outcomes in the practice.
* Encouraging students to focus on specific skills to enhance the transformational aspect of yoga.
* Inviting students to cultivate self-awareness by observing their self-talk, patterns of reactivity, and responses to discomfort during practice.
For shownotes, visit www.yogalandpodcast.com/episode306
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Aug 7, 2023
Celebrating Sally Kempton's Life of Devotion and Radical Love
As many of yoga know, Sally Kempton was hugely influential to me. She was an expert guide, a loving presence, and a creative inspiration. She passed away on July 10th and has been on my mind constantly since then. I put together this episode to honor and remember her with my friend, the former editor-in-chief of Yoga Journal, Kaitlin Quistgaard. We had a lot of fun sharing stories and memories of Sally.
The second part of this episode features my favorite episode that I did with Sally a few years ago: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly of the Ego.
I hope you enjoy it. If you have any stories about Sally that you'd like to share, send me a voice note! You can DM it to me on Instagram (@andreaferretti) or email it to me at support@jasonyoga.com.
I put links to other past episodes with Sally and other useful resources from her on the shownotes page: yogalandpodcast.com/episode305
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Aug 2, 2023
Is this thing that we're doing still yoga?
This discussion was recorded in London at the new Mission studio where Jason led Module I of his hybrid YTT a few weeks ago. Together, Jason and I explored the question -- Is this thing that we're all doing still actually yoga? Our power-hour or our 30-minute glo class or our rolling on foam rollers with some poses sprinkled in -- are those still yoga? Or has yoga in the West evolved into something else altogether?
A few tidbits that we discuss in the episode:
* The fact that the word "yoga" has more than 350 definitions in Sanskrit, revealing its diverse nature.
* The belief in a singular, authentic yoga tradition is challenged throughout history.
* Swami Vivekananda's influence on bringing yoga to the United States and his perspective on Hatha Yoga.
* Different yoga traditions, like Iyengar and Ashtanga, were once considered radical innovations.
* The long-standing tension between "head up" and "head down" yogas: intellectual vs. physical practices.
* The importance of focusing on one's practice and impact rather than judging others' practices.
* The five common denominators of yoga traditions, including liberation teachings and philosophical infrastructure.
* The significance of Abhyasa (effort) and Vairagya (letting go) in all yoga practices.
* Yoga as a gradual process of replacing unconscious patterns with conscious beliefs aligned with self-realization.
Jason will be back at Mission in London in October -- join him for a 6-day immersion or for Module II of his Hybrid YTT. Get the details at: jasonyoga.com/london
You can find shownotes for this episode, including links to the books mentioned at: yogalandpodcast.com/episode304
If you'd like to support the podcast, join our Substack here -- it's a great way to connect with other listeners and get more of us in your inbox.
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Jul 14, 2023
Five Things I Wish I Knew Earlier in My Teaching Career
Today we're talking about five things that Jason wishes he knew earlier in his yoga teaching career. We hope this discussion helps yoga teachers everywhere take some pressure off of themselves to be everything to everyone all the time. Enjoy!
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Jul 11, 2023
Jason's Patanjali "Super Lecture"
Jason takes over this week to present a special comprehensive lecture on Patanjali, aka, his Patanjali “Super Lecture.” This episode essentially combines our three existing episodes on Patanjali plus additional content featuring essential philosophical concepts to teach beginners. We wanted to provide a place for all of these conversations to exist together so you have them at your fingertips. The topics we take on include:
* The Sutras: Unpacking Purusha and Prakriti
* The Sutras: Defining Chitta, Vritti and the Gunas
* The Sutras: Three Approaches to the 8 Limbs of Yoga
* 8 Essential Philosophical Concepts to Teach Beginners
Jason spends so much time teaching and discussing asana, pranayama and meditation so these conversations were a welcome change of pace for us. We hope you enjoy it.
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Jul 7, 2023
Yoga Teacher's Companion: The Yoga Anatomy of Twists
Deepen your knowledge of yoga anatomy and the anatomy of twists, in this 20-minute detailed conversation.
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Jul 3, 2023
Mastering Content Creation and Yoga Teaching: 8 Lessons from the past 8 years
This week I'm sharing 8 things I've learned in the process of creating this podcast for the past 8 years. Jason joins as my sound board and points out that a lot of these ideas about how to create content -- things like defining your editorial scope, sustaining your passion, and having a thick skin -- apply to teach yoga, too. So -- you get a twofer here: lessons for sharpening your content creation/podcasting skills that can also help boost your confidence, creativity, and effectiveness as a yoga teacher.
We'll be doing a Yogaland live episode at Mission in London on July 14th! Come join us for this free event. Find the link on the shownotes page, here: yogalandpodcast.com/episode301
It's not too late to join Jason's Online YTT module that focuses on spine and core. The group starts together July 22nd! Go to jasonyoga.com/300 to get all the details.
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Jun 29, 2023
Andrea Ferretti reflects on 300 episodes of Yogaland + Listeners share their “why
It's the 300th episode of Yogaland -- huzzah! For this momentous occasion, I've decided to reflect on the past 8 years.
So much has changed in yoga and in podcasting and I wanted to take a look back together. On the episode I share where and why podcasting started for me (it was a comfort during radiation treatment for breast cancer treatment), what my aim was in starting the podcast, and what the podcasting landscape was like at that time vs. now.
I share some personal details of how these past 8 years have helped me to grow and some of the big surprises along the way.
Lastly, I read listener responses to a question I posed on my Substack: "What's your why? Why do you teach yoga?"
One of the biggest benefits of doing the podcast has been the sense of community and connection that has formed. So, I wanted to share your thoughts, feelings, and motivations to celebrate you, too!
Support the podcast by subscribing to Yogaland Substack -- you can read all of the whys from other li…
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Jun 20, 2023
5 Essential Ideas for Healthy Shoulders in Yoga
In this last of our "essentials" series, Jason shares 5 essential ideas for finding ease and stability in your shoulders during yoga practice. On this episode, you will learn:
* Why it's particularly crucial to build shoulder stability if you practice vinyasa yoga -- and which joint (of the four) in the shoulder is the most unstable
* A common misconception about what to do with your shoulders when your arms move overhead
* The cue that you can give when arms move overhead that will prevent neck and shoulder tension (without leaving the shoulders vulnerable to injury)
* Why different backbends benefit from different shoulder openers
* How to experiment with different rotations of the shoulders in Downward-Facing Dog
* How a simple change in your hand placement can create more freedom in your shoulders
To try a shoulder sequence from Jason at home, go to our shownotes page: yogalandpodcast.com/episode299
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Jun 10, 2023
5 Essential Ideas for a Healthy Core in Yoga
On this episode, Jason clarifies what we mean when we talk about the core in yoga. Once you're finished listening, the core will no longer be a vague two-dimensional region that you aspire to pummel into submission. Instead, you'll understand:
* The difference between the abdominals and the core
* The functions of the core -- it contains! connects! supports! It's like a Swiss Army Knife!
* The part of the core that is typically the tightest; the part of the core that is typically weakest
* How to counteract our tendency to be "up & tight"
* What you need to binge on Netflix right now if you haven't already (no this has nothing to do with the core, but you'll thank us later)
Go to the shownotes for links to past episodes -- 5 Essential Ideas for Healthy Hips & 5 Essential Ideas for a Healthy Spine: yogalandpodcast.com/episode298
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May 31, 2023
The Yoga of Parenting with Sarah Ezrin
This week, I speak to yoga teacher, writer, and mama Sarah Ezrin about her new book, The Yoga of Parenting: 10 Yoga Based Practices to Help You Stay Grounded, Connect with Your Kids, and Be Kind to Yourself. As Sarah points out right at the beginning of the episode, there are far more than just 10 practices in this book. There are 34 to be exact, but more importantly it's just brimming with both creative and science-backed ideas to help you grow as a parent, increase those oh-so-essential self-regulation skills, and foster connection with your kids.
Tune in to hear how Sarah has applied these practices in her own life, how she balances being a content creator with social media boundaries, how yoga helped her recover from her own tumultuous childhood.
Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode297
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May 17, 2023
5 Essential Ideas for a Healthy Spine in Yoga
Jason joins me this week to share 5 essential ideas for a healthy spine in yoga.
* How to distribute your physical and mental attention for optimal spinal health while practicing
* One of the riskiest moves for the spine
* How shielding ourselves from back pain can lead to a weak back
* Whether the spine twists from bottom to top or from top to bottom
* When it's beneficial to round the spine (and how we often forget to do this!)
👉 I've linked to some sequences focusing on the lower back as well as upper back, shoulders, and neck. Find them on the shownotes page here: yogalandpodcast.com/episode296
🧘🏽♀️ Don't miss these two training opportunities with Jason!
* In person + online Hybrid Yoga Teacher Training in London -- learn more here: jasonyoga.com/hybrid
* Essential Yoga Anatomy (online training) -- learn more here: jasonyoga.com/anatomy
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May 8, 2023
Yoga for Hypermobility with Libby Hinsley
Libby Hinsley is a yoga therapist and a Doctor of Physical Therapy living with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Suffice it to say, she is the expert on yoga for hypermobility. Her new book, Yoga for Bendy People: Optimizing the Benefits of Yoga for Hypermobility. This book is so needed in the yoga community and in the medical community, where a dearth of clarity and education abound.
We cover a lot ground in this episode, including:
* The difference between being flexible and having joint hypermobility
* What yoga teachers can do if they suspect that a student is hypermobile
* Libby's experience of getting diagnosed and how challenging it was to find healthcare providers who understood the systemic affects of hypermobility
* How hypermobility affects proprioception, body mapping, and strength
* The connection between hypermobility and neurodiversity
* Whether or not stretching is beneficial for bendy people
As you'll hear in this episode, hypermobility is complex an…
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May 8, 2023
Everything You Need to Know About Practicing & Teaching Pigeon Pose
Learn the best way to practice, teach and troubleshoot one of Yoga's most important hip openers: Pigeon Pose. In this episode, Jason breaks down the Yoga Anatomy of this essential hip-opener and shows you reliable ways to troubleshoot the knee discomfort that some students experience in this pose.
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Apr 26, 2023
5 Essential Ideas for Healthy Hips in Yoga
Jason joins me this week to share 5 essential ideas for healthy hips in yoga.
Also: Jason's Essential Guide to Yoga Anatomy is open for enrollment! 🎉 Get the details and register at: learn.jasonyoga.com/anatomy
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Apr 18, 2023
Seeing our beauty identity through the lens of yoga
My guest this week is Dara Kennedy, the founder of Ayla Beauty. Having spent more than 10 years in the retail beauty space, Dara started Ayla because she wanted to combine her expertise as a product developer and curator with her passion for yoga and wellness.
I've known Dara (as her customer!) for years and the mindfulness she brings to her business is notable. Her friend and the founder of Twelve Beauty, Pedro Catala, has said that she treats her customers like her best friends -- and it's true, she does! It's part of the intention that she brings to Ayla.
On this episode, I got to ask Dara my burning questions and move fluidly from the meta to the micro topics about beauty, including:
* How yoga and meditation have influenced Dara's life and the way that she runs her business
* "Hurts so good" beauty and the ways that beauty varies from culture to culture
* Is the skin barrier really as important as social media would have you believe?
* We also talk about navigating bea…
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Apr 7, 2023
My how yoga has changed...
We know that change is a part of life -- it's also a part of the constantly evolving practice of yoga.
As religious studies scholar Andrea Jain says in her book, Selling Yoga: From Counterculture to Pop Culture, “I emphasize premodern yoga’s context-sensitivity, heterogeneity, and malleability, rather than any central quality or essence presumed by some to be present across all systems.”
In other words, yoga has always been malleable and responsive to the context in which it exists.
On this episode, Jason and I talk about how we have experienced change in yoga practice over the past 25 years. We air some of our gripes (changes in Savasana, the abundance of heat-blasted classrooms) and point out some hugely positive changes as well (think: consent, less claim-making, more integration with everyday life).
Would love to know some of your experiences of how yoga has changed, too! If you'd like to share them, subscribe to my Substack where I will start a thread.
For shown…
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Mar 23, 2023
Yoga Teacher's Companion: Essential Sequencing Concepts for Teaching Beginner's Yoga
These are the five most essential sequencing concepts for teaching yoga classes for beginners.
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Mar 17, 2023
Part I: How to structure a yoga class for beginners
Jason recently did a webinar on how to structure your classes for beginners and there were tons of requests from folks who wanted to be able to re-watch it even after the replay period. So, ta-dah! we are making it available to everyone as a two-part series! Part I focuses on the 5-part class structure that I’ve been using with my beginners for over a decade. Part II will be coming next week!
You can also watch this on our Youtube channel, which you can find at: youtube.com @jasoncrandellyoga
Lastly: If you'd like to join Jason's beginner's course, you can do so here: jasonyoga.com/beginners
And if you are interested in becoming a 500-hour RYT, you can find out more info here: jasonyoga.com/500
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Mar 7, 2023
Is stretching really good for you?
We've noticed the pendulum swinging toward strength in recent years (not a bad thing), and we wanted to offer context for the counterpoint: Stretching. (BTW, This is a great companion to episode 288, 'How much strength does yoga really build?')
We take a big, contextual step back and look at:
* What is stretching?
* What are the types of stretching?
* What are some of the contraindications
* Are there still benefits and if so, what are the most effective protocols for increasing flexibility?
At the tail end of this episode, Andrea also interviews Genny Wilkinson, who is on the cusp of opening a brand new yoga and movement studio in the heart of London. Jason will be offering his hybrid 300-hour Advanced YTT there in 2023 so we were excited to learn all about Genny's vision for what promises to be a gorgeous, authentic community space.
Shownotes for this episode -- including links to the previous strength episode and to the London studio, Mission -- can be found at yogalandp…
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Feb 28, 2023
Anatomy that inspires appreciation and awe -- not stress and self-doubt
Many of us have an attraction/repulsion thing when it comes to learning yoga anatomy. Why is that? Anatomy reminds us that embodiment is amazing, but it can also be overwhelming and frustrating to feel like we'll never "get it all." Never fear! On this episode, Jason talks about why it's so important to learn anatomy and how to approach it so that you feel empowered and inspired.
We've got lots more anatomy content on our blog, which you can find on the shownotes page: www.yogalandpodcast.com/episode290
Also: Jason is launching his Essential Anatomy for Yoga Teachers course soon! Get on the waitlist here: learn.jasonyoga.com/anatomy
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Feb 20, 2023
How to build your reserve of mental, physical, and emotional resilience with Jill Miller
So excited to share this week's episode with you: Jill Miller joins me for her fifth Yogaland podcast to talk about her new book, Body by Breath: The Science and Practice of Physical and Emotional Resilience. This is a book that I recommend every yogi have in their library. It gives you the full "behind-the-scenes" tour of complex relationship between the nervous system, brain, gut, fascia, and breath when we are trying to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (aka when we're trying to "down-regulate" or "de-stress"). It also provides myriad options for working with your body and breath to build deep reserves of mental, emotional, and physical resilience.
Jill and I discuss how she continues to heal her body by building parasympathetic endurance, what she means when she says, "The body thinks in feels," how yogis can hone and deepen their breath awareness, how much breath-work we can do to feel the benefits, and what her current practice looks like.
If you order Jill's book by…
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Feb 16, 2023
Yoga Teacher's Companion: How to Jump Back Into Chaturanga More Gracefully
Jumping back into Chaturanga more gracefully isn’t about raw strength—although, a healthy amount of strength is certainly helpful. It’s about using leverage and motion to your advantage. The key to the process is simple: you need to counter the motion of jumping back with greater motion moving forward. This video teaches you 3 essential drills for learning to jump back into Chaturanga more gracefully. You and your students will have great results!
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Feb 7, 2023
How much strength does yoga really build?
Does yoga build strength? The short answer is yes. But does it build enough strength? Jason and Andrea dive into this topic and answer questions such as:
* What are the three different types of strength and which type does yoga build most efficiently?
* Which regions of the body are more challenging to strengthen in yoga?
* Do you need to supplement your strength with something other than yoga?
* What about post-menopausal women, who are more prone to muscle loss (sarcopenia) year over year?
Thanks, as always for listening, rating, and reviewing!
If you'd like to study with Jason, we just published his 2023 schedule for online courses and trainings. Check out the 2023 schedule here: www.jasonyoga.com/schedule
Also, join Andrea over on her new Substack community! She's offering more podcast features and info, plus meditations, essays, and chat threads. It's a great way to support the podcast and you can subscribe here: yogaland.substack.com
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Jan 27, 2023
Yogaland Teacher's Companion: How to Teach the Most Essential Sun Salutations to Beginners
Learn how to teach your new yoga students the four most essential sun salutations. This episode includes the benefits, most essential cues, and key focal points to teach your students. It even shows you how to troubleshoot the most common challenges.
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Jan 19, 2023
8 Essential Concepts from Yoga Philosophy to Teach Beginners
Yoga philosophy is so vast, it can be overwhelming to think about how to convey it to beginners (or even in your mixed level classes!) It's one of the reasons yoga teachers lean so heavily on Patanjali's eight limbs -- Look! A list! Everyone loves a good list! And while there's nothing wrong with sharing the eight limbs, Patanjali's worldview is different than, say, the Tantric worldview. This week, Jason shares the 8 philosophical concepts or themes he teaches beginners. It's a macro-view of how he likes to incorporate the teachings and will give you lots of inroads that are accessible to all levels of students.
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Jan 12, 2023
10 Essential Asana Concepts To Teach Beginners
It's January, which means, in all likelihood, more beginners are coming to your classes! On this episode, Jason helps you prioritize 10 essential concepts to convey to beginners when you're teaching asana. This foundational episode will help you take a step back and review how you're teaching your students and it will likely spark your own inner priorities, too!
We're launching Jason's brand new online course, Mastering the Art of Teaching Beginners on January 15th! Learn more about the program by joining the waitlist here: learn.jasonyoga.com/beginners
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Jan 3, 2023
It's time to create a 4-week series for beginners. Here's how.
Jason is a passionate advocate for creating a simple 4-week series for beginning yoga students. January is a great time of year to do it (obvs), so we thought we'd talk through why a beginners' series is so vital, how to pitch it to your studio, how to price it, and how to create a curriculum that is thorough without being overwhelming.
If you'd like more guidance on how to teach beginners, get on the waitlist for Jason's upcoming online course, The Art of Teaching Yoga to Beginners, here: learn.jasonyoga.com/beginners
We also have lots more free teaching content available on our Youtube Channel or on the website. Check out our shownotes to access: https://jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode285
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Dec 21, 2022
How Yoga and Mindfulness Can Help Your Relationships
One of the upsides of long-term practice is that you develop skills that help you in your day-to-day life. On this episode, Andrea and Jason share the skills that they've gleaned through yoga and mindfulness practices that have helped them in their relationships -- both with each other and with their loved ones.
Things like -- seeing our reactivity and learning to pause and respond, developing a more stable sense of self, learning to acknowledge and allow others to have feelings, and calmly abiding with our loved ones are just a few of the key points Andrea and Jason talk about.
Coming soon -- a new course with Jason: The Art of Teaching Yoga to Beginners. If you'd like to be notified when have more info and dates for this online course, join the waitlist here: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/beginners
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Nov 29, 2022
Slowing down doesn't sound sexy or ambitious or entertaining. Here's why it's such a worthwhile skill to cultivate.
Oh the irony. The sweet, sweet irony of going to yoga class to "find balance" or "inner peace" only to find ourselves rushing through Sun Salutations or consistently choosing the "hardest" variation of a pose even if we are way out of our depth. We've all been there. Slowing down is hard. It doesn't sound sexy or ambitious or entertaining. And yet, if we profess the desire to better manage our stresses or to navigate our daily lives with more ease and efficiency and less, well, self-torture, then learning to slow down is a worthy practice.
Jason and I dive deeply into this subject this week and we offer ideas for setting the intention to slow down in your yoga practice. I hope it resonates during the rush of the holidays.
Shownotes: jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode283
Registration for Jason's Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing course can be found here: learn.jasonyoga.com/sequencing
Jason has new courses that focus on Yoga Anatomy and Teaching Beginners coming soon! Join our newslet…
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Nov 22, 2022
Navigating the pressure to make vinyasa classes harder, faster, stronger
I think it's safe to say that if you teach vinyasa yoga in any modern setting you've felt pressured -- either overtly by your boss or subconsciously by an antsy student -- to make your classes "harder." Today we unpack this phenomenon and attempt to get to the heart of it. We talk through what we are responsible for as yoga educators, and what we can let go of. Jason also offers helpful ideas for classroom management.
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Nov 18, 2022
Yoga Teachers' Companion: Four Ways to Change Up & Reinvigorate Your Sun Salutations
You deserve more than just another Chaturanga and Upward Dog--and, so do your students. Here's a tutorial on spicing up your Sun Salutations and adding creativity--while maintaining balance and effectiveness.
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Nov 9, 2022
Your 5 Most Common Sequencing Questions Answered
Jason has recently been answering lots of questions about yoga sequencing lately -- on his recent webinar and Instagram lives -- so we today Jason is answering the five most common sequencing questions that have cropped up recently.
Included in this discussion:
* Is it better to do backbends before or after inversions in a sequence?
* Where should hip openers go in a sequence?
* How many postures can you do on one side in a vinyasa flow before moving to the other side?
* Should you do "open-hip postures" or "closed-hip postures" first in a standing vinyasa flow?
* What's the best way to prepare for Hanumanasana (aka Splits)?
We have tons more FREE sequencing content for you, which you can find here on the shownotes page: jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode280
You can also learn more about Jason's online course, Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing, here: learn.jasonyoga.com/sequencing
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Oct 24, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: The Ultimate Guide to Sequencing for Backbends
This is your Ultimate Guide to Sequencing for Backbends. It's a master class that teaches you the anatomical rationale behind intelligent, sustainable sequencing that will help your students do deeper, more comfortable backbends.
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Oct 10, 2022
Yogaland Rewind: 4 Sequencing Challenges (And How to Fix Them)
When it comes to sequencing, there are a few things that trip us up time and time again. Jason’s back on the podcast today to talk about several of the mistakes he’s made himself through the years and how he’s shifted his approach to sequencing to overcome these challenges.
Jason will be running his online course, Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing, again in November. If you'd like to get a preview of the course, he's offering a free webinar November 1st -- The Ultimate Guide to Sequencing for Yoga Workshops. you can sign up for the webinar here: learn.jasonyoga.com/webinar
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Oct 3, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: How to Transition Into Half Lotus and Full Lotus Safely and Correctly
The details of transitioning into Half Lotus and Full Lotus are rarely discussed. Transitioning incorrectly significantly increases the likelihood of injuring the knee in these poses. This yoga teacher's breakdown discusses the anatomy and mechanics of transitioning into lotus with the greatest efficiency and safety--a must for all teachers and practitioners that work with these postures
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Sep 20, 2022
The mental, emotional, and behavioral components of the doshas with Sarah Kucera
Today's guest, Sarah Kucera, is a yoga teacher, Ayurvedic practitioner, and chiropractor based in Kansas City, Missouri. In this chat, we talk about Sarah's new book, The Seven Ways of Ayurveda, which helps you hone in on your dominant dosha and how it influences your communication style, your stress behaviors, and your relationships. It is so helpful! Tune in and you will gain insight into how you can manage your love, work, and family relationships by looking at them through the lens of Ayurveda.
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Sep 7, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: The Best Preparations for Lotus--and, where to put them in a sequence
Learn to prepare yourself and your students for Lotus (Padmasana). There are countless postures that will help prepare your body for lotus, but these are my 7 favorite!
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Sep 6, 2022
Chelsea Jackson Roberts, "The fullness of my experiences make me who I am"
Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts joins me on the podcast today. You may know Chelsea from her current post as a Peloton yoga teacher, or from her numerous Yoga Journal covers, or as co-founder of Red Clay Yoga, or even from her weekly meditations with her buddy Jennifer Garner.
Accolades and achievements aside, Chelsea is incredibly open, down-to-earth, and self-aware. She shares what it's like to go from working as a third grade teacher to becoming a yoga teacher for a world-renowned company like Peloton and how she plans to utilize her platform to make yoga more accessible to more people who need it.
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Aug 30, 2022
A Love Letter for Mums with Naomi Annand
The lovely and wise Naomi Annand joins me on this episode to talk about her new book, Yoga for Motherhood. This book is one of my absolute favorites -- filled with reassuring words that envelope you like a warm hug, well-curated essays that resonate deeply, and practical yoga sequences to keep you balanced through the stages of mothering. It's the book Naomi wish she'd had when she first became a mother -- and I do, too.
Shownotes: https://yogalandpodcast.com/episode277
PS: If you enjoy the podcast, it's so helpful for us if you leave a rating, a review, or you share it on social media. And don't forget to hit follow so you don't miss an episode!
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Aug 20, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: The Best Preparations for Splits (Hanumanasana)
These are my five favorite (slightly less conventional) preparations for splits (Hanumanasana). In addition to opening up your body, each of these postures helps teach a technical element of the splits.
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Aug 20, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: The 4 Best Options for Setting up Forearm Balance
Meet your students where they are by learning the 4 best set-ups for Forearm Balance. You'll learn the pros and cons of each set-up and why these options work for different students.
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Aug 15, 2022
Move through malaise & get back on your mat with these practical ideas
If you've had a hard time getting back into regular studio (or home) practice since the pandemic hit in 2020, you're not alone! This episode is filled with practical ideas to help you get over your malaise and get back to it. If you were looking for a sign -- this is it!
Shownotes: https://yogalandpocast.com/episode276
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Aug 12, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: The Best Shoulder Openers to Prepare for Handstand and Forearm Balance
This episode features the best shoulder openers to prepare you and your students' bodies for Handstand and Forearm Balance. We'll cover the best strengtheners and techniques for these postures soon in upcoming episodes.
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Aug 8, 2022
Do twists detoxify? Unpacking 7 common yoga myths
Do twists detoxify? Is it safer to jump back to Chaturanga than Plank? In all likelihood you've heard -- or even taught? -- one of the yoga myths you'll hear on this episode. This is a judgement-free zone and not about shaming or guilting anyone! But it's important to unpack some of the idiosyncratic beliefs that get repeated in Yogaland and explore why it's time to let them go.
PS: Is there a yoga myth that we missed? Post it on Instagram and tag @andreaferretti so we can see it!
Shownotes for this episode can be found here: www.yogalandpodcast.com/episode275
Thanks as always for listening, sharing, and reviewing the show!
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Aug 4, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: The Best Strengtheners for Handstand and Forearm Balance
This episode features the best shoulder strengtheners to prepare you and your students body for Handstand and Forearm Balance. Make sure to also check out episode 19 where we look at the best shoulder openers for Handstand and Forearm Balance!
HIGHLIGHTS
1:25 External Rotator Strengthener
3:20 External Rotator Strengthener with resistance band
5:32 Two Versions of Dolphin
9:10 One-legged Dolphin
10:15 Dolphin Push ups
12:45 Forearm Plank with natural lumbar curve
14:15 Putting everything together in a flow
✅ JOIN OUR MAILING LIST and you'll be the first to know whenever we have new content:
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ABOUT JASON:
Jason Crandell is a natural teacher and author with more than 20 years of experience. Named “one of the teachers shaping the future of yoga,” by Yoga Journal, Jason has been an in-demand teacher at conferences around the world for more than a decade.
For the past 10 years, Jason has honed his approach by looking to peers outside of…
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Aug 2, 2022
How to overcome common meditation obstacles and create a practice you love
This week I'm sharing a topic that's dear to my heart, which is creating a meditation practice that you love. We all face common (often self-imposed) meditation obstacles, from telling ourselves we just "can't do it right," to feeling like we don't have time to stressing ourselves out with an austere approach that feels like drudgery. The truth is that meditation can be a very natural -- even pleasurable -- part of each day that helps you develop the skills and training to navigate life with less suffering and more joy. This episode will help set you up for meditation success!
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Jul 18, 2022
How Jason designed the curriculum for his 200-hour yoga teacher training
We've gotten a lot of questions asking about how Jason set up the curriculum for his 200 YTT, so that's what we cover in this episode. Last week was Part I -- we discussed how Jason intends to create community, mentor support, and practice teaching in the online space. This week we go step-by-step through the syllabus!
After you give this one a listen you will know what to expect -- but if you still have questions, don't hesitate to email us at support@jasonyoga.com. OR you can go to this page and chat with us directly: learn.jasonyoga.com/200
Lastly, if you go to this page 👆, you can enter your email address and get a copy of the syllabus to follow along with the episode!
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Jul 12, 2022
All About Jason's *New* 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training!
Want to know how Jason has set up his 200-hour online-only teacher training? Jason walks you through his process and how he honed in on how to make such a transformative foundational training work for folks. He talks about:
* How he plans to build community so that participants have a peer group
* How he will facilitate connection between the students
* How he teaches folks to practice teaching -- both in-person and online. <<-- This section is worth listening to whether or not you are looking into a teacher training! It's so useful in terms of learning to articulate your sensory and somatic experiences through words.
We had so much to discuss on this episode that we're going to do one more where we walk through how he crafted the curriculum. Hope it's helpful!
To find out more about the 200-hour training or to register go to: learn.jasonyoga.com/200
If you register before August 21, 2022 you will receive $300 off.
For our show notes, go to: yogalandpodcast.com/episode272…
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Jun 29, 2022
Harnessing the vagus nerve to "turn on your off switch" with Jill Miller
What is the vagus nerve? More importantly, why should we, as yogis, care? Jill Miller comes on the podcast this week to help us understand how we can tap into the vagus and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, bringing about the relaxation response. Jill shares her recipe -- "the 5 Ps,"-- for stimulating the vagus so that you can incorporate them into your own practice and teaching.
Find shownotes with links to helpful articles and videos about the vagus: https://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode271
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Jun 22, 2022
Passion + Creativity as a Recipe for Happiness with Kathryn Budig
I was so happy to catch up with my good friend, Kathryn Budig on the podcast this week. Kathryn is an internationally celebrated yoga teacher, author, and innovator whose most recent project is her online community, Haus of Phoenix. Every offering on Haus has Kathryn's passion and creativity infused into it from her recipes to her moving mythology yoga classes to her Inky Phoenix book club. We talk about the wisdom and guts that come with age and the vitality and inspiration that comes from following your passion and creativity.
Go to the shownotes page for links to Haus of Phoenix as well as my previous interview with Kathryn and her book, Aim True: Love Your Body, Eat Without Fear, Nourish Your Spirit, Discover True Balance!
https://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode270
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Jun 9, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: Best Tips for Teaching on Zoom
Most yoga teachers have been teaching yoga on Zoom for a few years -- but the experience can still be awkward, under-utilized, and daunting. In this episode of Yoga Teacher's Companion, Jason provides you with the most important tips and tricks to get the most out of you and your students from this medium.
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Jun 9, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: Essential Cues for Practicing and Teaching Twists
The most common yoga cue for twists, "twist from the bottom-up" needs to be replaced. Why? Because the lower-back doesn't actually twist! Here are 6 better cues that will help you and your students find depth and integrity in all twists.
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Jun 2, 2022
12-Minute Finding Spaciousness Meditation
This meditation is one of my favorites: In just a few minutes, you can cultivate a sense of internal spaciousness and ease.
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May 30, 2022
10-Minute Return to Center Meditation
This 10-minute meditation offers a physical focal point to help you come back to center.
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May 26, 2022
13-Minutes of Lovingkindness
Continuing on with our theme of self-compassion and compassion this week, join me for a 13-minute Lovingkindness Meditation.
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May 25, 2022
8-Minute Self-Compassion Meditation
Practice turning toward yourself with gentleness and self-compassion in this 8-minute meditation.
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May 24, 2022
Yogaland Rewind: The Science of Self-Compassion
This week's meditations are going to focus on self-compassion. With that in mind, I decided to re-run a previous episode where I explain the research and benefits on self-compassion. Much of the research -- led by Dr. Kristin Neff — has shown that self-compassion is a more effective way to increase optimism, happiness, curiosity, and connectedness. This episode talks you through the research and offers three very practical ways to incorporate self-compassion in your yoga practice and life.
Shownotes can be found at: www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode265
Always a good idea to subscribe to our newsletter for new content as well as info on our upcoming trainings and workshops! www.jasonyoga.com/newsletter
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May 19, 2022
10-Minute Meditation: Simple, Quiet Contentment in Nature
Cultivate contentment and happiness by connecting internally to one of your favorite spots in nature. Take in the sights, smells, and feeling tone of nature to help invite a sense of simple, quiet joy.
If you haven't already, join our newsletter and I'll let you know when new ones are up! https://www.jasonyoga.com/newsletter
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May 18, 2022
7-Minute Morning Meditation: Grounded and at Ease
Set the tone for your day feeling grounded, light, and at ease with this guided meditation. (PS: I'll be sharing mini-meditations all through the month of May. They're intentionally short and sweet SO THAT YOU DO THEM! I hope you will join me and send me about what you think.)
I'll be publishing the meditations twice/week. If you haven't already, join our newsletter and I'll let you know when new ones are up: www.jasonyoga.com/newsletter
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May 11, 2022
Should you wait between a 200-hour and 300-hour training?
Jason and Andrea explore all sides to the question of whether or not you should wait -- and get a few years of teaching under your belt -- between completing a 200-hour training and starting a 300-hour.
>>> Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Andrea will be offering a month of meditations all through the month of May. You can also join our newsletter list for reminders here: jasonyoga.com/newsletter <<<
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Apr 28, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: The Best Preparations for Bakasana
Practicing and teaching Bakasana (crow pose / crane pose) is much more accessible with effective techniques. This episode provides you with the four best preparatory postures for Bakasana. It also gives you insight into how to sequence for Bakasana and essential tips for teaching Bakasana.
Watch the video companion: https://youtu.be/wRUsnTugZG8
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Apr 22, 2022
Yogaland Rewind: The Sutras, Part III
Today, we return to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra and Jason shares three models for applying the eight-limb path to life — The Step-by-Step Model, The Integrated Model, and The Single Limb Model.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode234
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Apr 21, 2022
Yogaland Rewind: The Sutras, Part II
Last week Jason shared the foundational concepts of purusha and prakriti. Go back and listen if you haven’t yet! This week, we continue to talk through foundational concepts that Patanjali presents in The Yoga Sutra — citta, vrittis, and the gunas. Jason defines terms and paints a picture of how they all fit together. And we also talk about how much we personally believe that Patanjali applies to our own lives.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episdoe230
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Apr 20, 2022
Yogaland Rewind: The Sutras, Part I
Today is the first in a series of episodes where Jason shares the underpinnings of Patanjali. Most yoga students have heard their teachers reference Patanjali and the text that he is known for, The Yoga Sutra. But rarely do teachers have time to unpack this seminal text. For this episode, Jason shares the foundational concepts of purusha and prakriti and the samkya philosophy that informs Patanjali’s worldview.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode229
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Apr 5, 2022
The Intersection of Brain-Body Psychology & Yoga with Mona Delahooke
I want to offer some context for today's episode. My guest is the phenomenal pediatric psychologist and author of the new book, Brain-Body Parenting: How to Stop Managing Behavior and Start Raising Joyful, Resilient Kids, Mona Delahooke.
Mona is not a yoga teacher; in fact, her life's work focuses on looking beyond children's behaviors to understand the root cause -- which, in most cases, begins by looking at the nervous system.
So, although her work focuses on children and how we parent and teach our children, there is so much beneath the surface that applies to all adults. None of us were parented the way that Mona and her colleagues suggest -- because the neuroscience simply wasn't there when we were kids. Our parents didn't have Polyvagal theory in their back pockets (we talk about this in the episode), they didn't know that the most effective way to manage our behavior was to co-regulate with us, to make sure our "platform" was sturdy, and to practice self-compassion.
Now that…
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Mar 31, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: The Key to Bakasana and Other Arm Balances
This episode of Yoga Teacher's Companion breaks down the single most important key to practicing and teaching Bakasana and other arm balances.
Watch the companion video: https://jasonyoga.com/podcast/ytc-ep14/
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Mar 28, 2022
Yoga Includes Me with Sarah Henderson
On today's episode, I speak to Sarah Henderson, a yoga teacher who specializes in teaching adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sarah's parents were role models of advocacy after her younger sister, Hannah, was born with Down Syndrome. And Sarah has followed in their footsteps -- before she became a yoga teacher, she worked at an inclusive preschool, in respite care, and as a developmental evaluator. Add to that the many different types of yoga training Sarah has under her belt -- including training with Jivana Heyman of Accessible Yoga, with Matthew Sanford, and with Jason -- and Sarah has a an incredible toolkit to draw from as she works with her students.
On this episode, Sarah shares many useful insights such as:
* How one of her teachers encouraged her forge her own path and teach this population of adults
* How she sequences her classes based on the training she's done with Jason
* The tools she uses to people who learn and process things differently…
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Mar 21, 2022
Cultivating a Mindful Media Practice with Melissa McLaughlin
To quote this week's guest, yoga teacher and social scientist Melissa McLaughlin, "How we engage with our phones is changing our minds." In other words, we are on our phones being constantly bombarded by information. How do we navigate this reality and maintain our sanity? How do we cope with the rush of adrenaline that comes when we see a strongly-worded opinion that we disagree with? Perhaps most importantly, how do we continue to stay engaged as citizens of the world and not allow our devices to lead us into cynicism/shutting down/complete burnout?
The answer is simple although not easy -- it starts with mindfulness practice.
Melissa shares many insights with us including:
* How to be a more conscious consumer of social media—especially observing the feelings that arise before you reshare
* What to do when you feel overwhelmed by something happening in the world or something that you see in the media
* Tips for having tough conversations about media with friends…
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Mar 15, 2022
This is Your Brain on Yoga with Dr. Daya Grant
If you’ve ever wondered what’s really happening in your body and brain during asana and meditation, today’s conversation is going to fascinate you. Our guest is Dr. Daya Grant -- a neuroscientist, sports psychologist, and mental performance consultant -- who explains the growing research on mindfulness and meditation and how these practices are beneficial to the brain.
We cover a lot of ground in this interview including:
* How yoga and meditation affect the brain, both structurally and functionally
* What happens to the brain during breathing practices like alternate-nostril breathing (which Daya says is one of the most widely studied pranayama exercises)
* How she helps athletes use mindfulness, asana, and yoga philosophy to enhance their performance
* What it was like having a meditation practice growing up impacted her, and how she’s carrying on that tradition with her own son
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode258
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Mar 15, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: Teaching Yoga Students to Breathe Skillfully
Beginning yoga students often struggle to breath properly in class. As a yoga teacher, we want to provide our students with skillful, accessible techniques to support their journey. This discussion shows 3 simple, universally beneficial ways to help your students learn to breath when they practice yoga.
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Mar 10, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: Teaching Yoga Students to Breathe Skillfully
Beginning yoga students often struggle to breath properly in class. As a yoga teacher, we want to provide our students with skillful, accessible techniques to support their journey. This discussion shows 3 simple, universally beneficial ways to help your students learn to breath when they practice yoga.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 28, 2022
A Story of Hope in Los Angeles with Katharine DeShaw
When today’s guest, Katharine DeShaw, found out her beloved yoga studio, Center for Yoga in Los Angeles, was closing she took matters into her own hands.
Katharine, who is a consultant in philanthropy and nonprofit management, went to work making phone calls to raise community support and funds to allow Center for Yoga to open its doors again.
It's an inspiring story of how the yoga community came together to keep this iconic space -- which had been in business since the 1960s -- open and thriving despite continuing challenges of re-opening during a global pandemic.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode257
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Feb 22, 2022
Cultivating Resilience with Yoga
Today, Jason and I are talking about resilience--a concept that has become even more important as life continues to shift and change during the pandemic.
We touch on:
*What resilience is and why yoga is a particularly helpful practice to help cultivate it.
*Why having a routine AND allowing some flexibility within that routine is a good strategy for building resilience
*Two different types of resilience - adaptation and responsiveness - and why they're both helpful in different situations
*What yoga philosophy adds to the discussion in regard to your sense of self
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode256
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Feb 17, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: Best Modifications and Alternatives to Chaturanga
This episode supports yoga teachers by breaking down the 3 best modification and 3 best alternatives to Chaturanga.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/ytc-ep11
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Feb 14, 2022
Finding Inspiration for Your Yoga Practice
No matter how much you love yoga, eventually you’ll reach a point where you aren’t as inspired as you once were.
Today’s episode is all about finding inspiration for your practice again. It’s relevant for any yoga student, of course, but we also touch on the challenges specific to yoga teachers. We offer some advice for those times when your yoga practice is feeling a little less like an escape and more like, well, work.
We talk about:
* Why it’s important to challenge yourself at least once a week
* Different mediums for finding inspiration
* Why the advice to practice exactly what you teach (and only what you teach) is bad advice
* Simple reminders to keep you connected
* How to deal with plateaus
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode255
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Feb 10, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: Teaching Chaturanga Safely
Teaching Chaturanga safely and effectively is simple when you understand how to keep the shoulders stable. This episode discusses how to teach Chaturanga safely, unpacks the principles and actions that underscore safety in Chaturanga, and examines some important exceptions to these rules.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/ytc-ep10
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Feb 8, 2022
Key Tactics for Creating Content Consistently
Like it or not, if you're a yoga teacher today part of your job is marketing your yoga classes to the public. One of the best ways to do that is to consistently create great content.
This week's episode will help get you out of your content rut and into creation mode. We talk about:
✳️ Easy ways to come up with content ideas
✳️ The mediums/formats that we think are most useful right now
✳️ How to create structure to make it easier to publish
✳️ What to do if you feel like you aren't getting any traction
PS: I will be relaunching my online course, Content Blueprint for Yoga Teachers soon with updated lessons. Join the waitlist 👇 and I'll send you an early bird discount code when it goes on sale!
https://www.yogacontentblueprint.com
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Feb 3, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: How to incorporate yoga philosophy into your classes
In this episode of Yogaland's Yoga Teacher Companion, Jason discusses how to effectively incorporate yoga philosophy and wisdom in your classes. You'll learn how to avoid some of the common pitfalls of including philosophy, where to effectively insert it into your sequence, and the value of being simple, clear and genuine in your approach.
We've got so many helpful resources for yoga teachers and students!
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/F7xK8S5a524
▷▷▷ Head over to our blog for tons of free yoga sequences, pose breakdowns, yoga anatomy info, and teaching advice:
www.jasonyoga.com/blog
🎙 Listen to my wife Andrea's yoga podcast, Yogaland for interviews that make you laugh and think:
www.yogalandpodcast.com
✍🏾✍🏼✍🏿 Lastly JOIN OUR MAILING LIST and you'll be the first to know whenever we have new content:
www.jasoncrandell.kartra.com/page/newsletter
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Jan 31, 2022
Making Peace With Money with Chioma Njoku
I've waited years to bring someone on the podcast to talk money because I wanted to find someone who was knowledgeable about finances and also deeply connected to the practice of yoga. I found her in this week's guest, financial coach and accountant, Chioma Njoku.
Here are a few of the things we cover:
* Why Chioma feels many yoga teachers are uncomfortable with money
* The mindset issue that keeps many in the yoga community from making good financial choices
* Her own personal struggles with money (even though she is a professional accountant!) and how her yoga practice helped her be more responsible with her money
* Practical money advice for yoga teachers—such as what to consider when you price yoga classes, finding a bookkeeper and financial coach, and more!
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode253
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jan 27, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: Effective Core Strengtheners (and When to Put Them Into Your Sequences)
Learn my favorite go-to core strengtheners--and, where you can put them in your practice and classes to create sustainable, integrated core-strength.
We've got so many helpful resources for yoga teachers and students!
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/AV2IZAU0ivI
▷▷▷ Head over to our blog for tons of free yoga sequences, pose breakdowns, yoga anatomy info, and teaching advice:
www.jasonyoga.com/blog
🎙 Listen to my wife Andrea's yoga podcast, Yogaland for interviews that make you laugh and think:
www.yogalandpodcast.com
✍🏾✍🏼✍🏿 Lastly JOIN OUR MAILING LIST and you'll be the first to know whenever we have new content:
www.jasoncrandell.kartra.com/page/newsletter
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jan 25, 2022
The Antidote to Imposter Syndrome for Yoga Teachers
Most of us have felt insecure from time to time. Occasionally that insecurity shows up as imposter syndrome, or feeling like a fraud or unworthy of the position you hold.
On this episode we explore the different reasons imposter syndrome might arise for yoga teachers and how to reframe things so that you don't get in your own way. We also reflect on the role that gender can play, and when imposter syndrome might be an important signal that you don't want to ignore.
Show notes: https://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode252
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jan 20, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: 5 Best Practices for Shoulder Mobility
Learn my 5 favorite postures and transitions for creating greater shoulder mobility. You'll also learn where I like to include these postures in my personal practice and sequences.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/Mx5toKzyKkg
▷▷▷ Head over to our blog for tons of free yoga sequences, pose breakdowns, yoga anatomy info, and teaching advice:
www.jasonyoga.com/blog
🎙 Listen to my wife Andrea's yoga podcast, Yogaland for interviews that make you laugh and think:
www.yogalandpodcast.com
✍🏾✍🏼✍🏿 Lastly JOIN OUR MAILING LIST and you'll be the first to know whenever we have new content:
www.jasoncrandell.kartra.com/page/newsletter
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jan 17, 2022
Helping Kids Self-Regulate Through Yoga with James Woods
My guest on this episode of Yogaland is therapist and yoga teacher, James Woods. About 10 years ago, in his work a therapist in the juvenile justice system, foster care system, and mental health system, James felt like he was not able to make an impact the way he'd hoped.
When he discovered yoga, he felt like he found himself and his purpose -- and he decided to bring it to the kids and teachers in his community.
On this episode, we talk about how yoga was the perfect adjunct to James' training as a therapist, the importance of teaching kids self-regulation, and how essential it is to feel a sense of belonging.
James also shares a very wise(and crucial!) approach to take if you'd like to teach yoga in schools.
Show notes; http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode251
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Jan 13, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: 5 Postures to Increase Hip Mobility
Learn my 5 favorite postures and transitions for creating greater hip-mobility. You'll also learn where I like to include these postures in my personal practice and sequences.
Watch the video that goes with this episode: https://youtu.be/cORXqn6t8ZE
We've got so many helpful resources for yoga teachers and students!
▷▷▷ Head over to our blog for tons of free yoga sequences, pose breakdowns, yoga anatomy info, and teaching advice:
www.jasonyoga.com/blog
🎙 Listen to my wife Andrea's yoga podcast, Yogaland for interviews that make you laugh and think:
www.yogalandpodcast.com
✍🏾✍🏼✍🏿 Lastly JOIN OUR MAILING LIST and you'll be the first to know whenever we have new content:
www.jasoncrandell.kartra.com/page/newsletter
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jan 11, 2022
Cultural Appropriation & Healing the World With Kindness with Reema Datta
This week's guest -- Reema Datta -- is an Indian-American teacher, speaker, humanitarian, author and musician who has dedicated her life to offering yoga as a holistic practice leading to healing and lasting peace.
Reema grew up in a family of yogis, having learned first learned yoga philosophy from her grandfather, Ayurvedic cooking from her grandmother, and sacred song and mantra from her mother.
On this episode of Yogaland, Reema shares her history and how she developed her approach to teaching yoga for emotional healing. She also addresses cultural appropriation in yoga and the narratives of shame and victimhood that she finds problematic.
>>> Check out the shownotes page for links to all of Reema's offerings: yogalandpodcast.com/episode250 <<<
-->Join our mailing list here to get all of our latest free content: jasonyoga.com/newsletter
-->If you'd like to learn more about Jason's upcoming 500-hour teacher training, join his behind-the-scenes webinar here: jasonyoga.com/webina…
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Jan 6, 2022
Welcoming beginners (and being a beginner) in the yoga room
It's the new year, which usually means an influx of new students! How can you support them? And how can you navigate being the newbie? Jason offers his ideas for both on this week's episode. ///
Don't forget to join our email list so you don't miss all of the new content coming up this season! We've got a roster of new guests plus Jason's new short videos, Yoga Teacher's companion: https://www.jasonyoga.com/newsletter
Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode249
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Jan 6, 2022
Yoga Teacher's Companion: Building Strength in Your Flexibility
We don't simply want greater flexibility. We want flexibility that we can control--and, we want to be strong in our flexibility. In this discussion, Jason breaks down the terms "passive range of motion," "active range of motion," and "end-range strength." You'll learn how these phenomenon relate to each other and how to incorporate these techniques into your teaching and practice.
See the video at YouTube: https://youtu.be/vj-RY90r_o4
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Dec 28, 2021
Let's End The "Flexibility vs. Mobility" Debate in Modern Yoga
Understanding the relationship between flexibility in mobility--and, gaining clarity on these terms--is essential as a modern yoga teacher. All too often, flexibility and mobility are thought of us separate phenomenon. This discussion will help teachers and practitioners, 1) accurately understand these terms, 2) show the relationship between flexibility and mobility, and 3) explain where I like to focus on these two attributes in my sequences.
If you'd like to watch this episode, you can find it on our web site:
http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/ytc-ep4/
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Dec 20, 2021
Yogaland Teacher's Companion: 5 Creative Yoga Poses to Prep for Backbends
Mobilizing your hip-flexors and quadriceps is the most essential preparation for backbending. Learn Jason’s 5-favorite yoga poses to prep for backbends — and where you can easily include these postures in your sequences. These are creative preparations — his own variations on essential poses like Anajaneyasana and Natarajasana but with a unique spin. Enjoy!
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Dec 16, 2021
Yogaland Teacher's Companion: How should you tilt your pelvis in backbends?
Should you tilt your pelvis toward your thighs or away from your thighs when you backbend in yoga? The answer depends on the body-type of the student.
Learn how tilting your pelvis can change your backbend -- and which option is best for you and your students.
I will put links to our backbend sequences on the shownotes page, here: www.yogalandpodcast.com/ytc-ep2
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Dec 13, 2021
Yogaland Teacher's Companion: 5 Ways to Create More Comfort and Space in Wheel Pose
Learn 5 simple, commonly-overlooked ways to help your students create greater comfort, depth, and space in their Wheel Pose.
Hint: you DON'T need to make your students keep their feet hip-width apart. And, yes, you can even let your students turn their feet out slightly.
Learn about these options and more.
For video visit: https://youtu.be/MqIZvwOSVRY
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Dec 10, 2021
"If I don't slow down, I don't do something new..."
When life gets busy and demanding, it's easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you've got to work harder to "get it all done."
But what if you simply made the decision not to get it all done? Can you let go of something on your to-do list and give yourself some time to slow down right now?
This episode is all about why it's important to slow down as yoga teachers, students, and content creators. It's your permission to let go (even if just a little) and return to your sources of inspiration.
Quick announcement! Jason is hosting a free live webinar next Wednesday, 12/15/22 all about balancing flexibility & mobility. Go save yourself a seat at jasonyoga.com/webinar
Shownotes: You can find them at www.yogalandpodcast.com/episode248
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Dec 4, 2021
How to Keep Your Yoga Practice Consistent When Life Gets Busy
When the holiday mania hits, it's all too easy for your yoga practice to fall by the wayside. This week Jason and I challenge you to do the opposite -- prioritize your practice so that you've got the energy and attention you need to truly enjoy this season! If it were easy, we wouldn't have to have this conversation, so we offer our time-tested strategies for keeping your yoga practice a continuous thread that supports and nourishes you.
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Nov 23, 2021
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year? How to Use Mindfulness to Navigate the Holiday Season
Tis the season!
It's the official start of the holiday season in the United States this week. And while there is much to love about the holidays, there’s no denying that this time of year can also be really difficult for many people.
In this episode, we’re talking about how yoga and mindfulness can help you handle the toughest holiday situations--from challenging family dynamics and loneliness to unmet expectations.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode246
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Nov 17, 2021
How to Prevent Yoga Injuries
In this episode, which we first published earlier this year, Jason and I tackle yoga injuries. There may not be a way to completely prevent all injuries, but we’re sharing some best practices that teachers and students can practice to minimize the risk.
We cover a lot of ground, but here are a few top-level points:
* Why there’s no one “right” way to approach any pose in order to prevent injury.
* The four key things you should consider in regards to injury prevention
* The types of hands-on adjustments that Jason advocates against
* How to find equilibrium and balance in yoga poses
Show notes: http://www.yogaland.com/episode245
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Nov 8, 2021
How to Help Students with Back Pain
According to the CDC, lower back pain causes more global disability than any other condition. In one study, 25% of U.S. adults reported back pain in the previous 3 months. Given these harrowing stats, yoga teachers are bound to have students with back pain come to class seeking relief. On this episode, Jason succinctly shares the two most important principles for yoga teachers to know when trying to help students both stave off back pain and work with it while practicing.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode244
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Nov 2, 2021
Yoga for Breast Cancer with Marcia Mercier
Today, my guest is Marcia Mercier, a fellow breast cancer survivor and yoga teacher in the U.K. More than two decades ago, Marcia found that the methodical approach of an Iyengar Yoga class was incredibly grounding in the aftermath of breast cancer treatment. Studies corroborate Marcia's experience: Yoga offers a broad array of benefits for breast cancer survivors, from reducing cancer-related fatigue to building bone density, from easing insomnia to improving overall emotional well-being.
Marcia shares her story as well as how she developed a a unique system for reaching women in need of yoga for breast cancer during the pandemic.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode243
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Oct 28, 2021
Why we (still) practice yoga, Part II
This week, we continue our conversation about the big picture WHY -- that is, why we practice yoga. We muse over the magic of consistency, the power of agency, and how we all need community even if the way that we show up looks different from each other. -->> Go check out our freshly redesigned website complete with podcast collections for easier binging! www.jasonyoga.com Also, to join the waitlist for Jason's Preventing Injuries course, click here.
Shownotes: www.jasonyoga.com/yogaland-podcast/episode242
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Oct 21, 2021
Why we (still) practice yoga...
It’s hard to believe that Jason and I have been practicing yoga for about 25 years—that’s a quarter of a century! You’d think that in that amount of time we would have gotten what we need from our practice—and you’d be right.
But yoga isn’t the type of practice where you learn what you need and move on. It continues to meet your needs as your circumstances shift and change. That’s what we’re talking about on today’s episode: All the reasons we keep showing up for our yoga practice after all these years.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode241
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Oct 14, 2021
Will breaking with convention break your back?
“There’s more than one right.” This is something that Jason says often during his trainings. It applies to many different types of yoga postures (and many life circumstances, too!).
For today’s episode, we’re talking about how it applies to backbending. Do you really have to keep your feet hip distance apart and parallel to each other? And what’s the risk of playing with different types of alignment?
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode240
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Oct 5, 2021
Nobody likes how they look on Zoom
Jason has recorded hundreds (if not thousands!) of hours of asana and lecture videos in the last few years. And yet, it might surprise you to learn that he’s still a little self conscious about how he looks on video.
Everyone has insecurities—even yoga teachers who have been getting in front of students for decades. So, on today's episode we're talking about some of our insecurities. We hope the conversation helps you feel less alone if you've ever felt this way and inspires you to keep showing up for your students anyway.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode239
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Sep 20, 2021
4 Templates for Making Your Sequences More Consistent
On last week's episode Jason shared why consistency is key when it comes to class planning and sequencing. This week he shares how to actual implement a consistent class curriculum with four different approaches or templates to crafting great yoga classes that keep your students coming back.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode238
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Sep 14, 2021
4 Yoga Sequencing Challenges (And How to Fix Them)
When it comes to sequencing, there are a few things that trip yoga teachers up time and time again. Jason’s back on the podcast today to talk about several of the mistakes he’s made himself through the years and how he’s shifted his approach to sequencing to overcome these challenges.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode237
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Sep 7, 2021
Why sequencing is a modern yoga teacher's most important skill
Ninety minutes is a really long time to stand in front of a group and talk, no matter how much you know about the topic! That's why having a clear plan is key for yoga teachers. (Because, as Jason points out, if you don't have some sort of plan, you'll either go off on random tangents or run out of things to say.)
Today, Jason shares how he plans his yoga class sequences so his students are engaged and learning something meaningful every time. Plus, he addresses one of the most common objections yoga teachers give for not planning (creativity) and why he believes having a structure actually gives teachers more room to be creative, not less.
Show notes:.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode236
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Aug 30, 2021
Your students are not your brand ambassadors
What do you hope to teach your students when you teach yoga? Is it to make shapes with their bodies? How about your teacher trainees -- is it to memorize and repeat your sequences and study only with you? This week, Jason shares the foundational values that inform his educational style, namely helping students become clear, critical, and independent thinkers that value context and understand different perspectives.
Teaching this way means that you welcome questions, you allow a diversity of opinions, you encourage students to -- gasp! -- have more than one teacher or modality, and yet you still hold a container for so that your teaching is clear and accessible.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode235
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May 24, 2021
The Sutras, Part III - Three Approaches to the Eight Limbs of Yoga
Today, we return to Patanjali's Yoga Sutra and Jason shares three models for applying the eight-limb path to life -- The Step-by-Step Model, The Integrated Model, and The Single Limb Model. Plus, stay tuned until the end of the episode to hear 5th anniversary messages from listeners!
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode234
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May 11, 2021
5 years of Yogaland (and counting!)
Can you believe we've been podcasting about yoga for 5 years!? For this special anniversary episode of Yogaland, Jason and I reflect on lessons we’ve learned through the years and the things that have surprised us most about our podcasting. Thanks for being a part of the journey.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode233
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May 4, 2021
The Neurobiology of Trauma + Yoga with Sarah Kadel
I'm so happy to have Sarah Kadel on the podcast today. Sarah is an Austin-based yoga teacher who is serving as a mentor teacher in Jason’s online advanced teacher training this year. I wanted to share her story with you because I think the world needs to hear her message about how yoga can be so helpful for those who have suffered with trauma in their lives.
Sarah shares:
* How yoga helped her understand and move past addiction
* What the newest body of research says about the neurobiology of trauma
* Helpful tips for yoga teachers who hope to make their classes trauma-informed or more friendly for students with all types of trauma
* What to look for (and what to avoid) when you are looking for a trauma-informed yoga teacher
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode232
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Apr 28, 2021
Yoga, Chai and a Dog
Today Jason and I are talking with Archna Mohan and Deepak Mohan, the hosts of the wonderful yoga podcast, Yoga, Chai, and a Dog, We touch on some of the things we have in common: podcasting, yoga, and what it's like to work with your spouse.
We also ask a lot of questions about some areas where we differ. They share how yoga isn't something they "learned" growing up in India--it was just a part of their culture and a way of life. Deepak explains why he considers himself a non-yogi. And Archna talks about her background in the health and fitness industry and opens up about what it's like being a South Asian yoga teacher in the U.K.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode231
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Apr 20, 2021
The Sutras, Part 2: Defining citta, vrittis, and the gunas
Last week Jason shared the foundational concepts of purusha and prakriti. Go back and listen if you haven't yet! This week, we continue to talk through foundational concepts that Patanjali presents in The Yoga Sutra -- citta, vrittis, and the gunas. Jason defines terms and paints a picture of how they all fit together. And we also talk about how much we personally believe that Patanjali applies to our own lives.
Shownotes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode230
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Apr 12, 2021
The Sutras, Part I: Unpacking Purusha and Prakriti
Today is the first in a series of episodes where Jason shares the underpinnings of Patanjali. Most yoga students have heard their teachers reference Patanjali and the text that he is known for, The Yoga Sutra. But rarely do teachers have time to unpack this seminal text. For this episode, Jason shares the foundational concepts of purusha and prakriti and the samkya philosophy that informs Patanjali's worldview.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode229
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Mar 30, 2021
Jason shares his six cores of yoga
Today, Jason shares his approach to the six cores in yoga -- the philosophical core, the traditional hatha yoga core, the respiratory core, the skeletal core, and the two muscular cores.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode228
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Mar 22, 2021
The Art of Deep Rest with Tracee Stanley
I think of today’s guest, Tracee Stanley, as the queen of Yoga Nidra.
n this episode, Tracee shares about this the practice of deep rest and why it is so healing. She also offers some suggestions for how to experience those benefits more fully--like taking your practice outdoors and getting in touch with nature. We talk about everything from how to drop into Yoga Nidra if you’re prone to anxiety to what it was like to teach to Oprah and Gayle.
Shoe notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode227
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Mar 16, 2021
Body Positivity as a Practice with Amber Karnes
Amber Karnes -- the founder of Body Positive Yoga and the co-creator of the Accessible Yoga Training -- is my guest this week! Amber shares her story of how yoga has helped her change her relationship to her body, from one that was punitive to one that's more accepting and present. Amber offers so much insight and guidance in this conversation including:
- How body positivity is not a linear path with an endpoint -- it's closer to recovering from addiction in that you are always in recovery
- Resources for a "weight neutral" approach to health
- The fatphobia that we may be complicit in when we bash our own bodies
- Why behaviors are more important than body size
- The vital question to ask ourselves every time we consume media
- The importance of doing body positive work while you are in community
I'm so grateful to Amber for sharing the years of research and work she's done in this space.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode226
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Mar 9, 2021
The Upsides of Online Teaching with Erin Jorich
Today’s guest is Erin Jorich, a yoga teacher from Minnesota who is also serving as a mentor teacher in Jason’s 300-hour teacher training this year. I really enjoyed learning more about her path from an MTV-taught dancer in her college years to becoming the talented yoga teacher she is today.
I also found her perspective on the positive aspects of teaching yoga online refreshing. We agree that there’s something authentic and real about practicing with people who are in the comfort of their own homes--whether their cameras are on or off!
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/episode225
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Mar 2, 2021
Grief, Mr. Rogers, & Holding Space with Adam Hocke
This week, my guest is U.K. based teacher, Adam Hocke. Adam -- like Jack Workman in episode 221 -- is serving as a mentor in Jason's current online teacher training program. Adam is such a talented teacher in his own right -- balancing thoughtful and precise vinyasa yoga with his unique brand of warmth and humor. Adam and I spoke about many things but the common thread was one of my very favorite topics: emotions. He shared how yoga helped him through devastating grief, how he endeavors to incorporate self-compassion into vinyasa classes, and how he surrendered his role as a theatrical showman to become a yoga teacher who holds space for his students to feel their feelings and experience their own yoga.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode224
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Feb 22, 2021
Tara Stiles on intuitive, unconventional yoga practice and teaching
This week, I’m talking to Tara Stiles, co-founder (with her husband Michael Taylor) of Strala Yoga in NYC. We cover a lot in this interview -- from how she started sharing yoga on YouTube 12(!) years ago to Strala's humble beginnings in Michael's apartment, to how it has grown and evolved into a practice that integrates Tai Chi, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Qigong. Equal parts artist and entrepreneur, Tara has carved her own path and followed her intuition to create a successful career and a vibrant community.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode223
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Feb 16, 2021
Repurposing Yoga Content - All Teachers Need This Shortcut
This week, Jason and I are talking about something I think every modern yoga teacher needs to embrace: The art of repurposing content!
It can feel like a grind to create new content for every yoga class, every social media post, and every email. Luckily, you don't have to!
I'll let you in on a little secret--no one will mind if you use the same concept or theme in several different ways across different platforms. Most won't even notice. By repurposing your yoga content, you’ll save precious time and energy, show up for your students, and give yourself space to keep creating, too.
If you’ve ever felt burnt out or overwhelmed by all the different types of content you have to create as a yoga teacher, don’t miss this episode.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode222
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Feb 8, 2021
Transformation & Technology with Jack Workman
Happy New Year! I’m so excited to be back after a long holiday break!
Today’s guest is Jack Workman. Jack took Jason’s advanced teacher training when he was just 15 years old, and now he’s a full-time teacher living in San Francisco. He talks about how he came to be interested in the practice at such a young age, why he decided to teach, and how this has shaped his life. We also talk about how Jack has adapted his teaching during the Covid 19. He jumped right in, embracing technology and starting his own YouTube channel.
You won’t want to miss this special, timely interview.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode221
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Dec 22, 2020
Bonus Episode: Teaching Yoga + Mom Life = Possible!
Today, I have an inspiring story to share with you that I think many of you will relate to.
Erin Landsee is a yoga teacher and mom of three who had finally found a work-life balance that worked for her family--teaching yoga at a local college. Like so many, she found herself starting over when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. With little kids at home 24/7, it wasn't all smooth sailing. But with a little extra creativity and perseverance, Erin pivoted and made things work for her family. It sounds like it's better than ever!
Listen in to find out how she shifted her business to make it work with her busy work-from-home life.
I'd also love to hear from you! Do you have a story about how this pandemic has shaped your teaching? Email me at andrea@jasonyoga.com.
Show notes: http://jasonyoga.com/podcast/episodebonus2
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dec 17, 2020
On Leadership in Yoga
Today, Jason and I dive into the topic of leadership in the yoga community. People love their yoga teachers--so much! And while there’s a lot of good that comes from that, it can also set up an unbalanced power dynamic. We talk about the student-teacher power differential and some of the circumstances that put yoga teachers at risk of (knowingly or unknowingly) abusing their power.
Then, we get into our thoughts about how to know when to trust a yoga teacher, some of the problems with blindly following a yoga lineage, and subtle (but powerful) ways yoga teachers can step down off the pedestal.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/episode220
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dec 10, 2020
Tapping into our resilience
As the world edges ever close to the one year mark of being in the midst of a pandemic, many of us are feeling weary. This week, Jason and I talk about resilience -- how it's been tested and how we tap into it using the tools from our yoga practice both on and off the mat. Hope it helps you tap into your own resilience during these challenging times.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode219
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dec 10, 2020
Bonus Episode: How Farm Yoga Was Born
After podcasting for four years, I want to feature YOUR voices--people who study with us. Today, I'm sharing a story from listener Elisabeth Brower, a yoga teacher from Oregon.
I love how creative she has been with her teaching during this challenging time.
I'd also love to hear from you! Do you have a story about how this pandemic has shaped your teaching? Email me at Andrea@jasonyoga.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dec 1, 2020
Getting Serious about Joy with Bradshaw Wish
We can all use a little more joy and creativity in our lives right now -- especially after months of teaching and taking online yoga classes. Chicago-based yoga teacher Bradshaw Wish is just the breath of fresh air we all need. It matters not that much of the world is going back into lockdown -- Bradshaw's annual Mariah Carey Christmas Flow must go on! We talk about this upcoming not-to-be missed event, how it came to be, and how creating space for joy and creativity is a deeply important part of Bradshaw's intention as a yoga teacher.
Show notes: http://jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode218
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nov 24, 2020
Our 2020 Gratitude Lists
We're getting into the spirit of Thanksgiving in Yogaland! This week, Jason and I are sharing the things we’re thankful for right now (yes, even in 2020!). We feel especially grateful for all of YOU!
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode217
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nov 19, 2020
Unity in Yoga & Embracing Yoga's Roots
Today's guest, Susanna Barkataki, is the author of a new book on yoga's history and culture called Embrace Yoga's Roots: Courageous Ways to Deepen Your Yoga Practice. This book is a call for all who study yoga to take a deeper look at how we interact with Indian culture, how we use our privilege, and how we can advocate for more equity within the practice we love.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode216
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nov 4, 2020
Andrea Jain on her new book, "Peace Love Yoga"
Religious Studies professor Andrea Jain is back on the podcast -- this time to talk to Jason about her new book, "Peace Love Yoga: The Politics of Global Spiritualization." Jain's book explores the connection between global spirituality and neoliberalism. While Jain acknowledges that yoga is healthy practice, she's concerned by the ways in which modern yoga (she uses the U.S., Canada, and India as examples) has been commodified and packaged to encourage complacency (think: "good vibes only" culture) and often overshadows the action that's required to create a more equitable world. It’s an eye-opening interview hosted by Jason. (PS: To hear the previous interview with Andrea Jain focusing on her book "Selling Yoga," listen to episode 200)
Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode215
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Oct 29, 2020
Troubleshooting Knee Pain in 3 Families of Poses
This episode scratches the surface of how to approach knee pain in yoga poses. Jason talks us through how he approaches knee pain in Pigeon Pose, Bridge Pose, and Virasana (or Vajrasana, which is sitting on your shins).
Shownotes include a link to our blog: 3 Backbend Cues for Tweaky Knees & Hips. Visit yogalandpodcast.com/episode214 to check it out!
You can also train with Jason next week in his newest online program: Better Way to Flow: Preventing + Managing Common Yoga Injuries: www.jasonyoga.com/injuries
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 20, 2020
Abby With the Rods
On today's episode, Jason talks with Portland yoga teacher Abby Kraai about her experience of teaching and practicing yoga with scoliosis. This episode is packed with practical info about how to help students with scoliosis approach different yoga poses, which postures that people with varying degrees of scoliosis might want to avoid, and where to go to learn more.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode213
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 12, 2020
How to Stay in Your Lane as a Yoga Teacher
What do you do when a student comes to you hoping you can help them with an injury? Just what is appropriate or inappropriate? How can you help students heal while not overstepping into the realm of medical clinician? Find out on today's episode!
Show notes: http://jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode212
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 5, 2020
Yoga Teachers: Should You Ask Students to Disclose Injuries?
It was once common practice for yoga teachers to start every class with a simple question: "Is anyone working with any injuries or medical conditions?" On this episode, Jason talks about the reasons that this question does -- and does not -- hold up. The goal isn't to tell teachers what to do, but to share the pros and cons so that you can make the decision for yourself.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode211
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 1, 2020
4 Ways to Prevent Yoga Injuries
In this episode, Jason and I tackle yoga injuries, There may not be a way to completely prevent all injuries, but we're sharing some best practices that teachers and students can practice to minimize the risk.
We cover a lot of ground, but here are a few top-level points:
* Why there’s no one “right” way to approach any pose in order to prevent injury.
* The four key things you should consider in regards to injury prevention
* The types of hands-on adjustments that Jason advocates against
* How to find equilibrium and balance in yoga poses
Show notes: http://jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode210
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 17, 2020
Sequencing for Twists and Backbends with Jason Crandell
As yoga practitioners we all know that the body is amazingly complex -- and there is so much to learn when it comes to getting the body into those shapes we call yoga poses. But even though yoga postures are complicated, yoga sequencing doesn't have to be. On this episode, Jason explains his simple yet thorough approach to sequencing for twists and backbends.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode209
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 9, 2020
Q&A - Jason Answers Your Questions about Rotation of the Hip and Shoulder Joints + More
It’s been a while since we devoted an episode to answering listener questions, so that’s exactly what we’re doing this week.
In this episode, Jason tackles a few of the questions that have been submitted recently such as:
*Internal or external hip rotation in forward folds? (A simple question with a not-so-simple answer)
*Does that upper arm bone externally rotate in Chaturanga?
*Is passively stretching a muscle or group of muscles (like the psoas and other hip flexors) that is both tight and weak a good idea? Or is there a better way to approach?
*Any tips on floating from Uttanasana to sit and jumping through?
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode208
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 1, 2020
Anti-racism and Allyship in Yogaland with Jennifer Hutton
I’ve received a lot of questions from white yogis recently about how we can be better allies to our BIPOC friends and studio owners in the community. My guest today, Dr. Jennifer Hutton, offers insightful guidance for this type of self-inquiry.
Jennifer is a pediatric physical therapist from Nashville with a passion for nurturing children with developmental delays. She’s also become a leader in talking about anti-racism, and what it means to be an ally. She recently gave a webinar on the topic to 600 viewers and raised more than $10,000 for the National Association of Black Physical Therapists.
On today’s episode, Jennifer shares her framework, which includes awakening, education, self-examination, and action. I’ve learned a ton from her and I hope you do, too!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Aug 24, 2020
"Put on Your CEO Pants" with Andrea and Jason
Helping yoga teachers make a decent living is something Jason and I are both passionate about. So in this episode, Jason and I have a candid conversation about what it takes to have a successful yoga business--particularly, how to get noticed by potential students online.
The big takeaways: Yes, it takes time and energy to grow a following online, but it is very doable, too. And there’s more good news! You don’t need as many “followers” as you might think in order to do what you love and grow a thriving business as a yoga teacher.
Here’s a few other points we make in the episode:
* Why Andrea says it’s time to shush any voices of self-doubt and put your “CEO pants” on so you can start making the online content your students want and need
* One of the biggest misconceptions about yoga influencer teachers on social media -- their income might not be coming from teaching yoga classes
* Advice on how to make authentic, genuine connections online with potential st…
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Aug 18, 2020
"The Pelvis is Everything" with Judith Hanson Lasater
If you've practiced yoga for awhile, it's likely that you've heard a sweeping generalization about alignment in a pose. Often these generalizations get passed around until they become cemented as absolute truths -- when in fact, they're really just true under certain conditions at certain times. Or they're simply myths.
My guest today is Judith Hanson Lasater, who addresses all of this in her newest book, "Yoga Myths: What You Need to Learn and Unlearn for a Safe and Healthy Yoga Practice."
Here are a few highlights from our conversation:
* We talk about how she is handling shelter-in-place and how it's affected her teaching
* Her thoughts on “right and wrong” in yoga and how she frames that conversation instead
* 3 common cues you might hear in yoga class that she says are based on myths about the body
* When it’s appropriate to question something that you’ve learned from your yoga teacher
* Why she says the pelvis is everything!
Show notes: yogalandpodcast.com/episo…
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Aug 10, 2020
Episode 205: Let's Talk Yoga with Arundhati Baitmangalkar
My guest this week wears so many hats! She's a yoga and Bollywood dance teacher, studio owner (Aham Yoga in Redmond, WA), and a brand new yoga podcaster! (Her pod is called Let's Talk Yoga.)
Arundhati hails from Southern India and moved to the states with her husband seven years ago. In her own words, "I've built a successful business as an immigrant, WOC yoga teacher with no business background, no Handstands -- just pure instinct and the free information I found on google. There are very few Indian, immigrant yoga teachers out there. And even fewer South Asian owned yoga studios."
I loved connecting with her and hearing her story. I'm also grateful to her for sharing openly from her perspective as a South Asian woman -- how does she feel about the word Namaste at the end of class? What are the things that feel different in yoga spaces in the West? And what are some ways that she's been made to feel invisible in yoga rooms in the past? Thank you, Aru, for leading wit…
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Aug 3, 2020
How YOU doin? An update on teaching and practicing during the pandemic
We’ve been giving a lot of tips for bringing your teaching online during the pandemic lately. This week, we talk through the challenges both teachers and students are going through. Then, we offer some thoughts and creative ideas (many of them from our students) on how to cope with those challenges. The challenges -- overcoming Zoom fatigue, the broken teacher-student “feedback loop,” the absence of manual adjustments, and the additional challenge of finding + retaining students. The solutions? Ideas for engaging yoga students and bringing back the sense of community we’re all craving right now, focusing on growth, innovation, and taking this time to plan classes. *Plus, we share our best advice for yoga students as they are navigating this new normal
Show notes: http://jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode204
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Jul 27, 2020
Your students need you. How yoga teachers can show up.
This week, Jason and I chat about a topic that's near and dear to my heart: Creating online content to help grow your teaching business. We don't yet know how COVID is going to impact the future of yoga teaching. But there's one thing I know for sure: Creating online content is incredibly beneficial. It helps you grow, it helps you hone your voice, it attracts students who are interested in your approach. There are so many reasons! On this episode I share my top five, plus some key ideas for how to get started.
If you'd like a print-out of the takeaways from this week's episode, head over to the shownotes page:
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode203
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 21, 2020
"I'm a Black Yoga Teacher in Appalachia" with Kristin Booker
Today’s guest is writer, illustrator, and yoga teacher Kristen Booker. For the past decade, Kristen has built a successful career as a freelance writer in New York -- her work has appeared in Elle, Marie Claire, Refinery 29, Well+Good, and more. A year ago -- just after finishing her yoga teacher training -- Kristen returned to her hometown of Charleston, West Virginia to care for her aging mother.
On this episode, Kristen shares her experience of going home and teaching yoga in a part of the world that has more traditional values than she’s used to. While she’s quick to point out that racism (both overt and implicit) is not a location-specific problem, her experiences have given her insight, which she eloquently shares in today’s episode.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode202
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 14, 2020
Riding the Waves of Life with Jaimal Yogis
It's safe to say that we need all the help we can get right now to stay grounded. You might remember Jaimal from episode 61 where we talked about his memoir, All Our Waves Our Water. This time around we focus on Jaimal's newest book for kids -- Mop Rides the Waves of Life. This book is so sweet and clear and meaningful with beautiful visuals by artist Matthew Allen. It gives kids a relatable way to practice mindfulness of feelings every day. Whether you are a kid or an adult feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just plain grumpy, Mop offers a very relevant reminder to ride the waves as they come. Jaimal and I talk about what inspired him to write his first children's book, how Mop came to life, and we share our experiences of letting go during COVID.
Check out the shownotes page for links to Jaimal's book for your littles and try his meditations with your kids, too!
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode201
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Jul 7, 2020
The Globalization of Yoga with Andrea Jain
On today's episode, I speak to author and religious studies professor Andrea Jain about her book, Selling Yoga: From Counterculture to Pop Culture. Her book is one of the best I've read in terms of tracing the globalization of yoga without oversimplifying it or vilifying modern yoga's evolution.
We cover a lot of ground in this interview. Here are some highlights:
* Is it true that yoga is of Hindu origin and, if so, does that mean that Is the way we practice yoga in the West cultural appropriation?
* How can Western yoga practitioners educate themselves about cultural appropriation and practice in a way that is respectful to the culture where yoga originated?
* Jain makes the case that yoga shouldn’t “belong” to any one group of people.
* We talk about “Godmen” and why the relationship between teacher and student opens the door to abuse of authority in yoga as well as other groups.
* Jain makes the case that yoga as it is practiced today could be consider…
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Jun 30, 2020
Anti-racism and Allyship in Yogaland with Jennifer Hutton
My guest today is Jennifer Hutton, a pediatric physical therapist from Nashville. As a physical therapist, Jennifer is passionate about teaching others to use rock tape (more on that in the episode!). But she’s also become a leader in talking about anti-racism, and what it means to be an ally of the movement. She recently gave a webinar on the topic to 600 viewers and raised more than $10,000 for the National Association of Black Physical Therapists.
Here are the highlights from the episode.
*How watching her cousin, who has Cerebral Palsy, go through his therapies inspired her to become a physical therapist
*Her approach to working with children by helping each individual child accomplish what’s possible for them regardless any any diagnosis they might have
*She talks about times when she has seen racism in her professional life and explains how she has learned to respond
*We talk about the framework for allyship she presented in her webinar, including awakening, educatio…
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Jun 15, 2020
Faith Hunter, "You can't be spiritual and not stand for something."
On this episode, I’m joined by Washington, DC yoga studio owner and world-traveling yoga teacher Faith Hunter. You may remember Faith from episode 37 where she shared her story of coping with the loss of her brother. I wanted to check in with Faith to find out how she's doing, to ask her about her new projects, and to get her take on how the white yoga community can be more actively anti-racist and support the BIPOC community.
A few things we cover:
* Faith talks about her new online platform, Embrace Om and her new talk show, Spiritually Fly Lifestyle
* We talk about the tendency to bypass or ignore the problem of racism within the yoga community
* She shares how yoga studios can take steps toward supporting the BIPOC community
* We talk about the importance of representation, inclusive language, and collaboration
This is the first of many conversations I hope we have within our community.
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
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Jun 9, 2020
The Goats of Anarchy Episode
This week, you get to hear Jason and I interviewed by Bridget Riepl of New Jersey Yoga Collective. It was part of a fundraiser for Goats of Anarchy -- those goats needed a new barn and we were happy to support.
Bridget asked us about a whole host of topics -- from the history and intention behind this podcast, to the advice we have for yoga teachers and students grappling with the hardships of the Covid-19 pandemic to making yoga more inclusive practice.
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
Get your yoga studio in a flow with Acuity Scheduling, the all-in-one scheduling tool for classes and private sessions. How Acuity works is simple: we clear the minds of busy studio owners and managers (just like you!) by handling all of the day-to-day booking and billing drudgery, freeing you up to be fully present in the moment. As a special bonus for our friends at Yogaland, your first 45 days of Acuity are 100% free – no credit card needed! All you have to do is sign up at acuityscheduling.com.…
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May 27, 2020
Yoga in the Time of Covid
There's no doubt that Covid-19 has changed the current landscape of how we practice and teach yoga. On this special episode (recorded live via Zoom with Jason's recent online teacher trainees), Jason and I talk through about the important conversations that will need to happen between studio owners and yoga teachers as things open up. We also talk about how this time of uncertainty calls creates space for creativity. And lastly to my yoga teachers: Please start your own email newsletter. And send it consistently. This is my wish for you. ❤️
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
Get your yoga studio in a flow with Acuity Scheduling, the all-in-one scheduling tool for classes and private sessions. How Acuity works is simple: we clear the minds of busy studio owners and managers (just like you!) by handling all of the day-to-day booking and billing drudgery, freeing you up to be fully present in the moment. As a special bonus for our friends at Yogaland, your first 45 days of Acuity are 10…
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May 11, 2020
Teaching Yoga Online? Here's How to Protect Yourself Legally
If you’re a yoga teacher who teaches online, you might wonder if there are extra steps you should take to protect yourself.
The short answer is, “Yes!” But it isn’t as difficult or confusing as you might think.
This week, I ask Sarah Waldbuesser, an attorney for coaches and online business owners, to explain, in simple terms, the legal documents and liability releases for online businesses we need to protect our business.
We cover:
* Why types of legal documents and disclaimers you need on your website to protect you legally
* Is it OK to crowdsource legal documents?
* What precautions you need to take if you offering yoga classes online for free or accepting donations vs. paid online yoga classes or courses
* Plus, we talk about how to find out whether your liability insurance will cover your online yoga classes or not
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode195
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
Get your yoga studio in a flow with Acuity Scheduling, the all-in-o…
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May 4, 2020
Yoga for Seniors with Carol Krucoff
Although they are largely ignored when mainstream media covers yoga, seniors age 65 and older are the fastest growing segment in the United States. Today's guest, Carol Krucoff, has been teaching seniors (and training yoga teachers) for nearly two decades at Duke Integrative Medicine. She's also co-author of the book, Relax into Yoga for Seniors: A Six-Week Program for Strength, Balance, Flexibility, and Pain Relief. I'm a fan of Carol's well-researched yet warm and down-to-earth approach to teaching this population.
We talk about how she creates a welcoming, safe environment for seniors, common poses that are contraindicated for conditions like osteoarthritis or heart disease, and what it means to take an integrative approach.
PS: Seniors can take FREE classes with Carol right now through Duke University!! The link is on the show notes page. Please pass it on to those who would benefit.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode194
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May 1, 2020
Yoga Sequences When You're Short on Time
Wondering what to practice when you're short on time? We've got you covered! Jason shares simple sequence ideas for days when you only have 10, 20, or 30-minutes.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode193
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Storyworth makes it easy and fun for loved ones to tell their stories. Simply purchase a subscription for someone you love--like your mom for Mother's Day--and each week Storyworth will send them a question about their life. After a year, stories are bound in a beautiful book. For $10 off, visit storyworth.com/yogaland when you subscribe.
Get your yoga studio in a flow with Acuity Scheduling, the all-in-one scheduling tool for classes and private sessions. How Acuity works is simple: we clear the minds of busy studio owners and managers (just like you!) by handling all of the day-to-day booking and billing drudgery, freeing you up to be fully present in the moment. As a special bonus for our friends at Yogaland, your first 45 days of Ac…
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Apr 30, 2020
Our Favorite Poses Right Now
Jason and I share what we are practicing in our own home practice right now.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode192
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
Storyworth makes it easy and fun for loved ones to tell their stories. Simply purchase a subscription for someone you love--like your mom for Mother's Day--and each week Storyworth will send them a question about their life. After a year, stories are bound in a beautiful book. For $10 off, visit storyworth.com/yogaland when you subscribe.
Get your yoga studio in a flow with Acuity Scheduling, the all-in-one scheduling tool for classes and private sessions. How Acuity works is simple: we clear the minds of busy studio owners and managers (just like you!) by handling all of the day-to-day booking and billing drudgery, freeing you up to be fully present in the moment. As a special bonus for our friends at Yogaland, your first 45 days of Acuity are 100% free – no credit card needed! All you have to do is sign up at acuity…
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Apr 28, 2020
How to Make Your Yoga Practice a Habit
Thanks for being here! We are a husband and wife team -- we've spent our lives and careers immersed in the principles of yoga and meditation so that we can live in the most embodied way. Jason travels the world leading teacher trainings. Andrea is host of Yogaland podcast, which has garnered 3.4 million downloads. Our aim is to support you wherever you are on your path through weekly podcasts, online classes, online courses, teacher trainings, and ongoing teacher development.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode191
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
Storyworth makes it easy and fun for loved ones to tell their stories. Simply purchase a subscription for someone you love--like your mom for Mother's Day--and each week Storyworth will send them a question about their life. After a year, stories are bound in a beautiful book. For $10 off, visit storyworth.com/yogaland when you subscribe.
Get your yoga studio in a flow with Acuity Scheduling, the all-in-one scheduling tool for…
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Apr 27, 2020
3 Ways to Create a Yoga Home Practice Sequence
Have you ever gotten on your mat to do a home yoga practice and your mind goes completely blank? Or perhaps you're tired of practicing the only set sequence that you have memorized. Jason shares three simple approaches to help you come up with your very own satisfying, efficient sequences.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode190
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
Storyworth makes it easy and fun for loved ones to tell their stories. Simply purchase a subscription for someone you love–like your mom for Mother’s Day–and each week Storyworth will send them a question about their life. After a year, stories are bound in a beautiful book. For $10 off, visit storyworth.com/yogaland when you subscribe.
Get your yoga studio in a flow with Acuity Scheduling, the all-in-one scheduling tool for classes and private sessions. How Acuity works is simple: we clear the minds of busy studio owners and managers (just like you!) by handling all of the day-to-day booking and billin…
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Apr 25, 2020
5 Myths About Doing Yoga at Home
On this episode, Jason busts 5 commonly held myths we have about home practice. Don't let your beliefs about how things "should" be keep you from doing the practice that you love!
Show notes: jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode189
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
Storyworth makes it easy and fun for loved ones to tell their stories. Simply purchase a subscription for someone you love–like your mom for Mother’s Day–and each week Storyworth will send them a question about their life. After a year, stories are bound in a beautiful book. For $10 off, visit storyworth.com/yogaland when you subscribe.
Get your yoga studio in a flow with Acuity Scheduling, the all-in-one scheduling tool for classes and private sessions. How Acuity works is simple: we clear the minds of busy studio owners and managers (just like you!) by handling all of the day-to-day booking and billing drudgery, freeing you up to be fully present in the moment. As a special bonus for our friends at Yogaland, your f…
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Apr 23, 2020
Creating digital yoga content beyond daily livestreams
On this episode, we talk through five potential options for offering yoga content beyond daily livestream classes.
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
Storyworth makes it easy and fun for loved ones to tell their stories. Simply purchase a subscription for someone you love--like your mom for Mother's Day--and each week Storyworth will send them a question about their life. After a year, stories are bound in a beautiful book. For $10 off, visit storyworth.com/yogaland when you subscribe.
Get your yoga studio in a flow with Acuity Scheduling, the all-in-one scheduling tool for classes and private sessions. How Acuity works is simple: we clear the minds of busy studio owners and managers (just like you!) by handling all of the day-to-day booking and billing drudgery, freeing you up to be fully present in the moment. As a special bonus for our friends at Yogaland, your first 45 days of Acuity are 100% free – no credit card needed! All you have to do is sign up at acuityscheduling.com.
H…
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Apr 22, 2020
Emotions, expectations, and growth mindset
You might be feeling lonely or lost. You might be feeling like other teachers have got this online thing figured out. You might be putting pressure on yourself because, as a yoga teacher (or student), you should have your emotions fully managed so that you can continue to hold space for others who need you. We’re here to give you a reality check.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode187
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
Storyworth makes it easy and fun for loved ones to tell their stories. Simply purchase a subscription for someone you love--like your mom for Mother's Day--and each week Storyworth will send them a question about their life. After a year, stories are bound in a beautiful book. For $10 off, visit storyworth.com/yogaland when you subscribe.
Get your yoga studio in a flow with Acuity Scheduling, the all-in-one scheduling tool for classes and private sessions. How Acuity works is simple: we clear the minds of busy studio owners and managers (just like you!)…
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Apr 21, 2020
Getting paid for teaching yoga online
Should you charge for your online classes? If so, how much? Does providing free classes de-value yoga? We delve these questions about payment and more on this episode.
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Get your yoga studio in a flow with Acuity Scheduling, the all-in-one scheduling tool for classes and private sessions. How Acuity works is simple: we clear the minds of busy studio owners and managers (just like you!) by handling all of the day-to-day booking and billing drudgery, freeing you up to be fully present in the moment. As a special bonus for our friends at Yogaland, your first 45 days of Acuity are 100% free – no credit card needed! All yo…
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Apr 20, 2020
How to Sequence Your Online Yoga Class
Should you practice with your students or try to gauge the room by peering at the little boxes on your screen? Which postures and themes are most important for your students right now? How quickly should you get students moving and how long do you offer Savasana? Find out on this episode!
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Get your yoga studio in a flow with Acuity Scheduling, the all-in-one scheduling tool for classes and private sessions. How Acuity works is simple: we clear the minds of busy studio owners and managers (just like you!) by handling all of the day-to-day booking and billing drudgery, freeing you up to be fully present in the moment. As…
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Apr 19, 2020
How to Be an Exceptional Online Yoga Teacher
Learning to teach yoga online is vital right now. But if you're used to teaching yoga in person, it can feel really daunting! On this episode, we break down what you can do to feel more comfortable and truly connect with your yoga students -- even through a Zoom room.
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Get your virtual yoga studio in a flow with Acuity Scheduling, the all-in-one scheduling tool for virtual classes and private sessions. Acuity automatically connects with your favorite videoconferencing tool and handles all of the day-to-day booking and billing drudgery, freeing you up to be fully present in your online sessions. As a special bonus for our friends at Yogaland, your first 45 days of Acuity are 100% free – no credit card needed! All you have to do is sign up at acuityscheduling.com.
Storyworth makes it easy and fun for loved ones to tell their stories. Simply purchase a subscription for someone you love--like your mom for Mother's Day--and each week Storyworth will send th…
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Mar 20, 2020
Bringing Yoga Trainings Online During COVID-19
As people across the country are home bound amid the COVID-19 outbreak, in-person yoga classes and teacher trainings have come to an abrupt halt. The entire yoga community has been scrambling as we try to figure out how to best serve our students.
For this bonus episode, Jason and I talk to Shannon Roche and Catherine Marquette from Yoga Alliance to get some clarity on their recommendations for finishing trainings up virtually. (Yoga Alliance has made an exception that trainings that are currently in session may be finished virtually. As of this recording, they’ve said that this exception will last until April 13, 2020, but they are considering extending it for longer.)
Since we know that so many teachers will be moving their yoga classes and trainings online during this uncertain time, Jason and I also chime in with our tips for teaching and learning online.
Here are the highlights:
* We talk about what yoga schools need to do to get the formal OK from Yoga Alliance to continue…
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Mar 16, 2020
Yoga Training for First Responders with Olivia Mead
Soon after deciding to teach yoga to first responders, yoga teacher Olivia Mead decided to go through fire and police academy. She wanted to develop authentic yoga classes that would resonate with -- not alienate -- first responders. She also wanted to develop yoga classes that would give first responders tools to use on the job. She wanted her classes to be directly relevant and applicable, not esoteric. Her devotion to understanding her student-base has been a great success. Mead now heads up Yoga for First Responders, a non-profit that provides on-site yoga classes and teacher training programs. In this interview, she shares her approach, how she structures classes, the language she uses and some of the success stories from her students who are on the front-lines of public safety everyday.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode182
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Mar 10, 2020
On Becoming a Yoga Teacher
Yoga teacher trainings have changed a lot over the years. When I did my 200-hour training years ago, I jumped in without knowing what to expect. I loved my training, but it was more of an immersion than a teacher training.In this episode, Jason and two of his long-time teaching assistants, Adam Hocke and Adam Husler, join me to talk about their approach to yoga, and what they will bring to the August 200-hour yoga teacher training with Jason at Triyoga in London.
BONUS: As a special bonus for this episode, Jason has created a 12-minute video that walks you through one of the sequences in his teacher-training manual. Go to jasonyoga.com/200hour to find out more.
Show notes: jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode181
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Mar 3, 2020
3 Backbend Cues for Tweaky Knees or Hips
Jason and I recorded this episode live at LoveStoryYoga in San Francisco at the Module 1 Advanced Studies training. Since the students are currently focusing on the hips and legs, we thought we'd take a look at backbending techniques. Jason unpacks some of the conventional wisdom about the alignment of this category of poses and then offers some unconventional options for those who don't fit the blueprint.
The bottom line is this: Since there are many different body types, there is often more than one "right" way to approach pose alignment.
We talk about:
* Three different approaches to try to troubleshoot knee pain during backbends
* When it might be OK for the feet to not be perfectly parallel in backbends like Urdhva Dhanurasana
* Why Jason no longer subscribes to any hard rules for how to tilt the pelvis in backbends (in other words, whether you should "tuck" the tailbone or not) and what he does instead to find a balanced arc
* Strategies for preparing the arms and shoul…
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Feb 28, 2020
Healing from an eating disorder with Nicole Bell
Most of us struggle with body image on some level. Depending on a lot of factors yoga can be instrumental in helping us learn to love and accept our bodies--or trigger us. Today’s guest, Nicole Bell, has experienced both sides first hand.
Nicole's spiral into Anorexia coincided with her intense love of Bikram yoga. As she tells it, the classes were more like punishment than a refuge for her. Years later she found herself in a yoga studio again, only this time she has a very different mind set. “Even after all the restricting and after bullying myself and my body for so many years, I’m finally starting to listen,” she says. “I don’t need to do the full bind all the time or all of the Chaturangas. I’m not trying to prove myself to anybody. I’m trying to make myself feel good. That’s it.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that we are all struggling in one way or another. As she points out in this episode, finding a practice that raises your awareness of how you spe…
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Feb 17, 2020
How to manage hypermobility in the yoga room with Jules Mitchell
You may have noticed a pendulum swing when it comes to yoga poses that require extreme amounts of flexiblity. Just as we glorified the idea of throwing both legs behind our head in Yoganidrasana, many of us are now worried that we've been doing too far, exploiting our "hypermobility" and potentially causing soft tissue injuries or arthritis down the line. But what exactly is hypermobility? Is it the same thing as being flexible? Can we tell if we or our students have it? Most importantly, what do we do about it?
For this important episode, I've invited biomechanics researcher Jules Mitchell back to help clarify. (You can also hear Jules on episode 160, "The Science of Stretching and Strength.")
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode178
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Feb 11, 2020
A Young Yoga Teacher Tells His Story
This week, I'm joined by Tabay Atkins and his mom Sahel Anvarinejad. Tabay contacted us awhile back to inquire if we’d be OK with a 14-year-old attending one of Jason’s advanced teacher training modules. It turns out that when Tabay was 11, he became one of the youngest certified yoga teachers in the U.S, and he has been teaching donation-based yoga at his mother’s studio in San Clemente, CA ever since.
As a mom myself, I’m always interested in what it takes to help young kids get into yoga and mindfulness, so I thought it would be fun to talk to Tabay about his journey and why he’s decided to deepen his understanding of yoga through advanced trainings. The stories that both he and his mom share warmed my heart, and I know it will warm yours too.
A few things we talk about:
* Why Sahel got her start in yoga and how it made Tabay want to practice even though he was only six years old.
* How Sahel's experience of healing through yoga led Tabay to want to become a teacher.…
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Feb 3, 2020
Making Yoga More Accessible with Jivana Heyman
Today's guest is Jivana Heyman. Jivana is the founder of Accessible Yoga, an organization that focuses on "sharing the benefits of yoga with anyone who currently does not have access to these practices, and with communities that have been excluded or underserved." Jivana seamlessly weaves together his background in social activism with his passion for yoga in his latest book, Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body." He has a unique ability to honor and respect the yoga tradition while making it so beautifully clear and simple. One of my favorite parts of the book is how he describes yoga as, "calm mind, open heart."
We also talk about why he feels that yoga, at its core, is naturally inclusive and accessible to all, what it means to do "advanced yoga," and his vision for a truly accessible yoga classroom.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode176
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Jan 21, 2020
Before You Teach Your Next Yoga Class, Do This..
Last week, Jason shared what to do when you feel like you've taught the worst yoga class of your life. This week, he’s sharing a few tips for getting in the right headspace before you teach so that you’re more likely to show up for class feeling calm, present, and confident.
We cover:
* How to get grounded before you teach a yoga class -- and why this is a big challenge for so many yoga teachers
* Strategies for using the first few minutes of class to get yourself in the right mindset to teach
* Why having a plan and a back-up plan (a go-to sequence that you know you teach well) can be a saving grace as a yoga teacher
* Why it's important to teach what you're practicing at home
Show notes: http://jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode175
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Jan 14, 2020
How to Survive Teaching the Worst Yoga Class Ever
All yoga teachers have their off days. Even those who are as experienced as Jason. This week, Jason’s back on the podcast to share his insights on how to recover from those times when a yoga class you’re teaching just doesn’t work out the way you hoped it would.
He shares:
* Why the class you’re teaching probably isn’t going as badly as you think
* One thing to be mindful of when you are in the midst of teaching a less than stellar class. (This is what Jason says he struggles with most.)
* Two practical things you can do during class to handle anxiety that might come with feeling like you’re teaching a bad class
* The most important thing to do after you’re finished teaching a class you feel wasn’t up to par
* Plus, a pep talk for teachers who think they're students aren't engaged--or worse--pack up and leave in the middle of class.
Show notes: Jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode174
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Jan 6, 2020
The Amazing Benefits of Self Compassion
Happy New Year! It’s so good to be back for another season of Yogaland.
My wish for you in this new year (and new decade!) it’s to develop compassion for yourself. And in this episode Jason and I talk about why compassion plays such a huge role in personal development and why you have to learn to be kind to yourself before you can show up for others in your life.
We talk about:
* The difference between self-care and self compassion
* Why our brains are wired to cling to the negative and ignore the positive
* I share my favorite 3-part definition of self compassion from author Kristin Neff
* How we use these principles to develop a meditation habit that sticks in my online course, Start Your Year with Self Care (starting next week!)
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode173
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Nov 25, 2019
What we learned in 2019
Can you believe this is the last Yogaland episode of 2019? This week, Jason and I reflect on the many ways we’ve changed and grown during the past year, we talk about our favorite episodes, the year’s biggest challenges, and what you can expect from us in 2020.
Here a quick overview of the episode:
*We talk about how Jason’s teaching has shifted in the last year + a few of my biggest moments of the year
*We share what have been our biggest challenges of the past year
*We also let you in on what new and exciting projects you can expect to see from us in 2020
*Plus, we talk about some major events from 2019, like the passing of YogaWorks founder Maty Ezraty, and how they impacted our lives.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode172
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Nov 19, 2019
Is Yoga Enough?
This week, Jason and I are tackling another common question that modern yoga students ask: Is yoga enough to keep you healthy? Or do you need to do other forms of exercise to stay fit?
The answer, of course, depends on the goal. But we chat about our own thoughts as long-time practitioners and weigh in on some of the benefits we’ve noticed from adding additional forms of exercise into our routines.
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Nov 12, 2019
Seane Corn's Revolution of the Soul
International yoga teacher and activist Seane Corn joins us this week. Seane recently added another title she says she never thought she’d hold to her list of accomplishments: Published author. Her new book, Revolution of the Soul, is a powerful mix of personal narrative and a thoughtful unpacking how yoga and mindfulness practices + other healing modalities can help one’s personal healing journey.
The book is raw and real--she tells her story from the beginning and goes into such detail that it’s hard not to relate. This interview takes us behind the scenes of Seane's process and how she uses her own trauma and pain to help others.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode170
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Nov 5, 2019
Jason's Tips for Handling Challenging Students
Whether you're yoga teacher or a student, you've witnessed:
** The Moaner -- The student who seems to be enjoying class a leetle too much.
** The Rebel -- The student who's just gotta do their own thannnng (and ignore what the rest of the class is doing)
** The Savasana Protester -- So what if everyone's in Savasana? She's kicking into Handstand and no one's gonna stop her.
We talk about all of the behaviors -- and more -- on this week's podcast. Tune in to find out how Jason handles these uncomfortable (yet common!) yoga room behaviors.
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Oct 28, 2019
New Yoga Alliance Standards Explained
For decades Yoga Alliance has been the main credentialing body for yoga teachers and schools. But the organization has been widely criticized for being nothing more than a list service that teachers feel required to pay for. Over the past few years, the leadership at Yoga Alliance has changed and current CEO, Shannon Roche, is my guest this week. My goal for this interview was to get a full picture of what the goals are within the organization right now, how they plan to provide real value to yoga teachers and schools, how they are addressing sexual misconduct and ethical violations, as well as the outcomes of their most recent major project -- The Standards Review Project. Shannon also took the time to answer listener-submitted questions.
Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode168
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Oct 21, 2019
Feel the Heat: The Pros and Cons of Yoga in a Heated Room
One of the more polarizing topics in modern yoga is the merits (and potential dangers) of attending yoga in a heated room. (To be clear, we're not talking about Bikram or Bikram-derived sequences in this ep; but vinyasa in a heated room.) So, this week Jason and I share what we believe are the pros and cons: How can you assess whether it's better for you physically? Does it encourage mental steadiness or is it distracting? And can you really "sweat out toxins?" All this and more this week!
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode167
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Oct 14, 2019
Fall Self Care: The Power of Essential Oils with Elena Brower
The scent of lavender wafting from every local yoga studio’s doors may be a relatively recent phenomenon, but essential oils have been used to bolster health and well being for thousands of years, says this week’s guest Elena Brower, who is a New York yoga teacher and Doterra wellness advocate. If you’re curious about how essential oils work, which ones are best for certain situations, and how to use them to help keep you and your family at optimal health, this episode is for you.
Here’s what we talk about:
* Essential oil basics: Their history, how they’re made, how to tell the difference between a quality oil and a synthetic one, how to use a carrier oil, etc.
* Three ways to use essential oils: Aromatically, topically, and internally. (Plus, Elena shares her reservations about people using essential oils internally.)
* The qualities and uses of the most popular essential oils. Elena talks about her favorite oils for relaxation, meditation, public speaking, grounding, u…
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Oct 7, 2019
Yoga as a Haven Through Breast Cancer with Susanna Harwood Rubin
It's October. Which means it's Breast Awareness Month. It's not an easy month for breast cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, or for those who have lost loved ones to the disease. So, for this episode I spoke to Susanna Harwood Rubin, a yoga teacher who has been raw and real about her own struggle with breast cancer this past year. Susanna shares specific ways that her practice supported her through her cancer experience, what you can do to support a loved one with cancer and more. I both hope this episode helps anyone who has been touched by breast cancer -- and even those who haven't. (That said, this episode could be triggering, so please take care of yourself and only listen if it is helpful to you.)
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode165
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Sep 30, 2019
How to Nail Your Yoga Teaching Audition
You want to leave your yoga audition with a big fist pumped saying, "Nailed it," right? This week's episode can help -- Jason gets real about how to ride the waves of the modern yoga job audition, where you get a very short amount of time to showcase your skills, your approach, and your personality. He offers his thoughts as well as some commiseration.
Here’s an overview of what we cover:
* The one thing that the yoga teacher hiring manager is likely looking for from yoga teacher auditions
* Keep it simple. Give a few solid instructions for each pose, take your time, and make contact with the students.
* How to handle nerves and step into the role of the teacher, even when you don't feel confident
* What to do if you don’t get the job + some encouragement for yoga teachers who are in the process of establishing themselves
Show notes: http://jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode164
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Sep 24, 2019
Yoga, Science, and Healthcare with Lara Benusis
This week, I’m talking to Lara Benusis, a longtime yoga teacher and yoga therapist who has taught yoga in a healthcare setting for years. (She was the first full-time yoga teacher at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.)
She’s also on the PhD track at Columbia University studying applied physiology. Her focus is exploring the efficacy and mechanisms of exercise and yoga on the survivorship of cancer.
Lara is a wealth of knowledge and a critical thinker. I love what he has to say about yoga research and her ideas for how yoga can be better
integrated into the healthcare system.
Some of the things we talk about are:
* Why it’s important to study yoga from a scientific perspective, the challenges of defining yoga in a clinical setting, and the challenges of using human research subjects in studies
* The research pyramid - and why some types of research or more reliable than others
* What she thinks of Yo science and how to separate the good, research-backed data fr…
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Sep 17, 2019
Jason's Guide to Teaching Private Yoga Sessions
Being a yoga teacher takes skill, knowledge, dedication, and often, perseverance. But you can have all of those things in spades and never quite earn enough money teaching group classes to be financially secure. Not to mention, racing from one studio to the next teaching group classes can be draining—both physically and mentally. One way to avoid this kind of burnout and bolster a your income is to find a few regular private yoga clients—something Jason enjoyed doing for many years.
In this episode, Jason shares his best advice for both the business and methodology of teaching yoga privates.
You’ll learn:
* Why it’s important to diversify the ways that you teach, both for business reasons and to help you avoid burn-out
* How teaching private yoga sessions can build your skill set as a yoga teacher
* How to start finding private students and how to price those sessions
* How to help students set goals and structure sessions around that
* A few ground rules to put into pla…
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Sep 9, 2019
The Getting to Know You Episode
I am so excited to share this new season of Yogaland with you! This week, we kick off the season with a live episode that Jason and I recorded at triyoga in London during Jason’s recent teacher training.
If you’re a long-time listener, you might know that both Jason and I identify as introverts. So, we understand why some students tend to shy away from speaking up or asking questions in a large group settings. Jason encourages engagement by asking students in his trainings to split into smaller groups and share what they love about the practice.
Today, we’re answering those questions ourselves, so you can get to know us a little bit better, too.
You’ll learn:
* Our yoga origin stories (why we went to our first yoga class, what it was like, and what kept us coming back!)
* What teachers have been most influential for us through the years and how different approaches to the practice have helped us become the yoga practitioners we are today
* How and why we decided to make t…
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Jul 30, 2019
The Science of Stretching (and Strength) with Jules Mitchell
For our season two finale episode, we’re talking to Las Vegas-based yoga teacher and author Jules Mitchell. We dive deep into the biomechanics of yoga in this episode and talk about Jules’ new book, which is a comprehensive look at the science of stretching.
We can’t cover the whole book in this short format, but I think you’ll find the highlights are fascinating, thought provoking, and relevant to the broader discussions we’re having in the yoga community today.
We talk about:
* Why it was so important to Jules to define the anatomy terminology in her book (and why Jason tries to do the same thing in his trainings) + Why language is so important in the yoga room!
* She explains what compressive load and tensile load means for listeners
* Hypermobility, the pros and cons of passive stretching, and her recommendations for students who are really flexible. Plus, Jules shares why she cautions teachers against diagnosing students with hypermobility (what to do instead).…
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Jul 23, 2019
Live Q&A: Thoughts on Creating Authentic Content and Curriculum
If there’s one topic that eludes yoga teachers most, it’s not the correct angle of the front knee in Anjaneyasana. It’s how to teach yoga and make a livable wage. We recorded this week's episode live at Jason’s 300-hour training at Lovestory Yoga in San Francisco and answered student questions creating content that's authentic and sustainable.
We talk about:
* Why quality is so much more important than quantity when it comes to content--even in the fast-paced world of social media
* A few ideas for diversifying your streams of income so you’re not relying solely on public yoga classes to pay your bills
* How to decide how much content to give away
* How to get beyond the daily grind to create a teaching curriculum
* When to hire others to help you scale your business (and what to contract out)
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode159
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Jul 16, 2019
Closing the Wellness Gap with Nicole Cardoza
Today’s guest is Nicole Cardoza, founder of Yoga Foster. I couldn't be more excited about Nicole's mission to bring more movement into classrooms across the country. Her approach is innovative, too -- Nicole's background in tech inspired her to create a platform that offers yoga curriculum and teacher trainings to classroom teachers. It's a scalable idea and one that empowers classroom teachers to bring mindfulness breaks into their classrooms throughout the day. I love the idea of yoga being incorporated into the school day in a seamless way. Nicole also opens up about her recent experience doing a cover shoot with Yoga Journal and how important it was for her to speak out about a surprise cover survey they did after the fact. I ask her how she handled a situation that was shaming, ignorant, and racist and turned it into an opportunity to help others.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode158
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Jul 9, 2019
A story of love, loss, and the path of motherhood with Anne Cushman
I've talked a lot on the podcast about how motherhood has changed my yoga practice. I know first-hand how easy it can be to fall into the trap of mom guilt and feeling like you just can't keep up with your practice and the demands of your family life.
So, I'm so excited to share this episode with Anne Cushman with you. Anne writes beautifully about motherhood as a spiritual practice in her new book, The Mama Sutra: A Story of Love, Loss, and the Path of Motherhood.
Anne shares:
* The creative process of writing a book, why it took her until her son went off to college to finish her latest book, and how her yoga and meditation practice helped her to be kind to herself through the whole process
* How, in many ways, motherhood is such a good way to experience spirituality. Plus, how it differs from the types of spirituality practices that have been traditionally passed down by men.
* Anne shares some profound insights for people who feel that they "should" be spending more time on t…
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Jul 3, 2019
Using Yoga to Tap Into Your Intuition with Erica Rodefer Winters
This week, we're talking to Erica Rodefer Winters, a yoga teacher in Charleston, SC who specializes in teaching prenatal yoga and postnatal yoga.
When the magical, "natural" birth of her first daughter didn't go to plan, Erica reflected and changed her approach the second time around. Instead of magical thinking, she leaned into her intuition and used her yogic tools to go deeply inward and trust herself. She uses this guiding philosophy now when she teaches her students. It's a great reminder to trust your gut at any phase of life when you're unsure of the next course of action.
We talk about:
* Her yoga origin story and how her first teacher inspired her
* Why she teaches prenatal yoga (even though she didn't love prenatal yoga classes during her first pregnancy)
* How she uses yoga asana, breathing, and mindfulness practices to tap into her intuition -- a practice that helped her during the birth of her daughters. And a couple ways that she helps her students to learn to listen…
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Jun 25, 2019
Creating a Pranic Budget with Sarah Kucera
This week I talk to Sarah Kucera, author of The Ayurvedic Self-Care Handbook: Holistic Healing Rituals for Every Day and Season, all about her book and what Ayurveda can teach us about taking care of ourselves. If you’ve followed this podcast for a while, you know that I think self-care is vitally important in order to live a happy, healthy life. (I even created an online course about self care!) You might also know that I dabble in Ayurveda, and I’m fascinated about what little nuggets of wisdom I can learn from yoga’s “sister science.”
So, I was thrilled when I came across a new book that talks about Ayurveda from a lens of self care.
We discuss:
* How Sarah’s struggles with feeling low-energy and stressed led her to look for solutions from Ayurveda and write her book
* The Ayurvedic clock--and why your bedtime and waking time is as important as the number of hours you sleep
* Why self care can be accessible to all (even those who are short on time and/or money).…
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Jun 18, 2019
Bernie Clark on the Benefits of Yin Yoga
The thoughtful and articulate Bernie Clark joins us on the show this week! Bernie is perhaps best known for his influential Yin yoga teachings as well as his books, The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga, and Your Body, Your Yoga.
When Jason and I shared our thoughts about Yin Yoga at the end of season 1 (episode 147), we hadn't expected it to be so polarizing. After seeing Bernie's response to the episode in one of his forums and after listening to you, our listeners, we asked him on the show.
We covered a lot of ground in this episode: Bernie clarified Yin's origin story, he shared how Yin benefits him personally (and how he complements it with strength-training), as well as how he guides (even flexible students like Andrea) to discern their edge in poses. The big takeaway from the conversation? We landed on more points of agreement than points of difference. The one point of difference that remains is whether or not lengthening ligaments is a good idea. And if you'd like to research that…
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Jun 11, 2019
On Spirituality, Representation, and Being a New Teacher with Quamay Sams
This week, I talk to Bay Area yoga teacher Quamay Sams. Quamay grew up in New York, where he was a dancer before he enrolled in a yoga teacher training program (without ever having set foot in a yoga studio). He now considers teaching yoga a calling -- and a big responsibility.
We talk about:
* Why Quamay felt like a misfit (his word) growing up and how that impacted the course of his life.
* Dance. He tells us more about a style of dancing called krumping, why he loves it, and how it became an outlet for him.
* Stepping into the seat of the teacher and how he is coping with and embracing being a role model.
* Yoga and representation. His take on why there aren’t more black people in yoga studios, who’s responsible for that, and how we can all work together to bridge that gap.
* His experience as one of Jason's advanced teacher training students.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode153
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
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Jun 4, 2019
Cyndi Lee: Building Resilience Through Meditation and Sustainable Yoga
Today, we're talking to Cyndi Lee, who was the first Western female yoga teacher to combine Tibetan Buddhism and yoga.
Cyndi and I worked together many times when I was an editor at Yoga Journal and I have so much respect for her. You'll see why in this candid, down-to-earth interview. Cyndi is is not only inspiring, but she's a living testament to how practicing yoga and meditation for many years can help you navigate life's ups and downs with grace.
We talk about:
* Cyndi's career as a professional dancer in the 1980s--including what it was like working with Cyndi Lauper
* The journey that led Cyndi to open the legendary Om Yoga studio in New York City
* Her recent studies that led her to become a Buddhist chaplain, what that entails, and how that intersects with yoga for her
* Cyndi's double hip replacement, what she learned from it, and how the healing process is going for her. Plus, she shares what advice she’d give to others who are facing a similar situation.
Show not…
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May 28, 2019
Live Show! Online Marketing Tips for Yoga Teachers
Like it or not, if you want to be a full-time yoga teacher today, digital marketing is a part of the job.
It doesn’t come easily to everyone, but through the years Jason and I have figured out what works for us. In this episode, which was recorded at one of Jason’s yoga teacher trainings at LoveStoryYoga in San Francisco, we share our best advice for yoga teachers who are trying to build a following online. We discuss:
* Our best tips for creating consistent, authentic content for social media when marketing doesn’t come easily. (Particularly, we talk about how to be a storyteller, solve a problem, and start with your wheelhouse, and turn that into content.)
* How to use social media to attract private clients, as opposed to a mass audience.
* When it might be smarter to focus on in-person marketing and networking instead of online
* An easier way to gather student testimonials for social proof
* Suggestions for people who aren’t comfortable posting photos of themselves i…
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May 22, 2019
New Research from Robyn Capobianco: The Measurable Impact of Using Therapy Balls Before Stretching
Robyn Capobianco, PhD, is back on the podcast this week to talk about the findings of two related studies she and her team conducted about the science of flexibility. The big takeaway from both studies is the same: Doing self-massage with Yoga Tune Up Balls before stretching increases flexibility and creates less of a temporary strength deficit. Translation: On those days when you just want to lie on the floor and roll, DO IT. Is it good for you? Yes! Is it good for your yoga practice? Yes! Is it a good thing to do as you age? Definitely! There is so much good news in this episode and Robyn breaks it all down for you.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode150
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA donates feminine care products to homeless shelters across the U.S. For 40% off all subscriptions, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND40 when you subscribe.
2. Car…
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May 13, 2019
How to Change Your Teaching Style Without Losing Your Students
This week’s episode is a continuation of last week’s discussion on how to cope with changes to your yoga practice and teaching style. Jason shares his practical tips on how to change up your teaching style with grace -- something that is particularly challenging when your livelihood depends on an earlier approach.
We talk about:
* How Jason got his start teaching in the Ashtanga tradition, and why he began to lose interest in that and move on to more technique-oriented approach to vinyasa yoga
* A few of the pose techniques that Jason has changed his opinions on (and why). He talks about his approach to backbends, twists, Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge), and Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (Pigeon Pose).
* Why it’s a good idea to make changes to your yoga teaching schedule slowly over time, especially if you're making a drastic change
* How to communicate subtle changes to longtime students in a way that’s both diplomatic and respectful
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episo…
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May 6, 2019
Change is the Only Certainty...in Yoga
We’re so happy to be back for Season 2!
There's that old adage, "Change is the only certainty in life." And it applies to your yoga practice and teaching, too. This week, Jason and I are talking about the internal challenges, doubts, and insecurities that come up when we're managing change in our practice.
We talk about:
* How Jason has changed as a student and a teacher throughout the years. He shares one transition that was particularly hard for him as a young teacher
* He gives advice for people who are hard on themselves after a shift because they feel disillusioned about some of the beliefs or techniques they were teaching previously
* Why Jason dislikes the word “master” (as in “yoga master”) and what happened in his life that empowered him to start experimenting with changing up yoga traditions and sharing his findings with his students
* The struggles that come with the evolution of modern yoga in the social media age
* Why it’s problematic for teachers to di…
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Apr 1, 2019
Season 1 Finale! Jason's Take on Yin Yoga
Since Jason so often emphasizes the importance of building strength -- especially along the posterior chain (back side) of the body, I get asked all the time, "What does Jason think about Yin yoga?" For the Season 1 Finale, we decided to take on this topic. Yin is a popular style of yoga that emphasizes long, passive holds of various (mostly floor-based) poses.
In that light, Jason and I talk about:
* What happens to muscles when you stretch them passively for more than 60 seconds
* Why it's never a good idea to stretch ligaments
* Who might be a good fit for a regular Yin practice and who should be more cautious
* Why it's important to include strength building practices, especially for the posterior chain, if you're going to regularly practice passive stretching
* The most important type of strength for injury prevention, and some examples of how to do it
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode147
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. LOLA is a female-founded com…
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Mar 26, 2019
Yoga for Kids and Their Grown-Ups with Katherine Priore Ghannam
This week, I talk to Katherine Priore Ghannam all about yoga for kids and her innovative program Headstand, which offered yoga to low-income K-12 schools around San Francisco.
We cover some of the lessons Katherine learned from starting her passion project from scratch, and why it's oh-so-beneficial to introduce yoga and mindfulness in schools.
Whether you're interested in sharing yoga with kids or just need some inspiration to keep working toward your goals, this episode is for you.
We talk about:
* The story of how Headstand got its start (and why she kept at it despite many of the kids initial resistance)
* Why she designed the yoga program as part of the school curriculum
* How she uses the techniques she's learned teaching school children into her own family
* Practical tips for how to introduce yoga to children at different ages
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode146
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cott…
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Mar 20, 2019
Teaching Part-Time is Still Teaching - Listener Responses
The recent episode where Jason and I discuss teaching yoga part-time vs. making it a full-time career really struck a chord. I was surprised by the number of emails, direct messages, and comments that listeners sent my way.
As usual, you were full of insights. So for this week's episode, I decided to share some of those comments as inspiration, motivation, and support for others who are fulfilling their dharma of sharing yoga.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode145
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA donates feminine care products to homeless shelters across the U.S. For 40% off all subscriptions, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND40 when you subscribe.
2. If you’re like me and you wear your gym or yoga clothes 6 or 7 days a week, you want to look put together. My life has changed since Fabletics became a sponsor of the podcast. Their styles are su…
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Mar 13, 2019
Ouch! How to Handle Your Sore Sacrum
For almost three years, Jason has resisted addressing your questions about the sacroiliac joint (SI) -- mostly because it's such a complex topic for a podcast. But today! I wore him down. He addresses a listener question about the mysterious sacrum and the soreness that so often comes along with yoga practice.
He talks about:
*Why, why, why?? do we so often experience sacral pain in yoga
*What is often happening to the sacrum when we experience pain flare-ups
*The role that the piriformis can play in SI soreness
*How to alter your yoga practice to get out of pain for good
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA donates feminine care products to homeless shelters across the U.S. For 40% off all subscriptions, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND40 when you subscribe.
2. If you’re like me and you wear your gym or yoga clothes 6 or 7 days a week, you want to look put tog…
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Mar 4, 2019
Full-Time or Part-Time? Things to Consider as You Forge Your Teaching Path
In this episode, Jason breaks down what he sees as some of the pros and cons of teaching full-time vs. teaching part-time. The bottom line is this: There's not one right choice, but no matter whichever direction you choose, there are some challenges to overcome. (And if you're considering becoming a yoga teacher because you think it would be an easy, relaxed lifestyle, well, you might want to reconsider.)
Here are a few of the things we discuss:
* Jason debunks the myth that yoga teachers have an easy work-life balance and explains why it's so challenging to make a living as a yoga teacher.
* How being a yoga teacher has changed in the 20 years Jason's been teaching.
* One of the biggest mistakes Jason sees yoga teachers make when they market themselves. Hint: It has to do with social media.
* Part-time teacher? Say it loud and proud.
Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode143
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads…
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Feb 26, 2019
Former Pro Snowboarder Katie Brauer on her Transformation to Yoga Teacher & Entrepreneur
Katie Brauer joins us this week for some straight talk. She shares about her background as a professional snowboarder turned yoga teacher, money mindset, and how she's using her insights to help other teachers bust through their money blocks and create sustainable businesses.
Here are some highlights:
* Katie talks about her time as a professional snowboarder, what she learned from her experiences, and how she's using that to help other yoga teachers
* How she overcame several injuries to come back to snowboarding and why she finally decided to retire from that life and become a yoga teacher
* The lessons she applied from her time as a athlete that helped her have a successful yoga business
* The biggest mistakes new yoga teachers make when they're building a business.
* How to overcome the money blocks that many teachers struggle with.
Go to the shownotes for Katie's free download on skillful leadership: yogalandpodcast.com/episode142
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. LOLA is a fe…
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Feb 19, 2019
Q&A with Jason about Teaching Beginners
In this last episode of our Begin Again series, Jason answers several listener questions about teaching yoga to beginning yoga students.
We cover lots of ground, including:
*When (or if) to encourage a student to leave a beginner level class for a more challenging one
*How to teach Ujjayi breathing to beginners, and why it's important to do it separately from asanas
*When to teach the nuances of poses like Downward Facing Dog -- specifically how to work skillfully with the shoulders when they're in an above-the-head position like Down Dog
*Striking the right balance between teaching technique and flow in a beginning vinyasa class
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode141
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA donates feminine care products to homeless shelters across the U.S. For 40% off all subscriptions, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND40 when you s…
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Feb 12, 2019
Embrace Your Imperfect Best with Jason Freeman
This week's episode is a special interview with public speaker and yogi Jason Freeman. Jason has a speech impediment due to cerebral palsy, which he was born with. He talks about how being different impacted him from an early age and how his yoga practice helped him to embrace his "imperfect best" as he puts it.
Also on this episode is Jamie Martin, Jason's yoga teacher, who shares her insights about how to create an inclusive environment in the yoga room.
This episode is a must for anyone who's ever felt like an outsider and everyone who hopes to make yoga studios a more welcoming place for people from all backgrounds and abilities.
Here are some highlights:
*How Jason F. ended up in his first yoga class, and how the practice of yoga helped him learn to accept himself and feel better in his body
*Jason's advice for yoga students about how to feel more comfortable and connect with their teachers
*Jamie speaks about how to help all students feel welcome and included and not single…
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Feb 6, 2019
Teaching Beginners in an All Levels Yoga Class
My husband, Jason Crandell, is back this week, and he's sharing practical tips for teaching beginning students when they come to a mixed-level class.
Here are a few things you'll learn:
* How to keep a new student safe without making them feel singled out (and when to just let things go!)
* Strategies for helping beginners (and everyone else, too!) through the Chaturanga/Up Dog/Down Dog transition and alternatives
* Tips for helping students step from Down Dog to a Lunge in Sun Salutations
* Teaching the details of Down Dog
- Troubleshooting for tight students
- How to find the appropriate distance between the feet and hands
* How to help students find the right distance between their feet in standing poses
Show notes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode139/
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA donates feminine care products to homeless shelters across the U.S. For 40…
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Jan 30, 2019
The Art of Teaching Asana to Beginners
We all start out as beginners. But that doesn't mean that teaching beginning yoga students is intuitive. In this episode in our Begin Again series, Jason tackles the specifics of teaching asana to beginning students. Jason shares:
* Why it's important to help students pay attention to their whole experience in a particular pose, not just the muscle or muscle groups that they're stretching
* How to help students avoid comparing themselves to other students (or to what they were able to do in the past if they're beginning again after stepping away for a while)
* A skillful way to teach breath and movement in a vinyasa-based class
* Why power, precision, and mindfulness are the three elements Jason focuses on most when he teaches beginners
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode138
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA donates feminine care products to homeless shelt…
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Jan 22, 2019
How Speed Gets Trapped in the Body with Tias Little
Yoga and meditation teacher Tias Little returns to the podcast this week. (Tias joined me on episode 102 to talk about perfectionism). On today's episode, we talk about how our culture of speed affects us holistically and why it’s important--but also challenging--to slow down.
We discuss:
*The new book that Tias is working on and how it's different from other projects he's worked on
*Why, from a spiritual perspective, moving fast and checking things off of a to-do list is the opposite of progress
*Which parts of the body are most impacted by our go-go-go culture
*What we need to do to feel like we have more time, both on a personal level and as a collective
*How Tias applies the lessons of slowing down to his asana practice
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode137
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA donates feminine care products to homeless shelters acr…
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Jan 14, 2019
Yoga Philosophy for Beginners
In this second episode of our Begin Again series, we talk about what keeps us motivated to practice when yoga is feeling stagnant and Jason offers useful tips for teachers who are faced with the difficult (but rewarding!) task of teaching yoga to beginners.
He also talks about how to introduce philosophy to beginning students and how to motivate students to keep coming back to their mats.
Here’s an overview of the episode:
* Why beginning again can be a great thing even for experienced yoga practitioners
* Some common mistakes yoga teachers make when they teach beginners
* How to approach teaching philosophy to beginners in a way that doesn’t confuse or overwhelm
* How he navigates sharing the philosophical dimensions of yoga so that they are useful to everyone regardless of their cultural and ideological belief systems
* Tips for being a good host to new students and why he thinks that’s a key component to keeping students motivated
*BONUS: Jason explains some of the y…
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Jan 7, 2019
Jason's Tips for Teaching Beginners (and Beginning Again)
With a new year comes a flood of new students into yoga classes everywhere. Many of those students will be brand new to yoga, while others have re-committed to their yoga practice.
In this first episode of our series on yoga beginners, Jason shares some tips for how to welcome these new students and make them feel "supported, but not hounded" in the yoga room.
While the series will be geared toward teachers, it's important info for those yoga students who will be seeing lots of new faces in their classes, too.
We discuss:
* Why it's so important to put yourself back into the mindset of a beginner if you're teaching new yoga students
* Jason's principles for teaching asanas, or yoga poses, to beginners--and how he keeps his classes consistent without letting them get too boring or stale
* A few strategies for making beginning students feel more comfortable in a new environment and how to be a good host to all of your students
* How yoga teachers can keep their beginning students…
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Dec 18, 2018
Sarah Powers on Growth Mindset and Lifelong Learning
For the last interview of 2018, I am so excited to share an interview with Insight Yoga founder Sarah Powers. Sarah has been a huge influence on my yoga practice, my meditation practice, and my life.
Here's what we talk about:
* Yoga and parenting: How Sarah introduced her daughter to yoga and what impact she believes growing up in a yoga family had on her daughter
* How Sarah and Ty came to the decision to home school their daughter and how that decision made Sarah a better yoga teacher
* Why continuing to make time to attend workshops and retreats as a student is still an essential part of Sarah's life
* She talks about the amount of time it took for her to feel confident as a yoga teacher, especially since she brings so many different elements of yoga, meditation, Buddhism, and psychology into her teaching
* Plus, she offers some practical advice for yoga teachers
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode134
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. LOLA is a female-f…
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Dec 11, 2018
Yoga for Life's Transitions with Ty Powers
This week, I talk with Ty Powers. You might know Ty as the husband an influential yoga teacher for me (and many others!) -- Sarah Powers. He's also an incredibly insightful teacher in his own right, a meditation teacher, and coach. Recently, he's also been leading workshops called Changes and Transitions in Midlife--something that is of particular interest to me now that I'm in my 40s.
Here are some highlights from our conversation:
*Ty talks briefly about parenting and race and how both of those things have impacted his life
*We commiserate about the challenges of having a spouse who's an international yoga teacher
*We talk about how things change once a person gets into their 40s and 50s, the process of aging and how to make sense of the changes to your body. And Ty shares why he thinks people are beginning to ask the big questions about life and spirituality earlier today than ever before.
*How culturally, we're missing the mark in preparing for all of life's transitions, a…
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Dec 4, 2018
The Art of the Yoga Sutras
This week's guest, Melissa Townsend is the author of two beautiful books about the Yoga Sutras. Townsend, a long-time yoga student, artist, Sanskrit enthusiast, and psychic, wasn't always enthusiastic about the sutras. But in the same way that psychic visions come to her, so did the idea to use her art to share the Yoga Sutras. On this episode, I had the opportunity to ask her all about the creative process of her Yoga Sutras art and translations. We're also joined by Stephanie Snyder, a popular yoga teacher who loves to study and share the sutras.
We have an in-depth conversation about why we all find this work fascinating, talk about their approach to studying the sutras, and explain why the text is so much more than just the meaning of words or interpretations that you read. You might have to listen to the episode to understand, but I promise you'll be glad you did. It might just change the way you've been approaching the study of yoga philosophy.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.…
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Nov 26, 2018
Yoga as a Form of Radical Self-Care
Historically, during times of political and cultural strife, people become more interested in self-care. That means that right now, self-care is an incredibly important and popular topic (to the tune of 9 million hashtags on Instagram!). Self-care means different things to different people. It's not all bubble baths and mani/pedis (although, there's certainly nothing wrong with those!)
I think of yoga as a radical form of self-care because yoga builds self-awareness -- of your unique constitution, your needs, your strengths, and the parts of you that require extra attention and shoring up. That's why I decided to focus on self-care for this episode. It's a live episode recorded at the prAna store in San Francisco, with yoga teacher and astrologer Susannah Freedman and nurse practitioner Caitlin Hildebrand. We talk about:
* How remembering one's purpose can be a motivation for self-care
* Teaching yoga as a form of self-care
* What yoga philosophy says about self-care and how we ca…
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Nov 19, 2018
Timothy McCall's East/West Journey Through Cancer
One out of three people will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. While a regular yoga practice might not prevent cancer, it can certainly help ease the fear, anxiety, and emotional anguish that can come with it. Today's guest, Dr. Timothy McCall, is a medical doctor and yoga teacher, who talks with us this week about his road to recovery from throat cancer. His story is an inspiring testimony to the power of a yoga and meditation during hard times.
Timothy shares how he discovered his cancer, how he chose his care team, and which asanas supported him through treatment. He also talks about the benefits of fasting prior to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. And how he both prepared for treatment and convalesced after treatment in Kerala, India with Ayurvedic treatments -- and the effect they had on him. You can pre-order Timothy's self-published book, Saving My Neck: A Doctor's East/West Journey Through Cancer on Amazon.
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
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Nov 13, 2018
Self Care: Which herbs can help you adapt to stress?
This week's episode focuses on adaptogenic herbs and nootropics, which are herbs and supplements that are thought to help us adapt to stress, improve cognitive function, and memory. They're everywhere these days -- in our smoothies, on the shelves of Whole Foods, in teas. And as with all trends, I both want to embrace anything and everything that's said to improve health while simultaneously feeling completely skeptical.
So, I thought I'd have Ayurvedic practitioner, Niika Quistgard on the show to have a frank conversation about adaptogens and nootropics -- what are they? Do they work? How do they work best? Does it make sense to throw them all in your smoothie and hope for the best? Niika, as always, offers an honest and interesting perspective.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode129
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. It's been about a year since Sunbasket has been a sponsor of Yogaland. Each week, I get a Sunbasket box delivered to my door and I still get excited! The…
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Nov 7, 2018
Live from Maui! The Benefits of Retreat + Refining Ujjayi + Making Progress in Backbends
This is the sixth year Jason led his week-long retreat on Maui, but the FIRST year we did a live Yogaland podcast! We did not humble brag about the beautiful setting, the food, the roosters, or the camaraderie of the students -- we just full on brag bragged. But we also answered student questions, which happened to mainly focus on backbending.
Here's an overview:
* We talk about the benefits of immersing yourself in yoga on retreat and how Jason thinks of it as a mini-training
* Jason shares his approach to teaching Ujjayi breathing, and why he believes that fast, vinyasa flow classes have the potential to undermine the benefits of the practice
* We discuss how to tell the difference between structural limitations and non-structural, changeable limitations in backbends
* Tips on how to progress to more advanced backbends after you've mastered Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel Pose or Upward-Facing Bow Pose)
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode128
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSOR…
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Oct 30, 2018
Special Anniversary Episode: On Yoga and Marriage
Jason and I celebrated our 10th anniversary in early October -- that's a whole DECADE of wedded bliss, you guys!. In an unusual moment of sentimentality, we decided to share a bit more about our relationship in this episode.
We reflect on
- How we went from colleagues to dating to married
- How we moved from student-teacher relationship (and editor-writer relationship) to romantic partnership
- How we balance our work relationship with our home life
- The huge role that yoga has played in our relationship from day one, and how it continues to help us to relate to each other and even navigate our differences
- The parallels we draw between being in a long-term relationship with another person and being a long-time yoga student
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode127
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. It's been about a year since Sunbasket has been a sponsor of Yogaland. Each week, I get a Sunbasket box delivered to my door and I still get excited! The recipes are crea…
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Oct 22, 2018
Jason's Best Bakasana Tips
Most people consider arm balances and inversions challenging poses, but we think they're worth the effort.
This week, I talk to Jason about his approach to teaching these popular poses, and how he breaks them down to make them more accessible for every student. We also share our newest mini-course (it's free!), which goes deep into one of the most foundational arm balances, Bakasana (also known as Crane Pose or Crow Pose).
We talk about:
* Why practice arm balances and inversions in the first place?
* Crane Pose vs. Crow Pose - What's the difference?
* The two most important poses to practice if you want to learn Bakasana
* The role and movement of the shoulder blades in straight-arm Bakasana and a pose to practice to begin to get the action down
* Why Jason thinks core strength might not be THE most important thing to focus on when learning arm balances (even though he concedes that it is important)
* BONUS: Learn about Andrea's new therapeutic pumpkin carving practice.
* EXT…
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Oct 15, 2018
When the Stars (And Your Chakras) Align with Susannah Freedman
It was such a pleasure to talk to yoga teacher and astrologer Susannah Freedman for this very special episode. Susannah has been teaching yoga and doing astrology readings since 2010 and has a Masters in Philosophy and Religion, but both her yoga and astrology journeys started during her self-described "hippie childhood." In this interview, Susannah explains how she sees someone's chart as their "karmic blueprint." Unlike some who approach astrology from a prescriptive point of view, Susannah see the chart as a way to help validate or reveal our innate strengths and weakness (or samskaras) so that we can then work through them in this lifetime. The connection she makes between astrology and yoga really made sense to me! And it was so much fun to talk about. Susannah also describes how she combines yoga and astrology in her AstroFlow workshops, she offers her thoughts on seeing the state of the world via the current transits, and she debunks common myths about astrology.
Show notes…
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Oct 9, 2018
Melanie Klein: Reimagine Your Relationship With Your Body
Today's guest is Melanie Klein, a professor of Sociology and Women's Studies, co-founder of the Yoga and Body Image Coalition, and author of the new book, Yoga Rising: 30 Empowering Stories from Yoga Renegades for Every Body. Her work has made her a respected leader in the conversation around yoga and body image.
In this interview, we talk about how she came to be such an advocate for the positive body image movement. Plus, since I am a former editor for Yoga Journal, we have a candid conversation about how media has contributed to this dialogue--for better and worse.
Here are some highlights:
* Melanie tells her "body story" and how yoga helped her move from an unhealthy preoccupation with her body to body acceptance
* I learn the phrase "the body project" -- the idea that we spend so many resources working on our bodies in hopes that one day we'll be "perfect" -- and I feel like a giant lightbulb has been turned on. What would the world be like if women redirected…
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Oct 1, 2018
All About the Ketogenic Diet with Dr. Will Cole
I'm so excited to share this interview with Dr. Will Cole! Dr. Cole is a functional medicine doc whose new book, Ketotarian, offers a mostly plant-based approach to the ketogenic diet that's much healthier than the traditional bacon and bunless burgers regimen.
I've been on the ketogenic diet for a few years and I value Dr. Cole's approach -- it's compassionate, research-driven,and balanced. Plus, it was a real treat for me to bounce all of my keto questions off of someone! I got to ask Dr. Cole -- Is the ketogenic diet really suitable for everyone? What's the science and history behind it? What's his advice for balancing the strict aspects of keto without going overboard into orthorexia? If you're in overall good health, how can keto be beneficial to you? We also talk about soy, lechtins, fancy cows, and the importance of self-compassion when approaching any eating plan.
Shownotes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode123
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Sep 25, 2018
Applying the Yoga Sutra to Your Daily Life
There are so many interpretations of the seminal yoga text, Patanjali's Yoga Sutra. This week, I talk to two women who've written one that is refreshingly different. Kelly DiNardo and Amy Pearce-Hayden join me to talk about their book new book, Living the Sutras: A Guide to Yoga Wisdom Beyond the Mat. Their book is not a formal, scholarly translation of the Yoga Sutra. Instead, DiNardo and Pearce-Hayden have created a guide that can help you take the sutras, reflect on them, and then apply them to your life. Their approach is lively, relevant, modern and also informed by years of practice and study.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode122
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. I love cooking but even I get tired of the grind day after day. One thing that’s helped me immensely is Sunbasket meal delivery service -- they offer organic produce and clean ingredients and many different types of meal plans. Their food is so delicious and I LOVE how creative they are! Go to sunbaske…
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Sep 17, 2018
Q&A: Ideas for Building Your Business (And Your Confidence) as a Yoga Teacher
I got a great question from a listener recently in response to episode 119, so I decided to start this episode with Jason's response. The listener, Neil, asks, "If we're creating a practice that's sustainable, does it really makes sense to repeat the same sequence over and over again?" And what's the best way to handle pressure from studio and gym owners to "freshen things up?"
We also answer a couple of other questions that come in often, in many different forms, essentially:
* What's the best way to cope with pre-class nerves?
* How do I feel more confident about self-promotion?
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode121
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. I love cooking but even I get tired of the grind day after day. One thing that’s helped me immensely is Sunbasket meal delivery service -- they offer organic produce and clean ingredients and many different types of meal plans. Their food is so delicious and I LOVE how creative they are! Go to sunbasket.com/yogaland t…
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Sep 11, 2018
Yoga and Addiction with Nikki Myers
Today's guest, Nikki Myers, a yoga therapist and the founder of Y12SR (Yoga of 12-Step Recovery), shares how yoga has helped with her personal struggles with addiction and helped thousands of people through Y12SR.
Even if you've never been touched personally by addiction, her insights and advice apply to anyone who's had to overcome a challenge in life.
We talk about:
* Nikki's personal road to recovery, what she learned along the way, and how yoga helped her heal
* Why an important part of practicing yoga is embracing ALL sides of yourself, and why it's important not to deny or hide the things you're less proud of
* How the 12-step program is similar to yoga and why yoga is such a great complement to the 12 steps
* Nikki and Andrea share their thoughts on the opioid crisis and how, as bad as things are, the good that has come from it. It's forcing government officials and the healthcare establishment to take a look at the emotional side behind the disease of addiction
* What…
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Sep 4, 2018
Q&A: Jason's Thoughts on "Creative" Sequencing & Finding Your Breath in Backbends
Jason is back this week to answer a few questions that came up about our Summer Series. The questions came from students in Jason's advanced yoga teacher training class, but they are applicable to any serious practitioners.
We address:
* His sequencing philosophy + the one biggest mistake he thinks yoga teachers make when they're planning their yoga class sequences.
* How to help students find a slow, steady breath during vinyasa classes -- including how to breathe for backbends like Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel Pose), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), and dropping back into Urdhva Dhanurasana.
* Why consistency is such an important element for teaching and practicing yoga.
* Jason's thoughts on finding an appropriate pace for vinyasa yoga classes.
Shownotes: http://www,jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode119
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. I love cooking but even I get tired of the grind day after day. One thing that’s helped me immensely is Sunbasket meal delivery service -- they offer organic…
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Aug 28, 2018
J. Brown, “A testament to the practice is the person it produces”
J. Brown is a yoga teacher, former yoga center owner, blogger, and the host of the popular podcast J. Brown Yoga Talks. On this episode, I ask J. about his yoga origin story as well as the current iteration of his yoga life -- both online and off. J. also shares how the powerful words he said to his mother toward the end of her life have had a lasting impact on who he is today and helped lead him to yoga. J.'s mother died before he graduated from high school, and what he once saw as a wound he now sees as an event that has filled him with purpose and, ultimately, gratitude. PS: J. had me on his show a few months ago, the link is on the shownotes page if you want to check it out.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode118
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. I love cooking but even I get tired of the grind day after day. One thing that’s helped me immensely is Sunbasket meal delivery service -- they offer organic produce and clean ingredients and many different types of meal…
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Aug 21, 2018
Jason's Favorite Non-Asana Yoga Books
When I have Jason on the show, we talk a lot about postures and technique, so I thought it would be interesting to talk yoga philosophy on the podcast this week. I asked Jason to share his favorite yoga books (that are not focused on the physical practice). These are just a few of his favorites, spanning yoga philosophy, Buddhist philosophy, and neuroscience.
You can find links to all of the books mentioned in the episode on the show notes page: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode117
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. I love cooking but even I get tired of the grind day after day. One thing that’s helped me immensely is Sunbasket meal delivery service — they offer organic produce and clean ingredients and many different types of meal plans. Their food is so delicious and I LOVE how creative they are! Go to sunbasket.com/yogaland to get $35 off your first order.
2. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA d…
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Aug 14, 2018
A Natural Approach to Autoimmune Disease with Claire Missingham
Claire Missingham is back on the podcast this week, and we're talking about how she's been using yoga and other natural healing modalities to manage a recent diagnosis of an autoimmune disease.
She tells us:
*How the grief of losing a yoga teacher in her community to suicide led her to start running, learn to swim (as an adult), and compete in marathons and triathalons
*How she became diagnosed with Lupus, and how she manages it through food, adaptogenic herbs, and other natural methods of healing
*Why she takes a freezing cold shower every morning before her yoga practice and wears a bikini in the snow!
*What herbs she found to be most helpful in her healing, travel, and daily life and why she says they're worth every penny (Plus, she offers a few
tips for stretching your dollar when buying and using herbs)
*How her diagnosis has impacted her asana practice and her thoughts on how yoga is always changing to meet her where she is
Show notes (and Claire's smoothie recipe) at: h…
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Aug 7, 2018
Overcoming Obstacles and Living to Your Fullest Potential with Rosie Acosta
On this episode, I'm joined by yoga teacher and holistic health coach Rosie Acosta. Rosie shares her personal story of growing up in East L.A. in the 90s where chaos and violence surrounded her daily. By the time she was a teen, she'd been arrested, she was physically unhealthy, and she didn't see much of a future for herself. And yet, here she is now, living a bright, fulfilled life.
Her story is inspiring and speaks to the power of the human spirit and the power of a dedicated yoga practice. ✨ "The minute I walked into that [yoga] room, I felt like I was home." ✨
Rosie shares:
- How one of the biggest mistakes of her life as a teen was actually a catalyst for positive change
- The internal conflict of wanting to create a better life for herself while knowing that he family feared losing her if she "got out"
- How growing up with instability created a deep internal craving for stability
- How she juggled several jobs and explored different paths before finding the right fi…
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Jul 30, 2018
The Good, Bad, & Ugly of the Ego with Sally Kempton
I've been thinking a lot about ego lately. I've been talking to Jason's teacher trainees about social media strategy and putting yourself out there. And yet, I personally feel like social media brings out the most immature aspects of my ego. I thought it would be a good refresher for all of us to think about what yoga teaches us about the ego.
This week, Sally Kempton and I talk about the purpose of the ego, misunderstandings around it (no, you don't ever annihilate your ego -- if you did, you probably wouldn't shower or pay your bills on time), and how to approach it from a yogic perspective. We get into how our ego is potentially affected by social media, and Sally offers helpful, practical self-inquiry techniques to help you relax your ego when it's triggered.
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode114
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
1. I love cooking but even I get tired of the grind day after day. One thing that’s helped me immensely is Sunbasket meal delivery service…
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Jul 24, 2018
Summer Series Ep. 7: Cross Training for the Win with Debbie Steingesser
A lot of people come to yoga to help them balance some of the activities they do on a daily basis. After all, yoga is a great antidote to sitting in a chair, looking at a computer or iPhone screen, and other things sedentary people do.
But you might not realize that if you're an avid yogi who practices daily, it can be helpful to add other types of movement into your routine to counterbalance the effects of the yoga asanas.
That's what today's guest, longtime vinyasa yoga teacher and CrossFit trainer Debbie Steingesser, came to realize after she suffered a hip injury that required physical therapy and strength training to heal.
This week, I talk to Debbie about how strength training has changed her practice--and her life!
We talk about:
*How a hip injury led Debbie to physical therapy and eventually CrossFit and how that experience changed her view on what yoga could do for her
*What is CrossFit is and how can it be a complementary practice for yoga students
*How the benefits of…
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Jul 16, 2018
Summer Series Ep 6: Summer Self Care Using Ayurveda with Niika Quistgard
This week on the podcast, we talk to our favorite Ayurvedic expert, Niika Quistgard, all about how to use principles from Ayurveda to bring our bodies back into balance in the heat of summer.
She shares:
* How to adapt your lifestyle during pitta season--we get into how to approach your yoga practice, meditation, breathing techniques, and which foods to eat (and avoid) during Pitta season
* A few specific poses and practices that are calming for Pitta
* The one thing that's even more important than you dominant Ayurvedic constitution. (It's all about balance, baby!)
* What Niika means when she talks about taking "self-leadership" on your yoga mat and in your life
*BONUS: Enjoy the soothing sounds of nature throughout this interview as Niika is talking to us outdoors among some particularly melodious birds.
Show notes: http://jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode112
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 10, 2018
Summer Series Ep 5: Is it possible to balance effort and ease?
We've gotten several questions from listeners about how to find the right balance between working hard and surrendering during yoga postures. How to find that elusive balance of two seemingly conflicting ideals, whether on our yoga mats or in our lives, leaves many of us scratching our heads.
Like so many things in yoga, the answer is complicated. But in this episode, Jason and I share some of our insights and do our best to tackle the question.
Here's what we cover:
* What Patanjali wrote about the idea of effort and ease in The Yoga Sutra and how Jason interprets it
* What Joel Kramer meant by "playing the edge" in yoga postures and how Jason and I approach the concept
* Practical advice for when to work hard and when to back off
* How to tell whether physical limitations are in the structure of the joint or the soft tissue
Show notes: http://jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode111
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
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Jul 3, 2018
Summer Series Ep 4: Q&A - Avoiding Common Yoga Injuries
In this week's episode, Jason and I are live from Detroit Yoga Lab answering student questions about some of the most common yoga injuries, how to prevent and avoid them. Bonus banter: Find out why Jason has a black eye - unsurprisingly, it's not from yoga or a bar fight. And learn what Jason's three favorite bands are.
(Our regular listeners will not be surprised to hear that Salabhasana (Locust Pose) come up a time or two.)
Here's what we discuss:
* Alternative poses for Warrior I and II for practitioners with SI joint pain
* Best poses and modifications for hamstring overstretch issues
* Which movements during an asana practice could cause excess shoulder and neck tension and which counter poses or practices can students do to find relief
* Have we demonized Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose)? Plus, how to transition from Plank to the floor in a way that's less likely to cause injury
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode110
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SP…
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Jun 28, 2018
Bonus Episode: Depression will talk. You don't have to listen. (And other lessons I've learned about depression.)
I put together this episode after the suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. The loss of both of these talented, successfully, beloved people in one week was tragic. A few days after it happened, I read two great stories that talked about how important it is to tell our stories about getting through depression. When the news media focuses on a suicide and how it happens, it can lead to contagion. But when people tell their personal stories of getting through depression or suicidal thoughts or attempts, it helps people in the midst of a crisis see that they can survive.
In that spirit, I offer up the things I've learned from surviving depression, as well as how I got through it. I hope it helps you or someone you love. I'm posting links to the two articles mentioned on the shownotes page, which you can find here: yogalandpodcast.com/bonusepisode
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 26, 2018
Summer Series Ep 3: Poses We (Now) Love
Do you remember the first time you did your favorite pose? Was it true love the first time you took the shape? Or did it take a few tries (or maybe even years!?) to appreciate it?
A few weeks ago, I shared on Instagram that when I first started practicing Side Angle Pose, I thought it was a total snooze and now it's one of my favorite poses. I asked if anyone else has had this experience with a pose and got a resounding yes. For me, the process of appreciating Side Angle Pose represents the way the practice fuels growth and contentment: I used to need a big pose to capture my attention, but now the simpler shapes can bring me to a place of focused attention, awareness, and absorption.
It also shows the beauty of a long-term, sustainable practice -- you change over time and your practice can change, too. This week, Jason and I unpack all of this -- the poses we once overlooked, as well as the poses we used to long for that don't hold much weight anymore. And I share some of the (aweso…
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Jun 19, 2018
Summer Series Ep 2: Staying Sane (and Enjoying!) Social Media
If you're like a lot of yoga students, you probably feel a bit conflicted when it comes to social media: You want to spend more time in the present moment, but you also love how social media makes you feel connected with the people you love and what's going on in the world. It can be so hard to find a balance that allows you to enjoy the best social media has to offer without feeling like a slave to technology.
In this episode of Yogaland, Jason and I share some practical tips on using social media both as consumers and as yoga teachers (who need to use it as a marketing tool and as a way to connect to their students).
We talk about:
* How to stop comparing yourself to the edited highlight reel you see of others' lives on social media
* Creating healthy boundaries around how and when you use social media
* What yoga teachers can do to stay authentic on social media and use it to nurture the relationships they have with their students
Podcast notes: http://jasonyoga.com/podcast/…
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Jun 11, 2018
Summer Series Ep 1: Andrea and Jason Share Their "Easy" & "Hard" Poses
For this year's summer series, Jason and I are focusing on "Building a Sustainable Yoga Practice." Over the past year we've talked about injuries, fear of injuries, predatory teachers and we thought -- LET'S FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE FOR PETE'S SAKE. Let's empower ourselves to create a yoga practice that serves our needs.
For the first episode, Jason and I talk about which poses are taught as beginner or "easy" poses and are actually torturous for us to execute. And the inverse of that -- which poses are thought to be advanced, but have always been pretty accessible to us because of body type. My hope is that this talk will help unravel that sense of competition (either with others or just with ourselves) that we all feel from time to time on the yoga mat. The truth is that certain poses that are easier and more difficult simply because of the body you're born with.
That means that those awe-inspiring poses you see on Instagram may not be a reflection of skills and years of study, but…
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Jun 4, 2018
Yoga, Birth, and Business with Rachel Yellin
Yoga offers us so much more than creating a healthy body and mind--it also helps us to get to know ourselves on a deep, intimate level. That deep knowing can help us make better decisions about every aspect of our lives, which is especially true during the childbirth process, says this week's guest Rachel Yellin.
Rachel is a prenatal yoga teacher, childbirth educator, hypnotherapist, and a dear friend of mine. All of her work is centered around the idea of using mindfulness to help people tap into their own wisdom. It's transformational. And it's all yoga.
This episode isn't just for pregnant moms (or even parents). It's for anyone who wants to learn to tune out external criticisms, judgments, and expectations so you can be guided by your own authentic, inner voice.
Here's are some things we cover:
* Finding the balance between the tradition of yoga, where students are guided through every pose by a teacher, and learning to allow your your own body and intuition lead the way
* How…
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May 31, 2018
Julia Lowrie Henderson -- Behind the Scenes of ESPN's "Bikram" Podcast Series
On this episode, I speak to Julia Lowrie Henderson, the producer behind ESPN's new 30 for 30 podcast series "Bikram."
Bikram Choudhury arrived in the U.S. from Calcutta, India and opened a yoga studio in Beverly Hills in 1973. His intense system of yoga caught on quickly and Bikram became known as the "guru to the stars," with devotees ranging from Shirley MacLaine to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Raquel Welch.
Within two decades, Bikram built a "yoga empire" that included national television appearances, a massive following of devoted students, and a multi-million dollar brand. But Bikram's rise to power came at a cost to many of his students and employees. By 2015, six women had filed civil lawsuits against him, with allegations ranging from sexual harassment to assault to rape.
For the podcast series, Lowrie Henderson spent more than a year of her life traveling to India, interviewing students from the Bikram community, and speaking Bikram himself so that we can hear the truth of his…
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May 29, 2018
Epidemiologist Ai Kubo: How Mindfulness and Nutrition Affect Cancer Patients
Ai Kubo received a PhD in cancer epidemiology from Columbia University, and has nearly 40 scientific publications in peer-reviewed medical journals. Years ago, Kubo was told flat out, by one of the most renowned mindfulness researchers, not to try to create (and fund) mindfulness studies. At that time, studying mindfulness and yoga was too fringe, she was told. She heeded this advice and spent a decade studying the effect of nutrition on cancer. But, as a yoga teacher, she felt that something was missing, so she decided to change the focus of her research. These days, Kubo is hard at work creating studies that examine the effect of mindfulness for cancer patients and their families in reducing stress and depression. We had a lively conversation about her current studies, her approach to eating and living in a way that minimizes cancer risk, and the details on her 3-week Mindfulness Cleanse, which focuses on helping the body rest and reset.
Shownotes for this episode: www.yogalandpodca…
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May 14, 2018
Have a Seat: Jason and Andrea Talk Meditation
Why don't you have a seat and stay awhile? If you think meditating is boring, hard, pointless, or too time consuming, this episode is for you!
This week, Jason and I discuss everything meditation. We unpack why it's important for yoga students to meditate. Plus, we'll give some practical tips for to start if you're new to the practice (or start again if not very consistent). We promise, you'll be glad you did!
PS: Jason just launched a program on yogaglo called, "I Don't Meditate." It's six classes and we think it will convert even the biggest meditation skeptics. You can find it here: http://bit.ly/meditate_with_jason
Highlights from this episode:
* The difference between a person's identity and their habits + how to unravel those to make meditating seem more possible
* Some of the common fears (and excuses!) that keep people from meditating
* Why meditation is an important part of a well-rounded yoga practice and if there's anyone who shouldn't meditate
* Jason's approach to…
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May 7, 2018
Techniques for Reframing Perfectionism with Tias Little
There's a special place in my heart for Tias Little. I studied with him many years ago and the vivid imagery and metaphor he used had a profound impact on the way I think about the body. He's also got this dry, dry, dry humor that I love. In the years since I studied with Tias, he has started doing dharma talks and one of them inspired this episode.
You see, I think most of us are perfectionists. And, as much as I love to put in a hard day's work full of drive and goal-crushing, perfectionism doesn't lead to happiness. It's an illusion of control that (mostly) takes us out of the present moment and into a myth of life being neat, tidy, and complete. It can also bleed into our relationships with those we care about most -- friends, partners, children -- creating conflict and suffering that's unnecessary.
In this episode, I ask Tias how we can use yoga and Buddhist psychology to become aware of our perfectionist tendencies and reframe them. Over the past few weeks since our conversatio…
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May 1, 2018
Learning, Growing, Thriving After Injury with Laura Burkhart
When your body hurts, it can feel like your soul hurts. And when you sustain an injury from yoga, it can be even more rattling. When an injury threatened Laura Burkhart's yoga practice—and her livelihood—she was forced to dig deep, be creative, and step into a new role as a yoga teacher, too. In this episode, she explains how she survived with humility and humor. (PS: Don't forget to read Laura's most recent Yoga Journal blog post!)
We talk about:
* Laura's experience sustaining a hip injury during her yoga practice, how it was diagnosed (when she didn't have health insurance), and the path she took to begin to heal
* How she coped with the fear, shame, and frustration that came up
* The process she used that allowed her to shift from a negative mindset to one that help her completely reprioritize her life and work
* The biggest insight she learned from the ordeal: Don't get your identity from your physical abilities or your career, but in something deeper and more meaningful…
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Apr 24, 2018
Easy Ways to Improve Verbal Communication with Jason Crandell
When I first started taking yoga classes from Jason many years ago, I was struck by his voice. He has a voice that draws you in. It's soothing and encouraging. He speaks in a measured, comfortable pace. And he's a clear, succinct communicator. In essence, he's a natural when it comes to verbal communication.
This week, I ask Jason to share how he's developed this skill set. And, although this episode is specifically geared toward yoga teachers, the ideas we here apply to everyone. We all have times when clear verbal communication is vital -- in client meetings, with our loved ones, during presentations -- and some of us struggle with it more than others. My hope is that you'll gain confidence and clarity from this episode.
We talk about:
* Why verbal communication might be the most important skill for yoga teachers
* Using each class you teach as a practice for personal growth in the area of verbal communication
* The struggles we (Jason and Andrea) have when it comes to speakin…
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Apr 17, 2018
Q&A: Jason's Tips for Nailing Forearm Balance
Jason's back on the podcast answering some of our listeners most common questions. This week, we tackle questions related to Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Balance).
We dive into:
* Headless Headstand - An alternative pose that recommends for students who are new to Forearm Balance
* Three things the shoulders need to be in order to practice Forearm Balance
* A conversation about Jason's biggest pet peeve that he sees students do when they're setting up for Pincha Mayurasana and Headstand (and why Andrea has decided to politely agree to disagree)
* How to avoid having an excessive curvature in the low back (a phenomenon often called "banana back") in Pincha Mayurasana
* Four helpful variations on Pincha Mayurasana
Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode99
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Apr 10, 2018
Are there absolutes in yoga? with Robyn Capobianco
On this week's episode, neurophysiologist Dr. Robyn Capobianco returns and we cover a ton of interesting ground. I walked away from the conversation asking myself, ‘Are there absolutely, definitively good movements and bad movements within the framework of yoga poses? And do we know what they are?’
Here are the other points we discuss:
* The difference between the "anatomy," "biomechanics," and "neuromechanics" and how they apply to yoga
* What Robyn's research has shown her about squeezing the glutes in backbends + the surprising thing that happens when you stop squeezing
* How to be a more discerning connoisseur of all the research, articles, and blog posts that are out there and why it matters
* Why Robyn believes that the constraints around the practice can sometimes do more harm than good
* Is it safe to roll up from Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) to standing?
*BONUS: Robyn's favorite mascara brand, which she promises will change your life.
Shownotes: yogalandpodca…