The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 154: Bookkeeping for Yoga Teachers with Kelly Christian Description: It's the middle of the tax season in the US and Canada, and it can be intimidating to think about getting your books in order, filing your taxes correctly, or choosing the right people to help you with this aspect of running your business! Bookkeeping and tax preparation expert Kelly Christian has some helpful information, tips, and tricks to manage some of the finer aspects of bookkeeping. Kelly is the owner of Kelly Christian & Company, and a Certified Professional Bookkeeper and Tax Preparer. She has over 18 years experience working with all types of small business owners and focuses on helping them create custom technology systems around their money to get their "money system" in place and their books under control. With a variety of packages from step-by-step help to custom set up, training and guidance, Kelly and her team help clients forget about their bookkeeping so they can focus on their business. We dive into where to get started with sales taxes, what expenses you can write off in your business, and even the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant. Kelly also has some easy ways you can use technology to simplify and streamline the money side of your business, and some of the software you can use to make this aspect of running a yoga business easier. Whether you already have your books in order and taxes filed, or if you're worrying about how to get started on them, this episode will be a good resource. Key Takeaways: [5:44] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Kelly Christian. [7:28] What got Kelly started in the bookkeeping industry? [9:54] What does Kelly's business look like now? She shares a bit more about her team. [11:13] What is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant? [15:44] What are some things yoga teachers can do on their own to get their bookkeeping under control? [18:50] When do you need to start charging HST (Harmonized Sales Tax for Canada) or GST (Goods & Services Tax for USA)? [21:03] It is important to keep track of online payment methods to ensure payments, taxes and fees do not "get lost". [25:07] Kelly shares her recommendations for Canadians looking for alternatives to Quickbooks, as well as some free options. [29:57] What are the expenses yoga teachers should be tracking? [34:16] What counts as expenses and what doesn't? Shannon and Kelly dig into some common expenses that yoga teachers ask about including yoga clothing, fuel for travel and home office expenses. [42:54] It is important to find a bookkeeper or accountant who will be able to work with you in your particular business. [46:11] Get in touch with Kelly via her website. [47:44] Kelly has some final words of advice for yoga teachers thinking about their accounting and bookkeeping. [49:25] Shannon shares an update on what she changed in her business regarding accounting and bookkeeping. Links: Kelly Christian The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 044: Accounting for Yoga Teachers with Hannah Smolinski QuickBooks Xero Wave Accounting FreshBooks Hubdoc Receipt Bank DropBox Google Drive Toronto Yoga Conference April 2020 Consultation with Shannon Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training Quotes from this episode: "That's what you're ideally looking for - someone that has a bit more breadth than just someone that's just doing data entry. But if not, make sure you've got a really good relationship with your accountant or tax preparer." "I would rather people use [a simple software] than nothing, but know that as you grow, you're going to outgrow it." "Tracking is better than nothing." "Get some solid systems. Don't unnecessarily move into a piece of software, a good spreadsheet works great."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 153: Licensing a Yoga Teacher Training with Aruna Kathy Humphrys & Claire Matthews Description: As our yoga business grows and expands, one of the things that we may consider offering is yoga teacher training programs. However, it can be challenging to create your own curriculum and and there are many different aspects to consider. Aruna Kathy Humphrys and Claire Matthews have some insights to share on this topic and their unique business model.Aruna and Claire are the founders of Ambassador Yoga. They have created and licensed a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training program that provides teachers with manuals and lesson plans to run their own YTTs in their own homes or studios. In addition to their work at Ambassador Yoga, Aruna and Claire both run their own yoga business. Aruna has been a certified yoga instructor since 1998, and is the Co-Founder, Director and Lead Teacher Trainer at Young Yoga Masters Registered Children's Yoga School. Claire's yoga journey began in 2002, and she is the Co-Founder and Director of Yoga Truly Studios where she teaches guided classes & restorative therapies. Aruna and Claire share more about who can become a yoga teacher trainer, why you might want to register with Yoga Alliance and the requirements for that, and how licensing a training program works for them and the yoga teachers trainers they serve. They also have some advice on writing the curriculum for a yoga teacher training program and some resources around that..If you have a yoga teacher training program, or have wondered what it takes to create a yoga teacher training - this episode will be a useful one. Key Takeaways: [8:14] Shannon introduces her guests for this episode - Aruna Kathy Humphrys & Claire Matthews. [9:29] What is the work that Aruna and Claire do and who do they do it for? [11:15] Claire runs her yoga teacher trainings on a different schedule than the usual system. She explains how it works. [14:16] How did Claire and Aruna first meet and decide to put together a yoga teacher training? [15:48] How does the licensing work in terms of other yoga teachers wanting to run their own yoga teacher trainings? [18:10] How are yoga teachers screened for their suitability to run a yoga teacher training? Claire and Aruna discuss how the changes in the requirements of Yoga Alliance could impact the screening process. [23:58] When yoga teachers buy the licensing program from Yoga Ambassador, how do they execute it? [25:03] What are some things that Aruna and Claire learned when they first started licensing out their program? [29:15] Aruna and Claire have had a few "Beautiful Mind" moments and share the experience of that. [32:59] What were some things that were surprising to Aruna and Claire when delivering their teacher trainings? [35:37] What is Claire and Aruna's advice to want to license their own teacher training programs? [42:00] What are Claire and Aruna's thoughts on selling their manuals? [43:32] How does the licensing work in terms of a yoga school's business name? [46:28] How do Claire and Aruna deal with updating the manual? [48:46] Claire and Aruna do a lot of the work behind the scenes for teacher trainers. [50:34] What is Claire and Aruna's #1 tip about putting together a teacher training? [54:03] There are plans for a 300-hr training in the works. Claire and Aruna share some of the considerations they have to deal with. [57:10] Get in touch with Claire and Aruna via their website to find out more about their licensing program. Links: Ambassador Yoga Aruna Kathy Humphrys Claire Matthews The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Bonus Episode: New Standards for Yoga Schools with Shannon Roche MamaNurture Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Toronto Yoga Conference April 2020 Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training Quotes from this episode: "If you qualify with Yoga Alliance, then you would qualify with us." - Aruna "They choose their price, they choose their schedule. What they do have to stick to is the trainer lesson plans, just making sure the right amount of time is spent in each educational category but how they deliver that is really up to them." - Claire "I think the big learning was how to make the training experiential." - Aruna "Use the thing to teach the thing." - Aruna "Editing the manual - it is an ongoing process, also because there is always new information about yoga." - Aruna

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 152: Simplifying Facebook Ads with Claire Pelletreau Description: Facebook ads can be an incredibly powerful tool, if done well, but it can be tricky to navigate. What kinds of ads are effective? How can you target your audience effectively? How much should you spend on ads? Claire Pelletreau has the answers to these questions and more. Claire is a Facebook and Instagram ads consultant, and host of the Get Paid Podcast where she asks tough money questions. By using a process of data gathering, analysis, strategy, and experimentation, Claire helps clients get real results from Facebook ads, and prides herself on simplifying the complex Facebook and Instagram advertising for her clients. She offers clients Done-For-You Ad Management and in-depth consultations, as well as FB ads courses and other resources for those looking to DIY their Facebook ads.In this deep-dive interview about Facebook ads, Claire shares her expertise on how to use Facebook ads to target a location specific audience, the difference between doing ads yourself and hiring someone, and why video ads may be the most effective type of ads for yoga teachers. This episode is perfect for everyone, from someone who's been dabbling in FB ads and wants to make the most of their ad dollars to the beginner who wants to know how to use paid advertising to boost their business. Key Takeaways: [7:09] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Claire Pelletreau. [10:19] Claire makes a case for why Facebook ads are not just a good way to get new clients, but also to get back time. [13:25] Claire walks through the process of re-targeting visitors to your website. [16:09] Why are there dips and peaks in terms of site traffic and conversions and leads? [18:18] How can yoga teachers get started with Facebook ads? [21:42] Claire and Shannon discuss what a video ad would look like with an example. [26:26] What are some of Claire's tips for what makes a good video ad? [29:10] What are some of Shannon's hesitations when it comes to putting out Facebook ads? Claire addresses some of her concerns. [32:32] Does Claire recommend doing ads for freebies? [33:58] Claire and Shannon dive into how Shannon's podcast makes her money, and how to track different lead magnets from podcast episodes. [39:57] What is Claire's recommendation for a video ad strategy? [43:05] What should your budget be for Facebook ads, and how do you choose your audience? [47:05] Claire highlights some of the things that Facebook doesn't allow in ads. [49:28] Step 1: Get a tracking pixel on your website! [50:23] What are some of Claire's offerings to help people with Facebook ads? [55:04] Shannon shares her one action step from this interview. What's yours? Links: Claire Pelletreau The Get Paid Podcast Claire Pelletreau on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube Nanaco on Instagram Consultation Call with Shannon Useful Resources from Claire How to Set Up Facebook's Pixel on Wordpress/Squarespace How to Set Up Facebook Retargeting Ads How to Target Facebook Ads (Set up Pixels) Conversion Tracking Pixels vs. Retargeting Pixels 5-Part Ad Formula Facebook Ad Copy: 5 Steps to More Conversions Absolute FB Ads Roadmap Instagram Story Ads: Why I'm Obsessed + How to Set Them Up Toronto Yoga Conference April 2020 Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training Quotes from this episode: "It's so funny how a bigger investment just makes us think that something's going to be better." - Claire "You're working really hard to get in front of people, then let Facebook and Instagram ads repeatedly put you in front of them." - Claire "One of the best ways to really spend a small budget is by putting video ads in front of brand new audiences." - Claire "I think video is probably THE tactic to do for 1:1s in particular." - Claire "If you're struggling to get people to buy to begin with, Facebook ads is not going to fix that." - Claire "Identify the objections, and then create content that helps people get over them." - Claire

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 151: Male Pelvic Health & Yoga with Dr. Susie Gronski Description: Pelvic health is a recurring topic on this podcast, but most of the time, it is about pelvic health in general or particular to female-bodied people. However, pelvic health is something important to male-bodied people too, so on this episode Dr. Susie Gronski sheds some light on male pelvic health and the issues surrounding that. Dr. Susie Gronski describes herself as "the physiotherapist for your privates". She is a licensed doctor of physical therapy, board certified pelvic rehabilitation practitioner, and a certified health coach. On her podcast In Your Pants, Dr. Susie approaches the topic of pain, pelvic health, and sexuality with open and transparent conversations. Apart from providing 1:1 hands-on consultations with her patients to teach them how to be the expert in treating their pelvic pain, Dr. Susie is also a Registered Yoga Teacher, and brings that aspect into her work. What are some of the concerns that male-bodied people have regarding their pelvic health, and how can yoga or PT help? In this interview, Dr. Susie addresses a variety of topics - from pelvic pain, to urinary issues, from how pelvic health relates to sexual function, to myths around pelvic health. If you know someone who is male-bodied, or are a male-bodied person yourself - this episode has great information that will be beneficial in understanding more about male pelvic health. Key Takeaways: [6:55] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Dr. Susie Gronski. [7:53] What is the work that Dr. Susie does and who does she do it for? [8:38] What has the challenge been as a female-bodied person addressing male body part issues? [12:58] Be aware of the language and terms you use around the topic of pelvic health! [14:27] What are some of the main issues that male-bodied people face with regard to pelvic health? [19:10] Dr. Susie shares an anecdote of a patient she is working with. [22:15] Pain is a very personal experience that varies greatly from person to person, and particularly with men, there is a lot of stigma around how they should act or seek help. [23:50] Lower back pain can also be related to pelvic health. Dr. Susie explains how. [26:29] How does the male pelvic floor function differently from the female pelvic floor? [30:50] What is the relationship between between pelvic pain and stressful images or experiences? [35:47] What are the benefits of going to see your pelvic health PT or going to yoga class for some of these issues? [40:33] It is important to not always be focused on engaging the pelvic floor muscles but to maintain some balance to optimize function. [45:52] How can we encourage men to attend a pelvic health class or a yoga class? [47:50] When should men see a pelvic health PT for any issues they're experiencing? [53:53] Dr. Susie recommends that people should see a PT who specializes in male pelvic health, and she explains why. [56:19] What are some resources Dr. Susie recommends to find a male pelvic health specialist? [58:13] What is Dr. Susie's podcast about? [58:38] What is the biggest myth or misconception men have about their pelvic health? [1:01:59] What are Dr. Susie's thoughts on hernias and exercise in male bodies? [1:05:53] What were your key takeaways from this episode? Links: Dr. Susie Gronski In Your Pants Podcast with Dr. Susie Gronski The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 150: Start a Membership Site with Amanda McKinney Other resources on Pelvic Health Mayday! Mayday! My Pelvic Floor Is Malfunctioning…, By Dr. Susie Gronski Pattern of activation of pelvic floor muscles in men differs with verbal instructions: Pattern of Activation of Pelvic Floor Muscles, by Paul Hodges et. al. Study of stress and relation to pelvic floor Pelvic Pain Support Program The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 009: Kegels, Mula Bandha and Pelvic Health with Shelly Prosko The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 129: Pelvic Floor 101 with Marie-Josée Forget Find a pelvic health PT: Pelvic Guru - Global Pelvic Health Solutions - Canada American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Sex is a Funny Word: A Book about Bodies, Feelings, and YOU, by Cory Silverberg and Fiona Smyth Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Pelvic Health Professionals Quotes from this episode: "There's a lot of isolation and stigmatization and taboo around helping male-bodies." "The prostate has been blamed for a lot of male pain issues, but if you look at the research and the literature, the stats are about 95-97% of them have no correlation to an infection at all." "Part of my role is to help them to be aware of that protective response, and question whether or not that's necessary for them in that moment." "Sexual health issues, they often are intertwined with psychological or psychogenic components as well."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 150: Start a Membership Site with Amanda McKinney Description: Have you been thinking about starting a membership site? Perhaps you've heard of membership sites and you're wondering how you can start one as a yoga teacher. Shannon and Amanda McKinney both started their own membership sites in 2019 and dive into what it takes to start and run a successful membership site. Amanda is a marketing coach for yoga teachers with a membership site, Marketing Yoga with Confidence, which focuses on helping yoga teachers to market themselves and their businesses authentically, without slimy, sales-y marketing. Shannon's membership site, Pelvic Health Professionals, provides pelvic health advocates including physiotherapists, yoga teachers, fitness professionals and more, with updated information surrounding pelvic health. Starting a membership site is not something either of them had considered, but eventually they did. They share their journey of why they started their membership sites, and what they have learned along the process. Amanda and Shannon also discuss some of the finer details of running a membership site, from doing launches, the technology and methods for content creation, and how to get started. If you are wondering how this can be used by yoga teachers wanting to focus on more online offerings, or you've wanted to learn more about the inner workings of starting and running a membership site, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: [5:28] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Amanda McKinney. [7:19] What is Amanda's membership site and what got her started on that? [11:56] Amanda was familiar with the technology for her membership site when she launched, but didn't have any of the content ready. [13:16] Amanda and Shannon had the idea for a membership site at the same time. Shannon shares her journey of starting her membership site. [15:45] Both Amanda and Shannon initially opened their membership sites and let their founding members guide the direction for the content. [17:48] What is a membership site and how does it apply to yoga teachers? [20:30] A yoga membership site has been called an "online yoga studio". Does this mean that students will no longer be going to classes? [23:12] What are some of the different decisions Shannon and Amanda have made in creating content? They share some of their techniques and methods for conveying content. [27:43] Shannon and Amanda discuss their platforms for their membership sites. [29:26] Let's talk tech. What are some of the tech that Amanda and Shannon use? [35:06] One of the things to manage is people feeling like they're getting left behind with the amount of content available on membership sites. Be careful with that! [37:10] Another option is making your own customized platform for your membership site, but be sure not to go off on a tangent or invest too much before you need to. [40:44] What's the best way to gather information from ideal clients? [44:29] Be open to the possibilities of what your idea could become! [49:31] Churn (people leaving) is a natural part of running a membership site. Do not become heartbroken or discouraged! [54:12] Both Amanda and Shannon open and close the doors to their membership sites at certain times. Why have they chosen to go this route? [1:00:57] Share your ideas for membership sites for yoga teachers or your own membership site in the comments! Links: Schedulicity on Instagram and Facebook Amanda McKinney The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode: 112: Niche Down to Market Your Yoga with Amanda McKinney Marketing Yoga with Confidence Membership Site Teachable Pixel Wireless Video Microphone Review - Yoga Teacher Review! by Shelly Aaron iMovie Kajabi MemberVault Thinkific Mac Amanda's webcam The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 078: Creating an Online Yoga Studio with Brea Johnson Heart + Bones Yoga Amanda's behind the scenes podcast episodes: Episode 9 Episode 11 Episode 12 Episode 13 The Membership Guys Podcast The Membership Guys - Behind the Membership It's a TRIBE Thing Podcast Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Pelvic Health Professionals Quotes from this episode: "Listen to what your audience says." - Amanda "The idea that my audience was asking for it was reason enough for me to figure it out." - Amanda "If anyone's thinking about creating a membership site, in and of itself, think about who you want in there. ... At the beginning, it is really important to have quality." - Amanda "I really try and help yoga teachers understand the power of online classes, because yes, it's different, but it's so impactful." - Amanda "Use what you have, and figure out what you need." - Amanda

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 149: Yoga for Anxiety with Amanda Whiting Description: Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental illnesses in the world, with almost 300 million people globally dealing with an anxiety disorder. This means there is a chance that one or more of your students may be dealing with anxiety, or even coming to yoga to help with their anxiety. How can you, as a yoga teacher, help them and what are some of the things to be aware of? Amanda Whiting has some insights on this topic. As someone who has been managing her own anxiety since she was two years old, Amanda is no stranger to anxiety. Yoga has taught Amanda that through asana, breathwork, and meditation, anxiety can be more manageable, and an overall sense of wellbeing is inevitable. Today, Amanda helps others work through and manage their own anxiety and mental health conditions through a variety of yoga classes, workshops and retreats, as well as free meditations, yin classes and yoga nidra. Amanda explains what having an anxiety attack feels like, and anxiety is a uniquely personal experience for each person. She shares how yoga can be a part of the prescription for mental health, why loving kindness and self-compassion is so important, and even what happens if someone has a panic attack in your class. Amanda approaches this sensitive topic with openness and heart, and this episode is full of so much useful information that all yoga teachers can use. Key Takeaways: [5:22] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Amanda Whiting. [6:49] What is the work Amanda does now, and how did she get there? [9:57] What does having an anxiety attack feel like? [12:28] Amanda shares her thoughts about why anxiety exists. [16:20] How has Amanda's experience with anxiety from such a young age informed the work that she does now? [17:50] Amanda and Shannon discuss why "love yourself" is so difficult in practice. [19:25] What are some ways we can change the neural pathways that make it difficult to love and connect with ourselves? [23:51] Amanda shares her spin on the loving kindness meditation. [25:51] How does loving kindness and self-compassion come in when dealing with anxiety? [31:27] How can yoga teachers go about offering yoga for anxiety? [34:11] Anxiety is a uniquely personal experience for everyone who has it, and it can manifest in different ways and forms. [37:24] Why is yoga helpful for anxiety, and what are the other prescriptions for anxiety? [43:20] What can yoga teachers do if someone has a panic attack in class? [49:49] For the majority of people, anxiety is not something that can be fixed or cured or that goes away entirely, but something they live with and manage. [52:20] Connect with Amanda via her website or social media to find out more or learn how you can work with her. [53:14] Shannon shares some of the upcoming things to look out for. Links: Yoga Anytime with Shannon Crow (Promo Code: CROW) Amanda Whiting Amanda Whiting on Instagram, Facebook Loving Kindness, by Sharon Salzberg Self-Compassion, by Kristin Neff Dan Siegel John Kabat-Zinn The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 128: Ayurveda, Doshas & Yoga with Angela Glaz The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 116: Pain Language with Shelly Prosko (Part 1) Loving Kindness Meditation: Bring your attention to yourself - without any parameters or exceptions - you as you are in this moment. With this awareness of you, repeat to yourself: May I be at ease. May I open to what arises. May I know that I am enough. May I love myself just as I am. Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Pelvic Health Professionals Quotes from this episode: "[Anxiety] can be a byproduct of everything." "We live in this right-away society, and I think that's really a blessing and a curse." "We have so much ability to love others and have compassion for others, and yet, somewhere along the way, it's become that that's not okay for us to have for ourselves." "If you are someone who is struggling with accepting and loving yourself and having compassion for yourself, you need to focus on you." "Even though anxiety has become way more noticeable, it is still really not understood." "I don't allow the anxiety anymore to control my life, but that doesn't mean that it's not part of my life."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 148: Stress Incontinence and Yoga with Melissa Dessaulles Description: Something that affects 33 million Americans, 3.3 million Canadians and almost 400 million people worldwide is a topic a lot of people aren't talking about - urinary incontinence. That's a shocking statistic, and all the more reason to address this issue - expert Melissa Desssaulles is just the person to talk about it. Melissa Dessaulles is a registered physiotherapist with extensive training in the management and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction and perinatal health. Melissa is also the founder of Mommy Berries, which offers a postpartum program to guide new mums through the early healing phase in a way that promotes healing and recovery of the pelvic floor and core muscles. Apart from her physiotherapy work, Melissa also dedicates time to raising awareness about common pelvic floor issues such as prolapse and incontinence through informative sessions. Urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction is something that affects a lot more people than we think. Melissa explains the difference between stress and urge incontinence, why leaking occurs, abdominal weakness postpartum, and how yoga during and after pregnancy can help in addressing some of these issues. Stay tuned to the end to find out more about Melissa's free resource for pregnant people, as well as for a very special discount on Melissa's postpartum program, just for listeners! Key Takeaways: [5:00] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Melissa Dessaulles. [6:45] Who is Melissa and what is the work that she does? [9:18] Urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction is something that affects a lot more people than we think. [11:37] Urinary incontinence or leaking is common, but it's not normal. Mellissa explains how she approaches the topic without making people feel bad. [14:33] What is the difference between stress incontinence and urge incontinence? [17:15] Melissa highlights some of the options available to people who have stress incontinence. [20:51] How can yoga and the tools of yoga help someone who is dealing with stress incontinence? [23:43] Listen to Schedulicity's hot tip of the week. [24:48] What is Melissa's advice for people who are doing Kegels exercises and are still leaking? [28:59] What are some circumstances when people might be more likely to experience stress incontinence? Melissa explains why stress incontinence in pregnant people or just after having a baby is normal. [32:50] Men also experience incontinence issues. [33:32] What happens to the pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy and delivery should be treated like an injury and addressed accordingly. [35:20] Who can Melissa help from the standpoint of physical therapy, and when would she refer them to other options? [38:34] Yoga can be a powerful tool to help with body awareness and empowering people on their healing journey. [43:15] Find out more about this topic and Melissa's work on her website, Instagram or join her online program. [48:17] What were your key takeaways from this episode? Links: Pelvic Health Professionals Resources Melissa Dessaulles Melissa Dessaulles on Instagram Online Program for Postpartum Mums: From the Inside Out™ (Use the code CONNECTEDYOGA15 for a 15% discount) Stress Incontinence by Mommy Berries on YouTube The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 129: Pelvic Floor 101 with Marie-Josée Forget Yoga And Incontinence Study How Yoga Can Help with Urinary Incontinence - Yoga Anytime Yoga for Urinary Incontinence with Shannon Crow [Use Promo Code CROW] Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Pelvic Health Professionals Quotes from this episode: "It's common, but it's not normal." - Shannon "Every muscle needs to be able to move to do its job well." - Melissa "What we work on is we find out why YOU are leaking so we can tell you what your muscles are doing and see what your habits are, and then maybe give suggestions." - Melissa "I don't think we would see so much incontinence persisting if we just acknowledged that those muscles have been through something." -Melissa

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 147: Core Myths with Lauren Ohayon Description: At some point, either as a student or teacher, we have heard the phrase "engage your core". Some people are even conditioned to think that they should do this all the time! In actual fact, doing this is not as beneficial as we think it is, and it can be limiting to function and movement. Lauren Ohayon is an expert on the topic of core and pelvic floor issues, and on this episode, she busts through some of the common myths about core strength. Lauren Ohayon is the founder of Restore Your Core, an online program addressing pelvic floor and core dysfunction, and helps thousands of women globally through her online programs, and Facebook groups. Lauren is internationally recognized for specializing in core and pelvic floor issues, and has 20 years of experience teaching yoga, pilates and functional movement. With her comprehensive exercise programs that are designed to be effective, safe and sustainable, Lauren focuses on helping people exercise well and move efficiently to gain core strength and ideal pelvic floor function. When it comes to the core, many people assume that all core exercises are created equal, but this isn't the case. Lauren reveals the differences between different core exercises, and busts through some other myths around building core strength. She also explains what the core really should be doing and when, and dives into the issue of intra abdominal pressure, and conditions like prolapse and diastasis. This is a hot topic that will benefit all yoga teachers, both in your own practice and in cueing certain poses, so be sure to tune in. Key Takeaways: [5:53] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Lauren Ohayon. [7:22] What does Lauren do and who does she do it for? [8:42] When did Lauren start focusing on pelvic health and the core? [10:58] What is the core, and what is the core not? [13:08] Shannon and Lauren discuss their interpretations of the Core Four. [19:46] It is not always important to name muscles or dive into the anatomy to help people. [21:45] We often hear the phrase "engage your core". Lauren explains why this is not always helpful, and sometimes it can even be limiting to function. [25:10] Lauren explains the specific type of breath that engages the core, and why it engages the core. [27:57] Lauren highlights the difference between engaging your core and bracing your core. [30:54] Why have we gone so off track with our breath and how the core is working? [34:41] Lauren shares an analogy that she has learned. [36:46] What are some of Lauren's favorite core strengthening movements and poses? [40:04] Lauren shares some of her variations for boat pose [44:24] What are the three Bs that Lauren brings attention to? [47:22] What is something Lauren wishes yoga teachers would know about the core? [51:27] Connect with Laura on her websites or her Facebook groups to learn more. [52:21] What was something you picked up from this interview? Shannon would love to know. Links: Pelvic Health Professionals Resources Lauren Ohayon Restore Your Core.com Restore Your Core Facebook Group Leslie Kaminoff Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "Your core is really the integrated function of your whole body." "In core function, one of the main elements of core function is that our core is designed like any other muscle in our body, to be reflexive, automated." "If your core is not kicking in, ...whatever it's not doing, ... tightening it is not going to teach it to get there." "To me, "engage your core" means to do a very specific type of breath. Your core will naturally pull in with that." "We don't want excessive tone anywhere in our body. ... More tone is not always better."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 146: How to Empower Your Yoga Students with Yonnie Fung Description: As yoga teachers, we want our classrooms to be safe spaces that empower our students and maximise their choice, but this may not always be the case. People may come to our classes wanting us to tell them what to do and trust that it's our job to know better, and also, some practices in yoga may erode empowerment, take away student agency, and undermine safety. Yonnie Fung recently wrote an article on this topic, and what it means to teach inclusive, safe and ethical yoga. She is the founder of Yoga with Yonnie, an award winning yoga and movement space in Beijing that focuses on small classes, non-commercialism, integrity and cultivating real human connections. Yonnie values a collaborative learning environment over an authoritative styles, and seeks to help students and clients in discovering what they need to feel well and whole. Some common practices in modern yoga fall short of what we want to achieve. Yonnie and Shannon dive into why replicating inherited behaviours and practices from past generations may not necessarily be appropriate, and how yoga teachers can move away from dis-empowering their students. This episode is in no way about shame and blame. We often look back at the things we could have done differently as newer yoga teachers, and that work is sometimes uncomfortable. Listen in if you would like to learn more about how we can move forward as yoga teachers to empower our students and increase their agency in our classrooms. Key Takeaways: [4:59] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Yonnie Fung. [6:15] Where did Yonnie's journey with yoga begin? [9:44] What made Yonnie decide to become a yoga teacher? [12:05] What is the work that Yonnie does now? [18:53] What prompted Yonnie to write her list of how we might be unintentionally harming our yoga students? [23:16] Did Yonnie expect her article to go viral? She shares her experience with publishing her article. [25:36] How did Yonnie develop her list? [26:21] Shannon highlights some of the things that stood out to her from Yonnie's list. [26:43] One of the items on Yonnie's list is participating in power structures. Shannon and Yonnie discuss the power dynamic that exists in a yoga class. [34:06] Yonnie shares a powerful experience she had during her yoga teacher training that has influenced her way of teaching yoga. [37:37] It is a common thread in many settings where the teacher is expected to know the student better than the student knows themselves! [38:26] This week's hot top from Schedulicity! [39:15] Yonnie highlights how teachers making adjustments to students' postures is not empowering. [41:28] What are some of the ways that yoga teachers can move away from dis-empowering their students? Yonnie highlights how the language that we use can be the simplest place to start changing. [48:37] What is Yonnie's response to yoga teachers who want to say as few words as possible in their classes? [50:10] It can be challenging for students to learn how to listen to their body. Yonnie explains more about interoception and how this ties in with trauma and yoga. [53:45] Yonnie and Shannon talk through an example of how this might play out in a class. [57:19] It takes a lot of pressure off the teacher if we understand and accept that the students are the experts of their own bodies. [1:02:01] Yonnie has subsequent follow-up articles that she has written on this topic. [1:05:26] Get in touch with Yonnie via her website or on Facebook. [1:06:18] What are some techniques you have learned to empower your yoga students? Share them with Shannon! Links: Pelvic Health Professionals Resources Yonnie Fung Yonnie Fung on Facebook Teaching Inclusive, Safe And Ethical Yoga – Part 1: Empowerment, By Yonnie Fung How We Can Unintentionally Harm our Students List by Yonnie Fung Yoga is Dead / Gurus Killed Yoga Teaching Inclusive, Safe And Ethical Yoga – Part 2: Safety And Trust, by Yonnie Fung Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training Mama Nurture Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training in Meaford, Ontario Work with Shannon 1:1 Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Pelvic Health Professionals. Quotes from this episode: "There wasn't one single incident. You could say that there were lots of little incidents and it happened very steadily over a period of time that suddenly hit critical mass." "It was encouraging to know that I wasn't alone, and that other people had these frustrations and concerns." "Yoga at its best is an empowering path." "We're practicing disembodiment from a really young age." "I think it's very important to distinguish the promise of yoga and the potential, from the actual delivery as it plays out." "It doesn't matter how good your intentions are as a teacher." "You can have all the best intentions in the world, but if you are not empowering them to make choices for themselves, you will have impeded their recovery." "We are actually ex

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 145: Before You Open a Yoga Studio with Shannon Crow Description: Have you always dreamed of opening your own yoga studio? Or are you tired of never being able to set your schedule exactly how you want it, and think that opening your own studio would solve those challenges? Perhaps, you've already made up your mind to open a yoga studio and are looking for guidance on how to go about it. Shannon Crow dives into all these and more, on this episode. Having managed multiple yoga studios in the past, and been approached by two yoga studios to purchase a yoga studio, Shannon has no stranger to the topic of opening, running and managing a yoga studio. She has used a 3-stage process to ask herself if this path is right for her, and on this episode, shares exactly how you can walk through the process too. This episode is meant for anyone who has dreamed of opening a yoga studio or anyone who is currently "living the dream" of running a yoga studio. Touching on everything related to opening a yoga studio from what your dream of an ideal yoga studio looks like, to the various models of yoga studios that you can consider, to the questions you should be asking yourself, this episode is a great place to start if being a yoga studio owner is on your bucket list. Key Takeaways: [2:05] This episode is all about opening a yoga studio. [2:35] If your dream is to open a yoga studio, start by defining what that looks like. [3:41] Another way to approach this is to ask yourself what are the things that are really bugging you about your current situation. [5:09] Check out the hot tip of the week from Schedulicity. [6:55] Shannon shares some ideas for yoga studios and invites you to think outside the box! [11:48] Shannon does a quick recap, and reveals a little bit of her background with yoga studios before diving into some tough questions. [14:41] Do you like the administrative side of running a yoga business? [16:44] Do you love managing people? [20:32] Do you love competition and collaboration? [22:27] Do you love being responsible for a whole group of people? [24:55] How much do you love thinking about the smallest details? [27:02] Your yoga teachers are your brand, but the entire yoga studio also has a brand. [28:28] Having a yoga studio means that you're tied to a place. Are you ready for that? [29:57] As a yoga studio owner, you have to take into account legal and insurance considerations. [32:45] The last consideration Shannon would like to highlight is around schedule. [34:51] How does listening to this episode make you feel about opening a yoga studio? [37:48] Share your thoughts with Shannon! Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 93: How to Build a Home Studio with Jo Stewart & Rane Bowen The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 78: Creating an Online Yoga Studio with Brea Johnson The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 143: Should I Start a Non-Profit? with Jessica Kinsey The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 44: Accounting for Yoga Teachers with Hannah Smolinski The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 101: What I Learned as a Yoga Studio Manager with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 103: Hiring and Nurturing Your Team with Shelli Warren The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 64: Getting Hired by a Yoga Studio with Kristen Sweeney The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 057: Feng Shui Your Yoga Space with Marina V Umali Yoga Studio Etiquette: Getting Along in the Yoga Studio The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 128: Ayurveda, Doshas & Yoga with Angela Glaz The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 104: Legal Answers for Your Yoga Business with Saerin Ally Cho The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 105: Insurance for Yoga Teachers with Beth McVeigh The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 102: Mission Statements & Core Values with Steve Hart Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Pelvic Health Professionals Quotes from this episode: "If your dream is to open a yoga studio, let's first define what does that look like." "At the beginning, we opened with that dreaming part, and now, I want to hit home some reality pieces that come in when managing a yoga studio, when owning a yoga studio, when running a yoga studio." "When we have responsibilities, we have to set those healthy boundaries." "With a yoga studio, you are tied to a location."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 144: Get More Website Visitors with SEO with Meg Casebolt Description: These days, it has become a necessity for any business, including yoga businesses, to have a website. However, it's not enough to just have a website. We need to make sure that our websites get found by people who are looking for what we offer, and that's where SEO comes in. It sounds scary and intimidating, but is so critical to getting more visitors to your website, and Meg Casebolt breaks down just how you can get started with making your website more SEO-friendly. Meg Casebolt is an SEO strategist, Google Ads consultant, and (currently inactive) certified yoga teacher. She came to yoga in 2001 as an exercise routine, and has been practicing ever since. After receiving her certification in Bhakti Yoga, she taught yoga for 2 years from 2014 to 2016, before transitioning into her current role, so she has a unique and intimate understanding of yoga businesses. Meg describes herself as the "Supergirl to your SEO strategy stress", and since 2013, has been helping business owners show up in search results, get more leads & sell more products with intentional, strategic content. It's important to start with the basics, so Meg explains what SEO is, and why optimizing your website for search engines is so important. She shares how to set up your website to help you get found on Google (both as an industry expert and a local teacher), as well as why Google Analytics and Google Search Console can be such powerful tools. Meg also has some insight into specializing and niching down, and how that can help your website rank in Google. If you are looking for some great advice on steps you can take immediately to update your website and make it Google-friendly, this is the episode for you. Key Takeaways: [5:36] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Meg Casebolt. [7:20] Who is Meg and what is the work that she does? [8:15] When did Meg become an SEO specialist? [12:37] What do yoga teachers need to do to help their websites get found? Set up a Google My Business profile! [17:03] Another thing you can do to stand out is to get reviews! [19:05] Meg explains why it is so beneficial to have a Google My Business account, regardless of whether you have a physical location or not. [22:36] The next thing to look at is your website. Meg recommends Google Analytics and some other handy tools to help you get started. [25:36] What is the difference between Google Analytics and Google Search Console and what kind of information goes Google Search Console provide? [29:10] How often should you be checking in on your Google Analytics and Google Search Console? [30:39] Shannon shares some details about the things that surprised her when Meg did an analysis of The Connected Yoga Teacher website. [34:18] How can you put out content that is SEO-friendly so that people can find your website? [37:32] What are some tips for tailoring your content to boost your page ranking in search results? [42:52] It is important for you to list the location of where you are teaching yoga on your website! [44:33] What are some things that Meg has noticed about how yoga teachers can improve their SEO? [46:23] Tip: You have to be found for one thing, before you can be found for everything. [48:17] Start small and work on these aspects that Meg has covered before diving in more to avoid overwhelm! [52:56] Meg and Shannon discuss outsourcing SEO to a professional. [55:35] Get in touch with Meg via her website or Instagram. [56:10] What is the action step that you are going to take to improve your SEO? Links: Meg Casebolt, Megabolt Digital Meg's Resources: Set Up Google My Business Add Google Analytics Install Google Search Console Beginner's Guide to Keyword Research How to write SEO friendly blog posts Where to Start with SEO Meg Casebolt on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode: 107: Launch & Promote Your Yoga Offering with Abby Herman Google My Business Profile Set Up Google My Business with Helena Spears (Facebook Live Video) Google Analytics Google Search Console Aqua Yoga with Christa UberSuggest.io Yoast SEO All-in-one SEO Pack Pelvic Health Professionals Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training Quotes from this episode: "How do you make sure that the traffic that is coming to you is converting into a subscriber, or a sale, or in your case, a student?" "I'm going to start again with looking at what's working. That's always what I do first." "One big component of Search Engine Optimization that Google's really concerned about is making sure that your website runs smoothly, that it's mobile responsive." "Google looks at your site on a phone before it looks at it on a desktop." "The first thing that you need to do is know what people are searching for." "The best place to start for SEO content is with keyword research." "When it comes to writing for search, I want you to focus on being

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 143: Should I Start a Non-Profit? with Jessica Kinsey Description: In your journey of starting your yoga business, you may have asked yourself, "Should I start a nonprofit or for-profit?" There are certain differences between running a yoga non-profit and a yoga business for-profit, and certain things to consider that can help you decide which would be a better fit for your aims and goals. Jessica Kinsey is an expert in the area of nonprofits and social enterprises, and has some insights to share. Jessica Kinsey is the Founder, CEO and Social Impact Strategist at Prodigy & Co, a company dedicated to helping impact-driven organizations create business strategies that will help them achieve their mission. A serial entrepreneur who has founded multiple companies, Jessica now partners with non-profit and for-profit organizations to help them develop their services, expand their reach, scale their impact, and build sustainable revenue streams. Some yoga teachers want to start a nonprofit because they don't want to take people's money or market themselves. Jessica explains why sales and marketing are still essential parts of a non-profit organization, and some of the key differences you need to consider in structuring your yoga organization. She also shares ideas on how to get more donations, and ways to make the biggest positive impact on your community, whether you have a for-profit business or non-profit organization. This episode is a great listen for anyone who is interested in starting a non-profit yoga organization, or if you're just looking for ideas on how to better serve your community while running a sustainable business. Key Takeaways: [5:03] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jessica Kinsey. [7:12] What does Jessica do? [8:34] Jessica also works with for-profits to help them figure out how to build social good into what they're doing. [12:29] Jessica and Shannon discuss the situation of yoga teachers wanting to start a nonprofit because they don't want to take people's money or market themselves. [15:55] What are the benefits of having a nonprofit? [18:54] Nonprofits need to have a board of directors who do have a significant say in the decisions concerning the organization. [21:21] Jessica raises a few more considerations when it comes to starting a nonprofit. [22:53] What are some of the questions Jessica would ask a yoga teacher who is interested in starting a nonprofit? [26:23] Shannon and Jessica work through a specific example from Shannon's experience about helping others in need. [31:12] Two things to keep in mind: 1) The money needs to come from somewhere, 2) The person / organization providing the money is often thinking 'what's in it for me?'. [34:59] What are some questions yoga teachers or yoga studios should ask themselves if they're thinking of starting a nonprofit? [37:51] What are some of Jessica's suggestions for yoga teachers who have a for-profit business and want to give back to the community? [43:13] How does Jessica recommend that yoga teachers maintain a balance between sustaining their business and themselves vs. giving back to society? [46:46] Get in touch with Jessica via her website, social media or email to find out more about her work. [48:55] Shannon shares her key takeaways and would love to hear yours! Links: Prodigy & Co. Jessica M Kinsey on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn Email Jessica Kinsey Tim Hortons Donuts Newman's Own Salad Dressing Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training Quotes from this episode: "I believe that people who are doing good in the world deserve to do well, and that more money means that you get to do more good." "More often than not, you're asking somebody to give money for something that just makes them feel good, and they're not really getting tangible value out of it." "You're still selling something or asking for money, it's just in a different kind of way." "You still have to get the word out about what you're doing, whether or not your class is free." "Not everything that is putting social good out into the world is 100% sustainable on its own." "You've got to take care of yourself first and you have to be able to pay your bills and make a living, otherwise you can't do this work at all."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 142: Living the Sutras with Kelly DiNardo Description: The Yoga Sutras are an essential framework in yoga, but the reality is that it can be difficult to incorporate the sutras into our teachings, our own practice of yoga, or even into our own lives. Kelly DiNardo has some practical strategies to help us apply the teachings of the sutras to our modern lives. Kelly DiNardo is the owner of Past Tense Yoga Studio opened in 2009, host of the Living It Podcast, which focuses on the realities of living your yoga practice, author of several books, and freelance journalist who contributes to various popular publications. Her most recent book, co-authored with Amy Pearce-Hayden, Living the Sutras: A Guide to Yoga Wisdom beyond the Mat aims to make the other aspects of yoga as approachable and accessible as the asana is today. To many of us, the sutras can seem intimidating and inaccessible, but Kelly's book presents them in a way that is engaging and easy to understand. Kelly shares what sparked her interest in the sutrats, and her inspiration to write the book. She also provides some insights into how best to translate the ancient wisdom found in the sutras into something accessible and relevant to today's world, and how to cultivate the mindsets, habits and practices needed to live a joyful and purposeful life. If you've ever wondered how to bring more of yoga philosophy into your life, or wanted a more practical application of the sutras, this episode is a great starting point. Key Takeaways: [5:38] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Kelly DiNardo [6:39] Kelly has been a yoga studio owner for 10 years! What got her into yoga in the first place? [8:12] When did Kelly's interest in the sutras develop? [9:43] Kelly shares more about her inspiration and experience with writing Living the Sutras: A Guide to Yoga Wisdom beyond the Mat. [10:47] Shannon and Kelly discuss how her book is presented in a way that makes the sutras easy to understand. [12:18] What are the sutras? [15:04] Yoga is a work in, not just a workout. What has Kelly's experience been in people not wanting to work on themselves? [18:00] Kelly's book is divided into three books. She explains the different sections and what they represent. [21:20] Kelly shares the insight that you can work all of the practices of the eight limbs at the same time. [23:22] What does Kelly mean when she says "everything is yoga"? [26:44] What message is Kelly trying to convey to yoga teachers and yoga practitioners? [28:15] Kelly has a list of resources that she has included in her book. [28:50] What are Kelly's thoughts on the Sanskrit? [32:12] Shannon and Kelly discuss why it is okay to admit when you don't know or struggle with things. [33:10] Kelly talks about some of her experiences in the process of writing the book. [34:54] How have the sutras informed how Kelly runs her yoga studio and her yoga business? [38:41] What are some tips and tricks Kelly would share with yoga teachers who are thinking about opening a yoga studio? [42:06] Kelly shares some insight for people who are struggling with marketing and selling in their yoga business because it feels against all the yoga principles. [46:04] Kelly is doing a card deck as a supplement to the book. [47:13] What kind of feedback has Kelly received on her book? [49:54] What is Kelly's advice for people who want to write and publish articles? [52:36] Get in touch with Kelly via her website, check out her podcast and connect with her on social media. [53:38] How are you living your yoga? Shannon would love to hear from you! Links: Kelly DiNardo Kelly DiNardo on Instagram Living the Sutras: A Guide to Yoga Wisdom beyond the Mat, by Kelly DiNardo and Amy Pearce-Hayden Past Tense Yoga Studio Living It Podcast Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg The Language of Yoga: Complete A-to-Y Guide to Asana Names, Sanskrit Terms, and Chants, by Nicolai Bachman The Four Desires, by Rod Stryker Living It Podcast Episode 1: Living with Purpose with Rod Stryker Contact Kelly for Course Info (Mention The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast for a 20% coupon code!) Namastream Mediabistro Freelance Success Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training. Quotes from this episode: "If we're living our practice off the mat, then yoga is everywhere for us." "Yoga is both the goal, the means and the end." "One of those limbs is our asana, or physical practice, but what I find really interesting is that it's actually less than 2% of the yoga sutras." "What happens on the mat is a reflection of what's happening off the mat." "There is an opportunity for yoga or a yoga mindset in every moment." "You can do yoga and never do asana. Or you could do asana and never do yoga." "I think understanding the language is an opportunity to go deeper into the practice." "So few of us think about our breath until there's something wrong with it." "I think it's important to have a busine

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 141: Let's Talk Money with Katie Brauer Description: Part of being an entrepreneur and business owner is dealing with our money mindset. Money is an essential part of our business, and whether you love it or you hate it, you need to embrace it and cultivate that relationship. Even after years of being in business, our mindset work around money never really ends. Katie Brauer has some insights on the topic. Katie Brauer is an international yoga educator, high performance coach, former professional snowboarder, and mentor at the intersection of yoga and entrepreneurship. She has been described as a "power house yogi and rising leader" by Forbes, and is the creator of The Yoga Professional Incubator® , an online business and personal growth incubator for yoga teachers. Today, Katie helps people transform their businesses, their relationships and their lives through coaching, group programs and retreats. How do we even begin to open up the money conversation? It's a topic that many people find uncomfortable, not just yoga teachers, and Katie shares some of the blocks that we have around money mindset. She explains how a money buddy can be helpful to unpacking your relationship with money, and what it means to be in relationship with our money. Katie has some unique perspectives about the flow of money, and share tips for something we all struggle with - raising our rates, and doing it even when it feels scary. This is such an important topic for all of us to think about. If you've ever hesitated to raise your rates, or felt uncomfortable with your relationship with money, this episode is a great starting point to change that. Key Takeaways: [5:50] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Katie Brauer [6:54] Where did Katie's yoga journey begin? [7:43] What shifted in Katie's mind that made her become a yoga teacher? [9:46] How did Katie start to dig into becoming comfortable with talking about money as a yoga teacher and a consultant for yoga teachers? [12:13] What are some of the hurdles that yoga teachers face around their money mindset? [14:04] Who should we choose to be our money buddy? Katie shares more about who we should pick, and how to approach looking at our relationship with money. [17:49] What are some of the strategies that have produced the biggest shift in Katie's relationship with money? [20:54] How does Katie approach looking for the flow of money in her life? [23:01] Katie segues into talking about how yoga teachers can use this method to find the right pricing for them. [26:41] Yoga teachers often lean towards undercharging. What are Katie's tips for addressing that? [30:03] Shannon shares an anecdote of what happened when she decided to try raising her rates for a course she offers. [33:41] Yoga teachers often say they feel bad that they're making yoga inaccessible to those who can't afford it by raising their rates. What is Katie's response to that? [41:20] What are some other practices Katie recommends to shift your mindset around money? [45:43] Opening up the conversation and listening to what others have to say on the topic of money can be just as important. [48:55] Being spiritual and having money are not at odds with each other. [52:40] It is a myth that yoga teachers cannot make money. [54:21] Get in touch with Katie via her website, and leaves us with a challenge - what's the one thing you could do today to enhance your life and business? [56:18] Katie shares a unique location to teach yoga. [1:01:08] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this interview, and would love to hear your thoughts too! Links: Katie Brauer Katie Brauer's Wealth Accelerator Program - Free Download The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 130: Make a Profit Teaching Private Yoga with Emily Sussell The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 041: Generating Profit with Natalie Eckdahl The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 042: Money Mindset with Geraldine Carter The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 043: Minimum Viable Income with Steph Crowder The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 044: Accounting for Yoga Teachers with Hannah Smolinski Nicole Lombardo The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire, by Deepak Chopra Claire Pells, Get Paid Podcast How to Get Out of Debt With the Debt Snowball Plan, by Dave Ramsey Profit First, by Mike Michalowicz Smart Women Finish Rich, by David Bach The Latte Factor, by David Bach and John Mann Suze Orman David Bach Podcast Where to Teach Yoga, compiled by Shannon Crow Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Mama Nurture. Quotes from this episode: "I think the first thing is a willingness to talk about it, because it's just so uncomfortable for the majority of people on the planet, not just yoga teachers." "There's so much shame that goes along with money, and it doesn't have to be." "You're in a relationship with your money." "I find when I just get quiet, the answer is there." "There's people on my list, and your list

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 140: Plan Your Yoga Workshop with Shannon Crow Description: So you want to plan a workshop, but where do you begin? Before you get into the nitty gritty details of what yoga poses you are going to be teaching, or what music you will be playing, or when you'll be taking a break, there are some things to think about. Based on the questions yoga teachers have asked Shannon, both privately and in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group, this is something a lot of people need help with. In this episode, Shannon shares her 7 key things to think about when it comes to planning a workshop. From figuring out your target audience, tips on marketing, strategies for how to brainstorm main topics for your workshop, Shannon shares her process of how she approaches creating and planning a workshop. She even tackles some mindset blocks you may have when it comes to pricing your workshop appropriately! If you have never planned a workshop before or you want to hear about the framework that Shannon loves to use for workshops, this is the episode you need to listen to. Key Takeaways: [:57] This episode is all about planning a workshop. [4:36] The first thing you need to decide is The One Thing. What is the one thing you would like your attendees to walk away with? [9:01] The second thing to consider is who the workshop is for. Don't be afraid to niche down on this! [12:46] When would you like to do this workshop? Remember - you need to give yourself enough time to plan and market it! [15:43] Shannon explains how reverse engineering your time can help with the planning stage. [19:01] Shannon has some tips on marketing your workshop and getting the word out. [20:49] The next step is to think about pricing. [25:12] Shannon shares a personal example on getting clarity on your pricing. [30:07] Time for the "sticky note plan" for the main topics! Shannon breaks down what this means. [33:42] Next, comes naming and marketing your workshop. [35:47] Shannon uses more sticky notes for this part of the process - figuring out the attendance. [37:12] Shannon wants to hear about the workshops you are offering in your community or thinking about offering. Links: Free Prenatal Yoga Workshop with Rena & Shannon Work with Shannon 1:1 Yoga for Pelvic Health Training Episodes on Money and Pricing: Generating Profit with Natalie Eckdahl Money Mindset with Geraldine Carter Minimum Viable Income with Steph Crowder Accounting for Yoga Teachers with Hannah Smolinski Grow Your Yoga Business via Email with Tarzan Kay Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and MamaNurture Quotes from this episode: "What is the one thing you would like your attendees to walk away with?" "What I'd love for you to offer to people who attend your workshop is that they walk away feeling like they have something tangible." "Don't be afraid to niche down!" "The important piece that a lot of yoga teachers will miss is ... the piece about telling people about your workshop." "Oftentimes, the value of what we're offering is way beyond what we're charging." "Clarity is better than being clever, especially when it comes to names."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 139: Grow Your Yoga Business via Email with Tarzan Kay Description: What do emails have to do with increasing your income as a yoga teacher? With the right strategy, it can be an amazing tool to connect with your yoga students in your community or online, increase your number of clients, or promote a launch of a new offering. Tarzan Kay shares her expert insight on just how you can do this. Tarzan Kay is a launch strategist and copywriter who has gone years of hustling for clients at $35/hour, to a rock star client list and a $1,500 hourly rate. She works with clients such as Amy Porterfield, Jasmine Star and Marie Forleo, and was featured in Forbes Magazine. She focuses on helping people make money doing what they love by writing powerful email and website copy that converts readers into clients. Email can be a powerful marketing tool if you know how to harness it. Tarzan shares how to write emails that don't feel salesy, how long your emails should be, how often you should be sending emails, and whether you should just hire someone else to write all of your copy. Whether you've already been using emails to reach new students or this is the first time you're thinking about how to grow your yoga business via email, there are some great tips in this interview. Key Takeaways: [5:17] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Tarzan Kay. [6:56] How did Tarzan become a launch strategist? She explains the work that she does and who she does it for. [10:56] What are some of Tarzan's tips for raising your rates? [15:13] Tarzan raised her rates from $35/ hour to $1,500/ hour. She reveals some of the packages she offers clients and how it might apply to yoga teachers. [23:21] Why is it important for yoga teachers to be emailing their students? [26:28] How should yoga teachers be writing emails so that they don't feel salesy? [29:10] What are some resources Tarzan recommends to break through the mental block of not wanting to sell? [30:22] How often should people be emailing their list? [33:50] One email, one job - Tarzan explains how this applies to your emails. [36:48] Tarzan explains what inspired her to create her Legendary event. [38:56] One of the things yoga teachers say holds them back from writing emails is that they're not feeling creative. Tarzan has a response to that. [40:36] How long should an email be? [42:11] Should you hire someone to write your copy for you? [44:11] What is your brand voice and how do you develop that? [47:00] What are some of Tarzan's tips for bringing in new clients through email? [49:33] Tarzan doesn't create free content all the time. She explains how her strategy works. [57:47] What is Tarzan's recommendation for building up to a launch? [1:00:46] Tarzan has some final bits of advice around sending emails. [1:02:10] Find out more about Tarzan at her website and check out her free quiz too. [1:03:44] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this episode. What were yours? Links: Tarzan Kay Amy Porterfield Podcast Episode 269 - Small List Superhero: How To Have A Profitable Launch Without A Big List with Tarzan Kay Money Bootcamp with Denise Duffield-Thomas Manifesting Formula Workshop with Denise Duffield-Thomas Kate Northrup Tarzan Kay & Sage Polaris, Legendary Life Event Justin Blackman, Pretty Fly Copy Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and MamaNurture Quotes from this episode: "When someone's not paying you very much, they aren't that invested in showing up and doing the work." "You're really selling yourself short if you think as a yoga teacher, all you have to offer is guiding people through a series of poses." "You have to create the vision for them, when you're selling a package." "What's more important is creating a package and a vision for people that you can put a healthy price tag on." "Email is where you can develop your know-like-and-trust factor if you just show up there more consistently." "I don't think that your business can grow beyond yourself. You have to work on your own personal expansion in tandem with the expansion of your business." "You really need to take the time to figure out your own voice." "The important thing is that you write [emails] and you send them and what you think is not good, someone else might think is the greatest thing they've ever read."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 138: Accessible Yoga Beyond Asana with Jivana Heyman Description: What does it mean to make yoga accessible to everyone? Yoga goes beyond just asana, so what does it really mean? Jivana Heyman is one of the frontrunners of changing the thinking around yoga, and making the whole of yoga accessible to everyone. Jivana Heyman is the Founder and Director of Accessible Yoga, an international non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to yoga teachings through education, training and advocacy with the mission of shifting the public perception of yoga. Over ten years ago, he coined the term "accessible yoga", and since then, it has gained traction and is impacting the larger yoga world. As a yoga teacher, Jivana has specialized in teaching yoga to people with disabilities with an emphasis on community building and social engagement and has led countless yoga teacher training programs around the world over the past 25 years. At its core, Accessible Yoga is about highlighting the amazing work people are doing and creating new connections and community. Jivana shares more about how we can make yoga more accessible, on the level of individual classes, trainings, and in yoga culture in general. He also reveals some of the content of his new book Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body, to be released in November 2019. Jivana also reveals why collaboration and creativity are an important part of making yoga accessible to all. This is such an important topic for all yoga teachers who want to share yoga with everybody, and this episode will inspire you to see making yoga accessible to all in a new light. Key Takeaways: [5:19] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jivana Heyman. [7:13] What does Jivana do and who does he do it for? [8:52] What are some aspects in which Jivana sees that yoga is not accessible to all people? [11:21] Accessible Yoga is about highlighting the amazing work people are doing and creating new connections and community. [13:00] Jivana shares his personal experience of how yoga impacted him in a way that saved his life. [15:48] Jivana has a new book coming out in November 2019. He talks about the inspiration for the book and what it covers. [20:37] At the heart of Jivana's work is making the whole of yoga, beyond just asana, accessible to everyone. He gives an example of this. [22:29] How does Jivana illustrate and make the rest of the 8 limbs (apart from asana) accessible in his book? [24:29] What are some of the messages Jivana is trying to get through to yoga teachers? [27:35] Two main aspects Jivana focuses on during his trainings for teachers are creativity and collaboration. He explains how creativity factors to teaching yoga. [33:15] How does collaboration factor into making yoga more accessible? [40:37] How long has Jivana been doing his work with the Accessible Yoga organization? [42:31] Jivana speaks about his vision for Accessible Yoga and how that has revealed itself to him over time. [45:10] What is the yoga world, and what is its relationship to the rest of the world? [46:09] Jivana has recently changed his social media strategy. He explains what prompted this change. [49:52] Accessibility often starts with finances. Why does Jivana believe that? [53:07] What were some things that came up as Jivana was writing his book? Shannon and Jivana discuss the ego. [1:03:27] Jivana shares some of his final pieces of advice. [1:04:35] Get in touch with Jivana via his website, and be sure to follow him on social media. [1:05:42] What does accessible yoga mean to you? [1:07:36] Shannon gives us a sneak preview of what's coming up next week on the podcast! Links: Jivana Heyman, Accessible Yoga Accessible Yoga Jivana Heyman on Facebook and Instagram Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body, by Jivana Heyman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 092: Accessible Yoga Begins with Language with Kesse Hodge, Chantel Ehler and Katie Juelson The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 060: Accessible Yoga with Sarah Helt Accessible Yoga Conference Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and MamaNurture Quotes from this episode: "The work of Accessible Yoga is to highlight the incredible work that's out there, not really creating something new." "That's a big piece of our work too, really trying to create new connections and community where there really hasn't been one." "At the heart of my work is not really asana, but actually the whole of yoga and really thinking differently." "I think that people are doing the best they can with what they have, and I appreciate that." "You can learn to paint by copying great masters, that's an amazing way to study. But eventually, to be an artist, you have to paint your own way." "Doing your practice is the least selfish thing you can do. Taking care of ourselves is the most serviceful thing we can do for the world." "Accessibility often starts with finances."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 137: Yoga and Brain Injuries with Ann Green Description: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a condition that is far more prevalent than we might think. An estimated 69 million people worldwide suffer from Traumatic Brain Injuries each year, and the thing is, it's often not possible to tell just by looking at a person if they have experienced TBI. Ann Green joins me to share how we as yoga teachers can learn a few things to help people on the road to recovery.Ann Green is a yogi, a runner, and a surfer with over 30 years of teaching yoga, and almost fifteen conducting yoga teacher training. She has a background in sport psychology and physical education, and a Masters in Exercise Science from the University of Toronto. Ann is skilled in Coaching, Wellness Coaching, Pain Management and Prevention, Yoga, and Fitness Training. Over the years, Ann has had her own experiences with concussions and brain injury. In her line of work, she has also come across many individuals who have experienced TBI, and this has inspired her to shift her focus to offer yoga that caters specifically to the needs of those coping with brain injuries. Ann shares her own journey living as a person with brain injury, and how this has informed her practice and her work in this space. She has some tips on what we can do in a yoga class, or with breath and movement to assist someone on the road to recovery with a brain injury, as well how empowering it can be just to understand what someone with this condition may be going through. Whether you have experience working with students with brain injury, or this is something you have never even considered, this episode is sure to be informative for all yoga teachers. Key Takeaways: [5:36] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Ann Green. [7:30] When did Ann start to tie in yoga and brain health? [12:38] Ann shares her personal experience with concussions and brain injury. [19:17] What are some symptoms that might come up for someone with brain injury? [25:26] Ann highlights some of the reasons she believes the concussion rates are highest for women between 45 and 55 years of age. [26:42] Ann has learned and grown from her experience with brain injury, and has framed her experiences in a different light. [29:02] What does Ann do in her classes with her students dealing with brain injury? [32:16] Ann has created a program called Brainstorm, for people with concussions or who work with people with brain injuries to connect in community and find their calm. [40:54] Ann shares some key aspects of the Building a Blissful Brain classes. [46:40] Shannon and Ann discuss working with people with concussions and how you may need to help them push a little further in their recovery process. [48:27] What are some language cues that can be helpful (or unhelpful) when working with someone with a concussion or brain injury? [50:46] Talking about neuroplasticity, what are some movements that can be useful to integrate into the class? [1:00:53] Ann has some final recommendations for yoga teachers working with students with brain injuries for the first time. [1:03:02] Shannon shares some of her biggest takeaways from this interview with Ann. Links: Ann Green, BLiSS Brain-Storm, Building a Blissful Brain Teacher Education Platforms Work with Shannon 1:1 Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Mama Nurture Quotes from this episode: "You can't do movement without the awesome, excellence of communication with your brain." "The only reason that people don't get so incredibly worried about [concussions] is, most people don't die of a concussion." "The numbers show from the States and from Canada, that we are beyond epidemic levels of concussion, minor brain injury level." "Your mess becomes your message." "I want people to realize something that's not recognizable and it is invisible, we need to make it recognizable." "Let tenderness be your teacher.

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 136: Yoga for Teens & Tweens with Karen Pascoe Description: Tweens and teengagers can be a difficult audience to reach. They are changing physically, mentally, and emotionally, and that comes with a whole different set of challenges. Dr. Karen Pascoe has found her niche in catering to this specific age group and on this episode, shares some of her strategies and tips for teaching yoga to younger students. Dr. Karen Pascoe is a Licensed Psychologist, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Therapeutic Yoga Teacher, and an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200) with Yoga Alliance. She began teaching yoga in 1996, and in 2015, launched the Mind Body Life Transformation Center. Apart from yoga classes, therapy and wellness sessions, she offers classes, parties and summer camps specially targeted at tweens and teens. How is teaching tweens and teens different from teaching adults? What are some of the challenges you might encounter in reaching this age group? Why is communication and connection so important when structuring these classes? Karen shares her insights on these topics, as well as the business side of marketing and promoting yoga for tweens and teens. If you teach tweens and teens, or are interested in niching down to this age group, or if you just have teens of your own and would like some tools to share with them, this episode is just what you need to listen to. Key Takeaways: [6:08] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Dr. Karen Pascoe. [7:27] What is Karen's yoga journey and how did it bring her to where she is now? [10:05] What is the biggest difference between an adult yoga class and a class for teens and tweens? [11:52] What age group is tweens and what age group is teens? [13:06] How do teen and tween students differ? [14:57] What motivates younger students to participate in yoga classes? [15:56] How does Karen deal with students who come in as a result of being signed up by their parents and who are unmotivated? [17:24] What do Karen's tween classes look like vs teen classes? She walks us through the structure of her classes. [22:39] Karen incorporates pauses into her classes for younger students. She explains how that works. [24:45] Shannon and Karen discuss why making yoga an empowering practice is so important for this age group. [27:23] What are some tools that Karen teaches her students to help them with emotional regulation? [31:39] In her work as a psychologist, Karen works with tweens and older. She shares more about her work in that area. [34:35] What are some of Karen's tips for yoga teachers who have never taught a tween or teen class? [38:23] Karen explains more about what it takes to be "cool" with tweens and teens. [41:40] What is the most effective strategy to get the word out about tween and teen yoga classes? [43:42] What does Karen's tween and teen camp look like? [45:53] Karen shares some resources for yoga teachers interested in teaching teens. [48:30] Connect with Karen via her website or Facebook to find out more about her work and trainings. [49:04] Karen leaves us with an anecdote of how impactful teen yoga can be. [51:08] Shannon would love to hear your feedback! Links: The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 113: Pinterest to Promote Your Yoga with Kate Ahl Dr. Karen Pascoe, Mind Body Life Transformation Center Mind Body Life Transformation Center on Facebook Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Daniel J. Siegel Work with Shannon 1:1 Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and MamaNurture. Quotes from this episode: "In the tween and teen classes, you have to have these pauses to engage and re-engage, because they don't have the attention span for that. It needs to be more of a community-oriented experience." "One of my goals for that age is empowerment." "After the inversions, because those are the single most calming pose that you can do ... it will be silence." "I want so much of the yoga to be strategy, for it to be empowering." "If they are not being taught strategy and skill for emotional regulation, they feel very vulnerable." "Depression, anxiety, no matter what they're coming in for, it's in their body as much as their mind."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 135: How to Modify for the Prenatal Student with Rena Wren Description: When teaching prenatal yoga, or pregnant students, what are the poses you should avoid? Can you teach twists, inversions or front extensions? What are some modifications I can cue, or props I can use to cater to the needs of my pregnant students? All your questions are going to be answered on this episode with Rena Wren. Rena Wren is one of our MamaNurture lead trainers, and the founder of Empowered Yoga Teaching, where she provides continuing education and support for yoga teachers. Apart from prenatal yoga teacher training through MamaNurture, she offers yin yoga training, and yoga teacher mentoring on a wide range of topics, as well as workshops, retreats, and online courses. Contraindicated yoga during pregnancy covers eight main areas. Shannon and Rena dive into each of these, as well as modifications and variations that you can cue for your pregnant students and in your prenatal class. Be sure to check out the free PDF Download and Rena's videos where she shares variations you can use. If you have ever taught prenatal yoga, or had a pregnant student come to your class, this episode is going to be a real treat. It is full of tips and modifications that you can immediately start applying to any of your prenatal classes or to work with pregnant students. Key Takeaways: [5:38] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Rena Wren. [8:04] How did Rena get started in her yoga journey? [12:35] Rena juggles multiple roles and responsibilities. She shares how yoga has helped her find balance in what she does. [15:09] Check out the PDF download for the 8 contraindicated poses during pregnancy. [16:03] Shannon and Rena discuss the first contraindicated pose - Breath retention and/or strong, forced breathing. What are some of Rena's favorite modifications for this? [17:47] Advanced poses that challenge and build heat are second on the list. How can you tell when certain poses are advanced? [22:31] What are some modifications Rena recommends to avoid poses that engage and/or stretch the rectus abdominis muscles (e.g. boat, crow, leg lifts)? [27:18] Front extensions can overstretch the abdominal muscles. Rena walks us through a modification of camel pose for the pregnant body. [30:11] Inversions are contraindicated for pregnancy. How would Rena modify the headstand, handstand, shoulder stand and downward dog poses? [36:46] What are some of Rena's favorite variations for prone poses? [40:05] How can you identify closed twist poses and what are some modifications you can offer? [44:54] The last one is hot yoga. Shannon and Rena discuss why they would not teach hot yoga to pregnant people. [47:15] Check out the live video from September 16 to find out more about caution poses in the grey area. [47:48] Rena has some final insights on how teachers can approach having a pregnant student in their class. [49:39] Rena has a MamaNurture training coming up! [52:05] Shannon shares some details about upcoming teacher trainings that are available. [53:12] Shannon has an update about MamaNurture and all the work she is doing with niching down. Links: Rena Wren Empowered Yoga Teaching PDF Contraindicated Yoga The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 089: Yoga for Stress Management with Courtney Butler-Robinson MamaNurture Facebook Page MamamNurture Mondays Videos Camel Variations Video with Rena Inversions Variations Video - Legs Up the Wall with Rena Closed Twists Variation Video Online Workshop with Shannon & Rena Work with Shannon 1:1 MamaNurture Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training in Conway, Arkansas Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and MamaNurture. Quotes from this episode: "One of the main things I've learned from yoga is to know the things that I value, and to make sure that I have enough of those things in my life to help me have balance." "A lot of students who come to prenatal yoga are new to yoga." "Challenging is dependent on the student." "Getting people to slow down and feel nurtured in a space really helps them realize that they don't really care about their idea of yoga was anymore. They care that they feel good when they leave this room." "One of the first things to do ...is [think about] what are the benefits, what are we trying to do?" "Take baby with you in the twist."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 134: Pelvic Health for Pregnancy & Beyond with Julie Wiebe Description: What is the recovery time after birth for prenatal yoga students? What are some things to consider in the recovery of postnatal students looking to get back to full strength and fitness? There are a lot of myths around pelvic and abdominal health during pregnancy and postpartum, which Julie Wiebe busts through on this episode. Julie Wiebe is a Physical Therapist (PT) with over twenty years of clinical experience in both Sports Medicine and Women's Health. She is also an educator and women's health advocate working to create awareness of pregnancy recovery, postpartum and pelvic and abdominal health issues in fitness. Pregnancy and birth is a period during which the body changes and adapts to accommodate the growing baby, and post-birth, there is a period of rehabilitation that is necessary for the body to return to its regular function. Julie shares some of the misconceptions around post-birth recovery, hyperlordosis, urinary incontinence, Kegels and much more. She also highlights some breath techniques and poses yoga teachers can use to help their students regulate intra-abdominal pressure, and the importance of teaching from a place of educated hope instead of educated fear.This episode is meant for any yoga practitioner or teacher who has been pregnant, who plans to be pregnant, or who really wants to help the pregnant and postnatal yoga student - Julie's insights on this topic are really eye-opening! Key Takeaways: [7:45] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Julie Wiebe. [9:07] What does Julie do and who does she do it for? [10:21] Why is there a rehabilitation period after pregnancy and giving birth? [12:43] Julie recommends for people to come to her prenatally and postnatally. [15:10] Julie shares some statistics around how paid maternity leave affects infant and parental health. [19:16] What are some things that Julie would want prenatal yoga teachers and students to know about the changes in the body? [21:59] How can we teach people to breathe optimally? [27:01] What pose does Julie recommend to get into the closure of the rib cage? [29:45] During pregnancy, there is a lot more weight on the front of the body. How does that affect alignment, and the lumbar curve? Julie busts some myths around anterior pelvic tilt in pregnancy. [34:16] Where does Julie start to help people find alignment? [37:24] What does it mean to strengthen the diaphragm? [41:09] Julie and Shannon discuss the condition of incontinence, specifically leaking urine. [45:20] Kegels is not always the answer! Julie addresses this myth that Kegels is always a good exercise after birth. [48:45] What else can yoga teachers be doing to help their students in terms of movement, breath or information? [53:28] Why is it important to be having conversations around pelvic health, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation and recovery? [58:36] Get in touch with Julie and check out the wealth of resources, articles and videos she has available on her website. [59:40] Shannon shares some of her key takeaways. Links: Julie Wiebe The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 121: Yoga for Pelvic Health with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 129: Pelvic Floor 101 with Marie-Josée Forget The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 133: Yoga for Painful Sex with Casie Danenhauer paper for her doctorate re: maternity leave and study with 50% reduction / 75% reduction? Study about less depression with maternity leave[00:17:03] The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 007: Breath and Pelvic Health with Trista Zinn MamaNurture Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training with Shannon Crow (Meaford, ON) MamaNurture Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training with Rena Wren (Arkansas) Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Mama Nurture Quotes from this episode: "There are changes that come because of the pregnancy...what my job is, is to help you rebalance those changes and get you back to function and fitness without any limitations." "What would we see down the line with pelvic health knowing that women had an opportunity just to recover?" "If I could do anything for anyone, if I could do one thing, it would be to optimize their breathing." "Form or alignment, for me, has a lot to do with access to muscles." "We need to start looking at individuals and understand their needs, and that's tricky."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 133: Yoga for Painful Sex with Casie Danenhauer Description: How is the health of your pelvic floor is related to sexual dysfunction and painful sex? This is a topic that many of us find uncomfortable to talk about, but that a lot of us, particularly women, struggle with. Dr. Casie Danenhauer, someone who has experienced pelvic pain herself, reveals how she has combined techniques from physical therapy and yoga to create a holistic approach to healing. Dr. Casie Danenhauer is a pelvic floor physical therapist, registered yoga teacher, and Founder of Enlighten Physical Therapy, where she focuses on providing conscious care for pelvic health. After using a combination of yoga techniques and physical therapy to address her own struggles with pelvic pain and painful intercourse, Casie realized that a holistic approach is the most efficient and effective path towards pelvic health. Since then, she has integrated yoga, breathing and meditation exercises into her physical therapy practice to create a unique East-meets-West approach. By speaking openly about her own experience with pelvic pain, Casie hopes to break some of the stigma and shame that surrounds the topic. She explains more about the pelvic floor, some common symptoms and conditions associated with painful intercourse, and how therapeutic yoga, physical therapy and breathwork can be used in combination to treat these conditions. She also offers advice on how yoga teachers can responsibly talk about and cue the pelvic floor, and be a part of a client's healing journey. Whether you have students who are dealing with pelvic pain or painful intercourse, or you just want to be more aware of how yoga and physical therapy can be integrated to address pelvic health conditions, you're sure to find value in this episode. Key Takeaways: [6:30] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Dr. Casie Danenhauer. [8:10] What does Casie do and how did she get into it? She shares her journey with physical therapy and yoga, and how she came to integrate the two in her practice. [16:01] Shannon and Casie discuss the language and connotations of using expressions like "pelvic dysfunction". [16:58] When did Casie start dealing with her own pelvic health conditions? [21:34] Pelvic health professionals can make a big impact on people and make a difference to people. [23:02] Casie shares some of the treatments that helped with her pain with sex, and how she moved into becoming a pelvic floor PT. [25:41] That Casie has shared the personal aspects of her own struggles with her pelvic health condition openly is very powerful. [27:00] What are some conditions associated with painful sex, and what are the symptoms associated with each? [29:32] What were some treatment methods Casie engaged in to treat her own pain, and who would she engage to help in her treatment now? [32:20] What can yoga teachers do to support students who are dealing with painful intercourse? [39:22] Casie recommends for yoga teachers to reach out to your students PT to find out more about what they are dealing with. [43:13] How can yoga teachers use the same pose for different purposes? Casie breaks down with the example of cat-cow. [49:10] What are some cues yoga teachers can give for students who need to build strength in their pelvic floor? [50:23] Casie shares some key issues to be aware of when addressing a student who is struggling with pelvic pain or painful intercourse. [51:47] What are some differences in Casie's approach compared to the medical approach? [55:55] Connect with Casie on Instagram, or check out her website for more information on the work she does. Links: Dr. Casie Danenhauer Dr. Casie Danenhauer on Instagram The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 121: Yoga for Pelvic Health with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 129: Pelvic Floor 101 with Marie-Josée Forget Pelvic Health Professionals - Resources Pelvic Floor (Dys)Function, by Dominique Gauthier for LFL Blog #SchedulicityCares Jessica Drummond, Integrative Women's Health Institute Judith Florendo Yoni Shakti, by Uma Dinsmore-Tuli Well Women Yoga Therapy Nicole Jardim WomanCode: Perfect Your Cycle, Amplify Your Fertility, Supercharge Your Sex Drive, and Become a Power Source, by Alisa Vitti Work with Shannon 1:1 Group Coaching with Amanda McKinney Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicityand Pelvic Health Professionals Quotes from this episode: "There's a million different ways we can prescribe a breathwork, but most of it, honestly, is just giving the patient permission to move in ways and give attention to their body and specifically, their pelvic spaces, when maybe they've never even heard of that as a possibility." "I was really, really moved by how powerful pelvic floor PT can be in helping people with really basic 'quality of life' level issues that we take for granted until something goes wrong." "That's part of my main mission is to de-stigmatize all of this stuff,

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 132: Marketing to Increase Private Bookings with Amanda Mays Description: How can you market your yoga business without seeming pushy or salesy? What kind of strategies can you use to attract your ideal client? Amanda Mays joins Shannon on this consultation call to talk through her struggles with marketing herself and putting her yoga business out there. Amanda is self proclaimed yoga and happiness ambassador. She works as a freelance editor and occasionally teaches e-courses on writing, specifically journaling, and how to use that habit to fuel a bigger writing practice. She is also raising six children apart from all this, and has very limited free time. Amanda wants to expand her yoga offering to begin working with private clients, and to become more purposeful in her approach to teaching yoga and marketing her business to the right clients.Shannon coaches Amanda through her mindset blocks of not wanting to market herself while offering actionable advice on how best to move toward offering more 1:1 private yoga sessions. From tips on how to use social media to promote her yoga business, to goal-setting, Shannon guides Amanda to find clarity in her aims for her business.If you're like Amanda and worry that your marketing efforts are too pushy, or feel like you're being pulled in too many different directions promoting your yoga business, this episode will help you get some clarity around how best to get the word out about your yoga offerings.P.S. Since this episode was recorded, Amanda has grown her yoga business from zero private clients, to about five 1:1 clients a week! Key Takeaways: [5:17] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Amanda Mays. [7:50] What is Amanda's biggest challenge in her yoga business? [9:19] What are some of Amanda's top ideas that are calling to her? Shannon suggests doing a free writing practice. [12:43] What is the one thing that can increase profit and growth in Amanda's business? [14:22] Why does Amanda want to move towards 1:1 yoga? [17:14] Shannon goes through an exercise with Amanda to create an ideal week and how to bridge the gap between her current schedule and ideal schedule. [21:08] Amanda's biggest hurdle is marketing herself. Shannon shares an anecdote from her personal experience running a farmer's market to help her with this mental block. [24:06] What is something Amanda's ideal student is struggling with? [27:27] Shannon and Amanda discuss setting measurable goals for her yoga business, and how sharing her story can contribute to making the 'ask'. [32:25] Shannon highlights why it's important for Amanda's social media to reflect her business and how to leverage that to reach her ideal clients. [40:21] Shannon shares her tips on doing live video. [46:35] Shannon and Amanda set some goals for her to start doing live videos! [48:59] Shannon prompts Amanda to think about how people can book 1:1 sessions with her. [52:53] How can Amanda figure out her core values as a yoga teacher, and some of her discomforts around marketing herself? Shannon suggests the "I believe" exercise. [1:00:45] Amanda shares more about her fear of niching down. [1:03:07] Amanda struggles with how she can incorporate some of her previous e-courses and journaling activities into her offering that all target the same ideal client. Shannon has some suggestions. [1:10:55] What's your biggest takeaway from this consultation call? Share your comments or questions with Shannon! Links: Amandaa Mays Amanda Mays on Facebook Group Coaching with Shannon Crow and Amanda McKinney The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 095: Making a CEO Business Plan with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 094: Instagram Content Strategy and Stories with Tyler McCall The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 107: Launch & Promote Your Yoga Offering with Abby Herman The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 086: Live Video for Yoga Teachers with Ian Gray Mindbody 1:1 Consultation with Shannon Crow Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Pelvic Health Professionals Quotes from this episode: "This is what I want to do, but I can't quite figure out how to put the steps together." - Amanda "What if we instead, really focus on who might be your ideal student?" - Shannon"The thing is with working 1:1, is it takes time to build it. Our best advertising is someone telling someone else how great they feel." - Shannon"People are excited to invest in the why, why you do something and the whole story behind it." - Shannon

This episode is all about something Shannon often gets asked - the nitty-gritty details of how to teach private yoga. It can feel intimidating, and you may not know where to start or how to structure a private yoga session with a student. Shannon dives into exactly how she handles her yoga sessions, from scheduling the 1:1 class to after the session ends. Shannon covers a lot of ground. Starting off with scheduling, pricing, policies around booking, cancellation, payment, and rent, she also touches on waivers, health information and questions to ask to get to know your student better. Find out how Shannon creates a yoga flow on the fly for the person she is teaching, how she approaches space to do yoga, and makes sure to fit in the actual yoga (including Savasana!) within the session. 1:1 yoga is different from group classes, and Shannon explains how to be in discussion with your client while working with them, homework she assigns, and how she manages accountability and follow up. This episode is jam-packed with lots of information and actionable tips - it was designed to help you dive right into teaching private yoga, if you have been thinking about it and just weren't sure about the in's and out's. Key Takeaways: [6:38] This episode is all about the nitty-gritty details of teaching private yoga. [7:35] When and how can someone schedule a session with you? [9:40] What is your price? Shannon highlights some elements to consider when setting your price. [15:12] How does Shannon approach providing mats and props, and the amount of time she allows between appointments. [19:12] Setting policies and rules is an important part of teaching private yoga. Shannon shares some of her tips around booking, cancellation and payment policies. [20:48] Rent - how much are you able to pay for rent? [22:19] The next step is doing the intake after someone books with you. Shannon dives into waivers and health information. [24:54] A lot of yoga teachers get stuck when it comes to asking their students questions. What are some questions you can ask to find out more about your student? [29:16] If you are helping a student with a specific symptom or problem, what and how much information do you require ahead of time to help you prepare? [32:06] Shannon creates the yoga flow for her private students on the fly. She explains how she goes about doing this with some real-life examples. [35:36] Shannon shares what it means to hold space to do yoga. [38:31] How can you be in discussion with your student during a 1:1 yoga session? [40:19] Shannon gives her students homework! [42:07] The last aspect of teaching private yoga is accountability and follow up. Links: #SchedulicityCares The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 122: Productivity for Yoga Teachers with Amber De La Garza The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 105: Insurance for Yoga Teachers with Beth McVeigh Yoga Student Waiver Typeform The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 130: Make a Profit Teaching Private Yoga with Emily Sussell Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Pelvic Health Professionals Quotes from this episode: "Imagine your ideal week. When would you ideally teach 1:1 yoga?" "I don't want you to negotiate and earn less than your set hourly rate." "You are ready to teach 1:1 yoga as soon as you graduate from yoga teacher training." "Set your price and your policies first. Then set up how people book with you."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 130: Make a Profit Teaching Private Yoga with Emily Sussell Description: Can you make a good living teaching yoga? A lot of us yoga teachers struggle with money mindset - we don't like to talk about making profits, or think about sharing yoga as a business. However, that's an important part of being able to bring yoga to others. You need to be able to sustain yourself first, before you can serve others. On this episode, Emily Sussell reveals how she makes $100,000 a year with her yoga business, and how you can too. Emily is a successful yoga teacher, business coach, and entrepreneur. She became a certified yoga instructor in 2013, and founded Private Yoga Brooklyn, a premium private yoga service in NYC. As other yoga teachers noticed her success and reached out to her for help in creating their own private yoga businesses, Emily was inspired to start Abundant Yogi Coaching, a business coaching institute for yoga teachers worldwide. In addition to coaching and mentorship services, she offers educational resources and coaching retreats to empower yoga teachers with tools to thrive financially and become more impactful as healers. Finding your niche is a common theme on the podcast. Emily explains how teaching private yoga can be a niche on it own, and how to make the leap from teaching group classes to private yoga. She explains how she found her ideal client avatar, set her prices and marketed herself using branding on her website and SEO. Her biggest piece of advice? Motion over meditation. If teaching private yoga is something you've given even a little bit of thought to, or if you just want to be able to make a decent income as a yoga teacher, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: [6:35] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Emily Sussell.[8:30] Where did Emily's yoga journey begin and how did she get to where she is today?[13:56] What was the biggest thing for Emily that allowed her to shift from teaching group yoga to specializing in private yoga?[15:38] What are some of Emily's tips around starting to specialize in teaching private yoga? [18:22] Emily shares some advice around just taking the leap and going for it.[20:42] How does Emily decide on the pricing for her yoga classes? She has a special equation![23:10] Emily believes it's possible to make a good income teaching yoga and teaching private yoga. She shares her insights into what that might look like.[25:29] What are Emily's suggestions for attracting the right kinds of clients who can afford your fees?[27:47] Shannon and Emily discuss niching down and specializing.[30:36] How do packages and discounted pricing play into Emily's offerings?[35:50] At what point did Emily transition from group to private classes?[38:01] What is the most effective channel for Emily to get in front of her potential clients in terms of marketing and visibility?[41:33] What does a 1:1 yoga session look like?[45:38] What's the first step to take if you're looking to move in the direction of teaching private yoga classes?[48:30] Check out the links for more information on insurance and waiver forms.[49:18] Find out more about Emily's work via her Facebook group and her coaching website, Abundant Yogi.[50:29] Shannon shares some of her key takeaways - she'd love to hear yours too! Links: Emily Sussell, Private Yoga Brooklyn Mastering the Biz of Private Yoga Facebook Group Abundant Yogi Coach.com Marie Forleo B School Four Agreements Yoga Student Waiver The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 105: Insurance for Yoga Teachers with Beth McVeigh Insurance for Yoga Teachers Yoga for Pelvic Health Meaford, Ontario Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Pelvic Health Professionals Quotes from this episode: "I fell in love with everything about working 1:1 with somebody in their home." "One of the things that helped me make that transition [to specializing in private yoga] was honestly, deciding to." "I realized that if I didn't choose something and commit to it, then I was just going to stay in this space of vagueness." "When you're building a business and you're trying to move forward with growing something, don't get stuck in that place of constantly meditating what's the best way to do this." "When we're creating marketing, we're not trying to appeal to everyone."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 129: Pelvic Floor 101 with Marie-Josée Forget Description: This episode is on one of Shannon's favorite topics - pelvic health. It is one of the crucial parts of our body that plays many functions in our daily lives, but gets very little attention, until something goes wrong. Marie-Josée Forget, a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, is here to give us the basics on everything pelvic floor. Marie-Josée Forget is a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist with 18 years of clinical experience. She currently teaches courses related to pelvic anatomy and health at Pelvic Health Solutions, and has developed a hand-drawn female and male pelvic floor model that is used as a teaching tool. Apart from her work as an instructor and public speaker on the topic of pelvic health, MJ runs a private physiotherapy practice where she treats men, women and children who have pelvic floor dysfunction. The pelvic floor is a bit of a mystery to most of us. MJ helps us to understand a bit more about the anatomy of the pelvic floor and crucial role that it plays in various daily functions. Despite the common perception that the pelvic floor is weak and needs to be strengthened, MJ reveals that many people actually suffer from the effects of pelvic floor tension, rather than weakness. She also busts some common misconceptions and myths surrounding the pelvic floor MJ also has some great suggestions on how yoga instructors and pelvic health physiotherapists can work together to better serve your students. Tune in to learn more about this remarkable part of our body, and how this information can help you and your yoga students. P.S. MJ Forget is the October guest expert in the Pelvic Health Professionals membership site! Key Takeaways: [7:24] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Marie-Josée Forget. [9:26] What does MJ do and who does she do it for? [10:14] MJ explains how she created her pelvic floor models. [13:50] What is the pelvic floor, where is it, and what does it do? [19:13] Do we guard with the pelvic floor under stress? [20:16] Despite the importance and role of the pelvic floor in many of our daily activities, it is not a subject area that is often taught or discussed. [21:30] There may be a perception in society that the pelvic floor is weak, and weakens over time. MJ explains more about the muscle and how weakness or tension may exhibit the same symptoms. [24:56] MJ shares how yoga instructors can work together with pelvic health physiotherapists. [28:08] What is it like to have a pelvic health physiotherapist do an internal exam? [32:30] Shannon shares her experience of her first visit with her pelvic health physiotherapist. [33:31] Shannon and MJ discuss how times are changing and people are recognizing the importance of pelvic health. [37:01] What is the anatomy of the pelvic floor? [43:30] MJ shares an anecdote of a study she was part of that revealed that women presenting with back and hip pain were predominantly tight, rather than weak in their pelvic floor muscles. [46:03] One of the advantages of a practice like yoga is that it helps increase body awareness. [49:40] The words and language we use as yoga teachers and pelvic health professionals is so important. There is a need for communication and education. [51:07] What is the main thing that MJ wants listeners to understand and take away about pelvic health? She also busts some prevalent myths on the topic. [57:22] Check out the links for ways to connect with MJ. [58:03] What do you call the pelvic floor if it is holding tension or if it is weak? [59:47] Shannon shares her biggest takeaway from this interview with MJ, and a little bit about the Pelvic Health Professionals membership site. Links: Marie-Josée Forget, Total Pelvic Health Email Marie-Josée Forget Marie-Josée Forget on Twitter Marie-Josée Forget on Facebook Pelvic Health Solutions The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 121: Yoga for Pelvic Health with Shannon Crow Shannon Crow on Instagram Marketing Yoga with Confidence Podcast with Amanda McKinney Pelvic Floor Models Jessica? Janice Taylor Association between lumbopelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction in women: A cross sectional study. Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Pelvic Health Professionals Quotes from this episode: "People can really appreciate 'Oh, I have a whole bunch of muscles down there, I had no idea, and they're actually a lot more significant than I thought them to be.'" "[The pelvic floor] still a part of the body we kind of ignore, and it's not until you start actually taking courses in pelvic health or doing yoga courses that we start to talk about it because of its importance." "A muscle that's too weak can cause incontinence, but a muscle that's too tight also can cause incontinence." "How great is it that we are getting now to the point where women are recognizing the importance of having a good evaluation and are seeking the care themselves!" "We don't connect with our body very

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 128: Ayurveda, Doshas & Yoga with Angela Glaz Description: This episode is all about reconnecting the sister sciences, yoga and Ayurveda. We all learn about Ayurveda in out Yoga Teacher Trainings at some level, but a lot of us don't know how to incorporate it into our classes, or even really how our doshas affect us in our lives and in our business. Angela Glaz has adoped a unique approach in building her yoga business with Ayurveda at its core, and she shares more about how you can bring Ayurveda into your classes too. Angela is a 500 E-RYT, Ayurvedic Counselor and the Founder of Eka Yoga. She came to yoga in 2002 and since then, she has traveled to India twice to deepen her own practice and to study Yoga and Ayurveda. Most recently, she completed the Ayurvedic Counseling Program at the Kerala Ayurveda Academy. Today, Angela offers Ayurvedic consultations, Yoga and Ayurveda Immersive Courses, online wellness courses and an online holistic membership site, as well as group and private yoga classes. What are the different doshas, and how do they influence us? Angela dives into the three doshas and their defining characteristics, and explains how we might see them reflected in our yoga practice, our lives and even in our role as business owners. She also reveals how she organizes her classes to go in line with Ayurveda, the technical aspects of offering people classes based on their doshas, and how her online membership site ties into her business. Tune in to this fascinating episode to learn more about your own doshas, and how you might use this information to thrive in teaching, being a business owner and also living your life. Key Takeaways: [5:30] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Angela Glaz. [6:59] Where did Angela's yoga journey begin? [8:14] What has led Angela to the work that she does now? What does she do and who does she do it for? [10:33] Is there a difference between yoga and Ayurveda or is it the same thing? [11:52] What are the doshas? [19:38] How do you know what dosha you are? How do you avoid seeing everything through that lens? [23:48] What is something Angela has learned about the doshas that has really helped her as a yoga teacher? [25:05] How can yoga teachers bring the doshas and Ayurveda into their classes? [28:26] Angela shares some words of wisdom around attaching yourself or other people to a dosha. [30:00] In Angela's yoga studio, people take classes according to their doshas. She explains how this works from a technical and organizational standpoint. [32:12] When it comes to running a business, what are some things that would help the different doshas? [37:18] People carry all doshas within them, but usually one is dominant. [38:34] What is Angela's membership site about and what motivated her to start it? [41:45] Angela shares a little about the videos she puts up online for her membership site. [44:57] Who is Angela's target audience for her membership site? [46:35] Angela shares some final thoughts and resources. [48:19] Shannon leaves you with two final questions to think about. Links: Angela Glaz, Eka Yoga and Ayurveda Eka Yoga - Holistic Membership Site The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 124: Enneagram for Yoga Entrepreneurs with Sarajane Case Microphone Teachable David Frawley Yoga for Your Type, by David Frawley 1:1 Consultation with Shannon Crow Group Coaching with Amanda Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Pelvic Health Professionals Quotes from this episode: "The concept behind the studio is to reconnect yoga and Ayurveda, because this gives practitioners a better idea of how to practice for their unique body type." "Yoga is actually a tool to help us heal our body. It's part of Ayurveda." "More people could benefit from understanding their unique body type and adjusting their diet, routine, exercise to find optimal health and happiness." "The biggest thing that I'd like them to take away in their classes is really encouraging people to listen to their body."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 127: Let Nature Theme Your Classes with Alee Link Description: Do you create your classes around a certain theme? Or have you been a part of a class where every pose and transition was intentional and flowed, and it left you wishing you knew how to structure your classes like that? Alee Link is great at intentional teaching, and finds the inspiration for her classes in nature - she shares how you can, too! Alee Link attended her first yoga class when she was 12 years old, and in 2011, she completed her 200-hour RYT certification. In 2013, Alee and her husband founded River Flow Yoga and Wellness in Georgia, where she offers students yoga classes primarily rooted in Vinyasa (Flow) Yoga. She also created the MoonLIT Tribe app, which offers moon rituals, mantra, guided meditation and more for people looking to connect with themselves, each other, the planet, the stars, and everything around us. One of Alee's specialities is intentional teaching around a general theme for each class. She shares more about how she chooses her theme for each class, based on things that are going on in nature like the seasons, the placement of the moon, and the stars and what's going on around her. Shannon and Alee also discuss the importance of intentional teaching, and why teaching classes around a certain theme doesn't have to involve a lot of work. If you've been thinking about where to get theme ideas for your classes, tune in to this episode to find out why you don't have to look any further than the nature around us for inspiration and guidance. Key Takeaways: [6:18] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Alee Link. [8:16] What does Alee do, and who does she do it for? [9:43] Alee was only 12 years old when she went for her first yoga class. When did she decide to become a yoga teacher? [14:15] What are some things Alee wishes she had known when choosing her first yoga teacher training? [18:40] How does Alee teach intentionally and theme her classes? [25:20] Alee shares an anecdote from her experience about the founding of the MoonLIT app, and how yoga teachers can use the app. [31:37] Shannon and Alee discuss the importance of nature, not just in yoga but in other aspects of life. [33:20] How much pressure does Alee feel in being intentional with every pose and transition in her teaching sequence? Does she communicate her intentions with her class? [40:23] When leading yoga teacher training to new teachers, how does Alee guide them to create themes for their classes apart from just focusing on their own practice? [45:08] How does Alee map out her classes? [50:01] What is something Alee has learned in leading yoga teacher training? [52:46] What has been a lightbulb moment for Alee's teachers in her training? [58:11] Does Alee also incorporate things that are going on around us in the world, in terms of news, current events or politics? [1:03:29] Get in touch with Alee on social media, check out the MoonLIT app, or visit her websites to find out more about her work. [1:04:21] Shannon shares her greatest takeaways, and would love to hear yours! Links: Pelvic Health Professionals Alee Link, River Flow Yoga River Flow Yoga on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter MoonLIT Tribe MoonLIT Tribe on Instagram, Facebook Alee Link on Instagram Yoga to the People Let Your Yoga Dance History of Podcasts Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "My purpose on this planet is to spread the message of connectivity." "That's how I teach, is based on what's going on in the natural world around us and that is our greatest teacher." "My greatest advice is to take the time to understand the natural world." "Just giving yourself a little space and grace to explore, I think is the biggest thing." "The natural world is happening around us regardless. So we can either jump into the flow, or force ourselves against it and resist it."

We have heard from a lot of yoga teachers in the last few weeks regarding the new standards released by Yoga Alliance. In this bonus podcast episode, Shannon Roche explains what this means for both yoga teachers and schools. Links mentioned: https://essentials.schedulicity.com/schedulicity-cares/ https://www.yogaalliance.org/New_RYS_Standards

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 126: Body Mindful Yoga with Jennifer Kreatsoulas Description: This episode deals with a topic that impacts so many of us and our students: body image and making peace with the bodies we have. In the USA, up to 30 million people suffer from an eating disorder, and worldwide, almost 70 million. Yoga can be a powerful tool to navigate the daily challenges of recovery from eating disorders, or even to help people accept their bodies. Jennifer Kreatsoulas is a certified yoga therapist specializing in eating disorders and body image. As an inspirational speaker and the author of Body Mindful Yoga: Create a Powerful and Affirming Relationship With Your Body, she helps others who struggle with their bodies find peace of mind with yoga and mindfulness practices. She also provides yoga therapy online and in-person, and coaches healthcare and yoga professionals. For over 20 years, Jennifer has struggled with anorexia, and she reveals how that inspired her work in helping people who struggle with their bodies through yoga. Shannon and Jennifer discuss what words and cues can be triggering and some alternatives you can use instead, as well as the general language in our culture around food, fitness, and fashion. Being mindful of our bodies and creating an affirming relationship with our bodies is not easy, but it is work worth doing. This episode will surely shed new light on some of our practices in cueing during yoga classes, and how to be more aware of the language that we use and that surrounds us. Key Takeaways: [5:25] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jennifer Kreatsoulas. [7:18] Who is Jennifer and what is the work she does? [9:35] What is an eating disorder? [12:50] In the US, 30 million people are affected by eating disorders. [14:26] What made Jennifer decide that yoga would be a part of her recovery? [16:14] What are some examples of triggering words or actions? [21:11] Jennifer and Shannon discuss the importance of educating and empowering students with the language you use, as well as bringing inquiry into the class. [24:20] We're often told to love our bodies, but that is hard to do sometimes. [26:18] Jennifer shares some of the language around body parts that can be sensitive. [31:50] What are some other verbal cues to pay attention to? [34:05] Movement in a yoga class may not come as easily to beginners as it does to us as yoga teachers, who have been doing it for years. [35:51] What are some of the best practices surrounding body mindful yoga? [40:34] There is so much power in our words - we need to be mindful of how our words can hurt ourselves, hurt others. [45:01] Who is Jennifer's target for her book, Body Mindful Yoga? [46:00] Jennifer also offers mentorship for healthcare professionals and yoga teachers. [50:03] Jennifer shares some words of compassion for people who are not feeling confident in their bodies. [52:13] Don't forget to get a copy of Jennifer's book, and do check out her website to learn more about her work. [53:27] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this interview. Links: Pelvic Health Professionals Jennifer Kreatsoulas Body Mindful Yoga: Create a Powerful and Affirming Relationship With Your Body, by Jennifer Kreatsoulas The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 048: Eating Disorder Education for Yoga Teachers with Tabitha Farrar Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast by Tabitha Farrar Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training in Meaford, Ontario Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "[An eating disorder] affects people of all ages, of all genders, of all races, socioeconomic backgrounds." "We're all learning how to love ourselves better, and we all have our obstacles to doing that." "If we want to use that language, let's make it empowering and educate our students on what's actually happening in their bodies, and what it means." "Find the language that resonates with you most authentically."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 125: How to Get Unstuck with Shira Gura Description: Do you encounter a feeling of being stuck, as a business owner, or even in your own personal life? You feel like you can't move forward, you can't make a decision, and you may even have students who come to your yoga classes to help them get unstuck. Shira Gura, an expert in helping people get unstuck, has just the tools to help you and your students. Shira Taylor Gura is the creator of The S.T.U.C.K. Method®, author of Getting unSTUCK: Five Simple Steps to Emotional Well-Being, host of the Getting Unstuck podcast, and creator of Consideration Cards. Shira's own journey in feeling stuck in different areas of her life helped her discover tools to use to help herself and others. With her five-step S.T.U.C.K Method, Shira coaches Shannon through some areas in her business that she has been feeling stuck. They discuss what it means to be stuck, why people often fall into the same areas of "stuck-ness" in their lives, and why it's so important to take time to do this work on yourself. This is such an informative episode with valuable tips and actions you can take immediately to get unstuck in your business or relationships, and to help others in your life get unstuck with things they're struggling with. Tune in to the end to find out more about Shira's special giveaway too! Key Takeaways: [5:40] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Shira Gura [7:26] Where did Shira's yoga journey begin? [9:57] How did Shira get started becoming a STUCK coach and educator? [15:39] Shira used to blog every week about where she was feeling stuck. She shares one of her more popular stories that really resonated with her audience. [19:34] How can you figure out if you're stuck? [20:35] Shira talks through an example of where a yoga teacher might get stuck, and how they can use her method to get un-stuck. [24:06] Shira coaches Shannon with her stuck-ness around starting her new venture, Pelvic Health Professionals. [32:45] What are some tools Shira recommends to help you feel your emotions instead of avoiding them? [34:51] Ask yourself 'what are the beliefs that are creating that emotion?', and how can you flip that belief? [42:43] The last step in the method is to wrap up with self compassion. [44:21] Shannon and Shira recap the S.T.U.C.K method. [51:39] Get in touch with Shira via her website, and do check out her podcast and book too. [52:10] Shira leaves us with some final thoughts. [54:09] Shira has a special giveaway! Links: Pelvic Health Professionals Shira Gura Getting Unstuck: Five Simple Steps to Emotional Well-Being, by Shira Gura Getting Unstuck Podcast The Getting unSTUCK Tribe Facebook Group Shelly Prosko Podcast Episodes Stuck on My Grey, by Shira Gura Consideration Cards Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training in Meaford, Ontario Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "I was basically trying to use mindfulness to help me get out of the stuck spots, but ... I found mindfulness wasn't enough." "I recognized that this tool was something for anyone and everyone who felt stuck in their lives and needed a tool to help them out." "If you're doubtful, if you're not sure if you're stuck or not, you probably are." "Every emotion that you have, that is being created by a thought. Because thoughts create emotions." "Those stuck spots, the recurring ones, will stay in your life forever until you learn the lesson you're supposed to learn from it."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 124: Enneagram for Yoga Entrepreneurs with Sarajane Case Description: How much does your personality type influence how you share yoga and run your business? What traits or qualities might your students display, depending on their personality type, and how does that influence their experience of yoga? Sarajane Case is an Enneagram expert, and she shares just how you can harness the power of your personality to influence your business and life. Sarajane Case is the founder of Enneagram & Coffee, where she works with people through online courses, in-person workshops and business masterminds. She uses the Enneagram as a tool for self-exploration, expression & entrepreneurship, and helps people build and nurture their relationships with themselves. Learning our personality type is a great way to come to a compassionate understanding of who we are. Sarajane explains more about the Enneagram assessment, and the distinguishing characteristics of the different personality types. She also has some tips on how you can harness your personality characteristics in your own yoga business. Sarajane also recounts the experience of having her Instagram account go viral and why she focuses on Instagram as her main platform to reach her audience. Whether you've always been curious about personality types and how they influence your work and business, or if you've heard about the Enneagram assessment and are interested to find out more about it, this episode is sure to be a good listen. Key Takeaways: [3:36] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sarajane Case. [5:27] Who is Sarajane and what does she do? She also shares a profound moment she experienced in her first yoga class. [8:13] What is the Enneagram and what got Sarajane interested in looking at it? [10:15] Sarajane shares a lot of small nuggets of information on her Instagram account, because all the information about your personality can be quite overwhelming. [11:33] How can you go about finding out what type you are? [12:54] Sarajane explains how people can see themselves as different types, and what that could mean. [15:25] What are some of the main distinguishing characteristics of each personality type? [19:56] How do people who have taken the Enneagram try to change certain aspects of their personality? [21:41] How can the Enneagram help us as business owners and entrepreneurs? [25:30] What type are yoga teachers most likely to be? What are their superpowers, and how might they feel out of balance in their businesses? [28:50] Sarajane highly recommends for business owners who are growing their team to have their team members take the Enneagram to find complementary strengths. [29:37] Sarajane already had a strong following on Instagram. When she started Enneagram & Coffee, it blew up. What caused that? [34:44] What are some of the things that have helped Sarajane build her personal Instagram account? [36:15] Sarajane's business is mainly on Instagram. [37:14] What are some resources business owners can tap into to learn more about the Enneagram? [39:06] What are some of Sarajane's final thoughts on the Enneagram? [41:29] Have you taken the Enneagram, or are you thinking about taking it? We'd love to hear from you! Links: Sarajane Case Enneagram & Coffee on Instagram Sarajane Case on Instagram Enneagram & Coffee Podcast Myers-Briggs Personality Test DiSC Profile Enneagram Test - Integrative9.com The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 094: Instagram Content Strategy and Stories with Tyler McCall The Road Back to You, by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile Typology Podcast Enneagram Summit Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training in Meaford, Ontario Pelvic Health Professionals The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 120: Teach Private Yoga Online with Yael Oppenheim Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "Everything about [the Enneagram] is internal. It's your motivations, it's your basic fears, it's your coping mechanisms." "What the Enneagram shows us is that we're all just trying our best with what we have and what we've been given." "I am very cautious with the Enneagram to express it in a way that is all about acceptance, and self-acceptance, and self-compassion." "I think that I definitely lead with how can I benefit the people who are here. If you've agreed to follow me, I want to make sure that I'm leaving you better than you found me."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 123: Habits for Health & Business with James Clear Description: How do you cultivate good habits that improve your life, and break bad habits that hold you back? On this episode, James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, reveals more about why habits are so crucial to your success and how to create, change and break habits that impact your business and life. Apart from being a New York Times-bestselling author, James is the creator of Habits Academy, and international speaker. He combines ideas from a wide range of disciplines to create self-improvement tips for habits, decision-making, and continuous improvement, all based on proven scientific research. James dives into the nitty-gritty of everything to do with habits - how they are formed, why they have such a huge impact on your health and business, and his tried-and-tested strategies for making small changes that will transform your habits and deliver remarkable results. He also shares hacks to help you reduce your social media usage and stop procrastination! If you've been wanting to make your own yoga practice a habit, or if you need help creating routines to run your business better, this episode is full of tips that you can put into practice immediately. Key Takeaways: [5:57] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - James Clear. [7:09] When did James' work with habits begin? [8:43] What is a habit? [12:59] Shannon and James discuss an example of how to create a habit that comes before a ritual or practice. [00:15:14] Do habits need to happen at the same time every day, and do they need to be a daily practice? [18:16] How can you hold on to your habits when you are traveling and the context is entirely different? Habit stacking can help! [21:13] James gets a lot of website traffic and book sales around the New Year as people use their momentum of the fresh start to try to change their habits. What is his advice for people who want to change everything, and get overwhelmed? [25:41] How does James approach failing to build habits or falling away from a practice? [29:12] Perfectionism or wanting your habit to be perfect can kill your progress. James has some strategies to get past that, and how that ties in to identity-based habits. [35:03] How can yoga teachers build habits in their businesses, particularly in areas like accounting or marketing? [40:55] What kind of goals does James help people achieve? [42:58] What are James' tips for people who tend to procrastinate? [48:14] Shannon and James discuss rewards as a way to build habits, and if that could potentially turn into something negative. [52:20] What can help people focus in the age of social media, email and constant distractions? [57:53] Check out James' work and his book, Atomic Habits, at his websites. [58:26] What is a habit James is struggling with right now? [59:44] Shannon's biggest takeaway from this interview is the idea of casting a vote for who you are as a person through your actions. What's yours? Links: James Clear Atomic Habits, by James Clear Habits Academy The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 096: How to Create a Yoga Practice Habit with Matt Kowald The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 122: Productivity for Yoga Teachers with Amber De La Garza Habit Journal BJ Fogg Freedom News Feed Eradicator for Facebook - Chrome Web Store DF Tube (Distraction Free for YouTube™) Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "Time is just one element of context, and so habits are linked to a particular context." "One reason why people sometimes struggle to build a new habit is that they're trying to build a new habit in their old environment." "It's almost never the first mistake that ruins you. It's the spiral of repeated mistakes that follows from that." "Every action you take is a vote for the kind of person you want to become." "Just knowing your numbers gives you confidence in your ability to run the business side of it."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 122: Productivity for Yoga Teachers with Amber De La Garza Description: Are you struggling with productivity and finding enough time to do all the things? On this episode, Amber De La Garza, The Productivity Specialist, shares strategies to help you become more productive and achieve your business goals. Amber is a sought-after coach, trainer, speaker, writer, and host of the Productivity Straight Talk podcast. She helps driven entrepreneurs execute actionable solutions to maximize profits, reduce stress, and make time for what matters most. There seem to be an endless number of tasks that we have to do to run our yoga businesses, and not enough time. Amber reveals the four buckets of highly productive activities we should be focusing our time on, and some strategies that you can put into action right now. Whether you've been feeling stressed and overwhelmed by the number of tasks you have to do to run your business, or you want to improve your productivity to give yourself more time to do the things that you love - Amber has just the tips, strategies and advice you need. Key Takeaways: [4:14] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Amber De La Garza. [6:28] How did Amber get into the industry of productivity? [10:47] Shannon and Amber discuss how she found her niche as the productivity specialist. [12:08] What is productivity? [14:03] Amber shares an example of how she incorporates productivity in her personal life. [16:25] Amber breaks down the differences between productivity, organization and efficiency. [21:02] Money mindset - how can yoga teachers not feel guilty about charging for their services? [24:53] In your business, one of the four buckets highly productive activities is marketing and visibility. [30:36] The second bucket is sales. Amber explains why making the ask is so important, and some examples of how to do it. [38:21] The third bucket is servicing the client, but remember that it doesn't stand alone! [41:25] Bucket #4 is leadership. Amber reveals how this ties back to buckets 1, 2 and 3. [43:52] How much time should you be dedicating to each bucket of activities? [44:54] Amber dives into some visibility activities she does in her own business. [48:18] What's the best way to deal with other activities like answering emails and doing financials that aren't part of the highly productive activities buckets? [52:01] Hiring out administrative work and activities that are not in your zone of genius is a great way to increase your productivity. [57:40] Check out Amber's podcast and her website to find out more about her strategies for improving productivity! [59:23] Shannon shares her own takeaways from this interview. Links: Amber De La Garza Productivity Straight Talk Podcast High-Value Activities Identifier Freebie Voxer Live Q&A Call The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "I'm so busy working in my business, I have no time to work on my business." "[Productivity] is a skill set that can be learned. And as long as you feel like you can learn something new, this can be something learned to help you in your personal and business life." "[Productivity is] investing your best time into your best activities." "At the end of the day, your business is not a business if it's not making money." "Organization is not the same as productivity, and neither is efficiency." "Not knowing that something is going to work 100% isn't a reason to not take action." "The key to have this consistent revenue is to be consistent in all three of these buckets."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 121: Yoga for Pelvic Health with Shannon Crow Description: Why is yoga such an amazing gift for pelvic health? How does knowing this information and using it change the way we practice and teach yoga? In this episode, Shannon shares more about one of her favorite topics yoga for pelvic health. Shannon reveals her own personal experiences of going through three pregnancies and births with no idea about pelvic health, and how finding out more about the topic ignited her passion in the topic. She talks more about the four key elements of yoga for pelvic health - breath, alignment, movement and information - and why yoga makes such a difference. After learning more about pelvic health, Shannon started to incorporate some of the things she learned into her own yoga practice, and how she shared yoga with her students. She walks us through some simple examples you can practice, try out and share with your yoga students. If you've been wondering about how to improve your pelvic health in some way or have students who have approached you with questions or concerns relating to pelvic health, this episode has some great information that will change the way you practice and share yoga. Key Takeaways: [4:14] Where did Shannon's passion for pelvic health begin? [7:13] Shannon shares her first experience of meeting a pelvic floor physiotherapist. [10:30] What are the four key elements of yoga for pelvic health? [11:15] Element 1: Breath - How does breath relate to pelvic health? [14:23] Element 2: Alignment - Focus on the yoga student in front of you and their unique needs. [17:16] Element 3: Movement - Movement is a key element in our overall yoga practice, and also in pelvic health. [19:41] Element 4: Information - Internal information is just as important as external information sources. [23:10] Shannon explains how to apply these four elements to Bridge. [28:49] Shannon shares more about rib cage breath vs belly breathing. [30:53] Shannon no longer cues mula bandha / core engagement / pelvic floor engagement in her classes. Why? [35:26] Share your thoughts and questions about these practices with Shannon, and check out her new offering around pelvic health! Links: Pelvic Health Professionals Website Other The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episodes on Pelvic Health: 008: Core Breath with Kim Vopni 009: Kegels, Mula Bandha and Pelvic Health with Shelly Prosko 033: A New Perspective on Diastasis Recti with Dr. Sinead Dufour 007: Breath & Pelvic Health with Trista Zinn 069: Pelvic Organ Prolapse with Dr. Sarah Duvall 075: Pelvic Girdle Pain with Dr. Sinead Dufour 077: Interstitial Cystitis with Helena Spears 079: Endometriosis [Part 1] with Kimberly Castello 080: Endometriosis [Part 2] with Dustienne Miller Mama Nurture Janice Taylor, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 116: Pain Language with Shelly Prosko (Part 1) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 117: Pain Language with Shelly Prosko (Part 2) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 073: 8 Limbs of Yoga [Part 1] with Shannon Crow Yoga Anytime (PROMO CODE: CROW) Yoga for Pelvic Health Training Live Q&A Call The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training, November 2019 Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "In the three pregnancies and births that I had, no one talked to me about pelvic health. I didn't even know about my pelvic floor." "The four elements to yoga for pelvic health, and why yoga is such a great tool to use for pelvic health, ... are breath, alignment, movement, and information." "There is this amazing information that comes from internal, and this is where we provide the space as yoga teachers for students to come to an awareness of what's going on in their body and their mind." "There is never a time anymore where I am working with a group class and telling them all to engage their pelvic floor."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 120: Teach Private Yoga Online with Yael Oppenheim Description: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to teach yoga online, live, in a virtual class via video chat with a student? We're all using technology in a variety of ways in our yoga businesses, but Yael Oppenheim is taking teaching yoga to a whole new platform. Yael Oppenheim is the founder of FitMyTime, a marketplace for remote personal fitness and yoga classes, founded in 2018. She was inspired to create FitMyTime when she realized there were no options available for people who wanted to work out from home with the guidance of a personal trainer or instructor. Since its launch last year, over 150 instructors have signed up, and the platform continues to grow. Virtual yoga or fitness classes may seem unusual, but it definitely caters to a need in the marketplace for both students and teachers. Yael explains more about the platform, the business model, and some of the challenges as well as the benefits of using FitMyTime for both teachers and students. If you're thinking about expanding your offerings to include teaching online, or if you're just curious about what it will feel like to share yoga from behind a screen, this episode is going to be an eye-opener. Key Takeaways: [3:07] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Yael Oppenheim. [4:27] Where did Yael's yoga journey begin? [5:45] What does Yael do now and who does she do it for? [6:53] What is the platform, FitMyTime? [7:42] How do teachers and students connect with each other virtually? [10:49] What motivated Yael to start FitMyTime? [15:02] Yael shares some of the challenges yoga teachers, fitness instructors and yoga studios face, as well as her own initial experience taking lessons online. [20:14] How has the FitMyTime platform grown? [21:10] How can yoga teachers apply to teach on this platform? [23:00] Students also have the opportunity to try out different teachers on the platform. [25:03] How do the payments work on this platform? [26:34] Shannon and Yael discuss waiver forms, insurance for teaching online, and scheduling details of FitMyTime. [29:47] How many students are on the platform? [32:21] How has it been for Yael growing her business? [36:01] Check out the platform on the website FitMyTime. [36:39] Shannon and Yael discuss the different groups of people who might be interested in working out with personal trainers online. [39:16] Shannon shares some of her key takeaways from this interview. Links: Yael Oppenheim on LinkedIn FitMyTime.com The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 006: Teaching Online Yoga with Rosslyn Kemerer The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 078: Creating an Online Yoga Studio with Brea Johnson Zoom Google Hangouts Skype PayPal Live Q&A Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "FitMyTime is a platform, a marketplace, that connects yoga instructors and fitness trainers with trainees, with students from around the world for the purpose of an online, live yoga classes or fitness workouts." "The platform enables people ... [to] find instructors for different kinds of workout types." "One of the things that I learned is that the connection between the teacher and students, not only in yoga but in general, is really reliant on the chemistry between two people." "It's a great way to find teachers on one hand, and on the other hand, it's a great way for teachers to expand their work opportunities."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 119: Travel and Teach Yoga with Eva Hamilton Description: Have you dreamed of teaching yoga while you travel?? How can you create a feasible yoga business teaching yoga while traveling? If these questions have ever crossed your mind, Eva Hamilton is just the yoga entrepreneur you need to hear from. Eva's first yoga teacher training was in 2008, and since then she has completed multiple courses and trainings in yin yoga, restorative yoga, Thai yoga massage, and much more. She previously owned and operated a yoga studio in Canada, but in the past two years, Eva has traveled to several countries offering yoga teacher trainings, specialized yoga workshops, yoga retreats, online yoga classes and more. Her own practice is grounded in transforming feelings of anxiety into freedom, and she strives to help others to do the same in her classes. Teaching yoga while traveling the world sounds glamorous and amazing, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Eva opens up about her own struggles with anxiety, and how she found her way to a path of teaching yoga while traveling. Shannon and Eva also discuss the practical aspects of moving abroad to teach yoga - finances, visa requirement, contracts and more, as well as what it's like to teach yoga online. If you've been wondering how to incorporate more travel into your yoga teaching career, or want to learn more about connecting with nomadic yoga teachers to bring what they have to offer to your yoga studio, this episode will be a real treat. Key Takeaways: [3:13] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Eva Hamilton. [5:27] Where did Eva's yoga journey begin? [8:42] How did Eva move from her realization that she had high anxiety and that yoga was helping, to wanting to travel the world? [10:56] Where did Eva travel, and how did she deal with moments of high anxiety? [13:03] In 2018, Eva traveled and taught in 5 countries. What were some of the things she learned along the way? [15:00] Eva reveals more about the financial aspects of teaching yoga while traveling. [18:35] Shannon and Eva discuss her transition into a more traveling path. [19:56] What is Eva's advice for yoga teachers who want to become traveling yoga teachers? [21:42] If you're considering moving abroad to teach yoga, it may be most beneficial to talk to a yoga teacher who is already teaching there to find out more. [23:25] Eva shares more about her life in Thailand as a yoga teacher. [25:32] What does Eva's average week look like? [29:21] Do you feel like you're running away from something, or do you feel like you're running toward something? [30:29] Making new connections has opened up new opportunities for Eva. [33:32] Eva and Shannon dive into some of her challenges in teaching online. [35:44] Eva shares some of her thoughts around competition in the yoga space. [38:09] Get in touch with Eva via her website or on social media to find out more about her work. [39:46] Share your questions in our Facebook group or in the comments! Links: Eva Hamilton Eva Hamilton on Facebook Eva Hamilton on Instagram Yoga Trade Yoga Jobs Alll Over the World Facebook Group Insurance for Yoga Teachers How to Find Royalty-Free Yoga Images Where to Teach Yoga The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 073: 8 Limbs of Yoga [Part 1] with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 074: 8 Limbs of Yoga [Part 2] with Jennie Lee Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "I think I really made a strong connection to the practice in my first Savasana." "I think a lot of people make the assumption because I was young that I was really attached to yoga as a physical practice, but for me it was always much more to do with this bridge between the mind and the emotions." "I really believe yoga is not an answer in and of itself, but when we partner it with other forms of care, it can be extremely successful." "A job letter is great, but get a contract before you uproot your life." "It's a certain amount of stepping beyond the fear, trusting my intuition, but also do the work and the research and figure out what's going to make sense for you." "Do you feel like you're running away from something, or do you feel like you're running toward something?" "To me, what's the most meaningful part of teaching yoga is that human connection."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 118: Planning a Yoga Conference with Allison Rissel Description: If you've ever attended a yoga conference, you can imagine how much time, money and effort goes into it. But how do you get started planning, marketing and executing such an event? What are some do's and don'ts of planning a yoga conference? Allison Rissel, joins Shannon on this episode to dive into the nitty gritty of planning a yoga conference. Allison became a yoga teacher in 2006, and uses her master's degree in Exercise Science alongside her extensive anatomy and biomechanics training to work with a variety of clients. However, her passion lies in training yoga teachers to create their own yoga communities. She does this by offering yoga teacher trainings and a range of services to help yoga teachers bring their yoga conference dreams to life. On this episode, Allison reveals all the things that go on behind-the-scenes in planning and executing a yoga conference. From the schedule of events at the conference, to marketing strategies to promote and advertise the conference, to hard lessons learned along the way - Allison shares all her insight and experience. Whether you're contemplating planning a yoga conference, or want to know how to become a vendor or teacher to make new connections within the yoga community and expand your reach, this interview is full of actionable tips you can put to use immediately. Key Takeaways: [3:40] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Allison Rissel [5:10] What does Allison do, and who does she serve? [8:18] What in Allison's background enabled her to feel empowered to create her first yoga conference? [9:53] When did Allison host the first North Dakota Yoga Conference? How did it turn out? [11:30] How long did it take for Allison to plan for the event? How long did she advertise the event? [13:17] How many teachers did Allison have sharing at the conference? What was the schedule like for the conference? [15:12] Who were the attendees at the yoga conference? [16:32] What has Allison learned along the way? [19:29] What did Allison change or implement in her business after her consultation call with Shannon? [23:58] Allison breaks down some of the numbers from her conferences. [25:26] How does Allison ensure that 75% of the conference participants have signed up by the end of the Early Bird promotion? [27:30] Shannon and Allison discuss Bismarck, North Dakota. [29:27] What does Allison's preparation look like the week before the conference? [33:37] What is Allison doing during the conference? [35:36] How does Allison theme her conference? [37:52] Allison explains more about how she attracts teachers, vendors and participants to her conference. [39:30] How did Allison manage to turn a profit in the first year of running the conference? [42:08] Allison shares how the conference acts as the top of her funnel. [43:25] Find out more about Allison's yoga conference in 2019 by visiting her website. [45:58] Share a conference you love, or any questions you have for Allison! Links: Allison Rissel Allison Rissel on Facebook North Dakota Yoga Conference North Dakota Yoga Conference on Facebook South Dakota Yoga Conference Yoga Conference Calendar Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "I saw the impact that yoga had, and that yoga teacher trainings were having in the towns I was at, and it was incredible, and I really wanted to spread that across the whole state." "I saw the impact that yoga and yoga teacher trainings were having in the towns I visited. It was incredible and I really wanted to spread that across the whole state." (revised Sam) "I don't know if it's something I could have done by myself, but having two other team mates really helped motivate me and really helped bring this whole dream to reality." "The biggest thing I wish I would have known beforehand is how much time and money is really involved." "I want to make other teachers feel really empowered and start their own businesses." "No matter how well you plan, that week before, something's going to go wrong and there's going to be a lot of work to do."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 116: Pain Language with Shelly Prosko (Part 2) Description: How important is communication and language when working with yoga students, especially those who are dealing with persistent (chronic) pain? The answer is - extremely. We don't want our yoga students to become fearful of movement, or trigger a pain response with our cues or tone.This episode is a continuation of the conversation from last week with Shelly Prosko on the topic of pain language in yoga. Shelly is a physiotherapist, yoga therapist, author, international speaker and educator with over 20 years of experience in the field. She is also a Pain Care Yoga Trainer, and works to expand knowledge and education on topics surrounding persistent (chronic) pain, pelvic health, compassion and professional burnout. She is currently co-authoring the textbook, Yoga and Science in Pain Care: Treating the Person in Pain. On the previous episode, Shelly shared cues that empower our yoga students instead of using cues that instill fear of movement. This week, Shannon and Shelly discuss the importance of self-compassion and the language we can use around that, as well as how we can make yoga "safe" - both by creating safe spaces and through the use of our language. Shelly shares more about the topics covered in her upcoming book, and why alignment is so important as a part of yoga. This conversation is such an eye-opener and will surely provide you with a new perspective on language, how we communicate with cues in a yoga class, and how it all ties in to the way we serve our yoga students who are dealing with persistent pain. Key Takeaways: [3:50] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Shelly Prosko. [4:35] Shelly shares more about the idea of having self-compassion and the language around that. [6:21] What is an example of how someone might practice self-compassion? [11:27] As a yoga teacher, you want to help people find their own luxurious experience. [17:32] What is Shelly's book about? [20:36] What is "safe" yoga, and how can we achieve it? [27:19] Shelly breaks down the different aspects of language that we should be mindful of. [31:49] Shelly speaks more about the power of intention and visualization. [35:11] Shelly briefly touches on the topic of alignment in yoga. [43:08] Find out more about Shelly via her website, social media and YouTube. [44:11] Join the conversation by leaving a comment or joining our Live Q&A call. Links: Shelly Prosko Shelly Prosko on Twitter Shelly Prosko on Facebook Shelly Prosko on YouTube The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 114: Compassion Fatigue with Diane Liska The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 115: The Polyvagal Theory and Yoga with Dr. Ginger Garner Kristin Neff Brene Brown Self-Care: The Dark Side, by Shelly Prosko The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 092: Accessible Yoga Begins with Language with Kesse Hodge, Chantel Ehler and Katie Juelson Live Q&A with Shannon Crow Follow Shannon Crow on Instagram Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training in Meaford, Ontario Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "I just would like to encourage people if they're interested to learn more about self-compassion and the language surrounding that, and then that will help you cue." "As a yoga teacher, you want to help people find their own luxurious experience." "The big question is well, how do you create a safe space? We talk about that a lot but how do you do it?" "Let's cue alignment, but let's cue it to give [the students] a variable experience."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 116: Pain Language with Shelly Prosko (Part 1) Description: When people turn to yoga in search of healing, they often carry with them a lot of pain. As yoga teachers, it can be challenging and frustrating to know which words to choose when communicating with our students and giving cues, particularly for those who are dealing with persistent (chronic) pain. In part one of this two-part interview, Shelly Prosko joins Shannon to talk about this topic in a way that makes it playful and fun. Shelly is a physiotherapist, yoga therapist, author, international speaker and educator with over 20 years of experience in the field. She is also a Pain Care Yoga Trainer, and works to expand knowledge and education on topics surrounding persistent (chronic) pain, pelvic health, compassion and professional burnout. She is currently co-authoring the textbook, Yoga and Science in Pain Care: Treating the Person in Pain. Shannon and Shelly discuss the concepts of pain and some of the science behind pain (hint: it's not a 'thing', it's a phenomenon and an experience!). When guiding a yoga class, some words we use innocently may either be empowering or triggering - Shelly shares more about some words to avoid, and her suggestions for alternatives. This episode is full of Shelly's tips and strategies for being more aware of language when guiding a yoga class. Whether you're teaching a trauma-informed yoga class or just want to be more conscious of how your language can trigger and alleviate pain responses, you're sure to learn something you can apply to your own classes right away. Key Takeaways: [4:43] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Shelly Prosko. [5:36] What got Shelly interested in the topic of pain language? [9:58] Shelly explains the connotations of 'chronic' pain vs 'persistent' pain. [13:09] It's important to have self compassion and not get too caught up or stressed about always choosing the right words. [15:39] What do the terms 'neuroplasticity' and 'bioplasticity' mean? [19:03] When people get overwhelmed with language, they shut down - that's why it's important to keep conversations about language playful and exploratory. [21:16] How can language turn someone around from their negative pain story into sometime more empowering? Shelly shares an example. [25:23] How does Shelly approach changing the language used around pain - through explanations, or a gradual shift in language? [29:27] What are some of Shelly's cue considerations around pain language? [34:31] Shelly shares some alternatives that she prefers to use in giving cues. [43:23] What are some other "dos-and-don'ts" when it comes to communicating in your yoga class? [48:51] What is your main takeaway from this interview? Share your thoughts! Links: Shelly Prosko The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 009: Kegels, Mula Bandha and Pelvic Health with Shelly Prosko The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 114: Compassion Fatigue with Diane Liska The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 115: The Polyvagal Theory and Yoga with Dr. Ginger Garner Neil Pearson on LinkedIn Explain Pain, by Dr. David S. Butler, Prof. G. Lorimer Moseley Explain Pain Supercharged, by Dr. David S. Butler, Prof. G. Lorimer Moseley The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 092: Accessible Yoga Begins with Language with Kesse Hodge, Chantel Ehler and Katie Juelson The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 067: Yoga for Every Body with Amber Karnes Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "For people in pain, that have been suffering from persistent pain or chronic pain for a long time, there can be certain changes in the brain and the nervous system that makes the nervous system more hypervigilant, ... or more sensitive." "We have to also respect the lived experience of pain, meaning what are people in pain saying?" "Our whole being potentially has the capacity for change." "Pain is the output of the human." "The output of the brain is the pain experience, and pain is not a thing. It's a phenomenon, it's an experience." "With the giving the permission, just be cognizant about are we creating an environment that gives people the sense of safety, confidence and the courage." "You don't have to tell people what to do or what they should be doing. You're just providing this experience, you're more their guide."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 115: The Polyvagal Theory and Yoga with Dr. Ginger Garner Description: We all know that communication and language are important in a yoga class. But it's not just about giving instructions and guidance about breathing or poses - it's also how we communicate. The timber and volume of our voices, music or chanting in the class, even certain words, can have an effect on other people, but also ourselves, and it creates an internal response for both parties. This is all part of the polyvagal theory, and Dr. Ginger Garner joins Shannon on this episode to explain how this theory can influence how we teach, communicate and hold space as yoga teachers. Dr. Garner is a trained doctor of physical therapy, licensed athletic trainer, professional yoga therapist, published author, and renowned educator. She strongly believes that health and healthcare should be approached holistically, and founded the Professional Yoga Therapy Institute®, the first yoga therapy certification for healthcare providers in the world. The polyvagal theory, the wandering nerve, the use of sound, music, cues and communication in a yoga class, chronic pain - Shannon and Dr. Garner dive deep into these topics and more. Dr. Garner shares examples from her multi-decade career about the use of polyvagal theory in treating chronic pain, and highlights some tools yoga teachers can put into practice in their own classes. Whether you want to improve how you communicate with your yoga students, or be more aware of the impact and influence something as simple as your voice could be having on your yoga classes, this episode is full of great information. Key Takeaways: [2:56] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Dr. Ginger Garner [4:17] What got Dr. Garner into yoga, and what was her first experience with yoga like? [6:49] What is the main work that Dr. Garner does? [9:14] What is the polyvagal theory? [15:33] The polyvagal theory involves the vagus nerve, which Dr. Garner calls the wandering nerve. Why is it called that? [21:28] How does polyvagal theory apply to how yoga teachers cue and communicate in a class? [24:00] What does it look like when yoga teachers are trying to create that safe space? [27:14] In what way can yoga teachers use sound in their classes to affect vagal tone? [28:39] Shannon and Dr. Garner discuss eustress and distress and some examples. [30:56] Dr. Garner explains how sounding would play out in a yoga class. [33:26] What could be therapeutic for someone may be disassociating for someone else. Dr. Garner highlights some examples of this. [37:43] What does breathwork have to do with the nervous system? [43:19] Shannon shares an anecdote about her student who was suffering from chronic pain. [44:06] People can get stuck in a circle of chronic pain, and then turn to yoga as a means of breaking that cycle. [46:08] What are some tools that Dr. Garner suggests to overcome negative pattern? [55:15] Why do we forget to breathe in a way that helps us? [1:01:25] Shannon and Dr. Garner discuss the importance of integration of fields of study for more effective treatment. [1:03:53] Find out more about Dr. Garner and the work she does by visiting her websites - links below. [1:06:27] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this interview. Links: Dr. Ginger Garner .com Medical Therapeutic Yoga, by Dr. Ginger Garner Professional Yoga Therapy Institute Living Well Yoga in Healthcare Living Well Yoga in Healthcare on Instagram, Living Well Yoga in Healthcare on Facebook Be a Labrador, Not a Lizard (for vagal's sake), by Dr. Ginger Garner Nervous System Hacks to Keep Calm (& Vagus On), by Dr. Ginger Garner Webinar - The 3 Diaphragms of the Body: Core Foundations for Health & Wellbeing Part I Webinar - The 3 Diaphragms of the Body: Core Foundations for Health & Wellbeing Part II Webinar - The Essential Vagus Nerve: Achieving Nervous System & Whole Health Balance Part I Webinar - The Essential Vagus Nerve: Achieving Nervous System & Whole Health Balance Part II The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 114: Compassion Fatigue with Diane Liska Fill Your Classes 3-Day Challenge for Yoga Teachers with Shannon Crow & Amanda McKinney Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "How I use yoga, how I use polyvagal theory, how it all comes together is to create a safe space for people who are in a lot of pain." "When I'm teaching yoga teachers or I'm teaching healthcare providers to use yoga, ... I want them to be able to create a therapeutic landscape that is conducive to creating safety for that person." "Sound can be a trigger, but it also can be a eustress, a positive stressor." "Using sound as therapy and music as medicine is in its infancy still." "Our biomedical system is quite broken." "[Yoga] alone doesn't fix it, and [surgery] alone doesn't fix it, but together, it will. It can."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 114: Compassion Fatigue with Diane Liska Description: As yoga teachers, we come across people who come to yoga in search of healing, and we help to guide their experience and help them in their healing process. But this can take a toll on us, and lead to burnout and compassion fatigue over time. Diane Liska has some strategies for how best to develop resilience to compassion fatigue and evolve in our own professional practice as healers. Diane is a Registered Psychotherapist with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, specializing in the areas of trauma, attachment and neuroscience. She became a Certified Yoga Teacher in 2015, and now focuses on combining her expertise in the two fields to help her clients navigate personal challenges and connect with their inner resources to cultivate wholeness, resiliency and a strong body-mind connection. In yoga-informed psychotherapy, Diane uses yoga and other somatic or body-based therapy practices to weave into her work of psychotherapy. She shares more about the differences between burnout and compassion fatigue, and some of the symptoms to look out for. Based on her experience, Diane suggests some exercises and strategies that increase resilience against compassion fatigue, and some tools you can use to overcome it. If you've ever experienced times when you fall away from your own personal practice, or if you're looking for tips on how to avoid compassion fatigue, this episode will give you the tools to build resilience against and overcome compassion fatigue. Key Takeaways: [3:15] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Diane Liska. [5:13] Which came first for Diane, psychotherapy or her yoga journey? [6:25] Why do we suffer from perfectionism? [8:40] What propelled Diane forward in her yoga-psychotherapy journey to where she is now? [10:17] What does Diane do? [11:21] What kind of clients does Diane work with? [11:47] What is compassion fatigue, and how is it related to burnout? [16:04] Shannon shares a personal anecdote of working with victim of trauma. [18:11] Diane briefly explains polyvagal theory. [22:33] What are the symptoms of compassion fatigue? [26:00] Diane shares some of her recommendations on how to prevent compassion fatigue. [31:50] Diane gives an example of what co-regulation would look like when working with a client. [32:38] Diane touches on the concept of compartmentalizing, and why it's not an effective method. [35:49] Another suggestion to combat compassion fatigue is to maintain your own personal practice. [38:11] Responsible healing that can also protect against compassion fatigue comprises of two aspects: self care and self awareness. [40:55] Shannon and Diane talk about the scope of practice as yoga teachers, and how compassion fatigue factors into that. [42:48] How many roles of care are you taking on? That plays a part in compassion fatigue as well. [45:43] What are some other tools that can be helpful? [48:38] What are some things that are not helpful if you are suffering from compassion fatigue? [51:10] When is it important to reach out outside of ourselves for help? [54:23] Get in touch with Diane via her website to learn more about her work and to work with her. [55:51] Shannon highlights her biggest takeaways from this interview with Diane. Links: Diane Liska Diane Liska on Facebook Diane Liska on Instagram Charles Figley - Compassion Fatigue Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory 3 different ways to engage with an individual in a therapeutic relationship - fixing, helping, serving Dr. Kristin Neff - Self compassion The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 100: Cultivating a Community of Professional Peers with Linda Sparrowe Fill Your Classes 3-Day Challenge for Yoga Teachers with Shannon Crow & Amanda McKinney Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training Email Shannon Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "I found yoga really helpful for me at that time to address and help soothe some of my perfectionistic tendencies." "I find that burnout and compassion fatigue very often get lumped together, and they're actually different. They can co-exist at the same time, but they are different." "Compassion fatigue is different [from burnout] in that it's actually a form of trauma." "As healers, we are holding space for and bearing witness to a lot of pain." "Compassion fatigue is a result of healthy working physiology in the body." "Serving ... is supporting an individual to fill their own needs and to heal themselves." "We need to have this dual awareness of both of our experiences at the same time, to combat against compassion fatigue." "The beauty of the nervous system is that it's extremely resilient." "Connection is medicine."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 113: Pinterest to Promote Your Yoga with Kate Ahl Description: How important is Pinterest to your yoga business? If you're like some of our yoga teachers, a significant portion of your website traffic may be coming from Pinterest - but it's not the same as other social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook. That's why we have Kate Ahl of Simple Pin to share more about how you can use Pinterest to promote your yoga business. Kate Ahl is the Owner and Founder of Simple Pin Media, a Pinterest management company that helps business owners manage their Pinterest accounts and presence so they can focus on running their business. She also hosts the Simple Pin Podcast, where she shares useful actionable tips and strategies that can help you DIY your Pinterest marketing. Shannon and Kate dissect how often to pin, what kind of content to pin, and even the kinds of images and fonts to us. She also answers some of Shannon's questions around personal vs business accounts and resharing pins to other social media platforms. Kate also reveals why Pinterest functions as a powerful search engine, and why it's such a great platform to tap into new markets. If you've been wanting to create more awareness for your yoga business, or have been wondering how to connect with people across different generations, Pinterest may be your answer - and this episode is just what you need to dive right in. Key Takeaways: [2:24] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Kate Ahl. [3:36] What does Kate do and how did she get started in this business? [5:09] Pinterest is not so much of a social platform like Instagram or Facebook, but it's more of a search engine. Kate explains what this means. [7:40] What is Kate's suggestion for the workflow on Pinterest? [9:34] Is there a ratio of your own pins to someone else's pins? [11:20] Kate breaks down the idea of pinning daily on Pinterest, and some tips on pinnable images. [14:47] How much text is too much text? [18:30] Kate comments on the practice of creating 10 pins for a particular piece of content. [19:21] What is Kate's advice for people who want to pin images that are not from your article? She walks us through an example. [21:47] What are Kate's thoughts on re-sharing pins to Instagram and Facebook? [23:49] What are Kate's tips for the beginner who wants to use Pinterest to grow their yoga business? [27:40] When it comes to websites and Pinterest, should you be creating images on your website with Pinterest in mind? [30:27] If you are into DIY and want to learn more about Pinterest marketing, check out Kate's podcast, Simple Pin Podcast. [31:10] What are some things to consider before hiring out your Pinterest marketing? [32:20] What is Kate's intake process for taking on new clients, depending on where they are in their Pinterest journey? [35:06] What are Kate's packages priced at? [37:02] Shannon and Kate discuss what the different generations are using Pinterest for. [39:23] Kate leaves us with some final thoughts about Pinterest. [41:25] Shannon shares the actions she's taking as a result of this interview with Kate. Share your Pinterest strategy with Shannon in the comments. Links: Kate Ahl, Simple Pin Media Simple Pin Podcast Simple Pin Pinterest Strategy Facebook Group The Connected Yoga Teacher on Pinterest Canva Craigslist PicMonkey Buffer CoSchedule Tailwind How to Master Tailwind - Simple Pin Media Course WordPress Simple Social Press Plugin for WordPress Tasty Pins Simple Pin Podcast Episode: Optimizing A Squarespace Website for Pinterest Marketing How to Create a Pinterest Business Account From Scratch, by Kate Ahl Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "We often refer to Pinterest as a search-and-discovery platform, and the joke is that it's the introvert's platform." "You're building awareness of your company through your knowledge, through your articles that you're writing." "If somebody comes to your Pinterest page or profile, do they understand who you are and what you represent?" "You want to see your Pinterest boards as a curated resource for your audience." "Consistency is best." "I think the biggest problem when we're doing Pinterest images and we're not graphically-inclined, is we spend hours overthinking it." "Just jump in with both feet, play around, and don't overthink it."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 112: Niche Down to Market Your Yoga with Amanda McKinney Description: Picking a niche is something that can be scary to a lot of us. Particularly as yoga teachers who believe that yoga is for everyone and that we can help everybody, we feel that picking a niche excludes people we want to help. But have you ever thought that specializing is the best way for you to bring yoga to more people? Amanda McKinney is a Marketing Coach for Yoga Teachers, and on this episode, she explains exactly why niching down is the best way to market your yoga. Amanda provides online courses and group coaching to help yoga teachers market themselves authentically, so that they can earn a living sharing yoga with others, without the burn out that comes with catering to everyone. She has some great information on why it's so important for you to specialize, and some practical strategies to help you discover your niche. In this episode (which was also a Live Q&A session!) Amanda tackles difficult questions from yoga teachers, like how to decide which topics to blog about, and how much time you need to market a yoga retreat. She also offers advice on dealing with mindset issues around niching down, and some tips on marketing yourself as a yoga teacher. Whether you've been a yoga teacher for years, or are just starting out on your yoga entrepreneurship journey - Amanda's insights and tips on niching down and marketing are sure to help you in your business. Tune in to also find out more about the 3-day content challenge and joint group coaching by Amanda and Shannon! Key Takeaways: [2:43] Shannon introduces her guest - Amanda McKinney. [3:35] Who does Amanda work with, and what is the work that she does? [4:41] Amanda explains the story behind why her website focuses on yoga teachers as business owners. [7:33] Why do yoga teachers need a niche? [9:03] Amanda shares her journey of how and why she niched down in her own business. [9:43] How specific does a yoga niche need to be? [11:47] What are some of the roadblocks that stop people from niching down? [14:39] Having a specific niche helps people give you referrals. [16:50] How can you discover your yoga niche? [19:30] Listener question from Valeria: How do you identify the topics that clients want to hear about if you host a yoga-focused blog? [25:20] Listener question from Sue: If I'm marketing a retreat in September, how soon do I start putting the info out there to market it? How early is too early? [29:32] What does marketing mean as a yoga teacher? [35:50] What do you do if you can't decide between two or more really good niche ideas? How do you pick? [37:52] How can yoga teachers combat the feeling of 'Who am I to do this?' when picking their niche? [40:56] What is Amanda's advice for yoga teachers who feel like they need to be ready or perfect before they start on their business journey? [44:26] Listener question from Kristen: I'm having a hard time describing trauma-informed yoga in a way that makes sense to other people. [47:59] How long does it take to develop or find a niche? [52:05] What's Amanda's response to people who say that niching down has been a challenge? [55:10] What is the work that Amanda is really excited about right now? [58:34] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this episode. Links: Amanda McKinney Free Guide on How to Niche Amanda McKinney on Instagram Amanda McKinney's Facebook Group Online Group Coaching with Amanda McKinney The Connected Yoga Teacher Episode 107: Launch & Promote Your Yoga Offering with Abby Herman Steph Crowder The Stoked Yogi Clockwork, by Mike Michalowicz 3 Day Challenge with Shannon and Amanda Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "So many yoga teachers are not told and informed, they are a business owner once they graduate with their Yoga Teacher Training Certificate!" "I will have walked the path that my clients and students walk, which I think is the best way to get to know your target audience." "Yoga is for everyone, and that actually makes the point of niching down more important." "As soon as you narrow down and focus on one particular thing, it takes away that competition." "For every $500 that the retreat is, you need 90-days lead time." "Knowing that there is no other one like you out there, that you will attract the people who will learn best from you." "The more you can say it, the clearer it's going to be." "Knowing what you don't like is just as important as knowing what you like." "Attracting the right person to work with you is important, but repelling the others is just as important."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 111: Teaching Children's Yoga with Shakta Khalsa Description: Have you ever shared yoga with children? If you have, you might have realized that teaching yoga to adults, and sharing yoga with a room full of children are completely different. Shakta Khalsa is a leading expert on children and yoga, and on this episode the "fairy godmother" of children's yoga shares tips and strategies for teaching children's yoga more effectively. Shakta is the Founder and Director of Radiant Child® Yoga, an internationally-known training program for teaching children's yoga and working with children consciously. She is a parent, Montessori educator and a yoga professional recognized by Yoga Journal magazine as one of the top five Kundalini Yoga teachers in the world. She has also authored multiple books, and produced albums and award-winning DVDs On this episode Shakta shares her journey to yoga through Kundalini yoga, and explains how that formed the basis for her to start sharing yoga with children. She explains the differences between teaching yoga to adults vs children, as well as her unique strategies and tips for working with children. She reveals the inspiration behind some of her books, shares tips on how you can go about writing your own book, and talks about her own challenges in running and scaling a yoga business.If you are involved in children's yoga in any form or fashion, or if you need some tips on running and scaling a yoga business, or if you need inspiration to write a book, you will surely get lots of great nuggets of wisdom from this interview with Shakta. Key Takeaways: [3:47] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Shakta Khalsa. [5:55] Shakta shares the experience of her first yoga class in 1972. [7:39] Who was Shakta's first Kundalini yoga teacher? [9:11] What was Shakta's journey of becoming a yoga teacher? [11:52] What did Shakta's friends and family think when she went down the path of being a yoga teacher? [13:51] Shakta was also a Montessori teacher. She explains how she realized she should be sharing yoga with children. [18:31] Shannon and Shakta discuss how to share yoga with children - what works with adults, doesn't work with children! [19:42] What is the basis for the book Fly like a Butterfly? [22:45] Shakta explains how she uses yoga to control the class when sharing children's yoga. [24:48] How does relaxation in a children's yoga class, for example, look different from the adult Savasana? [27:18] What made Shakta think that children can begin yoga? [30:08] When children go through a phase of resisting yoga, Shakta has a set of yoga warrior cards she uses. [31:44] What are some of Shakta's biggest tips for teaching children's yoga? [35:08] What are some things to consider when deciding which children's yoga teacher training to take? [38:23] Shakta teaches a 200-hour Radiant Child Family. She explains more about the course. [40:45] What is Shakta's advice for someone who is struggling with mindset issues around treating yoga as a business? [45:17] What has Shakta learned about marketing and scaling up her yoga business? [50:41] What helps Shakta to write a book? [57:42] Learn more about Shakta's work and check out her training sessions on her website. [58:36] Leave a comment to stand a chance to win Shakta's book or the Yoga Warrior Cards. Links: Shakta Khalsa, Radiant Child Yoga Shakta Khalsa on Twitter Shakta Khalsa on YouTube Radiant Child Yoga on Facebook Radiant Child Yoga on Instagram Books by Shakta Khalsa The Autobiography of a Yogi, by Paramahansa Yogananda Sat Dharam Kaur Rainbow Walk (Guided Meditation), by Shakta Khalsa & Checka Antifonario You Are Made of Energy (Guided Meditation), by Shakta Khalsa & Checka Antifonario Yoga Warrior Cards Yoga Dog TV Show, Jennifer Foster Atomic Habits, by James Clear Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "I don't know any paths of yoga that had a formal teacher training like that. It was basically you lived your yoga." "The yoga that [the child] had been doing for those five years, that that yoga was the crowning glory of her Montessori time." "For [the children], it's just fun. But they're using all the yoga tools." "We use the yoga to control the class." "You can try to stop a rushing river, but you aren't going to stop the rushing river very easily, so why not go with the flow of it?" "How do you playfully, and still honoring the child's desire to move their bodies and be joyful, how do you take that enthusiasm and then organize it and we do that all through the yoga." "When you start early, [yoga meditation] is just as normal as brushing your teeth every morning. It just becomes normal." "It's important to have form to it, structure and form, and then bring in the fun element as well." "Inspiration, information - those two things together make a really good book."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 110: Create a Yoga Proposal Package with Lisa Zaehringer Description: If you've ever wanted to share or promote a unique yoga class or workshop, I'm sure you have wondered how best to convey your offering to the yoga studio owner, or even where to begin in reaching out to studios. Lisa Zaehringer, after having to go through this process every 2-3 years, shares more about what goes into the yoga proposal packages she sends to yoga studios, as well as her 7-step process for reaching out to studios. Lisa is a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher, whose work as a yoga teacher complements her profession as a mental health counselor. In her yoga business, she supports mothers of all ages as they reconnect with themselves, reclaim rest, and practice compassionate self-discovery. Her unique workshops and courses include the Sacred Motherhood Restorative Practice, Sacred Baby 8 Week Course, and Sacred Pregnancy Weekend Retreat.As part of her transient military lifestyle, Lisa was having to move every few years, and she had to find an authentic, creative way to be able to approach yoga studios in her new hometowns where she had zero credibility - a yoga proposal package. She explains the different elements that make up the package, and also reveals step-by-step, how she reaches out to studios.Whether you're wanting to create a yoga proposal package to get some clarity about your yoga niche, or you just want to be prepared to take advantage of any new opportunities that may arise, this episode is full of great tips you'll be able to use. Key Takeaways: [3:34] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Lisa Zaehringer. [4:39] What is Lisa's background, and what is the work that she does now? [5:18] What prompted Lisa to develop her mini-retreat for mothers, Sacred Motherhood Restorative Practice? [8:09] Shannon and Lisa discuss how she found her purpose in her motherhood journey. [9:29] What does Lisa's workshop look like? [11:49] What motivated Lisa to create her yoga proposal package? [13:25] Lisa shares more about the challenge she faced in getting yoga studios to understand her unique offering. [14:11] What is in the package that Lisa provides? The first element is the Proposal. [16:43] The second piece is the suggested schedule and themes. [18:03] The third document Lisa includes in her package is a personalized flyer. [18:59] The next item in the package is the Sequence of Events. [19:40] Where does Lisa get the images for her package? [20:55] The last piece of the package is A Gift of Gratitude. [22:06] Where does Lisa begin to approach a yoga studio? She walks us through the 7-stage process. [27:32] If multiple places accept Lisa's offering, does she then have to choose between them? [29:40] What stands out is that throughout this process, Lisa is the one who is choosing, and she has been able to do this because of her clarity in her niche. [31:27] Lisa shares some of her struggles around marketing her yoga offering. [33:42] What are Mama Projects? [37:03] Lisa has some final words of wisdom about creating packages for your yoga offering. [40:47] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview. Links: Yoga Proposal Package - PDF The Mother's Guide to Self Renewal, by Renee Trudeau Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, by Cheryl Strayed Canva Sacred Living Movement Sacred Pregnancy A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson Define Your Yoga Niche Online Workshop The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 096: How to Create a Yoga Practice Habit with Matt Kowald The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 064: Getting Hired by a Yoga Studio with Kristen Sweeney Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "I believe that that's where connection happens - when vulnerability is met with compassion." "I wanted to find an authentic, creative way to be able to approach yoga studios in the new hometown where I had zero credibility." "There's some doubt and fear that bubbles up each time [I approach a yoga studio], like, is anybody going to get this? Is this going to make sense to anybody?" "[It's] just those little things that say I really care about the time you're putting into reading this." "Where ever this is meant to happen, is where it's going to happen." "The universe is always conspiring in our favor." "I felt like it's a mutual interview, so I'm interviewing [the yoga studios] as much as they're interviewing me."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 109: Attracting Clients with Your Message with Eman Zabi Description: Your business is about you, but does your branding and website copy reflect who you are as a yoga teacher, and showcase your unique personality and voice? Eman helps business owners "put the personality back in your business" and she has some tips for you to get started doing the same. Eman is the founder of The Scribesmith, and she puts her background in Political Science, Econometrics and Neuromarketing to good use in her business. She works with clients from the outdoor, fitness and wellness industry to help them create copy that makes their businesses sound human, capture the essence of the person behind the business, and stand out from the hundreds of other similar offerings. Particularly in the yoga industry, the human aspect is so important, because a lot of times, our students work with us because they like us, and our style and our personality. That's why personality-driven copy on our websites is so important. Eman shares why it's so important to share your story, what your brand is as a yoga teacher, and some tips for how to capture your unique voice and convert it into copy. If you're feeling like your website reads like a robot wrote it, or if your branding and copy just don't stand out among hundreds of other yoga business owners out there, you are going to love this episode. Key Takeaways: [3:22] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Eman Zabi. [5:03] Where did Eman get started with her journey of copywriting, particularly for wellness businesses? [7:27] Has Eman ever encountered a situation where she thought that she should pivot away from working with businesses in this space? [9:20] What benefits has Eman seen in businesses when they niche down and speak to a specific audience? Eman explains more about the Return on Investment (ROI) of branding and differentiation. [12:38] What does "brand" actually mean for yoga teachers or yoga studios? [13:24] Eman shares some tips on how to connect with your brand. [16:00] How can you start to dig in and showcase more of who you are? [17:34] How much is too much when it comes to sharing? [19:17] What are Eman's thoughts on how to choose a name for your business? [20:53] Listener question from Pili Bailey: How can I share my story while weaving together yoga and aromatherapy? [22:25] What helped Eman along the way to develop her homepage? How can yoga teachers and yoga studio owners apply that to their own homepages? [25:52] Shannon and Eman discuss the call-to-action on your website, and how this ties in with a sales funnel. [28:10] What is Eman's advice to yoga teachers who haven't found their niche? [30:57] How can you own your story and share who you are without feeling embarrassed? [34:21] Eman shares more about an email marketing campaign that really made an impact. [36:56] How does Eman create amazing subject lines? She also dives into what makes a great email with some examples. [44:19] How can you deal with people who unsubscribe from your email list? [45:12] Eman leaves us with some final tips on how to dig into your own voice in your copy. [46:44] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from her interview with Eman, and leaves you with some homework! Links: MamaNurture Prenatal Yoga School Eman Zabi, The Scribesmith Eman Zabi on Instagram The Copywriter Club Podcast The Copywriter Club Rev.com Pili Bailey 101 Subject Lines The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 096: How to Create a Yoga Practice Habit with Matt Kowald Yoga Show Gathering The Yoga Conference and Show, Toronto March 2019 Mama Nurture Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training, November 2019 Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "It just made sense to be writing about a space that was such a big part of my life." "The yoga studios here, particularly, I found that they really have to find really unique ways of telling their stories - they need to stand out." "As a yoga studio owner, if you invest in your branding and in your story, you're using that to differentiate yourself." "Just bringing a part of yourself to the table and using that to connect with others - it's one of the easiest and most effective ways of standing out." "We like to work with people we like, and you cannot like people don't know." "How much you share comes down to who your audience is, and it comes down to knowing your audience." "As a business owner, you have the luxury of being able to pivot your business when you feel like it isn't working." "If I put myself out there, I'm able to reach more people. And if I'm able to reach more people, I'm able to help more people." "Email marketing, I think, is the most underutilized tool in the fitness industry."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 108: Inclusive Language for Prenatal Yoga with Shannon Crow Description: How can we use inclusive language in a fertility, prenatal or postnatal yoga class so that our students feel heard, seen, accepted and welcome? This episode is a mini-training on how we as yoga teachers can make our classes more accessible and inviting through the words that we use. Inclusive language is not something a lot of us think about or consider when we are teaching yoga. However, it is an important part of creating welcoming spaces where our students feel accepted and safe. This can be particularly complicated in a prenatal, postnatal, fertility, or baby & me yoga class. On this episode, Shannon shares more about the different aspects to consider when it comes to inclusive language. Starting with your core values and beliefs, to your promotion and marketing materials (yes, even the images!), to the language you use during the class - Shannon dives headfirst into the kinds of inclusive language you can use in your classes, with tips, examples and templates for you to tap into. Whether you're trying to be more mindful of the language that you use to create a safe space for your students, or you're wondering how to keep up with the times and include different students in their birth journey, this episode will give you plenty to think about. Key Takeaways: [3:57] Shannon almost backed away from doing this episode - she shares why it was so difficult for her. [5:15] This episode is all about inclusive language. [5:47] Inclusive language begins with your core beliefs and values. Shannon has an exercise - the "I Believe List" - for you to try out. [9:29] Your core values and beliefs get communicated through all your promotional and marketing materials, not just through language but through your images as well. [11:08] Getting to know your students helps you use appropriate and inclusive language. Shannon recommends a waiver form and suggests some of the topics to ask about to better understand your students. [14:51] The next part of using inclusive language for prenatal yoga ties in with the "Welcome and What to Expect" portion of the class. Shannon shares an example that she might use to welcome students in a prenatal yoga class. [22:15] In class with your students, what is the inclusive language that you can use? [22:47] The first two categories of inclusive language have to do with acknowledging and including baby, and on the flip side, acknowledging self and space for the pregnant student. Shannon has some examples of how you might cue this in your class. [25:39] In your prenatal yoga class, choose empowering and encouraging language. [26:55] It's important for us as yoga teachers to learn the medical language, and then to choose what you don't want to use. [28:14] Get comfortable talking about pelvic anatomy and different conditions that the prenatal yoga student may have. [28:48] Part of inclusive language in a prenatal yoga class is using gender-neutral language. [34:20] Another important part of inclusive prenatal yoga classes is being inclusive of all family dynamics, beliefs and choices. [35:35] Shannon touches on the topic of postnatal and parenthood inclusive language. [38:38] Birth circles are a time for new parents to share their birth story, with no judgment. [39:53] Shannon leaves us with some final thoughts about this topic. Links: MamaNurture Prenatal Yoga School Just Breathe Yoga, Bermuda Inclusive Language for Prenatal Yoga 4-page printable PDF How to Find Royalty-Free Yoga Images Canva Yoga Student Waiver Forms The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 092: Accessible Yoga Begins with Language with Elliot Hodge, Chantel Ehler and Katie Juelson The Genderbread Person Spike in demand for treatment of transgender teens, CBC News Article 9 Reasons Why I Call It Chestfeeding (And You Should, Too), by Steph Montgomery Yoga Show Gathering sponsored by Schedulicity The Yoga Conference and Show, Toronto March 2019 Mama Nurture Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training, November 2019 Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "Inclusive language starts before you are standing in front of a room full of yoga students. I believe it begins with your core beliefs or values." "Be gentle with yourself as we go through this inclusive language and just know that we're all learning." "We get to make a choice around what language we use." "As I'm talking about this with you today, if you feel some resistance come up, figure out where is that coming from." "I want to keep up with the times on this one, so that my yoga students don't feel excluded or discriminated against." "The more we actually know someone's story, the less we're just reacting to what we're used to, to our "normal" in society." "We don't have to have the same choices, we just need to stay neutral on this, as the person who's holding space." "What is the intention of the inclusive l

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 107: Launch & Promote Your Yoga Offering with Abby Herman Description: Do you struggle with putting out content that connects you to your yoga students? Have you gotten overwhelmed about promoting your yoga offering - not knowing where to start, which platform to choose, or even what to say? Abby Herman is just the expert you need to hear from about all things content-related. Abby is the founder of Write Solutions and is a content strategist who helps her clients to get their message out to their audience, in their own voice, and on their own terms. She specializes in working with service-based businesses and helps small business owners generate ideas and strategies to move their businesses forward with content that attracts the right clients. You have something unique to share with the world, but if people don't know about you, they can't work with you. That's why content is so important - it helps you connect to your ideal yoga student, and attracts them to you. Abby talks about finding your zone of genius, brainstorming, how to use content across different platforms, and what it really takes to make a successful launch. If you've been wanting to start promoting your yoga offering more consistently, or if you find yourself getting stuck in creating meaningful and relevant content for your audience - this is the episode for you. Listen to the end of the episode to find out how you can stand a chance to win a live 1:1 content planning session with Abby! Key Takeaways: [2:43] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Abby Herman. [5:28] What has Abby's experience with yoga been? [6:27] What does Abby do and who does she do it for? [6:50] What does 'launching' mean? [7:54] How much time do you need to lead up to a launch? [10:33] It is possible to launch a program or course with a tight turnaround, as long as you are nurturing your audience on a regular basis before that. [12:07] What should you be saying in emails that nurture your audience? How can you brainstorm content ideas to engage with and remain connected to your audience? [15:46] How does Abby generate content in her own business? [20:30] How many umbrella topics should you have in your Excel spreadsheet? [23:11] How long does it take to brainstorm ideas? Abby shares some tips about things to do, and things to avoid. [26:55] Abby shares her thoughts about repurposing and reusing content across different platforms. [35:20] Is it important to focus on platforms that you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with? [36:35] What is the best way to map all your content ideas out onto a calendar? [42:25] It's important to link to other content in emails, but can you ever be adding in too many links to different content? [46:21] What's the best time to send emails? How often? [48:08] To find out more about Abby and the work that she does, get in touch via her website. [48:42] Shannon highlights her biggest takeaways from this interview with Abby. Links: MamaNurture Prenatal Yoga School Abby Herman Abby Herman on Facebook Abby Herman on Instagram Abby Herman on YouTube How to Come Up With Content Marketing Topics for 2019 (150 Blog Topics) The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 092: Accessible Yoga Begins with Language with Kesse Hodge, Chantel Ehler and Katie Juelson The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 106: Defining My Yoga Business Niche with Shannon Crow Yoga Show Gathering The Yoga Conference and Show, Toronto March 2019 Mama Nurture Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training, November 2019 Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "Launching means you are putting something out there ... to your audience and it's a way to really narrowly focus your audience's attention on one thing that you want them to buy." "People have to hear things like 7, 8, 9 times in order for it to really register." "Whether it's a free event or not, you still want to get a commitment because once they say 'yes, I'll be there', they're much more likely to actually show up." "The more you can expand that experience for your clients, the better, and the more willing they will be to buy the thing." "Think about content in themes, and then it's a lot easier to then take those themes and plug in different ideas for a blog, for an email you send out to your audience, for social media posts." "When you have too many, your message gets watered down, and so people don't really know what to come to you for. They don't really know what you're an expert in." "Sometimes we're so close to our own content and our own ideas that we don't really know what other people need to know." "What I recommend doing is creating content that is complementary but not the same." "Think about where you can show up the best for your audience, and how you can promote that." "Think about that any time you're creating any content at all - what do you want them to do, or what do you want them to know, or what's the cal

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 106: Defining My Yoga Business Niche with Shannon Crow Description: What's your yoga business niche? Do you share your yoga with everyone, or are you focusing in on your zone of genius? Even though she has been in the yoga industry for 13 years, Shannon still struggles with defining her yoga business niche. On this episode, she shares her own process that helped her figure out where to take her yoga business. As Shannon started planning her content for 2019, and looking forward into how she wanted to grow her yoga business in the new year, she kept feeling stuck with some content planning. She shares the strategies that she uses in her content creation process - what worked, and what didn't work. (Hint: If you're having trouble with content, some of these methods will help!) The result of all her planning and reflection was the realization that she needed to niche down in her yoga business once again. Shannon talks about her struggle with accepting and admitting that her focus in her yoga business had shifted from where she started out, and why niching down is a process that never ends. If you've been feeling burned out from teaching too many different yoga classes or are feeling stuck in the work that you're doing - it may be time for you to look into defining your yoga business niche, and this episode has just the insights you need to get you started. Key Takeaways: [:28] This episode is about a challenge Shannon has been facing in her yoga business [3:17] Next week's episode with Abby Herman is all about content, and there's an amazing prize giveaway too! [5:37] Please leave a review if you're enjoying this content! [8:54] It's so much easier for Shannon to share the work she does with yoga and yoga business owners when she is connected to herself, her yoga practice and her community. [10:23] Shannon shares more about how she hit a point of struggle in her yoga business just before 2019. [14:55] Taking away the guilt from the process can help you move away from what's keeping you stuck, and into areas that you thrive [17:00] Reflecting back on your work can help you see clearly where you are struggling in your business. [18:47] Shannon shares how she does her content brainstorming - Start with the main content topic, then map out subtopics. [20:56] Shannon loves to map out three things when it comes to content - the channel she's releasing the content, the release date, and when she's creating that content. Why is this so important? [23:07] How is all of this related to defining your yoga niche? [25:58] Shannon talks through her struggles around Mama Nurture, and how she resolved them. [31:56] Niching down is work that never ends. [32:55] Shannon shares a personal anecdote about her journey with niching down. [35:22] Check out the ways you can work with Shannon at The Connected Yoga Teacher website. Links: MamaNurture Prenatal Yoga School The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 054: Launching a Podcast and Facebook Group with Shannon Crow The Connected Yoga Teacher Episode 095: Making a CEO Business Plan with Shannon Crow 1:1 Yoga Business Consultation with Shannon Group Coaching Program Yoga Show Gathering The Yoga Conference and Show, Toronto March 2019 Mama Nurture Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training, November 2019 5 Day Content Challenge Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity Quotes from this episode: "What's the secret to podcasting? It's simply 'Just keep going'." "There have been times in my yoga career where it really does feel like very difficult work. And that's when I know I'm kind of fighting against where I'm actually supposed to be going." "You pick the channel where you really like to connect to your audience." "You do not have to make a content plan that would make sense to someone else." "Stick to one piece of content that you really love to do, that's your one main channel. And then add on as you want to, or as it works in. Don't try to do it all at once." "My content struggle is that I do not feel rooted in the 'now' with prenatal yoga." "I believe that each and every yoga teacher has a unique and amazing gift to offer to the world that no one else can."