The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

055: Share Your Course Using Thinkific with Siddharth Bharath Thinkific is an online course software platform based in Vancouver BC, Canada. CEO Greg Smith was searching for a way to put his LSAT course online in order to reach more students. He saw the need for an online course platform and along with his co-founders designed software that would allow course creators to easily add their content online. On today's episode, Shannon speaks with Siddharth Bharath, a marketer and VP of growth at Thinkific. Sid, who at the time was a marketing consultant, was looking for an online platform to host his courses. He really liked Thinkific as a course platform because it was easy to use. He decided to contact Greg Smith with some marketing ideas and Greg was impressed enough to ask Sid to join their team and has been with them since. Shannon picks Siddharth's brain asking him what technology is needed to create a course, how much financial investment is involved, how students and teachers can interact, marketing your course and more. 10:05 What led Sid to work for Thinkific 12:40 How Thinkific can help you run a course 14:45 The Thinkific plans so you can decide which financial investment works for you 15:55 Do you need a website needed to run a Thinkific course 16:50 What is the bare minimum technology needed to make a video 18:30 What tools are needed for good audio 19:55 Sid's tips for creating a video 20:40 How Thinkific facilitates the interactivity between students and teachers 21:30 Yoga teachers who are producing courses with Thinkific 23:25 The Thinkific team and culture of kindness 25:30 The help available to Thinkific users 26:25 Sid's tips for marketing a course 29:05 Videos as yoga class add-ons and how they can supplement your in-person classes 29:25 Payment options for your customers such as one-off, monthly payment plans 30:30 Sid's last bit of advice: "Action beats perfection" 31:50 How to get in touch with Sid and Thinkific 32:15 Shannon's wrap-up and key takeaways Links Email Sid: [email protected] Thinkific Website Thinkific on Facebook Thinkific Blog Post: Best Equipment & Software For Creating Online Courses Example Yoga Courses on Thinkific The Bhakti Shop Mako Mindfulness Membership Related TCYT Podcast: Ep 54: Launching a Podcast and Facebook Group The Connected Teacher Facebook Group Book a Consultation Call with Shannon 5-Day Content Creation Challenge Define Your Yoga Niche Online Course PDF: 5 Koshas Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT) Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

054: **Anniversary Episode ** Launching a Podcast and Facebook Group with Shannon Crow Welcome to The Connected Yoga Teacher one-year anniversary episode! Episode 001 of The Connected Yoga Teacher was launched on February 24th, 2017 and here we are, just over one year later on episode 054. Shannon's vision to provide a platform for yoga teachers to connect between trainings has grown in a way that she could never have imagined. Always reading about and researching yoga topics, Shannon wanted to support other yoga teachers by sharing important and relevant information. She has invited a variety of guests to share valuable knowledge about a wide array of subject matters such as running a yoga business, pelvic health, eating disorders, yoga and social media, re-thinking stretching, and the importance of trauma-informed yoga. Shannon provides a behind-the-scenes look at creating and maintaining The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group and the work put into the podcast each and every week. She also shares more about herself; her vulnerabilities and her view on making mistakes. With much gratitude, we want to thank our listeners for taking this journey with us. Downloading the podcast and engaging with and supporting one another on The Connected Facebook Group keeps this community thriving. Thank you also to The Connected Yoga Teacher team -- Rob, Laura, Samantha and every single listener. 2:25 Shannon's journey that led her to the creating a podcast for yoga teachers and the fear that accompanied that 4:40 Brainstorming in her red journal and finding the common thread was wanting to help yoga teachers 5:10 Why Shannon thinks supporting other yoga teachers is so important 5:40 How Shannon got her ideas for topics- from yoga consulting, connecting with and interviewing experts, reading articles 6:40 The Connected Yoga Podcast team 9:55 If you're interested in making a podcast or creating content 10:05 Some of the content Shannon wanted to include in the podcast and choosing her guest 11:05 The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group- creating and maintaining the group 12:05 Podcast listener and TCYT FB group member Barbara Peter's question for Shannon: "Would you please do a podcast about everything you do behind the scenes to make everything in The Connected Yoga Teacher group page so wildly successful. Every minute detail. Hold nothing back." 13:00 Naming the podcast and making the choice to avoid asking others to join, hoping to grow the group organically 14:20 July 2017 (5 months into the podcast)- 346 members, a solid foundation had been built with Shannon working hard to keep the members engaged 14:55 Nov 2017 (9 months into the podcast) -1000 members, great questions and content posted regularly by members 15:35 February 2018 (the one-year anniversary of the podcast)- over 2000 people (100 people added just this week!) 15:40 3 question set-up for those that want to join a group, post questions to start discussions, post questions on behalf of other teachers 16:55 The challenge of making a welcome post that you can pin to the top of the group page, the purpose of the welcome post and tagging people in the group 18:25 Shannon's TCYT Facebook Group welcome post 20:40 Context of people's posts when it's in writing, in text, easy misunderstandings challenges in moderating the group 23:35 Online negativity and taking a look at your own reaction to posts, avoiding the knee-jerk reaction- "Can you say that in a more vulnerable way?" Related episode: 051: Yoga and (Anti-) Social Media with Carol Horton, PhD 24:50 Question from Shelly Prosko of Prosko Physio Yoga: "My question for you relates to compassion and sense of community and connection...What is one thing that you've failed at or made a mistake of you're struggling with right now if you can get a little vulnerable if you feel comfortable…" 27:25 Shannon reflects her on making mistakes, owning up to them, embracing them, how her view of mistakes has changed over time 36:15 When Shannon thought she was ready to launch the podcast and what she still had to consider Related Episode: 005: Set and Achieve Big Goals with Natalie Eckdahl 37:50 Steps needed make TCYT podcast 42:20 How Shannon got Schedulicity as a sponsor 44:30 Automation and engaging with guests and listeners through emails 46:40 Show notes and our desire to have a great summary, quotes, timestamps and links 47:50 How profit can be made through podcasts 48:40 Shannon's began using Facebook Live as a way to engage her audience 49:30 Shannon's Facebook Launch Party Event 51:40 TCYT downloads statistics 52:50 Shannon's final thoughts and voicemail by TCYT podcast listener Haunani Drake Contact us: Email: info@theconnectedyogateacher Voicemail: The Connected Yoga Teacher Website (click on the 'Send Shannon a Voicemail') Links Seth Godin's Podcast 01: Akimbo- The Grand Opening- a great episode about launching a podcast Dr. Kristin Neff's website: Self-Compassion.org Accessible Yoga Conference- June 22nd-24

053: Yoga Mentors and Lineage with Chase Bossart On today's episode, Shannon invites Chase Bossart who with great warmth and humour shares with us some of his experiences with his mentor T.K.V. Desikachar. Chase discusses the hallmark of Desikachar's teachings that he's very much taken to heart, the importance of mentorship and the sometimes necessary end of this relationship. Chase was introduced to yoga in 1991 when he took a semester abroad in India as a philosophy major. He was interested in learning more about Eastern philosophy and took a class in yoga theory. This is where he met his mentor T.K.V. Desikachar, one of the class' regular instructors and become immersed in yoga and Desikachar's teachings. Chase has spent over 4 years in India and several years in China (becoming fluent in Mandarin). Expanding on his knowledge of Eastern philosophy, Chase earned a Masters degree in Religious Studies with an emphasis in Indian Philosophy in 1996. Now living North of San Francisco, Chase has travelled frequently to give workshops and training on a wide array of yoga and yoga therapy topics since 2003. Chase teaches courses and workshops in person and provides an online meditation session and online study session of Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita once a week. He is also passionate about pranayama, meditation, chanting and the therapeutic application of yoga therapy. He loves to lead experiential workshops that demonstrate yoga philosophy's practical applications in daily life. 5:25 Studying with his mentor T.K.V Desikachar in India 8:35 Hallmark of Desikachar's teachings is individualized, one-on-one sessions where you participate in your own healing 10:05 The feeling Chase has when teaching to online students and in-person students 12:00 Online Thursday night study of Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita with Chase- study of Sanskrit and most importantly how does that apply to one's life by pausing, responding and sharing with each other 13:10 Incorporating Sanskrit and yoga philosophy in our practice and the importance of finding context for why we do the techniques we do, recognizing that yoga is an intentionally engineered practice with the science behind understanding how the human system functions 18:00 Chase's appreciation for Desikachar's ability to break teachings down and applying them in a practical sense to everyday life 19:05 Importance of taking time to take teachings in- not rushing through training and philosophical texts so a sustainable transformation is possible 20:20 Differentiating between yoga as information and yoga as being (understanding why your life is unfolding as it is, seeing yoga play out in your life, allowing for feedback and study with a mentor) 22:10 The benefit of having a mentor- difficult to digest studies without a reliable outside reference, help you stay on your path, cue you to reflect and the importance of having an established relationship with someone you have faith in and trust 25:20 Chase details some of the more difficult experiences as Desikachar's mentee and how moving through them helped him establish different patterns and the refinement of his person and behaviour 32:30 Chase's belief that teachings should be the main focus- not so much the lineage and T.K.V. Desikachar's hesitancy to give a name to his yoga teachings (named Viniyoga for a period of time) when he very much believed that yoga should flow through someone in an individualized way 36:10 The problem with lineage and putting yoga into groups- divisiveness, can overemphasize form over function 37:45 Desikachar's taught the importance of relinquishing rather than looking at the effort and asanas 39:20 An example of relinquishing- being attached to how things are such as groups you are in, your home, your job and seeing that as primary importance 42:55 When and why a mentorship relationship may end 47:55 The importance of honesty and communication in mentor-mentee bond and when there may be a shift in the relationship 51:00 What mentorship should provide such as understanding how the mentee's process works and helping to hold space for that process 53:35 Yoga Wells Institute Therapeutic Yoga Trainings 53:20 Importance of teachers undergoing process themselves, doing their own practice with an open, malleable fashion 57:00 Upcoming Yoga Therapy Teacher Certification Course with Chase in Nashville, Tennessee 58:55 Chase's work with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) and its importance in legitimizing the practice via accreditation and guidelines 1:02:19 Chase shares what his own practice looks like while gently reminding teachers to find their own way 1:04:20 If you struggle with your own practice- "When you need it the most it's harder to do." 1:08:40 Shannon's closing thoughts and key takeaways Links Yoga Well Institute Website Yoga Well on Facebook Twitter: The Well Bucket Yoga Well Institute on Instagram Email: [email protected] send an email to set up a 30-minute interview p

052: Create Your Online Course with Janelle Allen of Zen Courses Have you ever thought of turning your expertise into an online course? It can be a great source of income that comes with the satisfaction of inspiring others with content you feel passionate about. Shannon welcomes Janelle Allen, the founder of Zen Courses to help you get started. Janelle shares her knowledge with us covering how to pick a topic, organize and market a course, the different styles of courses, and much more. Armed with her Masters of Science degree in Instructional Technology, Janelle has spent nearly ten years creating courses for a variety of clients, including colleges, universities, corporations and small businesses. Realizing that she wanted to work in a more personal way with others she founded Zen Courses. Through her business, Janelle offers services that include one-on-one consultations and courses. Janelle has a free online email list course just for our Connected Yoga Teacher listeners. 6:20 How Janelle got interested in online learning and went from working for a six-figure company to working for herself 10:10 Janelle's experience with yoga 11:20 How to get started creating an online course: 1) target learner 2) what problems do they have 3) what solutions do you have 15:35 How do yoga teachers pick from possible course topics? How to determine if people will pay for your course. 17:35 How to organize the course? "The one thing" what should people be able to do after completing the course, using "backwards design" 21:45 "Simpler is better" - resisting temptation to put too much content in your course 20:35 Tools Janelle uses to create her courses- outline, content cues, mind maps 23:40 The difference between a live course, self-paced course or blended course (part live and part self-paced) 26:30 Open cart or close cart launches- whether a course is available for a limited time 27:15 How choose between creating live course, self-paced or blended course- often depends on complexity of your courses 28:40 Thinking about your learners- there will be times when parts of the course will be harder, students may stumble and it will be important to be available to your students during these times through video chat, Facebook groups, provide an extra week to do their work, etc. 32:10 Making your course actionable: activities and assignments in your course, develop a community in your course (on social media like a FB group) 34:05 How to get students for your courses 1) market to existing audience through email including survey questions, building a case for the course and how to sign up for your course 2) partner with people that have an audience through a joint webinars 39:30 When you are worried about being "salesy" and how Janelle worked through that and the fear of rejection 41:30 How to reach Janelle if you want to work with her 43:40 What advice would Janelle give to those starting out 46:40 Shannon's closing thoughts Links Zen Courses Website Sign up for Zen Courses Newsletter Free Course from Janelle Allen "Start With Email" The Connected Teacher Facebook Group Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube Book a Consultation Call with Shannon Define Your Yoga Niche Online Course Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT) Free TCYT 5 Kochas PDF Free TCYT 5-Day Content Creation Challenge Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

Carol Horton, PhD is a writer, educator and activist. She works at the intersection of mindful yoga, social science, and social justice. Carol serves as Vice President of the Yoga Service Council and was a co-founder of Chicago's Socially Engaged Yoga Network. In her desire to make yoga accessible to all she has taught yoga in underprivileged areas such as Chicago's Cook County Jail, a drop-in centre for homeless women, a residential foster care facility, and a community health centre. Shannon asked Carol Horton to be a guest on The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast after reading Carol's thoughtful blog post called Yoga: Beyond the BS. Carol discusses the negativity surrounding yoga, especially in social media. She brings up the shadow side of yoga, such as the commercialization and commodification of yoga, with the intention of being critical in a balanced fashion. It is her wish that yoga teachers employ honesty and discernment as they navigate the yoga world. From Carol's first yoga class in a church basement to her profound healing and spiritual experiences while practising, it is clear yoga has meant a lot to her. Carol doesn't believe that yoga culture needs to be taken down with critique but rather respectful discussions in conjunction with work so there is power behind the discourse. Carol believes in supporting and nurturing the good and calling out the bad so we don't lose the teachers that can make profound changes in the lives of others. 2:20 Shannon's thoughts on the negativity in the yoga world and connecting with Carol Horton's blog post Yoga: Beyond the BS 7:25 How Carol got started in yoga and how it evolved into her current work 11:55 Difficult childbirth was a profound experience in Carol's life that shifted her perspective on yoga and saw the importance of trauma-informed yoga 15:00 Lying in savasana and slipping into a "spark of consciousness" 19:30 What led Carol to write the blog post Yoga: Beyond the BS 26:10 Problematic aspects of online discussions, social media as a culturally powerful medium and online bullies 30:25 When Carol thought about walking away from yoga and why she didn't 35:00 The positive and negative response to Carol's blog post 38:50 Is there a place yoga teachers can go to for fruitful discussions? 41:30 Carol's editing work for the book: "Best Practices for Yoga in the Criminal Justice System" 43:40 Carol's desire to see healthcare (including yoga) accessible to all; working with those in homeless shelters, foster homes, prisons and more to help those who've experienced trauma to heal 52:10 How to contact Carol 53:50 Shannon's final thoughts Links Carol Horton's Website Blog Post: Yoga: Beyond the BS Book: Best Practices for Yoga in the Criminal Justice System Editor: Carol Horton PhD The Yoga Service Council Forrest Yoga Website Embodied Philosophy Podcast The Connected Teacher Facebook Group Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube Book a Consultation Call with Shannon 5-Day Content Creation Challenge Define Your Yoga Niche Online Course Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT) Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

050: Grow Your Yoga Base [Part 2] with Shannon Crow Welcome to episode 50! We are so happy that we've been able to keep growing and connecting with so many yoga teachers to discuss a wide variety of topics relevant to the yoga teacher career path. The Connected Yoga Teacher podcast and Facebook group has been brought to life by all of your support for one another, your humour and spirited discussions. Thank you for all for your participation and feedback as it has provided much inspiration and momentum. You have helped to this little seed of an idea planted by Shannon Crow, who envisioned a supportive place for yoga teachers to raise each other up. Thanks also to Rob, Laura and Samantha of The Connected Yoga Teacher team for so much of the work that goes into getting every episode to you. As a gift to you, our listeners, a 50 episode summary has been compiled. It's filled with key takeaways and actionable step for each episode. Keep an eye out for it in your inbox and if you are not subscribed to The Connected Yoga Teacher newsletter click here to sign up. In Part 2 of Grow Your Yoga Student Base, Shannon continues to share steps to help you attract more yoga students. No need to tackle them all at once, simply do one thing and when you hit a comfort zone move on to another action item. Areas explored include connecting with students in and out of class, offering gifts and discounts and being authentic; because as Shannon says, you've got this! You have everything within yourself to attract the students who will benefit from your unique services. 12:30 Recap of Part 1 of Grow Your Yoga Base 14:20 7) Connect with students a) In class 17:25 ACTION ITEM: If possible place yourself at the exit and the entrance to greet and say goodbye 18:20 7) Connect with students b) Outside of class 23:20 ACTION ITEM: Get a list of your students and their contact information- their phone number, email and maybe even a mailing address 24:35 8) Posters and Business Cards Keep posters with you and ready to pass out or put up. It's handy to have a poster travel kit with you that includes a variety of ways to hang your posters such as tape and tacks. Consider getting business cards to hand out or other creative way to pass on your information such as brochures and bookmarks. ACTION ITEM: Create a poster or business card to have ready to pass out or hang up. 28:25 9) Get to know people's preferences/check in When you have a smaller class it's a great opportunity to take the time to check in asking them what poses they enjoy and what parts of their bodies need some extra attention. You can incorporate the poses into your future classes each week. ACTION ITEM: Choose 1 check in method and try it out in your next class 30:55 10) Offer the same thing every week. Offer something different every week. It sounds contradictory but including the same poses can help students feel comfortable and internalize the poses and learn about these poses in relation to their bodies. The opposite has its own benefit- adding a new thing will keep the students feeling challenged and increase their knowledge base. "The opposite of a great truth is also true" –Gretchen Rubin 32:25 ACTION ITEM: If you generally do the same thing, add something new or tweak a commonly used pose. If you often vary your classes quite a bit try the same flow each week in a session. 33:10 11) Gifts, treats, offers and discounts Some examples of gifts and treats: quote on a paper, a yummy treat (could be healthy or semi-healthy like organic chocolate or ginger chews, maybe even something homemade), pose cards, candles, something that works with the holidays such as an ornament a Christmas or chocolate on Valentine's Day. Some examples of offers and discounts: bring a friend for free, 5-class pass donation for a charity auction, punch card (with 10 stamps students earning them a free class), partnering with a local business or event (such as a free smoothie at a local eatery when you take a class). 34:30 ACTION ITEM: Bring a treat to your next class which may work with your theme. 34:35 12) Assists While some people love touch while others feel uncomfortable. If you or your students aren't comfortable with touch, there are other ways to assist. Savasana can be a great place to start. A couple of ways to ensure your student is comfortable with touch is by using consent cards or by classes that include assists as a main focus. The Connected Yoga Teacher podcast episodes to check out on this topic: 036: Thai Yoga Massage with Shai Plonski 004: Assisting Students Without Touch 015: Consent Cards and Hands-On Assists with Molly Kitchen 36:00 ACTION ITEM: Learn one assist and practice it on another yoga teacher, your partner, friend or family member. 36:35 13) Strengthen your own yoga practice Be the student. Attend other class to gain inspiration and nurture your own yoga practice. Attending workshops and trainings so you can continue to learn and grow as a yoga teacher. TCYT podcast e

049: Grow Your Yoga Student Base [Part 1] with Shannon Crow On today's episode, Shannon wants to help you with one of the most frequently asked questions: how do I get more students to come to my class? In part 1 of this 2-part episode, Shannon will take you through the steps that helped her grow her student base. Beginning with asking what is your ideal yoga class size to being patient and consistent as you build your students' trust, Shannon shares 6 areas to consider with six actionable steps. Don't feel overwhelmed by the actionable steps, just start with one this week and find out how it can work for you as you build your student base. 6:15 1) What is your ideal yoga class size? Consider: How many students do you need to pay for your time, rent, fuel? After expenses how much profit would you like to make? How many students can fit comfortably in the space? 7:35 Action Item: Once you have the ideal number of students in your head choose 1 of the 2 ways to visualize this: Sticky notes Student sign-in sheet Put it somewhere you can see every day 11:15 2) Registered sessions If you're concerned about having enough students to cover your space rental, registered sessions are a great way to know what your income and expenses are going into the session. 20:50 ACTION ITEM: Try running a registered session. See how it works for you, your student base and for the studio or rental space schedule Offer something new and unique that you're particularly passionate about. A couple of examples: a 4-week beginner series or a 6-week back care yoga series. 22:00 3) Define Your Yoga Niche ACTION ITEM: If you can define what your unique yoga is and who your ideal yoga student is then you already have done this work! If you feel stuck on either of those or if marketing and content creation is a challenge enrol in Define Your Yoga Niche: An Online Workshop or book a one-on-one Consultation Call with Shannon. 25:25 4) Create content that advertises and markets your yoga 26:10 ACTION ITEM: Do the (Free) 5-Day Content Creation Challenge 26:25 5) Classes to suit your students Are your yoga classes accessible? Are the classes that will attract the community you live in? 28:50 ACTION ITEM: Find a way to check in with your students to see what kind of yoga they are looking for (email survey, phone call, talk with them at your next class). If you don't have students yet can you check in with people in your area? Attend some local classes to see what is popular, join or create a local Facebook group Ask friends or ask on social media Listen to Trevor Parks' episode where Shannon asks Trevor a series of questions so he can define his ideal student 029: Creating Your About Me Page With Trevor Parks Sign up for the Define Your Yoga Niche: An Online Workshop 30:25 6) Be patient and consistent Keep showing up for yourself and keep showing up for students. Don't get discouraged if your class sizes are smaller at the beginning. ACTION ITEM: Keep showing up to teach While being consistent, be careful of yoga teacher burnout. It's okay to take some time off or occasionally ask for another teacher to sub your class. 001: How to Avoid Yoga Teacher Burnout with Erin Aquin Links The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group "Most Embarrassing Teaching Moment" thread- thanks to Joyce Slaughter for starting the discussion The Connected Yoga Teacher FB Group "Looking for Music for Restorative Yoga" thread- thanks to Brittany Boersma who is most definitely not looking for cheesy spa music ;) Shannon does NOT recommend Foundations by Kate Nash as a good yoga class song :) The Connected Teacher Facebook Group 001: How to Avoid Yoga Teacher Burnout with Erin Aquin 029: Creating Your About Me Page With Trevor Parks Define Your Yoga Niche: An Online Workshop 5-Day Content Creation Challenge Student sign-in sheet Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube Book a Consultation Call with Shannon Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT) Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

Yoga Teacher Eating Disorder Education with Tabitha Farrar On today's episode, Shannon and Tabitha Farrar reflect on eating disorders, such as disordered eating and anorexia, and its relationship to the yoga world. As Shannon notes, January is a busy time for yoga teachers. Many new students are influenced by the tradition of the New Year's Resolution as a way to make a fresh start or establish new patterns (often eating better and exercising more), so eating disorder education is especially relevant at this time of year. Tabitha Farrar is an eating disorder recovery coach who speaks and writes about effective and realistic recovery approaches for adults with restrictive eating disorders. Tabitha recovered from 10 years of severe anorexia and is passionate about helping adult sufferers find a sustainable recovery that works for them. She is the author of Love Fat, numerous articles on eating disorders and the founder of 2 support forums. Tabitha is currently working on her second book, A Workbook for Anorexia Recovery. She also hosts The Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast and has founded Adult Eating Disorder Recovery (AEDR), a service that offers meal support and emotional support through text for those recovering from an eating disorder. Tabitha shares her expertise to help dispel myths surrounding eating disorders. She also discusses symptoms of EDs, the seriousness of malnutrition, the danger of restrictive eating (such as cleanses and fasts), and what to do if you suspect a student suffers from an eating disorder. 3:45 Shannon's Personal Wellness Goals for the New Year 4:55 Shannon's thoughts on yoga and its relationship to eating disorders 7:40 Tabitha's yoga journey 8:45 How Tabitha came to realize she had an eating disorder 10:25 What led Tabitha to her current career path- an eating disorder coach with a podcast Tabitha's Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast 12:00 What Tabitha wishes people knew about eating disorders 13:30 Myth around the idea of anorexia being a desire for control when in fact it's a "negative state relief" - a behaviour that helps manage anxiety to a level that is tolerable. 14:40 Not always easy to recognize an eating disorder but some symptoms include: extreme weight loss can be a sign but you don't have to be underweight to have an eating disorder (even anorexia) mental state deterioration irritability hoarding possessiveness (acting as though you're in a threatening environment) 16:50 Another symptom that is especially relevant to yoga is the compulsion to exercise 19:00 A study revealed eating disorders can stem from genetics if ancestors migrated in response to famine- in migration eat very little and quickly travel over vast distances "have to keep moving" Article: Adapted to Flee Famine: Adding an Evolutionary Perspective on Anorexia Nervosa by Shan Guisinger PhD 20:40 Malnutrition is a medical emergency 21:15 Tabitha's wish for less emphasis on nutrition believing that as nutritional science has gained prevalence in our society it has been more detrimental than helpful 23:10 The yoga community should treat the body as a living organism and not like a machine 23:45 What can yoga teachers do to empower their students whether they know their yoga students have an eating disorder or not- Tabitha reads an email she received with thoughts on yoga teachers and eating disorders 25:20 Detrimental effect of yoga marketing, social media- e.g. can set unrealistic standards in the mind of yoga students or can encourage students to come to yoga focusing on accepting their bodies not changing them 27:05 The changes in Tabitha's teaching after educating herself about eating disorders 29:20 Yoga and meditation as a tool for eating disorder recovery 30:45 Breaking down eating disorder statistics by age and gender and looking beyond them- e.g. eating disorders in males are underreported 32:20 If you notice some symptoms of an eating disorder in a yoga student do you approach them? 35:10 Helpful to for yoga studio managers to have some education in eating disorders so teachers can come to them if they're concerned about a student 36:00 Danger of diets, fasting, cleanses, vegetarianism, veganism (any restrictive eating) in general and especially when struggling with an eating disorder 39:10 Being aware of language around eating and the body as a yoga teacher- criticizing your body is normalized in society, often a bonding activity 42:20 Tabitha's final words to yoga teachers 44:05 How to find Tabitha if you want to contact her 45:00 Shannon's closing thoughts "I want you to understand that eating disorders are genetically based mental illnesses. They are not a choice. They are not 'caused by society' (although they are complicated and aggravated by society in a serious way). They are not caused by bad parents or a 'need to control'" -Tabitha Farrar Links Tabitha Farrar's Website Instagram Twitter @love_fat_ Podcast: Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast (also available on iTunes) Book: Love Fat -Tabit

Downward Dog in Prenatal Yoga with Kim MacDonald-Heildant and Shannon Crow Shannon met Kim MacDonald-Heildant at a prenatal yoga teacher training and they bonded over their enthusiasm for this area of expertise. Leaving the training with even more questions, Shannon and Kim decided to join forces. They felt that while every teacher and training brought them valuable experience, they wanted to expand on what they learned to incorporate the research and experience they've gained since. Shannon and Kim co-founded Mama Nurture to provide a 100-hour prenatal yoga teacher training (PYTT) that spends more time on all the wonderful aspects of prenatal that are often only touched on in PYTT (e.g. postnatal and fertility) while expanding on anatomy. Their website also provides great resources such as articles, breath practices and yoga sequences. Kim was drawn to yoga as a self-care practice and became even more enthusiastic about the practice when she became pregnant. She enjoyed her pregnancies and the way yoga enhanced her experience. This positive relationship led her to enrol in a 200-hour YTT followed by a PYTT and is now a certified children's and prenatal yoga teacher. She is also a mother of 2, a teacher, co-owner and director of Gibbons Park Montessori School as well as the founder of Live Laugh Breathe Yoga. Shannon and Kim found that one of the most common questions from yoga teachers in prenatal training is: "Can I teach downward dog to pregnant yoga students?" There are many opinions about this. Shannon and Kim are going to share their opinions which they emphasize are not meant to be a definitive answer. In fact, through listening to each other they've switched positions! As Shannon and Kim say: "No one yoga pose is good for everyone. No one yoga pose is bad for everyone." They explore reasons why downward dog is on their caution list and offer alternative poses that can provide some of the same benefits. 7:20 Kim's yoga journey 9:00 What inspired Kim and Shannon to create their own prenatal yoga teacher training 10:45 Kim's thoughts on prenatal and downward dog 12:25 How Shannon and Kim ended up switching their positions on downward dog in prenatal yoga 13:35 Article written by Kim and Shannon Can I Teach Downward Dog to Prenatal Yoga Students 14:10 Reasons Kim and Shannon caution, take out, or only offer downward dog as an option in their classes: 14:25 1) Unnecessary strain on the low back 15:45 2) Can cause or exacerbate heartburn and nausea 16:45 3) Most prenatal students are beginners and downward dog is not a beginner pose 18:30 4) Can irritate carpal tunnel which is common in pregnant women 19:20 5) It can cause baby to turn 20:40 6) Can increase round ligament pain 21:15 7) Can affect very low or high blood pressure 23:35 Kim and Shannon's favourite pose for prenatal students- Puppy Pose 25:10 Kim and Shannon's cueing for downward dog for a prenatal student that wants to attempt the pose 26:25 To stretch out the calf muscles- Modified Big Toe Pose 27:55 Bird Dog Pose 28:45 Legs Up the Wall 29:20 Half Forward Fold 30:50 Kim's words of wisdom when it comes to incorporating Downward Dog- "Try to let go with what's expected of you." Observe your class, don't be afraid to ask how it feels for your students, your students may do it because they feel like they should, not because it works for them 31:55 Kim and Shannon want to share their information and experience to help others make a more informed opinion about downward dog in prenatal- no absolute answer 33:15 Shannon's closing thoughts- ask yourself what benefit do you want to gain from a pose? Links Gibbons Park Montessori School MamaNurture Article: Can I Teach Downward Dog to Prenatal Yoga Students PDF: 8 Contraindications for pregnant yoga students (to get the list sign up on the homepage) Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT) TCYT Podcast 033: A New Perspective with Diastasis Recti with Sinead Dufour Spinning Babies Website The Connected Teacher Facebook Group Free Images Discussion on TCYT Facebook Group-A special thanks to Lindsey Larson for starting the discussion Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube Book a Consultation Call with Shannon Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

Redefining Stretching with Jules Mitchell Jules Mitchell is "a student for life". She is a massage therapist, yoga teacher and educator. She holds a Master of Science in Exercise Science and Biomechanics from CSU Long Beach and teaches numerous workshops that combine the tradition of yoga (asana and pranayama) with her knowledge of biomechanics to educate teachers in a fun digestible way. Jules practiced yoga for many years and at a certain point in her life felt the need to teach. The teacher training brought up so many questions for Jules that she says weren't satisfactorily answered and realized she would have to turn to academics to answer them. Jules came to realize and accept that there will always be a lot of questions that are unknown and one will always be learning. She tells her students at the beginning of her workshops that if they don't leave there with more questions then she hasn't done her job. Jules wants to impress upon yoga teachers the need to question more, the importance of scientific literacy, critical thinking and curiosity. Shannon and Jules talk about how there are no bad poses, the importance of cueing (talking less and listening more), and questioning how poses are taught. Jules gives us an excellent example by discussing whether you keep your legs straight or bend them when performing a forward fold. Her explanation using scientific research illustrates the importance of science-informed teaching and the benefit of reading studies in a field that is ever-evolving. Jules wants to help inform you to make your own choices as a yoga teacher, not to overwhelm you. She is working on an upcoming book tentatively titled Yoga Biomechanics: Redefining Stretching which moves far beyond what is generally understood about stretching. She explains the mechanical properties of connective tissue, the material science, the composition and architecture of tissue and emerging ideas and research along with yoga sequences. She hoping to release this information-packed book in 2018. 8:05 Jules' yoga teacher journey 10:15 An example of a question that Jules had that wasn't answered satisfactorily in yoga teacher training 13:25 How Jules went outside the yoga teacher training for answers, but then brought information back to the yoga world 14:55 Jules' thoughts on stretching, range of motion and flexibility 17:15 Passive stretching, load and strengthening "strengthen to lengthen" 19:05 What does this look like for Jules as a yoga teacher? "co-contraction" not so much focus on contracting some and relaxing others, how the muscles work together and how we don't need to work so hard to isolate them hopefully introducing adaptation 20:15 Restorative yoga and how it affects the tissues at a cellular level 22:25 How Jules uses research and at the same time works hard to avoid making huge assumptions 27:55 Language and cues that Jules uses now with more information- ask open-ended questions like "How does it feel when your hand goes there?" How can we help people explore movement instead of making them afraid of it- say less, observe and let your students teach you. 30:20 Forward folds and hamstrings Article: To Bend or Not to Bend (the Knees in a Forward Fold) by Jules Mitchell 33:05 Poses cannot be categorized as safe and not safe 36:40 How can we cue to enable students to pose the body as robust 39:10 What Jules feels is missing from yoga teacher training and importance of reading research studies using critical thinking 41:15 Social media and the pull Jules feels to answer questions there 42:50 Jules' upcoming book: Yoga Biomechanics: Redefining Stretching 47:25 How to contact Jules 49:15 Shannon's closing thoughts Links Jules Mitchell's Website Book: Yoga Biomechanics: Redefining Stretching by Jules Mitchell in 2018 Article: To Bend or Not to Bend (the Knees in a Forward Fold) by Jules Mitchell Article: Question Everything by Jules Mitchell Jules Mitchell's Workshop Schedule Jules Mitchell's Online Education Jules Mitchell's Online Classes on Udaya.com Online Course: Biomechanics of Yoga and Asana: Biomechanics, Posture & Performance with Jules Mitchell Free Youtube Videos with Jules Mitchell The Connected Teacher Facebook Group Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube Book a Consultation Call with Shannon Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT) Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

045: Creating Content with Shannon Crow Shannon is going solo today to share with you something that she is incredibly passionate about- content creation. Content creation includes Facebook and Instagram posts, newsletters and websites and even books. It allows your ideal client to get to know you and the services you offer. As an entrepreneur, Shannon has learned much about content creation through trial and error. She understands how difficult to know where to start. As a yoga business consultant, she has worked with many yoga teachers looking to grow their businesses and has learned much about what has held them back. Shannon has found that many get stuck in the process of creating and/or sharing their content so if this sounds like you, just know you are not alone. Having worked with Shannon I can attest to her love of content creation and her knowledge of many social media platforms. Her intense curiosity keeps her informed of any emerging content platforms as well which lends itself to another passion of hers- sharing her knowledge with others. This episode is packed with information and inspiration to help you get started on creating your own content. 6:05 Content creation didn't always come easily for Shannon- was often scrambling 6:55 Content creation became a Monday Morning Task What is content? It's anything you are creating such as text, audio, or video or even a combination of the three. 2 examples of content: 1) A post on your Facebook page, perhaps you add an image 2) A book is an example of content created over a long period of time, even years. 8:25 When you feel stuck Some of the common reasons you feel blocked: Not feeling like enough of an expert Everything has been done before New technology needed to share like a mic for creating a video Time for creating content- feeling like your schedule is packed planning classes, other part-time or full-time jobs and family New to this (teaching and/or marketing) and not sure where to begin Wanting things to be better or perfect before sharing - a lot of fear around creating videos and sharing images No defined niche- harder to create posts without a strong point-of-view, they may feel like they don't reflect your work Afraid to put your opinions / photos / video / writing out there - a fear that what you share will be picked apart Not sure which platform is best - at a standstill with indecision, or attempting to post on as many as you can when starting with one and doing it well Looking for an immediate reaction from a post- posting an article you have been working on and barely anyone likes it or looks at it can be discouraging 14:55 Five Keys of Content Creation: 15:05 1. Consistency Some examples of consistent content are a weekly podcast, Facebook posts that you can schedule, monthly or weekly newsletters. People count on it and are reminded of you and your offering. Make space for content creation- perhaps Monday Morning 16:40 2. What is the goal of your content? Increase your email list? Get students to attend your class? Why are you sharing content? This key is often skipped, but it is the one that will give your content focus. 18:55 3. Quality content -- what content do you gravitate towards? I love useful information and actionable steps 21:20 Shawn's 5 Content Tips Come up with a plan Don't get stuck on one type of content Focus on quality over quantity Work with your interests and skills Add some randomness to your content 23:20 4a. Create Content Writer's block? Write down your ideas in one place - mind map, scribble, draw it out - you will be surprised when you are working paper to pen how the brain will come up with different ideas. Ask where and when you write best. 24:20 Ideas for Content Your offerings Your calendar / schedule Resources e.g. books, music, props, quotes, any content that you are taking in Holidays & themes e.g. candlelight winter solstice yoga Write authentically your experience as a student Your experience as a yoga teacher or your personal story, written or video form for example Self-care share Your space where you teach or practice Yoga e.g. poses, pranayama, meditation, mantra, mudra through video, audio, photos or info Recipes e.g. yogi tea Curate content that has resonated with you e.g. books, articles written by others 31:10 4b. Call to Action Are you asking people to do something? If so is it all the time? Aim for 20% of the time80 / 20 rule -Amanda Bond talked to us about this on TCYT 031: Facebook Marketing for Teachers. For every 5 posts on social media have 1 call to action so you're not asking people to sign up for your class on every post and providing great content gives them a chance to get to know you 33:35 5. Schedule, Share and Repurpose Your Content On your own platform or take an article on website and share on an online publication, make sure to check rules but can often share articles from other sites. Build up a bank- have the option of re-posting depending on the platform. 36:40 5 Keys t

Accounting for Yoga Teachers with Hannah Smolinski In part 4 of our 4-part Money Mini-series, we get accounting advice from Hannah Smolinski. Hannah and Shannon discuss accounting software, the difference between a bookkeeper, accountant and CFO, which expenses are deductible and much more to help you feel confident about the money side of your business. Hannah has had an entrepreneurial spirit since grade school when she set up her first business making friendship bracelets. She loved counting her money, coming up with business strategies and even considering supply and demand. So, it was no surprise she ended up working with numbers. Hannah studied accounting in her undergraduate studies and moved on to receive her Masters in Accounting at the University of Washington, followed by her CPA licence. After working in her field as an auditor and a chief financial officer of a small business, she felt the need to help people build their businesses up. Hannah decided to start her own business; BrightenUp Financial, a company that specializes in small business accounting and finance management. As a takeaway from the Money Mini-Series, we hope tackling your money-related issues seems less overwhelming. When broken down into small steps financial mastery is within your grasp. 7:00 Hannah's journey into accounting and small business financial consulting 11:10 Accounting software recommendations 14:00 Difference between accountant, bookkeeper and a CPA 15:30 When to hire a bookkeeper 17:45 Having a business bank account is a must 20:30 What expenses are tax deductible? 36:35 What statement gives us a good idea of how our business is doing? Look your profit and loss statement and the difference between profit and revenue. 38:55 You can increase your profit in 2 ways- increase revenue or decrease your expenses 39:55 Keeping track of taxes you owe- ask for help from bookkeeper or accountant, or use an Estimated Tax form so you don't end up having to pay more taxes than you can afford at the end of the year 43:00 Monthly check-in for your business 44:20 Cost of goods sold 48:40 How to work with Hannah 49:25 Shannon's closing thoughts Expenses you can usually write-off on your taxes : Yoga teacher training and other courses related to your business books music props marketing software office supplies custom labour (cleaner, accountant) - if specific to business meals & entertainment insurance rent Check with your tax professional about: home studio utilities mileage & fuel auto expense cell phone computer - listed as a business asset gifts - check limit Links Accounting Software: Quickbooks Xero Wave Excel For the US: IRS Estimated Tax for Individual Hannah's Website: BrightenUp Financial Brighten Up Financial on Facebook Resources from Brighten Up Financial -e-book, articles, links to helpful tools Other Money Mini-Series Episodes: 041: Generating Profit with Natalie Eckdahl 042: Money Mindset with Geraldine Carter 043: Minimum Viable Income with Steph Crowder The Connected Teacher Facebook Group Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube Book a Consultation Call with Shannon Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT) Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

Have you thought about teaching yoga full-time but fear making ends meet? Steph Crowder, the Head of Member Success at Fizzle.co has created actionable steps to make possible what may seem like an impossible goal. Fizzle is a community for creatives, makers and entrepreneurs. Steph began as a member and loved the platform so much she envisioned a role for herself within the company. She applied for a small job and worked her way up to her full-time position. Steph also hosts the Courage and Clarity Podcast and co-hosts The Fizzle Show which allows her to share her passion for helping entrepreneurs reach their potential in an otherwise often solitary pursuit. Steph shares with us the importance of calculating your Minimal Viable Income (or MVI) which is the minimum you need to make, per month, to make ends meet. If while building your business you can earn this number there's a good chance you can transition from your primary job to teaching yoga full-time. When Steph isn't helping people pursue their business goals, she's hanging out with her husband and one-year-old-daughter, sipping wine and decorating her new home in Louisville, Kentucky. 7:40 How Steph got started on her entrepreneurial journey 11:55 What is Minimal Viable Income? 14:15 Your MVI is highly individualized and is dictated by numerous variables 18:50 When can I teach yoga full time? 20:00 The power of having a number for your Minimal Viable Income 20:35 Actionable steps to determine your Minimal Viable Income: 1 Fixed and Variable Expenses- determining the difference between your fixed expenses like rent, mortgage, car insurance, etc. and variable expenses that are based on habits like entertainment, clothes, groceries 23:00 2 Trimming the Fat- looking at the numbers and where you can reduce, challenging yourself on the expenses 25:35 3 Getting Creative- go further and ask yourself the question like: do you need 2 cars, can you change your living situation, etc. - means to an end, changes aren't forever 29:15 4 Do the Math Do you have a cushion of savings Business archetypes -different ways you can bring in income Making a game plan to get the work you need to reach your MVI 34:15 4 strategies to consider if you need to hit your MVI quickly: Consider 1:1 work Hit your networks hard Always ask for referrals Consider a second source of income 40:30 Does the MVI apply to those working full-time teaching yoga and feel like they're not making ends meet? 43:20 How to contact Steph 44:30 Shannon's closing thoughts Links Steph's email: [email protected] The Fizzle Website Steph's Website: Courage and Clarity- Fizzle to sign up for 5-week free trial Free PDF from Steph: How to Afford an Entrepreneurial Lifestyle: A Comprehensive Guide to Minimum Viable Income Courage and Clarity Podcast Courage and Clarity on Facebook Steph on Instagram The Connected Teacher Facebook Group Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube Book a Consultation Call with Shannon Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT) Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

042: Money Mindset with Geraldine Carter Money Mini-Series Part 2 of 4 On part 2 of our 4-part Money Mindset Mini-series, Business Coach Geraldine Carter, founder of Focused Business Coaching, asks you to reflect to uncover your "money story". Your money story comprises of messages you were given about money growing up, the emotions that arise when working through your finances, your comfort level around setting rates and much more. Your story can manifest itself as money hang-ups such as avoiding financial matters, being paralyzed by anxiety when making business decisions, or believing that you're unworthy of being paid for your services. Geraldine Carter thrives on supporting entrepreneurs who are driven to make a positive change in the world while making a living. Geraldine has had first-hand experience as the co-founder of Climate Ride a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that organizes life-changing charitable events to raise awareness and support sustainability, active transportation, and environmental causes. After travelling extensively and noticing the effect climate change has had on so many beautiful places around the world, Geraldine and her friend decided to create cycling events that bring awareness to climate change while raising money for charitable organizations. Climate Ride has grown to support 15 events around the world and is set to donate $750,000 to environmental and sustainable non-profits. Geraldine breaks down the most important steps and tools needed to create a viable business. She emphasizes that it can be done simply so you are spending less time doing the books and more time doing what you love. 6:10 Geraldine's relationship to yoga 8:30 Where do we begin addressing our money mindset hangups? 9:00 Notice your behaviours (often avoidance techniques) around money to find your "money story" 11:10 When it's a good idea to hire someone to take care of your business finances 12:05 What should we be tracking when it comes to our bookkeeping? E.g. income, expenses, rates as they go up, how much it costs to put together workshops, etc. 12:55 Keep track of your time and energy- track how much energy you expend on various activities per hour- like creating workshops, teaching classes (including planning and travel time) to discover which activities have the highest value 15:45 Anxiety bubble around money is very common, it's temporary and will decrease as you learn and use money management tools 16:20 How can you make your business more profitable? -start keeping track, being in service and being profitable- not either or. "You can be in service AND profitable. In fact, the more profitable you are the more you can be of service." 18:00 How often should we be tracking our transactions? 19:20 Shannon shares her money mindset hangup and how she's working on it 21:25 Almost everyone Geraldine has helped move through their anxiety around money has found that avoidance was much more painful than tackling the issue. 22:10 What keeps people from working dealing with their finances and how it interferes with your business growth 24:00 Setting your rates as a yoga teacher 25:50 Being conscious of giving free classes or lesser rates- is it a good idea? 28:20 Healthier ways to help those in need such as fundraising for karma passes, one-off scholarships, payment plans 30:15 Geraldine's favourite tracking programs depending on volume: Excel (good for businesses starting out), Freshbooks, Quickbooks 32:15 Geraldine uses Apple Pages in PDF for invoicing "The simpler the better" Other options: Wave, Harvest, Quickbooks and many tracking programs also have an invoicing feature 33:00 MVP (Minimum Viable Product)- keep the bookkeeping and administration as simple as possible, you want to spend the least amount of time on this aspect, your service is what's most important 35:00 Best way to help people with money mindset- programs (group or one-on-one) to help you stick with the process and breakthrough 36:00 Geraldine's online and in-person course- next session in February 2018 36:25 How Geraldine got into this line of work 37:20 Geraldine's work with Climate Ride was mentioned in Seth Godin's Ted Talk 41:30 Shannon's closing thoughts Links Geraldine's Web page- Focused Business Coaching Course: Ditch Your Money Hang-ups with Geraldine Carter Geraldine on Facebook Focused Business Coaching on Facebook Geraldine on LinkedIn Geraldine on Google+ Climate Ride Website YouTube Video: Ted Talk: The Tribes We Lead- Seth Godin The Connected Teacher Facebook Group Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube Book a Consultation Call with Shannon Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT) Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

Natalie Eckdahl, MBA, has been a guide, supporter and cheerleader for Shannon on her journey to create The Connected Yoga Teacher podcast. Shannon hired Natalie for her services as a business coach, feeling she could use some expert advice along with an accountability partner. This helped Shannon immensely when taking on her vision to build a platform for yoga teachers. Natalie is a business coach, professional facilitator, keynote speaker and host of the Biz Chix Podcast which iTunes featured as a top New Business Podcast in March 2014. She has over 20 years of business experience and works with female entrepreneurs to build their businesses through money mindset and social media strategies, all while recognizing her clients' family and individual goals. This year Natalie successfully created and ran a Biz Chix Live Event, a 3-day Leadership Training for Women Entrepreneurs and has another set to run next November 2018. If you struggle with charging for your services as a yoga teacher you are not alone. On this episode Natalie and Shannon discuss the importance of finding your niche, defining your services a charity, hobby or business and charging clients for your services accordingly with confidence. Also covered is the concept of "passive" and "active" income along with the pros and cons of both business styles and many more nuggets of wisdom. 06:10 Is your business a charity, a hobby or a business- all are valid but intention should be clear 10:05 Feeling conflicted about charging yoga students for a spiritual, healing practice 11:10 Offerings you don't have to charge for (articles, podcasts, etc.) are great but don't need to do that in order to justify charging clients- your competence justifies charging for your services 12:10 Take a moment to revisit childhood messages about money, confront them, do you still agree with messages? Maybe agreeing with them without conscious thought and it may be shaping your business 13:40 Challenging the idea of "passive income" (online videos, books, etc.) as a gold mine versus what Natalie calls "active income" (consultation work, teaching yoga classes, etc.) 21:05 The fear around finding your yoga niche and the benefits of doing so 23:50 Shannon's niching down process 24:45 Creating a niche isn't about excluding others 25:45 Natalie's niching down process 28:50 Adjusting your brand to your newfound niche- Natalie calls our worry around this "The Spotlight Effect" 33:00 It's okay not to serve everyone, specializing helps attract clients 35:30 Naming and marketing your classes to attract the clients you are seeking to serve 39:15 Niching down allows your network (friends and family, business associates, etc.) know who they can refer to you 39:55 Natalie's top money mindset advice for small business owners- open a business bank account, get a bookkeeper, and more to build confidence as a business owner 45:05 How to get connect with Natalie 46:50 Shannon's closing thoughts Links Natalie's Biz Chix Website Podcast: Biz Chix 216: Small Business Reality- Is this a Business, Hobby or Charity? Podcast: The Connected Yoga Teacher 005: Setting and Achieving Big Goals with Natalie Eckdahl Podcast: Biz Chix 293: Where Are They Now? Updates with Christina Nicholson, Shannon Crow, Lilah Higgins, Julie Hefner, and Tara Lynn Foster The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube Book a Consultation Call with Shannon Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT)

On today's unique episode Patricia Fasciotti shares her experience with a unique marketing strategy. The discussion transitions into a consultation call with Shannon as she advises Patricia on how to move forward with social media marketing. Patricia is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Yoga instructor, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Nutrition Coach all under the name The Wellness Concierge. Patricia wants to expand her online offerings as she has found this teaching format a great fit for her life. Patricia is a mother of 2 kids and is looking for a work-life balance that will allow her the financial freedom to spend more time with her children. Patricia's multi-faceted approach to wellness is a gift to her clients and in order for her to reach those who could benefit from her services Patricia decided to offer a free 5-day Wellness Challenge to current and potential clients. Patricia outlines to Shannon how she approached this marketing strategy and the benefits of offering this challenge and what she learned from it. Patricia is a down-to-earth, warm personality who openly shares what has (and hasn't) worked for her in this process. Shannon, through consultation, helps Patricia move through the fear of marketing herself further on social media platforms. 4:10 How Patricia got into yoga 08:00 Patricia's online class membership- The Yoga Suite 09:35 The 5-day Wellness Challenge- a free offering that can be used to showcase your work to an audience 10:20 How her 5-day Challenge works 12:00 How Patricia prepared and marketed her 5 Day Challenge 14:45 Caution around creating Facebook ads 17:45 Patricia outlines Day 1 of Challenge and using Facebook Live 20:00 Patricia's first Facebook Live video experience 21:50 Last day of 5 day Challenge- a time to celebrate and build excitement for an upcoming offering, offering prizes 24:30 Benefits of having a Facebook group page **Consultation Call** 27:30 Patricia asks about her social media presence and marketing strategies moving forward 28:50 Shannon asks Patricia what feedback she's gotten from her clients 30:10 Shannon asks if Patricia's "Big Why" of her yoga offerings match with her clients' "Big Why" 31:40 If there is fear behind your hesitation to build your online presence with advice to move through the fear 36:30 Shannon guides Patricia through fine-tuning her online yoga offerings 37:20 Advice on deciding on number of clients to take on- limit on group numbers allows for more individualized attention and raising price for membership is valid, builds loyalty 40:20 Look at your niche, ideal student and where your offerings have gained traction in the past 45:00 Setting goals around getting new clients 45:45 Recognizing and rewarding clients that are most engaged 48:15 Sharing your business offerings on your personal Facebook page 49:05 One-minute videos, the importance of relatability in videos 50:30 Setting a goal for putting videos on Youtube 52:55 Closing thoughts with Shannon Links Patricia's Website- The Wellness Concierge Patricia's Free Body Balanced 7-day Challenge The Concierge Lounge Group on Facebook The Yoga Suite- online membership program Email: [email protected] Patricia's Instagram Mondays With Margo on Youtube TCYT Podcast 031: Facebook Marketing with Amanda Bond The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube

Today's episode is unique in that instead of one featured guest we have seven! Shannon reached out looking to answer a question asked on The Connected Teacher Facebook Group: What advice would you give your new teacher self? Thoughtful and beautiful reflections were recorded by 7 yoga teachers who passed them on to Shannon so she could share with all of you while reflecting on her own experiences as a yoga teacher fresh out of yoga teacher training. What would you tell your new teacher self? 3:15 Betsy Brockett 4:45 Jamie Grollman 6:25 Kristina Kelly 9:25 Catherina Espinoza 10:55 Amanda Kingsmith 13:15 Lisa Zaehringer 15:30 Allie Bright 17:40 Shannon shares other advice from The Connected Yoga Teachers Facebook Group Links To get in touch with featured yoga teachers: Betsy Brockett Betsy's Website Betsy's Instagram Jamie Grollman Jamie's Website Kristina Kelly Kristina's Website- Get Moving Fitness Balanced Breath Studio Facebook Page Catherina Espinoza Catherina's Website- Tu Espacio Yoga Tu Espacio Yoga on Facebook Amanda Kingsmith Amanda's Website- M.B.Om (Mastering the Business of Yoga) Mastering the Business of Yoga Instagram Lisa Zeahringer Lisa's Website- Synchronicity Wellness Lisa on Facebook - Synchronicity Wellness Allie Bright Allie's Website- Bright Java Bright Java on Instagram The Connected Teacher Facebook Group MamaNurture Yoga Teacher Training (RPYT) Shannon's Consultation Services Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

Trina Altman took a Kripalu yoga class at Brown University and became intrigued by the practice. She became a yoga teacher in 2008 igniting her desire to research anatomy and movement. The culmination of the knowledge she obtained has allowed her be a multi-disciplinary teacher; borrowing from many kinds of movement practices. Trina is very much focused on balancing her practice and teaching to include strength training along with stretching. Trina's passion for movement has led her to create Pilates Deconstructed®, an innovative interdisciplinary approach that fosters an embodied understanding of Pilates and its relationship to modern movement science. Along with her 500-hour yoga teacher training, she is a STOTT Pilates® certified instructor, leads teacher training in Yoga Tune Up®, the Roll Model® Method and Rx Series for Equinox locally and Internationally. Trina has presented at Kripalu and multiple conferences such as the Yoga Alliance Leadership Conference. She teaches online classes which can be found on her website as well as in person in Los Angeles at Equinox and The Moving Joint. Trina's teaching fosters body cognition and self-discovery that is firmly grounded in anatomical awareness. She builds bridges between the mystical and pragmatic and specializes in helping others to access their body's tissues and their heart's purpose. 9:25 Where Trina's yoga journey began 11:45 How Trina began to consider the injuries that can be sustained while practising yoga 14:55 Importance of strength training 16:35 The danger of believing yoga is a fix-all 19:00 What does Trina's balanced personal practice look like? 22:45 Trina's concern about risk-prone movement in classes she's attended 23:00 Trina's experience with group classes (and taking a break from them) 25:25 Group class paradigm- pros and cons 27:20 What can teachers do in their own personal practice to build strength 29:40 How Trina teaches yoga (and how she takes from many different movement modalities) 32:10 What is the Feldenkrais method? 36:15 Trina's online teaching offerings 38:30 How do we prevent injuries to our students? 40:10 Pilates- "the missing link" 44:05 Where you can find Trina in the upcoming months 44:20 Trina's closing advice on preventing injury when teaching 47:25 "There is no one answer" 48:30 Group vs. private classes when it comes to yoga injuries 49:35 Four Principles of Teaching Movement: T.R.U.E. T- total embodiment R- regress to progress U- understand underlayer E- creating an Environment of Safety 57:20 Shannon's closing thoughts Links Website: Trina Altman- Pilates Deconstructed® & Yoga Deconstructed® Embodied Anatomy Biomechanics Trina Altman's Youtube Channel Trina's Instagram Trina's Yoga and Pilates Facebook Page Mettaversity Course: Realigning Yoga: New Directions in Yoga Anatomy and Movement Research with Trina Altman Yoga Deconstructed® Courses with Trina Altman Feldenkrais Method Wikipedia Article Interoception Wikipedia Article Proprioception Wikipedia Article New York Times Article: How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body by William J. Broad Book: The Science of Yoga: The Risks and Rewards by William J. Broad Relevant TCYT Episodes: Podcast: 007: Breath and Pelvic Health with Trista Zinn Podcast: 32: Strengthen Your Yoga Practice with Kathryn Bruni-Young The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Page Trevor Parks Yoga Playlists (can view if a member of The Connected Yoga Teacher FB Page)

Not #CrushingIt is Okay Rachel East is a Certified Professional Coach and co-founder of Clarity on Fire with her business partner and best friend Kristen Walker. Clarity on Fire Coaching was created based on Rachel and Kristen's experiences with mind-numbing, unfulfilling work and their unwillingness to accept the status quo. The coaching is geared towards millennials "who know what they don't want but don't know what they'd rather be doing", which was how they felt coming out of college. Rachel majored in Communications and Public Relations because she knew it was where she would flourish. When she graduated she gladly took a job she was offered as it was tough time economically (after the 2008 recession), and there was a lot of fear surrounding employment. Rachel found her position as an Events and Promotions Co-ordinator wasn't ultimately something she cared deeply about. In figuring out what she did want led her to pursue life coaching. It encompassed many of her passions including self-development and therapy. The Passion Profile Quiz that Clarity on Fire developed helps uncover your passion (the content) as well as how it can be expressed in your ideal working environment (the context). Rachel coaches a lot of self-defined perfectionists that are feeling burnt out. There is a mindset in society that we need to be busy to be worthy. Almost everyone struggles with this notion which is why Rachel's message is so important. Have no fear if you like your free time, don't want to build an empire, aren't a huge fan of social media, or, as Rachel puts it, you don't want to be a #girlboss or 'crush it'. There are many ways to approach being a successful entrepreneur. Rachel's wrote her blog post Confession: I Have No Desire to be a #girlboss out of frustration when she was feeling burnt out. There was a strong response from people from various professional backgrounds. She knew that she had hit on something that many felt but few articulated as it isn't a prevalent societal attitude. Rachel and those who responded to her post discussed defining success and passion for yourself and adhering to your values to discover a working environment that will lead to personal fulfilment. 12:10 Rachel's professional journey leading her to Clarity on FIre 15:25 Question from Julia, a member of The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group about passion and fulfilment 19:50 Quality vs. Quantity- how focusing on numbers can negatively impact your business and outlook 21:05 Re-defining what success means to you 23:55 Authenticity has a bigger impact than presenting an airbrushed image 24:55 Rachel's blog post Confession: I Have No Desire to be a #girlboss and how it resonated with so many 28:15 How strong boundaries give you freedom as an entrepreneur 29:30 Business is one aspect of your life, avoid co-dependence. Our job and ourselves are two separate things. 33:15 How Rachel defines passion 35:15 Looking at your job as a journey, not a destination. The danger of grasping too tightly, resisting evolving, growing, or even pursuing a different career path. 39:00 Knowing the difference between the 'fertile void' and being afraid of putting yourself out there- fear vs. intuition. 43:05 The Passion Profile Quiz 44:40 Understanding your time and money values 52:05 Setting limits in your business to suit your personality Links Clarity On Fire Website The Passion Profile Quiz Blog Post: Confession: I Have No Desire to be a #girlboss by Rachel East Instagram White on Rice The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 030: Rituals to Start and End Your Day with Puja Madan

Shannon is very excited to have her friend Shai Plonski on the podcast who also happens to be her very first Thai Yoga Massage teacher. Shannon and Shai know from experience that Thai Massage can enhance a yoga teacher's offerings in a multitude of ways such as building a stronger bond with their students, strengthening their hands-on assists, and providing new workshop and revenue opportunities. Nowadays Shai is the best-selling author of Compassionate Touch: Giving Massage for Optimal Health, Thriving Relationships & Spiritual Awakening. But back in 2001, Shai came to realize that he was not content to work behind a desk and felt a calling to do something more meaningful, connected to Spirit, and with his hands. Working for a carnival for the summer to earn money for university had Shai working at a booth making wax molds of people's hands. He has carried the feeling of this experience with him, having found the connection and trust he had to establish within seconds profound. The power of touch has been a major theme in Shai's life ever since. Another seed was planted when Shai travelled to Asia. He was intrigued by the practice and was eventually exposed to Thai Massage when volunteering at the Omega Institute. A teacher invited him to sit in on her class and he saw that the practice blended so many principles that mattered to him like connection, compassion, yoga, and the healing power of touch. Shai's passion for sharing the practice with others over the past 15 years has led him to teach at some of the largest yoga centers in Toronto and around the world including upcoming courses at the Kripalu Center and 1440 Multiversity. He has also authored or co-authored 15 manuals and books on the practice of Thai massage, trained over 3300 practitioners and 100 teachers in this healing art and is the founder of the Still Light Centre. [9:40] Shai's journey into Thai Yoga Massage [15:05] Shai's first exposure to Thai Massage through a workshop [16:20] What makes Thai Yoga Massage unique? [16:50] 3 Principles of Thai Yoga Massage [17:25] Shai's brand new book - Compassionate Touch [19:20] How Thai Yoga Massage can compliment your yoga business [21:30] Metta - loving kindness and compassion [23:55] Complementary to Yin, gentle and restorative yoga classes and yoga retreats [27:05] Meditative nature of Thai Yoga Massage [28:00] Still Light Centre teaching style [30:50] How to learn Thai Yoga Massage [37:50] How Shai got his name [41:30] Bringing Thai Massage into your home [43:35] Massage is a norm in some cultures and families Links Still Light Centre Compassionate Touch: Giving Massage for Optimal Health, Thriving Relationships & Spiritual Awakening by Shai Plonski Gentle Yoga with Thai Massage Assists at Tone Studio, Owen Sound, Ontario The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Gratitude to Our Sponsor -- Schedulicity

The prospect of yoga teacher training in a warm climate in the middle of winter sounds amazing to most of us. Maxine Iharosy thought so too when she was offered a spot in the Shakti Initiation: All Women's Leadership Training. She was lit up by the possibility. However, taking stock of her finances led her to feel she had to decline the offer. One of the program's teachers told her not to give up on the opportunity and mentioned that other students in the past have used crowdfunding in order to attend. At first, Maxine felt there was no way she would feel comfortable asking others for money but through the guidance of Robin ( her mentor in this process), she realized that attending this program could benefit her AND her community. Maxine realized that through leadership training, teachings, and insight into another part of the world, what would benefit her could benefit her others. She would be asking for a gift (financial help), and in exchange would bring back renewed energy and passion for teaching and insight into another culture. Maxine is a wonderfully community-minded, spiritually connected being with a passion for travel, the outdoors, and teaching yoga that connects her life experiences, readings and storytelling to the practice. As her role as the Tone Studio manager comes to a close, her focus will be shifting towards more personal offerings for classes, private sessions and workshops with the vision of bringing some of her greatest passions together- nature, community and yoga with Inner Wilderness Yoga. Maxine also serves as an administrator and teacher for the Sarana Institute, which is committed to bringing mindful and self-compassion training to others. This summer Maxine was part of the team that offered The Young Adult Program to Sarana Springs in Chatsworth, Ontario. The program gave young adults (aged 18-30) the chance to connect with nature, mindfulness, and learn leadership skills. Maxine is so grateful for all those who supported her through the crowdfunding process. It increased her awareness of the interconnectedness between student and teacher and teacher and community and wholeheartedly recommends this process if you are willing to be vulnerable and do the hard emotional, physical, and spiritual work. 7:00 The beginning of Maxine's crowdfunding journey 9:10 The giving and receiving aspect of Maxine's experience- the teacher/student balance 10:55 What allowed Maxine to ask for help- the mindset she adopted in order to ask, confronting self-doubt and pride and looking to where the root of those feelings are coming from 12:30 Asking herself: Who am I to ask for money? How will my training benefit others? Acknowledgment that yoga isn't as validated as other health-related professions in society or even sometimes in the mind of the teacher. 14:00 Practical aspects Maxine's crowdfunding process 16:25 The gifts Maxine offered her contributors based on the amount of the donation 17:25 How Maxine emotionally processed the donations 19:00 Did Maxine have a backup plan if her goal wasn't met- the power of intention and belief 20:25 How she felt when she met her goal- fears and questions and the most difficult point of her journey to Bali 23:00 Processing (still) the financial and emotional support she received 23:30 The hard prep work for attending the Women's Leadership Training and the work while attending the training 24:35 Feedback from supporters when Maxine returned home 26:15 How it built relationships with her supporters and students outside of her yoga classes 27:00 The clarity crowdfunding and training brought to her life and her feelings of responsibility to the community 28:25 The 'hats' Maxine wears in her work life 29:35 Maxine's teaching style 30:30 Sarana Institute Young Adult Program 31:20 Vision for her personal yoga offerings with Inner Wilderness 33:20 Advice to those considering crowdfunding 35:55 Keeping in touch with your contributors 38:00 Shannon's closing thoughts Links: Maxine's Indigogo Campaign Platform Shakti Initiation: All Women's Leadership Training Maxine's Website: Inner WIlderness Yoga Sarana Institute Sarana's Young Adult Program Blog Post: "Comparison of Crowdfunding Websites" by Inc.com Gratitude to Our Sponsor -- Schedulicity

Have you struggled with the business side of yoga? Most yoga teachers do, fearing that selling themselves is 'icky' or maybe not in line with the principles of yoga. Amanda Kingsmith works with yoga teachers to break through these financial blocks. As a yoga teacher with a business studies background, she is the perfect coach for those struggling with their money mindsets, business terminology, and seeing the worth of their services. Amanda is an enthusiastic world traveller who is keen on avoiding the tough Alberta winters. She has travelled to over 50 countries and 6 continents. From her first yoga teacher training in Bali, she was hooked. When she began teaching she struggled to shape her yoga business to make a living (despite her business background) and wondered if maybe others were struggling too. This led Amanda to create the M.B.OM (Mastering the Business of Yoga) podcast, which has 60 + episodes to its name. She decided she would ask those whose businesses she admired her many questions. Instead of asking them out for coffee, she decided to produce a podcast and share the wisdom she gleaned with others. Amanda also coaches yoga teachers in business matters and writes with a passion. Check out some of her writing on M.B.OM and on her own website. 9:15 Amanda's yoga journey 11:25 Mastering the Business of Yoga (M.B.OM) Podcast 14:40 Struggles Amanda hears most often 14:55 Letting go of what you think you "should" do 15:20 Being intentional with your business and what you want from your YTT, what do you want out of this yoga career, try many things but at the end of the day do what feels right and makes you happy 16:40 Meditate, journal or reflect in a way that works for you. Consider the many paths there are to choose from, some that may have never been travelled. 17:20 Do you need yoga to be a business? 18:40 Mixing business with yoga; an often uncomfortable aspect for yoga teachers. Do you consider what you do a business? Work on reframing your perspective on selling your services in order to move away from unsavoury sales stereotypes 20:00 "Sales funnel"- putting yourself out there and what you have to offer (newsletters, social media, etc.) in a way that is low pressure and encourages your clients to access your services 23:05 Reframing business terms for the yoga industry, learning what they mean and how they can help you run your business with an understanding that you can work in the yoga industry using ethical business practices and that honours karmic and yogic principles 24:15 How can yoga teachers work towards a healthy money mindset? How to work as a full-time yoga teacher, for example, and live a comfortable way and feel good about making income from yoga. 26:15 Being afraid to charge enough money for your classes can leave you feeling burnt out and resentful. 28:55 What are the most powerful marketing tools for yoga teachers? -websites -newsletters -social media -posters -business cards (carry your card and perhaps others for referrals) -speaking/ networking 44:15 What does Amanda wish she knew as a new yoga teacher? What is imposter syndrome? The danger of comparing yourself to others. 46:35 How to work with Amanda Links M.B.OM Website Amanda's Personal Website The World Wanderers Podcast Courage and Clarity with Steph Podcast The Yoga Lounge Website TCYT 021: Refine Your Core Message with Carol Cox The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Gratitude to Our Sponsor -- Schedulicity

Shannon met Dr. Sinead Dufour at a pelvic health workshop for yoga teachers as part of the MamaNurture prenatal yoga teacher training. It was through Sinead that Shannon discovered she had Diastasis. Shannon talks about how some of the yoga poses done after she gave birth were contributing to her condition. Diastasis is not widely understood in prenatal and postnatal health. It has been falsely understood as the separation of the abdominal muscles (it is even implied in the name) when it is actually the overstraining or damaging of the linea alba tissue. It was after giving birth to her twins that Sinead discovered significant gaps and misconceptions in the health care system and fitness community that left women without the tools needed to take care of the pelvic health. She felt strongly that she needed to be part of the solution. Sinead has been a practising physiotherapist for about 15 years, with a PhD in Primary Health Care. Her extensive studies also include training in obstetrics and urogynecology. She is a professor in the Health and Science department at McMaster University and is the Director of Pelvic Health at The Womb. Among this episode's points of discussion are: the role the linea alba plays in Diastasis, Dr. Sinead Dufour's leadership in up-and-coming research on DRA to establish common practice principles, and what can be done to prevent this condition. 8:55 Sinead's journey to becoming a leading Pelvic Health expert 10:50 What is Diastasis? A common misconception about Diastasis. Diastasis or Diastasis Recti Abdominus (DRA) 12:25 Linea alba's role in pregnancy and Diastasis 15:30 New study by top 22 Diastasis experts in Canada in order to establish practice principles experts can agree on 18:10 Delphi Process with 3 phases setting the practice principles 20:45 Diastasis related to manometric pressure system manometric pressure system- the pressure system modulated by the core four, inclusive of the linea alba and the glottis (think the concept of intra-abdominal pressure) 19:10 Dr. Sinead's research study 20:10 What experts are saying: what is Diastasis and how should we manage it? 23:00 Prenatal - how can we prevent Diastasis? Avoid exercises that concentrically engage the superficial abdominal muscles such as crunches and sit-ups Emphasis on facilitating optimal co-activation of the deep inner unit Ensuring the core 4 are working together: pelvic floor, diaphragm, transversus abdominis and multifidus Working synergistically Promoting effective, tension free diaphragmatic breathing More focus on diaphragmatic breath with ease -- less extended belly breathing and more rib cage breath Emphasizing postures that reduce excessive strained intra-abdominal pressure Avoid plank pose while pregnant or straining on the toilet,(especially with breath holding). 25:15 Importance of continuous breath 28:45 Encouraging students, not to breath hold (and why they may be doing so) 31:00 Empowering language - What can students do instead of what can't it do 32:15 Listen to the body - pain or struggling in a pose 33:05 Intrapartum (during childbirth) considerations Continuous breath - no Valsalva breath Avoiding a back lying position when possible 37:35 Prenatal yoga teachers are the ones who can advocate, inform and empower those who are susceptible to diastasis or other pelvic health issues 38:25 When to refer a yoga student to a pelvic floor physiotherapist 40:00 Postpartum (4th trimester) - "critical healing period" Abstain from exercises that concentrically engage the superficial abdominal muscles Promote exercises that are not the same action as a crunch Every body is unique and so each person needs something different Watch for doming or invagination at linea alba during exercise 5.Optimal load transfer at linea alba 45:25 Later diastasis- watch out for doming or invagination (reverse doming) 46:10 Front loading poses: bird dog, plank - when can we do these? 47:30 Any incontinence issues - because Diastasis is a pelvic floor dysfunction 48:50 How yoga can help with the internal pressure system and nervous system 49:55 Autonomic nervous system tension affects the connective and visceral tissue 50:45 Benefits of a yin yoga style 51:40 Fertility yoga series at The Womb 52:50 Increased inter-recti distance is normal in pregnancy 53:45 Diastasis has nothing to do with the inter-recti distance (the width between the rectus abdominis muscles) 57:20 How to test for Diastasis at home 58:40 How a yoga teacher can help assess linea alba during a pelvic floor contraction 1:00:25 Another Diastasis assessment- digital pelvic floor contraction (highlights how integrated the linea alba is with the pelvic floor) 1:01:25 Yoga teachers are in a great position to get ahead of the curve to spread new information discovered through research (before it will be widely taught) 1:05:50 Inter-recti distance as an assessment needs to be thrown out- as people get better and more functional the distance can actually increase pro

Kathryn Bruni-Young is a mover, educator and creator. She grew up studying yoga with her mother (Diane Bruni) which organically shifted into teaching yoga classes and workshops together. Kathryn Bruni-Young has been a yoga and movement teacher for the last 10 years. She suffered from repetitive strain injuries and turned to physiotherapists, personal trainers and other experts from other movement disciplines to create her own teaching style. Inspired by all she gained from her strength training education. Kathryn founded the Mindful Strength Center, (formerly known as the Cornwall Yoga Studio). Mindful Strength blends strength, mobility and mindfulness. Kathryn leads teacher training, online courses, and workshops throughout Canada and Europe. Kathryn is being drawn to the world of Trauma Training and has been influenced by those doing research in this field. She is truly a woman with many facets who is excited to share all she has learned to enrich the lives of others. 7:45 Kathryn's Yoga Journey 10:00 Benefits of strength training 12:05 Balance of flexibility and strength training 15:15 Do we need to go to the gym? "Sensory sensitivity" 17:55 Examples of strength training at home 19:00 How to modify push-ups 20:15 Does Kathryn still call herself a yoga teacher? 22:05 Rotator cuff injury 25:30 Kathryn's library of IG posts 26:50 Strength training for repetitive strain-totally different movement 28:25 Muscles and fascia and their response to load 28:55 Variety of strength training options 29:45 How should a yoga teacher start incorporating strength training into their lives? 31:20 How to find a strengthening mentor, even as a kickstart to your training 31:50 Working on your own using YouTube videos, books starting with simple movements 32:45 Working with various professionals (physios, trainers, etc.) even a couple of times to get the ball rolling, get some basic information 33:25 Importance of having variety in strength training so it is well-rounded and balanced so you're not doing repetitive movement in this area 33:55 Practice movement on your own before incorporating it into your classes 35:00 How to work with Kathryn- new online courses available 37:40 Kathryn's mindful strength class layout 41:55 How to add strengthening to a more traditional yoga class 44:45 What she calls her classes and how her students reacted to the introduction of strength training into her yoga classes- key slowly building strength into the class 50:10 Your unique yoga offering cannot be replicated 51:05 Her first certified training with Ito Portal -not beginner friendly but lots of great insight 52:00 Trauma training (somatic experiencing) in the strength building field- 53:20 Kathryn's Yoga Teacher Training offerings and an Online Mindful Teacher Training is in the works! Links Kathryn's Website Kathryn on Instagram Yoga Journal Article: The Future of Yoga: 15 Millennial Yoga Teachers to Watch Trauma Healing Training founded by Peter Levine Trauma Center at Justice Resort Institute founded by Bessel Van Der Kolt Life coach - Barb Elias Personal trainer - Miranda Smit Gratitude to our sponsor Schedulicity

Amanda Bond, "Bond" as she is known, is an expert when it comes to Facebook ads. With a fiery, authentic spirit she guides her clients so they can get the most of this marketing tool. Always an entrepreneur at heart, she started her career as a social media manager and has taken on such positions as the VP of marketing for The Toronto Yoga Conference and Show. Bond chose to take the wealth of knowledge she gained in her over 12 years of experience in corporate sales and marketing to focus on ad marketing creating her business The Ad Strategist. Bond's down-to-earth manner simplifies the sometimes overwhelming task of marketing yourself on Facebook. In this episode she breaks down the elements of creating an ad and shares such wisdom as: money doesn't necessarily mean more results, the difference between your personal and business Facebook page (it's an important distinction), and the recommended percentage of sales based posts to non-sales based posts that focus on your message. 5:20 Amanda's journey 7:10 Connection to Toronto Yoga Show 8:40 What to do before spending anything on Facebook ads 11:45 Sharing yourself vs. selling yourself- sharing what you do, what journey you're on, who you are 12:50 What percentage of posts should have a call to action (sales) and what percentage should be about sharing your message? How telling stories about your clients and directing your services to a specific client can bring more sales 17:20 Difference between personal Facebook profile and yoga business page? What you can include on each page without signalling to Facebook you are selling yourself on your personal page. 19:20 How do you get people to like your Facebook page? Consistency and refinement of your message as you go will attract loyal followers. 21:05 Bond's first Facebook ad expenditure 21:40 Keep in mind we are not our businesses, that we don't become that product or service. 23:15 First step when we are ready to advertise on Facebook and why boosting is not THE answer and referring to the Facebook marketing platform "Facebook Blueprint" 25:00 3 Cs Framework that Amanda and her team use CONNECT - how do you get people to know, like, and trust your brand CONVERT - asking for a micro-commitment (subscribe to email list example, newsletter,subscribe to podcast, etc.) - enters them into sales process, they give up something of value- like time, their email which allows you to see them more often, they will see you in a storytelling capacity and it will enable you to guide them toward a purchase CLOSE - "close the sale" - where they become a customer by purchasing a service or product 27:35 Overcoming the objections that our customers have when they buy from you 28:20 What are the benefits your audience will miss out on if you are not selling your product or service? 32:20 Meet your audience at the beginner level 33:35 What stories are powerful to share the benefits of yoga e.g. transformation stories, encourage them to be a curious beginner, don't have to be perfect 34:35 Being vulnerable and relatable - show up as yourself, encourages them to be human because you present yourself that way, put yourself out there consistently not constantly, "a messy journey of consistent action" 36:05 Facebook live is scary! Remember that you have a piece of knowledge, a nugget of wisdom to share with others, being fearful prevents you from sharing knowledge with those who would benefit 37:50 What Amanda would do with Facebook if she was a full-time yoga teacher: Journal publicly about life, journey, as messy as it is Look to improve what I know about the tech side and business side (even a few minutes every day) Create connection with those you admire, reach out to them, "be a sponge" to discover your own voice 39:30 How to work with Amanda- changing gears to work with those getting started in their businesses that don't necessarily have a big ad budget Links Bond's Website: The Ad Strategist The Ad Strategist on Facebook Facebook Blueprint The Toronto Yoga Conference and Show The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group The Connected Yoga Teacher YouTube channel

Puja Madan was living in India on a 12+ year ritual journey with yoga and meditation when in 2009, she felt intense abdominal pain while attending a yoga class. Following up with a doctor, she discovered that she had a large fibroid tumour. Puja says this was her "aha moment". Her medical issue was a catalyst for change as Puja determined her work life was less than fulfilling. Feeling drawn to another path, she moved from India to the US. She went from using her MBA to work for tech startups to creating her own coaching business. With warmth and humour, Puja shares her vision to teach women in leadership positions. She wants women to know that they hold value beyond what they accomplish in a tangible form. Puja wants women to stop measuring themselves against the expectations of society in order to nurture and appreciate their complex selves. Puja believes that beginning and end of day rituals can be a powerful means of honouring your many facets. As Puja says on her Puja's Wild Radiant Woman Website: "I spark the unseen potential and feminine power of visionary women to be the change agents the world so desperately needs." She believes strongly in a balance of yin and yang energy in leadership positions and is pleased to see the old values and systems designed for men are evolving to incorporate feminine values such as mindfulness and collaboration. Puja is currently living in Orlando, Florida, holding in-person retreats and playshops. She also coaches women from around the world via Skype and does talks, inspiring many. Additionally, she is the bestselling co-author of Unleash Your Inner Magnificence and 365 Ways to Connect with Your Soul and the author of articles in several publications such as MindBodyGreen, The Huffington Post, and ElephantJournal. 8:10 Puja's yoga story 11:10 Embracing a new value system as entrepreneurs based on mindfulness, collaboration, and self-care 15:30 Rituals and mindfulness while you grow your business- personal energy and boundaries are deeply rooted in 17:00 Start of day self-care ritual Every being is made of 4 rooms: step into your 4 Rooms each day to at least air them Physical e.g. smoothies, quick workout Mental e.g. gratitude, thinking about priorities Emotional e.g. text a friend, connecting one person to another Spiritual e.g. meditate, nature, pets, connected to something bigger than you Setting intentions for the day: a word or phrase that guides you that you can return to 19:15 Daily word / intention / mantra, Puja likes to do it right after meditation, awareness to it and Today's top priorities- top 3 things and do these first 22:30 If you feel like you don't have time to fit in self-care- where are you leaking energy non-revenue generating activities, 23 minutes to come back in zone, it is possible to re-organize your business and personal priorities to create more time 25:10 How a personal practice can impact our relationships - at home and at work 26:55 End of day rituals: Clear the desk Make a list to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments Meditation for closure of day Set intention for tomorrow Reducing forms of clutter- emails, computer desktop, etc. 34:05 How to connect with Puja 34:55 Middle of workday - regular check-ins: Are you feeling grounded? Holding onto any stress? 35:25 Running a yoga business with the entrepreneur mindset, seperate mindset from teaching yoga. "Be the change you want to see in the world" -Ghandi Links Gratitude to Our Sponsor Schedulicity Puja's Wild Radiant Woman Website Puja on Facebook Puja on Instagram Puja on Twitter To purchase Puja's books: Unleash Your Inner Magnificence and 365 Ways to Connect with Your Soul The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Today's episode is a consultation call with Trevor Parks, who is a yoga teacher from Covington, Georgia. He teaches classes that are inspired by his Ashtanga teacher training and weaves philosophical themes, pranayama, meditation, chanting and music through his classes. Trevor's introduction to yoga did little to inspire his now deep connection to the practice. He was deterred by the very aspects that he now embodies such as abstract spiritual thought and poetic language. In time, Trevor returned to yoga when looking for answers about himself and the world around him. Trevor shares that yoga is everything to him. He is either studying yoga philosophy, sequences, or doing his own practice. After over 7 years practicing and over 3 years teaching, Trevor is at the point where he'd like put himself out into cyberspace in order to attract students compatible with his teachings and has asked Shannon to help him with his 'About Me' page for his website. Trevor has so much he wants to say and needs some help putting all his thoughts into words that will connect with his potential students. Shannon discusses: imagining your ideal yoga student and directing your message towards them allowing yourself to be vulnerable and authentic in telling your story and what led you to yoga giving potential clients a really good sense of what to expect in your classes, including language that you use in your classes creating a unique tagline that draws others in form of a sentence or even just a few words limiting the write-up to a few paragraphs including testimonials and how to ask for them from your students if there is more you want to say but don't want to overwhelm your "About Me" page you can always include it in a blog post on your page Links Episode 21 of TCYT: Refine Your Core Message with Carol Cox Book that inspired Trevor to pursue yoga: Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda Trevor on Instagram Set up a consultation call with Shannon Would you like to create or update your ABOUT ME page? Click here to receive Shannon's worksheets. Gratitude to our sponsor Schedulicity

Dr. Ariele Foster, based in Washington DC, has been teaching yoga for 16 years. She was inspired by her grandmother Lilo Foster, who taught yoga until the age of 87. Lilo was one of the few Jewish survivors in Germany from World War II and became re-acquainted with the healing power of yoga after her immigration to the US. Ariele, finding herself enamored with anatomy, became interested in physical therapy after a profound experience as a physical therapy patient. She studied hard to become a doctor of Physical Therapy, becoming a licensed physical therapist in 2011. Ariele has had many yoga teachers approach her about making the same transition- from yoga teacher to physical therapist which led her to create Yoga Anatomy Academy. As Ariele says "... [it] has been popular beyond my dreams. It's really organically attracted so many students." Yoga Anatomy Academy also provides anatomy courses for yoga teachers. Ariele kindly shares with us her incredibly rich and informative 10 Principles of an Anatomy-Informed Yoga Practice (available as a PDF download,) which covers a range of considerations for yoga teachers such as; when to refer students to other professionals, re-thinking asanas and the importance of functional movement, and the balance between flexibility and movement. This multi-tasking, multi-talented woman has founded a forum for discussion- Yoga for the Planet, inspired by her interest in environmental concerns,continues to teach yoga classes and also offers private sessions, workshops and courses, yoga retreats all while practicing as a physical therapist. Note: Physiotherapists, Physical Therapists, 'physios'- all the same profession. Different areas use different titles. 9:10 What sparked Ariele's interest in anatomy 11:50 From teaching yoga to becoming a physical therapist 12:30 Advice to yoga teachers interested in becoming a physical therapist 16:30 The importance of referring your yoga students to a physical therapist when experiencing pain 21:00 Cost can be a hurdle when one is considering physical therapy- how to put that in perspective 23:30 Ariele's position teaching anatomy to yoga teachers, belief that there needs to be a baseline of understanding 24:20 Principle 1 - Any Pose Can Harm. Any Pose Can Heal. 25:05 Principle 2 - Every Body is Unique. 25:45 Principle 3 - Think Critically "Don't emphasize the alignment of the pose higher than the individual" 27:35 Cueing Warrior 1 using critical thinking 28:45 What is functional movement? 28:05 Principle 4 - Most Yoga Asana is Specialized, Not Functional Movement 30:55 Principle 5 - Flexibility is No Good Without Strength 33:25 Principle 6 - Variety is the Spice of Life 34:30 Principle 7 - Safe Strength Building Comes from Progressive Loading 37:25 Principle 8 - Listen to Your Body Works 50% of the Time 41:20 Principle 9 - Readily Refer Out 44:20 Principle 10 - Honor Both the Science and "Mystery" 45:35 How to study with Dr. Ariele Foster Links Email: [email protected] Yoga Anatomy Academy Yoga Anatomy Academy on Facebook Yoga Anatomy Academy on Instagram Ariele's Personal Teaching Website: Sacred Source Teaching Sacred Source Teaching on Facebook Ariel's Youtube Channel PDF: 10 Principles of an Anatomy Informed Yoga Practice by Dr. Ariele Foster Podcast: Heal Your Shoulder with Dr. Ariele Foster on the YogaBody Talk Show Article: 7 Things to Ponder Before Going to Physical Therapy School: for yoga teachers, massage therapists and other holistic practitioners by Dr. Ariele Foster Gratitude to our sponsor Schedulicity

To download the free 5 Koshas booklet and see the show notes for Ep 26 -- click here.

To download the free 5 Koshas booklet and see the show notes for Ep 26 -- click here.

To download the free 5 Koshas booklet and see the show notes for Ep 25 -- click here.

To download the free 5 Koshas booklet and see the show notes for Ep 24 -- click here.

To download the free 5 Koshas booklet and to see all of the show notes -- click here.

Chrissie Wywrot has had 10 years of digital marketing and public relations experience that began with her work in the NFL. She grew up the South of Detroit in a small town and has always been passionate about sports. Chrissie's career path is an excellent example of finding your niche, a topic that has been interwoven into many of our episodes. After college, Chrissie pursued her passion for sports by working for the Detroit Lions in guest services. Having an interest in public relations inspired her to work her way to managing their website. Website development included a lot of writing, graphics, photography and social media. Niching down further, Chrissie left the world of sports in 2014 to focus on guiding service-based businesses toward utilizing social media in the most effective way. Chrissie, a self-proclaimed "social media nerd", gets to focus on her favourite aspect of public relations. And, as a mother of 3, she appreciates being able to establish a more flexible work schedule by working for herself. Chrissie emphasizes authenticity, passion, and depth as the key elements needed for a productive online presence. Today Chrissie is going to give us insight into Linkedin, a professional networking site, used by employers and job seekers, where valuable connections can be made. Chrissie's journey into social media 6:20 Define your goal before deciding what social media tools best work for you 13:10 How to use LinkedIn as a social media tool 15:10 Using native content in LinkedIn and gearing your profile to your audience(s) 17:30 Definition of native content 18:40 The biggest mistakes you can make using LinkedIn 19:45 New and updated LinkedIn since purchase by Microsoft and Advantages of LinkedIn vs. Facebook 20:50 Importance of planning out your LinkedIn profile 21:50 Opportunities for yoga teachers in the corporate yoga niche 23:00 Using the sales navigator tool 24:00 Advice to reluctant social media users 25:10 What to expect when working with a social media expert, like Chrissie, to optimize your LinkedIn profile 26:10 Customize shared content toward your business 31:10 Leaving your LinkedIn profile open in all settings to best connect with others 32:45 Third party scheduling tool- Buffer 34:00 How many times a week should you check up on your LinkedIn profile 34:45 Being consistent in your engagement with potential clients 35:30 Specific advice to yoga teachers when engaging in social media "7 touch points" 35:15 Building relevant connections on LinkedIn and consider connecting using personal notes 38:00 Marketing yourself as a yoga teacher 39:45 Shannon's closing thoughts 41:50 We've learned so much from Chrissie Wywrot in this episode including LinkedIn's ability to gain more traction with your content than Facebook. If you don't have a website it is a great alternative! What LinkedIn action are you going to tackle this week? If LinkedIn isn't your channel is there another platform you can look at? Consider writing an article which can really help bring people to your profile, and also consider scheduling time each week to work on your content. Links Chrissie's Website Chrissie on Twitter Chrissie's Facebook Page Chrissie's LinkedIn Page Article: What to Do on LinkedIn When You Have Little Time for LinkedIn by Chrissie Wywrot Buffer: Social Media Management Tool The Connected Teacher Facebook Group The Connected Yoga Teacher: Home page Course: The Connected Yoga Teacher: Define Your Yoga Niche (September 2017)

Shannon welcomes Carol Cox, the founder of Speaking Your Brand and who we can safely say is an expert speaker. Carol engages her audience through various mediums including her podcasts, University classes and as a tv political analyst. Speaking Your Brand's services are aimed at women in business who are looking to develop their brand. Carol explains that through authentic engagement and clarifying your purpose you can connect with those who will most benefit from your services. She shares her insights into successful public speaking, which may be something you have never considered as a yoga teacher. Carol discusses the benefits of public speaking and graciously provides us with PDF worksheets: Step-By-Step Framework to Persuade Your Audience to Action which take you through the process of preparing a talk. From "Find Your Why" to "Outline Your Persuasive Message" the steps will ensure you're thoroughly prepared for your public speaking debut. 5:10 Carol's relationship with yoga 6:35 Mindful practices that she engages before public speaking- it is normal to be nervous! 8:00 Clarifying your Core Message 15:00 Finding your Niche 20:00 Public speaking- often an untapped area in the yoga profession 22:50 Tools to craft a speech- your "signature talk" 24:25 How much self-promotion can or should be included in the talk? 26:50 Storytelling and engaging your audience on a personal level 29:30 Should there be a line between political and personal beliefs and your professional life? 33:45 Carol's last words of wisdom 35:40 Shannon's closing thoughts Links Carol's Website: Speaking Your Brand PDF: Step-By-Step Framework to Persuade Your Audience to Action by Carol Cox Podcast: Speaking Your Brand or search and subscribe on iTunes To help you write your own story arc: PDF: The Hero's Journey The Hero's Journey Outline by Storytech Literary Consulting Course: Define Your Yoga Niche Workshop with Shannon Crow Join The Connected Teacher Facebook Group "If your message is for everyone it really is for no one"- Carol Cox

It's been quite a journey so far for The Connected Yoga Teacher community. Shannon's goal to create a community for yoga teachers to share ideas, build knowledge, and support one another has grown into something really beautiful. She has been touched by all of your contributions. On today's episode Shannon shares her tools for keeping herself on track as her consulting work and The Connected Yoga Teacher community grows. From online tools that help her organize her Facebook posts, design graphics, manage her business finances to writing in a bullet journal, Shannon uses these 6 resources every day. Each online tool has a free version. 5:15 Bullet Journal 7:40 Schedulicity 8:55 Canva 10:55 Pixabay 12:25 Trello 16:50 Wave Tools: Bullet Journal - let go of perfection when using this tool - no need to get a fancy one - index component is helpful to find sections quickly - helpful to have everything in one spot Schedulicity - easy to schedule clients - this company has progressed quickly, adding more features often - great customer service - this online resource has recently added the option of accepting automatic payments from your clients 3.Canva - online, easy to use, beginner friendly - a number of graphic design projects like posters, social media graphics, banners and more - tutorials and lots of templates Article: 6 TIps to Create a Great Poster by Shannon Crow Pixabay- free images with option to donate to the artist - new images added often Trello- list making on a whole new level - can make boards, lists, save images, even design posts away from the distraction of social media Wave- free accounting software - professional looking invoices that can be sent out via email - helps with the financial goals, helps prevent you from "burying your head in the sand" so you can see the progression of your endeavor so you can feel confident and empowered - helps separate personal expenses from business expenses and income There are lots of resources that can help you in your yoga businesses. Start with just one to avoid feeling overwhelmed and see how it can be tailored to work for you. Join the conversation in our supportive The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group. Share any tools you find helpful in the comments section below or let us know if you've tried one of these tools and how it worked for you. Thank you to Laura for creating the show notes each week and to Rob for editing the audio.

Andrea Peloso asks us to delve a little deeper into the meaning and benefits of Restorative Yoga. As an experienced yoga teacher who practices and teaches from a variety of disciplines, it is Restorative Yoga that she holds close to her heart. Andrea's passion for Restorative Yoga and its innumerous benefits, along with lifelong learning and a desire to create an inclusive yoga environment shines through in her discussion with Shannon. Andrea has been teaching for 15 years. She has over 1700 hours of yoga teacher training, including studies with respected elder yoga teacher Judith Hanson Lasatar. Andrea met with Judith at a time when Andrea was experiencing back pain and fatigue. It didn't take Andrea long to focus on sharing with others the incredible benefits of yoga. She has taught across Canada, The United States, and Japan. Andrea holds a honours degree in Philosophy and Women's Studies and has studied Eastern and Indian Philosophy. 5:00 Andrea's perspective on fostering community in the yoga world 8:50 Importance and definition of Restorative Yoga 9:10 Effect on parasympathetic nervous system 10:25 Andrea's yoga journey 13:40 The difference between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga 17:50 Are props necessary for Restorative Yoga? 21:15 Creating a safe space for our yoga students- before, during and after class 28:00 Music or no music for a restorative class? 35:00 Verbal cues in Restorative Yoga 38:30 How to study with Andrea 39:10 How Restorative Yoga has helped Andrea in her own life. 40:45 Practicing kindness to self Links Andrea's website 40-Hour Restorative Training with Andrea Andrea's Yoga Facebook Page Andrea's Know Thy Hips Workshop at Tone Studio in Owen Sound, Ontario Youtube Video: All is Love by Bjork The Connected Teacher Facebook Group Quotes "Restorative Yoga is the use of props to support the body in such a way that elicits a healing response. The response should be a deep relaxation- the deeper the better so we are actually stimulating our deep parasympathetic nervous system when we do this practice. The parasympathetic nervous system is in charge of everything that makes life wonderful and long: fertility, digestion, immunity, relaxed diaphragmatic breathing, the body healing itself internally, lower blood pressure, etc. etc." ~ Andrea Peloso "Safety is about physical space, also a relational space where we can be ourselves, disagree, and say no in the company of our teachers. It is also a space where we will not have to experience once again prejudice or negative stereotyping that we may experience it in the world at large. Needless to say to be a yoga teacher who creates safer spaces is to be one who continues to educate themselves about what it is like to be human being with different sets of life circumstances than their own." ~ Andrea Peloso

Today Shannon shares with you a consultation call with one of her clients, Brittany Alred. Brittany is a yoga teacher who is brand new to teaching. Brittany's question for Shannon is regarding cueing. She knows she would like to move forward from demonstrating to using verbal cues to guide her students but is unsure of where to start. Brittany lives in northern Alabama and has a couple of yoga classes under her belt. She began taking yoga classes in Colorado when a work colleague asked her to accompany her to a class. As a skier Brittany found yoga incredibly helpful to help protect her knees and mental well being and it has been a big part of her life since. 5:10 Brittany's question: What is the best way to cue my students? Do I need to demonstrate the poses for the class? 8:05 Benefits of verbal cueing 8:50 Record yourself doing cues and then take your own class 9:10 Write cues as you watch a yoga video on mute and be a student for your own class 10:00 Students don't expect perfect cueing, "mistakes" can provide moments of levity 10:35 Start with a pose you feel confident cueing, have students lying on their back and observe if your cueing is effective 11:20 Cueing and assisting the elderly 13:40 Know that most students may not share where they are sore but most have something going on physically and/or emotionally 14:10 It is not your job to "fix" anything, empower your clients to take charge of their health and make a reference list for physiotherapists or other health care providers 15:15 Props are helpful 16:00 Finding your unique cueing voice 17:10 Using your personal yoga practice to develop your cues -how does the pose feel for you? -what images come to mind? 18:10 Should poetic language be used? 19:10 Thoughts on cueing from Trevor Parks, a fellow yoga teacher and member of TCYT 20:10 Benefits of watching online classes to develop your cues, learn new poses 21:00 Preventing yoga burnout- immerse yourself in your personal yoga practice, remember why you started teaching yoga 23:50 Keep reaching out for support from other teachers, groups, and your students 24:45 Using consent cards for assists 26:10 Brittany's goals moving forward 28:00 Shannon summarizes key points: Get Creative With Your Yoga Poses Watch a yoga class as a witness (not as a yoga student). Gather and record the yoga cues you like. Record audio of your yoga cues. Play it back and experience the flow as a student. Apply your own cues to a muted yoga video. Play the audio back. Choose a small sequence to use verbal cues only for your next class. Use your own yoga practice to create your own cues. Learn about anatomy and physiology so you understand how the body moves. Question the cues you hear and use. Keep the ones that resonate with your evolving practice Words of wisdom regarding cueing from fellow The Connected Yoga Teacher group member, Trevor Parks: "I think a good teacher speaks a bit poetic with great elegance. One of my friends was an Anasura teacher (they seem to have speech down, so I'll relay what he was taught) In his teacher training, they made a "word bank" of words that were elevating and uplifting, but still unique to them. They, would then, weave those words into verbal cues, and come up with alignment cues that didn't use anatomy jargon. He also said explain everything in the least amount of words possible, and never give a cue over eight words. But, those are just suggestions, it also depends on your theme, style, lineage, pace, etc. Just know finding your voice takes time and be patient! "Do your practice, all is coming!" Congratulations on your first class!" Links Book: Art of Attention: A Yoga Practice Workbook for Movement as Meditation by Elena Brower Podcast: The Connected Yoga Teacher Episode 015: Molly Kitchen Consent Cards Yoga Anytime Online Classes Yoga Glo Online Classes The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Set Up a Consultation Call with Shannon

In episode 17, Shannon welcomes Julia Khafizov who shares her perspective as a yoga teacher on chronic pain and its fascinating link to the nervous system. Julia immersed herself in yoga 15 years ago when her chronic back pain led her on a search for relief. She further injured her hamstrings while taking her yoga teacher training and subsequently worked with physiotherapists for 2 years, noticing that her injuries were not repairing well. Luckily, Julia found a physiotherapist that she describes as having a "global approach" that takes into consideration the effect the nervous system has on pain production. Symptoms such as insomnia, bouts of anxiety, and digestive issues were all indications that Julia needed to incorporate nervous system training in addition to her structural training when it came to pain management. Julia currently lives in Grand Prairie, Alberta where she teaches private and group pain care classes that incorporate other facets of yoga such as meditation and Yin. 2:15 Julia's background 4:40 Julia's introduction to yoga and how she began specializing in pain care 8:00 Nervous system training 9:45 Neuroscience education and its ability to relieve chronic pain 10:55 Neil Pearson's concept of intellectual engagement along with movement in the treatment of chronic pain 12:45 The measurable changes in neurochemistry when an educational component is introduced 13:45 Matthew Ramski's contribution to the discussion of pain by asking where our concept of modern yoga originates, how we teach, how we cue, etc. 15:40 How asking students to move deeper into a pose can be problematic 18:30 Questions to ask prospective students with chronic pain, red flags, and being open to the possibility your class may not be suitable 20:00 Julia's group and private pain care classes and advice on helping someone with chronic pain in a yoga setting 23:00 Importance of using techniques to calm the nervous system which include mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork 23:55 "Are you Highly Sensitive?" test by Elaine N. Aron is helpful in determining the degree of sensitivity of your client and the importance of being aware of the "loop of chronic pain" in relation to sensitivity 25:55 Complex techniques to de-regulate the nervous system 27:45 Are the techniques effective if your client can't lie down? 28:45 Julia's suggestions for pain care teacher training 30:25 General messages to relay to your class when focused on pain care 32:00 Asking students if they feel safe rather than if something hurts, understanding the mind/body disconnect with students who experience chronic pain 35:45 The importance of emotional safety, that there is a connection between bodily pain and emotional pain and trauma 37:00 Julia's go-to technique for calming the nervous system and pain relief 37:10 Advice to yoga teachers: "Pain is our friend" 43:00 Shannon's summary and takeaways from the interview including additional techniques when working with students with chronic pain Links and Resources Julia's Website: Satori Yoga E-book gift: Pain Care Workbook by Julia Khavizof Matthew Remski's Website Book: Painful Yarns: Metaphors and Stories to Help Understand the Biology of Pain by Lorimer Mosely Youtube Video: Ted Talk- Why Things Hurt Sa Ta Na Ma Meditation "Are You Highly Sensitive?" test by Elaine N. Aron Pain Management Training: Bo Forbes: Yoga, Mindfulness, Neuroscience, the Body and Contemplative Practice Course Neil Pearson's Pain Care Workshops Matthew Ramsky's Online Course: What are we Actually Doing in Asana? Podcast: Episode 003 TCYT: Trauma Training for Everyone With Margaret Howard The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

On today's episode Shannon shares her experience with creating a yoga teacher website and the 5 pages that she has found important to include so that content is clear and concise. No matter where you are in the process of building a website, including these five pages will help you design or refresh your online content. 1. Home Your home page is what website visitors usually see first. People are busy and they don't stay long on a website page. The key elements of this page may include: WHO YOU ARE- quick intro, more on the About Me page WHAT YOU OFFER- be specific about your specialty within yoga WHO YOU ARE SERVING- who is your ideal student? WHAT BENEFITS CAN BE GAINED BY WORKING WITH YOU Action step: Look for websites you've been drawn to. You can use elements that appeal including colours, font. Don't worry about copying the template of it because once you add your own photos and copy it will become your own and it will be unique. 2. Contact This is a great place to start if you're feeling stuck on where to begin. Include your phone number, email, and social media links. 3. Yoga Services Offered List your classes, programs, sessions, retreats and workshops in this section with descriptions. Consider embedding a calendar such as Google calendar. It is a good idea to use a separate calendar for private bookings. Don't forget to include all the information you would put on a poster. Where is your event, retreat or yoga class being held? When is it? Include the weekday, date, month, year and time Who is hosting the event? It is nice to share a short bio and photo of the facilitator(s) What is it that you are advertising? This title should be large and at the top Why should people attend? Have a list or paragraph that confirms the reasons that someone would benefit from attending your event/class/workshop/retreat How people can register or contact you Prices are great to have clearly stated Action step: Map out your schedule, create your class descriptions and try to be specific so students know what to expect (is it beginner friendly, for example.) 4. About Page Focus on who you want to serve always keeping in mind this is your opportunity to talk to your students directly. Here is where you can go more into detail about your own personal story as it relates to your business (Shannon has an upcoming episode on this topic) Things to consider: First or third person When sharing your story keep in mind you want it to tie into your yoga services Who are you serving? Define your ideal yoga student. What makes you the teacher your ideal students would want? What are the problems that you can help solve with your classes, workshops and retreats? Action Step: Define what you believe would be the obstacles and challenges your ideal student might face and how you can help. Bonus for Today's Episode: Click here to receive the free mini-course on how to update or create an amazing about page. 5. Resources Page: A Blog or Articles If you enjoy writing consider including a blog or articles page. Having additional content will help Google search and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) ensure your page shows up in more searches. When you write great articles it gives prospective or current students an opportunity to get to know you and it helps potential clients to get a better sense of your message. In Shannon's experience a blog feels like more of a journal and an article allows you to research and compile information that interests you and relates back to what you teach. Ask yourself if you're writing articles that reflects your niche. Action Item: If you don't know where to start with article writing start with journaling to clarify your thoughts, discover your writing style and area of interest. Build up a bank of articles aiming to write them once-a-week. It is helpful to block out a time on your calendar to help set aside the time. If after 6-8 weeks of publishing your content you will have a sense of whether sharing this resource works for you and how often you want to publish. Consistency is key Shannon's Favourite Website Tools Content Management System - Wordpress Theme - Divi theme - Elegant themes Host - FatCow (thoughts of switching to Blue Host or Canadian company Rebel) Peek User Testing -- tool for website review

Shannon knew she wanted to have yoga teacher Molly Kitchen on her podcast after connecting with her about her well designed and helpful consent cards. On today's episode, Molly shares with us her thoughts on hands-on assists, her experience with consent cards, and their connection to trauma sensitivity. Molly Kitchen lives in western Massachusetts and has been teaching yoga since 2009, receiving her 500-hour certification in 2016. She describes her teaching style beautifully: "Molly's yoga teaching is infused with clarity, humor, and heart. Her classes combine physical rigor with attention to detail, balanced by humor, mythic stories, and a discerning spiritual philosophy. Using precise alignment instruction and inspiring philosophy, she creates an environment that invites her students to connect with the wisdom of their hearts." Molly is also the founder and director of Adhikara Yoga School which incorporates social justice values in its teachings. The school also focuses on a trauma-informed approach to teaching which acknowledges that there will always be at least one student in any style of class that has experienced complex trauma and credits her 40-hour Trauma Center Yoga Training with David Emerson & Jenn Turner, PhD, with guiding her in this awareness that she passes on to her students. Molly's passion for teaching yoga does allow her some time to play outside with her husband and nurture her interest in herbal medicine. Today's Podcast 7:15 Molly talks about what has been keeping her busy 9:20 What inspired Molly to begin using Consent Cards 11:00 What differences Molly noticed after the Consent Cards were introduced 12:55 Building trust: how students are responding to Consent Cards 14:05 Explaining the Consent Cards to students 15:15 On using the word "assists" instead of "adjustments" 16:20 Does Molly always use hands-on assists? 17:45 In which classes are hands-on assists often used? 18:35 Does Molly ever run out of time to use Consent Cards? 20:20 When you might not want to do hands-on assists 21:05 Molly's favourite assists to receive 22:00 Which pose does Molly most assists students with? 22:55 Production of Consent Cards 25:10 Molly's path to reconnecting with her personal yoga practice 28:10 Making "free time" to scheduling in your practice and training 30:00 Shannon's thoughts on assists and consent cards Links Consent Cards designed by Molly Molly Kitchen's Website Adhikara Yoga School - Train with Molly TCYT Episode 003: Trauma Training for Every Yoga Teacher with Margaret Howard TCYT Episode 004: Assisting Students Without Touch with Shannon Crow TCYT Live Show

Today's guest, Kate Connell Potts, relays to Shannon her particular love for teaching clients on a one-to-one basis. In her friendly, bubbly manner, she shares why her passion aligns with this teaching format and how teaching private classes can serve you and your clients. Kate lives with her husband and young son in Iowa City, Iowa. She went to College for Criminology and Psychology and carried on with her lifelong love of swimming by studying Aquatics. Kate's connection to yoga began in her teenage years, taking a class on a whim, she noticed the movement felt effortless. Her relationship with the practice led her to teach after finishing college. Kate led classes in many forms and her experiences (including her work with swimmers,) helped her define what she wanted to hone in on; private classes. Her private classes began, in part, when she was contemplating where to teach yoga and perceived that clients would benefit from establishing their yoga practices at home. The fulfillment she found teaching one-on-one was something that Kate wanted to share with others and does so in a warm down-to-earth way, calling herself a "Private Yoga Teacher's Best Friend." Kate produces and offers a variety of resources to other yoga teachers that include: her book The Art of Teaching Private Yoga, blog posts, online courses and in-person trainings which has taken through the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. 3:45 How Kate came to practice and then teach Private Yoga Classes 11:05 How to begin teaching or expand your Private Yoga Classes 14:00 Establishing your Private Classes -whether you're a new or seasoned teacher 16:50 Your ideal client - PFPP (Perfect Fit Private Partner) 18:30 Charging for Private Classes when establishing yourself and as you move forward 20:30 Intake and Assessment- a holistic approach 23:13 Creating Packages- "5 is best", why Kate feels one-offs are problematic 26:00 A Couple of ways to Package your sessions 27:35 Working towards a confident money mindset 30:15 How to approach setting a timeline with your client: acute settings e.g. pre or post surgical, pre or post natal or on a trajectory e.g. creating and sustaining an at-home yoga practice 35:15 What Kate found transformative about teaching in a private vs. group setting and establishing professional boundaries while still showing up as human 40:55 How can you work with Kate? Her offerings and resources. Links Kate's Website: You and the Yoga Mat Kate's Facebook page The Art of Teaching Private Yoga Kate's Private Yoga Teachers Facebook Group Client In-Take and Assessment Cheat Sheet Book: The Art of Teaching Private Yoga by Kate Connell Potts Article: How One-Off Sessions Could Kill Your Private Practice by Kate Connell Potts

Shannon is excited to welcome the dynamic duo Paloma Neuman and Renee Gauthier, experienced yoga retreat planners. If you've played with the idea of planning a retreat, this episode will give you a sense of the process involved in planning and will perhaps inspire you to plan a group yoga retreat yourself. Renee Gauthier is based in San Diego with her husband and daughter and has taught yoga for 10 years. Traveling to many different places to teach, along while navigating a period of loss in her personal life left Renee emotionally and physically depleted. This led her to make the choice to live her life in a more conscious manner. Yoga retreats appealed to Renee because she wanted to provide space for others to heal and live wholeheartedly. Paloma Neuman lives in San Diego with her husband in son and much like Renee found herself feeling depleted and looking for a new focus in her career. Paloma had a powerful connection to yoga and while she chose not to teach yoga, the practice has become a life passion. Another major driving force in Paloma's life is travel. Describing her desire for travel in her bones, she merged yoga with travel to create My Dharma Yoga. Paloma serendipitously met Renee when she attended a yoga class and they immediately connected. The two began working on events and benefits that were both successful and fun finding they complimented one another. Out of this feeling Rock Your Yoga Retreat was born. Now, Renee and Paloma not only plan and lead retreats, they help others do what they have found so fulfilling using many tools such as workshops, online courses, and the Facebook group Travel, Teach and Thrive for Yoga Teachers. 8:00 How Renee and Paloma got started with yoga retreats 19:15 Benefits of hosting a yoga retreat 22:30 Starting with smaller retreats 24:50 5 Key Elements of Leading a yoga retreat 26:55 Who is your ideal attendee? What do they want and what do they need? 30:35 What helps to make the planning and decision-making easier? 32:30 The retreat begins way before the first day when everyone meets 34:50 Marketing plan for your retreat 36:10 VIP wait list for your retreat 37:25 Budgeting and pricing your yoga retreat for success; list of retreat expenses, be aware of "sneaky" expenses 46:05 Why retreats planned every year are so beneficial "the bigger picture" 48:45 How do you know if you are ready to host a yoga retreat? 53:30 Can you be on retreat when you are hosting one? 57:00 How you can work with Paloma and Renee 1:00:05 Where Paloma and Renee would love to go on their next retreat Links 5 Key Elements of Leading a Yoga Retreat Rock Your Yoga Retreat Travel, Teach & Thrive for Yoga Teachers FB Group Email: [email protected] Maclean's Article: Why Canada is the only country in the world to celebrate Victoria Day by Alan Parker

On this week's episode Shannon welcomes Joanne Pineau. Joanne is a yoga teacher, educator, and author whose enthusiasm for the healing power of yoga for both mind and body impressed Shannon when she attended one of Joanne's courses on managing sciatic pain. Joanne's passion has led her take numerous trainings and certifications in the many facets of body healing. This has enabled Joanne to share her valuable wisdom with others through her 20 years of teaching yoga, her expert knowledge of sciatic and lower back pain, and in practicing Reiki, Thai Yoga Massage, not to mention her writing and workshops. Joanne has her 500 YTT, an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, and taken countless other trainings. She is the owner and operator of Inner Journey Yoga Therapy and works at Synergetic and Wellness Centre. Joanne is a mother of six and lives in Thornbury, Ontario. 3:00 How Joanne began specializing in sciatic pain management 3:20 What is the difference between sciatica and sciatic pain? What is piriformis syndrome? 6:55 Anatomical link between sciatic pain and the piriformis muscle 8:50 Five actions yoga teachers can take to address their clients' sciatic pain: 1. Ask the students what they've experienced (including professional advice and treatment they've received) 2. Poses that help 3. Understanding the seriousness of nerve compression 4. Try to determine your client's level of pain 5. Include pelvic stability techniques in class 16:40 Importance of strengthening the iliopsoas muscles and poses to engage muscles 18:10 Sacroiliac joint instability 18:34 Importance of teaching posture through poses such as staff and mountain pose in class 19:20 Importance of teaching posture outside of yoga classes (how to hold themselves when sitting and standing,) to bring symmetry and length through the spine 21:16 Adding interest to what may seem like basic poses that benefit the management of sciatic pain 22:45 Importance asking your students a lot of questions to find their pain comfort zone and go-to poses for the individual 25:15 The trust and appreciation students will feel if you take the time to listen and try to understand their pain, find poses that work for them- there is no need to worry you aren't an expert in this area 27:20 Joanne's workshop and class offerings such as her Lower Back Pain, Sciatica, and Pelvic Health exercise program Links Joanne's Website: Inner Journey Yoga Therapy Joanne's Classes and Workshops Synergetic and Wellness Centre The Avatar Course Book: Stop Sciatic Pain by Joanne Pineau Book: The Psoas Book by Liz Koch

Today Shannon welcomes Tracey Eccleston to discuss a topic that is often difficult for yoga teachers: money. It may seem contrary to aparigraha (that non-attachment, non-greed yama that Patanjali outlined in the eight limbs), but Tracey reassures us that taking care of our finances allows us to care for self and others. As you will hear, she loves looking at the business side of yoga and is brimming with valuable advice. This episode covers how to value your time so you can decide what to charge for your services with confidence, managing your finances so you have money for retirement, the concept of a 10/20/70 income mindset and much more. Tracey began yoga teacher training while attending Wilfrid Laurier University, finding herself interested in the many facets of the practice. This led her to study at the Kripalu Centre for Yoga and Health in Lennox, Massachusetts. Since then she has gone on to receive her E-RYT 500 certification. Tracey is the creator of the Foundations of Chair Yoga & Chair Yoga Therapeutics teacher training and is the lead instructor at Ageless Arts & Yoga School located in Paris, Ontario. Here, Tracy offers 200-hour Yoga teacher trainings twice a year along with chair yoga and is thrilled to offer her popular Kayak Yoga and Meditation workshops that combine many of Tracey's interests. Tracey also shares her yoga internationally through her travels and online class offerings. Keep an eye out for the many yoga classes and trainings on The Ageless Arts Yoga & School website. 4:15 Establishing your value as a yoga teacher 5:25 Is a one-hour class really an hour worth of time? 7:55 How Tracey sets the prices for her classes 9:15 Things to consider when setting your price 10:45 Retirement plans for yoga teachers 11:20 10/20/70 money mindset 12:45 Tracey's teaching schedule 15:00 Class package concept and early bird rates 15:45 Don't spend your income until you earn it (and the importance of a refund policy) 17:00 Hiring an accountant to guide you 18:35 Guilt associated with charging for your services- how you can pay yourself and give back to the community 21:20 Tracy talks about her innovative kayaking yoga Today's Episode is Sponsored by: The online Money Mindset Workshop with Rosslyn KemererThursday, May 25, 2017 10-11:30am EST Cost: $45 CAD [including downloadable replay video] Links Ageless Arts Yoga website Kayaking Yoga and Meditation with Tracey Biz Chix Episode 216: Is this a Business, Hobby or Charity? Biz Chix Episode 241: How to Learn to Profit First with Mike Michalowicz In that episode with Natalie Eckdahl, Mike discusses letting go of our traditional equation of: Sales – Expenses = Profit And talks about how when we let profit come last in the equation – it actually will come last in our real life. So instead we switch it around to be this equation: Sales – Profit = Expenses ______________________ So many thanks to Rob for editing this podcast the week before his wedding to the beautiful and amazing Lindsay. Also huge gratitude for Laura, for putting the show notes together for all of the yoga teachers.

In today's episode Shannon shares what she aims to avoid in the time after savasana (relaxation). She also shares what she always includes as well as what she sometimes includes. There are lots of little tips and tricks for teachers of all styles and experience to try. We also get to hear from some of our other fellow Connected Yoga Teachers. Rest deeply in Savasana every day. Always enter that pratyahara (withdrawn state) every day. And just enjoy yourself." — Judith Hanson Lasater 1:40 Shannon shares her thoughts on the time after savasana 5:35 What Shannon tries to avoid in the post savasana time 9:12 What Shannon likes to include in each class after savasana 12:40 What Shannon sometimes includes after savasana 18:30 Thoughts on savasana from some of our Connected Yoga Teachers Thanks to those of you who shared your thoughts: Amanda Eriksen of Rising Crow YogaCathy Scott Rosslyn Kemerer of Wholehearter Yoga Maisie Kennedy of Grace Yoga Emily McConnell Joanne Pettit-Myers of Bend Yoga StudioVicki Rowsell of Everywhere Yoga Links: Guided Savasana by Shannon on The Connected Yoga Teacher Live Show Metta Meditation

In Part III of Shannon's Pelvic Health Mini Series, she welcomes Shelly Prosko, another passionate professional who works in the realm of pelvic health. With warmth and grace she shares her perspective adding to our discussion on pelvic health. Shelly Prosko has an extensive fitness and physical therapy background which led her to combine physical therapy and yoga to become a Professional Yoga Therapist. She is a pioneer in her Physio Yoga Therapy- a combination of Physical Therapy and Medial Therapeutic Yoga. She received her Physical Therapy degree at the University of Saskatchewan in 1998, her Medical Therapeutic Yoga training through the Professional Yoga Therapy Institute in North Carolina and her Pilates Certification through the Professional Health and Fitness Institute in Maryland. Shelly has treated those with issues surrounding pain management and, driven by her passion for sharing all she has learned with others, she offers specialty PhysioYoga Therapy courses along with speaking at various educational schools and conferences throughout Canada and The United States. Shelly has a love for acting, dancing, and music and figure skating. Shelly's journey to PhysioYoga 2:50 Who can study with Shelly 7:25 Building relationships and gaining referrals from health care professionals 11:00 Shelly contemplates if there would be an effective way to integrate physiotherapy into the 200-hour yoga teacher training and learn more about anatomy and physiology? 17:55 The practice of Kegels and Muhla Bandha 22:00 The movement of the diaphragm and pelvic floor when breathing 23:45 Caution around doing Kegels 24:45 An overactive pelvic floor is more common than we might think 25:30 Shelly discusses a study done in 2016 by Van Dyken & Sinead Dufour that discover that 83% of people with low back pain have an over-recruited pelvis 25:45 Another study done on incontinence links the condition with poor balance and often the pelvic floor is over-activated in this case 26:25 Referring a yoga student to a Physiotherapist or with pelvic health, a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist when it is appropriate 28:00 Clues that yoga students may be over-engaging their pelvic floor 30:09 Jules Mitchell and her thoughts on stretching 31:00 Kegels may aggravate pelvic floor dysfunction 32:25 Proper way to do a Kegel or do Mulha Bandha 33:00 Shelly shares that 50% of people, after being taught one-on-one still struggle with the proper way to do Kegels 33:15 Mulha Bandha - one of the energetic locks 34:30 Introduction of Mulha Bandha in Western yoga 35:05 Leslie Kaminoff's explanation of the history of Mulha Bandha and its use in pranayama and sitting 36:10 Pelvic Floor health in relation to health and movement 37:20 Antony Lo the Physio Detective #tensiontotask 41:00 Is the Muhla Bandha comparable to Kegels? 42:40 How Shelly cues Muhla Bandha Shelly's article (link below) 8 ways to Engage Pelvic Floor Links Shelly's Webpage Anthony Lo- The Physio Detective Julie Wiebe pt Jules Mitchell Pelvic Floor Galore Blog Post: Optimizing Pelvic Floor Health: Where Does Yoga Fit In? by Shelly Prosko Article: 8 Ways to Help Yoga Students Engage Their Pelvic Floors by Shelly Prosko Article: Optimizing Pelvic Floor Health Through Yoga Therapy by Shelly Prosko Article: Anatomic connections of the diaphragm: influence of respiration on the body system by Bruno Bordoni and Emiliano Zanier Youtube Video: Bandhas in a Modern Practice: A Historical Perspective by Leslie Kaminoff Special Thanks: To Laura for compiling the show notes (I am still laughing over your blueberry story from last week Laura!) and to Rob who edits all of the audio between bear sightings

008: Core Breath and Pelvic Health with Kim Vopni This week Shannon is pleased to share insight from another enthusiastic expert on the subject of pelvic health. Kim Vopni, also known as The Fitness Doula, is the mother of two children. Her pregnancy and birthing experiences, along with her educational background led her to focus on women's pelvic health. Kim holds a BA in Psychology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Health and Fitness. Kim's impressive education includes her certification as a personal trainer and pre/postnatal fitness consultant. She has completed training in The Hypropressive Method and Pfilates (Pelvic Floor Pilates) along with the Pregnancy Exercise and Birth Programming certificate with Burrell Education. Kim is passionate about normalizing the conversation around pelvic health and is an active voice for women of all ages. She is the author of "Prepare to Push- What your Pelvic Floor and Abdomen Want You to Know About Pregnancy and Birth", offers courses through Bellies Inc., and is a distributer of the EPI-NO, a pre-pregnancy tool that helped Kim through her own pregnancies. She is also the owner of Pelvienne Wellness Inc. and co-founder of Bellies Inc. Kim's story 4:35 Bellies Inc. Courses (online and in person) 6:30 What is Core Breath? 10:50 What is the Core? (core 4) 11:45 How to do Core Breath 12:20 How to find your Natural Pelvis from a Seated Position 16:25 How your Sitting Posture affects the Pelvic Floor 17:25 Kim's Cues for Pelvic Health Awareness 18:55 Kim's take on Mulha Bundas and Kegals 24:50 Is the Core Breath Safe for Everyone? 27:20 Benefits of Core Breath 29:40 Piston Image- Helping Bodily Systems Work Efficiently 31:55 Feeling that you are Breathing "backwards" 33:15 Bellies Inc. Courses 35:55 Links: Kim's Email: [email protected] Kim's Book: Prepare to Push EPI-NO Bellies Inc. Julie Wiebe Katy Bowman Article: Core Breathing- Core 4 by Shannon Crow Article: What is Diastasis Recti? By Shannon Crow and Kim MacDonald-Heilandt Video: Core Breath Video by Kim Vopni Video: Core Breath on Bellies Inc. Site by Kim Vopni Today's Episode is Sponsored by: Shannon Crow's Yoga for Pelvic Health: Online Training for Yoga Teachers Special Thanks to: Laura Cameron for writing such great show notes (even when I send an episode at the last minute) and to Rob Muir for editing the episodes (between moose sightings and cat snuggles)

Trista Zinn is a personal trainer who specialized in pelvic health and core pre-programming. Trista is the founder of Coreset Fitness. Her interest in pelvic health began when she was diagnosed with a grade 2 prolapse as the condition could not be corrected by surgery she sought out alternative treatments. Trista connected with the Hypopressive®Method so strongly that she travelled to Spain to train under the only English speaking teacher at the time. Trista is now Canada's highest qualified and most experienced trainer in Hypopressive® - Low Pressure Fitness. Trista is incredibly passionate about continuous education in the fitness field, feeling that new knowledge should be embraced and shared. She is a mother of 2 and an outdoor enthusiast. In this episode Shannon and Trista discuss their mutual interest in pelvic health, in particular, how it relates to breathing. Are common breath practices helpful or perhaps harmful to our pelvic health? Intro to Trista Zinn 5:15 What is Hypopressives? 6:25 Trista defines the Core 7:15 Importance of Posture 8:00 Benefits of Hypopressives 8:55 What Hypopressives encompasses 9:30 Who Should do Hypopressives? 10:10 Trisha's Tube of Toothpaste Analogy 12:00 Rib Cage Breath 13:35 Jelly Fish Breath Analogy 15:00 Belly Breathing 17:10 "Engage the core" in yoga why Trish believes this is a harmful cue 18:00 "Do Less"- helpful mantra with this practice 21:15 Uddiyana Bandha- similarities and differences between this breathing practice and Hypopressives 23:15 Caution around teaching Belly Breathing 25:00 Pelvic Floor Dysfunction 27:00 Caution around cueing Kegels 27:50 Trista's story- her Pelvic Prolapse 32:00 Taking the Hypopressive Course 34:45 Other Compatible Courses 35:25 Diaphragmic Breath- an unnecessary term 38:15 Links: Article: Jelly Fish Breath and Definition of Core by Shannon Crow Article: New Thoughts on Belly Breathing by Shannon Crow Video: Facebook Live: Introduction to Pelvic Health by Shannon Crow Video: "Your Diaphragm and the Cheetah" by Leslie Kaminoff Trista Zinn's Website Hypopressive Canada Deepha R. Romuwalt PT, C/NDT, Physio Plus, Owen Sound, Ontario Search for a Canadian Physio Floor Specialist Pelvic Health Solutions- Introductory Pelvic Health Course Bellies Inc Courses Today's Episode is Sponsored by: Shannon Crow's Yoga for Pelvic Health: Online Training for Yoga Teachers Special Thanks to: Laura Cameron, (writer, cat lover and yoga practitioner), for compiling such great show notes and Rob Muir for editing each and every show

Rosslyn Kermerer is a graphic designer turned yoga entrepreneur who founded Wholehearter Yoga. She lives just outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she operates a home studio, serving her community through yoga teaching, coaching, energy healing, and graphic design consulting. In this Episode Shannon talks to Rosslyn about what led her to focus her attention toward teaching online yoga classes via Skype and offers us the benefit of her experience as to how she's made this format work for her. Intro Shannon introduces Rosslyn and reads a letter from Nina, a member of The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group, who received mentorship from another member, today's guest Rosslyn Kermerer. "Private yoga instruction is truly a heart-to-heart teaching. It's meant to be intimate. Technology might feel incongruous to something so soulful, but with a little practice and intention, we can retain that sense on intimacy online." ~ Rosslyn Kemerer 5:00 Introducing Rosslyn 5:25 How Rosslyn's path led her to yoga 8:45 Rosslyn's virtual classes marketing process 9:45 Creating a waiver statement for online yoga classes 10:40 Scheduling Skype classes 12:30 How to prep a student for an online yoga class 13:00 To demo or not? Rosslyn speaks of her decision to abstain from doing many demonstrations. 14:00 Tips for setting up private virtual class 15:45 Rosslyn discusses her choice to keep instructions to her students on setting up their Skype sessions to a minimum and let them know she won't be demonstrating the moves so her clients know what to expect. 17:00 How to cope with a student's distracting spaces 18:35 Rosslyn discusses how she balances her work schedule 19:50 Props for online classes- are they necessary? 21:30 How Rosslyn chose to package her online services 23:00 How local students can benefit from Skype classes 24:25 Rosslyn shares another aspect of her work life- consulting with yoga teachers 27:25 How to price online versus in person classes 28:45 Local group classes Rosslyn teachers 29:20 Rosslyn explains her inspiring Practice Project- a 30-day home practice kit to engage a small group of students to connect or re-connect with their yoga classes in a variety of ways. 31:35 Summary Connect with Rosslyn Website: www.wholehearteryoga.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/rosslyn.kemerer Instagram: @wholehearter Links Rosslyn's New Client Form Schedulicity Today's Show Was Sponsored By The Movement Research Intensive designed by Diane Bruni