Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast

If you feel nervous before teaching - you are not alone. Feeling nervous is something that happens to everyone, yet somehow we tent to think we are the only ones who feel that way! In this episode, I will share my personal ideas, feelings, and strategies around how to handle getting nervous about your teaching. What being nervous really means Why it's actually a good thing What to do when you feel so nervous you think it might affect the quality of your teaching. Internal and external strategies for dealing with extreme nervousness.

Alexandria Crow shares insights on how yoga teachers can use social media in a way that is both ethical and effective. Highlights Benefits and pitfalls of social media for yoga teachers Alex’s elevator pitch How to decide which social media channels to use How to create content to post on social media How to measure your success on social media Invitation for Inspired Action Create your elevator pitch and share it on the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group! Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Email list to get access to bonus content for all episodes, both past and future. Alex’s Website

If you struggle with pricing or are unsure about how to set prices for your teaching, this episode is a mini-training to help you set a minimum hourly rate.

Physical therapist and yoga teacher Libby Hinsley discusses the significance of the psoas muscle and how yoga teachers can most effectively work with it in their classes. Highlights The primary role of the psoas muscle (it’s probably not what you think) Symptoms of psoas dysfunction Two reasons why modern humans have more problems with the psoas than our ancestors How the psoas shapes the body Two neuromuscular principles for supporting the psoas to lengthen A formula for working with the psoas in yoga classes The problem with most anatomical cues and what you can do instead Invitation for Inspired Action Write a sequence using Libby’s psoas love formula. Who is your audience? Will they benefit from indirect strengthening or can you target the psoas major muscles directly? Share it on the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group! Email subscribers get a bonus download: Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Email list to get access to bonus content for all episodes, both past and future. Gil Hedley anatomical dissection videos Libby's website Join Anatomy Bites 5 Things You Should Know About The Psoas Major - Free Download

Is it ethical to charge for yoga? Highlights What yoga teachers are selling (it's not yoga) Why free yoga may not be in the best interest of the student. Why money causes so many people to behave unethically - and why yoga teachers are far from immune. How to make better decisions around money. Lessons from ancient yogic texts such as the yoga sutras and the Bhagavad Gita. Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Email list to get access to bonus content for all episodes, both past and future. Kaya Mindlin's Instagram (she does Sakskrit Saturday tutorials)

Learn how to market your offerings in a way that is both honest and effective - and avoid the most common marketing pitfalls along the way. Highlights The evolution of the ‘yoga industry’ in the past few decades Why most yoga teachers think of marketing in backwards - and how turning that thinking around can transform their relationship to marketing The weird reason I used to be afraid of marketing - and how I got over myself How (and why) to depersonalize the results of your marketing One powerful assignment to get you started with effective marketing. Invitation for Inspired Action Set up tea or phone calls with 5 of your most dedicated students. Determine what they appreciate about your classes, what need they feel it fulfills, and what challenges or frustrates them in their practice. Pay attention to the language they use and the things they care about. Once you have had your first conversation, please come onto the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group and tell us what you learned. Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Email list to get access to bonus content for all episodes, both past and future.

Bernie Clark shares how you can use knowledge of anatomical variation to make your yoga classes more inclusive and supportive of long term optimal health for your students. Highlights The most important anatomical concepts that yoga teachers often get wrong. The most important question for yoga teachers and students to ask themselves about asana. How to know if you should study anatomy as a yoga teacher. The anti-fragility curve and what it means for yoga teachers Common poses to avoid teaching in a mixed group Three principles of intelligent strengthening for the spine Invitation for Inspired Action Ask your students “What are you feeling?” Enter to win Bernie’s two most recent books: Your Body Your Yoga and Your Spine Your Yoga. Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Email list to get access to bonus content for all episodes, both past and future. Bernie’s Website Purchase Bernie’s books on Amazon:

Learn strategies for thriving as a yoga teacher when you live in a rural and/or seasonal area in this on-air coaching session with Valarie Anderson. Highlights How to approach the concept of niche when you live in a very small town. How to talk about yoga with people who only have had a very limited exposure to it and may feel skeptical about it. How to structure your class offerings when you live in a place with huge seasonal changes in weather and/or population. How to get over feeling awkward when you tell people about your classes. Plus - listen in as Valarie surprises Mado by already having a ready made niche with a ton of demand right under her nose. Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Email list to get access to bonus content for all episodes, both past and future.

An innovative yoga studio business model that is designed to center the needs of yoga teachers and support them to make a living as a teacher. Highlights ~ Why Kaya chose this business model ~ The three prongs of a yoga studio ~ the students, the studio, the teachers and whether all three can "win" ~ Who this kind of model is for and who it isn't for ~ Why running a studio as simply as possible is good for resolving the "good girl" syndrome of perfectionism and overdoing Invitation for Inspired Action Have you thought about starting your own studio? Let us know on the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group! Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Email list to get access to bonus content for all episodes, both past and future.

Mado shares how you can use the latest research in neuroscience to turn your personal practice from a resource intensive decision to a nourishing habit. Highlights Why habit formation is a missing piece in most teacher trainings The three main components of a habit and how to manipulate them to create an effortlessly consistent personal practice 5 types of triggers how to strengthen their effect Ritual, accountability and small wins Invitation for Inspired Action Look for an accountability partner on the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group! Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Email list to get access to bonus content for all episodes, both past and future. The Power Of Habit by Charles Duhigg (Affiliate link)

The queen of alignment and grandmother of yoga in Asheville shares some wisdom about functional anatomy and the best way for yoga teachers to use her book “Healing Our Backs with Yoga”. Highlights The difference between positive pain and negative pain. How to use the image of a clock face to guide your students into optimal core alignment and activation. How to work progressively to heal back pain, including what goals to prioritize in what order. The best way for yoga teachers to get started using the sequences in Lillah's book. Invitation for Inspired Action Pick one of the sequences from Healing our Backs with Yoga and practice it three days in a row. Share your results on the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group! Links and Resources Enter to win a copy of Lillah's book on the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group. Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Email list to get access to bonus content for all episodes, both past and future.

Mado helps a college writing professor with a passion for yoga nidra refine her niche, develop signature offerings, and create a strategy for attracting private clients. They also dive into practices to help overcome mindset issues when feeling resistant to promotion and marketing. Highlights How to set your own standards expectations for the structure of your teaching - no matter what the yoga community is like where you live. How to work backwards when you create your events so that they practically sell themselves. A powerful practice for overcoming resistance to marketing and promotion. Two new stories you can tell yourself about marketing and promotion. Links and Resources Sign up for a strategy session with Mado Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Email list to get access to bonus content for all episodes, both past and future.

Upgrade your cue-ability with this mini training on language with Laurel Beversdorf. Highlights Why language is so important in the context of teaching movement and even more so when teaching yoga How to use language to support your intention for teaching 4 different types of cues you can use in your classes and why you might choose each one Why watching your students reactions to your instructions is the most important part of cueing Invitation for Inspired Action Share it on the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group! Email subscribers get a bonus download: Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Email list to get access to bonus content for all episodes, both past and future.

Mado shares her personal practice for using mindful awareness to stop engaging in behaviors that are self-sabotaging or self-destructive. Highlights Why yoga teachers engage in the same self-destructive patterns as everyone else The major reason why we engage in behavior that we know is unhealthy The two steps to diffusing the power of our uncomfortable feelings The reason that resistance to feeling is more painful than the feeling itself Some examples of how I use this practice in my personal life Invitation for Inspired Action What is your go-to self-soothing behavior that you use to avoid uncomfortable feelings? It is so helpful to own that pattern and bring it into the light of day. You are invited to share with us on the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group. Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Email list to get access to bonus content for all episodes, both past and future.

Learn everything you need to know to make your first yoga video. Jess Rose shares the inside scoop of what it takes to make a high quality yoga video your first try. Highlights The equipment you really need to make a yoga video and tips for keeping your equipment costs down. The most important things to know BEFORE you start creating your video. The 3 most compelling reasons for yoga teachers to take the plunge and make a video. The pros and cons of recording your audio separately from your video. The biggest mistakes yoga teachers make when creating their first yoga video and how to avoid them. Tips to overcome self-consciousness so that your personality shines through your video. Invitation for Inspired Action Make your first yoga video and share it on the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group! Email subscribers get a bonus download: One Week to Your First Yoga Video. This download breaks down the steps needed to make your first yoga video into actionable and achievable milestones so that you can stay on track and produce your first yoga video in a relaxed and realistic time frame without getting sidetracked or overwhelmed. Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Jess Rose Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Email list to get access to the 7 step action plan and bonus content for other episodes, both past and future.

Still sending your email list a long boring newsletter filled with all the different events you have coming up? Or do you rarely send one at all? If so, you need this mini training on how to fully tap into of the power of email marketing for yoga teachers. Highlights Understand the mindset issues that prevent a lot of yoga teachers from creating an email list, growing their list, or tapping into the potential of their list and how to overcome them. Why your email list is the most powerful tool at your disposal to increase the number of people who attend your classes, workshops, and events. The most common mistakes that yoga teachers make when sending emails to their list. The reasons your email list is more valuable and potentially more effective than social media. The differences between the old (less effective) version of email marketing and current best practices. Strategies for building your email list and how to focus on attracting quality subscribers (ie - people who are more likely to end up signing up for your events). Invitation for Inspired Action Sign up for an email service provider if you don’t already have one. Then jot down some ideas for a lead magnet that you could use to motivate people to sign up. Share your ideas on the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group for feedback. Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Email Marketing Services These are all reputable companies who will stay on top of emerging laws and make sure your email marketing complies with them. They also have a good track record for helping your emails make it into the inbox of your subscribers. These are affiliate links, which means if you click through my link and sign up for a paid plan I will get a small commission. MailChimp This is the service I currently use, however I do not necessarily recommend it above the others. I think it is pretty intuitive and has a generous free plan but if you imagine you will grow an online component to your business the other service providers listed below are considered to be more robust. Convertkit is known for being really flexible and easy to use. If you think you’ll outgrow mailchimp, but want to make sure that you’re not getting in over your head, convertkit may be a good choice. Aweber has been the gold standard for email marketing for a long time. As a large and established business their reputation and delivery rates are rock solid.

On-air coaching calls provide real world examples of how to apply the topics of previous episodes. Hearing several examples will help you apply the concepts from last week’s episode (find and nurture your ideal yoga student) to your own situation. Highlights Karin has been teaching yoga for 10 years and works full time in the healthcare field. She would like for her niche to focus on teaching self-care as a non-negotiable rather than a luxury, but she’s not sure what population to focus on. Francine is working with a business coach who is trying to help her generate more revenue. She’s a bit overwhelmed with different options and wants to find a way to make her teaching sustainable so that she doesn’t burn out in the quest for revenue. Miranda is a digital media marketing expert and also a yoga teacher. Her company Namaste In Nature takes women who are looking for fun, safe, and healthy things to do in the Asheville, NC area on guided and curated yoga hikes. Miranda shares how even though her education is in marketing and she completely understands the benefits of niche, she had a hard time doing it herself because she was too close to the business. She also provides insight about what it’s like to work with a coach and the shifts she made in her business once she narrowed down her niche. Invitation for Inspired Action Share the current version of your niche on the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group

Increase your impact as a yoga teacher, reduce the time and energy you spend on marketing, support your personal practice, increase your confidence as a teacher, and promote a sense of cooperation and community with other yoga teachers by taking this one key step in your yoga business. Highlights 6 compelling reasons for yoga teachers to get clear on their ideal yoga student. Why some yoga teachers end up turning off their ideal students without even realizing it. Common myths and fears about niche plus realities and solutions The two most important things you need to find out about your ideal yoga student The (more effective) alternative to trying to please everyone. 3 strategies for validating what you think you know about your ideal student - and how to use what you discover to help your ideal students feel understood and nurtured. Invitation for Inspired Action Write down who your ideal student is and how you help them. Then please come to the yoga teacher resource private facebook group to share or ask for feedback. Links and Resources Want personalized help to select or refine your niche? Book single strategy session with Mado.

In this episode Kristine shares the benefits of slowing down your yoga practice and how the latest research in neurobiology overlaps with a traditional definition of yoga to explain why it works. Highlights A definition of yoga that is grounded in tradition yet fully relevant to modern life The evolution of research in the health and wellness sphere Why the yoga market is actually not saturated, contrary to popular belief How we can take advantage of our body’s natural drive for homeostasis to build resilience Why “the pause is just as important as the pose” Invitation to Inspired Action Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Subtle Yoga (Kristine’s website, visit to get free download on the benefits of slow yoga) Enlightenment Now (book Mado recommended in the episode)

Mado shares some basic principles of how to take care of your wrists in a yoga class setting. Highlights Two major factors in how much load your wrists can handle The main reason that so many yoga students experience wrist pain My favorite modifications to allow students to participate in classes while still protecting sensitive wrists. (Bonus video download for subscribers) The exercises that I do regularly to support strength, mobility, and adaptability in my wrists. Invitation for Inspired Action Subscribe to my email list to watch the video showing my favorite wrist exercises and try them out! Then Let me know what you think on the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group.

In this episode Trina Altman shares her thoughts on injury prevention and how she see yoga & Pilates evolving from a “top down” lineage based approach towards a more personalized and “bottom up” approach. We also talk about: 1. Why Momentum Fest (interdisciplinary Pilates conference) was such a life changing experience for her. 2. How to approach learning anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics & exercise science principles by following your passions. 3. Why it’s important for yoga teachers to take private sessions in other movement modalities. and more... For complete show notes including link and tips on how to approach teaching private sessions visit the post for this episode.

In this episode, I share the process that I use to help me decide what the most important actions are to move me towards my goals with integrity. Highlights My biggest challenge in being self-employed. The difference between vision and goals Why choosing a specific population to focus on teaching can provide clarity and momentum Questions to help you create a vision that inspires you How to choose a well formed goal - and consistently take action until it is completed Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Download the Vision and Goals Worksheet (companion to this episode) Get on the waitlist for the Yoga Teacher Accountability Groups

Margaret shares important things yoga teachers should know about addiction and recovery, what we can do to support our students who are struggling with these issues, and simple techniques for helping all our students build resilience. Highlights An inclusive definition for addiction. The different forms addiction may take and who is at risk. How yoga can help those suffering from addiction How addiction and trauma are related CRM community resiliency model (how to return to resiliency) Margaret’s advice for yoga teachers in how to support people in addiction and recovery Signs of stress and signs of recovery Invitation for Inspired Action Techniques we invite you try in your classes: Offer pauses to check in Cue interoceptive awareness (locate and track sensations inside as they shift). Ask the question “What are you feeling on the inside right now?” Use a countdown in challenging poses to help people learn to tolerate discomfort Links and Resources The Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Margaret’s Website

Many yoga teachers dream of making their entire living from teaching yoga, but is the reality of that idea really so appealing? In this episode, Mado breaks down the nitty gritty of what it takes to be a full time yoga teacher and also a few reasons you might want to stick to part time. Highlights The reasons yoga teachers go full time and why some prefer part time. The realities of being an entrepreneur. The conflict between practicing yoga and teaching yoga as a business. The dangers along the path of being a full time yoga teacher. The reasons I choose to be a yoga entrepreneur anyway. 4 questions to ponder in deciding whether or not full time is for you. Links and Resources The Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Schedule a strategy session with Mado

Dr Crystal Frazee, physical therapist and yoga teacher, shares the essentials of what she believes every yoga teacher should know about the physiology of breathing. This includes why we breath, how we breath, and how to properly teach breathing to our students. Highlights Introduce foundational respiratory mechanics and physiology translate the anatomy and science to common pranayama practices apply pain science and knowledge of the stress response to help people relieve pain through breathing practices learn the habit loop and why it's important when teaching breathing practices gain confidence that you are teaching safe, sound pranayama practices that heal and don't harm Links and Resources The Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Crystal’s Website Graduate School Of Behavioral Health Sciences (where Crystal studied breathing mechanics) Breathing Basics Handout Breathing assessment worksheet *note- this worksheet is laid out as a diagnostic tool, however yoga teachers are not qualified to make diagnoses. If you download this worksheet, you agree to use this for your own education and as a tool to evaluate whether or not to refer a client or student to a clinician for diagnosis. Breathing assessment worksheet *note- this worksheet is laid out as a diagnostic tool, however yoga teachers are not qualified to make diagnoses. If you download this worksheet, you agree to use this for your own education and as a tool to evaluate whether or not to refer a client or student to a clinician for diagnosis.

Mado and Shannon Crow talk about competition among yoga teaches. They share how and why yoga teachers can use yogic principles to guide their actions, especially when faced with the challenges of competition, jealousy, and scarcity. Highlights The brahmaviharas and how they guide our interactions with others Why yoga teachers benefit from a specific niche What do do when a feeling of competition or envy comes up The hidden benefits of jealousy Links and Resources The Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group The Connected Yoga Teacher - Shannon’s Website

Mado draws on her former roles as freelance web designer and web project manager to help you decide whether or not you really need a website as a yoga teacher. She will share the potential benefits and possible pitfalls to creating and managing your own website, the most essential features to include on a yoga teacher website, and the top 3 mistakes yoga teachers make when creating their first website. Highlights My background in web design Which yoga teachers do not need a website at all Why the rest of you need a website Who can (and should) get away with a super minimalist website Essential components of a super minimalist website What you need to do BEFORE you invest in a more complex website 4 basic choices for creating your website Links and Resources *please note that some of these may be affiliate links, which means that if you sign up with them I may make a small commission. This does not change your cost and helps support the podcast. Some reputable website hosts HostGator BlueHost Free DIY wordpress website training

Jennifer O’Sullivan spent 5 years as the hiring manager for an urban yoga studio in the DC metropolitan area. In this episode she shares insider tips and tricks for getting noticed and getting hired. We also dive into the world of the yoga studio business model and what it’s like on the other end. Highlights Understanding the yoga studio marketplace and why being professional and putting best foot forward matters Market pressures on yoga studio Saturation of teachers If you want a career teaching yoga, you have to treat it that way Studio owners/hiring managers are very busy, they wear many hats, and manage many right and left-brain tasks that aren’t common in other businesses. The thought process that owners and teacher managers go through when they receive a teaching inquiry: Is this person a good fit? Is this person qualified to teach what they say they can teach? When is this person available? How the process generally works, keeping in mind that all studios are a bit different You inquire, hopefully not too much back and forth b/c you provided all the relevant info up front. You will likely be invited to audition or if you are already teaching somewhere the hiring person my came to your class (don’t expect this!) Initially you are likely to be invited to join the sub list which gets you in the door for openings when they come up. Usually studios fill class spots from within. Inspired Action: Get your Resume updated (or make your first draft if you don’t have one yet). Download our bonus printable checklist to make sure yours is on point. Links and Resources Jennifer’s Website Join the conversation on the private Facebook group for this podcast Bonus: YTR Printable Resume Checklist

Mado and Anna have a conversation about how to make ethics from the yamas and niyamas a part of your daily yoga practice. Highlights Ethics are the foundation of a stable & consistent yoga practice. Reframing Ethics: Reframing the Yamas/Niyamas can lead to deeper understanding. Yamas/Niyamas are key to mental health. Ethical frameworks bring empowerment. Ethics of Yoga over a Lifetime of Practice: Our understanding and application of ethics changes over time. Deepening our understand of ethics can guide us through uncertain times. The practice of welcoming states of confusion as opportunities can be very helpful in moving through them. “Grow through what we go through.” A clear understanding of ethics is the key to opening the door to greater happiness through clear comprehension. Compassion is Key: Compassion practice is Ahimsa, or non-violence. As we grow, we can suffer from harsh self-criticism and criticism from and for others. Self Compassion and Compassion towards others are equally as important as you begin the practice of yoga. As we begin to practice, we integrate all the parts of ourselves, and a strong guiding framework is key to lead us through the times we lose our way. Personal Reflection Questions: How do I practice ethical standards in my life? How has ethics played a role in my teaching so far? Do I consciously practice compassion in my life? Links and Resources Refresher overview of the yamas and niyamas Download for the extended version of Anna’s compassion meditation. Tara Brach David Foster Wallace 'This is Water'

Strategies to stay fresh and inspired - and what to do if they don’t work. Highlights A mindset shift to help you think about this topic in a new way and hopefully ease any anxiety you might have around it. The two key techniques for keeping your teaching fresh and inspired. What to do if these techniques stop working. Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource private facebook group. Self-inquiry/gut check questions to ask yourself: How many days per week are you getting on your mat? How many days would you ideally like to be practicing? On a scale of one to 10 on average how inspired do you feel during your personal practice? Which of the ideas to revitalize your practice sound fun or interesting to you? Write down at least ONE idea that sounds fun or inspiring to you. As an option post your practice plan for the week on the private facebook group for this podcast. If you haven’t joined yet, go to teachingyoga.net and click the join our community tab.

Mado is interviewed by life coach Michelle Ashley as she shares her inspiration and intention for this podcast. Highlights How Mado first started practicing yoga and her surprising first yoga teacher How Mado almost got derailed from becoming a yoga teacher The project that inspired Mado to start this podcast Mado’s advice for new yoga teachers Plans for future episodes Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource private facebook group. Michelle’s website

A quick introduction to the concept of the Yoga Teacher Resource podcast. Highlights The Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast was created to help yoga teachers Build their knowledge Connect to other teachers Hear new perspectives Stay inspired to practice and to teach Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource private facebook group.