Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast

Many yoga teachers struggle to maintain their personal practice once they start teaching. In this episode, I explore the challenges yoga teachers face in maintaining their personal practice after transitioning into teaching. Consistent personal practice is crucial for embodied knowledge, confidence, and self-care. We all face obstacles to staying consistent like time management, life changes, and even burnout. Tune in to hear my perspective on how to overcome those obstacles and develop a sustainable personal yoga practice that nourishes your teaching and your life. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Why many yoga teachers struggle to maintain their personal practice 01:05 Why a personal practice is essential for yoga teachers 02:18 Defining a personal practice 03:29 Benefits of a personal practice for yoga teachers 05:42 What a personal practice looks like 11:14 Overcoming obstacles to a consistent practice 14:32 Motivation and discipline 17:16 Adapting your practice to life changes 18:21 Evolving with your practice LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource  Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

Michelle Cassandra Johnson explores the kleshas—the five afflictions that cause suffering—within the framework of modern challenges ranging from racial injustice to climate change. Through personal stories, insights on yoga philosophy, and practical advice, Michelle offers a roadmap for understanding and addressing the root causes of suffering both individually and collectively. This conversation will inspire yoga practitioners and activists alike to engage deeply with their practice and strive for personal and social transformation. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Introduction to the kleshas 2:10 Levity as sustenance for deep work 04:45 Why Michelle chose to write about the kleshas 06:55 A primer on the kleshas 14:36 How the kleshas confront our assumptions 16:32 Pain and the kleshas 24:35 The kleshas and social change 42:14 Teaching the kleshas in yoga     EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Michelle Cassandra Johnson Book: Illuminating Our True Nature Illuminating Our True Nature Book Club Illuminating Our True Nature Course: The Five Afflictions Illuminating Our True Nature Gathering and Practice Follow Michelle on Instagram @skillinaction LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource  Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

In this Q&A style episode, I answer listener questions sent via social media and my website. Topics include managing expectations as a substitute instructor, creating body awareness in beginners, discomfort in studying anatomy, and building a sustainable business with corporate and private clients. Listen in to hear my thoughts on how much to explain your teaching style when you substitute teach, the best ways to help beginners, and how to build a clientele from the ground up.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Introduction to the Q&A format 01:20 What to do when you substitute for classes that are very different from how you teach. 04:53 The best way to support new students who have been mostly sedentary 10:09 How to handle physical reactions to studying anatomy 14:54 How to build a clientele of private and corporate clients 23:57 How to encourage clients to commit to weekly or bi-weekly sessions 28:31 Conclusion and call for more questions LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource  Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

Peek behind the curtain of Anatomy Bites - the easiest and most enjoyable way for yoga teachers to learn anatomy. In this unusual episode, you’ll hear the audio portion of a live Q&A session led by Dr. Libby Hinsley, physical therapist and yoga teacher. Anatomy Bites is a 36-module program designed to give yoga teachers a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. You’ll also hear the story of how Anatomy Bites came to be and learn about what it’s like to be a member. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 The birth of Anatomy Bites 04:16 Dynamic vs. static movements for strengthening 06:41 The relationship between the low back and glutes in backbends 11:50 Foot and knee alignment in backbends 22:24 Foot placement in wide leg forward fold 30:20 Does it matter which side you roll towards in savasana? 33:41 Concentric vs eccentric movement 38:11 Torn labrum & chronic pain 52:11 Noise in neck movement 53:11 Spinal issues in yoga classes 01:06:14 Rounding the spine for older adults 01:10:51 Nerve sensations in Yin Yoga 01:13:27 Understanding fascia and its impact on movement 01:15:48 What to do with the shoulder blades in forearm plank 01:19:16 What it’s like inside Anatomy Bites     EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Libby Hinsley Anatomy Bites Anatomy Bites - Embodied Anatomy Follow Libby on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource  Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

Marsha Banks-Harold is a yoga therapist who specializes in working with people impacted by trauma and/or living with special needs. In this inspiring conversation, she describes her journey from overworked engineer to yoga teacher and eventually a yoga therapist, studio owner, and founder of a non-profit. We dive into the differences between yoga teacher and yoga therapist, the importance of family and community, and her advice for yoga teachers with big dreams who are holding themselves back with self-doubt. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 03:06 Marsha Banks-Harold: engineer, yoga therapist, studio owner, and non-profit founder 04:21 How Marsha discovered yoga & decided to become a teacher 08:48 First teaching experience: adapting to students' needs 12:15 Differences between yoga teaching and yoga therapy 20:06 Building a vision: studio, school, and nonprofit 27:10 Obstacles in her path & how yoga helped 29:56 Family and community as a superpower 34:15 Why it’s important to share your vision 38:36 Marsha’s advice for yoga teachers struggling with doubt EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: PIES Fitness Yoga Studio Follow Marsha Banks-Harold on Instagram @marshadbanksharold Contact Marsha: piesfitness@gmail.com or 703-887-9574  LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource  Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

What does it mean to take the seat of the teacher? Shawna Emerick is an experienced yoga teacher who finds herself feeling like a beginner again as she takes on a new mindfulness meditation certification program. In this relatable discussion, we talk about the very real discomfort that comes with teaching yoga - and how the fact that it never fully goes away is a good thing. Other topics explored include; intuitive and deliberate modes of thinking, the relationship between renunciation and boundaries, and the differences between being a teacher and being a mentor. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 02:10 The Role of a Teacher 03:57 Intuition vs. Deliberation 07:06 Why we need to slow down to speed up 14:22 Does teaching involve renunciation 22:03 How people pleasing harms both teachers and students 25:43 The difference between teaching and mentorship 31:02 The relationship between mentorship and therapy 34:47 Why discomfort as a teacher is not the problem EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Shawna Emerick Follow Shawna on Instagram @shawnashakti Listen to Shawna’s previous episode: How to Overcome Fear & Doubt LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource  Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

Yoga Alliance standards have changed again! In this episode, Kathy Humphrys describes the evolution and impact of Yoga Alliance standards, particularly the recent changes in training requirements. She also provides practical advice for yoga teachers aiming to become registered trainers with Yoga Alliance and shares strategies for successfully creating and delivering high-quality yoga training programs. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:10 Kathy’s journey from teacher to teacher trainer 04:08 Why Kathy decided to license Standards 08:08 Yoga Alliance classroom hours - what they mean and how they impact teacher trainings 12:54 Lead trainer requirements 15:38 What it takes to register a school with Yoga Alliance 18:00 Do these new standards help improve the quality of YTTs? 26:08 Immersions vs teacher trainings 29:19 The future of yoga teacher trainings 36:42 The Yoga Alliance Core Competencies EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Ambassador Yoga Follow Ambassador Yoga on Instagram @yogatrainer.fasttrack Yoga Alliance LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource  Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

If you’re an anatomy nerd eager to share your enthusiasm for the human body with your students, you’ll love the insider tips and best practices we share in this conversation. Listen in to hear about the balance between clarity and accuracy, the importance of knowing your audience, and the potential pros and cons of incorporating anatomical concepts into asana classes. We also cover special considerations for teaching anatomy in yoga teacher training programs. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 02:51 Pros of including anatomy in yoga classes 04:36 Cons of including anatomy in yoga classes 05:47 Balancing anatomy in general classes 18:13 Considerations for teaching anatomy in teacher training 21:24 What it takes to be an excellent anatomy teacher 26:34 How to handle diagnostic questions 28:47 The most important aspects of anatomy for yoga teacher trainings 32:28 Dr. Libby Hinsley's anatomy training programs EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Libby Hinsley Anatomy Bites Anatomy Bites - Embodied Anatomy Follow Libby on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource  Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

Why is learning anatomy so hard for yoga teachers? In this episode, we discuss the importance of becoming fluent in basic anatomy to accurately speak about the body in your yoga classes. We know anatomy can feel like a foreign language - that’s because it is! But fear not, we have the secret sauce to make it all stick. From our own adventures with anatomy to tips that'll make studying a breeze, this episode is the ultimate cheat sheet for all wanna-be anatomy enthusiasts. Get ready to unleash your inner nerd and build a rock-solid anatomical foundation. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:09 Why yoga teachers need basic anatomy knowledge 02:02 Challenges and misconceptions in learning anatomy 03:32 The role of anatomy in your yoga classes 09:13 Our personal journeys in anatomy learning 13:10 Tips for yoga teachers to learn anatomy 18:36 The basics: bones, joints, and muscles 23:24 The importance of context and relevance 28:14 Advanced tips and continuous learning 35:52 Recommended anatomy education programs EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Libby Hinsley Anatomy Bites Anatomy Bites - Embodied Anatomy Follow Libby on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource  Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakP

This bonus episode is a peek behind the curtain of 'Retreat Roadmap'. Listen to hear about each course module, plus a description of the time-saving resources that are included. I'll also explain your options for getting additional live group and one-to-one support. If you've been eyeing Retreat Roadmap and want an inside scoop on what to expect inside the program, this episode is for you. Episode highlights include:   00:39 The experience that inspired us to create the Retreat Roadmap 03:46 Course Overview and Structure 05:21 Module 1: Big Picture Planning 08:43 Module 2: Admin and Planning 09:47 Module 3: Marketing Your Retreat 11:06 Module 4: Planning Your Curriculum 11:55 Module 5: Sustainable Retreat Leadership 13:22 Special Offer and Pricing Details 14:45 Mentorship Program Details 20:41 Conclusion and Contact Information   Join Retreat Roadmap