The Yoga Teacher Podcast

Many yoga teachers wonder: Do I need to follow a lineage or stick to one style to be a “real” teacher? In this episode we explore the truth about yoga lineage vs yoga style, how colonialism and capitalism shaped modern yoga, and why charismatic leaders can create both inspiration and red flags. You’ll learn: • What “lineage” actually means in yoga • How styles like Ashtanga, Iyengar & Yin evolved • The business side of yoga teacher training (and cult dynamics to watch for) • Practical steps to grow beyond your 200-hour training with confidence Whether you’re choosing a YTT, feeling boxed in by your training, or curious about the business of yoga, this conversation will give you tools to teach inclusively, sustainably, and with confidence. Learn more about Heart + Bones Yoga Teacher Training (200hr & 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/ Join our online yoga studio for Move + Learn classes for $1 this month using the code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/ Submit your wildest yoga teacher stories for an upcoming episode: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/podcast-question-submissions 👉 Subscribe for more yoga teacher tips, anatomy-informed practices, and real conversations about the business of teaching yoga. Ula's Substack: https://avibrantmind.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips

Being a yoga teacher today means more than creating class sequences—it’s about evolving your teaching and your yoga business. In this episode of The Yoga Teacher Podcast, Brea Johnson and Ula examine what it really takes to adapt, grow, and build a sustainable path as a teacher. We talk about: How to know if you’re actually growing as a teacher or just repeating the same year over and over. Why “boring” yoga sequencing can be more supportive than flashy flows. The business side of teaching yoga—and how to stop playing small. How to embrace your authentic, weird, wonderful self (instead of becoming another “boring grey yoga teacher”). Practical skills yoga teachers must evolve: inclusivity, personal practice, and community. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your teaching or wondered how to make your yoga business sustainable, this conversation is for you. 👉 Subscribe for more yoga teacher tips, anatomy-informed practices, and real conversations about the business of teaching yoga. 🔗 Want to go deeper? Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/ Try Heart + Bones Studio for $1 this month using the code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/ Submit your wildest yoga teacher stories for an upcoming episode: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/podcast-question-submissions Ula's Substack: https://avibrantmind.substack.com/

Many yoga teachers think sequencing needs to be exciting, complex, and creative every time. But here’s the truth: simple yoga sequencing is often the most effective, and the classes your students actually love. In this video, Brea Johnson of Heart + Bones Yoga breaks down why “boring” sequences work, and how to balance consistency with just enough novelty. You’ll learn: – Why overcomplicating yoga sequencing can hold your students back – How simple sequences support nervous system regulation and progress – Practical tips for confident, anatomy-informed class planning These yoga teacher tips will help you trust the power of simple, inclusive sequencing and feel more confident in your teaching. 🔗 Want to go deeper? Submit your wildest yoga teacher stories for an upcoming episode: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/podcast-question-submissions Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/ Try Heart + Bones Studio for $1 this month using the code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

What do experienced yoga teachers do differently after 20+ years in the practice? In this episode, we explore how teaching yoga evolves—especially when you start to question rigid alignment cues, romanticized yoga lineages, and performance-based teaching. Join Brea Johnson and Ula for a candid conversation on what it means to lead inclusive, anatomy-informed, and sustainable yoga classes—without falling into old patterns or culty dynamics. Whether you're a new yoga teacher or a long-time practitioner, this episode helps you reflect on what actually supports your students (and yourself). Join the next free training: How to Teach Inclusive Yoga Classes Aug 20th 2025: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/how-to-teach-inclusive-yoga-classes-workshop Explore our online yoga teacher resources + trainings: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/ Try Heart + Bones Studio for $1 this month using the code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/ Submit your story for our podcast: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/podcast-question-submissions

Feeling like a fraud in front of your class? You’re not alone. Imposter syndrome is something almost every yoga teacher wrestles with at some point—especially when you're still finding your footing. In this conversation, Brea shares what’s helped her (and hundreds of teachers she’s mentored) feel more grounded, more clear, and more like themselves when they teach. You’ll learn: What imposter syndrome actually is (and why it shows up for caring teachers) The truth about what makes a “good” yoga teacher (hint: not handstands or followers) Brea’s go-to tips for grounding yourself before and during class How to prepare and plan your class in a way that supports your confidence Why understanding anatomy helps you teach with clarity and calm How to stop comparing and reconnect with your purpose Explore our 200 and 300 hour online trainings: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/ Practice with Heart and Bones Online Yoga Studio: Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Want to teach your own yoga workshop—but feeling stuck, unsure, or like you’re not “ready”? In this episode, Brea Johnson and Ula talk through what really holds yoga teachers back (hint: it’s not experience), and share actionable tips to help you plan and lead a workshop that feels aligned, spacious, and actually fills. Whether you’re a new yoga teacher or have years of experience, this conversation breaks down the myths about what a workshop has to be, and how to move past fear, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism to confidently share your offerings. Watch the original “How to Plan, Market + Fill Your Next Yoga Workshop” Replay: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/workshop-workshop/ Join the next free training: How to Teach Inclusive Yoga Classes: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/how-to-teach-inclusive-yoga-classes-workshop Explore our online yoga teacher resources + trainings: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/ Try Heart + Bones Studio for $1 this month using the code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/

What does it really mean to teach inclusive yoga? In this candid, practical conversation, Brea Johnson and Ula from Heart + Bones Yoga unpack what inclusivity in yoga truly looks like, beyond the buzzwords. We explore how to teach accessible yoga classes that support a diverse range of bodies, abilities, and lived experiences… without sacrificing depth, integrity, or your own voice as a teacher. Whether you're a new yoga teacher or years into your journey, this episode will help you rethink what makes a class feel welcoming, and give you tangible ways to start shifting your language, cues, and approach. We talk props, agency, accessibility, community, language, chair yoga, and why normalizing inclusive cues benefits every body. Want to go deeper? Submit your wildest yoga teacher stories for an upcoming episode: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/podcast-question-submissions Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/ Try Heart + Bones Studio for $1 this month using the code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Is Online Yoga Teacher Training Still Worth It in 2025? If you're considering yoga teacher training or curious about how online learning has evolved, this conversation is for you. Join Ula (Heart + Bones team + yoga teacher) and Brea Johnson (founder of Heart + Bones Yoga) as they unpack the myths, trade-offs, and benefits of online yoga teacher training in 2025. With nearly a decade of experience running anatomy-informed, globally accessible training programs, Brea shares what’s changed, what still works, and what really makes a teacher training impactful—online or in person. In this episode, you’ll learn: How online yoga education has matured since 2020 What actually makes a yoga training effective (hint: it's not just the format) Surprising benefits of online learning for neurodivergent and international students How mentorship and community thrive even in virtual spaces Red flags to watch out for when researching online YTT programs Why accessibility is more than a buzzword—it’s a necessary evolution Want to experience it yourself? Explore our 200 and 300 hour online trainings: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/ PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/   00:00 – Intro: What this episode covers 01:11 – Is online yoga teacher training worth it in 2025? 01:35 – What’s changed in the last 5 years of online YTT 02:44 – What surprised Brea about teaching online 04:08 – Online vs in-person: Real trade-offs to consider 07:40 – Accessibility: The deeper layers people overlook 19:33 – Mentorship and connection in online YTT 23:49 – What’s missing from many yoga teacher trainings 29:07 – How to choose the right online YTT in 2025 32:45 – Brea’s hopes for the future of teacher training

If you struggle with sequencing your yoga classes, here is one simple tip that you can use no matter what style of yoga you teach AND without having to create brand new sequences each time. It makes your life easier as a teacher and most importantly, it makes your teaching more effective. This lesson will share insight about action cues and then we'll go through a bunch of different examples so that you can see how simple it is to add action cues to your sequences and teaching. If you are a visual learner, follow along with Brea HERE. PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here   STUDY WITH HEART + BONES  200/300 Hour Online Teacher Training: Learn More

Got bendy joints? Or ever wondered if there’s more to yoga than chasing flexibility? In this honest, practical chat, Ula (Heart + Bones team member + hypermobile human) sits down with Brea Johnson (Heart + Bones founder + anatomy nerd) to talk all things hypermobility, strength, and sustainable movement. We cover: What hypermobility actually is (and how to know if it applies to you) Why strength and stability matter more than going deeper into poses How to stop glorifying extreme flexibility in yoga Easy cues that help everyone—hypermobile or not—move smarter The connection between nervous system support + healthy movement Whether you’re a student, yoga teacher, or just want your body to feel stronger and more supported, this episode’s for you. Try the Heart + Bones online studio for $1 this month using code: PODCASTMONTH Start here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/ Curious about our anatomy-informed yoga teacher trainings? Check them out here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-teacher-training-options/