

Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast
Mado Hesselink
Information, support, and inspiration for yoga teachers. Topics include the business of yoga, teaching skills, philosophy, ethical and legal considerations, and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 23, 2025 • 23min
Build a Resilient Business with Big Picture Thinking
Yoga teachers tend to find their way to teaching through passion - and that’s a beautiful thing. But passion can only take you so far: without strategy, the work you love can quickly become a hamster wheel that spins faster every year. In this episode, learn how to harness rituals and routines to bring more strategy to your business. We'll explore simple planning rituals to help you align your day-to-day actions with your values and goals.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:38 Why Big Picture Thinking is Not Intuitive
06:24 Daily Big Picture Thinking Rituals
07:57 Weekly Big Picture Thinking Rituals
14:44 Quarterly Big Picture Thinking Rituals
17:48 Yearly Big Picture Thinking Rituals
20:55 How The Rituals Overlap & Inform Each Other
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

Oct 9, 2025 • 43min
Boundaries, Perfectionism, and Burnout with Shar'ron Boren [On Air Coaching Call]
Teaching yoga is a high-stress career that most people think is a cakewalk. Shar’ron is an experienced yoga teacher who moved from Santa Cruz, California to Waco, Texas during the pandemic. Since then, she’s been managing professional isolation, perfectionism, and people pleasing—and it’s led to major burnout. Our conversation delves into themes around boundaries, over-identification with your healing journey, and making your own support network as we explore what it takes to find balance and sustainability on this path.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
01:59 Starting Over as a Seasoned Teacher
03:55 Burnout and Perimenopause
04:42 Challenges of Running a Micro Studio
07:43 Dealing with Difficult People
09:01 People Pleasing and Boundaries
22:24 Feeling Alone in Leadership
23:35 The Importance of Collaboration
24:49 Creating a Supportive Community
30:56 Addressing Burnout and Boundaries
31:36 Can you over-identify with your Healing Journey?
39:03 Control, surrender, and teaching yoga as a path of growth
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Follow Shar'ron on Instagram @myfunctionalyoga
Follow My Functional Yoga on Facebook
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

Sep 25, 2025 • 38min
Why We No Longer Call Ourselves Yoga Therapists with Libby Hinsley
Libby and I had a shared identity crisis at the IAYT conference in 2023. In this episode, we explore the difference between yoga therapy and yoga teaching, our journey through the 'grandfathering' certification process, and why we decided to step away from calling ourselves yoga therapists.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
01:05 Yoga Therapy: Definitions and Misunderstandings
03:45 Yoga therapy trainings and certification
05:47 The Promise of Yoga Therapy
09:29 Are Yoga Therapy Programs worth the Investment?
15:01 Magical thinking and victim blaming
22:19 Community and inclusion
25:30 Misinformation and quality control
29:24 Recommended Yoga Therapy Programs
36:16 Concluding Thoughts on Yoga and Credentials
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Libby Hinsely
Follow Libby on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt
Follow Libby on Facebook
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

Sep 11, 2025 • 39min
Build a Community by Word of Mouth with Suzanne Carver [On-Air Coaching Call]
Despite the buzz around AI and social media, word of mouth is still the most powerful tool for building a community. In this episode, Suzanne Carver, a massage therapist, yoga teacher, and pelvic health educator, shares her journey of establishing a successful practice through grassroots and word-of-mouth methods. Suzanne discusses her experiences transitioning her practice from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Nashville, Tennessee, and the changing dynamics of client attention spans. Our conversation explores effective offline strategies, the importance of personal connections, and integrating technology like text messaging to stay top of mind with clients. Suzanne also shares insights on maintaining authenticity in client communications and the challenges of building a practice in a new city.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
04:47 Moving to a New Location as An Established Teacher
07:01 Why Social Media Isn’t Always the Answer
14:41 Personal Touch as SuperPower
16:08 Email vs. Text Messaging
24:07 Boundaries and Booking Strategies
28:03 The Power of Genuine Passion and Authentic Care
33:09 Visibility and Professional Photos
37:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Suzanne Carver
Follow Suzanne on Instagram @suzannecarver
Follow Suzanne on Facebook
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

May 22, 2025 • 56min
Trending and Bucket List Retreat Locations with Lily Dwyer Begg
Certain retreat destinations seem to simply sell themselves. Why does this happen and how can you use this information to sell your retreats more quickly and easily? In this conversation with Lily Dwyer Begg, we explain our theory of trending and bucket list retreat locations - and how she has used it to carefully curate her portfolio of retreat destinations. You’ll also hear about how to build retreats around personal values, and why a local home-cooked meal can be more meaningful than a luxury resort. If you're looking for your retreat location to offer more than just a beautiful backdrop, this episode will help you think more intentionally about where and how to host your next retreat.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Why location matters
00:54 Definitions: Trending vs. Bucket List Locations
01:33 How Social Media Influences Travel
02:18 Pros and Cons of Trending Locations for Retreats
05:22 Pros and Cons of Bucket List Locations for Retreats
09:51 Choosing the Right Location for Your Audience
11:18 Aligning Retreat Locations with Personal Values
17:04 Trending Locations in Asia
22:28 Trending Locations in Europe
27:49 Trending Locations in Africa
32:16 Trending Retreat Locations in the Caribbean
43:27 Future Retreat Destinations
49:18 Sources for to Keep Up with Travel Trends
53:09 Final Thoughts and Resources
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat
Lily Dwyer Begg Yoga
Follow Lily on Instagram @lilydwyerbegg
Follow Lily on Facebook
Recommended Retreat Centers PDF
Retreat Roadmap
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

May 15, 2025 • 28min
Wellness Travel Trends in 2025 with Julie Alpine
Curious about the latest trends in wellness travel? Travel journalist Julie Alpine shares her insider view on the locations, themes, and experiences that are currently taking the travel world by storm. From swimming with otters in Scotland to exploring the Costa Rican jungle, we discuss what makes a location truly special for retreat leaders and attendees alike. Diving into travel trends for 2025, we cover what retreat hosts should look for when choosing a location, and how they can create unforgettable experiences. Tune in to get the inspiration you need to bring your dream retreat to life.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
01:15 Julie’s introduction to yoga and wellness
01:57 The intersection of wellness and travel
05:01 Why the ‘who’ is more important than the ‘where’
07:46 Hot trends in wellness travel in 2025
13:56 Up-and-coming wellness travel destinations
16:42 Exploring the elements in wellness travel
23:35 The role of genuine connection in travel
27:11 Conclusion and where to follow Julie
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat
Follow Julie Alpine on Instagram @juliealpineofficial
Recommended Retreat Centers PDF
Retreat Roadmap

May 8, 2025 • 35min
Bali Yoga Retreats: Pros, Cons, and Tips with Ali Temple
Thinking about leading a retreat in Bali? Tune in for this chat with yoga teacher and retreat leader Ali Temple who has been living in Bali for almost a year. Ali shares her experiences and insights about life in Bali, including the unique cultural rituals such as the Canang Sari daily offerings and the water purification ceremonies at Balinese water temples. We also cover practical tips for leading a yoga retreat in Bali, such as financial considerations, visa requirements, and must-do experiences on the island. Tune in to learn more about how to plan a successful and enriching yoga retreat in one of the world's most sought-after retreat destinations.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Introduction to Bali's Unique Culture
03:09 Choosing Bali for Yoga Retreats
07:46 Cultural Practices and Spiritual Experiences
11:38 Financial Considerations for Retreats
16:41 Safety Tips and Local Insights
21:17 Must-Do Activities in Bali
26:01 Retreat Planning Challenges and Advice
28:34 Visa Considerations and Final Tips
30:55 Retreat Center Recommendations
32:56 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat
Ali Temple Yoga
Follow Ali on Instagram @alitemplementor
Follow Ali on Spotify: Traveling Wellnesspreneur
Follow Ali on Threads
Email Ali Temple
Recommended Retreat Centers PDF
Retreat Roadmap
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

May 1, 2025 • 37min
India Yoga Retreats: Pros, Cons, and Tips with Jessica Lohrey
Have you ever thought about leading a retreat in the birthplace of yoga? This week I’m joined by Jessica Lohrey to discuss the benefits and realities of leading yoga retreats in India. From understanding the culture, working with local guides, and creating space for authentic transformation during your retreat, Jessica shares practical advice, moving personal stories, and insider tips. Whether you're planning your first retreat or just thinking about it, this episode will inspire you to explore the possibilities of hosting in India.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Introduction: India as a Teacher
01:41 First Trip to India and Initial Retreats
04:46 Why India (and which students tend to be drawn there)
08:50 Cultural Experiences and Challenges in India
13:11 Integrating Cultural Practices into Retreats
20:56 Recommended Locations and Experiences
23:45 Advice for First-Time Retreat Leaders
28:34 Logistics and Preparation for Retreats
34:12 Conclusion and Contact Information
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat
Tree of India
Follow Jessica on Instagram @jessicalohreyyoga
Follow Tree of India on Instagram @treeofindia
Follow Tree of India on Facebook
Follow Tree of India on Youtube
Email Jessica Lohrey
India Yoga Retreat: Pros, Cons, and Tips PDF
Recommended Retreat Centers PDF
Retreat Roadmap
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

Apr 24, 2025 • 17min
Mallorca Spain Yoga Retreats: Pros, Cons, and Tips with Dagmar Spremberg
Does your spirit crave to feel reconnected to the earth? To be surrounded by the Tramontana mountains and crystal clear waters? This week, I’m joined by retreat leader Dagmar Spremberg to talk about Mallorca, Spain. Originally overlooked as a party destination, Dagmar now calls Mallorca home and has seen its transformation into a high-end retreat paradise. Together we discuss locations like La Serrania, Son Sion, and Osa Major that offer refuge for those seeking relaxation, recharging, and a quiet connection with nature. If you’re drawn to natural beauty and calming energy, this episode explores what makes Mallorca the perfect destination for your future retreats.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
02:23 Falling in love with Mallorca
05:11 Types of retreats that would work best in Mallorca
06:19 Mallorca compared to other parts of Spain
08:53 Pros and cons of leading retreats in Spain
12:16 Recommended retreat centers
14:01 Tips for avoiding the crowd
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat
Dagmar Spremberg Yoga
Follow Dagmar on Instagram @montezumayoga
Follow Dagmar on Facebook
Follow Dagmar on Youtube
Retreat Roadmap
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

Apr 17, 2025 • 22min
Italy Yoga Retreats: Pros, Cons, and Tips with Pedro Luna
If the idea of coastal sunsets and pasta under the stars is calling your name, a retreat in Italy might be your perfect destination. This week I’m joined by retreat leader Pedro Luna to talk about Italy as a location for hosting a retreat. Pedro has led multiple international retreats and shares two of his favorite retreat spots: Amalfi Coast Yoga Retreats and La Dogana in Tuscany. We discuss embracing the slow-paced Italian lifestyle, and his preference for working with local partners for renting venues. This episode gives insight into the financial, cultural, and logistical challenges that come with planning abroad. If you’ve been dreaming of hosting in Italy, this episode is full of practical tips.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
01:28 Starting a Yoga Retreat in Italy
02:12 Understanding Your Ideal Client
05:00 Finding Authentic Local Experiences
06:39 Working with Travel Partners
09:10 Financial Considerations for Italy Retreats
11:50 Challenges and Tips for First-Time Retreat Leaders
14:27 Recommended Retreat Centers in Italy
18:02 Final Advice and Contact Information
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat
Next Level Yoga Community
Follow Pedro on Instagram @yogimemes
Contact Pedro Luna
Retreat Roadmap
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


