Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast

Yoga is a powerful tool, but it isn’t a complete physical solution. In this episode, physical therapist and yoga teacher Dr. Libby Hinsley introduces the concept of a "movement diet" as a framework for long-term physical sustainability and longevity. Over-relying on asana means missing out on essential movement "nutrients." Learn about the ‘macro-nutrients’ of the movement world, including where yoga shines and where it is limited. We share personal stories and practical advice for yoga-lovers who want to transition from a yoga-centric routine to a more comprehensive ‘diet’. Listen in for a clear-eyed look at what it takes to support your body for the long haul. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:07 The myth of yoga as a complete exercise 05:43 Yoga's role in a balanced movement diet 09:30 Strength, cardio, and mobility: The macronutrients 13:21 How much strength do we build when we practice yoga asana 21:38 Where we are now & our personal movement diet through the years 28:47 Tips for getting started with strength and cardio 36:32 Final thoughts and resources EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Libby Hinsley Bendy & Badass Follow Libby Hinsley on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt Follow Libby Hinsley 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

Can you honor the roots of yoga and still pay the bills? Join me for an on-air coaching call with yoga teacher Lorine Bamberg as we explore the intersection of spirituality and commerce. Lorine is committed to embodying yoga’s ethics but faces the very real challenge of protecting her own financial health. Together, we look at the evolving responsibilities of the modern teacher, from navigating fair pricing to balancing service with self-preservation. We also explore the complex role of social justice in practice: determining when to speak up and how to hold space for global issues with integrity. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:13 Lorine’s story: From gym rat to yoga mat 04:35 What it really takes to teach yoga full-time 07:04 Navigating the ethics of pricing and the tension between service and profit 21:40 Balancing leadership with humility as a teacher 24:23 When and how to address social issues in class 35:29 Yoga as a practice to reclaim agency EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Swaying Tree Yoga Follow Lorine on Instagram @swayingtreeyoga Follow Lorine 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

What happens when algorithms influence the public perception of yoga? Social media algorithms distort the public view of yoga and exacerbate a disconnect between yoga teachers and the people we aim to serve. In this candid discussion, Lily and I explore the challenges of teaching and practicing in the digital age. We question the viability of the "all levels" class and discuss the profound missed opportunities when yoga is 'sanitized' and divorced from the messy reality of life. Tune in for our perspective on how to use asana as a tool for cultivating deep self-understanding and agency. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:45 How social media platforms prioritize and amplify sexualized content 05:05 Why this type of content might be contributing to a decline in yoga class attendance 09:14 How the complex reality of a yoga practice is more beneficial than the sanitized version presented in the media and online 10:24 An honest look at whether a single group class can truly serve “all levels” 14:14 Options and free space as tools for accessibility 22:51 Why home practice is a crucial space for genuine learning and self-acceptance 26:13 How over-accommodating students based on assumptions can undermine their agency and stunt their growth 31:03 Yoga class as an immersive experience vs a structured place to learn 33:22 Advanced asana practice as a self-aware relationship with your body  EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Lily Dwyer Begg Yoga Follow Lily on Instagram @lilydwyerbegg Follow Lily Dwyer Begg 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

Most people view "advanced asana" as a flashy, performance-based practice driven by natural talent and aesthetics. This common misconception can lead people to dismiss asana as just preparation for real yoga or treat it as a casual activity that everyone can do equally. In this episode, we explore what it means to advance as an asana practitioner and the benefits of a consistent and systematic approach. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 02:15 Defining Advanced Asana 08:33 Challenge vs. Intensity in Practice 16:22 The Role of Asana in a Sedentary Culture 19:50 Why Basic Postures can be Harder than Advanced Postures 26:27 Do Mirrors and Cameras Have a Place in Asana Practice? 32:11 The Role of Home Practice and Opportunities Online EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Lily Dwyer Begg Yoga Follow Lily on Instagram @lilydwyerbegg Follow Lily Dwyer Begg 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

Holly is a yoga teacher with physical limitations who has concerns about balancing her physical abilities with the needs of her students. Many of her students rely heavily on visual cues and she wonders whether she’s doing them a disservice by not being able to demonstrate everything she teaches. In this candid conversation, we explore the role of demonstration in yoga, the value of teaching with limitations, and the unspoken power dynamics between teachers and students.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:01 Holly's story of finding yoga and becoming a teacher 03:49 Specific physical limitations and how they impact students. 05:20 The balance of giving student students what they want vs what they need 08:44 Student agency - who chooses whom? 12:22 Vulnerability as a superpower 16:11 Students who refuse to modify or use props 21:08 Navigating studio expectations 30:03 Final thoughts and the need for representation in yoga classes   EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Holly Williams   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 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

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

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

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

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