Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast

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

Clear turquoise waters, a slow-paced lifestyle, delectable food, and rich history are just a few of the features that make the Greek Islands an ideal place to lead yoga retreats. In this episode, my guest Lily Dwyer Begg and I reminisce about a retreat that she led (and I assisted) this past fall on the island of Amorgos. The conversation highlights unique elements of Greek culture and local experiences that can be integrated into a retreat. We also spill the tea on which Islands off the beaten tourist path are most highly recommended by the locals. Tune in to get the inside scoop on leading a yoga retreat in the Greek Islands. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 02:04 Why Greece? Personal Reflections 07:03 How to Integrate Greek Culture with Your Retreat 14:20 Financial Considerations for Retreats 21:43 Potential Challenges 24:49 Choosing a Greek Island 28:08 Retreat Centers and Recommendations 37:55 Final Thoughts and Reflections   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 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

If you’re considering a retreat in Mexico, tune in for inside tips from guest expert Nathania Stambouli who has led dozens of retreats there. You’ll hear about the unique aspects of different Mexican retreat locations and cultural experiences such as the Temazcal sweat lodge and Dia de los Muertos. We also explore practical considerations such as safety, tipping cultures, cash usage, and interfacing with the local population to support vendors and artisans.    EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Introduction and welcome 01:01 Regions of Mexico that are ideal for retreats 02:31 Student demographics and preferences 04:19 Cultural insights and local interactions 08:04 Language and logistics 09:54 Financial considerations and tipping 16:21 Activities and cultural experiences 20:29 Potential challenges and opportunities 26:38 Recommended retreat centers 30:56 Final thoughts and advice for retreat leaders   EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat SoulTribe Adventures Follow Nathania on Instagram @soultribe.adventures Follow Nathania on Facebook Free Arm Balance Training 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

Explore the diverse options for hosting yoga retreats in France with Corine Englander-Bombled, a seasoned yoga instructor who has lived in France for more than 20 years. Corine shares the unique appeal of various French retreat locations, from mountains to eco-villages to castles. She shares her personal journey, teaching experiences, and key tips for organizing successful retreats. Learn about the cultural nuances, financial considerations, and the importance of preparation and communication. Enjoy this detailed guide to retreats in France to inspire and inform your next adventure.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Introduction to Retreats in France 01:55 Guest Introduction: Corine’s Journey 04:18 First Retreat Experiences 06:56 Running Retreats in France 12:28 Cultural and Practical Considerations 20:57 Recommended Retreat Locations 24:48 The Joy of Running Retreats 26:34 Advice for New Retreat Leaders 29:39 Conclusion and Contact Information   EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat Sasa Roots Studio Lotus 333 Follow Studio Lotus 333 on Instagram @studiolotus333 Follow Corine on Instagram @corine.sasaroots Follow Corine on Facebook 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

Thinking of offering a retreat in Costa Rica? Dagmar Spremberg is a retreat leader who lived in Costa Rica for over 20 years. In this episode, she shares her insider’s perspective to help you speed up your planning process and avoid rookie mistakes. Topics include selecting the best time of year, dealing with climate and local wildlife, and financial considerations.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Introduction to the Series and Episode 01:51 Dagmar's Journey to Leading Retreats in Costa Rica 03:01 Types of Retreats and Locations in Costa Rica 07:36 Financial Considerations for Retreats in Costa Rica 09:40 Retreat Center Operations and Payments 12:42 Daily Life at a Costa Rican Retreat 15:20 Challenges and Tips for Leading Retreats in Costa Rica 18:03 The Impact of Leading Retreats 20:25 Advice for New Retreat Leaders 22:26 Conclusion and next steps   EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat Dagmar Spremberg 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

The right location can elevate a yoga retreat from excellent to unforgettable. In this episode, Mado and Lily explore the creative process of choosing a retreat location. They share real-world experiences and essential practicalities such as budgeting realistically, navigating contracts, understanding legal requirements, and site visits. Learn how to evaluate venue amenities, accessibility for all participants, the surrounding environment, and the overall atmosphere. This episode is packed with actionable advice for yoga retreat leaders but keeps the fun and joy of leading retreats front and center.    00:00 Introduction: The Impact of Location: How a thoughtful location choice impacts your retreat business over the long term 01:48 Key Considerations: Beyond the Instagram Photo: Go beyond the surface and learn essential factors most retreat planners overlook when choosing a location. 04:37 Balancing Costs & Value: Is Your Retreat Venue Worth It?: Learn how to strategically balance your budget with the value a location offers – and avoid overspending on things that don't matter. 08:08 The Key to Glowing Testimonials. How making bold decisions impacts the students you attract for a specific retreat - and their satisfaction with the experience. 11:37 The Location Selection Process: From Dream to Reality: We break down the exact steps to take, from initial brainstorming to narrowing down your top choices. 14:59 Contract Negotiation: Don't Sign Anything Until You've Heard This: Learn critical contract clauses you need to watch out for to protect yourself and your retreat. 18:22 Accessibility & Travel: Choosing a Do-able Retreat Location for your Students: Consider the budget, needs, and lifestyle of your students before choosing your retreat location. 23:18 Curating the Atmosphere: Setting the Stage for Transformation: Learn how to create an unforgettable atmosphere that aligns with your retreat theme. 27:09 Venue Evaluation: The Checklist You Can't Afford to Skip: Get an inside perspective on how experienced retreat leaders evaluate venues – including the hidden details that can make or break your retreat. 34:51 The Pros and Cons of Site Visits: When do you need them and how to adapt when they aren’t in the budget. 37:23 Final Tips & Encouragement: Your Dream Retreat is Within Reach: Leading retreats is incredibly rewarding and fun - enjoy these tips for getting started.   EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Lily Dwyer Begg Follow Lily on Instagram @lilydwyerbegg Follow Lily on Facebook Stream Lily on Soundcloud 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

This quick episode is a takedown of hustle culture. Hustle culture harms yoga teachers with promises of future happiness - while it drains us of the joy that’s available right now. In this episode, I share thoughts on finding appropriate challenges, the role of boundaries, the awkward phase of flow, and how to cultivate a mindset that fosters fulfillment now rather than someday in the future. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Focus and Flow Course 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

High stakes, blurred boundaries, perfectionism, and burnout: no wonder yoga teachers have a hard time staying focused. In this week's episode, I explore ten reasons why maintaining focus is difficult; from social media distractions to the pressure of running a passion-driven business, and offer strategies such as time management, boundary-setting, and self-care. While these challenges are persistent, implementing thoughtful systems and routines can help reclaim creative energy and prevent burnout.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 The Struggle for Focus and Creative Energy 04:23 Reason 1: High Stakes 05:55 Reason 2: Over-Identification and Boundaries 07:14 Reason 3: Perfectionism and Procrastination 08:51 Reason 4: Multiple Hats and Fragmented Attention 12:24 Reason 5: Resource Constraints and Energy Drain 14:15 Reason 6: Burnout Culture 16:01 Reason 7: Social Media Distractions 17:04 Reason 8: Information Overload and Mental Clutter 19:05 Reason 9: Urgency vs. Importance 20:01 Reason 10: Straight Up Burnout 22:00 Conclusion: Reclaiming Your Creative Energy   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

Got a yoga workshop coming up and want to brush up on your faciliation skills? No matter how well you know your topic, your workshop will flop if you don’t understand how to keep your students engaged. In this episode, I'll share the most common mistakes that workshop leaders make and how to avoid these pitfalls to teach better workshops. Episode Highlights: Strategies to capture your students’ attention and engage them in the learning process Common presentation mistakes and how to turn them into strengths How to plan your workshops so that you cover what you promised AND leave enough time for closure at the end. How to make your workshop memorable so your students feel excited for your next event. Want me to walk you step-by-step through planning, promoting, and presenting a yoga workshop? Check out Workshops that WOW

Curious about how to boost attendance at your workshop? In this episode, I offer simple strategies to help you create workshops without the worry of needing to cancel due to low attendance. Episode Highlights:  The two most important factors for healthy workshop attendance How to find out what topics your students will find appealing How to choose the right title for your workshop Four essential qualities for your workshop promotion How to make your workshops an easy ‘yes!’ Considerations for working with a studio vs producing your own workshops When and how often to promote your workshop A powerful way to boost the effectiveness of your promotion Minimum numbers and when to cancel Workshops that WOW