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. read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

Yoga: Anticolonial Philosophy with Dr. Shyam Ranganathan
Oct 17 2024
Yoga: Anticolonial Philosophy with Dr. Shyam Ranganathan
Yoga is a system of moral philosophy that has long been overlooked by Western scholars and appropriated by the fitness industry. Dr. Shyam Ranganathan, author of Yoga: Anticolonial Philosophy provides context for the dissonance between modern yoga and its roots. We discuss how to frame yoga practice authentically, how philosophy is the unifying force between varied practices, and why decolonization requires embracing discomfort. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Yoga and personal agency 05:53 The role of philosophy in understanding yoga 09:52 Challenges and rewards of yoga practice 15:34 The problem of modern yoga 22:15 Defining colonialism, philosophy, and ethics 26:12 Understanding Yoga: Capital Y vs. Small Y 28:27 Why embracing dissonance is key for decolonization 29:14 Philosophy's role in decolonization 31:26 The physical and emotional impact of philosophy 40:53 Teaching yoga in a capitalist society 46:32 Conclusion and further resources     EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Yoga Philosophy Book: Yoga: Anticolonial Philosophy Yoga: Anticolonial Philosophy Study Group Follow Dr. Shyam Ranganathan on Instagram @yogaphilosophy_com Follow Dr. Shyam Ranganathan 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
Suffering and our True Nature with Michelle Cassandra Johnson
Sep 19 2024
Suffering and our True Nature with Michelle Cassandra Johnson
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
Inside Anatomy Bites with Dr. Libby Hinsley
Aug 22 2024
Inside Anatomy Bites with Dr. Libby Hinsley
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
Yoga Therapy and the Power of Community with Marsha Banks-Harold
Aug 8 2024
Yoga Therapy and the Power of Community with Marsha Banks-Harold
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
Four Reasons to Plan Retreats A Year in Advance with Lily Dwyer Begg
May 23 2024
Four Reasons to Plan Retreats A Year in Advance with Lily Dwyer Begg
Advance planning can make the difference between filling all rooms and canceling due to a lack of enrollment. In this episode, I chat with my Retreat Roadmap Collaborator, Lily Dwyer Begg, about all the benefits of giving yourself (and your students) plenty of lead time when planning a retreat.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:02 What changed when Lily increased her retreat timeline from 6 months to 12+ months 05:20 How to make your retreat more financially inclusive 07:31 How to help your students feel more relaxed during your retreat 09:09 Why a longer timeline allows your students to enjoy the retreat BEFORE it even starts 10:07 How a longer timeline gives you more options for where to offer retreats 15:11 Why a longer timeline will help you attract more participants (and earn more money) 16:39 How a compressed timeline skews your ability to judge the potential success of a retreat 22:00 How to stay in integrity when you preach self-care 24:42 Time objections and the best/worst times to lead & launch retreats EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Quiz: What kind of retreat is best for you? Retreat Timing Guide Lily Dwyer Begg Yoga Follow Lily on Instagram @lilydwyerbegg Retreat Roadmap Online Course 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
Four types of retreats (and how to choose the one that's best for you) with Lily Dwyer Begg
May 9 2024
Four types of retreats (and how to choose the one that's best for you) with Lily Dwyer Begg
Yoga retreats allow you to share yoga free from the distractions of daily life - while often earning far more than your usual weekly classes. There are four basic types of retreats to consider: day, camping, local, and international. In this episode, we cover the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is right for you. Packed with personal insights and practical tips, this dialogue aims to inspire yoga teachers to organize retreats, explaining the win/win dynamic for both student and teacher.     EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Why we love retreats and four types of retreats to consider leading 01:34 Retreat opportunities for students and teachers 13:24 Day Retreats: A low-risk way to dip your toes into leading retreats 19:33 Camping Retreats: An affordable option for nature lovers 27:03 Local Retreats: Gateway to a deeper practice 33:47 International Retreats: The easiest retreat to fill up and earn a profit 40:07 Conclusion: Choosing the right retreat for you EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Quiz: What kind of retreat is best for you? Retreat Timing Guide Episode 226: Yoga Retreat Fundamentals Episode 233: How to Thrive as a Retreat Leader Lily Dwyer Begg Yoga Follow Lily on Instagram @lilydwyerbegg The Ultimate Retreat Roadmap Online Course 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
12 Tips for Teaching Large(r) Groups
Apr 25 2024
12 Tips for Teaching Large(r) Groups
Teaching large groups can be intimidating! But it’s also fantastic for improving your teaching skills and boosting your confidence. This episode focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities involved in teaching large yoga groups. Learn to embrace the challenges of large-group instruction and develop your ability to offer high-quality instruction to groups of any size. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 The benefits of teaching larger groups 05:15 Why teaching large groups is so nerve-wracking 07:02 Why it’s important to keep your class plan simple in a larger group 09:33 How to encourage focus and engagement in a larger group 10:12 How to balance different personality types when it comes to student participation 12:04 How to manage student questions to avoid getting thrown off track 15:06 How to provide an intimate experience in a large group 17:14 Thoughts on physical touch in a large group 19:17 How to bring attention back to you after small group or partner work 21:06 The role of visual aids in a larger group 22:51 How to utilize assistants when teaching a larger group 24:54 How to learn your student’s names (even if you’re usually terrible with names) 26:52 How to facilitate connection between students in a larger group 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
An Anti-Perfectionist Approach to Accessible Yoga with Jivana Heyman
Apr 11 2024
An Anti-Perfectionist Approach to Accessible Yoga with Jivana Heyman
Over the past decade, there has been a welcome push towards a more inclusive approach to yoga. But what does that look like on a practical level? Jivana Heyman has been at the center of the accessible yoga movement as the founder of the Accessible Yoga Project and the author of The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga, Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body. In this episode, Jivana shares an anti-perfectionist approach to accessible yoga that centers the relationship between teacher and student. The conversation delves into insecurities and imposter syndrome, the interplay between teaching and personal growth, and the importance of ethics in guiding both personal and teaching practices.     EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 The philosophy of accessible yoga 01:48 Jivana’s early experiences with yoga 03:30 How yoga helps with emotional regulation 05:59 The impact of social media and information overload 08:43 How to deal with impostor syndrome 13:22 Teaching as a relationship 21:04 Inquiry on the ethics of teaching 27:50 The importance of meeting your students where they are and respecting their preferences 33:41 Perfectionism and people-pleasing 38:30 Kindness as a guiding principle for accessible yoga 42:15 Helping and fixing vs serving  EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Accessible Yoga School Access all of Jivana’s books here Follow Jivana on Instagram @jivanaheyman 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
How to Run a Registered Yoga Series with Nyk Danu
Mar 28 2024
How to Run a Registered Yoga Series with Nyk Danu
Series classes deepen your relationship with your students, helps them commit to their practice, and provides financial stability for you as the teacher. Nyk Danu, a certified yoga therapist and business mentor, shares her insights on creating a sustainable yoga teaching business through a registered series. Listen in to hear practical advice on setting up your series, handling logistics like space rental and insurance, and filling your series classes. Nyk also touches on considerations for yoga studio owners thinking about transitioning to a registered series. If you value teacher-student connections, consistency in practice, and control over your teaching environment, this episode is for you!   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:52 Meet Nyk Danu: Yoga Misfit and Mentor 06:09 Why yoga classes shifted away from the registered series model 09:59 How to Start Your Own Registered Yoga Series 20:11 Finding the Perfect Space for Yoga Classes 22:04 Essential Tools for Running Yoga Series: Registration and Communication 24:40 Essential Policies for your Registered Series 28:21 Priority Registration for Existing Students 29:20 Starting Small with Class Registrations 30:15 Engaging Older Students with Simpler Technology 31:18 Handling Minimums and Cancellations 31:47 Leveraging Workshops to Fill Series 33:30 Setting Minimum Attendance Numbers 36:16 Choosing the Right Duration for Your Series 37:40 Make-up Classes and Free Sessions 40:09 Finding Your First Group of Students 46:02 Utilizing Email Lists for Growth 48:58 Transitioning Studios to Registered Series 50:14 The Benefits of Running Pre-registered Series 55:43 Concluding Thoughts and Resources EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Nyk Danu Yoga Follow Nyk on Instagram @nykdanuyoga 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 Mixed Abilities in Yoga Classes with Dr. Libby Hinsley
Mar 14 2024
Teaching Mixed Abilities in Yoga Classes with Dr. Libby Hinsley
Yoga is for everyone, but when people of varied physical abilities show up in the same class it can be difficult to meet all their needs at the same time. In this episode, Mado and Libby offer a framework for understanding why your students might struggle with a particular asana and how to offer variations that provide a similar experience to people with different physical abilities.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Why teaching mixed ability yoga classes is harder than it needs to be 02:49 How to plan for an all levels class 03:35 Understanding progression and regression 04:46 Four reasons a pose might be challenging for a student 05:39 How to simplify yoga postures 07:14 Essential biomechanical principles for yoga 11:35 How gravity can impact asana 16:27 Why teaching simpler poses will help your students progress 21:50 How teaching one one-on-one will help you teach better group classes 23:16 A breakdown of Warrior 3 Pose 28:51 Moving vs static yoga postures 30:39 The role of creativity in yoga teaching 32:14 A breakdown of Triangle Pose 38:53 Why anatomy is a key skill for asana teachers   EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Libby Hinsley Anatomy Bites 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