Yogaland Podcast

The thoughtful and articulate Bernie Clark joins us on the show this week! Bernie is perhaps best known for his influential Yin yoga teachings as well as his books, The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga, and Your Body, Your Yoga.When Jason and I shared our thoughts about Yin Yoga at the end of season 1 (episode 147), we hadn't expected it to be so polarizing. After seeing Bernie's response to the episode in one of his forums and after listening to you, our listeners, we asked him on the show.We covered a lot of ground in this episode: Bernie clarified Yin's origin story, he shared how Yin benefits him personally (and how he complements it with strength-training), as well as how he guides (even flexible students like Andrea) to discern their edge in poses. The big takeaway from the conversation? We landed on more points of agreement than points of difference. The one point of difference that remains is whether or not lengthening ligaments is a good idea. And if you'd like to research that further, check out the show

This week, I talk to Bay Area yoga teacher Quamay Sams. Quamay grew up in New York, where he was a dancer before he enrolled in a yoga teacher training program (without ever having set foot in a yoga studio). He now considers teaching yoga a calling -- and a big responsibility. We talk about:* Why Quamay felt like a misfit (his word) growing up and how that impacted the course of his life.* Dance. He tells us more about a style of dancing called krumping, why he loves it, and how it became an outlet for him.* Stepping into the seat of the teacher and how he is coping with and embracing being a role model.* Yoga and representation. His take on why there aren’t more black people in yoga studios, who’s responsible for that, and how we can all work together to bridge that gap.* His experience as one of Jason's advanced teacher training students.Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode153SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and lin

Today, we're talking to Cyndi Lee, who was the first Western female yoga teacher to combine Tibetan Buddhism and yoga. Cyndi and I worked together many times when I was an editor at Yoga Journal and I have so much respect for her. You'll see why in this candid, down-to-earth interview. Cyndi is is not only inspiring, but she's a living testament to how practicing yoga and meditation for many years can help you navigate life's ups and downs with grace.We talk about:* Cyndi's career as a professional dancer in the 1980s--including what it was like working with Cyndi Lauper* The journey that led Cyndi to open the legendary Om Yoga studio in New York City* Her recent studies that led her to become a Buddhist chaplain, what that entails, and how that intersects with yoga for her* Cyndi's double hip replacement, what she learned from it, and how the healing process is going for her. Plus, she shares what advice she’d give to others who are facing a similar situation.Show notes; http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast

Like it or not, if you want to be a full-time yoga teacher today, digital marketing is a part of the job.It doesn’t come easily to everyone, but through the years Jason and I have figured out what works for us. In this episode, which was recorded at one of Jason’s yoga teacher trainings at LoveStoryYoga in San Francisco, we share our best advice for yoga teachers who are trying to build a following online. We discuss:* Our best tips for creating consistent, authentic content for social media when marketing doesn’t come easily. (Particularly, we talk about how to be a storyteller, solve a problem, and start with your wheelhouse, and turn that into content.)* How to use social media to attract private clients, as opposed to a mass audience.* When it might be smarter to focus on in-person marketing and networking instead of online* An easier way to gather student testimonials for social proof* Suggestions for people who aren’t comfortable posting photos of themselves in yoga postures (and selfies in general!). P

Robyn Capobianco, PhD, is back on the podcast this week to talk about the findings of two related studies she and her team conducted about the science of flexibility. The big takeaway from both studies is the same: Doing self-massage with Yoga Tune Up Balls before stretching increases flexibility and creates less of a temporary strength deficit. Translation: On those days when you just want to lie on the floor and roll, DO IT. Is it good for you? Yes! Is it good for your yoga practice? Yes! Is it a good thing to do as you age? Definitely! There is so much good news in this episode and Robyn breaks it all down for you.Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode150SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA donates feminine care products to homeless shelters across the U.S. For 40% off all subscriptions, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND40 when you subscribe.2. Care/of is a monthly subscription v

This week’s episode is a continuation of last week’s discussion on how to cope with changes to your yoga practice and teaching style. Jason shares his practical tips on how to change up your teaching style with grace -- something that is particularly challenging when your livelihood depends on an earlier approach.We talk about:* How Jason got his start teaching in the Ashtanga tradition, and why he began to lose interest in that and move on to more technique-oriented approach to vinyasa yoga* A few of the pose techniques that Jason has changed his opinions on (and why). He talks about his approach to backbends, twists, Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge), and Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (Pigeon Pose).* Why it’s a good idea to make changes to your yoga teaching schedule slowly over time, especially if you're making a drastic change* How to communicate subtle changes to longtime students in a way that’s both diplomatic and respectfulShow notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode149SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. LOLA is a

We’re so happy to be back for Season 2!There's that old adage, "Change is the only certainty in life." And it applies to your yoga practice and teaching, too. This week, Jason and I are talking about the internal challenges, doubts, and insecurities that come up when we're managing change in our practice.We talk about:* How Jason has changed as a student and a teacher throughout the years. He shares one transition that was particularly hard for him as a young teacher* He gives advice for people who are hard on themselves after a shift because they feel disillusioned about some of the beliefs or techniques they were teaching previously* Why Jason dislikes the word “master” (as in “yoga master”) and what happened in his life that empowered him to start experimenting with changing up yoga traditions and sharing his findings with his students* The struggles that come with the evolution of modern yoga in the social media age* Why it’s problematic for teachers to discourage their students from experimenting with ot

Since Jason so often emphasizes the importance of building strength -- especially along the posterior chain (back side) of the body, I get asked all the time, "What does Jason think about Yin yoga?" For the Season 1 Finale, we decided to take on this topic. Yin is a popular style of yoga that emphasizes long, passive holds of various (mostly floor-based) poses.In that light, Jason and I talk about:* What happens to muscles when you stretch them passively for more than 60 seconds* Why it's never a good idea to stretch ligaments * Who might be a good fit for a regular Yin practice and who should be more cautious * Why it's important to include strength building practices, especially for the posterior chain, if you're going to regularly practice passive stretching* The most important type of strength for injury prevention, and some examples of how to do itShow notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode147 SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton

This week, I talk to Katherine Priore Ghannam all about yoga for kids and her innovative program Headstand, which offered yoga to low-income K-12 schools around San Francisco.We cover some of the lessons Katherine learned from starting her passion project from scratch, and why it's oh-so-beneficial to introduce yoga and mindfulness in schools.Whether you're interested in sharing yoga with kids or just need some inspiration to keep working toward your goals, this episode is for you.We talk about:* The story of how Headstand got its start (and why she kept at it despite many of the kids initial resistance)* Why she designed the yoga program as part of the school curriculum* How she uses the techniques she's learned teaching school children into her own family* Practical tips for how to introduce yoga to children at different agesShow notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode146SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purc

The recent episode where Jason and I discuss teaching yoga part-time vs. making it a full-time career really struck a chord. I was surprised by the number of emails, direct messages, and comments that listeners sent my way.As usual, you were full of insights. So for this week's episode, I decided to share some of those comments as inspiration, motivation, and support for others who are fulfilling their dharma of sharing yoga.Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode145SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA donates feminine care products to homeless shelters across the U.S. For 40% off all subscriptions, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND40 when you subscribe.2. If you’re like me and you wear your gym or yoga clothes 6 or 7 days a week, you want to look put together. My life has changed since Fabletics became a sponsor of the podcast. Their styles are super adorable and affordable. Get two

For almost three years, Jason has resisted addressing your questions about the sacroiliac joint (SI) -- mostly because it's such a complex topic for a podcast. But today! I wore him down. He addresses a listener question about the mysterious sacrum and the soreness that so often comes along with yoga practice.He talks about:*Why, why, why?? do we so often experience sacral pain in yoga*What is often happening to the sacrum when we experience pain flare-ups*The role that the piriformis can play in SI soreness*How to alter your yoga practice to get out of pain for goodSHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA donates feminine care products to homeless shelters across the U.S. For 40% off all subscriptions, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND40 when you subscribe.2. If you’re like me and you wear your gym or yoga clothes 6 or 7 days a week, you want to look put together. My life has changed since Fabletics

In this episode, Jason breaks down what he sees as some of the pros and cons of teaching full-time vs. teaching part-time. The bottom line is this: There's not one right choice, but no matter whichever direction you choose, there are some challenges to overcome. (And if you're considering becoming a yoga teacher because you think it would be an easy, relaxed lifestyle, well, you might want to reconsider.)Here are a few of the things we discuss:* Jason debunks the myth that yoga teachers have an easy work-life balance and explains why it's so challenging to make a living as a yoga teacher.* How being a yoga teacher has changed in the 20 years Jason's been teaching.* One of the biggest mistakes Jason sees yoga teachers make when they market themselves. Hint: It has to do with social media.* Part-time teacher? Say it loud and proud.Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode143SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA d

Katie Brauer joins us this week for some straight talk. She shares about her background as a professional snowboarder turned yoga teacher, money mindset, and how she's using her insights to help other teachers bust through their money blocks and create sustainable businesses.Here are some highlights:* Katie talks about her time as a professional snowboarder, what she learned from her experiences, and how she's using that to help other yoga teachers* How she overcame several injuries to come back to snowboarding and why she finally decided to retire from that life and become a yoga teacher* The lessons she applied from her time as a athlete that helped her have a successful yoga business* The biggest mistakes new yoga teachers make when they're building a business.* How to overcome the money blocks that many teachers struggle with.Go to the shownotes for Katie's free download on skillful leadership: yogalandpodcast.com/episode142SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic

In this last episode of our Begin Again series, Jason answers several listener questions about teaching yoga to beginning yoga students.We cover lots of ground, including:*When (or if) to encourage a student to leave a beginner level class for a more challenging one*How to teach Ujjayi breathing to beginners, and why it's important to do it separately from asanas*When to teach the nuances of poses like Downward Facing Dog -- specifically how to work skillfully with the shoulders when they're in an above-the-head position like Down Dog*Striking the right balance between teaching technique and flow in a beginning vinyasa classShow notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode141SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA donates feminine care products to homeless shelters across the U.S. For 40% off all subscriptions, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND40 when you subscribe.2. Care/of is a monthly subscri

This week's episode is a special interview with public speaker and yogi Jason Freeman. Jason has a speech impediment due to cerebral palsy, which he was born with. He talks about how being different impacted him from an early age and how his yoga practice helped him to embrace his "imperfect best" as he puts it.Also on this episode is Jamie Martin, Jason's yoga teacher, who shares her insights about how to create an inclusive environment in the yoga room.This episode is a must for anyone who's ever felt like an outsider and everyone who hopes to make yoga studios a more welcoming place for people from all backgrounds and abilities.Here are some highlights:*How Jason F. ended up in his first yoga class, and how the practice of yoga helped him learn to accept himself and feel better in his body*Jason's advice for yoga students about how to feel more comfortable and connect with their teachers*Jamie speaks about how to help all students feel welcome and included and not singled out for their different abilities*

My husband, Jason Crandell, is back this week, and he's sharing practical tips for teaching beginning students when they come to a mixed-level class.Here are a few things you'll learn:* How to keep a new student safe without making them feel singled out (and when to just let things go!)* Strategies for helping beginners (and everyone else, too!) through the Chaturanga/Up Dog/Down Dog transition and alternatives* Tips for helping students step from Down Dog to a Lunge in Sun Salutations* Teaching the details of Down Dog   - Troubleshooting for tight students   - How to find the appropriate distance between the feet and hands* How to help students find the right distance between their feet in standing posesShow notes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode139/SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA donates feminine care products to homeless shelters across the U.S. For 40% off all subscription

We all start out as beginners. But that doesn't mean that teaching beginning yoga students is intuitive. In this episode in our Begin Again series, Jason tackles the specifics of teaching asana to beginning students. Jason shares:* Why it's important to help students pay attention to their whole experience in a particular pose, not just the muscle or muscle groups that they're stretching* How to help students avoid comparing themselves to other students (or to what they were able to do in the past if they're beginning again after stepping away for a while)* A skillful way to teach breath and movement in a vinyasa-based class* Why power, precision, and mindfulness are the three elements Jason focuses on most when he teaches beginnersShow notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode138SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA donates feminine care products to homeless shelters across the U.S. For 40% off all su

Yoga and meditation teacher Tias Little returns to the podcast this week. (Tias joined me on episode 102 to talk about perfectionism). On today's episode, we talk about how our culture of speed affects us holistically and why it’s important--but also challenging--to slow down. We discuss:*The new book that Tias is working on and how it's different from other projects he's worked on*Why, from a spiritual perspective, moving fast and checking things off of a to-do list is the opposite of progress*Which parts of the body are most impacted by our go-go-go culture*What we need to do to feel like we have more time, both on a personal level and as a collective *How Tias applies the lessons of slowing down to his asana practiceShow notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode137SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA donates feminine care products to homeless shelters across the U.S. For 40% off all subscripti

In this second episode of our Begin Again series, we talk about what keeps us motivated to practice when yoga is feeling stagnant and Jason offers useful tips for teachers who are faced with the difficult (but rewarding!) task of teaching yoga to beginners.He also talks about how to introduce philosophy to beginning students and how to motivate students to keep coming back to their mats. Here’s an overview of the episode:* Why beginning again can be a great thing even for experienced yoga practitioners* Some common mistakes yoga teachers make when they teach beginners* How to approach teaching philosophy to beginners in a way that doesn’t confuse or overwhelm* How he navigates sharing the philosophical dimensions of yoga so that they are useful to everyone regardless of their cultural and ideological belief systems* Tips for being a good host to new students and why he thinks that’s a key component to keeping students motivated*BONUS: Jason explains some of the yamas and niyamas and puts them into a mode

With a new year comes a flood of new students into yoga classes everywhere. Many of those students will be brand new to yoga, while others have re-committed to their yoga practice.In this first episode of our series on yoga beginners, Jason shares some tips for how to welcome these new students and make them feel "supported, but not hounded" in the yoga room.While the series will be geared toward teachers, it's important info for those yoga students who will be seeing lots of new faces in their classes, too.We discuss:* Why it's so important to put yourself back into the mindset of a beginner if you're teaching new yoga students* Jason's principles for teaching asanas, or yoga poses, to beginners--and how he keeps his classes consistent without letting them get too boring or stale* A few strategies for making beginning students feel more comfortable in a new environment and how to be a good host to all of your students* How yoga teachers can keep their beginning students safe without making them feel cal