Yogaland Podcast

For the last interview of 2018, I am so excited to share an interview with Insight Yoga founder Sarah Powers. Sarah has been a huge influence on my yoga practice, my meditation practice, and my life. Here's what we talk about:* Yoga and parenting: How Sarah introduced her daughter to yoga and what impact she believes growing up in a yoga family had on her daughter  * How Sarah and Ty came to the decision to home school their daughter and how that decision made Sarah a better yoga teacher* Why continuing to make time to attend workshops and retreats as a student is still an essential part of Sarah's life* She talks about the amount of time it took for her to feel confident as a yoga teacher, especially since she brings so many different elements of yoga, meditation, Buddhism, and psychology into her teaching* Plus, she offers some practical advice for yoga teachers Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode134SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 1

This week, I talk with Ty Powers. You might know Ty as the husband an influential yoga teacher for me (and many others!) -- Sarah Powers. He's also an incredibly insightful teacher in his own right, a meditation teacher, and coach. Recently, he's also been leading workshops called Changes and Transitions in Midlife--something that is of particular interest to me now that I'm in my 40s.Here are some highlights from our conversation:*Ty talks briefly about parenting and race and how both of those things have impacted his life*We commiserate about the challenges of having a spouse who's an international yoga teacher *We talk about how things change once a person gets into their 40s and 50s, the process of aging and how to make sense of the changes to your body. And Ty shares why he thinks people are beginning to ask the big questions about life and spirituality earlier today than ever before.*How culturally, we're missing the mark in preparing for all of life's transitions, and how practices like

This week's guest, Melissa Townsend is the author of two beautiful books about the Yoga Sutras. Townsend, a long-time yoga student, artist, Sanskrit enthusiast, and psychic, wasn't always enthusiastic about the sutras. But in the same way that psychic visions come to her, so did the idea to use her art to share the Yoga Sutras. On this episode, I had the opportunity to ask her all about the creative process of her Yoga Sutras art and translations. We're also joined by Stephanie Snyder, a popular yoga teacher who loves to study and share the sutras.We have an in-depth conversation about why we all find this work fascinating, talk about their approach to studying the sutras, and explain why the text is so much more than just the meaning of words or interpretations that you read. You might have to listen to the episode to understand, but I promise you'll be glad you did. It might just change the way you've been approaching the study of yoga philosophy.Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode132SHOUT-

Historically, during times of political and cultural strife, people become more interested in self-care. That means that right now, self-care is an incredibly important and popular topic (to the tune of 9 million hashtags on Instagram!). Self-care means different things to different people. It's not all bubble baths and mani/pedis (although, there's certainly nothing wrong with those!)I think of yoga as a radical form of self-care because yoga builds self-awareness -- of your unique constitution, your needs, your strengths, and the parts of you that require extra attention and shoring up. That's why I decided to focus on self-care for this episode. It's a live episode recorded at the prAna store in San Francisco, with yoga teacher and astrologer Susannah Freedman and nurse practitioner Caitlin Hildebrand. We talk about:* How remembering one's purpose can be a motivation for self-care* Teaching yoga as a form of self-care* What yoga philosophy says about self-care and how we can apply that to modern life*

One out of three people will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. While a regular yoga practice might not prevent cancer, it can certainly help ease the fear, anxiety, and emotional anguish that can come with it. Today's guest, Dr. Timothy McCall, is a medical doctor and yoga teacher, who talks with us this week about his road to recovery from throat cancer. His story is an inspiring testimony to the power of a yoga and meditation during hard times.Timothy shares how he discovered his cancer, how he chose his care team, and which asanas supported him through treatment. He also talks about the benefits of fasting prior to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. And how he both prepared for treatment and convalesced after treatment in Kerala, India with Ayurvedic treatments -- and the effect they had on him. You can pre-order Timothy's self-published book, Saving My Neck: A Doctor's East/West Journey Through Cancer on Amazon.SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. It's been about a year since Sunbasket has been a

This week's episode focuses on adaptogenic herbs and nootropics, which are herbs and supplements that are thought to help us adapt to stress, improve cognitive function, and memory. They're everywhere these days -- in our smoothies, on the shelves of Whole Foods, in teas. And as with all trends, I both want to embrace anything and everything that's said to improve health while simultaneously feeling completely skeptical.So, I thought I'd have Ayurvedic practitioner, Niika Quistgard on the show to have a frank conversation about adaptogens and nootropics -- what are they? Do they work? How do they work best? Does it make sense to throw them all in your smoothie and hope for the best? Niika, as always, offers an honest and interesting perspective. Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode129SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. It's been about a year since Sunbasket has been a sponsor of Yogaland. Each week, I get a Sunbasket box delivered to my door and I still get excited! The recipes are creative and delici

This is the sixth year Jason led his week-long retreat on Maui, but the FIRST year we did a live Yogaland podcast! We did not humble brag about the beautiful setting, the food, the roosters, or the camaraderie of the students -- we just full on brag bragged. But we also answered student questions, which happened to mainly focus on backbending.Here's an overview:* We talk about the benefits of immersing yourself in yoga on retreat and how Jason thinks of it as a mini-training* Jason shares his approach to teaching Ujjayi breathing, and why he believes that fast, vinyasa flow classes have the potential to undermine the benefits of the practice* We discuss how to tell the difference between structural limitations and non-structural, changeable limitations in backbends* Tips on how to progress to more advanced backbends after you've mastered Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel Pose or Upward-Facing Bow Pose)Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode128SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. It's been about a year since Sunba

Jason and I celebrated our 10th anniversary in early October -- that's a whole DECADE of wedded bliss, you guys!. In an unusual moment of sentimentality, we decided to share a bit more about our relationship in this episode.We reflect on- How we went from colleagues to dating to married- How we moved from student-teacher relationship (and editor-writer relationship) to romantic partnership- How we balance our work relationship with our home life- The huge role that yoga has played in our relationship from day one, and how it continues to help us to relate to each other and even navigate our differences- The parallels we draw between being in a long-term relationship with another person and being a long-time yoga studentShow notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode127SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. It's been about a year since Sunbasket has been a sponsor of Yogaland. Each week, I get a Sunbasket box delivered to my door and I still get excited! The recipes are creative and delicious with organic produce an

Most people consider arm balances and inversions challenging poses, but we think they're worth the effort.This week, I talk to Jason about his approach to teaching these popular poses, and how he breaks them down to make them more accessible for every student. We also share our newest mini-course (it's free!), which goes deep into one of the most foundational arm balances, Bakasana (also known as Crane Pose or Crow Pose).We talk about:* Why practice arm balances and inversions in the first place?* Crane Pose vs. Crow Pose - What's the difference?* The two most important poses to practice if you want to learn Bakasana* The role and movement of the shoulder blades in straight-arm Bakasana and a pose to practice to begin to get the action down* Why Jason thinks core strength might not be THE most important thing to focus on when learning arm balances (even though he concedes that it is important)* BONUS: Learn about Andrea's new therapeutic pumpkin carving practice.* EXTRA SPECIAL BONUS: Take Jason's FREE Bakasa

It was such a pleasure to talk to yoga teacher and astrologer Susannah Freedman for this very special episode. Susannah has been teaching yoga and doing astrology readings since 2010 and has a Masters in Philosophy and Religion, but both her yoga and astrology journeys started during her self-described "hippie childhood." In this interview, Susannah explains how she sees someone's chart as their "karmic blueprint." Unlike some who approach astrology from a prescriptive point of view, Susannah see the chart as a way to help validate or reveal our innate strengths and weakness (or samskaras) so that we can then work through them in this lifetime. The connection she makes between astrology and yoga really made sense to me! And it was so much fun to talk about. Susannah also describes how she combines yoga and astrology in her AstroFlow workshops, she offers her thoughts on seeing the state of the world via the current transits, and she debunks common myths about astrology. Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.c

Today's guest is Melanie Klein, a professor of Sociology and Women's Studies, co-founder of the Yoga and Body Image Coalition, and author of the new book, Yoga Rising: 30 Empowering Stories from Yoga Renegades for Every Body. Her work has made her a respected leader in the conversation around yoga and body image. In this interview, we talk about how she came to be such an advocate for the positive body image movement. Plus, since I am a former editor for Yoga Journal, we have a candid conversation about how media has contributed to this dialogue--for better and worse. Here are some highlights: * Melanie tells her "body story" and how yoga helped her move from an unhealthy preoccupation with her body to body acceptance * I learn the phrase "the body project" -- the idea that we spend so many resources working on our bodies in hopes that one day we'll be "perfect" -- and I feel like a giant lightbulb has been turned on. What would the world be like if women redirected all of that time, energ

I'm so excited to share this interview with Dr. Will Cole! Dr. Cole is a functional medicine doc whose new book, Ketotarian, offers a mostly plant-based approach to the ketogenic diet that's much healthier than the traditional bacon and bunless burgers regimen.I've been on the ketogenic diet for a few years and I value Dr. Cole's approach -- it's compassionate, research-driven,and balanced. Plus, it was a real treat for me to bounce all of my keto questions off of someone! I got to ask Dr. Cole -- Is the ketogenic diet really suitable for everyone? What's the science and history behind it? What's his advice for balancing the strict aspects of keto without going overboard into orthorexia? If you're in overall good health, how can keto be beneficial to you? We also talk about soy, lechtins, fancy cows, and the importance of self-compassion when approaching any eating plan.Shownotes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode123SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. I love cooking but even I get tired of the grind day after

There are so many interpretations of the seminal yoga text, Patanjali's Yoga Sutra. This week, I talk to two women who've written one that is refreshingly different. Kelly DiNardo and Amy Pearce-Hayden join me to talk about their book new book, Living the Sutras: A Guide to Yoga Wisdom Beyond the Mat. Their book is not a formal, scholarly translation of the Yoga Sutra. Instead, DiNardo and Pearce-Hayden have created a guide that can help you take the sutras, reflect on them, and then apply them to your life. Their approach is lively, relevant, modern and also informed by years of practice and study.Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode122SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. I love cooking but even I get tired of the grind day after day. One thing that’s helped me immensely is Sunbasket meal delivery service -- they offer organic produce and clean ingredients and many different types of meal plans. Their food is so delicious and I LOVE how creative they are! Go to sunbasket.com/yogaland to get $35 off yo

I got a great question from a listener recently in response to episode 119, so I decided to start this episode with Jason's response. The listener, Neil, asks, "If we're creating a practice that's sustainable, does it really makes sense to repeat the same sequence over and over again?" And what's the best way to handle pressure from studio and gym owners to "freshen things up?"We also answer a couple of other questions that come in often, in many different forms, essentially:* What's the best way to cope with pre-class nerves?* How do I feel more confident about self-promotion?Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode121SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. I love cooking but even I get tired of the grind day after day. One thing that’s helped me immensely is Sunbasket meal delivery service -- they offer organic produce and clean ingredients and many different types of meal plans. Their food is so delicious and I LOVE how creative they are! Go to sunbasket.com/yogaland to get $35 off your first order.2. LOLA

Today's guest, Nikki Myers, a yoga therapist and the founder of Y12SR (Yoga of 12-Step Recovery), shares how yoga has helped with her personal struggles with addiction and helped thousands of people through Y12SR.Even if you've never been touched personally by addiction, her insights and advice apply to anyone who's had to overcome a challenge in life. We talk about:* Nikki's personal road to recovery, what she learned along the way, and how yoga helped her heal* Why an important part of practicing yoga is embracing ALL sides of yourself, and why it's important not to deny or hide the things you're less proud of* How the 12-step program is similar to yoga and why yoga is such a great complement to the 12 steps* Nikki and Andrea share their thoughts on the opioid crisis and how, as bad as things are, the good that has come from it. It's forcing government officials and the healthcare establishment to take a look at the emotional side behind the disease of addiction* What co-dependency really is and h

Jason is back this week to answer a few questions that came up about our Summer Series. The questions came from students in Jason's advanced yoga teacher training class, but they are applicable to any serious practitioners. We address:* His sequencing philosophy + the one biggest mistake he thinks yoga teachers make when they're planning their yoga class sequences.* How to help students find a slow, steady breath during vinyasa classes -- including how to breathe for backbends like Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel Pose), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), and dropping back into Urdhva Dhanurasana.* Why consistency is such an important element for teaching and practicing yoga.* Jason's thoughts on finding an appropriate pace for vinyasa yoga classes.Shownotes: http://www,jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode119SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. I love cooking but even I get tired of the grind day after day. One thing that’s helped me immensely is Sunbasket meal delivery service -- they offer organic produce and clean ingredients and many

J. Brown is a yoga teacher, former yoga center owner, blogger, and the host of the popular podcast J. Brown Yoga Talks. On this episode, I ask J. about his yoga origin story as well as the current iteration of his yoga life -- both online and off. J. also shares how the powerful words he said to his mother toward the end of her life have had a lasting impact on who he is today and helped lead him to yoga. J.'s mother died before he graduated from high school, and what he once saw as a wound he now sees as an event that has filled him with purpose and, ultimately, gratitude. PS: J. had me on his show a few months ago, the link is on the shownotes page if you want to check it out.Show notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode118SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. I love cooking but even I get tired of the grind day after day. One thing that’s helped me immensely is Sunbasket meal delivery service -- they offer organic produce and clean ingredients and many different types of meal plans. Their food is so deli

When I have Jason on the show, we talk a lot about postures and technique, so I thought it would be interesting to talk yoga philosophy on the podcast this week. I asked Jason to share his favorite yoga books (that are not focused on the physical practice). These are just a few of his favorites, spanning yoga philosophy, Buddhist philosophy, and neuroscience.You can find links to all of the books mentioned in the episode on the show notes page: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode117SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. I love cooking but even I get tired of the grind day after day. One thing that’s helped me immensely is Sunbasket meal delivery service — they offer organic produce and clean ingredients and many different types of meal plans. Their food is so delicious and I LOVE how creative they are! Go to sunbasket.com/yogaland to get $35 off your first order.2. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA donates feminine care pro

Claire Missingham is back on the podcast this week, and we're talking about how she's been using yoga and other natural healing modalities to manage a recent diagnosis of an autoimmune disease.She tells us:*How the grief of losing a yoga teacher in her community to suicide led her to start running, learn to swim (as an adult), and compete in marathons and triathalons*How she became diagnosed with Lupus, and how she manages it through food, adaptogenic herbs, and other natural methods of healing*Why she takes a freezing cold shower every morning before her yoga practice and wears a bikini in the snow!*What herbs she found to be most helpful in her healing, travel, and daily life and why she says they're worth every penny (Plus, she offers a fewtips for stretching your dollar when buying and using herbs)*How her diagnosis has impacted her asana practice and her thoughts on how yoga is always changing to meet her where she isShow notes (and Claire's smoothie recipe) at: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/epis

On this episode, I'm joined by yoga teacher and holistic health coach Rosie Acosta. Rosie shares her personal story of growing up in East L.A. in the 90s where chaos and violence surrounded her daily. By the time she was a teen, she'd been arrested, she was physically unhealthy, and she didn't see much of a future for herself. And yet, here she is now, living a bright, fulfilled life. Her story is inspiring and speaks to the power of the human spirit and the power of a dedicated yoga practice. ✨ "The minute I walked into that [yoga] room, I felt like I was home." ✨Rosie shares:- How one of the biggest mistakes of her life as a teen was actually a catalyst for positive change- The internal conflict of wanting to create a better life for herself while knowing that he family feared losing her if she "got out"- How growing up with instability created a deep internal craving for stability- How she juggled several jobs and explored different paths before finding the right fit with yoga- Her advice for finding