Yogaland Podcast

This week, Coral Brown offers her take on the psychodynamics of the teacher-student relationship in yoga. Coral is both a respected Prana Vinyasa yoga teacher and licensed mental health counselor with great insight into this topic.There are obviously major differences in the therapist/patient relationship vs. the yoga teacher/student relationship. Yet, many of the same psychodynamics arise. Coral shares how transference, countertransference, unmet needs and behaviors all make their way into the yoga room, whether we're aware of them or not.She also shares:*Her thoughts on why the teacher/student model inherently sets up a power differential and what we can do about it*How therapists are trained and prepared to handle the dynamics that arise within the working relationship*How she brings principles from her therapy training to her yoga teacher trainees* Her process for using the chakra system as a roadmap for psychological self-discovery*The role of charisma in elevating a teacher's status*Coral's ap

This is our first-ever live podcast recording! From Jason's training in San Francisco at Love Story Yoga, we dig deep into how yoga teachers can serve their students better through offering hands-on, or manual, adjustments.We talk about:* The value of hands-on adjustments in yoga postures for students, and which students might benefit most. * Why Jason feels there should be a paradigm shift in the way teachers deliver manual adjustments and what that shift should be.* Ways to approach adjusting super flexible students, tighter students, and those middle-of-the-road students + why it's important to give them all equal attention in class.* Practical advice teachers can implement right now to offer safer, more skillful adjustments that informs their experience of the posture.Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/podcast/episode94SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. Mahabis sell incredibly comfortable, Scandinavian-inspired slippers with unique detachable soles. The detachable soles clip on and off easily, so you can even we

Sexual misconduct in the yoga community isn't new. But the evolving #metoo and #timesup movements have brought to light the magnitude of the problem for women from all walks of life -- including within the yoga world. (Rachel Brathen collected more than 300 of them last year). It's opened an important dialogue about how to put an end to sexual misconduct and other abuses of power within the yoga community. There are a few thoughtful yoga teachers leading the way, and I talked with two of them in this week's episode: Judith Hanson Lasater and Mary Taylor. Judith and Mary, with AZIAM founder Alanna Zabel, shared their stories recently with <em>Yoga Journal. </em>Now, they're talking with me about what they feel should be the next steps for healing.We talk about:* The history of ethical standards for yoga teachers and how both Judith and Mary believe these standards should evolve in the future* How the vocation of yoga teacher has changed through the years as yoga has become more commercial

Did you know that the fastest growing demographic of new yogis is the 55 and older set? Neither did I. I learned all sorts of fascinating facts, statistics, and new research from this week's guest, Baxter Bell.Together with his co-author, Nina Zolotow, Baxter has a new book, Yoga for Healthy Aging and that's the main focus of this episode. I can't think of two people better-positioned to write this book: Baxter spent years practicing medicine as a family doc before becoming a yoga therapist and practicing acupuncturist. Nina is the author of several books on yoga and is a certified yoga teacher, having studied extensively with esteemed teachers like Rodney Yee and Donald Moyer.I don't know about you, but Jason and I have tried -- unsuccessfully! -- to get our parents to do yoga. This book reminds me of how beneficial yoga practice is as we age. I think it's a vital and meaningful book for any thoughtful yoga teacher's toolkit.In this week's podcast we learn more about:* The story behind Baxter and Nina's new

Jason's back on the podcast this week answering some of the best questions we've gotten in about yoga postures. (Yogaland listeners are a smart, inquisitive bunch!)We dive into:* Why he rarely teaches Virabhadrasna I (Warrior I Pose) and how he feels about "squaring" the hips* What Jason teaches instead of Warrior I (and what a relief it is)* The differences between Paripurna Navasana (Full Boat Pose) and Ardha Navasna (Half Boat Pose) and which one is better for strengthening the core muscles* What to do when you can't breathe deeply in twists* What it means to be an advanced yoga practitionerShownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode/SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. Zola is reinventing the wedding planning and registry experience. From engagement to wedding to decorating your first home, Zola is there, combining compassionate customer service with modern tools and technology. To sign up with Zola and receive a $50 credit towards your registry, go to zola.com/yogaland 2. RxBar are protein bars made from 100% whole foo

This week, we continue our conversation with Jill Miller to learn even more about the mysterious (and amazing!) connective tissue that literally holds our bodies together: fascia.We talk more about:The three different layers of fascia, how each layer functions, and why each one is importantWhere in your own body you can feel the different textures of fasciaWhat happens to the fascia when you stretch your musclesHow to use tools like therapy balls, a yoga mat, or even a hard wood floor to create awareness from the skin to the deep fascia (Hint: Less is more)Whether rolling on therapy balls is more effective before or after exerciseShownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode/SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. Zola is reinventing the wedding planning and registry experience. From engagement to wedding to decorating your first home, Zola is there, combining compassionate customer service with modern tools and technology. To sign up with Zola and receive a $50 credit towards your registry, go to zola.com/yogaland 2. RxBar are

I've got a special two-part series this week Yoga Tune Up® founder Jill Miller about -- you guessed it -- fascia. There is more and more info. being shared about fascia. But I've found that it sometimes feels esoteric. My goal with these interviews is threefold: I wanted to offer clarity about what fascia is and then talk about why it is so important and how we can apply this info. to our yoga practice. By the end of Part II, I feel like Jill and I dug into all of these questions, so be patient! Fascia is complex and it took me a bit longer than usual for these interviews to land.We learn more about:* What exactly fascia is anyway? And why is there some controversy over the definition.* Why fascia is the "Cinderella story of human anatomy"* How to incorporate our understanding of fascia into our yoga practice* Why using a yoga ball to roll one part of your body can help to relieve tension in another part of the body* The nervous system's relationship to the fascia systemShownotes: yogalandpodcast.co

Yogis often talk about the nervous system in terms of how it responds to stress. But if you've ever wanted to learn more about the science of how the nervous system works, this episode is for you! (Spoiler alert: It controls almost everything related to movement!)This week, I talked with yoga therapist and PhD candidate Robyn Capobianco, who studies at the Neurophysiology of Movement Laboratory at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She explains how her research applies to yogis and offers practical ways to apply her findings to avoid yoga injuries and more. It's fascinating stuff.We explore:* How the nervous system works and informs movement* How the body responds to sensory input, and how it relates to yoga* How the SI joint differs from other joints in the body and what yogis can do to avoid SI joint pain* One simple thing you can do to engage the core more in Plank Pose* The science behind common beliefs like: Is it really unsafe to jump back from Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) to Plank

We pick up where we left off last week with Jason answering more of your recent questions! This week, he answers:* How often should I change my sequences?* How do I sequence given the large influx of new students in January without alienating my established students?* If I let my pelvis rotate during twists, will it cause a hip impingement?Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode87/SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!!1.   Did you know that you can save money on your life insurance just because you do yoga? Health IQ is an insurance company that helps yogis get lower rates on their life insurance. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at healthiq.com/yogaland or mention the promo code YOGALAND when you talk to a Health IQ agent.2.   RxBar are protein bars made from 100% whole foods. That means RxBars do not contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fillers. They also do not contain added sugar. They’re also delicious!  For 25% off your first order, visit RXBAR.

Jason Crandell joins me this week to answer your questions. We cover a lot of ground in this short episode including:* Strategies for Down Dog -- How to make it easier to step forward, what to do when a student can't straighten their arms* Lower Rib Flare -- Why it's important to think of core length, not just core strength* The Cue to 'Tuck Your Tailbone Under -- Is it dangerous? Appropriate? What's the deal. Please.Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode86SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!!1.   Did you know that you can save money on your life insurance just because you do yoga? Health IQ is an insurance company that helps yogis get lower rates on their life insurance. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at healthiq.com/yogaland or mention the promo code YOGALAND when you talk to a Health IQ agent.2.   RxBar are protein bars made from 100% whole foods. That means RxBars do not contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fillers. They also do not contain added s

This week’s podcast with author and yoga teacher Michelle Marchildon focuses on her formula for theming your yoga classes. The formula comes from her book, Themeweaver: Connect the Power of Inspiration to Teaching Yoga and is a clear, thorough approach to creating themes that are meaningful, not cheesy, and will help your students really deeply connect their physical practice to Michelle talks us through:• The three types of students who come to class• The four elements that make a good theme• Theming don’ts• Five rules for incorporating your themes into your classes• How to organize your themes so that you can edit them and reuse them in the futureShownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode85/SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS:1.   Did you know that you can save money on your life insurance just because you do yoga? Health IQ is an insurance company that helps yogis get lower rates on their life insurance. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at healthiq.com/yogaland or mention the promo cod

I love the idea of starting of the New Year with healthy, nourishing routines. Over the past few years, I’ve done that with my skincare routine and I find it to be a great form of self care. When you think of self care, you don’t think of smearing petroleum, endocrine disruptors or other toxic chemicals on your face, right?In the process of researching the products I use, I’ve learned that there is basically no federal regulation on our personal care products (or on most industrial chemicals in the U.S.)That was my inspiration behind this episode and I’m so excited to share it with you. This week on the podcast I speak to Abby Jean and Rachel Pachivas from AnnMarie Skincare and they answer all of my questions (and more) including:·     Do products made with botanicals really work as well as our familiar “tried and true” formulations?·     How to start purging your skincare products·     Red flag ingredients too look for·  &nb

Can you guess which podcast was the most popular of the year? I give you a glimpse into my analytics on this episode (spoiler alert: the #1 episode is not one of Jason's), plus we talk 2017 highlights (hello, creativity!) and lowlights (puffy eyes), what we're looking forward to in 2018, and how I aspire to channel both Maria Bamford and Oprah. (PS: Iyengar Yoga "belt" vs. "strap" question still not solved!!)  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Judith Hanson Lasater and her daughter, Lizzie Lasater, have been on the podcast separately before. On episodes 64 & 65 I focused on their backgrounds and on the mother-daughter connection. This time, I wanted back up and simply ask the question, "Why restorative yoga?" Why now? And why isn't "regular" hatha yoga restorative enough? One response, in particular, surprised me -- seeing restorative yoga as a radical act of self care in a society that's so filled with aggression and violence.Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode821.   Did you know that you can save money on your life insurance just because you do yoga? Health IQ is an insurance company that helps yogis get lower rates on their life insurance. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at healthiq.com/yogaland or mention the promo code YOGALAND when you talk to a Health IQ agent. 2.   We all go through busy times where it can feel like a challenge to eat well. One thing that’s helped me is Sunbasket m

Niika Quistgard, Ayurvedic practitioner extraordinaire -- is back! (She joined me on episode 17 for a great vata-calming episode. If you haven't heard it, go back and listen to it. It's a great foundation and complement to this one!) On this episode Niika explains the Ayurvedic approach to nourishing ojas -- thought to be our vital essence -- during the winter and the holiday season. When ojas is strong, we feel content, stable, and grounded. When it gets depleted, our immunity goes down the tubes (my parlance, not hers :) We got super-fancy and cross-cultural on this episode, because it turns out that the way to cultivate ojas is very similar to the Danish concept of hygge (think cozy socks, candlelight, and delicious spiced drinks). Niika also shares her approach to asana and pranayama for keep ojas tip top.Go to the shownotes page for an ojas-nourishing chai recipe from Niika and a link to her ojas assessment: yogalandpodcast.com/podcast/episode81/1.   Did you know that you can save money on

You've probably heard people say that a short yoga practice is better than no yoga practice. Jason and I heartily agree -- but it can still be hard to carve out the time. I think the root problem is that it's hard to step on your mat solo and know what to do. This episode will help you get over the avoidance. We talk strategy and Jason offers three concrete, easy approaches to creating a home practice sequence that suits your mood, your energy level, and your time crunch.If you still need help, I put lots of sequences here, on the shownotes page: yogalandpodcast.com/episode80/1. We all go through busy times where it can feel like a challenge to eat well. One thing that’s helped me is Sunbasket meal delivery service. Go to sunbasket.com/yogaland to get $35 off your first order.2. Care/Of is a new, online vitamin company that is devoted to personalization and authenticity in its sourcing. Set your health goals, take their quiz, and they'll give you vitamin, mineral, and adaptogen recommendations. Visit tak

When you're grieving, the holidays--with its equal share of memories and new situations--can intensify all of your feelings. The holidays can even surprise you with feelings that you might have considered long resolved. On this episode, Washington, DC, yoga teacher and studio owner Faith Hunter generously shares the story of losing her older brother, Michael, to complications from HIV. Faith and I talk about how time, therapy, patience, and yoga helped her move through the grieving process. If you're feeling all the feelings this season, my hope is that this episode will help you feel a little bit less alone in the world. Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode79/Shout-Out to Sponsors:1. We all go through busy times where it can feel like a challenge to eat well. One thing that’s helped me is Sunbasket meal delivery service. Go to sunbasket.com/yogaland to get $35 off your first order.2. Care/Of is a new, online vitamin company that is devoted to personalization and authenticity in its sourcing. Set your

How can you get the most from your restorative poses? That's a question that Roger Cole and I explore on this episode. Roger Cole is an internationally recognized, certified Iyengar Yoga teacher who has been teaching since 1975. He is also an accomplished scientist educated at Stanford University and the University of California, with specialties in the science of relaxation, sleep, and circadian rhythms.In this interview, Roger explains how to use the Baro Reflex to maximize relaxation in restorative yoga poses. As he puts it, there is not one single system that is responsible for relaxation -- in yoga classes, we often focus on the nervous system. But, if you "gang up a lot of factors that promote relaxation," you're more likely to go deeper and feel more restored afterward. We also talk about that time he took B.K.S. Iyengar to a lab and tested his breathing (with interesting, if imperfect results), and a possible reason that inversions promote relaxation.Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode78/Shout

Happy gratitude week folks! This week, Gina Caputo returns to talk about her Yoga Off the Mat/Let's Stay Together Challenge. I love the idea of infusing our holidays with meaning and with practice. This challenge does exactly that with small, actionable ideas for us to do together each week leading up to the holidays. Imagine the ripple effect it would have if everyone listening to this podcast took part. Makes my heart full just thinking about it! Use the hashtags #yogaoffthemat and #letsstaytogether so we can find each other and support each other in the challenge.Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode77/Shout-Out to Sponsors:1. We all go through busy times where it can feel like a challenge to eat well. One thing that’s helped me is Sunbasket meal delivery service. Go to sunbasket.com/yogaland to get $35 off your first order.2. Care/Of is a new, online vitamin company that is devoted to personalization and authenticity in its sourcing. Set your health goals, take their quiz, and they'll give you vitamin, m

Jason and Andrea sit down to review some of the themes discussed in episode 74 with Jill Miller and to delve more deeply into the topic of yoga injuries. How do we stop overpraising flexibility and "going further" in a pose without becoming afraid to fully use and inhabit our bodies?Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode76/Shoutout to our sponsors:1. To my women listeners out there – have you tried Lola yet? LOLA is a female-founded company offering organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For 60% off your first order, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND when you subscribe.2. Burrow is a new online company that creates modern, CHEMICAL-FREE sofas that ship to you within a week! For $50 off your purchase, go to burrow.com and use the promo code YOGALAND.3. We all go through busy times where it can feel like a challenge to eat well. One thing that's helped me is Sunbasket meal delivery service. Go to sunbasket.com/yogaland to get $35 off your first order.  See acast.com/privacy for