The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
252: Reflect & Plan [Part 3] with Shannon Crow
Description:
At the end of every year, Shannon has a personal practice of reflection and planning. In this episode, Shannon encourages you to think about what you would like to be doing with your time, as a way to direct your energy and focus. She also shares her five-year framework that acts as a guiding compass for her life. By focusing on the four areas of importance - health and wellness, relationships and community purpose, work, and finances - Shannon finds that she has more direction. This episode is part of a series, and an excellent guide to return to every time you need to take stock and review how things are going in your yoga business.
Key Takeaways:
[3:25] What do you want to spend your time doing this year?
[5:35] Shannon reviews Part 1 and 2 of her framework for reflecting and planning.
[7:25] Shannon sends gratitude to Schedulicity.
[9:34] Shannon shares her journal prompt for this episode. She encourages you to think about what you would rather be doing instead with your time. What are the things that excite you and you want to dedicate your time and energy to?
[14:14] Shannon has been using this framework for years, and is shocked by how things have turned out!
[15:14] Shannon sets the scenario for this activity. How will your life be in 5 years from now in these four areas of importance: health and wellness, relationships and community purpose, work, and finances?
[17:00] Shannon shares some examples from her four areas of importance.
[20:28] Part 4 of this series will be all about setting goals.
[21:23] Shannon ends off with a few reminders.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity (Coupon:cyt2months), and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).
Quotes from this episode:
"What do you want to spend your time doing this year?"
"Time is our most precious resource."
“Don't forget to aim high. Dream big. Be as specific as you can.”
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
251: Reflect & Plan [Part 2] with Shannon Crow & Jivana Heyman
Description:
At the end of every year, Shannon has a personal practice of reflecting on how her year has been. In this episode, she shares more about reflecting on what didn’t work and letting that go. In her practice, Shannon has tried to include elements of non-attachment and letting go, and turned to Jivana Heyman with her questions about incorporating yoga philosophy and Sanskrit into her framework.
Shannon and Jivana discuss different elements of non-attachment mentioned in yoga texts, and how we can respectfully incorporate these teachings into our lives and daily practice. Shannon also offers a guided reflection practice with some questions to contemplate and journal on things we need to let go and release. This episode is part of a series, and an excellent guide to return to every time you need to take stock and review how things are going in your yoga business.
Key Takeaways:
[4:36] This episode is part two in a series about reflecting and planning in your yoga business.
[6:21] Part one of this exercise was looking at what went well and finding moments of contentment. Part two focuses on what didn't work and letting that go.
[9:49] Shannon shares what she has learned from reading yoga texts about non-attachment and letting go.
[11:25] Sponsor Schedulicity shares the hot tip of the week.
[12:13] Shannon learned about Vairāgya from Jivana Heyman. She also wanted to make sure she wasn't appropriating yoga in trying to include these elements in her reflection and planning.
[14:52] An important part of reflecting is to think about what we are distracted by and that's pulling us off course.
[16:58] Shannon is doing a giveaway of one of Jivana's books!
[17:31] Vairāgya is really about looking at what we want to reach for or make space for. Shannon has a small exercise to illustrate this principle.
[19:08] Shannon encourages you to make a list of things you would like to clear out and let go of or release and create space.
[22:40] Shannon talks about the continuation of learning that we are all doing.
[24:32] This framework can act as your map and your compass all wrapped into one.
[28:01] If we climb every single mountain alone, we would never get anywhere.
[28:10] Shannon shares some journal prompts to guide your reflection.
[30:30] Shannon introduces Jivana and shares more about why she reached out to him for this conversation.
[32:58] How can we respectfully integrate yoga into what we are doing?
[36:45] Jivana shares some of his thoughts on non-attachment.
[37:52] Shannon reflects on how the idea that yoga is the opposite of capitalism has played out in her own journaling and reflection this year.
[39:02] Non-attachment is about analyzing our desires.
[43:36] Non-attachment doesn't mean having non-attachment to the things going on in the world because it's too painful. Jivana explains more about this.
[46:08] Shannon and Jivana discuss her conundrum around integrating yoga and Sanskrit into her reflection framework.
[54:07] Shannon has three gifts for listeners!
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity (Coupon:cyt2months), and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).
Quotes from this episode:
"What would you like to let go of next year or next month or next quarter? What is no longer serving you?" - Shannon
"We are not looking at how to escape every moment of discomfort or bad emotion." - Shannon
"This whole framework, what we're doing, is like your map and your compass all wrapped into one." - Shannon
"This whole framework, what we're doing is like your map and your compass all wrapped into one." - Shannon
"How can we apply monastic ancient teachings to our lives now? How do we do that in a respectful way?" - Jivana Heyman
"In the West, we tend to identify with the mind so much that we don't even know what it means to identify with spirit." - Jivana Heyman
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
250: Reflect & Plan with Shannon Crow
Description:
At the end of every year, Shannon has a personal practice of reflecting on how her year has been. In this episode, she shares how she cultivated this practice and how she has incorporated elements of yoga and yoga philosophy into this practice. She speaks about the element of santosha, contentment, that she has brought into her reflection practice this year. In this guided reflection practice, Shannon invites us to contemplate some questions to assess our year in terms of contentment. This episode is part of a series, and an excellent guide to return to every time you need to take stock and review how things are going in your yoga business.
Key Takeaways:
[4:22] Shannon shares a little bit of background on her process in putting together this episode.
[5:35] This is a great series to return to every time you need to take stock and review how things are going in your yoga business.
[6:34] Shannon likes to do her reflections with pen and paper. She has recorded a special guided practice to help you with your reflection to focus on moments of contentment.
[9:09] Schedulicity shares the hot tip of the week.
[10:07] What can you do to bring yourself to the present moment? As we reflect on the past year to find the moments of contentment, remember to let go of certain outcomes.
[12:42] Notice anything around you that offers you comfort, and take a moment to appreciate yourself for taking this time as a gift to yourself and everyone around you.
[13:52] Shannon shares some guiding questions to direct your reflection on contentment.
[15:29] Shannon shares something she learned from doing this practice this year.
[17:14] How did this reflection go for you? How are you feeling after creating this list?
[17:52] Be sure to get the accompanying PDF for this episode.
[18:43] Shannon shares a review from a member of Pelvic Health Professionals.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).
Quotes from this episode:
"What would bring me into this present moment right now?"
"Let yourself color outside the lines today and to do something differently."
"When did you find inner peace this year? When did you give something your best? When did you lose track of time? When did you let go of the outcome? When did you feel compassion? When did you look at something and feel satisfaction? When did you feel successful? When did you embrace who you are? When did you honor your limits?"
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
249: Yoga for Older Grownups with Maria Kirsten
Description:
Have you considered teaching older grownups as your niche in yoga? Many yoga teachers have not, and may feel some fear or apprehension when it comes to teaching people in older bodies. In this episode, Maria Kirsten sheds some light on what teaching yoga to older grownups can be like.
Maria Kirsten was a yoga therapist working mainly with pain and mental health, and offered yoga classes to grownups and older grownups in her community. She also taught teacher trainings about how to support older grownups and regarding general mental health. For Maria, the focus was always on intelligent movement that reconnects people to the joy of being alive in their bodies, and helping people connect with the intuitive wisdom of the body, and nurturing their innate capacity to heal through simple, joyful movement.
Maria shares openly about what inspired her to start teaching yoga for older grownups and how her classes are structured. Maria addresses the fear and caution that some yoga teachers may feel when it comes to teaching older bodies, and gives advice on things to avoid in a yoga class with older people. She explains the mental health benefit yoga can have, and also talks about some of the words that can be triggering for older grown ups.
This interview was so valuable in understanding what teaching yoga to older grownups can be like and how to approach teaching this group of people.
Note: This interview was conducted in January 2021, and Maria passed away back April 2021. The information she shared was invaluable, and we are glad to be able to share this interview with you now.
Key Takeaways:
[5:08] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Maria Kirsten.
[10:24] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity and a listener who left a review.
[15:33] How did Maria come up with the name Yoga for Grown Ups?
[17:21] What is the age range for grownups vs. older grownups?
[18:55] What does Maria usually teach in classes for older grownups?
[20:10] Shannon and Maria discuss some of the fears and lack of confidence older people have, particularly around falling.
[22:40] Maria shares a little more about some of the education she does for her students about what's happening in their bodies and their movements.
[25:55] How does Maria use chairs in her yoga classes?
[27:50] Sit to stand and stand to sit is an important movement, and not all of us do it correctly!
[29:59] Shannon shares more about the S breath and claw fingers to engage the pelvic floor.
[31:01] What are some things that Maria does not do with older grown ups?
[34:19] The thing is not to be scared of older people.
[36:09] What are some things Maria has learned about teaching yoga for older grown ups?
[38:15] What are some conditions that yoga teachers working with bodies with more experience on Earth should be aware of?
[42:01] Yoga for older grownups also has mental health benefits.
[43:01] Maria explains a bit about her experience with cancer.
[44:00] Do Maria's older grownups do online yoga?
[45:58] What are the restrictions on yoga classes in Australia?
[48:06] Maria also has a Yoga for Older Grownups training online.
[51:01] Shannon reflects on a mistake she made with naming a class for older people.
[53:07] Certain words can be triggering for older people and we need to be mindful of that.
[54:22] Shannon and Maria discuss the idea that mental health is a spectrum, and something that needs to be cultivated and built.
[58:13] When it comes to mental health and aging, we need to consider what a sustainable practice is.
[59:51] Learn more about Maria's work by visiting her website.
[61:26] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview with Maria.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).
Quotes from this episode:
"The biggest risk for falling is fear of falling."
"The thing is not to be scared of older people. If you give them the education and tell them what you're doing and why then they can make educated choices about what options they'll take or when they'll rest and then they feel really empowered."
"Don't underestimate what people are getting [out of your yoga class]."
"Only you know when enough is enough or too much is too much."
"Mental health is a spectrum and the thing that people don't understand, I think, about mental health, is that they don't just get it for free. People are really shocked when mental health isn't fantastic all the time."
"As teachers were trying to empower people in the class, but we're also trying to empower them to do home practice because as soon as they practice on their own at home, everything changes."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
248: Ayurveda is All About Self-Care with Chara Caruthers
Description:
As yoga teachers, we can forget that we need to take care of ourselves too. Burnout and exhaustion are common occurrences among yoga teachers, especially now, which is why self-care is so important. Chara Caruthers is on the podcast to talk about how ayurveda and self-care are intertwined for yoga teachers.
Chara Caruthers is a registered yoga teacher and certified yoga therapist who has been practicing yoga since 1993. She is a wellness coach, registered ayurvedic practitioner with AAPNA and professional member of National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA). As the founder of Bliss Body & Soul, Chara offers ayurveda courses, workshops, and an ayurvedic living community. Chara also hosts the Live Like You Love Yourself Podcast, where she shares more about how to live, age, parent, and just be more vibrantly engaged in the process of “growing up” in a way that feels balanced, authentic, graceful and juicy.
What is the role of ayurveda in self-care? Chara explains that we are each a unique individual, and accordingly our self-care needs differ according to who we are, how we are, and the environments we are in. She shares tips for tuning in to our inner selves, why self-care is essential especially when we’re busy, and so much more.
If you’ve wanted to know more about how to integrate Ayurveda into your own practice, or are needing to integrate self-care into your life, this is a great episode for you.
Key Takeaways:
[2:51] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Chara Caruthers.
[8:12] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity and a listener who left a review!
[12:04] What is the work that Chara does and who does she do it for?
[13:14] How does ayurveda connect to self-care?
[14:44] How does self-care change depending on your doshas and the seasons?
[18:28] Where can we start to find information about ourselves and how we are?
[22:16] What are some ayurveda self-care tips for yoga teachers on days that are overwhelming?
[26:04] What does Chara's personal practice look like, and what are the expectations she has for herself?
[30:39] What are Chara's thoughts for a yoga teacher who thinks they don't have time or are too busy for self-care?
[35:19] As yoga teachers, we model the way for others, including with our own self-care.
[40:10] Shannon and Chara discuss why it is so important for people to have their own regular practice before training to become yoga teachers.
[46:54] Many of us are wanting to go out and do something about everything we're seeing in the world, but we can't do that unless we take care of ourselves first.
[51:48] Things that require mental energy and mental work can also be tiring. As yoga teachers who are trying to hold space for everyone who comes to you, it is all the more important to practice self-care for yourself.
[54:33] What are some things that have helped Chara in her self-care journey?
[57:29] Chara shares more about how she works with yoga teachers in the ayurveda space.
[63:17] Find out more about Chara and her work on her website and her podcast.
[64:18] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this interview, and invites you to share your self-care tips and tricks.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).
Quotes from this episode:
"Ayurveda is really about living longer. It's a system of health and wellness that focuses on longevity and so when you think about it in that sense, you realize ayurveda is all about self-care."
"What your body wants us to understand is that the way that we actually care for ourselves is by understanding who we are and how we operate."
"What's going on out in the world is also going on inside of us."
"Ayurveda wants us to know who we are and to know how we are so that we can make smarter choices for the things that we engage with, whether that be food or people or environments or yoga."
"We have this responsibility first and foremost to make really smart choices for ourselves. And that it starts with tuning into where we are and how we are."
"If we're not going to take care of ourselves, our bodies, our minds, who will?"
"Rest is going to look different for everybody, and so I think we have that responsibility to tune in to what rest actually feels like, what it actually is for each of us."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
247: Being Wrong is Part of Learning with Shannon Crow
Description:
We all make mistakes. We all get things wrong, and say or do the wrong things at times. It is a part of being a yoga teacher, parent, coworker, friend, colleague, family member, partner, and every other role that we play. Being wrong is a part of learning and growing. In this episode, Shannon shares more from her experience about when she was wrong about some things and how she learned from these mistakes.
Staying stuck in previous knowledge and not learning from our mistakes doesn’t help anybody. Shannon draws on her own experiences as a yoga teacher, a teacher trainer, and as a podcaster to share some mistakes she has made and how she learned from them. She also shares how we can respond to the harm and hurt we may have caused, and how to receive feedback from others about our mistakes.
Being wrong is normal. What we need to do is learn and grow from our mistakes. This episode is a great reminder to all of us to normalize being wrong and about how we can do better.
Key Takeaways:
[3:43] Being wrong is a part of being a yoga teacher.
[7:47] We need to normalize being wrong.
[9:49] What would you do when you are in a position of having caused harm?
[10:48] Shannon shares an example of a mistake that happened recently within the Pelvic Health Professionals community.
[13:52] Shannon shares a personal example of how if we stay stuck in previous knowledge and stop learning, we will not be serving our students.
[16:23] Would you like to hear a podcast on what Shannon has learned about breath through the years?
[16:52] Shannon shares another example of when she learned to do better because she didn't have the information before.
[19:54] Shannon recalls how she started learning more to do better.
[22:04] We need to get comfortable with making mistakes and being wrong, but also with having more questions than answers.
[25:12] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity.
[27:01] Getting feedback is part of learning from our mistakes.
[32:25] Receiving feedback can be really uncomfortable, and this is normal.
[33:04] When someone comes forward to share the hurt or harm you have caused with your words or actions, how can you respond? Shannon shares an example from her experience and reflects on her process of learning from feedback.
[41:13] We are all wrong sometimes, whether as yoga teachers, parents, coworkers, friends, colleagues, family members, partners, and all the different roles we play.
[42:58] How can we turn to the teachings of yoga in moments when we receive feedback and feel upset or defensive?
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).
Quotes from this episode:
"We can't know everything about gardening or teaching yoga and really the best way to learn is to jump in and do the thing and learn as we go."
"Telling others that you don't know the answer to something or admitting that you were wrong is not a weakness. It is not showing that you don't know things. It takes a lot of strength and courage."
"If we stay stuck in previous knowledge, if we stop learning, we will not be serving our students."
"The thing that I hope we get really comfortable with as yoga teachers is not only making mistakes and being wrong, but also ending up with way more questions than answers. "
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
246: Anger, Forgiveness & Self-Care with Jacoby Ballard
Description:
Anger is a very human emotion that almost all of us experience, but society often encourages us to suppress it. Yet, dismissing, denying, or suppressing anger can cause it to spill out in the wrong way and unintentionally harm others. In this episode, Jacoby Ballard shares more about how anger, forgiveness, and self-care tie in together.
Jacoby Ballard is a social justice educator and yoga teacher with 20 year of experience. Since 2006, Jacoby has taught Queer and Trans Yoga, a space for queer folks to unfurl and cultivate resilience, and in 2008, they co-founded Third Root Community Health Center in Brooklyn to work at the nexus of healing and social justice. They lead workshops, retreats, teacher trainings, teach at conferences, and run a mentorship program specifically for yoga teachers, in addition to consulting in the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) space. Jacoby is also the author of a new book, A Queer Dharma: Yoga and Meditations for Liberation, released in 2021.
When we feel anger, we may think it is out of line with being ‘yogic’. Jacoby addresses this perception and explains how we can begin to understand and process the anger that we may feel. They share tips for calming the nervous system, strategies to integrate what’s going on in the world into your own practice, and how our daily practice can help up show up in the work that we do. Jacoby also shares more about their new book and what they have learned from the experience of writing it.
This is a remarkable episode that will speak to anyone who is feeling tired, worn down, angry, struggling to forgive or to be forgiven, or feeling ready to take on new challenges and wanting to gather their energy.
Key Takeaways:
[3:40] Shannon does a little check in with you.
[6:42] Check out Jacoby's book and join the book launch party!
[9:12] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity.
[11:09] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jacoby Ballard.
[13:31] What does Jacoby do and who do they do it for?
[15:34] We may experience anger when looking at the injustices in the world, but this can feel like it's not in line with yoga. What are Jacoby's thoughts on that?
[18:15] What are some healthy ways to discharge anger and calm the nervous system?
[20:54] Society often encourages us to suppress anger and big emotions. How can we encourage healthy expression of this?
[23:43] What are some things we can do when we feel like we can't receive someone's message because of their anger?
[25:52] How does Jacoby integrate what's happening in the world into their own practice?
[28:50] Jacoby talks about how their daily practice and routines really enables them to show up in the work they do.
[31:07] What does Jacoby's self practice look like?
[34:54] Jacoby reads an excerpt from their book.
[37:12] Jacoby shares their experience of writing the book.
[39:27] What are some other examples of anger coming up that we should care about?
[39:27] What are some issues that Jacoby cares deeply about in the yoga world?
[40:31] Jacoby and Shannon discuss the question of 200hr yoga teacher trainings.
[42:42] As humans, we are going to feel harm and we are going to harm others.
[45:43] Jacoby shares their experience of teaching about compassion in a prison.
[50:59] Jacoby leaves us with a concluding message for yoga teachers.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).
Quotes from this episode:
"Anger is a very human emotion and if we dismiss it, or deny it, or oppress it then it's going to come out in all the wrong places and probably all over those that we care about most in our lives."
"If we don't look at the anger first, then we can't get to the heartbreak, the fear, or the exhaustion. And if we can't get there, then we can't heal, we can't get to the other side."
"Having the daily practices allows me to be grounded in myself, remember my commitment, remember my purpose, and then turn back towards whatever is calling my attention on a given day."
"I must create boundaries that protect me from internalizing harm while practicing compassion that allows me to remain sensitive to suffering around the world."
"Anger tells us, pay attention! Anger gives us the energy to do something, for something precious is being killed, injured, threatened, tarnished, taken, abused, polluted, appropriated or harmed."
"Working with feedback, inviting feedback and working with it really conscientiously is so important in so many yoga dharma spaces."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
245: Share Your Yoga on Insight Timer with Liza Colpa
Description:
For many yoga teachers now, building your unique yoga business includes figuring out how to teach yoga online. While Zoom classes and audio recordings are options, you can also consider Insight Timer as another avenue to grow your yoga business. Liza Colpa is on the podcast to share more about her experience with Insight Timer, as well as some useful information to help you get started.
Liza came to yoga as a teenager, and after ten years of practice, went on to become a yoga teacher. Today, Liza teaches yoga and meditation, and recently set up her independent and online business. She focuses on creating meditation and yoga video content for people who believe in the power of yoga and meditation as tools to improve their lives. She currently offers meditations and 1:1 coaching through Insight Timer, as well as uses Insight Timer for live classes, and online courses.
Being on Insight Timer has allowed Liza to have a well-paying career as a yoga teacher. She shares how she got started on the platform, and her tips to continue growing her audience. Liza gives her recommendations on equipment and software you can use to get started, how to get paid, and how Insight Timer can complement your yoga business. If you are looking for a new platform to grow your yoga business and become a successful, well-paid yoga teacher, this episode on Insight Timer is for you.
Key Takeaways:
[4:38] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Liza Colpa.
[7:31] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity and a listener who left a review!
[11:27] What is the work that Liza does and who does she do it for?
[12:36] What prompted Liza to move onto Insight Timer?
[14:17] Some yoga teachers have tried applying to be on Insight Timer but they haven't received any response. What are Liza's thoughts on this?
[16:42] What equipment does Liza recommend to get started on Insight Timer?
[18:02] What editing software does Liza suggest?
[19:19] Does Liza only share pre-recorded videos or does she also do live classes?
[20:50] How does scheduling work on Insight Timer?
[21:54] Shannon and Liza discuss how payments and getting paid works on Insight Timer.
[24:56] What are the rules around promoting your own offerings on Insight Timer?
[26:34] What kind of tech support or training is available for yoga teachers looking to get started?
[27:54] What is something Liza wishes she had known when she started using Insight Timer?
[30:26] Liza shares more about doing courses on Insight Timer.
[31:54] What are some of Liza's offerings available on Insight Timer?
[35:47] How did Liza cultivate an audience on Insight Timer?
[38:08] Find out more about Liza and her work on Insight Timer, and check out her website too.
[39:50] Are you on Insight Timer? Share with us so we can connect with you!
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals.
Quotes from this episode:
"I truly believe that we've entered into a stage of quality content being really desired by these platforms."
"As a content creator and yoga teacher and meditation teacher you are learning, sometimes as you go."
"The tools are there. It's just a matter of being like, how do I get bold and confident and just say out loud, I'm a yoga teacher, this is my career, this is my business and every single donation that you give me, goes straight to me and thank you for supporting me and helping me support you and being a patron of my craft."
"That's the hardest part for a content creator is just to simply do it just to record just to hit post."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
244: Create & Share Audio Recordings with Claire Villarreal
Description:
The pandemic has forced most yoga teachers to teach yoga online, but a less common alternative (or addition!) to videos is audio recordings. A lot of yoga teachers think doing audio recordings is difficult, but this isn’t the case. Claire Villarreal has a wealth of experience in creating audio recordings, and she shares all her expertise on this episode.
Claire works to adapt traditional Buddhist teachings for the demands of modern life, particularly focusing on guided meditations. She began meditating daily in 1997 in the Theravada and Vajrayāna traditions, and she has traveled to study and meditate in traditional settings around the world. She is the former Programs Director for Dawn Mountain Center for Tibetan Buddhism and former board member for Compassionate Houston. Currently, Claire contributes to a GenX dharma teachers community, and she is funded by the Hemera Foundation to write and podcast about what Tibetan teachings on reincarnation can teach us about living well.
Claire explains how you can record good quality audio using only your phone and a set of earbuds, as well as the software you can use to transcribe a meditation, how to edit and store your audio, what format to save it in and more technical details. This episode is for you if you want to create audio recordings for your students to take home or as a freebie to build your email list - it is a quick and easy starting place to explore if audio recordings are the right fit for your yoga business.
Key Takeaways:
[4:28] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Claire Villarreal.
[7:14] Shannon gives a shoutout to Schedulicity.
[11:55] What does Claire do and who does she do it for?
[13:01] A lot of people think that creating audio recordings is too difficult, but it's not!
[14:01] What is the quickest way to get started doing audio recording with our phones?
[15:01] Audio recordings can also be helpful in situations where visuals aren't the best way to convey the message.
[15:42] How should the microphone be set up for the best audio quality?
[17:36] What is the best way to edit audio to make it sound good?
[20:31] Shannon pops in with an update on the episode on closed captions for Zoom with Landon Stacy and to talk about the transcription tool she uses.
[24:07] What does Claire recommend doing with the transcript of your audio recording?
[26:03] Claire recommends recording a live session or training you are doing and using the transcript of that as a starting point for a script you can read.
[26:56] Claire shares some tips around where to record.
[28:40] Claire talks about her process of recording and what she does after she has recorded her audio.
[30:54] Tip: If possible, record in a wav format rather than mp3 format.
[33:27] Claire makes a note about recording directly to your computer vs. to your phone and transferring to the computer.
[35:57] Audacity is a good option for audio editing software that you can use to clean up the audio recording.
[37:17] Claire describes the three main functions she performs using her audio editing software.
[39:04] Shannon shares some of her tips from her experience of recording podcasts.
[40:23] How can we achieve a meditation quality in our audio recordings?
[42:38] Claire shares a little about teaching on Insight Timer.
[48:04] Check out the next episode for more information about using Insight Timer in your yoga business.
[48:43] Insight Timer presents a huge opportunity for yoga teachers.
[49:28] How can we stop our audio recordings from turning off automatically?
[52:52] Claire shares some final thoughts about creating and sharing audio recordings.
[54:14] Connect with Claire via her website and check out her podcast!
[55:05] Are you going to start using audio recordings in your yoga business? Let us know in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group!
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals.
Quotes from this episode:
“[Creating audio recordings] is way more accessible than people think."
"It'll probably take recording some test recordings a few times to get your setup right. But once you have your setup the way you want it, it's pretty easy to just go back in and record another episode."
"You have to figure out the right relationship between the microphone and your mouth."
"If possible, it's great to record in a wav format instead of MP3."
"Experimentation is the heart of finding your audio sound."
"How you're feeling comes across so clearly in your voice."
"I think it is better to put stuff out there and get feedback and grow than to hold back because you think you're not good enough."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
243: What Yoga Texts Should I Read? with Chase Bossart
Description:
Many yoga teachers are eager learners and always seeking to expand their knowledge about yoga. However the multitude of texts (and their various translations) available can feel overwhelming and daunting to approach. In this episode, Chase Bossart shares his recommendations and expertise around some of the must-read yoga texts.
Chase Bossart is the Director of the Yoga Well Institute, an organization dedicated to yoga, meditation, and holistic health in the tradition of Viniyoga. Chase studied under the tutelage of TKV Desikachar, son of Krishnamacharya who is often described as the father of modern yoga.
Chase shares his insights on how to take the yoga sutras into challenging times, the three fundamental texts he suggests yoga teachers read, and why these are so important for yoga teachers as a foundation in their practice and their teaching. Chase also explains why having a teacher to guide you in your study of the texts can be helpful, and whether yoga teachers need to know Sanskrit and all of the texts to practice or teach yoga. Shannon and Chase also discuss cultural appropriation, how and why yoga has changed so much in its practice in the East vs. West, and much more.
If you have ever wondered what texts you should read to deepen your knowledge of yoga and yoga philosophy, or how the teachings of yoga apply to our daily lives, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
[4:25] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Chase Bossart.
[6:37] Shannon gives a shoutout to Schedulicity.
[7:47] Shannon reads a review from a listener.
[11:25] This interview was recorded on the 20th of January, Inauguration Day in the US. Shannon and Chase discuss the state of things in the US at the moment.
[13:03] How have the yoga sutras held Chase through the challenges we have faced recently?
[19:20] What are the main texts that Chase recommends that yoga teachers read?
[22:14] Chase explains a little more about the Yogasūtra, and Haṭhayoga Pradīpika.
[25:26] These texts are not easy to read or understand. Chase talks about the traditional way that people would go about learning these texts.
[28:40] Not everyone can live with and learn these texts under the tutelage of a teacher. What can they do instead?
[34:12] Chase shares his recommendations on how yoga teachers can approach these texts.
[37:37] Does studying with one teacher mean that we are automatically limiting ourselves to just one person's ideas?
[39:08] Chase shares more about the three texts he recommends for yoga teachers.
[46:09] Context is not well understood in yoga.
[47:33] What is Chase's reaction to someone who just wants to practice yoga and believes that yoga's teachings will come through to them in their practice, without reading the texts?
[53:53] What are Chase's thoughts on bringing yoga from the East to the West? Shannon and Chase discuss the topic of cultural appropriation in yoga.
[60:27] Where should yoga teachers who want to study yoga texts start?
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals.
Quotes from this episode:
"The yoga sutras are very clear that you don't have a lot of influence over what happens."
“Do what you need to do to maintain your equanimity because that is the determining factor in how you respond, and how you respond is going to determine what happens to you next.”
"I think it's so important that people take time to become familiar with yoga as a path, yoga as a way of interacting with the world."
"Yoga, like cooking, is experiential knowledge. Like music or dance. It's not just something that you know, it's something you do."
"It's important to build a foundation before we add lots of stories."
"Another part of difficulty in yoga is that context is not well understood."
"We should be, at least, having a fundamental idea of what is yoga as a practice and as a life philosophy, rather than just what is yoga as an exercise class or some huff and puff."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
242: Mantra & Chanting with Melissa Shah
Description:
As a white yoga practitioner who may have trouble with Sanskrit pronunciations, you may have wondered how to approach using mantra in your practice. You may have wondered - What if I can't pronounce the words correctly? Does pronunciation matter? When is it acceptable to use mantra or Sanskrit chants in my classes? Melissa Shah has answers to these questions and more.
Melissa works to make yoga accessible through yoga therapy, mentoring yoga teachers, and mantra, which she has practiced since childhood. She is passionate about bringing yoga and Ayurveda back to its roots, and reclaiming representation within the wellness community. Currently, Melissa works individually with clients offering yoga therapy in the Viniyoga tradition and offers weekly community chanting and pranayama classes.
Melissa sheds light on what exactly mantra is, and talks about the benefits and importance of mantra in yoga. She also shares her perspective on getting the pronunciations right when saying mantras, and how we can navigate incorporating mantra into our practice and classes in a way that is mindful, respectful and intentional.
Key Takeaways:
[4:55] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Melissa Shah.
[6:52] Check out the hot tip of the week from Schedulicity.
[9:37] Where did Melissa's yoga journey begin? When did she start practicing mantra and chanting?
[13:01] Did Melissa ever have a period of time where she rejected yoga, having started at such a young age?
[16:38] What is the definition of mantra?
[19:02] Are mantras always in Sanskrit or can they be in English?
[21:03] What's the difference between kirtan and mantra?
[25:46] How should yoga teachers approach the pronunciation of Sanskrit words in mantra?
[30:38] What is the science behind mantra?
[35:36] Where the tongue lands in the mouth has an impact on the body. Melissa explains more about this in relation to mantra.
[41:28] How does Melissa approach people who may feel uncomfortable with chanting and mantras, or like it collides with their beliefs or religion?
[45:10] Learn more about mantra and chanting from Melissa at her classes, and also check out some resources she has available on her website.
[47:13] Melissa closes the interview with a chant.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals.
Quotes from this episode:
"What kind of intended effect do you want the mantra to have?"
"Depending on where the individual you're working with this at and what they'll connect to the most, you can give them other kinds of sounds."
"When you're in a position of power, especially as a white person in a wellness space, when you're in a position of power like that, what you do, other people model."
"It means something when you don't put in the effort. It's a micro aggression and it does mean something and it does cause harm."
"I wouldn't say that not being able to pronounce something the perfect way is an excuse for not using it at all."
"You don't necessarily have to know what the mantra means to get its benefit."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
241: Bhakti Yoga & Kirtan with Kamini Natarajan
Description:
Not many people in North America practice bhakti yoga and kirtan or even associate it with the stereotypical images of yoga portrayed on social media. In fact, for many people sitting and chanting do not fit into their idea of what yoga is and its purpose. Kamini Natarajan, kirtan and raga singer and bhakti teacher for over two decades to share more.
Kamini Natarajan comes from a family of bhakti practitioners, and started learning Indian classical music at the age of six. She has undergone rigorous training with acclaimed teachers and musicians in India, and today, she teaches Indian classical music and kirtans, as well as performs at events both in person and online, and records her own music.
What is bhakti yoga? What is kirtan? What are the benefits we can get from them? Kamini explains all this and more. She also explains how we can be respectful of Indian culture and heritage, while still incorporating kirtans and bhakti yoga into our own practices. She answers the “whys” and “hows” about Bhakti Yoga and the deep spiritual relationship that exists between Classical Indian music, chanting and how it relates to our daily lives.
Key Takeaways:
[7:38] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Kamini Natarajan.
[11:17] What is the work that Kamini does and who does she do it for?
[12:27] Where did Kamini's journey with kirtan and bhakti yoga begin?
[16:04] What is a bhajan? Kamini explains how it differs from a kirtan.
[18:25] Kirtans in North America are often led by people from North America. What are Kamini's thoughts on someone not of the Indian culture learning and sharing kirtans?
[23:37] What are some things Kamini wishes yoga teachers would know to appreciate the culture and understand it better before bringing kirtans into their yoga classes?
[25:53] Not a lot of people practice bhakti yoga in North America, and have very differing concepts of what yoga is.
[30:04] How would Kamini explain the concept of Bhakti yoga to someone who had no idea about what it is?
[34:17] Kamini is also a raga singer. What is raga?
[36:38] What are the benefits of bhakti yoga?
[40:08] Is bhakti yoga something that can be done on your own? Is it something that we can do virtually?
[43:09] Where does Kamini suggest people get started if they are interested in bhakti yoga, singing and chanting?
[48:23] How does Kamini manage singing kirtans early in the morning when everyone else is asleep?
[51:27] Did Kamini have a rebellious period as a teenager when she tried to rebel against what her mother was doing?
[52:22] Is yoga philosophy incorporated into bhakti yoga? How did bhakti yoga originate?
[57:35] Find out more about Kamini and her work on her website.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity, Pelvic Health Professionals and the Accessible Yoga Conference.
Quotes from this episode:
"The kirtans here, they are of course, very, very, very simplified and sometimes, I would say, diluted down versions of what we hear back in India."
"Bhakti yoga is about finding your own path, your own spiritual path, your own journey."
“If somebody is really deep into their own bhakti and spiritual journey, that is, I think, what matters the most.”
"Try to learn from the sources to the best that you can."
"A lot of people get mixed up, they get caught up so much in the physical aspect and the exercise aspect of yoga that they don't even know about all of these other forms of yoga."
"With devotion comes letting go."
“When we talk about devotion, we talk about surrender. We talk about not thinking about ourselves, giving up on the importance that we give to ourselves in certain ways.”
"I really always encourage my students as well as people who come to attend my kirtan events to come up with their own melody for a lot of these simple mantras and chants."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
240: Pelvic Health for Everyone with Shannon Crow
Description:
What is pelvic health and who is it for? Many people think of pelvic health as being related to childbirth, or people assigned female at birth, or getting older in a female body - but this is not true! Everyone has a pelvis, and a pelvic floor, and it is important for all of us to understand it better.
In this episode, Shannon Crow explains more about what pelvic health is and who it is for. She explains the basics around the form and anatomy of the pelvic floor, as well as its key functions in the body. She also highlights some of the common pelvic health issues people face, as well as shares some statistics on why pelvic health is something we should all know about.
If you are a yoga teacher who is teaching people who have a pelvis, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
[4:02] In this episode, Shannon is talking about pelvic health - what it is, and who it's for.
[6:28] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity.
[7:53] Everyone should know more about pelvic health.
[8:18] Many people think of pelvic health as being related to childbirth, people assigned female at birth, or getting older in a female body but this is not true!
[9:20] There tends to be shame and embarrassment around talking about pelvic health issues.
[10:45] Pelvic health issues are extremely common!
[12:33] The first step towards improving pelvic floor starts with understanding how the pelvic floor works.
[13:42] What is the pelvic floor, and where is it?
[15:34] The pelvic floor has three layers.
[17:16] What does the pelvic floor do? Two of its key functions are support and sphincteric.
[18:59] The pelvic floor also contributes to sexual function and stability
[20:23] The pelvic floor acts as a sump pump as well.
[21:14] One of the pelvic floor’s roles is to guard and protect.
[23:13] Shannon shares some statistics around pelvic health.
[24:37] If you would like to learn more about pelvic health, Pelvic Health Professionals is a great place to learn from experts and other professionals.
[28:15] Shannon gives a shout out to the Accessible Yoga Conference - she will be leading a panel on building community!
[29:59] Shannon summarizes her answers to the questions "What is pelvic health?" and "Who is pelvic health for?"
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity, Pelvic Health Professionals and the Accessible Yoga Conference.
Quotes from this episode:
"Whether we're assigned male or female at birth, whether we're non-binary or non-gender conforming, that really has nothing to do with pelvic health because everyone on the planet has a pelvis and a pelvic floor."
"One of the first steps towards improving our pelvic health is just understanding how the pelvic floor works."
"Once you start to understand how the pelvis works, you can be a real benefit to your yoga student."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
239: Connecting in Divisive Times with Sinéad O'Connor
Description:
These are divisive times, both online in yoga communities and beyond that. Some people are for the vaccine, some people are against it, some people have questions and are uncertain about their stance. Yet, these divisions are the opposite of what yoga is about. This podcast is all about connections, and we need to be mindful about how we can extend care to ourselves, those around us, as well as the planet and every living creature.
In this episode, Sinéad O’Connor talks from her perspective as someone with an underlying health condition living through the pandemic. Sinéad is a member of The Connected Yoga Teacher team, a yoga teacher, and active mother of three energetic boys who enjoys camping and hiking. She is also someone who lives with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic kidney disease, and is in Stage 3 of renal failure.
Sinéad shares a post she recently wrote about living with this disease during a pandemic, especially on how it is a privilege to be able to question the healthcare offered to us as healthy, able-bodied people. Shannon concludes by urging us to reflect on how we can practice care or ahimsa for someone else -- that doesn’t involve trying to change their behaviour or views?
Key Takeaways:
[5:00] We are seeing many divisions in the yoga world right now.
[7:45] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sinéad O'Connor.
[8:35] Sinéad shares a little bit about herself and her condition, polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
[9:30] Sinéad recently wrote a post on Facebook about living with this disease in light of the COVID situation.
[13:01] If you would like to support Sinéad’s fundraiser, two things you can do are to give a donation, or share Sinéad’s post to share her story with the world.
[13:32] Shannon has a few questions for us to reflect on.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and the Accessible Yoga Conference.
Quotes from this episode:
"Not everybody understands what it's like to live with an underlying health condition in a pandemic."- Sinéad
"Like millions of people living with underlying health conditions, I don't have the privilege of questioning the healthcare I'm being offered. That privilege is only afforded to the healthy, the able bodied, the people that once stayed home to protect us." - Sinéad
"What does care for someone in my community look like without trying to change their views or their behavior?" - Shannon
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
238: How to Host a Yoga Challenge with Amanda McKinney
Description:
One of the main questions that is often asked in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group is “How do I get more students to sign up for my classes?” A common and effective way that you might build your yoga student roster, your email list or a Facebook group is by hosting a yoga challenge. Amanda McKinney has a lot of experience in hosting challenges, and she joins Shannon Crow in this episode to share her 10 step process to successfully host a yoga challenge.
Amanda McKinney is a marketing coach who is passionate about helping yoga teachers find the tools and the confidence within themselves to build a thriving yoga business. She couples her background in marketing and years of experience in the corporate world with her knowledge and love of yoga to help yoga teachers create sustainable businesses they enjoy through the Marketing Yoga with Confidence podcast, online courses and the Thrive membership program.
Yoga challenges can come in all shapes and forms. Amanda explains what a yoga challenge really is, and how it can help grow your yoga business. She also outlines her tried-and-tested 10 step program to help you put together a successful yoga challenge. Whether you’ve been running challenges for years, or have never done a challenge with your audience, you’re sure to get some useful tips to ensure your next challenge is a huge success.
Key Takeaways:
[3:06] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Amanda McKinney.
[4:25] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity.
[8:52] What is a yoga challenge, and why or when would we use one?
[11:27] Challenges can range from 3 days to a month long!
[12:32] Challenges are great because they can kickstart engagement in your community, and they are shareable!
[14:53] Step 1: Decide on the topic you want to focus on.
[15:32] Amanda shares her thoughts on having a yoga teacher training be the paid offering at the end of a challenge.
[16:49] If you're planning to promote classes at a yoga studio at the end of a challenge, be sure to check in with the studio about running the challenge!
[17:42] Step 2: Map out the details of the challenge like the dates, the goals, how you're going to deliver it.
[23:59] Step 3: Outline all of the content.
[27:04] Step 4: Create a pre-challenge to-do list.
[31:03] Step 5: Write out a "during the challenge" to-do list.
[38:37] Step 6: Get everything you've planned onto your calendar.
[41:06] Step 7: Actually do the work, and follow the plan you've created!
[43:37] Step 8: Promote your challenge.
[45:04] Step 9: Host your challenge.
[47:29] Step 10: Invite people to the paid offering.
[50:41] Amanda has prepared all the resources to get your own challenge off the ground with Yoga Challenge in a Box - check it out.
[56:04] Will you be running a yoga challenge soon? Tell us all about it in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group!
[57:08] Shannon leaves us with an action step for this episode.
How to Host a Yoga Challenge with Amanda McKinney
Pre-Challenge - What's the goal? What do you want people to do at the end of this? Be on your email list? Join your Facebook group? Sign up for your paid offering?
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and the Accessible Yoga Conference.
Quotes from this episode:
"A challenge is something where you walk your students through small, tiny steps to either give them some relief to solve a problem or to give them the experience of working with you."
"The health of your email list is a direct indication of the health of your business."
"We make it so complicated, but it actually needs to be so simple... You want people to think about, how can I take this action, whatever that action is, in 15 minutes or less a day."
"Once you run a challenge one time, 90% of the work is done for you. All you have to do, even if it's a different challenge, is use what you've already done and adapt it."
"If it's scheduled, it will happen."
"If you're creating this amazing party, people have to be invited to it or they don't know what's happening."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
237: Scope of Practice & Compassion with Drew Hume
Description:
There is a lot of fear, misconceptions and misinformation about the COVID vaccine being shared in online spaces. As yoga teachers, what lies within our scope of practice when it comes to talking about vaccination, and how can we approach this topic with compassion? Shannon Crow and Drew Hume discuss a recent post by Gil Hedley in the broader context of conversations happening in the yoga community around vaccination and related topics.
Drew Hume is Founder & Director at Navina, where he and his team offer training and certifications in Thai yoga therapy. Drew’s background is in Human Biology, and he holds a degree in Applied Science of Human Biology. While not specifically an expert in virology, public health and in vaccines, he has studied all of those topics to a degree at the university level. As a trained yoga instructor, Drew also teaches certain courses to yoga instructors specifically in anatomy, physiology and also in manual therapy.
In this honest and open conversation, Shannon and Drew discuss the harms caused by comparing vaccination to non-related, unequivalent events, and how we can react when we encounter misinformation or falsehoods online. They also explore whether requirements and policies put into place about vaccination are a form of coercion, what truly is within our scope of practice as yoga teachers, and dispel some of the myths around being “healthy” as sufficient protection against COVID. These are tough conversations and difficult decisions - we invite you to approach them with compassion.
Key Takeaways:
[2:26] This week's episode is a recent live episode with Drew Hume.
[4:47] Shannon opens the interview by sharing her stance on vaccination against COVID, and shares how we can approach these difficult and uncomfortable conversations.
[5:47] Drew introduces himself and his background.
[6:45] Shannon and Drew are having this conversation in light of a recent post by Gil Hedley, and in the broader context of conversations happening in the yoga community around vaccination and related topics.
[8:53] One of the things mentioned in the post was a comparison of the vaccine to the Holocaust, intersex surgery and circumcision. Why is that harmful?
[15:55] Drew brings up the idea of informed consent in the context of the vaccine.
[18:29] Are some of the policies being put into place, like vaccine passports and requiring proof of vaccination to participate in certain activities, a form of coercion?
[23:43] Shannon and Drew explore the idea of scope of practice. Who are the experts we should be listening to, and how can we find that expert information to guide our choices?
[29:25] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity.
[30:55] What should we do if we see misinformation being posted or shared?
[34:47] Shannon addresses some dangerous misinformation about the vaccine. A common misconception is that the vaccine is not FDA approved. Drew debunks this myth.
[37:19] Another fear-based statement is that people are dying from the vaccine, not COVID. Drew addresses this untruthful statement.
[38:08] Shannon and Drew discuss another common comment that a healthy body and immune system is an alternative to vaccination.
[40:33] The pandemic has brought to light how our society has normalized the idea and verbalization that chronically ill or disabled people's lives don't matter.
[44:30] Shannon brings up the confusion around vaccinated people wearing mask, and the importance placed on being "healthy".
[47:52] To what extent is a fully vaccinated yoga class safe?
[50:16] Shannon and Drew explore concerns around disclosing health and medical information.
[51:54] A listener shares their fears about not being able to visit with elderly parents for fear of breakthrough infections.
[53:26] A listener asks: How are children being affected in all of this, because they can't be vaccinated?
[55:05] Drew addresses a final point about relying on our immune systems and appropriate supplementation.
[56:33] This is a very divisive topic and we may be faced with tough conversations and difficult decisions as we navigate this situation. Shannon and Drew discuss approaching with compassion and openness, and really being aware of the nuances in this complex time.
[59:04] Find out more about Drew, his work, and bees in Costa Rica on Instagram and Facebook.
[60:22] Shannon shares her reflections and takeaways from this interview.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Conscious Marketing for Yoga Teachers Training with Tristan Katz.
Quotes from this episode:
"To a degree, there is a certain amount of fear for everyone regarding something, whether it's fear around infection from the virus or fear around all of the other things that have been said about the vaccine."
"Intent and impact are two very different things."
"The reality of the situation is, we all do have the choice to either take the vaccine or not."
"Scope of practice, especially when we have influence with other people is really important. It's a really important boundary to set for ourselves and therefore a boundary with which we protect the people that we're in contact with."
"All evidence is not equally weighted. All perspectives are not equal, and validity is not encapsulated in the presence of an opinion. Validity is based upon the weight of evidence, as opposed to simply being an idea that's present or presented."
"Actions taken for the benefit of other people are incredibly valuable, in some cases, life saving."
"[We need to] think about also how our actions and decisions influence other people in all aspects of our lives. We are in no way isolated from the existence of the people who surround us, in no way, shape or form."
"Your own right to privacy is not more important than another person's right to safety.
"The idea of medical intervention is not a new idea, nor is it having minimal impact. It's having a substantial impact."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
236: Five Steps to Effective Content with Shannon Crow [Part 5]
Description:
Have you ever felt stuck when it comes to creating content for your yoga business? Maybe you feel like you don’t know what to post, or how to share about your unique yoga offering. In this 5-part mini-training, Shannon Crow walks us through a 5 step process to create effective content.
The last step to creating effective content easily is the PLAN to share, schedule and repurpose the content you are creating. Shannon talks more about how to create content in batches, scheduling tools that can help you get ahead in content creation, and how she maps out her content. She also has some tips on repurposing content, so be sure to tune in!
Key Takeaways:
[2:52] In this episode, Shannon is diving into the last step of the 5-step process to make content creation easy and effective.
[4:02] Shannon recaps the first four steps to creating effective content.
[5:22] Listen to the hot tip of the week from Schedulicity.
[6:46] Shannon reminds us that the yoga and content we share are unique!
[9:09] It's okay to do a B- job with these action steps! The important thing is to take action.
[10:03] Once you're in the content creation mode, think of how you can schedule out your content. Shannon shares her experience with batching and scheduling, and how that works for her.
[11:06] Shannon recommends Facebook Business Suite to help with scheduling.
[12:06] Shannon explains how she maps out her content.
[12:39] Once you've figured out a set of content for one platform, consider sharing it on other platforms.
[14:13] Pay attention to how you write your content, and keep it all in one place!
[15:51] Shannon shares the action step for this episode.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Conscious Marketing for Yoga Teachers Training with Tristan Katz.
Quotes from this episode:
"Your yoga and your content that you share are unique. No one can copy or steal it."
"Remember to keep coming back to [content creation] like you would a yoga pose that you're really working on and it will get easier."
"Go ahead and repeat yourself over and over again."
"What can you repurpose and what can you repeat?"
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
235: Five Steps to Effective Content with Shannon Crow [Part 4]
Description:
Have you ever felt stuck when it comes to creating content for your yoga business? Maybe you feel like you don’t know what to post, or how to share about your unique yoga offering. In this 5-part mini-training, Shannon Crow walks us through a 5 step process to create effective content.
Step 4 is where this content creation process gets juicy. Shannon explores the HOW of content creation and encourages you to think about how you will show up. Video, audio, text, images - these are some ways you can show up. You just have to pick one to start. Shannon has some great brainstorming questions to inspire you to create content, and two very simple tips that can make a huge difference in creating effective content.
Key Takeaways:
[2:36] This episode is all about Step 4 of Shannon's content creation process!
[3:51] Shannon recaps the first three steps of this process.
[5:44] Step 4 is about answering the question HOW - video, text, audio or images?
[7:35] The action step for this episode is to choose one (only one!) way to share content. How are you going to show up?
[8:31] Shannon shares some tips on how to stay on top of content ideas.
[10:35] Shannon gives a shout out to the sponsor, Schedulicity.
[12:46] Need some inspiration for your content? Shannon shares some ideas to get you started.
[20:59] If you're struggling with consistency, Shannon has some insights on consistency vs. quality.
[22:07] Two more tips for effective content creation - split up your content, and include a call to action!
[23:30] Shannon shares thanks, and highlights the action step for this week.
Content Ideas:
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Conscious Marketing for Yoga Teachers Training with Tristan Katz.
Quotes from this episode:
“Where do you feel comfortable right now?”
“The key right now is to only choose one thing, one way that you are going to share right now.”
“Another key piece of this is to keep all of your content ideas - the brainstorming, the planning, all of the ideas - in one location."
“Where would you be able to start with this without any hesitation?”
“Do not be afraid to stand out.”
“Yoga teachers need to create consistent content to get to their best quality content.”
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
234: Five Steps to Effective Content with Shannon Crow [Part 3]
Description:
Have you ever felt stuck when it comes to creating content for your yoga business? Maybe you feel like you don’t know what to post, or how to share about your unique yoga offering. In this 5-part mini-training, Shannon Crow walks us through a 5 step process to create effective content.
Once you figure out when and why you are creating content, the third step is to figure out WHERE. There are a multitude of content channels available to us these days, from social media, to our websites, to podcasts, and more - but to get started, you just have to pick one. Shannon shares two questions to ask yourself to determine the best content channel for you, and highlights some of the most powerful content channels we may be overlooking!
Key Takeaways:
[2:40] Shannon is covering Step 3 of the five-step miniseries on creating effective content
[3:48] Shannon recaps Steps 1 and 2 of her process.
[4:31] Step 3 is all about figuring out where to share your content.
[5:32] To figure out where you should be posting, there are two questions you should ask yourself.
[8:04] Shannon highlights some of the channels we might be overlooking to share our content.
[11:26] Social media is often the channel we think of when we think about where to share our content.
[12:41] Looking at the list of channels available to share your content can feel overwhelming, but you just have to choose one.
[13:39] Shannon shares a small pep talk if you're experiencing some imposter syndrome.
[16:16] Shannon gives thanks and shares the Schedulicity hot tip of the week.
[17:33] Shannon recaps the action step for this episode.
Content Channels:
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Conscious Marketing for Yoga Teachers Training with Tristan Katz.
Quotes from this episode:
"What is the most effective place for me to share my content so that people see it, are interested, feel connected to it and sign up if it's a good fit?"
"What platform is your ideal yoga student already using?"
“Remember we are only choosing one thing, and that one thing is going to make all the difference.”
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
233: Five Steps to Effective Content with Shannon Crow [Part 2]
Description:
Have you ever felt stuck when it comes to creating content for your yoga business? Maybe you feel like you don’t know what to post, or how to share about your unique yoga offering. In this 5-part mini-training, Shannon Crow walks us through a 5 step process to create effective content.
Creating content can be fun, but what’s the real reason you’re actually creating content? The second step of creating effective content is figuring out the WHY - why are you creating content? Without understanding why you are doing it, your content will not be aligned with your goals, and you probably will not achieve the results you are hoping for. Shannon explains more about this step in the content creation process and shares an action step for you to get started!
Key Takeaways:
[2:23] In this episode, Shannon is diving into Step 2 of her content creation process!
[3:30] Shannon does a quick recap of Step 1 - When.
[4:53] Step 2 is all about answering the big WHY. Why are you creating content?
[8:20] No matter what our goals are in our yoga business, we still need to make a profit.
[10:10] What would help you generate more profit right now?
[13:44] You are not alone in this!
[14:22] Action step: Create a visual for your next offering that you’d like to promote.
[20:36] Check out the Schedulicity hot tip of the week.
[21:51] Shannon highlights the action step for you to do right now!
Reasons Why Yoga Teachers Are Creating Content:
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Conscious Marketing for Yoga Teachers Training with Tristan Katz.
Quotes from this episode:
“Why are you creating content? It cannot be just for the fun of it!"
"What do you want your business or your life to feel like in the near future?"
"Ask yourself two questions. 'What is the impact that this offering is going to make to those who sign up?' And, 'Who could I invite next?'"
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
232: Five Steps to Effective Content with Shannon Crow [Part 1]
Description:
Have you ever felt stuck when it comes to creating content for your yoga business? Maybe you feel like you don’t know what to post, or how to share about your unique yoga offering. In this 5-part mini-training, Shannon Crow walks us through a 5 step process to create effective content.
Content is anything that you are creating or sharing to build your business. There are several different types of content that you can think about creating, but before trying to dive right into writing an article or recording a video, the first step is to figure out WHEN. Shannon explains more about this step in the content creation process and shares an action step for you to get started!
Key Takeaways:
[5:04] Creating content is the quickest and easiest way to showcase what makes your yoga unique.
[6:22] Step 1 of the content creation process is WHEN.
[7:36] Look at your calendar and see when you have time to create content.
[8:57] Being consistent with content is key!
[9:57] Choose a weekly time and day to create content.
[11:24] Do a trial to see which time and day works best for you.
[14:03] Find an accountability partner to tell about your content creation commitment.
[15:14] Action Step: Set the time to create content, and tell someone about it.
[16:08] Shannon gives thanks!
[18:25] Schedulicity shares the hot tip of the week.
[19:43] Shannon highlights the action step for this episode.
Types of Content You Can Create:
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Conscious Marketing for Yoga Teachers Training with Tristan Katz.
Quotes from this episode:
"All of us need to work to show what makes our yoga unique compared to all the other yoga options out there."
"Content [is] anything that you are creating or sharing to build your business."
"Do you want to grow your yoga business and do you want more people signing up for your offerings?"
"As you work this muscle, as you create content, it's actually going to get easier."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
231: Conscious Marketing with Tristan Katz
Description:
More and more yoga teachers are digging into how to take their yoga off the mat and continue anti-oppression and social justice work in the world. But how can you reflect this in your marketing, and do it in a way that is genuine and authentic? Tristan Katz has some insights about how to be more conscious in your marketing as a yoga teacher.
Tristan Katz is a writer, educator, and digital strategist who offers business and marketing mentorship programs, web and graphic design services, as well as workshops and trainings centered around queer identity and transgender awareness with an anti-oppression and intersectional lens. Tristan also co-hosts the podcast, ALL THE F*CK IN with Lauren Roberts, where they talk about business and entrepreneurship with the radical perspective that we don’t have to choose between social justice values and being successful. Tristan also sits on the Board of Directors at Accessible Yoga. Through their work, Tristan supports those who seek to grow while staying aligned with the practices of yoga, equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
Tristan shares more about conscious marketing and how we can connect with our audience in an authentic way that doesn't feel forced or icky. They also explain how to find the balance between being compassionate about things happening in the world, and promoting your offerings that can help people, and why taking a stand and showcasing your values and beliefs is important, despite the negative reactions you may get.
If you've been doing some work around anti oppression and inclusion, and if you're really wanting to reflect that in your marketing and share your message in a genuine way, this conversation is a must-listen.
Key Takeaways:
[9:43] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Tristan Katz.
[11:38] What is the work that Tristan does and who do they do it for?
[12:56] What are Tristan's thoughts on marketing?
[15:36] Combining marketing with social justice and anti-oppression can feel uncomfortable for a lot of us. Tristan shares some of their thoughts around that.
[21:49] Putting ourselves out there and taking a stand can draw some negative responses. Why would we put ourselves in that position?
[27:50] How can we add what we're learning to our marketing messages?
[34:42] How does Tristan approach certain feelings that may come up around not wanting to share about the news or other important topics?
[37:11] Marketing is all about taking an intimate interpersonal relationship and expanding on it for our community.
[39:38] How can we find a balance between being compassionate for the things people are going through and putting our offerings out there?
[43:49] Tristan highlights the need to do work that is not merely performative or superficial virtue signaling.
[46:55] There is no one sentence that you can put on your website to show that you care about social issues. The work goes much deeper than that.
[52:16] Shannon and Tristan discuss the training they have put together for yoga teachers.
[53:34] What are your key takeaways from this interview?
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Conscious Marketing for Yoga Teachers Training with Tristan Katz.
Quotes from this episode:
"How do we take up space in ways that are mindful and aligned with our practice, with our personalities, with our personal values?"
"How can we offer something meaningful in our marketing that makes a point of connection, and that builds a relationship with people?"
"Silence is no longer okay. Avoiding the conversation is no longer okay."
"I think that we need to stop pretending that things are normal when they're not normal, and that's step one."
"This is about cultivating community and connection and aligning ourselves with what matters in the practice of yoga."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
230: Anti-Oppression Yoga with Pooja Virani
Description:
The term “anti-oppression” can make some of us feel uncomfortable, and we may want to shy away from talking about it, but that is exactly what makes this such an important conversation. This is part of the work of bringing our yoga into our lives and the world, and Pooja Virani has some insights about anti-oppression yoga.
Pooja Virani is a Pain-Free Movement Specialist and Social Justice Consultant on a mission to spread joy, foster equality, and help people reach their highest potential. Pooja is certified in Kripalu Yoga & Meditation, Kids’ Yoga, and Acroyoga, and specializes in Rehabilitative Yoga for Injury Prevention & Pain Relief, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Yoga, and Social Justice Education for Yoga Teachers, Community Leaders, and Businesses. She believes in "yoga for everyone" and aims to make yoga accessible and inclusive to all people – regardless of their race, age, gender, sexuality, previous experience, or ability.
Pooja talks to us about what privilege is and the different kinds of privilege that exist, what oppression means in the context of yoga, and how it differs from cultural appropriation, and she has some great examples to really highlight these differences. Pooja also explains how we can move toward creating safer, more diverse and equitable yoga spaces.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to learn more about creating safe, inclusive and accessible spaces for everyone.
Key Takeaways:
[10:32] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Pooja Virani.
[12:25] What is the work that Pooja does and who does she do it for?
[13:42] How did Pooja choose the name "Pain Free Movement Specialist" to describe what she does?
[16:30] Pooja used to hate yoga. She shares more about her experiences being teased and mocked for her culture, and how it influenced her.
[18:52] How did Pooja feel in her yoga classes in college?
[20:34] Now, as a yoga teacher who practices and shares yoga in North America, what are Pooja's thoughts and feelings about it?
[22:25] How does Pooja define privilege?
[24:33] How does Pooja define oppression?
[25:48] How does oppression show up in yoga spaces?
[27:54] Shannon and Pooja discuss the idea that yoga is not religion.
[34:06] As a white person, should you still be teaching and practicing yoga?
[36:43] Shannon reflects on what it means to create safe, inclusive spaces.
[38:23] Is it appropriate to give and receive gifts of religious idols like Ganesh?
[43:18] Is it okay to say namaste in a yoga class?
[48:32] Pooja shares an example of how namaste has been taken out of context.
[51:40] Our usage of words evolves over time - it is important to keep this in mind.
[53:16] Pooja shares some final thoughts around cultural appropriation and further resources.
[55:52] Learn more about Pooja and her work via her website, and be sure to check out the free resource list she has compiled.
[58:10] What are your key takeaways from this interview?
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
"Yoga has always seemed a way towards freedom."
"Just because you have privilege doesn't mean that someone has never oppressed you."
"Why I say that we all have the ability to oppress others is because we all have agency in our lives."
“When it gets to this point where this thing came from India and I'm the only South Asian everywhere I look, that's pointing to the fact that there's been a systemic exploitation of that culture."
"We have the responsibility to figure out ‘what are we teaching?’ and ‘why are we teaching it?’."
"Our use of language is evolving out of respect. That's the way it should evolve."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
229: Closed Captioning for Zoom Yoga with Landen Stacy
Description:
Do you have closed captions or live transcription enabled for your Zoom classes? It is something small that you can do in just a few minutes, which really makes a huge difference to a lot of people. Landen Stacy how you can make your Zoom classes more accessible by adding closed captions to them.
Landen Stacy is the owner of Emerald Yoga Studio located in Pembroke, Massachusetts. Landen discovered yoga in high school and has continued his yoga journey since then, eventually going on to complete his YTT at the studio he now owns.
Landen loves teaching and the ability to create accessible classes in his studio, and aims to create the yoga studio he always wishes he had - one that is accessible, inclusive, welcoming and safe for everyone.
What do you need to add closed captions to Zoom? Why are closed captions important? What are the pros and cons of different transcription settings? Landen answers these questions and more, including other ways in which he makes yoga classes at his studio more accessible to people.
If you are looking for ways to improve your student experience and create more welcoming and accessible yoga spaces, both online and in-person, this episode is a must listen.
Key Takeaways:
[8:02] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Landen Stacy.
[9:41] Landen shares a bit about his yoga journey, and how he decided to do closed captioning.
[12:10] What was the teaching situation where Landen lives?
[12:32] Some students specifically take Landen's classes because his classes have closed captions.
[14:58] What are the benefits of adding closed captions to your Zoom classes?
[16:35] What are the requirements on Zoom to enable closed captions?
[17:45] Get the step-by-step instructions on how to enable closed captions on Zoom via the links in the show notes!
[18:28] What are the pros and cons of different transcription settings?
[21:36] Check out the transcription tool that Shannon uses - Podse.io.
[23:06] Landen and Shannon discuss how useful it is to be able to add closed captions and live transcriptions to Zoom calls.
[24:20] How does Landen communicate the availability of closed captions to the students attending his classes?
[26:46] How has Landen's experience been owning a yoga studio through the pandemic?
[28:26] What are some ways Landen makes classes in his studio more accessible?
[31:52] Landen shares some final thoughts from his own yoga journey.
[34:56] Find out more about Landen's work and his studio by visiting his website or connect with him over email.
[35:58] What are your takeaways from this interview?
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training.
Quotes from this episode:
"I love the ability to create accessible classes in my studio."
"I think I'm trying to create the studio that I always wish that I had."
"It's such a small thing that you can do, that really helps a lot of people."
"[Closed captioning] is good for a whole plethora of people who are looking for that extra layer of being able to understand."
"Just having this virtual option has really opened doors so much."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
228: How to Personalize Zoom Yoga with Arundhati Baitmangalkar
Description:
Are you teaching yoga online and wondering how to make your classes more personalized, create more connection with your students, and continue building that sense of community - from behind a screen? Arundhati Baitmangalkar has some insights about how to personalize yoga classes on Zoom, and create connections with students in yoga teacher trainings.
Arundhati is the founder of Aham Yoga, a full-service yoga studio, and Bollyworks, a part-time Bollywood dance studio, in Redmond, WA. Born and raised in India, Arundhati came to yoga after nearly a decade of teaching dance, and started teaching yoga in 2006. She is trained in vinyasa and hatha styles of yoga from renowned yoga masters, and is one of the leading yoga teachers in her area. Arundhati represents a great balance of classical and modern yoga, and in addition to yoga classes, she offers yoga teacher trainings and workshops. She also runs a blog, YouTube channel, hosts the Let's Talk Yoga podcast, and was voted one of the top 20 yoga teachers of color to watch out for in 2020 by YogaWalla.
Shannon and Arundhati discuss some simple strategies to connect and engage with students, like using their names and letting them ask questions. Arundhati also shares some tips on how to create the best experience possible for your YTT students, and the tools she uses to enhance teaching online.
If you’re teaching any of your yoga classes online, this podcast is full of useful info on how to give your students a personalized experience even on Zoom.
Key Takeaways:
[8:07] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Arundhati Baitmangalkar
[10:39] What is the work that Arundhati does and who does she do it for?
[11:45] What helps to feel like we have a connection with our students when we are teaching online?
[12:58] Arundhati makes it a point to acknowledge every person in her class by name, and encourages questions in her classes.
[17:13] One thing many yoga teachers struggle with is seeing their students on Zoom, either because they don't want to turn on their cameras, or have poor placement of their cameras. What are Arundhati's tips around this?
[21:27] Shannon shares a struggle she has been having recently with leading yoga teacher training.
[27:22] Shannon and Arundhati discuss some of the elements students would get from an in-person class that are missing from the online environment, and how to cater to that.
[29:05] Breakout rooms in Zoom are a good tool to do activities in smaller groups. Arundhati explains how she uses them in her yoga teacher trainings.
[31:31] How does Arundhati instruct people to get help from her when they are in a breakout room session?
[34:00] Shannon shares something that has worked really well for her in leading online sessions.
[35:57] What kind of comments has Arundhati received from students about Zoom classes and being tired of being on screens and Zoom?
[39:18] Arundhati explains why she puts more energy into serving the students she has now, instead of trying to convince people who are resistant to having Zoom classes, and how she keeps students interested in coming back to classes.
[41:37] What are some things Arundhati has learned along the way from teaching yoga online?
[44:55] Arundhati reflects on what going with the flow is like for her.
[46:35] Find out more about Arundhati and the work she does by visiting her website and following her on Instagram.
[47:29] How did Arundhati ensure that her trainees in yoga teacher trainings got teaching practice?
[49:59] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview.
Key Takeaways:
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training.
Quotes from this episode:
"Understand that teaching in person and teaching online are two completely different experiences."
"[For online YTTs], make sure your spaces are well-lit, make sure you can provide multiple angles if possible."
"I tell the trainees and even the students who come to class, you have to take more responsibility for your practice."
"When we plan these trainings, we have to keep extra time for those breakout rooms because I feel like that's where you really get your hands-on experience."
"It's about accepting the moment, even if that moment is unpleasant."