The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
296: Can Science & Spirituality Co-Exist? with Stevie Inghram
Description:
There has always been some friction between science and spirituality. Some people may even think they are polar opposites that cannot co-exist. Stevie Inghram shares some of their insights about the integration of science and spirituality and their intersection with modern medicine & holistic health/medicine.
Stevie Inghram is a Queer & Trans Feminine Yoga Therapist who holds a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy and has been teaching yoga for over a decade. As a Yoga Therapist, Stevie’s primary work is focused on healing the trauma that is so pervasive in the queer and transgender communities. Stevie also hosts a podcast called Queer Story Time via Instagram that is focused on sharing stories from the gender and sexually expansive (GSE) communities and advocates for expanding GSE competencies in healthcare training programs. Stevie teaches GSE competencies at several Yoga Therapy Training programs and is writing on the topic for Yoga Therapy Today while also being a passionate advocate for science & evidence-informed practice in the holistic medicine world. They are a strong believer that a middle ground can truly be found, one that simultaneously respects the scientific method and cares for the whole-person.
Stevie shares more about their background and how they came to be passionate about both science and spirituality. He explains how science and spirituality are both human endeavors of discovery, and why people think we have to choose between them. Stevie also shares their thoughts on spiritual bypassing in yoga, what feels toxic in yoga spaces, and how we can nurture our spirituality while also promoting science. If you have been wondering how you can practice and communicate your yoga while still leaning towards science and combating misinformation.
Key Takeaways:
[2:45] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Stevie Inghram.
[5:35] What does Stevie do and who do they do it for?
[7:13] Stevie is studying to be a naturopathic doctor. They share a little more about it.
[9:05] When did Stevie's yoga journey begin?
[11:26] What are Stevie's thoughts on the idea that you can either follow science or spirituality but not both?
[16:10] It's possible that we will never have the science to explain some of what happens in yoga. How does Stevie balance that in their own teaching, practice, and life?
[20:48] Shannon started leaning heavily into science since the pandemic because she was trying to shift the pendulum in the yoga world. Did Stevie have a similar experience?
[25:04] Spiritual bypassing is something Shannon has noticed in the yoga world. What does it look like and what are some examples of it?
[31:48] Shannon pops in to give a shout out of thanks to sponsor, Offering Tree.
[33:37] How can we nurture the spirituality side of things even as we hold on to science?
[42:09] It can get very tiring to constantly talk about science, and that's when we can ask ourselves "is this causing me suffering?"
[44:47] What is Stevie's advice for someone who encounters misinformation or anti-science sentiment being spread in a yoga context?
[54:58] Learn more from Stevie and find out more about their work on Instagram and Tiktok.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.
Quotes from this episode:
"So much in this world is divisive and divided and I don't think that it is beneficial to any of us as yogis to be continuing to propagate this idea that science and spirituality are separate. They're really not.”
“Science and spirituality are both human endeavors of discovery."
"The thing that science and spirituality share in common is um they're both Systems of Discovery."
“The reality is spirituality creates meaning and value and connection in people's lives. And the truth of the matter is we don't need science to explain that to us."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
295: Make Money Teaching Yoga with Betty Welsh
Description:
How can yoga teachers make money? Particularly if they don’t have an online presence, is it possible to build a profitable and sustainable yoga business? Betty Welsh has done just that and is on the podcast to share her journey.
Betty Welsh is a certified yoga teacher and Thai Massage practitioner. She and her husband Barrie live on the water in a small community outside of Owen Sound. This is where Betty connected with Shannon who was teaching yoga classes at that time. Betty is artistic, full of stories and passionate about sharing yoga with her local community. It is evident how much care Betty gives to her friends, family, and yoga students.
Betty shares more about how she finds students in her local community without having a website, Facebook page, email list, or any other online presence or marketing strategy. She explains how she gets new students to come to her classes and why getting students to register has been a powerful tool for that consistency. It is inspirational to listen to Betty’s journey of growing her offerings and expanding her classes to build a sustainable yoga business that provides a consistent income - and you are sure to take away some ideas you can use in your yoga business too.
Key Takeaways:
[3:39] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Betty Welsh.
[7:30] Betty doesn't have an online presence yet runs a successful yoga business. She shares a little about her journey.
[9:12] What made Betty want to move to her home studio?
[10:23] Betty finds new students in her community through in-person techniques.
[11:45] Betty has a paint and wallpaper business that she's been running for over 37 years. How did she build that business?
[12:26] How did Betty's regular students find out about her?
[13:39] Betty teaches 7-9 classes each week and makes a steady income doing that.
[15:54] Shannon shares an update about Betty's businesses since this episode was recorded.
[17:20] How does teaching in the church (where Betty could have more students) compare to teaching out of her home studio?
[18:23] What is Betty's advice to yoga teachers who don't want to have an online presence for their yoga business?
[20:37] Betty sends text messages to people who may be interested in her upcoming classes!
[21:59] What does Betty recommend for yoga teachers who may be a little shy about talking to people in person about yoga?
[23:14] Betty tries to make her offering special in a way.
[24:44] How does Betty run the financial parts of her business?
[26:21] Shannon shares some words from a Connected Yoga Teacher who uses OfferingTree.
[30:22] Where did Betty's entrepreneurial spirit come from?
[31:07] What are some things that could help newer yoga teachers in terms of running a yoga business?
[34:27] Betty shares a story about her mother when she was young.
[36:22] What was Betty's first yoga class like?
[37:16] How does Betty prepare her class plans?
[41:05] Shannon shares her takeaways from this conversation with Betty.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.
Quotes from this episode:
"Just [in] conversations I have with people, it comes up that I'm a yoga teacher. And so it's just being known."
"It's just not being afraid to talk about what you do."
"If they show a little bit of interest, sometimes they need a little bit of a reminder that we had a conversation and I'm not afraid to do that."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
294: How to Plan a Yoga Photo Shoot with Gabriela Fearn
Description:
We all know the power of good images for websites and social media, but many yoga teachers don't know where to start when it comes to taking photos for their yoga business. How can you capture who you are as a yoga teacher? What kind of photos connect you with your ideal yoga students? What should you wear? Where is the best place for a photo shoot? Gabriela (aka. Gabby) Fearn has some recommendations.
Gabby Fearn is a portrait photographer, doula and yoga teacher with over 10 years of experience who is based in Sydney, Australia. Through the years Gabby has photographed many yoga studios and teachers and she ensures a stress-free experience by guiding her clients through the process every step of the way while capturing authentic and sincere photos.
Gabby explains the pros and cons of indoor vs outdoor photo shoots, why having a plan is helpful and how to plan for a photo shoot, considerations around props, music, hair and makeup and more. Gabby also shares why using just stock photos isn’t a great idea and why you shouldn’t wait till you “look better” or can “do better yoga” to take some professional photos. This is a practical episode where you will walk away with a list of takeaways to help you book, plan and carry out a yoga photo shoot that makes marketing easier.
Key Takeaways:
[3:29] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Gabriela (Gabby) Fearn.
[5:53] What does Gabby do and who does she do it for?
[7:18] Gabby is half-Colombian, half-Canadian who lives in Australia. She shares a little about how the weather impacts her work as a photographer.
[9:25] How do you choose a location for a photo shoot? Gabby highlights some of the pros and cons of indoor vs outdoor shoots.
[13:33] What should yoga teachers wear in their photo shoot?
[16:04] Gabby shares some suggestions about outfits for yoga teachers in a photo shoot.
[18:02] Planning the photo shoot in advance is key to getting the most out of it. Gabby shares some essential questions to guide your planning.
[19:06] Shannon pops in to share about OfferingTree which allows yoga teachers to easily set up a website.
[21:03] Gabby highlights some of the types of photographs you might need as a yoga teacher.
[23:15] Gabby recommends using Pinterest to refine your vision but avoid trying to copy these pictures because you are likely to be disappointed.
[25:03] What are some things that can help ease the awkwardness of having your photos taken?
[27:39] What are some things yoga teachers should bring along to a photo shoot?
[30:14] What does Gabby recommend for hair and makeup for a photo shoot?
[34:26] Gabby shares some tips about the photos you might choose for different parts of your website.
[36:27] Shannon and Gabby discuss the role of stock photos in marketing for yoga teachers.
[38:17] What are some other things yoga teachers should keep in mind as they plan their yoga photo shoot?
[40:30] It's really important for your photos to reflect the kind of yoga you offer and what your students are looking for.
[41:53] Find out more about Gabby's work on her website and connect with her on Instagram.
[46:03] Gabby's final tip is to take a bath at the end of a photo shoot!
[46:30] Shannon shares her takeaways from this conversation with Gabby.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.
Quotes from this episode:
"Planning your session is key to getting the most out of it and making the most of your time."
"It's really important to think about your personal style and what you wear when you practice."
"Do I need a list of poses to bring with me to our session? I would say yes, it does really help."
"I want you to embrace who you are and we'll end up with beautiful photos of you no matter what."
"You want your photos to reflect you."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
293: Eating Disorder Recovery & Yoga with Vivian Selles
Description:
Eating disorders are a serious condition that can even be life threatening or fatal in some cases yet we may not always recognize that someone is experiencing an eating disorder. Globally, 9% of the world population are affected by eating disorders and this number is increasing each year. How can yoga teachers support people with eating disorders? Vivian Selles has some insights.
Vivian is an experienced registered yoga teacher and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (ERYT-200/YACEP). She teaches full-time in eating disorder recovery centers in Charlotte, NC, and uses her practice and teachings to cultivate positive change in the yoga community. As a yoga teacher, her intention is to create and hold safer, accessible spaces for people to connect to the practice and show up as they are. Vivian has also co-founded a local yoga coalition for equality.
Vivian explains why yoga teachers should avoid talking about how much or what to eat, and how this can feed into harmful diet culture. Vivian also shares many useful and practical tips around the language we use in our yoga classes, including how to avoid cues that may demonize certain body parts, excluding competitive and comparison language, as well as how we can make our language and cues more invitational and open-ended for students. Vivian highlights our scope of practice as yoga teachers in supporting people in eating disorder recovery and how having a referral team can help too.
Key Takeaways:
[4:38] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Vivian Selles.
[8:10] What does Vivian do and who does she do it for?
[10:39] What is diet culture?
[11:16] Dominant culture equates thinness with being healthy. How does this show up in yoga classes?
[13:20] Shannon and Vivian discuss cues and language that we use in yoga spaces that could demonize certain body parts.
[15:12] What does Vivian wish all yoga teachers knew going into a yoga class?
[17:46] Vivian highlights some specific language she avoids and some of her preferred cueing options.
[21:52] A lot of this starts with us doing our own internal work.
[31:04] Messages you might get in the yoga world around what you should eat, how you should move, what you should look like, etc do not align with yoga philosophy.
[34:19] Shannon pops in with a question from a member of the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group about OfferingTree.
[37:24] How does Vivian focus on yoga philosophy when teaching yoga?
[44:07] If you are interested in learning more, Vivian has some resources to recommend.
[48:52] Who are some other people who can offer support and are crucial for people in recovery?
[53:09] Our students can also become our teachers.
[58:11] Learn more about Vivian and connect with her via her website and social media.
[59:58] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this conversation with Vivian.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.
Quotes from this episode:
"Diet culture is a system of beliefs that upholds a paradigm that equates thinness with being healthy and more morally virtuous."
"Considering your own internal experience is a starting point in terms of how we can be empathetic towards others."
"I exclude a lot of language that encourages perfection or encourages competition."
"How are my internal belief systems upholding diet culture?"
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
292: Diet Culture and Yoga with Jessica Grosman & Elyssa Toomey
Description:
Diet culture is becoming more and more pervasive in the yoga world. It can show up in hidden and deliberate ways, and it is causing harm to our yoga students and it can be dangerous. Elyssa Toomey and Jessica Grosman are experts at the intersection of yoga, food, diet, and nutrition and have insights to share on the topic.
Elyssa Toomey is a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and Supervisor (CEDS-S), Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). She is an experienced anti-diet, Health at Every Size informed, weight-inclusive eating disorder dietitian who is passionate about helping people develop a peaceful relationship with food and their body. Elyssa specializes in helping clients heal from chronic dieting, disordered eating and eating disorders through 1:1 consultations and ongoing group and individual clinical supervision and case consultation.
Jessica Grosman is an Anti-Diet Registered Dietitian, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Weight-Inclusive Health Practitioner and Yoga Teacher. Her mission is to help people get comfortable and connected with their own body through food and yoga. Jessica believes that all people have the right to health, regardless of size or medical condition. As both a Registered Dietitian and a Yoga Teacher, Jessica is qualified to address and educate on the topic of diet culture in yoga.
Elyssa and Jessica share their take on how yoga teachers may be contributing to diet/wellness culture in yoga spaces, how we can identify harmful behaviors, and what we can do about it. They also give tips on how to create safer spaces for all bodies and to use yoga as a way to foster connection between body, mind, and breath. Elyssa and Jessica offer guidance on the role of yoga teachers in disrupting diet culture and when it is appropriate for us to refer our students for professional help.
Key Takeaways:
[2:09] Shannon introduces her guests for this episode - Jessica Grosman & Elyssa Toomey.
[6:27] What do Jessica and Elyssa do and who do they do it for?
[8:57] Where does diet culture show up in the yoga world and yoga spaces?
[12:35] Jessica shares some examples of how yoga teachers may be perpetuating diet culture.
[16:10] Jessica and Elyssa encourage us to question what we mean when we say "health" or "healthy".
[18:53] How can yoga teachers who are not trained to speak about food, diet, or nutrition handle questions from students that buy into diet culture?
[21:09] Jessica highlights the fact that anybody and everybody can practice yoga and yoga goes beyond asana.
[22:05] Elyssa and Jessica are putting together a workshop about yoga and diet culture - Blurred Lines: The Harmful Intersection of Diet Culture & Yoga.
[25:21] We are all bombarded with diet culture messages from a very young age, so it can be difficult for us to break away from these thoughts.
[27:53] What can we do when we see or encounter harmful messages in yoga spaces or online?
[31:14] Social media can be dangerous in terms of the negative influence it can have but it is also possible to uplift and highlight the work of people doing beneficial things,
[33:27] Jessica and Elyssa share their thoughts around how we can create safer spaces for all students.
[36:44] We also need to pay attention to the language that we use when cueing poses or variations and modifications.
[38:34] Shannon pops in to share a quick teaching tip.
[41:54] What should yoga teachers do if they have students who may need to seek professional help?
[48:17] Jessica and Elyssa leave us with some final thoughts around diet culture in yoga.
[51:21] Find out more about Jessica and Elyssa on their websites or connect with them on social media.
[53:53] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview with Jessica and Elyssa.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.
Quotes from this episode:
"Diet culture is a piece of this overall wellness culture... It is so pervasive, it's in everything that we do." - Elyssa
"As teachers, there is this level of respect that our students have for us or they're looking to us for direction, not only the physical direction of where to place your feet on the mat, but also sort of that bigger life direction." - Elyssa
"The scope of practice for a yoga teacher does not include anything related to food, diet or nutrition." - Jessica
"Our bodies are to be lived in and not looked at." - Elyssa
"Our worth as individuals has nothing to do with our weight and has nothing to do with our size." - Elyssa
"Anybody can have an opinion about any subject but opinions are not facts and opinions are not knowledge." - Jessica
