The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

343: Niche Yoga Marketing with Sarah Karsten [Consultation Call] 0

Sep 25, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

343: Niche Yoga Marketing with Sarah Karsten [Consultation Call]

Description:

Marketing your yoga can be easier when you find your niche. How do you discover what you want to specialize in, and once you do, how do you market it effectively? In this live consultation call with Sarah Karsten, Shannon Crow guides her through niche yoga marketing.

Sarah Karsten is a yoga teacher based out of Strathmore, Alberta, Canada. She discovered the transformative power of yoga about a decade ago when seeking a change in the world of fitness. Sarah is passionate about creating a supportive community for individuals who are seeking pain relief, stress management, and overall well-being.

In this consultation call, Shannon asks questions to help uncover the niche Sarah wants to explore and her ideal working schedule. Together, they craft a marketing outline to let students know about her offerings and to expand her reach to new audiences. Shannon also shares helpful tips on where to get content ideas for marketing Sarah’s new niche and how to deal with imposter syndrome and overwhelm.

If you are wanting to niche down and market your yoga to get more right-fit students and fill your classes, this is the episode for you.

Key Takeaways:

[2:51] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode which is a live consultation call - Sarah Karsten.

[6:30] What does Sarah do and who does she do it for?

[7:17] What would Sarah's ideal teaching schedule look like?

[8:44] Shannon and Sarah dig into her specific niche as a yoga teacher.

[11:53] Sarah explores why she feels hesitant and awkward about saying she's a yoga teacher.

[14:43] There may be feelings of imposter syndrome to deal with when niching down.

[19:27] Shannon and Sarah discuss her marketing efforts and how she can reach more people.

[26:53] Shannon shares a little about OfferingTree.

[28:37] Shannon and Sarah talk about how to market her online offerings.

[30:41] Shannon offers some tips about how to speak to Sarah's niche audience.

[33:08] What kind of content is Sarah usually sharing with her audience in terms of email marketing?

[40:35] Shannon guide Sarah to find a rhythm that feels doable and sustainable for her in terms of sending out content to her audience.

[46:49] It can be helpful to set aside time in your calendar to create content if you are struggling to find the time to do it.

[48:43] What hesitations does Sarah have about implementing some of these suggestions?

[52:17] Shannon shares some places Sarah can get content ideas.

[55:49] Overwhelm is a very real part of being a yoga entrepreneur. Shannon shares some advice on tackling that.

[64:39] Shannon reflects on this consultation call with Sarah.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Even when I first started teaching, I felt awkward to say I was a yoga teacher... And so that's already come easier. So I think it will get easier the more I talk about it." - Sarah

"You're the best person if you're passionate about it." - Shannon

"Remember why you're doing it. Also, remember that you're doing it to help people." - Shannon

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342: The Yoga of Parenting with Sarah Ezrin 0

Sep 18, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

342: The Yoga of Parenting with Sarah Ezrin

Description:

Parenting can be really challenging, but yoga can be a useful toolkit for parents and people supporting parents. Sarah Ezrin, author of The Yoga of Parenting Book, has some insights on how yoga can help with the struggles of parenting.

Sarah Ezrin is an author, freelance writer, yoga educator, and content creator based in the Bay Area. She writes extensively on the subjects of yoga, parenting, and mental health, often interweaving these themes, and she is a regular contributor for a variety of popular publications. Her recently-published new book is The Yoga of Parenting: Ten Yoga-Based Practices to Help You Stay Grounded, Connect with Your Kids, and Be Kind to Yourself.

Sarah talks about her why for doing this work and what inspired her to write this book on yoga and parenting. She also shares the two articles that really resonated with people over the years, and how her book is different from other parenting books that can feel really overwhelming to parents. Sarah and Shannon discuss being a present parent, feeling guilty about taking time for yourself, and how to deal with unsolicited parenting advice.

Whether you’re currently in the thick of parenting, are a new parent, or past the “active parenting” stage with older children or supporting parents in yoga classes, Sarah’s tips about the yoga of parenting will definitely be useful.

Key Takeaways:

[3:18] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sarah Ezrin.

[7:43] There's a special book draw you can enter to win one of Sarah's books!

[9:05] Sarah talks about her why and what gets her out of bed in the morning.

[11:08] What are some pieces of content Sarah has created that have really resonated with people?

[14:19] What motivated Sarah to start writing this book that connects yoga to parenting?

[18:29] What are some ways that yoga can help in parenting moments?

[22:38] Even as adults, we have moments of dysregulation.

[24:02] How did Sarah organize her book for parents and how does she hope people will use it?

[26:20] Shannon pops in with a message about OfferingTree - a software that saves her time, money, and headaches!

[27:27] What were some parts of the book that were challenging for Sarah to write?

[30:45] Shannon and Sarah discuss how overwhelming it can be to write a book, particularly about topics as huge as yoga and parenting.

[34:21] What are some things that Sarah has learned while writing the book that have positively impacted how she parents?

[35:51] Shannon shares her personal experience of receiving unwanted parenting advice.

[40:21] What tips does Sarah have for a parent who feels like they don't have time to meditate or do yoga?

[44:06] Sarah addresses the guilt that parents often experience about taking time for themselves.

[49:02] Where can you get a copy of Sarah's book and connect with her?

[51:38] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Sarah and gives the details of the book giveaway!

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"What really gets me out of bed are the people that feel seen and heard by my work."

"I just felt there was a lack of parenting books that were normalizing making mistakes."

"All of us are the best parents for our Children. We are the best expert on our child."

"The more I think I know, the less I know and the less I need to know."

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341: Online Learning Pro Tips with Emily Light 0

Sep 11, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

341: Online Learning Pro Tips with Emily Light

Description:

Online courses, trainings, and memberships are wonderful to improve people’s access to educational materials regardless of where they are physically, but becomes up to each individual to complete them on their own. How can we make the most of online learning without becoming overwhelmed? Emily Light shares her tips.

Emily is a yoga therapist who specializes in the nervous system and pelvic health. She runs her own private practice where she see clients 1:1 and also offers live stream online classes. Emily has her own membership site with an on-demand library of yoga classes. She is also an active member of Pelvic Health Professionals and has created a schedule to stay on top of the online learning here.

Emily shares how she set a learning schedule so that she could actually use the membership full of content that she signed up for. She talks about how she finds time to do her online learning, how she takes notes, and what else makes it easier for her to commit and complete her online learning activities. Emily has some great tips about managing online learning effectively, so if you've ever bought a course or paid for a membership and struggled with finishing it or getting the most out of it, this interview is going to be so useful.

Key Takeaways:

[1:26] Shannon shares a discount code for an upcoming event by Pelvic Health Professionals and gives a shout out to OfferingTree.

[5:01] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Emily Light.

[6:50] What does Emily do and who does she do it for?

[8:38] How does Emily tackle all the material available in Pelvic Health Professionals?

[10:49] Emily also references the notes provided in Pelvic Health Professionals to create her own notes.

[13:33] Especially with online memberships, the amount of content available to members can feel overwhelming. How does Emily deal with that?

[15:26] What are some baby steps yoga teachers can take if they are feeling like there is a lot of information and they don't have much time to consume it?

[18:52] What are some of Emily's tips for using her notes about what she's learned in Pelvic Health Professionals to create her own content?

[21:45] Shannon and Emily exchange tips on how they manage their online courses and learning platforms.

[23:56] Another big aspect of online courses and memberships is the time investment required. How does Emily help her members with time management?

[26:57] Shannon and Emily discuss their thoughts about the cadence of emails to members and how often they send emails.

[31:04] As a business owner, it is often helpful to have feedback from someone outside the business about what could be improved or changed.

[32:10] Shannon pops in to share a special podcast listener coupon code for OfferingTree.

[33:58] What has Emily's experience of Pelvic Health Professionals been?

[37:34] If you are keen to learn more from Emily, check out her website.

[38:47] Emily shares a little about her donation model live stream classes.

[42:31] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Emily.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Writing helps me organize new concepts in my mind."

"I definitely saw [the amount of content available] as something I needed to personally create some structure around because otherwise it was going to be untouched."

"I am a big fan of scheduling. I have got to get that on my calendar or it is not gonna happen."

"I'm skillful at transforming overwhelm into excitement with just a little bit of structure."

"It feels really nice to have that personal relationship in an online environment."

"I'm learning stuff for clients that aren't pelvic health clients in the Pelvic health professionals."

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340: Personal and Business Check-In [Part 2] with Shannon Crow 0

Sep 4, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

340: Personal and Business Check-In [Part 2] with Shannon Crow

Description:

Shannon Crow shares more personal and business updates on this episode. She reflects that the grief she has been dealing with has been impacting her and some of the things that have been helping her through it, including messages from listeners.She also talks about the exchange student she will be hosting in her home soon and some of the activities she has been engaging in to be more “in-person”.

On the professional front, Shannon reveals that she was recently thinking about quitting her business and the podcast. She notes that she needs to take some of her own advice and lean on her team more while cutting back on things that are not essential to the business. Do share your recommendations for Shannon as she navigates this challenging season of life.

Key Takeaways:

[2:46] In this episode, Shannon is sharing more personal and business updates. First, she invites you to take a moment to check in with yourself.

[4:45] Shannon is in a season of grief now. She shares some things that are keeping her going, including messages from listeners. She shares a couple of messages listeners have left.

[12:44] "Meet up" with Shannon online at the yoga series by Sarah Garden.

[16:28] Shannon talks about why she loves using OfferingTree in her business.

[17:38] Shannon shares a personal update about the exchange student she will be hosting in her home!

[18:47] Shannon and her partner Sean have taken on a hiking challenge this year.

[20:34] Shannon has been missing doing in-person activities. She talks about how she is trying to incorporate more of that in her life.

[22:19] Recently, Shannon got very close to quitting her job and the podcast. She shares how she is going to address this feeling.

[28:48] What recommendations do you have for Shannon as she navigates this season of life and business?

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Even though I logically know these things [that I need to take a break and lean on my team more], it feels like sometimes it's not the easiest thing to do."

"[I need to] listen to my gut on this and in this season that I'm in and to really notice and this is where I think that yoga really serves me."

"On my list of things I need to do right now is ask for support and help."

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339: Personal and Business Check-In with Shannon Crow 0

Aug 28, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

339: Personal and Business Check-In with Shannon Crow

Description:

Shannon Crow shares a personal and business update on this episode. She shares that she has been sitting with some deep grief in her life recently as well as how she has been spending time outside in her garden. Shannon also talks about the new stage of parenting she has entered and gives an update on her three children.

On the professional front, Shannon explains the missing piece she has discovered in Pelvic Health Professionals and what is new in that part of her business. There are some upcoming workshops and series so be sure to check that out. She also reflects on how she is eager for more in person time with her team and that she will be looking into how to create that going forward.

Key Takeaways:

[4:12] Shannon is giving a personal and business update in this episode but she has a question for you first - how are you?

[4:58] Shannon shares a personal update about what has been going on for her recently.

[8:50] On the work side, Shannon has an update about Pelvic Health Professionals.

[14:55] Shannon has been looking at the finances in her business as well, particularly around her spending on software.

[18:08] Shannon got to meet Crunch, the show notes writer for the podcast, for the first time a few weeks ago and it has prompted her reflection on getting more in-person time with the team.

[19:29] One software company that has been really supportive of Shannon in her business is OfferingTree.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

“Sometimes there are just huge struggles when you're running a small business.”

“For anyone who is dealing with just sadness or grief, I want you to know that you're not alone in this.”

“What are some of the software and website expenses that we could look at consolidating?”

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338: Eating Disorder Informed Yoga with Jennifer Kreatsoulas 0

Aug 21, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

338: Eating Disorder Informed Yoga with Jennifer Kreatsoulas

Description:

About 70 million people worldwide experience some form of an eating disorder in their lifetime. It is a serious condition and among the deadliest mental illnesses, second only to opioid overdose, causing over 10,200 deaths annually. Its prevalence means we are likely to encounter students in our classes who deal with it or are recovering from it. So how can we be mindful of them in our classes? Jennifer Kreatsoulas PhD, C-IAYT, is an expert in this area and shares more about eating disorder informed yoga.

Jennifer is a certified yoga therapist specializing in eating disorders and body image. She is a sought-after international speaker and former host of Real Body Talk, an online interview talk show. Through her virtual school, Yoga for Eating Disorders, Jennifer offers individual yoga therapy, groups, classes, and continuing education and mentoring for professionals. Jennifer is also the author of Body Mindful Yoga and The Courageous Path to Healing. Her writing has been featured widely in print, broadcast, and online media.

Jennifer shares how yoga teachers can become eating disorder informed in how they guide classes. By managing our language, our expectations, and being mindful of our scope of practice as yoga teachers, we can create safer spaces for our students. Jennifer also dispels some of the myths around eating disorders and teaching yoga to this population, as well as 3 ways in which yoga can be a very helpful tool.

Key Takeaways:

[3:16] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jennifer Kreatsoulas.

[8:48] What does Jennifer do and who does she do it for?

[11:15] How and why is yoga helpful (or not helpful) for people dealing with or recovering from an eating disorder?

[14:51] Yoga can be a pathway to self-connection to help with recovery.

[20:20] What are some ways that yoga teachers can have respect and compassion for people going through eating disorders, especially since it's not something that can be identified by looking at someone?

[24:15] One way to change your language is to consider how we offer students a challenge in their yoga.

[26:00] Shannon pops in with a quick shout out to OfferingTree as an excellent option if you're looking to create a website for your yoga business.

[27:51] How does Jennifer recommend responding to someone who comes to yoga with the intention of wanting to change their body without shaming them?

[32:41] Shannon and Jennifer discuss what it means to stay within your scope of practice as a yoga teacher.

[36:34] What are some ways you can learn from Jennifer?

[42:42] Jennifer has a little gift for listeners in the form of a PFD that highlights ways you can make your yoga classes eating-disorder informed.

[43:37] Jennifer invites us to study the language of teachers who look different from you.

[45:12] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"What is your intention for showing up on your mat or for any activity you're doing and just do that inquiry. And if it's based in any kind of guilt or shame or obsession, it's important to get support around that because that's never gonna lead us anywhere helpful in our lives."

"I see yoga as a pathway to that self connection. It's not a straight line and it doesn't always feel good and it's not always easy... I see this as a part of the journey."

"It's not your scope of practice to have to know people's trauma or to know if people have an eating disorder or whatever their diagnoses are,... but we can take responsibility for our language."

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337: Plantar Fasciitis & Yoga with Diana Zotos Florio 0

Aug 14, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

337: Plantar Fasciitis & Yoga with Diana Zotos Florio

Description:

Plantar fasciitis is a common problem that 1 in 10 people will experience in their lifetime. As a yoga teacher, you are likely to encounter someone who is experiencing this painful condition in your yoga classes, or you may even have it yourself. Yoga can be a helpful tool to manage plantar fasciitis. Diana Zotos Florio shares some tips and tricks on how to deal with plantar fasciitis.

Diana is the founder of Threes Physiyoga, created to bridge the gap between physical therapy and yoga. She has a science Bachelors, a Masters in physical therapy and has been using yoga in her own life and to treat patients. Diana is driven by her purpose of helping people move and feel best in their bodies by empowering them with knowledge, tools and science-informed strategies in movement, mindfulness, connection and breathwork. She offers 1:1 sessions, has an online studio, and has also been teaching yoga teachers how to integrate physical therapy science into their practice and teaching.

Diana explains what plantar fasciitis is, the common symptoms that someone with plantar fasciitis might experience, and the role of a yoga teacher when a student approaches them with this condition. She also shares some exercises that can help address the root causes of this inflammatory condition and how to manage it. Diana and Shannon also discuss the benefits of barefoot walking, balance poses, calf stretching and more.

Key Takeaways:

[3:59] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Diana Zotos Florio.

[6:34] What does Diana do and who does she do it for

[8:15] What is plantar fasciitis?

[10:47] What does plantar fasciitis feel like for people who experience it?

[12:51] If someone has plantar fasciitis (or pain in their feet), who might a yoga teacher refer them to?

[13:55] What do physiotherapists do to help people with plantar fasciitis?

[17:33] Diana explains what "load" means in the context of plantar fasciitis.

[20:04] Shannon pops in to share a question from a podcast listener about booking software and how OfferingTree can support you if you have the same question!

[23:14] What are some things in yoga that can help someone with plantar fasciitis?

[27:42] How can you try out ball rolling at home to manage plantar fasciitis?

[30:50] Diana explains more about the "tripod foot".

[34:10] Shannon and Diana discuss going barefoot.

[36:03] What are some frustrating myths or misinformation that Diana has encountered about plantar fasciitis?

[38:10] What can people do if they're experiencing pain in their feet first thing in the morning? Diana also shares some other tips and tricks.

[40:43] Connect with Diana and learn more from her via her website and on Instagram!

[41:33] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Being barefoot is one of the best things you can do for any foot injury."

"If you have plantar fasciitis or fasciosis for a long time, over time, your balance of proprioception can decrease just because of disuse."

"Inherently, people don't want to do that. They wanna kind of get the band aid, quick fix and move on. And I think that's just human nature."

"Especially as we age and we move less, it's really important to move."

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336: Yoga for Endo and Pelvic Pain with Sarah Garden 0

Aug 7, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

336: Yoga for Endo and Pelvic Pain with Sarah Garden

Description:

About 190 million girls, women, and people with uteruses of reproductive age worldwide are affected by endometriosis (“endo”). A chronic disease that produces severe, life-impacting pain and other symptoms, endo is still not very well understood. There is no known cure and treatment is often aimed at managing symptoms. Sarah Garden shares how yoga can help endometriosis and pelvic pain.

Sarah is the Director of Bodhi Tree Yoga Therapy and the full time Pain Educator and Yoga Therapist at The Chronic Pain Clinic in Regina, Saskatchewan Canada. Sarah has taught throughout North America and also offers classes and courses on Yoga International. She has been actively working in the field of yoga therapy for over 20 years. Her practice focuses on chronic pain, chronic pelvic pain, and the role yoga can play in treating nociplastic pain and central sensitization.

Sarah shares more about her own long journey with endo and why she started specializing in yoga therapy for chronic pain and endometriosis. She explains the symptoms that accompany endometriosis and what we know about this disease, as well as why yoga is helpful. Sarah also gives other strategies for coping with endo and pelvic pain. Tune in to this episode to learn more about endo and pelvic pain, plus get the details about Sarah’s upcoming 7-week yoga series.

Key Takeaways:

[3:15] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sarah Garden

[8:21] Where did Sarah's journey with endometriosis begin and why did she get interested in this area?

[11:02] What is endometriosis?

[13:34] If you are keen to learn more about endometriosis, there are some great resources (recordings of calls with experts) inside Pelvic Health Professionals, as well as an upcoming 7-week series with Sarah herself!

[14:56] How can yoga help endometriosis?

[22:01] Yoga can help bring more awareness to what is going on in your body and brain and that can be helpful too.

[27:24] What is one thing Sarah wishes she would have known about persistent pain?

[33:34] Getting curious and keeping the nervous system calm and steady is one way to approach pain and movement.

[34:34] How does Sarah approach the conversation with people who have chronic pain to try new movements or to help them down regulate their nervous system?

[39:54] Shannon pops in to share a conversation she recently had with a yoga teacher about how she is using OfferingTree in her business.

[45:08] Sarah has an upcoming 7-week series to learn more about yoga for endometriosis. What does she want people to know about this series?

[51:08] Endometriosis can be really difficult to diagnose because it presents in many different ways.

[54:42] Sarah reflects on how her work is impacting people everywhere.

[56:15] Shannon shares some of her takeaways from this conversation with Sarah.

Links:

Sarah Garden, Bodhi Tree Yoga
Sarah Garden on Instagram and Facebook
7-Week Yoga Series with Sarah Garden
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 325: Stress of Teaching Yoga with Sarah Garden
Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals
Endometriosis & Pelvic Health with Jill Mueller
Endometriosis Surgery with Dr. Mathew Leonardi
Monica Mansfield
Shannon Crow on Instagram
The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group
Pelvic Health Professionals

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Yoga has this really incredible capacity to down regulate or provide us with tools to help us down regulate our nervous system provided we're working with it in a way that's accessible to people with pain."

"Once we've worked on and developed that awareness, we then have the capacity to start to regulate what we need to regulate or re-regulate what we need to regulate."

"What the evidence shows us is that education alone is actually really helpful."

"There's a lot we can do with self management and a lot we can teach people for self management as well."

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335: Black Lives Matter is Yoga with Danielle Tridenti 0

Jul 31, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

335: Black Lives Matter is Yoga with Danielle Tridenti

Description:

Black Lives Matter (BLM) was formed ten years ago, and while many people jumped on the bandwagon and pledged their support for the cause a few years ago in light of the murder of George Floyd, it seems like BLM is getting “less popular”. It is important to continue this conversation about BLM and explore how it relates to yoga. Danielle Tridenti shares their experience in showing up as an ally for the cause.

Danielle is a facilitator of yoga, an embodiment coach, and an equity + inclusion group facilitator/consultant, who believes that cellular and personal change informs and affects institutional, collective, and cultural change. They have over 5000 hours of training in yoga, somatics, trauma informed care, anti-racism, equity + inclusion, as well as 20 years of experience in teaching and group facilitation, and 10 years as a mental health clinician and social worker. Currently, Danielle offers individual and group experiences, education/training, coaching, and consulting centered around embodying equity, LGTBQIA2S+ affirmation and inclusion, and solidarity with a trauma informed, intersectional, anti-racist, anti-patriarchal, and anti-oppression framework to individuals and organizations.

Recently, a student in Danielle’s class asked Danielle to remove their BLM shirt. Danielle shares more about how they handled that situation with the student and the studio they were teaching at, as well as their thoughts on why yoga is political. Danielle also explains why BLM and showing up as an ally is part of yoga. And discusses privilege, creating “safe spaces” in yoga, and how ahimsa (non-violence) ties into all of this.

Key Takeaways:

[2:39] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Danielle Tridenti.

[8:12] What does Danielle do and who do they do it for?

[11:17] Recently, a yoga student attending Danielle's class asked them to remove their Black Lives Matter t-shirt. Danielle recounts the experience.

[16:21] How did Danielle follow up after the incident? What kind of reaction did the studio she was teaching at have after this incident?

[19:57] Why is Black Lives Matter yoga?

[26:47] What is Danielle's reaction to people who complain about how these discussions always feel "in your face" or that we are still having these conversations.

[34:34] Shannon pops in with a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree

[37:01] What are some of the actions that people can take to support Black Lives Matter and create a world that is equal and just?

[43:01] What are some other resources yoga teachers can use to get educated and learn more about this topic?

[48:39] Learn more from Danielle by connecting with them on Instagram.

[49:28] Shannon shares some of her key takeaways from this conversation with Danielle.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.

Quotes from this episode:

"It's not my [Black Lives Matter] shirt that was making her uncomfortable, right? It was her beliefs that were causing this discomfort."

"The bigger issue is exercising your white supremacy and your racism."

"I believe that in teaching, I can leverage my privilege and practice co-conspiratorship and take a stand and take risks for folks who are historically erased and marginalized and oppressed and invisible and killed."

"Picking what you want and leaving what you don't - that's very privileged too."

"The bottom line is, if any of us are harmed, we're all harmed. We're all impacted. This is not a passive practice. It's an active practice."

"People who have marginalized identities can't just leave the oppression behind. It's just not possible."

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334: Many Shades of Brown in Yoga with Anjali Rao 0

Jul 24, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

334: Many Shades of Brown in Yoga with Anjali Rao

Description:

Conversations around race and identity in yoga, especially South Asian identities and the experience of South Asians in the West, tend to be uncomfortable. However, it is still important to give voice to the South Asian experience in yoga and to also talk about how yoga has been shaped by colonialism, capitalism and the Western interpretation of yoga as well as caste, religion, and race. Anjali Rao shares her insights about her experience of being brown in modern yoga.

Anjali is a South Asian yoga educator and practitioner who explores histories obscured by patriarchal and colonial narratives. She integrates yoga history and philosophy with storytelling, imagery, and poetry.

Anjali highlights that our identity is composed of different parts, which is why it’s important for discussions of this topic to be nuanced. She also emphasizes that South Asians are not a monolith and that our lived experience is influenced by our different identities. Anjali provides a summary of the history of yoga, and provides her perspective on how we can embody ahimsa, what social justice has to do with yoga, and much more.

Key Takeaways:

[6:03] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Anjali Rao.

[10:17] What is the work that Anjali does and who does she do it for?

[12:41] What are yoga teachers missing in the story of how yoga got to be where it is now?

[18:23] What is Anjali's response to people who try to counter bringing attention to our different identities by saying that we are all humans walking this earth and we are all yoga teachers?

[20:59] What makes being a brown yoga teacher so difficult and complex right now?

[25:36] Anjali shares her perspective on why it's okay to say "namaste" at the end of a yoga class.

[28:02] Shannon pops in to share a short anecdote of how OfferingTree has helped her to schedule guests on the podcast.

[30:09] How can yoga teachers start doing the work so that they are not simply doing certain actions as a token gesture but rather going deeper than that?

[36:14] Anjali shares a brief summary of the history of yoga.

[42:34] How did yoga end up in the West in the way that it is shared today? Anjali talks a little about colonialism and the other factors that led to shaping the practice of yoga in the west.

[49:16] Shannon and Anjali discuss how we have lost a lot of the essence of yoga in our modern yoga studios.

[52:50] What are some baby steps people can take to do this work of liberation and opposing harmful systems?

[57:54] Anjali invites us to start normalizing saying we don't know something or that we made a mistake.

[60:08] Learn more from Anjali via her podcast.

[62:37] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.

Quotes from this episode:

"I think the nuances of who we are are lost in the dominant narrative of yoga."

"We don't have to shout out in that sense, but we have to know who we are and come from that space of self awareness and discernment."

"We're all human beings, but we have completely lived different lived experiences."

"We are really not tapping into the potential of yoga, not only for ourselves, but for really creating a community of compassionate, courageous people who can speak against harmful oppressive systems."

"There is so much potential in yoga as a practice of liberation, not only for the self, but for the collective."

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333: Does Yoga Lineage Matter? with Kim Weeks 0

Jul 17, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

333: Does Yoga Lineage Matter? with Kim Weeks

Description:

Many of us have learned, practiced, and taught yoga for years, but we are often unaware of our yoga lineage. What exactly is yoga lineage and why does it matter? Should we be teaching yoga without understanding the history of that lineage of yoga? How can we be more mindful of this in teaching yoga and communicating it with our yoga students? Kim Weeks shares her insights.

Kim has over 20 years of teaching, training, running businesses, and consulting in the yoga and mindfulness industry. In 2019, Kim began working closely with Dr. Sat Bir S. Khalsa, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School to create The Yoga Lineage Series for Yoga Alliance. Today, she continues that work on her podcast The Weeks Well podcast, which is about the modern practice of being your best self in your mind, breath, body, and brain.

Kim shares more about her yoga journey that led her to the work she does today, why knowing the origins of our yoga lineages is so important, and how to go about learning about our yoga lineages. She also shares her insights around the fear of discussing this topic and why it’s important to keep having these conversations.

Key Takeaways:

[2:41] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Kim Weeks

[6:06] Shannon shares a little about the yoga lineage she did her first yoga teacher training course in and some of her feelings around it.

[10:30] What does Kim do and who does she do it for?

[12:28] Was it scary for Kim to start her work around yoga lineages? She explains how she got started doing this work.

[20:37] Kim shares another reason why she wasn't afraid to start sharing about yoga lineages.

[22:41] Understanding yoga lineage is key to embracing the practice as a discipline sustainably over time.

[24:03] Kim shares some of her insights about the power dynamic in yoga contributing to fear around this topic.

[32:13] Shannon pops in with a shout out to Crunch's new offering.

[37:10] Why is Kim so passionate about people knowing their yoga lineage? Why does it matter if it's all yoga?

[46:38] How can yoga teachers find out about their yoga lineage?

[50:28] It can be uncomfortable when you start researching and discover the abuses of power that may have existed in your lineage of yoga. How can yoga teachers approach these conversations?

[60:04] Learn more about the yoga lineages from the series that Kim did for Yoga Alliance (paywalled), as well as from Kim's website and podcast.

[72:11] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Kim.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.

Quotes from this episode:

"There's a lot of aspects of modern yoga that aren't sustainable over time because there's some super harmful things that have gotten kind of absorbed down through the patriarchy."

"[What] you might be also getting at when you ask about the fear, ...is the power dynamics and the abuses that have flowed through so many of these lineages."

"Lineage matters because it's like a map."

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332: 5 Pillars of Powerful Teaching with Sheri Fisher & Lori Holden 0

Jul 10, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

332: 5 Pillars of Powerful Teaching with Sheri Fisher & Lori Holden

Description:

Yoga teachers are often seeking ways to feel more comfortable, confident, and effective in their work teaching and as yoga professionals. Sheri Fisher and Lori Holden share the five pillars of powerful teaching to help us become better yoga teachers and professionals.

Sheri is an experienced yoga teacher who helps yoga teachers build confidence to bridge the gap between their Yoga Teacher Training and teaching extraordinary classes with ease and grace. Through professional coaching and group facilitation, she helps executives build their leadership bench, promote teamwork, and develop strategic plans to meet their organization’s mission. Lori has been practicing yoga since 2007 and is a connoisseur of truly inspiring yoga teachers. Lori is an adoption coach and expert in the complexities of adoption. She applies the principles of yoga in parenting her own two young adults (one with special needs), a lifelong journey that requires balance, flexibility, strength, and stability, and helps others to do the same.

Sheri and Lori share more about their new book Standing Room Only: How to be THAT Yoga Teacher, The 5 Pillars of Powerful Teaching from the Root to Rise Yoga Teaching Method. The book focuses on how to connect with your authentic inner teacher through Communication, Character, Connection, Commitment, and Consideration and Sheri and Lori share more about each of these pillars.

Two lucky podcast listeners will also get to win a copy of the book, so be sure to listen till the end to find out how to enter the draw!

Key Takeaways:

[2:14] Shannon introduces her guests for this episode - Sheri Fisher and Lori Holden.

[6:43] What is the work that Sheri does and who does she do it for?

[8:08] What does Lori do and who does she do it for?

[9:41] Does being a powerful teacher have to do with your personality and who you are as a person, or is it something that can be changed? What is some pushback Sheri has encountered on that?

[11:01] How does Lori see these five elements apply to other aspects of life beyond yoga teaching?

[14:14] The first pillar of powerful teaching is communication. How can yoga teachers improve our communication?

[17:13] It is so important to have compassion for yourself when you make mistakes, because that is how we learn.

[18:57] The second pillar of powerful teaching is character. How does this show up?

[23:57] The third pillar of powerful teaching is connection and it is like the heart of the five pillars. Sheri explains more.

[25:57] As someone who attends yoga classes, Lori shares her perspective on the importance of connection.

[27:35] What are some tips Lori and Sheri have for bringing people back for the practice?

[28:27] Shannon pops in to share a phone conversation she had this week.

[32:27] The fourth pillar of powerful teaching is commitment.

[35:57] Part of the commitment piece is also your commitment to marketing and selling your services as a yoga teacher.

[41:17] The last pillar of powerful teaching is consideration.

[45:59] What is some feedback Lori and Sheri have received about the book and were there any surprises for them in doing the research for it?

[49:24] Get your copy of the book via the website RootToRiseYogis.com.

[50:10] Enter the draw to win one of two copies of the book!

[51:17] Learn more and connect with Sheri and Lori via their websites and social media pages.

[52:42] Shannon shares some of her big takeaways from this conversation with Lori and Sheri.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.

Quotes from this episode:

"We all come with our own gifts and our own experiences and then ... it's up to us with how we pull all that together and express that as yoga teachers." - Sheri

"Am I showing up with my own confidence, with my own gifts, with my own awareness? That's when you become that yoga teacher. And that's what's magnetic." - Lori

"Character is the one that’s taking the class beyond just an exercise class and creating a yoga experience." - Sheri

"Our teaching becomes an expression of who we are and where we are on our yoga journey." - Sheri

"It's not sales, it's being helpful." - Sheri

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331: Exploring Nature Through Asana with Alison Zak 0

Jul 3, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

331: Exploring Nature Through Asana with Alison Zak

Description:

Spending time in nature can be a part of your yoga practice, but how can you find a deeper connection to nature through asana? Alison Zak is passionate about this topic and joins Shannon in this episode to share her perspective on how we can understand, respect, and learn from nature through our yoga practice.

Alison is an author, yoga teacher, wildlife conservationist, and (a self-described) animal. She loves to encourage her students to find connection with themselves, their fellow human and beyond-human beings, and with nature through yoga.

Alison shares how we can use our yoga practice to honor nature and connect with other beings and why it is so important to seek connection with other animals. She also shares a little more about how we can take inspiration from nature for our yoga teaching and personal practice. Alison offers some practical advice for finding your authentic teaching voice and also has a special surprise for one lucky podcast listener!

Key Takeaways:

[0:00] There's a book giveaway in this episode!

[0:48] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsor, OfferingTree.

[3:44] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Alison Zak.

[6:18] What does Alison do and who does she do it for?

[9:14] Why is it important to bring in the connection between yoga and nature and animals? What benefits does it offer?

[13:16] Many people experience fear or cognitive dissonance when dealing with different animals. Alison shares an example.

[14:49] Alison gives some examples of how she thinks about and reflects on different animals while doing her own yoga practice.

[18:28] What are Alison's reflections on pigeon pose?

[22:44] How does Alison find that connection to animals in her yoga?

[26:45] Not everyone has the same access to nature to observe animals and wildlife. What does Alison recommend in those situations?

[30:39] Shannon has some news from the team at OfferingTree.

[32:11] What inspired Alison to share the book and who is it geared towards?

[35:18] What are some events Alison put together to promote the book?

[36:19] Some people may feel hesitant about making animal noises. Why is that, and how can we work with that?

[44:00] What was the most enlightening or hardest thing for Alison about writing a book?

[48:42] Alison is giving one of her books away to a podcast listener!

[49:20] What is one thing Alison wishes yoga teachers knew about connecting more with nature?

[50:02] Stay in touch with Alison via social media or her website.

[51:11] Shannon shares her biggest takeaway from this conversation with Alison.

Links:

‌Alison Zak
Alison Zak on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn
‌Shannon Crow on Instagram
The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group
Pelvic Health Professionals

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.

Quotes from this episode:

"How many hundreds or thousands of times have yoga practitioners and teachers practiced cobra pose? So many. But rarely ever [do they] think about the animal that it's named after."

"We can just get curious about what that animal's life is like and how they perceive the world. And then, that is the thing that helps us to just realize how connected we are to other beings."

"I hope that that connection that we feel with other animals through a yoga practice, for example, leads to treating them with more compassion in our interactions with real live animals that we share the planet with."

"Writing is a really healing process."

"I will go back to the importance of knowing that we are also animals. We're not separate from the pigeon or the cobra or the scorpion. When we connect with these other animals, we are connecting with ourselves because we're all interconnected."

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330: Connect with Your Money with Shannon Crow 0

Jun 26, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

330: Connect with Your Money with Shannon Crow

Description:

Many yoga entrepreneurs are uncomfortable with their money, but connecting with your money is one of the keys to running a successful business. In this episode, Shannon Crow talks about why connecting with your money is so important and how to do it.

Shannon shares some of the activities she does to connect with her money including Finance Fridays check-in with her income and expenses, daily money check-ins and tracking her revenue and expenses. She also has some suggestions on how you can start connecting with your money too.

If you're a yoga teacher who wants to make more income and profit, or if you're feeling like you're spending too much or not getting ahead, this episode is specifically for you.

Key Takeaways:

[1:54] This episode is powered by OfferingTree.

[2:23] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - connecting with your money.

[4:11] Part of connecting with your money is knowing where your money is going and how it is being spent.

[5:02] Shannon shares how OfferingTree allows her to keep track of her income.

[6:16] Shannon shares her strategy for looking at her business finances.

[7:44] Two things Shannon does on Finance Fridays are paying her bills and looking over the transactions that happened that week.

[8:50] Shannon's plan going forward is to add in a daily money check-in.

[10:27] Shannon also suggests starting to track your income and expenses if you don't already do that.

[14:03] Start by looking at your money and finances at least once a week, if you rarely do!

[14:35] Shannon invites you to consider some steps you can take to connect with your money.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.

Quotes from this episode:

"You need to know how that hard earned cash is being spent."

"Wherever you're landing today, know that we are on this journey together, tackling our money mindset as yoga teachers and entrepreneurs and taking more of a look at the numbers."

"The two main things that I do on [Finance Fridays] are paying all my bills and looking at all the transactions that happened over that week."

"Make sure you're tracking your business expenses."

Download this Episode

329: Why Separate Bank Accounts? with Shannon Crow 0

Jun 19, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

329: Why Separate Bank Accounts? with Shannon Crow

Description:

Do you have a separate bank account for your yoga business? It is such an important part of starting and growing a business that many yoga teachers overlook or do not prioritize!

In this episode, Shannon Crow shares seven reasons why you should have a separate bank account for your yoga business. She touches on taxes, being more professional in your business, and even the mindset shifts that come with having a business bank account. Shannon also has some homework for you to start getting your yoga business finances on the right track.

If you have been putting off opening a bank account for your yoga business, this episode is for you!

Key Takeaways:

[1:52] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - Why you need separate bank accounts for your yoga business.

[4:01] Having a separate bank account for your yoga business can make a world of difference to your business.

[5:43] Having a separate bank account makes tax time so much easier.

[7:26] Shannon gives a shout out to OfferingTree.

[9:28] If you have a separate bank account for your yoga business, you can build your business credit score.

[9:56] The third reason to have a separate bank account is in case you plan to sell your business in the future.

[11:29] Another reason to start a separate bank account is in case you get audited.

[12:22] Shannon shares a clip from Hannah Smolinski (an accounting professional) about why it's so important to have a business bank account from the start.

[13:40] Having a business bank account helps you shift into the mindset of being a business owner and makes it easier to see how well your business is doing.

[14:58] A separate bank account makes it easier for you to track your income and expenses.

[15:32] If you want to be seen as a professional and have people take your yoga business seriously, a separate bank account can help.

[16:43] Shannon invites you to set up a bank account for your yoga business if you do not already have one!

[17:47] Shannon has bonus homework for you - to implement Profit First in your business.

[18:40] Shannon shares some insights about the topics she has been covering in the podcast this year.

[21:32] What other questions do you have about being a yoga teacher or yoga business owner? Share them with Shannon!

[22:40] Interested in hanging out with Shannon in real time? She shares some upcoming calls in Pelvic Health Professionals where you can do that!

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.

Quotes from this episode:

“I have seen the difference in my own business and [having a separate bank account] is one of the top things I suggest to yoga teachers, especially when they're working with money mindset stuff.”

“Ask yourself, are you building your business to possibly sell it someday?”

“I really like that idea of thinking about your business as its own entity and its own organism, if you will. Because when you separate it out, you're starting to say, “OK, this is important, this is different from my personal”.

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328: Self-Connection for Yoga Teachers with Tess Jewell-Larsen 0

Jun 12, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

328: Self-Connection for Yoga Teachers with Tess Jewell-Larsen

Description:

Stress, burnout, and overwhelm is a common occurrence among yoga teachers. It can be difficult to show up for yourself in the same way that you show up for your yoga students. Tess Jewell-Larsen shares how self-connection can be a helpful strategy to combat these feelings.

Tess Jewell-Larsen is a yoga therapist in training, a certified mindfulness coach, and an experienced yoga teacher. She has a deep understanding of the challenges and struggles that come with burnout, having personally experienced the negative effects of stress and anxiety herself. Through extensive study and personal experience, Tess has gathered a toolkit of techniques that help others dealing with stress, anxiety, and burnout.

In this episode, Tess shares her own personal journey with stress, overwhelm, and burnout and how yoga helped in her own healing. She offers tips and strategies for yoga teachers to deal with these feelings and highlights why self-connection is such an important part of the healing process. Tune in to find out more about Tess’s 10-minute method for stepping out of burnout and to find self-connection.

Key Takeaways:

[1:27] This week's guest, Tess, shares what Pelvic Health Professionals is all about.

[1:27] This episode is powered by OfferingTree.

[4:42] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Tess Jewell-Larsen.

[7:36] What is the work that Tess does and who does she do it for?

[9:28] What got Tess started on the journey of helping people with stress and burnout?

[12:34] How did Tess recognize that she needed to do something about the stress and burnout that she was experiencing? Was there resistance she felt in dealing with it?

[16:39] What are some small steps people can start taking to address their burnout?

[19:02] Tess shares her 10 minute method for stepping out of burnout.

[22:14] How can yoga teachers incorporate the 10 minute method into their yoga classes for their students?

[24:07] What advice does Tess have for yoga teachers who are showing up for themselves very differently than they are for their yoga students?

[27:59] What does Tess think about building in time off?

[30:27] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree.

[32:11] What would Tess say to the yoga teacher who feels so stressed out and overwhelmed that they can't even begin to do anything apart from scroll social media or zone out in front of the TV?

[35:16] Even with daily habits that allow us to give back to ourselves, it can be a struggle sometimes. Tess and Shannon share some tips on what to do in those situations.

[41:55] Connect with Tess via her websites or on social media to learn more about overcoming stress and burnout.

[43:19] Tess shares more about her freebie - a mini-ebook!

[44:33] Shannon shares her takeaways from this call with Tess.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.

Quotes from this episode:

"It all starts with you, communicating with yourself. It all starts with your own relationship with yourself."

"It's all about creating that conversation, that loving relationship with myself, with yourself of like, ok, what do I need? How can I give that to myself?"

"It's ok to have a range of emotions. I think that it's ok to not be ok, but it's important to know that we can give back to ourselves."

Download this Episode

327: Working with Teaching Anxiety [Consultation Call] with Lindsay McMurray 0

Jun 5, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

327: Working with Teaching Anxiety [Consultation Call] with Lindsay McMurray

Description:

Anxiety about teaching yoga and not feeling confident about getting up in front of a class of students is normal. Lindsay McMurray was struggling with teaching anxiety and posted in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group asking for advice. This consultation call with Shannon Crow is a result of that.

Lindsay McMurray is a certified yoga teacher who is also trained in the Yoga for 12 Step Recovery program. She is currently gooing through her 300-hr YTT with plans to become a yoga therapist. Lindsay has been practicing yoga since she was 12 years old and has supported her through many personal challenges, including eating disorders, and drug and alcohol addictions.

In this consultation call, Shannon and Lindsay discuss her fear and anxiety about teaching yoga. Shannon shares from her own personal experience and offers suggestions about strategies Lindsay could try out to address those feelings. If you have ever felt nervous to teach or if you are feeling scared to put something new out into the world, this episode is for you!

Key Takeaways:

[4:08] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode, Lindsay McMurray, who joins her for a consultation call.

[9:29] Lindsay posted a question in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group about getting confident in teaching yoga which prompted this call.

[11:54] How have things changed for Lindsay based on the comments on her post? What has she found useful?

[13:33] Shannon and Lindsay discuss her training programs and her experience in teaching during these programs.

[15:48] Lindsay shares how her past experiences, anxiety, and feelings of self-worth are tied into her ability to teach yoga.

[16:44] Shannon talks about the importance of how we support people with their mental health.

[18:25] Has there been a moment for Lindsay in her teaching career that she felt everything was working?

[20:26] Shannon invites Lindsay to reflect on what the benefits are for students walking out of her classes.

[25:03] Shannon asks Lindsay if it's possible for her to teach now and together they explore the options of what that could look like.

[28:01] There's nothing to be ashamed of with regards to feeling anxiety or feeling nervous to teach.

[28:54] Lindsay shares some insights about her anxiety around teaching yoga.

[31:19] Shannon pops in to share about an exciting free webinar by OfferingTree.

[34:11] Shannon shares something that has helped her with her teaching anxiety.

[34:46] Shannon shares about the anxiety she felt before starting the podcast and Lindsay talks about her fears about teaching at the treatment center.

[39:07] Lindsay shares her "big why" for doing this work.

[42:08] Shannon helps Lindsay put into action her plan to teach at a recovery center and reduce the amount of time she spends planning her classes.

[47:56] The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group community has been an amazing resource for Lindsay.

[53:07] Shannon shares some of her takeaways from this conversation with Lindsay.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.

Quotes from this episode:

"The more I do it, the more comfortable I get." - Lindsay

"It sounds like you're putting a ton of pressure on yourself to deliver this perfect class." - Shannon

"You don't realize how much we don't tune into these sensations in our bodies in the way that we feel physically and yoga provides that." - Lindsay

"There's nothing to be ashamed of with regards to feeling that anxiety or feeling nervous to teach." - Shannon

"My best yoga class experiences are when I don't even notice the teacher, like I forget the teachers there." - Lindsay

"I think the power is going to be in sharing your story, in saying, here's how yoga helped me." - Shannon

"Keep doing just one tiny thing when things feel scary or things feel overwhelming." - Shannon

"It's a huge myth that you have to reinvent the wheel every time you teach a yoga class." - Shannon

Download this Episode

326: Teach Yoga with Confidence with Shannon Crow 0

May 29, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

326: Teach Yoga with Confidence with Shannon Crow

Description:

If you are a new (or not-so-new) yoga teacher who is feeling nervous or anxious about teaching yoga to a class full of students, you are not alone! This is a feeling many yoga teachers face and is one of the biggest challenges you have to overcome to teach yoga.

In this episode, Shannon Crow reflects on her experience with fear and self-doubt as a new yoga teacher and the steps she took to overcome her anxiety and build up her confidence around teaching yoga. She shares her list of 15 things that have helped her through moments of self-doubt.

Tune in to learn more about how you too can start teaching yoga confidently.

Key Takeaways:

[1:30] Shannon introduces the topic for this episode - teaching yoga with confidence.

[4:54] Shannon shares her own experience with fear and self doubt on her journey as a yoga teacher.

[8:39] Shannon shares a lesser-known feature of OfferingTree.

[12:02] Do not feel like you need another yoga teacher training before you can start teaching.

[13:09] Your own experience with yoga is a tremendous source of information and ideas!

[15:24] Teach more. You build confidence by doing. Shannon shares some tips to make this process easier.

[0:00] undefined

[17:31] Remind yourself of why you are teaching yoga.

[19:08] Be on time and be prepared.

[20:56] Consider how you use demos in your class.

[22:19] Start your students from a place where you can find a moment to breathe and center yourself.

[23:18] Do not be afraid of repeating a class over and over again!

[24:44] Making mistakes is a part of the process. Learn to embrace them.

[25:29] Be okay with silence and don't be a cookie-cutter teacher!

[26:40] Remember that your students want to be there with you.

[27:01] Ask for and be open to receiving feedback.

[29:47] See the value in the questions your students are asking - don't make yourself feel like a failure because of it.

[32:04] If this episode was helpful, be sure to leave a review!

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.

Quotes from this episode:

"Start teaching right now and learn as you go."

"It's by being a student that we deepen our teaching. A student of our craft, of course, but perhaps more importantly, a student of ourselves." - Shannon quoting Barrie Riseman

"Please do not feel like you have to plan an entire new class each time you teach."

"We all make mistakes as humans and then they can learn from us and see how we deal with that."

"You can really show up with confidence when it's you."

"Share the yoga that you feel connected to."

Download this Episode

325: Stress of Teaching Yoga with Sarah Garden 0

May 22, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

325: Stress of Teaching Yoga with Sarah Garden

Description:

There is a common misconception among non-yoga teachers that teaching yoga is stress-free. However, this is not true! Teaching yoga and running a yoga business can be extremely challenging and stressful and we need to be able to deal with it. Sarah Garden shares her experience from years working in the yoga industry.

Sarah Garden is the Director of Bodhi Tree Yoga Therapy and the full time Pain Educator and Yoga Therapist at The Chronic Pain Clinic in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Sarah has been actively working in the field of yoga therapy for over 20 years and taught classes across North America and on Yoga International.

In this conversation, Sarah highlights the difference between practicing yoga and teaching yoga, and why teaching is so much more stressful than most people imagine it. She shares some of the symptoms you may notice if you are deregulated and her tips on how to incorporate your personal practice back into your life as a yoga teacher. Tune in to learn how you can do your own check in and manage the stress of teaching yoga.

Key Takeaways:

[1:16] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sarah Garden.

[4:35] What does Sarah do?

[6:17] Sarah shares a little about her experience as possibly the first yoga therapist in Saskatchewan.

[8:48] Being a yoga teacher and running a yoga studio is tough. What keeps Sarah going?

[14:20] There's an assumption that teaching yoga will be just as relaxing and calming as practicing it, but that's not the case. Why is teaching yoga so different from practicing yoga?

[19:32] We need yoga in order to keep teaching yoga but it can be hard to fit in your own personal practice around your teaching schedule.

[20:44] Shannon pops in with a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree.

[23:15] What is Sarah's advice to yoga teachers who have fallen away from their own practice and think they can't fit it in on top of all the other demands of being a yoga teacher?

[25:14] What are some symptoms of a deregulated nervous system?

[30:43] It may not be easy to tell when you are regulated or deregulated. Sarah shares some advice on how to discover that self-awareness.

[37:05] Sarah shares a quick check in that you can do to assess how regulated you are.

[42:45] People have the idea that a yoga practice has to be something big, but that's not necessarily true.

[44:38] Learn more and connect with Sarah via email and social media.

[45:55] Shannon shares her takeaways from this interview with Sarah.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree.

Quotes from this episode:

"It's not just like the work that I do going in to teach the class, but it's all this preparation."

"The way the yoga industry runs is it's hard to make a living as a yoga teacher. You have to teach a lot."

"Full-time teaching isn't often financially sustainable, nor is it energetically sustainable. And so, what do we do to do that? I think we have to fall back on our own practice."

"Checking in with body tension patterns is a really nice way to notice if you're feeling deregulated, [and] checking in with your emotional regulations."

"Relaxation or finding greater ease in your body isn't a process of addition, it's always a process of subtraction. We're doing work that we don't need to be doing."

Download this Episode

324: Niches & Yoga Business Chat with Sunita Patil & Shannon Crow 0

May 15, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

324: Niches & Yoga Business Chat with Sunita Patil & Shannon Crow

Description:

It can feel challenging to find your place as a yoga teacher in the yoga industry. That’s where finding your niche can be helpful in standing out and serving your dream students. In this episode, Shannon Crow and Sunita Patil discuss niching down in your yoga business. This episode was recorded for the Meditation, Yoga & Stuff with Sunita Podcast.

Sunita has over 30 years of experience in the personal practice of yoga. Over the past 20 years, she has taught thousands of students in Australia, USA, and India. Sunita has studied Yoga and Meditation, Sanskrit, Ayurveda, and the Vedas and Upanishads with teachers from around the world. Today, she offers mentoring sessions, group sessions, talks, workshops to bring the wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda into day-to-day life.

Shannon and Sunita discuss why finding a niche is important for yoga teachers, their own individual journeys discovering their niches, and how you can figure out your own niche. Shannon also highlights some of the myths around niching down and shares some tips for overwhelmed yoga teachers.

Key Takeaways:

[1:27] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sunita Patel. This episode was recorded for Sunita's podcast, Meditation, Yoga & Stuff with Sunita.

[3:14] Sunita opens the podcast and Shannon introduces herself.

[4:47] Many yoga teachers struggle to find their footing in the yoga industry. Shannon shares her journey of how she discovered what worked for her and her suggestions that can help yoga teachers.

[9:29] How can yoga teachers find their niche?

[12:57] Sunita shares her struggles with finding her niche.

[16:42] Shannon highlights that there's a little bit of a myth about finding your niche. It's not just that you figure out your niche and that's it. There's more to it!

[18:26] Finding your niche can be a lot about experimentation and taking stock of what's working and what isn't.

[22:13] Sunita shares her perspective on why she hosts her podcast.

[25:11] Shannon explains how she got interested in the topic of pelvic health and explains a little about the pelvic floor.

[29:53] Sunita and Shannon discuss how there is a lot of taboo and shame associated with talking about the pelvic floor and how yoga can help.

[33:14] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsor OfferingTree.

[35:02] How did the Connected Yoga Teacher come about and how has it evolved?

[39:21] Starting a yoga business can be a lot with many moving parts and things to consider. What are some of Shannon's tips for yoga teachers who may be feeling overwhelmed?

[43:56] Everything changes really fast, especially with marketing.

[46:29] Shannon shares her contact details and how to join the Facebook group.

[49:24] Shannon shares some final closing thoughts and information.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree.

Quotes from this episode:

"What helps me … is focusing on: How can I help people? How can I share and how can I just invite people if it feels like a good fit?" - Shannon

"Niche work is not easy." - Shannon

"There's a myth that entrepreneurs and yoga teachers just like get to a point where they have it all figured out." - Shannon

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323: Finding Support in Yoga Philosophy with Sunita Patil 0

May 8, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

323: Finding Support in Yoga Philosophy with Sunita Patil

Description:

Yoga philosophy is an important part of yoga. Yet, interpreting and applying those principles to our modern lives can be difficult. So how can we find support for our yoga practice in the sutras and yoga philosophy? Sunita Patil has some insights.

Sunita has over 30 years of experience in the personal practice of yoga. Over the past 20 years, she has taught thousands of students in Australia, USA, and India. Sunita has studied Yoga and Meditation, Sanskrit, Ayurveda, and the Vedas and Upanishads with teachers from around the world. Today, she offers mentoring sessions, group sessions, talks, workshops to bring the wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda into day-to-day life.

Sunita explains about how we can make yoga, yoga philosophy, and the teachings from the sutras simple and adaptable to our daily life, and what the true essence of yoga philosophy is. Shannon and Sunita also discuss self-care for yoga teachers, how to maintain peace and calm in our hectic lives, and so much more.

Key Takeaways:

[2:32] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sunita Patel.

[5:02] What does Sunita do and who does she do it for?

[7:36] How can yoga philosophy support yoga teachers?

[16:14] What are Sunita's thoughts on the different translations or interpretations of yoga philosophy out there?

[20:10] Sunita talks a little bit about the first principle of yoga.

[24:58] What are some of Sunita's takeaways from the character of Arjuna in the Gita?

[26:37] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree.

[28:26] What are some of Sunita's ideas of how to incorporate yoga into our daily lives?

[34:39] What are some things that Sunita does to bring calm and ease to her life?

[43:12] Sunita shares some inspiration from yoga philosophy for yoga teachers who might be feeling that life is a lot right now.

[53:01] Get in touch with Sunita via her website and social media.

[54:19] Shannon shares her biggest takeaway from this conversation with Sunita.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"With the yoga philosophy, it's basically coming back to stillness."

"My always intention is how can I make it simple to adapt to my life, this modern life?"

"This is the beauty of yoga like you can adapt it according to your need."

"As we grow in the practice, we will change the practice."

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322: The Creative Cycle with Wenlin Tan 0

May 1, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

322: The Creative Cycle with Wenlin Tan

Description:

Feeling stuck, procrastinating, and facing a day when you don’t want to do the work that is ahead of you as an entrepreneur are all normal parts of life and business. How can we understand these phases and move with them? Wenlin Tan shares insights about the creative cycle and how we can work with it instead of against it.

Wenlin Tan is a Qigong and Yoga Teacher Trainer, women’s health & well-being specialist, growth consultant and curious human. She specializes in supporting female yoga teachers, healers and changemakers to optimize their well-being and impact in the world by aligning with the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Eastern Philosophy, Qigong, yoga and psychology.

In this episode, Wenlin explains the creative cycle and how it ties into the common challenges many entrepreneurs face such as resistance and procrastination. She shares some tools that we can use to overcome these challenges and reminds us that our ideas are not ours and we are merely vessels bringing them to the world. This is a deeply insightful conversation that can bring perspective to how we show up in our work in the world.

Key Takeaways:

[2:43] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Wenlin Tan.

[5:30] What does Wenlin do and who does she do it for?

[6:18] Wenlin explains a little about what the creativity cycle is.

[9:10] What are some common challenges that understanding the creative cycle can help with?

[12:51] We can often get stuck in trying to focus on planting new seeds (ideas) rather than doing the work of moving one seed (idea) through an entire cycle. How do we know what are "good seeds" to focus on?

[16:29] The seeds do not belong to us - we are merely vessels for them. It's important not to take our "failures" personally.

[17:42] The creative cycle can be related to the menstrual cycle, and it applies even for people who don't menstruate.

[27:53] Shannon pops in with a word of thanks to sponsor OfferingTree.

[29:36] What are the elements associated with the creative cycle?

[36:35] What is the biggest struggle Wenlin sees among yoga teachers and other creatives?

[41:00] What are some tools that Wenlin finds useful when you are experiencing resistance?

[44:02] Wenlin shares some of the ways she finds the balance between tasks she is excited about and tasks she does not enjoy.

[46:47] Learn more about Wenlin and her work via her website and social media.

[49:50] Wenlin has a message for listeners.

[54:39] Shannon shares some of her biggest takeaways from this conversation.

[57:54] Hang out with Shannon in real time at the Balance Flow Yoga series with Shelly Prosko

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"The idea that things are linear is actually not true. The idea of growth and businesses, how we expand is actually cyclical."

"Before even thinking about what seed to get attached to or what seed is a really good seed is to remember that none of the seeds really belong to us."

"We can practice this cycle, but we cannot force creativity."

"Growth is not linear. Work is not linear. Life is not linear. And more importantly, your path, your cycle, your strengths, your challenges will be different from someone else's."

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321: Accessible Yoga & Pelvic Health with Jivana Heyman 0

Apr 24, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

321: Accessible Yoga & Pelvic Health with Jivana Heyman

Description:

Why is pelvic health important and how can we make it more accessible in our yoga classes? In this episode, which first aired on the Accessible Yoga Podcast hosted by Jivana Heyman, Shannon Crow appears as the special guest to talk about pelvic health and making it accessible.

Jivana Heyman is the founder and director of the Accessible Yoga Association, an international non-profit organization devoted to making yoga teachings more accessible. He is also the author of Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion and Accessible Yoga: Poses & Practices for Every Body.

Jivana and Shannon kick off this episode by discussing their shared love for supporting and connecting yoga teachers to each other and to information and their messy process of learning. Shannon then shares more about why she started Pelvic Health Professionals, the role of gendered language in discussing pelvic health, and how it plays a part in yoga. They also discuss trauma, fear–based language vs clear contraindications, what it really means to engage the pelvic floor, the core, and the difference between weak and relaxed pelvic floor. Tune in to learn more about how to share about this important topic with your students in a way that is accessible to all!

Key Takeaways:

[1:39] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jivana Heyman. This podcast episode was originally recorded for the Accessible Yoga podcast.

[4:18] Jivana introduces Shannon and she tells listeners a little more about herself.

[8:26] Being open to new information and learning is so important, and it can be a messy process.

[10:36] Shannon invites experts in pelvic health to share information with other professionals. Is she intimidated by the expertise others bring to the table in her membership community?

[13:09] Pelvic health is often seen as a gendered topic that applies more to cis-gender women or people who are giving birth.

[14:49] How does Shannon help the people she works with connect with their pelvic floor without gendered language?

[16:37] Jivana voices his frustration that there are a lot of gender assumptions in yoga spaces as well.

[20:14] If you are keen to learn more about gendered language, Shannon has a coupon code for you.

[21:08] What could it look like if yoga teachers started exploring how to remove gendered language from their classes?

[23:20] Jivana and Shannon discuss how anatomical terms should be used in trauma-informed teaching.

[26:13] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[28:10] What are some specific things yoga teachers could be saying to help yoga students understand more about pelvic health within the context of a yoga class?

[31:27] Jivana highlights contraindications in yoga and the pushback against that in the yoga community. Shannon offers some tips on how to avoid fear-based language.

[38:36] Shannon shares how she provides yoga cues without using fear-based language.

[41:41] It's common for yoga teachers to cue engagement of the pelvic floor or core. Shannon explains why this may not be a useful cue and how to cue this engagement instead.

[47:05] What is the connection between the breath and the pelvic floor?

[51:30] Being aware and staying within your scope of practice as a yoga teacher is very important.

[53:38] Shannon shares some final thoughts around being subtle in your practice and questioning everything we come across.

[60:00] Have more questions about pelvic health? Send Shannon an email or a voice note, or join Pelvic Health Professionals to learn from experts!

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Every single human is walking around with a pelvis, with a pelvic floor." - Shannon

"I think it's really important that we start to talk about pelvic health and take out the gendered language." - Shannon

"We all need to be more conscious with our words, especially if you're in the position of teacher or any kind of authority." - Jivana

"We forget sometimes that if you're calling yourself a teacher, then your job is to educate." - Jivana

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320: What to Pack for a YTT with Shannon Crow 0

Apr 17, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

320: What to Pack for a YTT with Shannon Crow

Description:

Once you are signed up for a yoga teacher training (YTT) program, what should you pack to bring with you? This is a common question among yoga teachers. Shannon Crow did a survey in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group to find out what people recommend!

Tune in to this episode to find out what are some must-haves, some nice-to-haves and to get Shannon’s full list of what she packs for a YTT! This is the perfect episode to listen to if you are wondering what you need to bring for your next YTT.

Key Takeaways:

[2:00] Shannon Crow introduces the topic for this episode - what to take with you to a yoga teacher training.

[4:25] First few items on Shannon's list are a yoga mat and props.

[5:19] Some yoga teachers bring a yoga mat cleaner but Shannon advises against it. She explains why.

[7:10] Shawls, scarves, and layers of clothing are all useful items to add to your packing list for a YTT.

[8:37] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[11:22] Shannon always packs writing instruments to attend a yoga teacher training.

[13:10] Shannon shares some other personal items you may want to include in your packing list like deodorant, snacks, water bottles, and tissues.

[15:52] Cell phones can be a useful tool to capture parts of your learning experience at the YTT, and a large tote bag to hold all your belongings is handy too!

[17:11] Don't forget to bring an open mind and your critical thinking skills!

[18:20] You might want to bring along a towel and your yoga business cards as well!

[19:46] What are some of your essentials to bring to a yoga teacher training? Share them in the comments!

What to Bring to a YTT:

Yoga Mat
Blocks
Yoga Belt
Blanket
Bolster
Eye Pillow
Meditation Cushion
Yoga Mat Cleaner (without essential oils if possible)
Shawl or Scarf
Layers of (or extra) Clothing
Notebook, Journal and/or Clipboard
Coloured Pencils, Markers, Pens or Crayons
Deodorant
Snacks, Food & Drinks
Water Bottle
Kleenex
Phone & Charger
Large Tote Bag
An Open Mind AND Critical Thinking Skills
Hand Towel and/or Mat Towel
Business Cards

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

“Don't forget to bring an open mind.”

“Be ok with questioning and asking for information that supports something that is said in class.”

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319: Do I Need Another Yoga Training? with Shannon Crow 0

Apr 10, 2023

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

319: Do I Need Another Yoga Training? with Shannon Crow

Description:

It is a common trend among yoga teachers to take one yoga teacher training (YTT) program after another. But is it really necessary and when should you consider taking another YTT? Shannon Crow explores some of the main reasons yoga teachers sign up for YTTs.

There are several reasons why yoga teachers take YTTs. Continuing education is important, but for many yoga teachers, it is often a case of wanting to get more students, make more income, be offered more teaching opportunities, and deepen their expertise in a speciality. Shannon dives into why a YTT may not be the right course of action in some cases, and when it does add value. She also touches on the pyramid scheme of YTTs and some things to watch out for before signing up.

This is the perfect episode to listen to if you are considering signing up for another YTT - give this a listen and ask yourself if you really need another yoga training or if there’s something else that would help you achieve the results you are looking for instead.

Key Takeaways:

[2:25] It's common for yoga teachers to take many yoga trainings, but this may not be necessary!

[4:44] Do you really need another yoga teacher training right now? Shannon shares a question she asked in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group.

[6:15] Shannon explores the first reason people have for signing up for another YTT - to get more students in their classes or increase their income - and what you could do instead.

[8:22] Another reason yoga teachers cite for taking another YTT is they want to be recognized as more of an expert or they want more teaching opportunities.

[10:00] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[12:36] Yoga teachers often take a YTT to upgrade their skills or education to teach specific styles of yoga or a specific population.

[13:27] There are also yoga teachers who sign up for YTTs for the community it offers.

[13:51] What if you waited to make some profit and then use that profit to invest in your next yoga teacher training or continuing education course?

[14:52] Shannon addresses something she has observed in the yoga industry - pressuring yoga teachers to "invest" in continuing education, mentorship, or coaching.

[17:26] You can wait to make a profit in your yoga business first before signing up for the next course or training.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Are your students who are signing up going to know that you took this other teacher training?"

"You could take all the training in the world. But if you're not telling people about that niche, that is not going to move the needle for you in terms of being recognized as an expert or getting more teaching opportunities."

"What would it feel like if you waited to make some profit and then use that profit to invest in your next yoga teacher training or continuing education course?"

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