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:

• Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko (Code: BALANCE)

• Jivana Heyman

• Accessible Yoga

• Accessible Yoga Podcast

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 138: Accessible Yoga Beyond Asana with Jivana Heyman

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 273: Yoga is a Revolution with Jivana Heyman

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 251: Self-Reflect and Plan [Part 2] with Shannon Crow and Jivana Heyman

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 284: Beyond Pronouns and Pride Month with Shannon Crow

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 033: A New Perspective on Diastasis Recti with Dr. Sinead Dufour

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 267: Thoughts on Belly Breathing with Shannon Crow

• Accessible Yoga Community on Facebook

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

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

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:

• Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko (Code: BALANCE)

• Yoga Teacher Training Question Facebook Thread in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

• Article - Doodling: Listening with a Pencil

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 318: Questions to Ask Before Any YTT with Shannon Crow

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 319: Do I Need Another Yoga Training? with Shannon Crow

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

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.” 

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:

• Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko (Code: BALANCE)

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 318: Questions to Ask Before Any YTT with Shannon Crow

• Yoga Teacher Training Question Facebook Thread in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 295: Make Money Teaching Yoga with Betty Welsh

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 187: How to Choose a Yoga Teacher Training with Cecily Milne

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 280: Get Paid as a Yoga Teacher with Shannon Simmons

• Email Shannon Crow

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

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?"

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

318: Questions to Ask Before Any YTT with Shannon Crow

Description:

Continuing education is an important part of your professional development as a yoga teacher but with a multitude of yoga teacher training (YTT) programs available, it is important to pick the right one. Shannon Crow shares some of the questions she asks before signing up for a YTT.

Shannon has had the experience of going from one YTT to the next and this is something that you may experience if you are a newer yoga teacher. While it is important to build the necessary skills to teach, we need to also be aware of where we are investing our time, energy, and money.

Shannon recommends asking questions about the YTT before signing up. Some things to consider include the accessibility and inclusion of the program, the yoga school’s stance on cultural appropriation, and their values. She also invites you to ask questions about the lead trainers’ experience, their position on medicine and science, religion and spirituality and anything else that may be important for you. The important thing is to ensure that the yoga teacher training you choose is aligned with your values.

Key Takeaways:

[1:40] Continuing education is an important part of your professional development as a yoga teacher but there are some hard truths we should be aware of before signing up for the next yoga teacher training.

[2:31] Shannon shares her personal experience with yoga teacher trainings and continuing education.

[7:14] Shannon shares some questions she would ask if she were signing up for a yoga teacher training today.

[10:13] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[12:30] Shannon talks about how she ended up in a yoga teacher training where the lead teacher talked about aliens instead of yoga sutras!

[13:33] Some other questions Shannon would ask include their yoga philosophy for the trainings and scope of practice.

[14:28] Shannon highlights some other questions you might be interested in asking a yoga school or yoga teacher training program before you sign up.

[16:29] It can also be helpful to ask to speak with past graduates and lead trainers of a yoga teacher training to see if it is a good fit for you.

[19:21] It's important to ensure that the yoga teacher training you choose is aligned with your values.

Questions to Ask Before Any Yoga Teacher Training

• Do you teach how to make yoga accessible?

• What are your thoughts on cultural appropriation?

• Do you have a diverse group of teachers?

• How are you paying your teachers and assistants?

• What do you do to protect students from abuse of power?

• Can I look over your ethics, values, and philosophy statements?

• What are your thoughts on social justice?

• Do you and your teachers share their pronouns?

• Is your business model built on training more and more yoga teachers?

• What is your diversity, equity and inclusion policy?

• Does your yoga school encourage referrals to medical professionals or do you think science isn’t real?

• Are you going to talk about your belief in aliens instead of the yoga sutras during lecture?

• What yoga texts do you refer to for yoga philosophy?

• May I see the bibliography section of your manual?

• What do you teach about scope of practice?

• How do you ensure that all trainers and teachers are not talking about food and nutrition?

• What is your policy on scholarships, payment plans and refunds?

• What are your thoughts on religion and spirituality with regards to yoga?

• What is the schedule like in this YTT? Will I be reaching the point of exhaustion?

• Do you believe in “breaking people down” emotionally or physically in a YTT?

• Has your yoga lineage had any reported (or unreported) abuse?

• Do you have training with regards to trauma and is this incorporated into your YTT?

• How can I talk with past graduates and lead trainers of your YTT?

• How many YTTs have you led and how long have you been teaching yoga?

• What does your YTT offer with regards to business education?

• Where can I view the syllabus for the training?

• How many contact hours are in the training?

• How much practice teach time is in the training?

Links:

• Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 312: We Stand with Survivors with Rebecca Sebastian & Colin Hall

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Looking back now, I feel like it was part of a weird culty pyramid scheme."

"If I was going to sign up for a yoga teacher training today, I would be asking a lot of questions."

"Make sure you're in a training where you can ask questions and question what is being taught in that moment."

"Make sure really that the yoga teacher training that you choose is in alignment with your values."

"Do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions before you sign up and you invest your time and your money. And also don't be afraid to speak up while you're there."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

317: Balance Flow Yoga with Shelly Prosko

Description:

As we age, our balance reaction changes, our strength decreases, and our general mobility is reduced. This can put us at greater risk of falls. Movement is a great tool to help prevent falls, improve balance, and also reduce the risk of injuries. In this episode, Shelly Prosko shares more about her new offer - Balance Flow Yoga - designed to address these common concerns.

Why is balance so important for yoga teachers, yoga students, and people who are interested in pelvic health? Shelly explains how she came to offer Balance Flow Yoga and why it is such a relevant topic for everyone. This offer is created in such a way that yoga teachers would be able to experience it and then go on to share it in their community - why was this such an essential part of how this program is structured and what’s covered in the program? Shelly answers these questions and more.

Tune in to learn more about Balance Flow Yoga and how you can join the upcoming training sessions with Shelly Prosko!

Key Takeaways:

[1:13] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[2:29] Shannon welcomes returning guest Shelly Prosko to the podcast.

[2:29] What is the work that Shelly does?

[4:26] How did the idea for Balance Flow Yoga come about?

[7:36] How has Shelly been sharing Balance Flow Yoga out in her community?

[9:16] Why did Shelly think that it was important for yoga teachers to be able to share this in their community?

[16:39] Shannon pops in with a quick message about OfferingTree.

[18:15] Shelly talks about some of the things they cover in terms of the balance aspect in her course.

[19:13] Balance Flow Yoga also has a connection to the pelvic floor.

[22:14] Shannon shares the details of the upcoming Balance Flow Yoga course.

[23:01] Who should attend and what should you bring when you sign up?

[25:11] Get the early bird pricing if you sign up by the end of March!

[25:56] Sign up for Balance Flow Yoga with Shelly Prosko on the Pelvic Health Professionals website.

Links:

• Shelly Prosko

• Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

“"We have evidence that shows movement is really good to help prevent falls, to help improve our balance and also reduce the risk of injuries."

"It's wonderful to be able to translate the research... and then to actually offer that in the community for everybody."

"Our world just kind of gets smaller and smaller and we do less and less because we're afraid to fall. And then that causes it, it perpetuates the cycle."

"We can look at different meditative practices and different breathing practices that can not only help us with our movement but also with the emotions of confidence and self compassion."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

316: Holidays, Vacation & CEO Days with Shannon Crow

Description:

Do you plan out your vacation days, holidays, and CEO days? Do you schedule them into your calendar to ensure you have no-work days to look forward to? If you don’t already do this, this episode is for you!

It can feel uncomfortable to take time off work, or even impossible but we need to find a balance. Shannon shares how she has managed to take time off for holidays and vacations even as a single mother of three young children and encourages you to reflect on the time you would like to take off in your yoga business. She also talks about the importance of taking CEO days in your business to plan and move forward. Listen in for tips on how to plan for vacations and holidays in your business, especially if you feel like you don't have time to take time off from work!

Key Takeaways:

[1:25] Shannon continues the theme of the last few podcast episodes in talking about taking breaks, time off, and vacations.

[4:01] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsors OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[6:56] To help plan out her vacations and time off from work, Shannon recommends looking at a big annual calendar to see the year at a glance.

[8:29] Ask yourself: How many days off a year do you want to take for a vacation, staycation, or just to not work?

[10:25] Shannon invites you to reflect on a number for the amount of time you would like to take off working and to notice what comes up for you.

[11:53] You can plan for time off and give yourself the flexibility to change things if needed.

[12:54] Add your vacation time to your calendar. Then mark off the holidays that you want to take off work too. Include state and country holidays, but also think about if there are special days (birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations) you want to be off work too!

[13:33] Shannon uses OfferingTree to help her to plan her vacations, holidays, and time off.

[15:00] CEO days are planning times for you to look at data from your business and your goals and make big plans.

[18:27] Shannon shares some other resources that may be helpful to you as you plan out your vacations, time off, and CEO planning days.

[19:56] Hang out with Shannon in real-time!

Links:

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 314: Plan Your Breaks with Shannon Crow

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 315: Let's Talk Time Off with Shannon Crow

• Steph Crowder (Year on the Wall)

• Google Calendar

• People in These Countries Get The Most Paid Vacation Days | World Economic Forum

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 166: When & How to Hire a VA (virtual assistant) with Sandra Booker

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 310: How To Create a Yoga Routine with Shannon Crow

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 311: A Small Seed of Personal Practice with Shannon Crow

• Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"How many days off a year do you want to take for vacation or a staycation?"

"The important thing is that you are adding some vacation time to your calendar."

"CEO planning time is where you get to look at the data from your business and your big goals and dreams and ideas and you get to plan big."

"I want to see you really sustain yourself and be in this and enjoying your life outside of work."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

315: Let's Talk Time Off with Shannon Crow

Description:

Apart from taking breaks in your work day, it is also important to take time off from work. Whether that’s vacations, time away from teaching yoga, or time off for personal development or your mental health and wellbeing, this is a critical element of not getting burnt out. Shannon Crow shares insights from our very own Connected Yoga Teachers. 

Shannon reads comments from different yoga teachers in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group about how and when they take time off. Everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not for others. Tune in to hear how different yoga business owners are working time off into their schedule and use this episode as an inspiration for you to take more time off work too!

Key Takeaways:

[1:02] This week's episode will focus on taking time off, especially when you're feeling overworked and stretched to your limit.

[1:48] Have you heard about the 4-day work week? Shannon shares some findings from the largest trial of the 4-day work week.

[3:25] Shannon plans her time off and then fits her work time in.

[5:33] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[7:07] Shannon recently asked yoga teachers in the Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group about their thoughts on taking time off.

[8:35] Shannon reads a reply from Erin Olsson.

[10:59] Shannon shares some comments from Jennifer Parker about how taking time off has evolved for her, and Rebecca Sebastian's comment about how Jennifer inspired her.

[14:42] Shannon reads a comment from Nathan Shiva retiring early to follow his passion - yoga.

[15:51] Before reading a few more shares from yoga teachers, Shannon answers a question she often gets about how to create an online studio membership. OfferingTree is a great option to check out!

[17:07] Charisma Whitefeather commented on the post that she takes about 50 days off a year!

[17:42] If you feel like it's impossible for you to take that many days off, Shannon invites you to explore how you can start taking action to make that a reality.

[18:58] Some yoga teachers shared their less-than-ideal situation with taking time off.

[21:59] Another yoga teacher, Sarah Garden, commented that most yoga teachers who live off their yoga income alone work too much.

[24:10] Shannon reads another comment shared by Barbara Germershausen.

[26:24] Everyone has a unique situation - not everyone's 24 hours looks the same.

[28:11] Shannon gives us a sneak peek into the upcoming episodes and some exciting real-time events!

Links:

• How a 4-Day Workweek Could Boost Your Mental Health - Healthline

• Working a four-day week boosts employee wellbeing while preserving productivity, major six-month trial finds - Science Daily

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 314: Plan Your Breaks with Shannon Crow

• Post about taking time off in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group

• Erin Olsson, Elements Yoga

• Jennifer Parker

• Rebecca Sebastian

• Nathan Shiva

• Kundalini Yoga with Charisma Whitefeather 

• Kat Heagberg Rebar

• Sarah Garden

• Barbara Germershausen

• Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

“Time off has a really positive impact for employees for sure, but also for companies.”

"What I actually do is plan my time off and then fit my work time in."

"Let's start small and slow if that feels like a good fit for you." 

"What would be the baby step to make [your dream time off] possible?"

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

314: Plan Your Breaks with Shannon Crow

Description:

Taking breaks as an entrepreneur and yoga business owner is important, yet difficult to do. It can be easy to dive into your work and forget about taking time off until you hit burnout or start to resent your schedule and even the work you do! Planning your breaks into your schedule can be helpful.

Shannon Crow shares a series of journaling prompts that you can use to reflect on what your ideal week would look like, as well as to include breaks into your work schedule. Using these journal prompts, take some time to write your responses and see what comes up for you. Then, start getting creative on how you can implement this into your life.

This episode is perfect for anyone who is serious about taking breaks from work and is keen to take action to create their ideal schedule!

Key Takeaways:

[0:56] Taking breaks as an entrepreneur and yoga business owner is important, yet difficult!

[2:32] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTreel and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[3:56] Sometimes, we are in a season where we don't get time off.

[6:25] This podcast is an actionable podcast, so go get your paper and pen or somewhere to write!

[8:33] Shannon has some journaling prompts for you if you are serious about taking time off.

[15:59] Take your time with these questions and make your responses as detailed as possible.

[16:26] How can you set up reminders for yourself about the important things as you set up your work schedule?

[16:56] Shannon shares a tip that has worked very well for her to manage her schedule.

[18:17] Join the conversation about taking time off in the Connected Yoga Teachers Facebook group and share your ideal week with Shannon!

[19:05] If you want to connect with Shannon in real time, there are some fun ways to do that!

Journal Prompts

1. On an ideal work day, I feel…

2. I can easily get my meaningful work done between the hours of _____ to _____.

3. An ideal start to my day feels…

4. Before I start work for the day, I want to…

5. The next one is my lunch break is _____ hours.

6. Between work, I take _____ minute breaks where I…

7. At the end of my workday, I feel…

8. To close my workday, I do these three things.

9. Before I move into "after work" time, I…

10. In my average work week, I have _____ days off.

11. Is there anything else that you want to feel or outline to have your ideal work week?

Links:

• Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

“It can be so easy to focus on the work and forget about time off until you hit burnout."

"We want to build a schedule that is not only sustainable but is also your dream schedule because that's why you became an entrepreneur."

"Notice with compassion what feelings start to come up as you outline your work hours."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

313: 6 Years of Podcasting with Shannon Crow

Description:

Shannon is celebrating six years of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast! Thank you, dear listener, for your continued support of the podcast through the years. Shannon reflects on her journey in the past six years of podcasting and shares her gratitude for the team, sponsors, and people around her who have helped keep the podcast going.

Keeping a podcast going for six years is no small feat. Shannon also shares some of the tools she uses to keep organized and how she has managed to never run out of content ideas! Tune in to hear some of Shannon’s lessons learned from podcasting.

Key Takeaways:

[0:57] Shannon is celebrating six years of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast!

[2:18] Shannon thanks you, the listener, for your continued support of the podcast.

[3:55] Shannon gives a shout out to the team that helps create the podcast each and every week.

[7:02] Special thanks to the sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[8:37] How does it feel to be podcasting for six years?

[9:31] Shannon has a spreadsheet where she keeps track of every single podcast episode. It shows every single topic that was covered and the guests who have come on the podcast. Shannon reflects on this.

[11:08] One thing that keeps Shannon going on the tough days is thinking about how she helps yoga teachers. She keeps the podcast organized with Trello.

[13:05] For Shannon, a huge part of being able to come up with content for the podcast has been focusing on her niche.

[14:58] How can you apply to be a guest on the podcast?

[16:47] Shannon has a quick message for you about OfferingTree.

[19:03] Shannon is grateful to be in a place where it feels like the work she does is the right fit.

[20:24] Shannon shares her gratitude for other people who have helped her keep the  podcast going by supporting her.

[22:28] Shannon has learned some big lessons from her podcasting journey.

[23:32] Shannon summarizes her six-year podcasting journey.

Links:

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team

• Trello

• Apply to be a podcast guest

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"If you are looking at a big project, don't look at all the what ifs and where that might lead. Don't let that hold you back or scare you."

"Podcasting is not about having all the answers, it is about listening."

" I am incredibly grateful and a lot of that gratitude is to you because you are here listening and supporting the podcast and you're the reason for the podcast."

"If you have an idea, what is one small baby step that you could do towards that idea today?”

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

312: We Stand with Survivors with Rebecca Sebastian & Colin Hall

Description:

We must not be afraid to speak up when we see harm taking place in the yoga world - that is part of yoga. Recently, there was recent news that Bikram Choudhury was scheduled to teach in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. If you are unaware of this, there are some resources you can use to learn more about why this is problematic and why it is upsetting many people in the yoga world.

In this episode, Shannon Crow is joined by Rebecca Sebastian and Colin Hall to discuss this recent event. They share what actions they and others in the yoga community took to put pressure on the organizers and hotel to stop the event from happening and what additional actions we can take to bring Bikram to justice.

Bikram will no longer present at the event as he was originally scheduled to but there is still more to be done to hold him accountable for his actions and the abuse he inflicted on women in his yoga classes and trainings. Tune in to find out more about what you can do and how we can collectively disrupt the sexual assault and harm that occurs in yoga spaces.

Key Takeaways:

[0:00] Shannon reads a note to the survivors.

[3:39] This podcast interview was recorded live with Rebecca Sebastian and Colin Hall to discuss the recent news of Bikram Choudhury teaching in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

[5:14] Shannon shares some resources where you can read more about the current situation.

[7:10] Shannon gives thanks to the sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[8:43] There has been a recent wave of effort to keep Bikram out of Canada, and it has worked but there are many more questions arising from this situation.

[13:36] Colin Hall, Rebecca Sebastian, and Shannon Crow introduce themselves.

[16:09] Rebecca and Colin share some resources where you can get the backstory of what happened with Bikram.

[18:59] Colin started investigating who was behind bringing Bikram to Canada.

[22:27] Rebecca shares some of her tips on how to make movement happen, especially when dealing with non-profits.

[24:31] Shannon shares that there are survivors of abuse from Bikram who are being threatened by organizers of this event.

[27:11] Is this water under the bridge? Is this something that happened and we should all move on? Colin explains why not.

[29:20] Josh Cooper joins the call to share his experience in speaking directly with the GM of the hotel where the event was set to take place.

[32:04] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree.

[33:11 - 33:12] Rebecca has some action steps that you can take if you are in the US.

[35:10] Colin explains some of the actions that he and other Canadian yoga teachers took to stop Bikram from teaching yoga in Canada and what actions you can take now.

[39:45] How can we decrease sexual assault and harm caused by the power imbalance in yoga?

[43:19] Shannon and Rebecca share their thoughts on why people might still be signing up for Bikram's trainings and what we can do about it.

[49:18] Not everyone, even in the yoga world, is aware of Bikram and what he did.

[52:05] How do we separate the yoga that we do from the people and the harm they caused?

[57:42] When people get together and organize, you can get results.

[60:16] Rebecca shares some resources for people who have experienced sexual assault.

[61:03] Shannon shares some takeaways and upcoming events you can join.

Links:

• Hotline for Women Against Violence Against Women in Canada - (877) 392 7583 

• National Sexual Assault Hotline (USA) - 800 656 4673

• Rainn.org

• Rebecca Sebastian on Instagram

• Colin Hall on Instagram

• Josh Cooper on Instagram

• Online Protestors Express Outrage in Response to Bikram Choudhury’s Scheduled Classes in Canada, Article by Sarah Herrington and Renee Marie Schettler for Yoga Journal

• Controversial Bikram yoga founder's planned Vancouver workshops raising flags, Article by Sarah Grochowski for Vancouver Sun 

• Organizers say controversial Bikram Yoga event will be "rescheduled", Article by Megan Devlin for Daily Hive

• Navigating Narcissism with Dr. Ramani Podcast Episode: ‎Bikram Yoga and the Abuse of Power w/ Mandeep Kaur Sandhu 

• Hell-Bent: Obsession, Pain, and the Search for Something Like Transcendence in Competitive Yoga  Benjamin Lorr

• Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator, Netflix Documentary

• LA County Courthouse

• Department of Justice Reports

• Change.org petition

• Vancouver Board of Tourism

• Vancouver CBC

• OfferingTree User Group on Facebook

• Canada Yoga Sports Federation

• Alison Henry of Bikram Yoga Gardom Lake

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"How do we stop the abuse of power that is so prevalent in the yoga world?" - Shannon

"The truth is that we will get more impact by following the money." - Rebecca

"So many people are coming into our practices with that vulnerability piece." - Rebecca

"When people get together and organize, you get results." - Colin Hall

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

311: A Small Seed of Personal Practice with Shannon Crow

Description:

Your personal yoga practice doesn’t have to be long and complicated. It can be short and simple. You can start with a small seed and grow your personal practice from there. The important part is taking the time daily to do something that feels helpful and nurturing to you.

In this episode, Shannon Crow invites you to take a few minutes to do this short personal practice with her. If you have been wanting to start a short personal yoga routine but feel overwhelmed or like you don’t have time, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

[2:19] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - planting the first seeds of a personal practice.

[5:56] Shannon thanks the sponsors of the podcast, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[9:03] Are you doing something daily that feels helpful and nurturing just for you?

[10:22] Shannon invites you to find a comfortable spot to start your personal practice right now.

[11:24] Check in with yourself to see what you need in this moment.

[12:05] Shannon shares the poem The Cleverness of Seeds, by Pat Brisson.

[14:11] Shannon reads an email she received from the author of the poem, Pat Brisson.

[15:50] This is an example of a very short personal practice.

[16:45] Shannon has some resources that might be helpful as you explore building your own personal practice.

[17:44] Do you have a short personal practice? Share it with Shannon!

Links:

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 310: How To Create a Yoga Routine with Shannon Crow

• The Cleverness of Seeds, by Pat Brisson

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 002: Reconnect With Your Yoga Practice with Nina Andic [Consultation Call]

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 030: Rituals to Start and End Your Day with Puja Madan

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 096: How to Create a Yoga Practice Habit with Matt Kowald

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 114: Compassion Fatigue with Diane Liska

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 123: Habits for Health & Business with James Clear

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 164: Deepen Your Yoga Practice with Barrie Risman

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 200: Practice, Parenting & Perfectionism with Judith Hanson Lasater & Lizzie Lasater 

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 274: Self-Care for Caregivers with Jo Bregnard - 

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Are you doing something daily that feels helpful and nurturing just for you?"

"Check in and see: What do I need in this moment?"

“Sometimes we're starting with something that's way too complicated when we're trying to add in a personal practice. So I hope this illustrates how short it can be, how simple it can be.”

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

310: How To Create a Yoga Routine with Shannon Crow

Description:

Many yoga teachers started teaching yoga because they experienced the benefits of it for themselves and wanted to share it with others. However, once they start teaching and dive into running a yoga business, it can feel challenging to maintain a consistent personal yoga practice.

In this episode, Shannon Crow explores the reasons yoga teachers often give for not creating a self-care practice that feels nurturing to them, and what the benefits are of cultivating that personal practice. She shares her tips and strategies that have helped her form habits around her personal yoga routine and explains why falling away from our practice is normal - and how to get back to it. If you have been wanting to start a yoga routine for yourself, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

[1:41] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - how to create and maintain a personal yoga practice.

[3:17] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[4:40] What is holding you back from creating a self-care practice that is nurturing for you?

[6:22] You are not alone if you have fallen away from your personal yoga practice.

[9:15] Why is having a personal practice so important?

[10:34] Shannon invites you to consider the intention of your personal practice as well as what your dream personal practice looks like.

[12:03] If creating a personal practice feels impossible to you right now, Shannon encourages you to dig into why that is.

[12:33] You don't need to choose movement as a part of your personal practice if it doesn't feel good to you.

[14:28] You can try out your chosen practice for a set amount of time to see how it feels to you.

[16:29] Shannon pops in to share how she is personally using OfferingTree to book podcast guests.

[18:18] Why is creating a routine around our personal practice so important?

[20:01] Shannon shares some tips and strategies to make it easier to start and maintain a habit.

[23:34] How can we get back to our personal practice when life throws us off track?

[27:06] How do you build a personal practice and stick to it? What are your tips and ideas? Share them!

[27:56] Shannon shares ways that you can connect with her in real time.

Links:

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 096: How to Create a Yoga Practice Habit with Matt Kowald
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 123: Habits for Health & Business with James Clear
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 253: Reflect and Plan [Part 4] with Shannon Crow
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 053: Yoga Mentors and Lineage with Chase Bossart
• Email Shannon Crow
• Shannon Crow on Instagram
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"What is holding you back from creating a self care practice that is nurturing for you?"

"Your personal practice is an amazing source of fuel for your life and business. It's like a promise that you make to yourself."

"Don't wait for the someday of it. Build your ideal personal practice and you'll slowly see that your ideal schedule will also build out of that."

"Similarity and routine really brings us comfort as humans and it really helps us to build it into being a habit."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

309: Four Seasons of Business with Shannon Crow

Description:

Just like in nature, we go through different seasons in our business and in life. Each season is characterized by different rhythms and needs, and no one season lasts forever. How can we embrace these changing seasons and get the most out of each season instead of fighting it?

In this episode, Shannon Crow shares more about the four different seasons you may encounter in your business. She explains what you may be feeling in winter, spring, summer, and fall/autumn, as well as how you can adapt your business activities to match the seasons. Shannon also reminds us that your season in business may be impacted by things outside your control and that other people may be in different seasons from you. Tune in to find out how to work with the seasons and find balance in your business.

Key Takeaways:

[2:18] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode - the four seasons of business.

[2:29] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

[5:34] What season of life or business are you in now? This may not align with the seasons of nature or the seasons of the people around you, and may be impacted by things outside your control.

[8:09] As there are four seasons in nature, there are also four seasons in business.

[8:23] Shannon outlines some of the things that you might experience in a winter season of your business.

[11:54] Avoid looking at other people who may be in a different season in their business and comparing yourself to them.

[13:42] What can a spring season bring for your business?

[16:28] Shannon shares how she is using OfferingTree in her business.

[18:13] Summer is the season of growth and thriving in your business.

[22:22] Fall is the season of harvest. It is also a time to clean up and get ready for the next growing season.

[24:41] Fall is also a great time to save up.

[26:01] What have you noticed about the seasons of business or life that you're experiencing or have experienced?

[27:35] Connect with Shannon in real time in the Pelvic Health Professionals membership site.

Links:

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 065: Create Your Ideal Yoga Schedule with Shannon Crow
• Shannon Crow on Instagram
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Seasons always change and there's a way to embrace it and get the most out of it instead of fighting against it."

"Winter is an amazing time to evaluate what's working, to check in on what's draining you, and let go of what is no longer a good fit."

"[Spring] is all about possibility and potential new growth."

"Fall is also a great time to save up."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

308: Time to Rest and Refuel with Shannon Crow

Description:

As yoga teachers, we all know that we cannot pour from an empty cup. We cannot give to others or connect with others, nor do our most creative and meaningful work when we're feeling exhausted, drained, and depleted. That’s why it’s important to take time to rest and refuel when things feel tough and overwhelming.

In this episode, Shannon Crow shares some of her strategies for finding time to rest and recharge every day and why rest is so important for us. However, rest isn’t just about sleeping and there are different kinds of rest we need. Shannon invites you to consider: What would it look like for you today if rest and refuel time was your top priority?

Key Takeaways:

[1:16] Shannon introduces the topic for this episode - taking time to rest and refuel.

[1:41] Shannon shares an update from sponsor, OfferingTree.

[4:32] What can you do in this moment that would bring you ease and comfort as you listen?

[5:52] Check in with yourself to see what emotions are here for you at this moment.

[7:13] Shannon shares why noticing your emotions is a key part of resting and refueling.

[9:47] Shannon shares a little about her own journey in finding time to rest and refuel.

[15:23] Yoga teachers and entrepreneurs often ask Shannon how she's gotten to a place where she's been podcasting for almost 6 years and working for herself for 18 years.

[15:23] We can often have our inner critic kick in. It is important to notice when this happens.

[16:30] When she's going through a tough time, Shannon asks herself two questions. 1) How am I feeling?, 2) What baby steps can I take to bring more ease and comfort in this tough moment?

[18:56] We can find ways to fit rest and restoration into our daily lives.

[21:29] What would that look like for you today if rest and refuel time was your top priority?

[24:00] Shannon shares what's upcoming on the podcast.

Links:

• Tess Jewell-Larson, Tytoni Yoga
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 304: How Are We Still here? with Rebecca Sebastian
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 247: Being Wrong is Part of Learning with Shannon Crow
• The real reason why we are tired and what to do about it | Saundra Dalton-Smith | TEDxAtlanta
• Quote by Brandon Kyle Goodman, Author of You Gotta be You, posted by Michael James Schneider (@blksmth)
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 300: Celebrating 300 Episodes! with Shannon Crow
• Shannon Crow on Instagram
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

“What could you do in this moment that would bring you ease and comfort?”

“Acknowledge those feelings, it's okay to not be okay.” - Tess Jewell-Larson

“We can't just depend on sleep to restore us.”

“What would that look like for you today if rest and refuel time was your top priority?”

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

307: Taking Diet-Culture Out of Ayurveda with Diane Finlayson 

Description:

One of the harmful messages that we get in the broader health and wellness industry and in the yoga world is arounddiet culture. How does it show up in Ayurveda as well, and what can we do about it? Diane Finlayson shares her insights.

Diane Finlayson has been educating yoga teachers, therapists, ayurvedic and meditation facilitators for the past 20 years. Diane recently retired from her service at MUIH (Maryland University of Integrative Health) as the Department Chair for Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda. Prior to that, Diane had 3 yoga studios and ran YTT 200/300 Ayurveda trainings as well as meditation facilitator trainings for 15 years. Diane also serves the recovery community in her private practice.

Diane explains what Ayurveda is and how colonization has affected Ayurveda. She highlights the differences in practice between North America and India, and the scope of practice of different practitioners in the industry and what to be aware of before working with someone in Ayurveda. Diane also shares more about the ways in which diet culture can show up, what she does when she sees it online, and how people interested in adopting Ayurvedic practices can learn and integrate them in their lives more safely.

Key Takeaways:

[3:14] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Diane Finlayson.

[7:29] What does Diane do and who does she do it for?

[8:06] How does Diane feel about all the changes in her life at this time, especially around retirement?

[9:29] What is Ayurveda? Diane shares a little about the history of Ayurveda and the impact colonization had on it.

[14:28] Diane explains how Ayurveda is shared and consumed in North America.

[16:05] The scope of practice in Ayurveda around talking to people about food is really blurred. Diane explains how you can be aware of what you're getting into and how to check the credentials of a practitioner.

[19:41] Diane highlights some of the different levels of practitioners you might encounter and what they might offer.

[22:23] What is orthorexia?

[27:08] What are some things Diane wishes yoga teachers knew about orthorexia?

[30:06] Shannon pops in to share some news about OfferingTree.

[33:19] What are Diane's thoughts about how we talk about the food that we're putting into our own bodies?

[37:55] What was it like for Diane deciding which of her teacher's recommendations to follow?

[41:01] Whether you're teaching yoga or sharing Ayurveda, how can you encourage agency with our students?

[44:58] Shannon reflects that in a lot of our relationships as yoga teachers or Ayurveda practitioners, the other person may be looking for you to tell them what to do.

[45:43] Rather than approaching with an attitude of understanding and certainty, try keeping curiosity at the forefront.

[47:01] Where does Diane recommend going to learn more about Ayurveda?

[49:46] What is something that has really impacted Diane or the people she works with?

[53:14] Connect with Diane on social media to continue this conversation.

[53:55] What does Diane do when she sees harmful comments or perspectives shared online?

[56:31] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this episode.

[58:50] Please leave the podcast a review on iTunes!

[60:03] Hang out with Shannon in real-time online in the Pelvic Health Professionals membership.

Links:

• Diane Finlayson on LinkedIn
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 292 with Jessica Grosman & Elyssa Toomey
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 303: Ayurveda for Better Digestion with Mona Warner
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 248: Ayurveda is All About Self-Care with Chara Caruthers
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 128: Ayurveda, Doshas & Yoga with Angela Glaz
• National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA)
• Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America
• The Love of Yoga Podcast with Anjali Rao 
• The Love of Yoga Podcast with Anjali Rao Episode 01. The Trauma of Caste with Thenmozhi Soundararajan
• The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning, by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketcham
• The Ayurvedic Institute
• Himalayan Institute
• Arsha Vidya Gurukulam
• College of Ayurveda in California
• California College of Ayurveda
• Dr. Sunil Joshi
• David Frawley
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team
• Shannon Crow on Instagram
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group
• OfferingTree on Instagram
• OfferingTree on Facebook

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Diet culture has already put so many rules and weirdness in place on individuals that [orthorexia] is just one more flavor of eating disorder that can take hold."

"When a person can be curious and mindful about their lived experience, they can, in my opinion, better care for themselves because they have a deeper connection to self."

"It's about understanding how this digestive system we have operates and being able to support it in doing its job."

"I think people create a lot of more suffering for themselves than they need."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

306: Is There More Room for Online Yoga? with Sadie Nardini

Description:

If you have ever had the thought that “everyone is teaching yoga online, why should I add to the mix?” or felt like “someone else has already done what I want to do, why should I even bother”, you are not alone. Sadie Nardini answers the question that many yoga teachers are asking these days - is there more room for online yoga?

Sadie Nardini is the founder of Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga®, an anatomy-enhanced yoga style, and The Yoga Shred®, a joint-safer HIIT + Yoga fitness style, designed to help people get stronger more safely, without wasting time or energy. She is a top online yoga and fitness course creator with a thriving online subscription studio: The Fit & Fierce Club. She translates her years of technical knowledge into success tools that are easy to understand and implement. Sadie is also the lead singer of the rock band Sadie & The Tribe.

As someone who was teaching yoga online long before the pandemic started, Sadie has a lot of experience in the online space. She shares her opinions about whether there is really room in the yoga world for more online yoga especially now that a lot of yoga teachers and studios have moved online because of the pandemic. Spoiler alert - there’s PLENTY of room for everyone. Sadie also explains why it’s so important to show up as yourself, regardless of how you look or how young or flexible you are (or aren’t) and how this can make your marketing online unique. She shares tips on how to tap into your creativity, how to stay consistent in your marketing, and more!

Key Takeaways:

[0:51] Shannon invites listeners to thank OfferingTree for sponsoring this podcast for a full year by creating a post on social media.

[3:28] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sadie Nardini.

[8:46] Who is Sadie and what does she do?

[12:00] Sadie shares how she discovered her own style and uniqueness as a yoga teacher.

[14:46] As a surprise for Rebecca Sebastian (Ep. 304), Shannon invited her to join this call with Sadie.

[19:10] What would Sadie say to a yoga teacher who believes that there is no room for them to teach yoga online, especially since the pandemic?

[20:35] How can yoga teachers market themselves online without having to leverage their sad stories or trauma?

[25:28] How does Sadie plan her marketing so that she is consistently offering people value in some way?

[28:51] Sadie recently made a shift in the audience she was connecting with. What was that experience like?

[34:10] Shannon highlights the fact that people do want to learn from teachers who are older or have experienced pain or mobility issues because they bring that experience to their classes.

[36:40] There is a shift happening in the yoga industry as the first real generation of women yoga teachers are aging - how do they navigate continuing their careers?

[40:54] Shannon pops in to share a little about OfferingTree and how it has helped her run her business more efficiently.

[42:40] How can yoga teachers recognize their gifts and know that they have something unique and important to share online?

[45:39] Sadie shares some insights about how to practice yoga so that it doesn't have a negative impact on our bodies in the future.

[50:16] What tips does Sadie have for a yoga teacher who is just starting out and doesn't have the same level of support?

[55:42] What strategies does Sadie use to open the lines of communication with her audience online?

[58:28] What are some things that Sadie does to foster her creativity?

[62:35] You need to sit with yourself to get the inspiration and creativity from within.

[65:50] What are your biggest takeaways from this conversation with Sadie?

Links:

• Sadie Nardini
• Sadie Nardini on Instagram
• The Fit & Fierce Club
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 304: How Are We Still Here? with Rebecca Sebastian
• Hey Marvelous
• Hannah Uiri
• Canva
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team
• Shannon Crow on Instagram
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group
• OfferingTree on Instagram
• OfferingTree on Facebook

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"It was me realizing I wasn't being true to myself and just deciding to do something I wasn't seeing out there and I think that's where my success came from."

"Everyone has something unique to offer."

"If you don't go [online] you have a 100% chance of failure. And if you do go on there, the percentage is way less."

"It's deeply scary to change anything. Even if you know it might be for the best."

"If you're not in the business of serving other people and helping them, then go get a job that pays you better."

"Generating content from your passionate inner core is really important because it's just shinier energetically."

"When we get together, we rise together."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

305: Kicked Out of Yoga [Part 2] with Chioma Njoku

Description:

Learning and unlearning is part of our journey as yoga teachers and as humans. In Episode 275, Shannon shared stories from people who had been kicked out of yoga class or made to feel unwelcome in yoga spaces. Chioma Njoku, podcast listener, shared a response to this episode, featured here.

Chioma is the owner and Chief Mindful Operator at the Mindful Bookkeeper. She is also the host of the Cheers to Your Prosperity podcast. Using the lessons she has learned from her own financial struggles, her professional experience as an accountant for over 18 years, and Financial Coach, Chioma helps entrepreneurs and small business owners keep more of their hard-earned money in the bank without sacrificing the things that make life enjoyable.

In her response, Chioma reflects on how she may have contributed to making her yoga classes feel unwelcoming to some people because of what and how she was taught. She also shares a personal experience where she was kicked out of a yoga class. It is brave and vulnerable and we can all learn a lot from this to do better as yoga teachers and make the yoga world a more welcoming space for everyone.

Key Takeaways:

[3:28] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Chioma Njoku.

[6:50] Chioma shares a response to the podcast episode about being kicked out of a yoga class.

[11:52] Shannon pops to share a resource that has helped her book her podcast interviews.

[13:54] Chioma shares the incident that got her kicked out of a yoga studio.

[18:06] Shannon invites you to share your thoughts about this topic or anything else in the yoga world.

[20:37] Shannon shares some ways you can connect with her and continue learning forward.

Links:

• Chioma Njoku, The Mindful Bookkeeper
• Chioma Njoku on Instagram
• Cheers to Your Prosperity Podcast with Chioma Njoku
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 304: How Are We Still Here? with Rebecca Sebastian
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 275: Kicked Out of a Yoga Class?! with Shannon Crow
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 279: Bowel Health and Yoga with Shannon Crow
• M.B.Om Podcast
• Pelvic Health Resources
• Shannon Crow on Instagram
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"I understand that everything I just said in terms of what I was taught is foolish because your practice is your practice."

"Not many people are willing to speak to some of the unfortunate things of the industry, but in understanding some of the shadows of any industry, specifically this industry that's overall intended to be good, it helps those of us who do teach yoga."

"Sometimes we do have to take the negative feedback, the neutral feedback along with the positive feedback to really make this a much better situation."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

304: How Are We Still here? with Rebecca Sebastian

Description:

Have you ever felt like you wanted to quit the yoga industry? You are not alone. Shannon Crow, host of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast, and Rebecca Sebastian, host of the Working in Yoga Podcast, chat about what it’s like to feel like quitting - and why they have stayed on and continued their work in this space.

Rebecca Sebastian has been teaching yoga for 20 years and working as a yoga therapist for a decade. She is also a yoga studio owner, yoga non-profit founder, and the host of the Working In Yoga podcast. She isn’t afraid to stand up for human rights and yoga – and she also isn’t afraid to discuss tough topics in the yoga industry.

Shannon and Rebecca discuss some of the big topics that have come up in the yoga industry in 2022. They talk about how yoga teachers are feeling isolated, competition in the industry, some toxic practices that have taken hold, and what we can do about it. They also explore what teaching yoga may look like in 2023, marketing for yoga teachers, how to build a better yoga industry going forward, and much more.

Key Takeaways:

[2:37] This episode was originally recorded for Rebecca Sebastian's podcast, Working in Yoga. Shannon and Rebecca discuss how they have continued in the work they do despite wanting to quit.

[5:29] With everything that has happened in the yoga industry in 2022, why are Rebecca and Shannon still here?

[9:05] Many yoga teachers feel isolated in this profession.

[11:47] Everyone in the yoga industry is trying to navigate building their business as best as they can but some things can create a toxic environment. How do Shannon and Rebecca deal with negative elements like diet culture in the industry.

[17:26] Rebecca encourages us to talk more about the benefits of yoga, like nervous system regulation.

[21:27] What is the yoga industry going to look like in 2023 in terms of virtual and in-person classes?

[29:26] Sadie Mardini responds to Rebecca's question about how yoga teachers and studios who had been online before the pandemic were impacted by everyone else moving online.

[31:15] Shannon pops in with a reminder to put yourself out there and to create your website if you don't have one!

[35:11] What does the competitiveness of the industry look like in 2022?

[37:54] Rebecca invites listeners to create a meet up to meet people in your local community.

[42:54] You can also find great communities of yoga teachers online to connect with.

[45:52] Shannon shares a tip for anyone running a Facebook group to moderate posts.

[48:39] Rebecca encourages us not to limit ourselves. The yoga's enough all on its own.

[49:26] Shannon and Rebecca discuss marketing in yoga.

[52:38] Rebecca and Shannon reflect on the things that made them think about quitting the yoga industry in 2022.

[58:42] There are some parallels between yoga and entrepreneurship.

[62:45] Does Rebecca think about building her business just to sell it? Shannon and Rebecca discuss what that could mean and how it might work.

[70:40] What is your retirement plan as a yoga teacher?

[71:46] Rebecca calls out how unsustainable the career path is in the yoga industry and shares some thoughts about how things can be done differently.

[76:52] The power dynamic in the yoga industry needs to be reexamined.

[81:12] What are Rebecca and Shannon hopeful and excited about for 2023?

[89:50] Shannon shares some final thoughts.

Links:

• Rebecca Sebastian
• Rebecca Sebastian Yoga
• Rebecca Sebastian on Instagram
• Working in Yoga Podcast with Rebecca Sebastian
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 297: Yoga Philosophy & Business with Rebecca Sebastian - Kristine Weber, Subtle Yoga
• Diane Liska
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 114: Compassion Fatigue with Diane Liska
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 175: Coping During a Crisis with Diane Liska
• Michelle Lyons 
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 279: Bowel Health and Yoga with Shannon Crow
• Sadie Nardini
• Jivana Heyman
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 094: Instagram Content Strategy and Stories with Tyler McCall
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 301: Trauma and Business Ownership with Nicole Lewis Keeber
• Shannon Crow on Instagram
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"We need to acknowledge this has been another hard year for us for our industry. Like, you're not alone." - Rebecca

"I think that makes our industry more powerful and more impactful overall when we're able to share stories with each other." - Rebecca

"The yoga's enough all on its own." - Rebecca

"How we sell what we're selling matters." - Rebecca

"Yoga in itself is a spiritual discipline that asks you to reevaluate and rethink literally every fiber of your being. Guess what entrepreneurship is?" - Rebecca

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

303: Ayurveda for Better Digestion with Mona Warner

Description:

Ayurveda is considered yoga’s sister science but it is still not widely understood in the yoga community. Why is there such a strong focus on digestion in Ayurveda and how does it tie in with yoga? Mona Warner shares her expertise on Ayurveda and digestion.

Mona is a warm and joyful educator who leads by example. Her depth of knowledge, passion, and dedication to the practices of Āyurveda and Yoga are evident in her classes. Mona offers deliberate and mindful practices, details on why certain things are done in certain ways, and a grounded sense of humor. She shares approaches to well-being for anyone who needs to learn. Mona has also authored several books, including her latest, Ayurveda's Three Pillars of Health.

Mona breaks down what Ayurveda is and how it intersects with yoga in a holistic sense. She explains why there is such a strong focus on digestion and Agni in Ayurveda and why routines and schedules are so important to digestion, and more. Mona also shares tips around improving digestion, about prana, and finding balance in our lives, 

This is a rich conversation for anyone who’s keen to learn more about Ayurveda.

Key Takeaways:

[3:01] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Mona Warner.

[6:21] How did Mona get into working with Ayurveda?

[9:56] What is Ayurveda?

[12:40] Mona explains some things we need to understand about digestion and elimination from the perspective of Ayurveda.

[19:16] How does the body's Agni (and Ayurveda, from a broader perspective) tie in with yoga?

[26:42] Mona explains more about how Ayurveda and yoga both encourage people to move towards a balanced mind - and how this can help achieve health.

[30:16] Shannon shares an experience she recently had attending an online workshop.

[34:04] What are some routines and practices that can help improve digestion?

[36:50] Should everyone have the same routines or does it differ for each person?

[38:55] What are some things we need to be mindful of in terms of how we are pooping and what our bowel movements look like?

[42:36] What is something about digestion that Mona wishes everyone knew?

[44:08] What else are we digesting apart from food?

[51:08] How does Mona work with people now through the pandemic and how are they doing?

[54:27] Connect with Mona and learn more from her via her book and website.

[56:58] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this conversation with Mona.

Links:

• Mona Warner
• Ayurveda's Three Pillars of Health, by Mona Warner
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 128: Ayurveda, Doshas & Yoga with Angela Glaz
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 248: Ayurveda is All About Self-Care with Chara Caruthers
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 279: Bowel Health and Yoga with Shannon Crow
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 293: Eating Disorder Recovery & Yoga with Vivian Selles
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 292: Taking Diet Culture out of Yoga with Jessica Grosman & Elyssa Toomey
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 048: Eating Disorder Education for Yoga Teachers with Tabitha Farrar
• From Pain To Possibility with Susi Hately Episode #85: Brain, Belly and Bowels with Mona Warner
• Bristol Stool Chart
• Meet The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team
• Shannon Crow on Instagram
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Ayurveda is this system that has created a whole bunch of different maps that lets us navigate the terrain of life."

"Ayurveda has the maps, the tools, and the ability to help us live a fruitful and a health-filled life."

"Our Agni, our digestive fire, is the sun of our individual solar system or incarnation."

"For yoga, the traditional goal is enlightenment. For Ayurveda, the traditional goal is health."

"Ayurveda uses this idea of working with the mind through yoga techniques of mantra, meditation, etc. all the time because so many causative factors of disease actually start in the mind."

"Whether you like schedules or not, your biology does and your Agni does."

"It's important to recognize there's a difference between what you like and what is health-promoting and good for you."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

302: Yoga for Grief & Loss with Susan Andersen

Description:

Most people have personal experiences with loss in its many forms - loss of a loved one or pet, loss of a home or job or business, and even during COVID, the loss of normalcy. Grief is a normal part of loss but how can yoga support us in these times? Susan “Sue” Andersen shares her insights.

Sue works with people who have experienced loss and are grieving through yoga and movement. Meditation, mindfulness and breath work are key elements that Sue incorporates into her teaching to connect the physical to the spiritual practice. Her goal is to help students find their own practice and to enjoy all the benefits yoga brings. 

Sue shares how she got into yoga and grief work after her son died, why yoga is a beneficial tool in navigating grief and loss, and how we can support our yoga students when they come to us with their grief. She also explains the role yoga can play in moving through self-blame and criticism, releasing emotions like anger, shame, and guilt, and why grief looks different for everyone. 

This episode is a must-listen for every yoga teacher as we support people who will inevitably encounter loss and grief in their lives.

Key Takeaways:

[3:07] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Susan Andersen.

[6:43] What does Sue do and who does she do it for?

[7:14] How did Su get into doing this work?

[9:50] What is grief?

[14:42] Why is yoga effective for grief?

[17:21] What can yoga teachers do when a student expresses their loss and grief to them?

[19:50] What are some things that wouldn't be helpful when a student is dealing with grief?

[22:45] Shannon pops in to share some feedback from Carly, a yoga teacher who is using OfferingTree for her website.

[25:07] What are some of the differences between a regular yoga class and a specialty yoga class for grief?

[33:39] Does Sue talk about grief in her sessions? Is it helpful?

[36:35] What has Sue learned from her personal experience of grief that she wishes she had known at the beginning?

[39:20] What would Sue say to yoga teachers who are personally dealing with grief?

[41:16] Connect with Sue and learn more from her via her website and on YouTube.

[42:17] Sue gives a shout out to Paul Denniston of Grief Yoga.

[43:12] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview.

Links:

• Sue Andersen
• Classes & Workshops by Sue Andersen
• Sue Andersen on YouTube
• Carly Baumann, radicalrestyoga.com
• Paul Denniston, Grief Yoga
• All There Is with Anderson Cooper
• Shannon Crow on Instagram
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"When we experience loss, we grieve."

"All the things that we talk about in these programs can help for any type of grief because it's releasing the emotion from the body."

"You can't fix something ... you want to just let that person know that you're there."

"In general, I don't think any of us rest enough. In particular, if you're holding a lot of grief or stress, you're probably resting even less." 

"It is really important to let all of these emotions out and not hold anything in."

"Everybody's grief is different. Their timeline is different."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

301: Trauma and Business Ownership with Nicole Lewis-Keeber

Description:

Everyone goes through events and/or experiences that cause trauma, and they can have an impact on how we show up in and run our businesses. Yet, this isn’t something people often talk about. Nicole Lewis-Keeber shares their insights about navigating business ownership and trauma.

Nicole Lewis-Keeber is a business therapist and mindset coach for small business owners, entrepreneurs and leaders. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work and a rich experience of working as a therapist. Nicole is also certified in Brené Brown’s The Daring Way™ and Dare To Lead™ methodologies and provides trainings and mentoring for those who want to become daring leaders. They have combined their experience as a therapist and training as a coach to offer therapeutic and business solutions.

Nicole explains how trauma ties into creating and running our own business, including what kind of trauma "counts", why starting a business involves diving into our "stuff", and why our “big why” is likely connected to childhood trauma. They also share more about the importance of therapy as an entrepreneur, dealing with burnout, and why we need to separate ourselves from our businesses. If you are keen to learn more about how to create a business you love, this is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

[3:35] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Nicole Lewis-Keeber.

[5:38] What does Nicole do and who do they do it for?

[6:47] Does everyone have childhood trauma?

[8:39] What does trauma have to do with business?

[10:04] How do we figure out the traumatic events in our childhoods that inform our deeper 'why', and what is the value of figuring that out?

[12:35] What are some examples of how our deeper 'why' tied to trauma can show up as entrepreneurs in the health and wellness space?

[15:33] How else can this show up in our businesses?

[20:02] Nicole shares some ways that we can start to help ourselves if we recognize that there were some traumatic events in our childhoods that may be playing out in our businesses.

[23:53] Shannon gives a shout out to the sponsor, OfferingTree.

[25:45] Shannon and Nicole discuss procrastination and how that ties in with everything else.

[28:05] What other things can we do in coming to terms with how our trauma influences our business?

[30:37] For yoga teachers, it can be more difficult to separate themselves from their business of teaching yoga because of how intertwined their lives can be to yoga. What are Nicole's thoughts on that?

[32:29] Nicole shares their thoughts on the discomfort that yoga teachers may have around bringing business into their work with yoga.

[35:46] Nicole shares how you can work with her if you are keen on getting more of their expert insight into how your traumas may be informing your business.

[37:35] What is something Nicole wishes entrepreneurs knew or understood as they're facing the daily challenges of running a business?

[39:18] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview with Nicole and encourages you to choose one thing that really resonated for you and implement that.

Links:

• Nicole Lewis-Keeber
• The Three Whys
• How to Love Your Business 
• Do No Harm Program
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 299: Yoga for Menopause with Niamh Daly
• 5 Surprising Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Procrastinate! by Nicole Lewis-Keeber on Medium
• Shannon Crow on Instagram
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"I've not met anyone yet who hasn't had some kind of traumatic event in childhood that changed things for them."

"All the systems around us also can be very traumatic."

"A lot of the business schools and a lot of coaches would like you to believe that all you need is a sales plan, a marketing plan, business plan, but I totally believe that you need an emotional sustainability plan for your business."

"We start to modify ourselves and how we operate to try and feel safe because of those experiences and that changes how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible for us over time and how we value ourselves."

"Big T Trauma explodes, little T trauma erodes, but they are both strong enough to move a mountain."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

300: Celebrating 300 Episodes! with Shannon Crow

Description:

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast celebrates 300 episodes! In this milestone episode, host Shannon Crow talks about some of the things that have helped her stay consistent with putting out the podcast and answers some questions from listeners!

We are so grateful for your support through these 300 episodes and look forward to bringing you more episodes that will help you stay connected to the information and inspiration that will support you as you build your yoga business!

Key Takeaways:

[2:25] Shannon celebrates 300 episodes of the podcast!

[4:15] Aruna sent in the first question. What was the first thing Shannon outsourced to help her stay consistent and get to 300 episodes and what would she never let go of?

[11:30] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree and shares a conversation she had with a fellow yoga teacher, Sarah Villamil, about her experience with OfferingTree.

[14:45] Renee has another question for Shannon. What were the top three things that Shannon has learned from all her guests?

[25:54] What are the top three things you have learned from this podcast?

[30:59] Thank you dear listener for all your support through these 300 episodes!

Links:

• Apply to be a guest on the podcast
• Shannon Crow on Instagram
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 247: Being Wrong is Part of Learning with Shannon Crow
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 039: Advice for New Yoga Teachers
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 296: Can Science & Spirituality Co-Exist? with Stevie Inghram
• Leave us a review -- ‎The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• Aruna Kathy Humphrys
• Renee Clair
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 299: Yoga for Menopause with Niamh Daly

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"Two things have helped me get to this point of 300 episodes. That is feeling the fear and doing it anyway. And also letting my message be louder than my doubts and my fears."

"If there is something that you're doing over and over again and you're not getting a lot of joy out of it and it's an automated task, that is something to look at to pass on to someone else."

"Communicate and listen to understand, not to be understood."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

299: Yoga for Menopause with Niamh Daly

Description:

About half the world’s population experiences menopause at some point in their lives, yet it is still not very well understood and people at this stage of their life may not get the support they need. Niamh Daly fills in some of the gaps we may have in our understanding and knowledge of menopause.

Niamh teaches and supports women in navigating life changes, especially menopause, whether medically, surgically, prematurely or naturally induced, through adapted yoga and nutrition. She trains yoga teachers worldwide to understand menopause and the stages immediately preceding, and after, and how much support they can give through additions to, and enhancements of the canon of yoga. 

As yoga teachers who are working with people who are in this peri, menopausal, menopause, postmenopausal phase, we need to understand how we can better support them. Niamh explains the fluctuating nature of peri-menopause, how nutrition and exercise requirements may change for people at this stage, and why yoga is beneficial for them. She also questions why prenatal yoga and pregnancy is covered in many YTTs but not any of the menopausal stages, despite that being something more relevant and applicable to many people. 

Key Takeaways:

[3:29] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Niamh Daly.

[7:53] What does Niamh do and who does she do it for?

[10:52] How do we know when we or our students are in the perimenopause stage? Niamh explains that there is actually a stage before perimenopause that isn't often talked about.

[16:50] People in the late reproductive stage can have symptoms that mimic perimenopause or even conditions related to thyroid function. How can people get a definitive answer about what is really causing the changes in their body?

[19:58] Shannon pops in with a snippet of a conversation she had with Ashley Hagen about OfferingTree.

[23:51] How does yoga help with perimenopause?

[30:29] Shannon and Niamh discuss the research supporting the idea that yoga is beneficial for menopause.

[32:17] There is a huge lack of education around this topic despite the fact that half the population goes through menopause and a large number of yoga teachers are also in this demographic.

[33:38] Where can yoga teachers learn more about yoga for menopause and how to better serve this segment of the population?

[38:03] Niamh shares a bit more about health at every size and how that impacts perimenopause.

[43:02] Language is also a big part of the education that Niamh offers.

[44:36] Reach out to Niamh to connect and learn more.

[45:52] Continue the conversation! Shannon shares some of her key takeaways - what are yours?

Links:

• Niamh Daly
• Niamh Daly on Instagram
• Certificate in Teaching Yoga for the Stages of Menopause - Yinstinct Yoga Greystones Wicklow. Teacher training with Niamh Daly
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 212: Menopause Myths and Facts with Shirley Weir
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 056: Yoga and Menopause with Leslie Kazadi
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 271: Yoga and Bone Health with Barb Elias
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 258: What Does Science Say About Yoga? with Mary Flaherty
• Dr Annice Mukherjee
• Gil Hedley
• Shannon Crow on Instagram
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

"There has been research in yoga for serotonin, yoga for oxytocin, yoga for bones, yoga for heart health, yoga for brain health, yoga for sleep, all of which coming together, create a very convincing pool of evidence to support the use of yoga to help women through menopause."

"Women spend more time in the perimenopausal transition and post menopausal then they do pregnant and yet there are no first line yoga teacher trainings that really even mention menopause in the training."

"I'm really in the business of trying to help women befriend their changes and their body through menopause and beyond and before menopause."

"We need to learn to embrace the changes because otherwise, we're fighting ourselves till the day we die."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

298: Photo Shoot Stories (Listener Emails) with Shannon Crow

Description:

When Shannon sent out an email about Episode 294 with Gabriela Fearn about how to plan a yoga photo shoot, she received a lot of emails from listeners! It is such a highlight to get emails from listeners sharing their experiences. Shannon reads some of the stories Connected Yoga Teachers have shared with her about their experiences doing photoshoots for their businesses.

Have a listen if you are feeling alone and isolated as a yoga entrepreneur and connect with the wonderful community of Connected Yoga Teachers in the Facebook group as well.

Key Takeaways:

[3:54] Shannon invites you to share your questions, thoughts, and comments about the podcast. There are a few ways you can do this!

[5:37] Shannon received a lot of emails from listeners about episode 294 - How to Plan a Yoga Photo Shoot with Gabriela Fearn.

[5:37] Shannon shares some tips to get better engagement from her community in emails.

[8:24] Shannon shares Beth's email reply about photoshoots.

[10:40] Jenay writes about her experience with photoshoots.

[12:04] Shannon pops in with a bit of news and a shout out of thanks to OfferingTree.

[14:32] Reneé Clair, who was a guest on the podcast in episode 167, wrote in about her photoshoot experience not doing yoga poses.

[16:03] Another listener, Helen, did a photoshoot in a park with a photographer who offered a unique arrangement.

[18:01] The last email is from Gail. Shannon and Gail have both used the same photographer and had similar experiences.

[21:14] Hang out with Shannon on a live call in Pelvic Health Professionals!

Links:

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 294: How to Plan a Yoga Photo Shoot with Gabriela Fearn
• ActiveCampaign
• Beth Tascione, thisisyourbliss.com
• Jenay, Lake Tahoe Yoga
• Reneé Clair, The Productive WellnessPreneur
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 167: How to Make a Recruiting Plan with Reneé Clair
• Helen, Camomile Lawn
• Gail Grossman
• Shannon Crow on Instagram
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

Quotes from this episode:

“I let go of fancy or challenging poses and played.  She was able to capture these sweet, inward-focused moments of me practicing.” - Email from Beth

“It's not the poses that were important but, rather, the energy depicted.” - Email from Jenay

“I felt more confident though when not striking a "pose" - yoga pose that is!” - Email from Renee

“I think you need someone to have a sense of who you are to bring out the best.” - Email from Gail

“The photographer talked about how a fancy camera was not needed. That anyone could do this work – with an iPhone and some imagination on how to capture the shots.” - Shannon

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

297: Yoga Philosophy & Business with Rebecca Sebastian

Description:

As yoga teachers, we can feel like making money and running a yoga business is out of alignment with yoga and the philosophy of yoga. This can cause us to struggle with marketing and charging for our services. Why does this happen and how can we overcome it? Rebecca Sebastian shares her insights.

Rebecca Sebastian has been teaching yoga for 20 years and working as a yoga therapist for a decade. She is also a yoga studio owner, yoga non-profit Founder, and the host of the Working In Yoga podcast. She isn’t afraid to stand up for human rights and yoga - and she also isn’t afraid to talk about making money as a yoga teacher.

In this conversation, Rebecca shares her thoughts on why yoga teachers are struggling to make money and be okay with making money, and why we all need to double our prices (today). She explains why making our offerings more accessible doesn’t necessarily mean lowering the price and how we can help increase access to yoga while still making a sustainable living. Rebecca gives tips on what to do when you don’t feel comfortable “selling” yoga and explains how yoga philosophy fits in with running a yoga business.

If you are struggling to make money as a yoga teacher and feeling like marketing and business isn’t in alignment with yoga, this episode is a great pep talk.

Key Takeaways:

[0:38] sponsors - OT, PHP

[2:45] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Rebecca Sebastian

[7:41] What does Rebecca do and who does she do it for?

[8:30] Why do yoga teachers struggle to make money and feel comfortable making money?

[11:25] Other than doubling our prices, how can we as yoga teachers reconcile how we view yoga philosophy and making a sustainable living with yoga?

[16:33] Rebecca speaks about why many people have relationships with money that are rooted in shame and guilt.

[18:31] We put a lot of judgements on wealth, but that doesn't necessarily have to be the way - we are positioned to radically redistribute wealth.

[21:38] Rebecca reflects on how some of the conversations we may be having around cultural appropriation and whitewashing in the yoga world may not be shifting the needle but merely adding shame to the conversation. We need to have these conversations and find ways to make a sustainable living in alignment with the teachings of yoga.

[23:02] How does Rebecca help yoga teachers with pricing?

[26:59] Shannon pops in with a shout out of thanks to the team at Offering Tree.

[29:15] Shannon and Rebecca discuss some other ways to determine pricing for yoga offerings.

[31:34] Rebecca invites us to unpack any of our thoughts that are laced with shame and guilt around money.

[32:45] What advice does Rebecca have for yoga teachers who are feeling resistant to marketing and the business side of teaching yoga?

[35:25] What are some resources that Rebecca recommends for unpacking money stuff?

[37:30] How can we tackle that competitive mindset that may come up?

[40:37] What does Rebecca wish yoga teachers knew about how yoga philosophy goes well with business?

[44:21] What final thoughts does Rebecca have for yoga teachers as they start to get comfortable with unpacking money stuff and increasing their rates?

[48:49] Connect with Rebecca and learn more from her on social media or via email.

[50:02] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this conversation with Rebecca.

Links:

• Rebecca Sebastian
• Rebecca Sebastian Yoga
• Rebecca Sebastian on Instagram
• Email Rebecca Sebastian
• Rebecca Sebastian Yoga on Medium
• Podcast: Working In Yoga
• Quad Cities Yoga Foundation
• High End Hippie (Discount Code: Connected15)
• beYogi Webinar Series: Uncover Your Confidence As A New Entrepreneur by Amanda McKinney
• [The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 143: Should I Start a Non-Profit? with Jessica Kinsey
• Mindset by Carol Dweck
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 269: Yoga Philosophy and Colonialism with Shyam Ranganathan 
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 273: Yoga is a Revolution with Jivana Heyman
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 243: What Yoga Texts Should I Read? with Chase Bossart
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 288: Shavasana (śavāsana) with Indu Arora
• Ladies Get Paid, by Claire Wasserman
• We Should All Be Millionaires, by Rachel Rodgers
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 292: Taking Diet Culture out of Yoga with Jessica Grosman & Elyssa Toomey
• Yoga for Pelvic Health: 3.5-Hour Online Workshop with Shannon
• “Blurred Lines: The Harmful Intersection of Diet Culture & Yoga” Workshop with Jessica and Elyssa
• Pelvic Health Professionals
• Shannon Crow on Instagram
• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.

Quotes from this episode:

"We've taken it to the point where it's not okay to want a sustainable living and that's just silliness... It's okay to make money as a yoga professional."

"The truth of the matter is that if you want to be of service, you have to make enough money to not be the person who needs help."

"If good humans have conscious moral effort to make money and do good with it, we can change how this works."

"Yoga is this amazing tradition, the spiritual discipline - stop selling it. Sell something else and charge a premium price for it."

"I want you to find your humans and I want you to charge them enough money for you to make a living."

"I believe that you can make money and create impact and do good things. It's not an either/or, it can be a both/and."