The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
261: How to Grow Your Network with Allison Rissel
Description:
You might have heard the saying ‘your network is your net worth’, and there’s no denying that building your network is important as a yoga business owner - both to get new students, and to deal with feelings of loneliness and isolation. But it can feel like a challenge to grow your network, if you’re in a new community, or in the virtual space, or even just because you’re introverted. Allison Rissel has just the tips on how you can grow your network in this episode.
Allison is the founder of the Yoga Teacher Conf, the ONLY conference just for yoga teachers. The Yoga Teacher Conf helps elevate, educate and inspire yoga teachers around the globe through affordable continuing education, community support and connection. Allison is passionate about helping yoga teachers become professional and powerful leaders, and you can really see this in all the work that she does to help bring yoga teachers together, as well as her work as an event planner for yoga teachers.
Whether you’ve recently moved and are wondering how to get a job teaching yoga in a new town, or perhaps you want to meet other yoga teachers or studio owners and grow your online network - Allison shares so many great tips and tricks in this interview. She also talks about how to manage the discomfort that can arise from being in a new social setting, and how to build meaningful connections online. Tune in to find out more!
Key Takeaways:
[4:51] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Allison Rissel.
[10:08] What does Allison do and who does she do it for?
[11:22] What was Allison's first reaction when Shannon said she wanted to interview her about networking?
[13:07] What is Allison's advice for people who may be feeling like connecting with others is not that easy?
[16:50] For many people, even those who love connecting with others, being in a new social setting can feel uncomfortable. How does Allison deal with that discomfort?
[21:28] Allison shares a little about the Yoga Teacher Conf, happening April 22 to 24 in Denver, CO.
[24:28] How can getting caught up in the details of going to the event impact us at an event?
[26:28] What are some of the measures in place at the Yoga Teacher Conf to ensure the safety of event attendees?
[30:25] How can yoga teachers build their networks at events like these?
[32:47] Shannon is doing a whole-day workshop with Amanda McKinney at the Yoga Teacher Conf.
[34:25] What are Allison's tips for yoga teachers who are looking for ways to network online?
[38:55] Shannon shares how she has connected with people on social media just by asking a simple question.
[40:46] Shannon and Allison discuss some options for finding your biz bestie.
[42:57] Allison shares some of her tips for yoga teachers who are in a new town and are looking to connect with people in their own community.
[46:25] Shannon and Allison chat about what their experience at the Yoga Teacher Conf is going to be like.
[47:48] Shannon is curious about how introverts feel at networking events and how they deal with it.
[49:50] Allison shares some details about the pricing and rates to attend Yoga Teacher Conf.
[51:08] Shannon reflects on her takeaways from this conversation with Allison.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Yoga Teacher Conf.
Quotes from this episode:
"Over the last year, what I've learned is actually [my network] is so intrinsic to everything I do."
"The best way to break the ice is to give a compliment."
"Often we think of networking as promoting ourselves and that's not what it is at all. Networking is about building a relationship, it's about listening to the other person, learning about them, and then telling them briefly maybe about yourself and finding ways that you can work together."
"Most people want to just genuinely connect with someone."
"I think we've all realized that we actually need to build online networks."
"Often I think of social media as talking at people but we can actually still really listen on social media."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
260: I Feel so Alone as a Yoga Teacher with Shannon Crow
Description:
As a yoga teacher, do you feel alone or isolated? If you do, remember that you are not alone in this experience – and that there are ways to counter this loneliness and isolation. In this episode, Shannon Crow (she/her) shares more about her own experience feeling alone as a yoga teacher, as well as how she managed to overcome these feelings.
Shannon Crow is the Founder of Pelvic Health Professionals, as well as the host of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast and community, which is celebrating its fifth year of podcasting this episode. Shannon became a yoga teacher in 2006, and she shared what it was like for her as a new yoga teacher losing that sense of community she had experienced during her Yoga Teacher Training. Shannon shares some of the common reasons why yoga teachers may feel isolated in their career, as well as helpful tips to deal with these causes of isolation. As someone who has built and nurtured a supportive community of over 11,000 yoga teachers, Shannon also shares her tips on how to find or create such a community for yourself.
This episode is perfect for anyone who has struggled with feeling alone as a yoga teacher, and will surely help you find and build a supportive community for yourself.
Key Takeaways:
[2:51] The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast is celebrating 5 years of podcasting with this episode!
[4:48] Being a yoga teacher can feel very isolating, and it's normal to feel alone!
[8:36] Shannon reflects on her experience when she became a yoga teacher in 2006.
[11:23] Shannon gives a shout out to Offering Tree, sponsor of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast.
[13:35] Why does it feel so isolating to be a yoga teacher?
[15:51] The key to dealing with "competition" from other yoga teachers is to find your niche and specialize to serve a select group of people.
[16:36] Another reason why yoga teachers can feel isolated is imposter syndrome.
[18:59] Being a yoga teacher can be isolating because it is mostly solitary work, especially since the pandemic began. That's why finding or creating a community is so important.
[23:53] Having a supportive community around you can also help promote each other in the work you do and lift each other up.
[28:16] How can we form connections with others and grow our network?
[31:41] What happens when yoga teachers don't have a supportive community around them?
[33:09] Where can we find these communities?
[35:44] Shannon shares some of her tips for creating a community and strengthening a community you are a part of.
[41:49] What are your thoughts around building community?
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Yoga Teacher Conf.
Quotes from this episode:
"The next time that you go to sign up for a yoga teacher training, [ask yourself]: Are you doing it because you need the knowledge and the skills and the information or are you doing it because you want to be back in with community?"
"All of us at some point experienced imposter syndrome, even if it's just for a short moment when we go to put a workshop or a course together and we think, ‘oh my gosh, who am I to teach this?’."
Alone a youth runs fast, with an elder slow, but together they go far. - Luo Proverb
"Don't reinvent the wheel. Look at other communities for inspiration."
"What's the big ‘why’ for your group that makes it unique?"
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
BONUS: Yoga Teacher Conf April 2022 with Allison Rissel
Description:
The Yoga Teacher Conf is happening 22nd April to 24th April, 2022, in Denver, Colorado! It's an in-person conference with over 40 different classes over the three days. There are also pre-conference workshops and other activities lined up to help elevate, educate and inspire yoga teachers from all around the country.
In this bonus episode, Shannon chats with Allison Rissel, organizer of the Yoga Teacher Conf to get more details about the event. Allison shares more about the activity line up, rates, and what's included in the ticket price, as well as the different themes planned for the conference. There will also be pre-conference workshops for people who are traveling in early, or who want to learn more about a particular topic, including a workshop Shannon is hosting with Amanda McKinney - Scattered to Clarity Workshop: Setting Your Business Goals for 2022. Early bird registration ends on March 4th, so get your tickets soon to enjoy the early bird rates!
See you at Yoga Teacher Conf!
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree.
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
259: Yoga in Schools with Crunch Ranjani
Description:
Should yoga be taught in schools? Recently an Alabama law banned yoga in schools and, inspired by a discussion in our Facebook group, our team member and resident writer Crunch Ranjani (she/her) wrote a fantastic article exploring all the elements of this debate. In this episode, she talks all about her process in creating the article, her research and her personal experience as a South Asian born to a Hindu family.
Crunch is a content creator for purpose-driven health and wellness professionals. She believes that we need more diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities - so she loves working with business owners who do too. She helps them create valuable content that makes a positive impact in the world so that they have more time and energy to create change in their communities.
Crunch helps us to understand all the elements of the conversation around yoga and religion, including whether Sanskrit is a religious language, the connection between Hinduism and yoga, and why dividing out parts of yoga to make them more palatable to a white audience is harmful.
This is an open and honest conversation about cultural appropriation, the importance of having these discussions as yoga teachers and of understanding how our actions can be harmful to the tradition of yoga, and to the South Asian yoga teachers and students in our communities.
If you have wanted to learn more about cultural appropriation in yoga, or if you are new to this conversation and want to understand more, this is a great episode to understand the nuances of this important topic.
Key Takeaways:
[4:45] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Crunch Ranjani.
[8:37] What is the work that Crunch does, and who does she do it for?
[10:04] What did it feel like to write an article on yoga in schools?
[11:39] Is the ban on yoga in Alabama schools still in place, and why is it there?
[12:55] What highlights about yoga in religion came up during Crunch’s research?
[13:34] Crunch explains some of the links between Hinduism and yoga.
[15:45] When this thread was posted in our Facebook group, there was a lot of discussion around why Yoga might be connected to Hinduism, and understanding more about how cultural appropriation has worked. Crunch talks more about that.
[18:32] Shannon pops in with some ways that our sponsor OfferingTree can help support your yoga business, especially with time zones and Zoom links.
[20:28] One of the things that was put forward in the Alabama bill was to allow yoga in schools but to ban using Sanskrit. How did Crunch feel about that?
[21:01] Crunch shares which other languages are connected to religions and why it feels like a double standard.
[22:12] Is there a separation between church and state in all US states or just Alabama?
[25:41] Why is it that yoga is not allowed? Is it based in fear and if so, why?
[28:10] If we allow some parts of yoga to be taught, could that be seen as progress? [32:55] Crunch explains why separating out parts of the practice of yoga is harmful.
[34:57] Why could the practice of gifting statues of Hindu or Deities as part of our yoga practice also be harmful?
[36:08] Crunch shares a great analogy on how we can and do change behavior when someone feels harmed or hurt by our actions.
[37:24] Shannon pops in with a quick message from Allison of the Yoga Teacher Conf to hear more about the social justice sessions that are taking place at the Conf.
[39:13] How does Crunch feel about the article now it is out in the world and what would she like readers to take from it?
[40:02] Please leave comments below the article, beneath this podcast episode or in the Facebook group to share your takeaways on this topic.
[40:48] To find out more about Crunch’s work, or to hire her, you can find her through her website, or message or follow Crunch on Instagram.
“It seemed to be that a lot of people were conflating yoga with religion because it has historically Hindu roots.” Crunch Ranjani
“The whole idea that Alabama is legislating certain aspects of what parts of yoga are ok in schools, and what parts are not, is what is really problematic about this whole bill.” Crunch Ranjani
“To me, it seems really strange that you can say that a language is religious or not religious, because to me language is a way to communicate with people, it is not necessarily religious in and of itself.” Crunch Ranjani
“This is not progress, it is a form of cultural appropriation.” Crunch Ranjani
“If you are not sharing yoga in all of it’s forms, why are you even calling it yoga?” Crunch Ranjani
“Who does this law benefit, and who does it harm?” Crunch Ranjani
“Should we not consider this pain and this harm over the benefits that white people will get from practicing a simplified version of yoga?” Crunch Ranjani
“Maybe it is worth questioning personally, for anyone that feels that fear - what exactly are you afraid of?” Crunch Ranjani
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Yoga Teacher Conf
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
258: What Does Science Say About Yoga?
Description:
We all know about the benefits of yoga, but maybe we’ve wondered about the science behind it all. In this episode, Dr. Mary Flaherty shares the knowledge she has gained from reading thousands of research papers about the effectiveness of yoga, answering the question – Does yoga work?
Mary is a psychologist, researcher, academic and yoga teacher, and the author of Does Yoga Work: Answers from Science. Mary has been teaching yoga for over 20 years, and practicing for many more. With almost 40 years of academic and research experience working in universities in Australia, Japan, U.K., Ireland, and Singapore, Mary’s parallel interests in yoga and science come together in this book which answers some of our most common questions in an easy-to-understand way.
Mary shares some of the salient pieces of information that have come up in her research, including what science has to say about inversions during menstruation, yoga and fertility, the measurable impact of yoga on individuals, societies, and communities, and more. Mary also elaborates on the importance of having a healthy skepticism, and bringing an open and critical mind to any research or information shared about yoga.
This is a great interview for anyone who has ever wondered whether yoga has been backed up by scientific studies!
Key Takeaways:
[4:25] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Mary Flaherty.
[5:41] Shannon is giving away three copies of Mary's book, Does Yoga Work?
[8:01] What is the work that Mary does and who does she do it for?
[10:10] What was Mary's inspiration for writing the book Does Yoga Work?
[11:39] What is the overall answer to the question "does yoga work?".
[16:52] Mary talks about her experience sifting through thousands of research papers and also reading through meta studies.
[18:13] Defining yoga is difficult, but the research seems to point to the fact that yoga that integrates different elements (like pranayama and meditation) is consistently superior to yoga that focuses solely on asana.
[20:38] Shannon pops in with a quick message from Allison of the Yoga Teacher Conf about staying up to date with professional development for yoga teachers.
[22:20] How can we develop a healthy skepticism?
[23:34] Mary highlights two interesting pieces of information she came across in her research relating to inversions during menstruation and yoga's impact on fertility.
[26:59] It's important to learn from different sources, and keep an open mind.
[29:35] There are some aspects of yoga that science isn't able to measure yet, such as the subtle body, spiritual experiences, and self fulfillment.
[34:37] Shannon gives a shout out to Offering Tree's amazing customer support team!
[36:15] Mary wrote her book to be really accessible and digestible for the average person.
[40:16] Mary shares more about her experience writing the book.
[46:23] Get Mary's book and find out more about her work via her website.
[51:43] Leave a comment on the show notes page to stand a chance to win a copy of Mary's book!
[53:26] If you would like to learn more from Mary, join the Pelvic Health Professionals membership site!
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Yoga Teacher Conf.
Quotes from this episode:
"The way that the research was presented, it wasn't just tests on psychological measures ...subjective measures, but also physiological measures like at the molecular level, at a cellular level, we could see changes in hormones, all towards the positive."
"Scientific research shows that yoga is not just good for us as individuals, but at a broader level for society."
"The thing that I found running through a lot of studies was that the sense of community that yoga created was wonderful."
“In terms of effectiveness from the scientific research, when pranayama and meditation are integrated with the asana practice, the effect was much much more superior. "
"We should question the science. We should question everything. Science is just one way to know the truth."
"Knowing about the science behind yoga gives us more confidence when we talk to students."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
257: Meet OfferingTree with Alex & Eddie
Description:
OfferingTree is a company that is dedicated to helping yoga teachers build their yoga business and supporting them as they grow and serve more people. An all-in-one platform which provides a website, scheduling, payment processing, email marketing, online video / course hosting, memberships/packages and more, OfferingTree also shares monthly educational webinars, a weekly blog with extensive tips and resources, and other training opportunities. In this episode, Shannon chats with Eddie Arpin and Alex Haley, two of the co-founders of OfferingTree.
Eddie is the CEO of OfferingTree and works on a little bit of every part of the business. His background is in engineering, and has a passion for staying physically and mindfully fit. Alex is one of the co-founders of OfferingTree, and also teaches meditation retreats at meditation centers throughout the United States. His background is in law, business, and the wellness industry. Alex knows first-hand the complexity and struggles of professionals within the health and wellness industry, particularly around the overwhelm of managing a business while being present for his clients.
Eddie and Alex share more about how OfferingTree was born out of discussions about the challenges health and wellness professionals face in running their business. They also talk about some of OfferingTree’s guiding principles, why collaborating and communicating with their users is so important, and how OfferingTree is set to grow in the future. Tune in to find out more about this amazing company and how they’re supporting yoga teachers in their businesses online.
Key Takeaways:
[5:50] Shannon shares a little about OfferingTree, the sponsor of this episode, and introduces her guests, Eddie Arpin and Alex Haley.
[9:16] How did Alex and Eddie come together to start OfferingTree?
[11:00] OfferingTree was born from a problem Alex was having at a yoga studio he worked at.
[12:26] What else were Eddie and Alex juggling in terms of OfferingTree?
[15:05] Alex and Eddie are trying to grow the OfferingTree community. How are they going about that?
[17:32] Part of how the OfferingTree community has grown is through partnerships.
[20:04] What were some situations when the obstacles in their way seemed too much?
[24:54] Alex shares more about the vision he had for OfferingTree before it was created.
[27:38] How has Eddie's initial vision for OfferingTree changed with the reality of what has been happening?
[29:54] If you are thinking about signing up for OfferingTree, Shannon has a discount code for you!
[31:40] OfferingTree also provides its audience with educational content. Alex explains why they decided to include this.
[34:43] What are some of the features that are in the works for OfferingTree?
[37:25] Listeners - Leave a comment about what features you'd like to see from OfferingTree, or reach out to the OfferingTree team directly!
[38:35] Alex and Eddie reflect on their experience working with so many yoga teachers and share something that has surprised them.
[42:59] Allison from the Yoga Teacher Conf has a message to share with you.
[44:19] Eddie shares a bit about how the OfferingTree team is growing.
[48:04] Shannon shares some closing thoughts.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Yoga Teacher Conf.
Quotes from this episode:
"We thought we could make their lives a lot easier and kind of decrease the burnout with OfferingTree, so that was sort of the main focus for the software." - Eddie
"We are perfectly imperfect. We are always a work in progress and I really like to remind myself that the origin story for OfferingTree is so connected to how we operate." - Alex
"We understand that so much of practice, life, and work is relational." - Alex
"Creating that sense of community has helped us tremendously and it's something that was maybe a little bit surprising, but we're reflecting back on it, [and] we're just really grateful for it." - Eddie
"How do we look at ourselves and how do we value our efforts and energy and our time?" - Alex
"It's the founding team right there at support@offeringtree.com." - Alex
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
256: Switching to a Rental Studio Model with Tammy Fulton
Description:
Your yoga business can change over time, but making shifts in business can be scary and challenging - and also rewarding. In this episode, Tammy Fulton shares more about her experience making two big shifts in her yoga studio business, and how that has impacted her, her business, teachers at her studio, and their students.
Tammy has been doing yoga since 1997, and is currently the owner of Yoga Sublime Studio and the Sublime School of Yoga. Her studio is housed in a building over 100 years old that she and her husband purchased 6 years ago. Tammy is a E-RYT 200 registered yoga teacher and Continuing Education Provider (YACEP) with Yoga Alliance. She currently teaches Meditation, Gentle Flow, Restorative, Hatha & Yin Yoga with a focus on yoga and meditation for stress reduction & healthy aging, as well as co-leads a RYT 200 Teacher Training at her studio.
Tammy made the decision to shift to a rental model for her yoga studio at the start of the pandemic. She reflects on why she had to make the shift in her business and her process of sharing this change with teachers and clients at the studio. Tammy also transitioned from class passes to registered sessions. These two changes have made a huge difference for Tammy in her life and business, and she shares how the changes have positively impacted teachers and students at the studio as well.
Key Takeaways:
[6:02] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Tammy Fulton
[9:15] Shannon gives a shout out to OfferingTree.
[10:58] Tammy reflects on her conversation with Shannon in March 2020.
[12:40] Tammy shares a bit about her journey to starting a yoga studio and her studio model at that time.
[15:20] What made Tammy decide to switch to a rental model for her studio?
[16:48] How did Tammy approach the conversation with her yoga teachers around the change?
[19:14] How does Tammy feel about how the switch has played out for her yoga business?
[20:19] Tammy also transitioned to a registered series format for her classes and this has produced many benefits for her, her teachers, and the students.
[21:29] What is the system Tammy currently has in place for her rental model?
[23:10] How has this shift impacted Tammy's income, now that she doesn't have to market for other teachers at her studio?
[25:32] What are some things Tammy learned along the way in making the switch to the rental model?
[27:16] Now that Tammy is running a rental model for the studio, how are things for her in terms of workload?
[29:25] What is a baby step Tammy recommends for yoga teachers looking to create more balance in their life?
[32:26] Did Tammy face any pushback from students at the studio when she implemented the changes?
[34:13] What does Tammy have in mind for her future as a yoga teacher?
[35:22] Find out more about Tammy and the classes she has to offer by visiting her website.
[35:43] Shannon shares her takeaways from this interview with Tammy.
[38:10] Shannon is offering a new group program. Get the details in the link below.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor, Offering Tree.
Quotes from this episode:
"I almost had to grieve this decision myself first before I could go to my teachers." - Tammy
"We feel that our students are more committed, that they're getting more out of [the classes] because they are committing." - Tammy
"I know that any income I make isn't subsidizing anything else." - Tammy
"Switching to that rental model made all the difference. Everyone was then generating more income with less headaches." - Shannon
“That's the kind of student I want. Somebody who values what I do and is prepared to pay." - Tammy
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
255: Creating a Niche Online Course with Laura Fowler Massie
Description:
A lot of yoga teachers experience doubt and hesitancy around picking a niche, but it can work wonders for your yoga business. In this episode, Laura Fowler Massie shares how she created a niche online course and successfully marketed it during the pandemic.
Laura has been a yoga practitioner for over thirty years, the owner of Yoga Chelsea, and creator of Calm Kids Yoga. She became a yoga teacher in 2008 and took specialty training so she could offer Slow Mindful Yoga, Yoga for Pelvic Health, Yoga Nidra, and Children's Yoga. Laura is also an Early Childhood Educator with a BA in Psychology and a Masters degree in Education. Just before the pandemic, Laura created and launched a specialized in-person course designed specifically for Early Childhood Educators, but she had to shift gears when the lockdowns began.
Laura explains how she dealt with having to shift her offering from in-person to online because of the pandemic. Despite the change, her course has been very successful and allowed her business to grow. Laura shares how she reached her target audience to market her niche offering, and how she leveraged a free Facebook group to grow her audience. She also talk about what helped her on the tougher days, why showing up consistently is important, as well as a lot of the fears and objections people have around niching down.
This is a great episode for anyone who has been hesitating about picking a niche.
Key Takeaways:
[3:22] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Laura Fowler Massie.
[6:24] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree.
[10:14] What does Laura do and who does she do it for?
[10:58] How did Laura decide to combine yoga and early childhood education?
[14:09] How did Laura market her offering and who did she market in order to get such a great turnout?
[16:29] How did Laura deal with the fear that most people have around niching down, that they will have fewer people to market to?
[19:30] Laura shares some of her marketing strategies to really promote her niche offering.
[22:28] Marketing can be tough, and some channels can be successful while others fail. What are some things that helped Laura on those tougher days?
[23:47] Laura has stayed consistent in putting out free content to her Facebook group as a way to market her offering and grow her audience.
[25:06] Laura shares more about the business coaches she has worked with and learned from.
[27:35] Does Laura also share her Facebook Live videos to YouTube?
[30:27] When does Laura's next training start? She shares a little more about how her course is structured.
[34:54] How did Laura come up with the wording and messaging that allowed her to connect with early childhood educators?
[37:46] Connect with Laura via her website and her Facebook group.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor, Offering Tree.
Quotes from this episode:
“I always had it in my mind that I was going to turn this into an online offering because it would just make it so much more available for people."
“I use my professional expertise to really market myself as a subject matter expert."
"Start before you're ready. Done is better than perfect. And everything is figureoutable".
"I feel like also word of mouth, even in the internet world during a pandemic, it still is wonderful advertising."
"You have to speak in the language of your target audience."
"I feel like I was being sincere and honest by really responding to what the people were saying they needed from me and they were interested in learning about."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
254: 3 Must-Have Legal Agreements with Erika Kullberg
Description:
Wondering if you need to have a Privacy Policy or Terms & Conditions page on your website? Perhaps you’re interested in preventing people from stealing content you created online, such as a course, curriculum, or PDF. In this episode, Erika Kullberg answers all of these questions and more
Erika Kullberg is the founder of Plug and Law, a company that provides online businesses and entrepreneurs affordable legal services, and an award-winning attorney who has been featured in publications like CNBC, U.S. News & World Report, Business Insider and the Washington Post. She has years of experience in corporate law and represented Fortune 500 companies prior to founding Plug & Law. Today, she shares useful tips, tricks, and hacks online to help people make more money and save more money, and has over 6 million followers across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Erika explains what are the three must-have legal agreements for any business owner - Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, and a Disclaimer, and why they’re so important. She also shares how yoga teachers can protect their intellectual property through Trademarks, Copyrights & Patents, as well as some things to take note of when signing contracts, such as non-compete and non-solicitation clauses.
Erika shares all this legal information in a way that’s easy to understand and apply, so this is the perfect episode for anyone who has been wondering about the legal aspects of running a yoga business.
Key Takeaways:
[5:24] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Erika Kullberg.
[7:38] Shannon highlights some that Offering Tree specifically offers yoga teachers. offeringtree.com/shannon
[9:53] What does Erika do and who does she do it for?
[11:20] Erika and her husband recently decided to become digital nomads!
[12:38] What is the terms and conditions document, and what is a privacy policy? Why do yoga teachers need them?
[18:16] What are some common mistakes or things that online businesses overlook?
[19:56] Erika offers templates that yoga teachers can use on their websites. She shares more about how these templates work.
[21:08] Are Erika's templates ready for yoga teachers to use or do they need to be checked by a lawyer?
[22:13] What are Erika's thoughts on using clearer language in these legal documents, rather than legal language?
[23:20] How often should you update these three documents on your website?
[24:35] Erika recommends keeping a log of your terms and conditions, privacy policy and disclaimer to keep track of the changes you have made.
[25:13] When does a yoga teacher need to set up an LLC? What is an LLC and how does it protect yoga business owners?
[28:17] What are some considerations to keep in mind around non-compete and non-solicitation clauses in contracts?
[31:08] As a yoga teacher at a studio, you are a contract worker. Keep this in mind when signing any contract with non-compete clauses!
[32:36] Shannon shares her personal experience with non-solicitation clauses in contracts.
[33:37] How can yoga teachers protect themselves when it comes to people stealing their ideas from online courses or PDFs? Erika shares more about copyrights, patents, and trademarks as ways to protect intellectual property.
[37:32] How can yoga teachers prove when they created something?
[38:28] When is it helpful to have a trademark? How can yoga teachers go about getting something trademarked?
[40:32] What's the difference between registering a business with a certain name and registering a trademark?
[41:41] Erika has some final thoughts around legal considerations for online businesses.
[43:16] Erika shares some of her services that yoga teachers may be interested in.
[44:23] Learn more about Erika and her work via her website, and check out her YouTube channel for personal finance tips!
[45:52] Is it necessary for every yoga business to include a disclaimer?
[47:12] Shannon shares her takeaways from this interview.
[49:07] Shannon gives a shout out to a listener who left a review.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor, Offering Tree.
Quotes from this episode:
"The privacy policy is not only essential for your website, but it's also required by law."
"These terms and conditions are going to lay out all of these rules for your website so that there's no ambiguity."
"A disclaimer basically states what you are and are not responsible for."
"[Legal agreements are] to take care of our yoga students as well as ourselves." - Shannon
"Make sure when you are signing an agreement, you understand every single word because these are legally binding."
"Also remember that everything is negotiable. If you're not happy with the terms that they want you to sign, push back on them."
"Prior to signing, that's when you're in the greatest position of power to speak up."
"If it is something that's very important to your brand, it's best to register your trademark earlier rather than later."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
253: Reflect & Plan [Part 4] with Shannon Crow
Description:
At the end of every year, Shannon has a personal practice of reflection and planning. In this episode, Shannon shares her process of goal setting. She explains the SMART goals framework she uses, and why she only chooses 1-3 goals to focus on for a 90-day stretch. Shannon also reveals her tips and tricks to help her stay motivated in accomplishing her goals, and how she actually reaches her goals. This episode is part of a series, and an excellent guide to return to every time you need to take stock and review how things are going in your yoga business.
Key Takeaways:
[4:53] Shannon recaps the first three parts of the reflect and plan framework she has been sharing.
[6:00] Don't be afraid to take this framework and adapt it to what fits you!
[8:28] Choose 1-3 goals to focus on for the next 90 days.
[10:44] Shannon uses the SMART goals framework to set her goals. She explains what this means.
[15:08] Define if your goals are habit goals or achievement goals, and which area of importance it fits into. Also outline the benefits of this goal, and the small steps you will take to complete the goal.
[18:50] The magic step to reaching your goals is to get it on your calendar!
[22:31] Something that helps Shannon in reaching goals is trying not to break a streak, and having accountability.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Pelvic Health Professionals and Offering Tree.
Quotes from this episode:
"Make this fit your life and your beliefs and whatever suits you."
"A habit goal is something that you do daily or on a regular basis, whereas an achievement goal is something that you finish."
"The magic step is getting it on your calendar."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
252: Reflect & Plan [Part 3] with Shannon Crow
Description:
At the end of every year, Shannon has a personal practice of reflection and planning. In this episode, Shannon encourages you to think about what you would like to be doing with your time, as a way to direct your energy and focus. She also shares her five-year framework that acts as a guiding compass for her life. By focusing on the four areas of importance - health and wellness, relationships and community purpose, work, and finances - Shannon finds that she has more direction. This episode is part of a series, and an excellent guide to return to every time you need to take stock and review how things are going in your yoga business.
Key Takeaways:
[3:25] What do you want to spend your time doing this year?
[5:35] Shannon reviews Part 1 and 2 of her framework for reflecting and planning.
[7:25] Shannon sends gratitude to Schedulicity.
[9:34] Shannon shares her journal prompt for this episode. She encourages you to think about what you would rather be doing instead with your time. What are the things that excite you and you want to dedicate your time and energy to?
[14:14] Shannon has been using this framework for years, and is shocked by how things have turned out!
[15:14] Shannon sets the scenario for this activity. How will your life be in 5 years from now in these four areas of importance: health and wellness, relationships and community purpose, work, and finances?
[17:00] Shannon shares some examples from her four areas of importance.
[20:28] Part 4 of this series will be all about setting goals.
[21:23] Shannon ends off with a few reminders.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity (Coupon:cyt2months), and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).
Quotes from this episode:
"What do you want to spend your time doing this year?"
"Time is our most precious resource."
“Don't forget to aim high. Dream big. Be as specific as you can.”
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
251: Reflect & Plan [Part 2] with Shannon Crow & Jivana Heyman
Description:
At the end of every year, Shannon has a personal practice of reflecting on how her year has been. In this episode, she shares more about reflecting on what didn’t work and letting that go. In her practice, Shannon has tried to include elements of non-attachment and letting go, and turned to Jivana Heyman with her questions about incorporating yoga philosophy and Sanskrit into her framework.
Shannon and Jivana discuss different elements of non-attachment mentioned in yoga texts, and how we can respectfully incorporate these teachings into our lives and daily practice. Shannon also offers a guided reflection practice with some questions to contemplate and journal on things we need to let go and release. This episode is part of a series, and an excellent guide to return to every time you need to take stock and review how things are going in your yoga business.
Key Takeaways:
[4:36] This episode is part two in a series about reflecting and planning in your yoga business.
[6:21] Part one of this exercise was looking at what went well and finding moments of contentment. Part two focuses on what didn't work and letting that go.
[9:49] Shannon shares what she has learned from reading yoga texts about non-attachment and letting go.
[11:25] Sponsor Schedulicity shares the hot tip of the week.
[12:13] Shannon learned about Vairāgya from Jivana Heyman. She also wanted to make sure she wasn't appropriating yoga in trying to include these elements in her reflection and planning.
[14:52] An important part of reflecting is to think about what we are distracted by and that's pulling us off course.
[16:58] Shannon is doing a giveaway of one of Jivana's books!
[17:31] Vairāgya is really about looking at what we want to reach for or make space for. Shannon has a small exercise to illustrate this principle.
[19:08] Shannon encourages you to make a list of things you would like to clear out and let go of or release and create space.
[22:40] Shannon talks about the continuation of learning that we are all doing.
[24:32] This framework can act as your map and your compass all wrapped into one.
[28:01] If we climb every single mountain alone, we would never get anywhere.
[28:10] Shannon shares some journal prompts to guide your reflection.
[30:30] Shannon introduces Jivana and shares more about why she reached out to him for this conversation.
[32:58] How can we respectfully integrate yoga into what we are doing?
[36:45] Jivana shares some of his thoughts on non-attachment.
[37:52] Shannon reflects on how the idea that yoga is the opposite of capitalism has played out in her own journaling and reflection this year.
[39:02] Non-attachment is about analyzing our desires.
[43:36] Non-attachment doesn't mean having non-attachment to the things going on in the world because it's too painful. Jivana explains more about this.
[46:08] Shannon and Jivana discuss her conundrum around integrating yoga and Sanskrit into her reflection framework.
[54:07] Shannon has three gifts for listeners!
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity (Coupon:cyt2months), and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).
Quotes from this episode:
"What would you like to let go of next year or next month or next quarter? What is no longer serving you?" - Shannon
"We are not looking at how to escape every moment of discomfort or bad emotion." - Shannon
"This whole framework, what we're doing, is like your map and your compass all wrapped into one." - Shannon
"This whole framework, what we're doing is like your map and your compass all wrapped into one." - Shannon
"How can we apply monastic ancient teachings to our lives now? How do we do that in a respectful way?" - Jivana Heyman
"In the West, we tend to identify with the mind so much that we don't even know what it means to identify with spirit." - Jivana Heyman
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
250: Reflect & Plan with Shannon Crow
Description:
At the end of every year, Shannon has a personal practice of reflecting on how her year has been. In this episode, she shares how she cultivated this practice and how she has incorporated elements of yoga and yoga philosophy into this practice. She speaks about the element of santosha, contentment, that she has brought into her reflection practice this year. In this guided reflection practice, Shannon invites us to contemplate some questions to assess our year in terms of contentment. This episode is part of a series, and an excellent guide to return to every time you need to take stock and review how things are going in your yoga business.
Key Takeaways:
[4:22] Shannon shares a little bit of background on her process in putting together this episode.
[5:35] This is a great series to return to every time you need to take stock and review how things are going in your yoga business.
[6:34] Shannon likes to do her reflections with pen and paper. She has recorded a special guided practice to help you with your reflection to focus on moments of contentment.
[9:09] Schedulicity shares the hot tip of the week.
[10:07] What can you do to bring yourself to the present moment? As we reflect on the past year to find the moments of contentment, remember to let go of certain outcomes.
[12:42] Notice anything around you that offers you comfort, and take a moment to appreciate yourself for taking this time as a gift to yourself and everyone around you.
[13:52] Shannon shares some guiding questions to direct your reflection on contentment.
[15:29] Shannon shares something she learned from doing this practice this year.
[17:14] How did this reflection go for you? How are you feeling after creating this list?
[17:52] Be sure to get the accompanying PDF for this episode.
[18:43] Shannon shares a review from a member of Pelvic Health Professionals.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).
Quotes from this episode:
"What would bring me into this present moment right now?"
"Let yourself color outside the lines today and to do something differently."
"When did you find inner peace this year? When did you give something your best? When did you lose track of time? When did you let go of the outcome? When did you feel compassion? When did you look at something and feel satisfaction? When did you feel successful? When did you embrace who you are? When did you honor your limits?"
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
249: Yoga for Older Grownups with Maria Kirsten
Description:
Have you considered teaching older grownups as your niche in yoga? Many yoga teachers have not, and may feel some fear or apprehension when it comes to teaching people in older bodies. In this episode, Maria Kirsten sheds some light on what teaching yoga to older grownups can be like.
Maria Kirsten was a yoga therapist working mainly with pain and mental health, and offered yoga classes to grownups and older grownups in her community. She also taught teacher trainings about how to support older grownups and regarding general mental health. For Maria, the focus was always on intelligent movement that reconnects people to the joy of being alive in their bodies, and helping people connect with the intuitive wisdom of the body, and nurturing their innate capacity to heal through simple, joyful movement.
Maria shares openly about what inspired her to start teaching yoga for older grownups and how her classes are structured. Maria addresses the fear and caution that some yoga teachers may feel when it comes to teaching older bodies, and gives advice on things to avoid in a yoga class with older people. She explains the mental health benefit yoga can have, and also talks about some of the words that can be triggering for older grown ups.
This interview was so valuable in understanding what teaching yoga to older grownups can be like and how to approach teaching this group of people.
Note: This interview was conducted in January 2021, and Maria passed away back April 2021. The information she shared was invaluable, and we are glad to be able to share this interview with you now.
Key Takeaways:
[5:08] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Maria Kirsten.
[10:24] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity and a listener who left a review.
[15:33] How did Maria come up with the name Yoga for Grown Ups?
[17:21] What is the age range for grownups vs. older grownups?
[18:55] What does Maria usually teach in classes for older grownups?
[20:10] Shannon and Maria discuss some of the fears and lack of confidence older people have, particularly around falling.
[22:40] Maria shares a little more about some of the education she does for her students about what's happening in their bodies and their movements.
[25:55] How does Maria use chairs in her yoga classes?
[27:50] Sit to stand and stand to sit is an important movement, and not all of us do it correctly!
[29:59] Shannon shares more about the S breath and claw fingers to engage the pelvic floor.
[31:01] What are some things that Maria does not do with older grown ups?
[34:19] The thing is not to be scared of older people.
[36:09] What are some things Maria has learned about teaching yoga for older grown ups?
[38:15] What are some conditions that yoga teachers working with bodies with more experience on Earth should be aware of?
[42:01] Yoga for older grownups also has mental health benefits.
[43:01] Maria explains a bit about her experience with cancer.
[44:00] Do Maria's older grownups do online yoga?
[45:58] What are the restrictions on yoga classes in Australia?
[48:06] Maria also has a Yoga for Older Grownups training online.
[51:01] Shannon reflects on a mistake she made with naming a class for older people.
[53:07] Certain words can be triggering for older people and we need to be mindful of that.
[54:22] Shannon and Maria discuss the idea that mental health is a spectrum, and something that needs to be cultivated and built.
[58:13] When it comes to mental health and aging, we need to consider what a sustainable practice is.
[59:51] Learn more about Maria's work by visiting her website.
[61:26] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview with Maria.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).
Quotes from this episode:
"The biggest risk for falling is fear of falling."
"The thing is not to be scared of older people. If you give them the education and tell them what you're doing and why then they can make educated choices about what options they'll take or when they'll rest and then they feel really empowered."
"Don't underestimate what people are getting [out of your yoga class]."
"Only you know when enough is enough or too much is too much."
"Mental health is a spectrum and the thing that people don't understand, I think, about mental health, is that they don't just get it for free. People are really shocked when mental health isn't fantastic all the time."
"As teachers were trying to empower people in the class, but we're also trying to empower them to do home practice because as soon as they practice on their own at home, everything changes."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
248: Ayurveda is All About Self-Care with Chara Caruthers
Description:
As yoga teachers, we can forget that we need to take care of ourselves too. Burnout and exhaustion are common occurrences among yoga teachers, especially now, which is why self-care is so important. Chara Caruthers is on the podcast to talk about how ayurveda and self-care are intertwined for yoga teachers.
Chara Caruthers is a registered yoga teacher and certified yoga therapist who has been practicing yoga since 1993. She is a wellness coach, registered ayurvedic practitioner with AAPNA and professional member of National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA). As the founder of Bliss Body & Soul, Chara offers ayurveda courses, workshops, and an ayurvedic living community. Chara also hosts the Live Like You Love Yourself Podcast, where she shares more about how to live, age, parent, and just be more vibrantly engaged in the process of “growing up” in a way that feels balanced, authentic, graceful and juicy.
What is the role of ayurveda in self-care? Chara explains that we are each a unique individual, and accordingly our self-care needs differ according to who we are, how we are, and the environments we are in. She shares tips for tuning in to our inner selves, why self-care is essential especially when we’re busy, and so much more.
If you’ve wanted to know more about how to integrate Ayurveda into your own practice, or are needing to integrate self-care into your life, this is a great episode for you.
Key Takeaways:
[2:51] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Chara Caruthers.
[8:12] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity and a listener who left a review!
[12:04] What is the work that Chara does and who does she do it for?
[13:14] How does ayurveda connect to self-care?
[14:44] How does self-care change depending on your doshas and the seasons?
[18:28] Where can we start to find information about ourselves and how we are?
[22:16] What are some ayurveda self-care tips for yoga teachers on days that are overwhelming?
[26:04] What does Chara's personal practice look like, and what are the expectations she has for herself?
[30:39] What are Chara's thoughts for a yoga teacher who thinks they don't have time or are too busy for self-care?
[35:19] As yoga teachers, we model the way for others, including with our own self-care.
[40:10] Shannon and Chara discuss why it is so important for people to have their own regular practice before training to become yoga teachers.
[46:54] Many of us are wanting to go out and do something about everything we're seeing in the world, but we can't do that unless we take care of ourselves first.
[51:48] Things that require mental energy and mental work can also be tiring. As yoga teachers who are trying to hold space for everyone who comes to you, it is all the more important to practice self-care for yourself.
[54:33] What are some things that have helped Chara in her self-care journey?
[57:29] Chara shares more about how she works with yoga teachers in the ayurveda space.
[63:17] Find out more about Chara and her work on her website and her podcast.
[64:18] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this interview, and invites you to share your self-care tips and tricks.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).
Quotes from this episode:
"Ayurveda is really about living longer. It's a system of health and wellness that focuses on longevity and so when you think about it in that sense, you realize ayurveda is all about self-care."
"What your body wants us to understand is that the way that we actually care for ourselves is by understanding who we are and how we operate."
"What's going on out in the world is also going on inside of us."
"Ayurveda wants us to know who we are and to know how we are so that we can make smarter choices for the things that we engage with, whether that be food or people or environments or yoga."
"We have this responsibility first and foremost to make really smart choices for ourselves. And that it starts with tuning into where we are and how we are."
"If we're not going to take care of ourselves, our bodies, our minds, who will?"
"Rest is going to look different for everybody, and so I think we have that responsibility to tune in to what rest actually feels like, what it actually is for each of us."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
247: Being Wrong is Part of Learning with Shannon Crow
Description:
We all make mistakes. We all get things wrong, and say or do the wrong things at times. It is a part of being a yoga teacher, parent, coworker, friend, colleague, family member, partner, and every other role that we play. Being wrong is a part of learning and growing. In this episode, Shannon shares more from her experience about when she was wrong about some things and how she learned from these mistakes.
Staying stuck in previous knowledge and not learning from our mistakes doesn’t help anybody. Shannon draws on her own experiences as a yoga teacher, a teacher trainer, and as a podcaster to share some mistakes she has made and how she learned from them. She also shares how we can respond to the harm and hurt we may have caused, and how to receive feedback from others about our mistakes.
Being wrong is normal. What we need to do is learn and grow from our mistakes. This episode is a great reminder to all of us to normalize being wrong and about how we can do better.
Key Takeaways:
[3:43] Being wrong is a part of being a yoga teacher.
[7:47] We need to normalize being wrong.
[9:49] What would you do when you are in a position of having caused harm?
[10:48] Shannon shares an example of a mistake that happened recently within the Pelvic Health Professionals community.
[13:52] Shannon shares a personal example of how if we stay stuck in previous knowledge and stop learning, we will not be serving our students.
[16:23] Would you like to hear a podcast on what Shannon has learned about breath through the years?
[16:52] Shannon shares another example of when she learned to do better because she didn't have the information before.
[19:54] Shannon recalls how she started learning more to do better.
[22:04] We need to get comfortable with making mistakes and being wrong, but also with having more questions than answers.
[25:12] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity.
[27:01] Getting feedback is part of learning from our mistakes.
[32:25] Receiving feedback can be really uncomfortable, and this is normal.
[33:04] When someone comes forward to share the hurt or harm you have caused with your words or actions, how can you respond? Shannon shares an example from her experience and reflects on her process of learning from feedback.
[41:13] We are all wrong sometimes, whether as yoga teachers, parents, coworkers, friends, colleagues, family members, partners, and all the different roles we play.
[42:58] How can we turn to the teachings of yoga in moments when we receive feedback and feel upset or defensive?
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).
Quotes from this episode:
"We can't know everything about gardening or teaching yoga and really the best way to learn is to jump in and do the thing and learn as we go."
"Telling others that you don't know the answer to something or admitting that you were wrong is not a weakness. It is not showing that you don't know things. It takes a lot of strength and courage."
"If we stay stuck in previous knowledge, if we stop learning, we will not be serving our students."
"The thing that I hope we get really comfortable with as yoga teachers is not only making mistakes and being wrong, but also ending up with way more questions than answers. "
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
246: Anger, Forgiveness & Self-Care with Jacoby Ballard
Description:
Anger is a very human emotion that almost all of us experience, but society often encourages us to suppress it. Yet, dismissing, denying, or suppressing anger can cause it to spill out in the wrong way and unintentionally harm others. In this episode, Jacoby Ballard shares more about how anger, forgiveness, and self-care tie in together.
Jacoby Ballard is a social justice educator and yoga teacher with 20 year of experience. Since 2006, Jacoby has taught Queer and Trans Yoga, a space for queer folks to unfurl and cultivate resilience, and in 2008, they co-founded Third Root Community Health Center in Brooklyn to work at the nexus of healing and social justice. They lead workshops, retreats, teacher trainings, teach at conferences, and run a mentorship program specifically for yoga teachers, in addition to consulting in the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) space. Jacoby is also the author of a new book, A Queer Dharma: Yoga and Meditations for Liberation, released in 2021.
When we feel anger, we may think it is out of line with being ‘yogic’. Jacoby addresses this perception and explains how we can begin to understand and process the anger that we may feel. They share tips for calming the nervous system, strategies to integrate what’s going on in the world into your own practice, and how our daily practice can help up show up in the work that we do. Jacoby also shares more about their new book and what they have learned from the experience of writing it.
This is a remarkable episode that will speak to anyone who is feeling tired, worn down, angry, struggling to forgive or to be forgiven, or feeling ready to take on new challenges and wanting to gather their energy.
Key Takeaways:
[3:40] Shannon does a little check in with you.
[6:42] Check out Jacoby's book and join the book launch party!
[9:12] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity.
[11:09] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jacoby Ballard.
[13:31] What does Jacoby do and who do they do it for?
[15:34] We may experience anger when looking at the injustices in the world, but this can feel like it's not in line with yoga. What are Jacoby's thoughts on that?
[18:15] What are some healthy ways to discharge anger and calm the nervous system?
[20:54] Society often encourages us to suppress anger and big emotions. How can we encourage healthy expression of this?
[23:43] What are some things we can do when we feel like we can't receive someone's message because of their anger?
[25:52] How does Jacoby integrate what's happening in the world into their own practice?
[28:50] Jacoby talks about how their daily practice and routines really enables them to show up in the work they do.
[31:07] What does Jacoby's self practice look like?
[34:54] Jacoby reads an excerpt from their book.
[37:12] Jacoby shares their experience of writing the book.
[39:27] What are some other examples of anger coming up that we should care about?
[39:27] What are some issues that Jacoby cares deeply about in the yoga world?
[40:31] Jacoby and Shannon discuss the question of 200hr yoga teacher trainings.
[42:42] As humans, we are going to feel harm and we are going to harm others.
[45:43] Jacoby shares their experience of teaching about compassion in a prison.
[50:59] Jacoby leaves us with a concluding message for yoga teachers.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals (Coupon: Connected2021).
Quotes from this episode:
"Anger is a very human emotion and if we dismiss it, or deny it, or oppress it then it's going to come out in all the wrong places and probably all over those that we care about most in our lives."
"If we don't look at the anger first, then we can't get to the heartbreak, the fear, or the exhaustion. And if we can't get there, then we can't heal, we can't get to the other side."
"Having the daily practices allows me to be grounded in myself, remember my commitment, remember my purpose, and then turn back towards whatever is calling my attention on a given day."
"I must create boundaries that protect me from internalizing harm while practicing compassion that allows me to remain sensitive to suffering around the world."
"Anger tells us, pay attention! Anger gives us the energy to do something, for something precious is being killed, injured, threatened, tarnished, taken, abused, polluted, appropriated or harmed."
"Working with feedback, inviting feedback and working with it really conscientiously is so important in so many yoga dharma spaces."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
245: Share Your Yoga on Insight Timer with Liza Colpa
Description:
For many yoga teachers now, building your unique yoga business includes figuring out how to teach yoga online. While Zoom classes and audio recordings are options, you can also consider Insight Timer as another avenue to grow your yoga business. Liza Colpa is on the podcast to share more about her experience with Insight Timer, as well as some useful information to help you get started.
Liza came to yoga as a teenager, and after ten years of practice, went on to become a yoga teacher. Today, Liza teaches yoga and meditation, and recently set up her independent and online business. She focuses on creating meditation and yoga video content for people who believe in the power of yoga and meditation as tools to improve their lives. She currently offers meditations and 1:1 coaching through Insight Timer, as well as uses Insight Timer for live classes, and online courses.
Being on Insight Timer has allowed Liza to have a well-paying career as a yoga teacher. She shares how she got started on the platform, and her tips to continue growing her audience. Liza gives her recommendations on equipment and software you can use to get started, how to get paid, and how Insight Timer can complement your yoga business. If you are looking for a new platform to grow your yoga business and become a successful, well-paid yoga teacher, this episode on Insight Timer is for you.
Key Takeaways:
[4:38] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Liza Colpa.
[7:31] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity and a listener who left a review!
[11:27] What is the work that Liza does and who does she do it for?
[12:36] What prompted Liza to move onto Insight Timer?
[14:17] Some yoga teachers have tried applying to be on Insight Timer but they haven't received any response. What are Liza's thoughts on this?
[16:42] What equipment does Liza recommend to get started on Insight Timer?
[18:02] What editing software does Liza suggest?
[19:19] Does Liza only share pre-recorded videos or does she also do live classes?
[20:50] How does scheduling work on Insight Timer?
[21:54] Shannon and Liza discuss how payments and getting paid works on Insight Timer.
[24:56] What are the rules around promoting your own offerings on Insight Timer?
[26:34] What kind of tech support or training is available for yoga teachers looking to get started?
[27:54] What is something Liza wishes she had known when she started using Insight Timer?
[30:26] Liza shares more about doing courses on Insight Timer.
[31:54] What are some of Liza's offerings available on Insight Timer?
[35:47] How did Liza cultivate an audience on Insight Timer?
[38:08] Find out more about Liza and her work on Insight Timer, and check out her website too.
[39:50] Are you on Insight Timer? Share with us so we can connect with you!
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals.
Quotes from this episode:
"I truly believe that we've entered into a stage of quality content being really desired by these platforms."
"As a content creator and yoga teacher and meditation teacher you are learning, sometimes as you go."
"The tools are there. It's just a matter of being like, how do I get bold and confident and just say out loud, I'm a yoga teacher, this is my career, this is my business and every single donation that you give me, goes straight to me and thank you for supporting me and helping me support you and being a patron of my craft."
"That's the hardest part for a content creator is just to simply do it just to record just to hit post."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
244: Create & Share Audio Recordings with Claire Villarreal
Description:
The pandemic has forced most yoga teachers to teach yoga online, but a less common alternative (or addition!) to videos is audio recordings. A lot of yoga teachers think doing audio recordings is difficult, but this isn’t the case. Claire Villarreal has a wealth of experience in creating audio recordings, and she shares all her expertise on this episode.
Claire works to adapt traditional Buddhist teachings for the demands of modern life, particularly focusing on guided meditations. She began meditating daily in 1997 in the Theravada and Vajrayāna traditions, and she has traveled to study and meditate in traditional settings around the world. She is the former Programs Director for Dawn Mountain Center for Tibetan Buddhism and former board member for Compassionate Houston. Currently, Claire contributes to a GenX dharma teachers community, and she is funded by the Hemera Foundation to write and podcast about what Tibetan teachings on reincarnation can teach us about living well.
Claire explains how you can record good quality audio using only your phone and a set of earbuds, as well as the software you can use to transcribe a meditation, how to edit and store your audio, what format to save it in and more technical details. This episode is for you if you want to create audio recordings for your students to take home or as a freebie to build your email list - it is a quick and easy starting place to explore if audio recordings are the right fit for your yoga business.
Key Takeaways:
[4:28] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Claire Villarreal.
[7:14] Shannon gives a shoutout to Schedulicity.
[11:55] What does Claire do and who does she do it for?
[13:01] A lot of people think that creating audio recordings is too difficult, but it's not!
[14:01] What is the quickest way to get started doing audio recording with our phones?
[15:01] Audio recordings can also be helpful in situations where visuals aren't the best way to convey the message.
[15:42] How should the microphone be set up for the best audio quality?
[17:36] What is the best way to edit audio to make it sound good?
[20:31] Shannon pops in with an update on the episode on closed captions for Zoom with Landon Stacy and to talk about the transcription tool she uses.
[24:07] What does Claire recommend doing with the transcript of your audio recording?
[26:03] Claire recommends recording a live session or training you are doing and using the transcript of that as a starting point for a script you can read.
[26:56] Claire shares some tips around where to record.
[28:40] Claire talks about her process of recording and what she does after she has recorded her audio.
[30:54] Tip: If possible, record in a wav format rather than mp3 format.
[33:27] Claire makes a note about recording directly to your computer vs. to your phone and transferring to the computer.
[35:57] Audacity is a good option for audio editing software that you can use to clean up the audio recording.
[37:17] Claire describes the three main functions she performs using her audio editing software.
[39:04] Shannon shares some of her tips from her experience of recording podcasts.
[40:23] How can we achieve a meditation quality in our audio recordings?
[42:38] Claire shares a little about teaching on Insight Timer.
[48:04] Check out the next episode for more information about using Insight Timer in your yoga business.
[48:43] Insight Timer presents a huge opportunity for yoga teachers.
[49:28] How can we stop our audio recordings from turning off automatically?
[52:52] Claire shares some final thoughts about creating and sharing audio recordings.
[54:14] Connect with Claire via her website and check out her podcast!
[55:05] Are you going to start using audio recordings in your yoga business? Let us know in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group!
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals.
Quotes from this episode:
“[Creating audio recordings] is way more accessible than people think."
"It'll probably take recording some test recordings a few times to get your setup right. But once you have your setup the way you want it, it's pretty easy to just go back in and record another episode."
"You have to figure out the right relationship between the microphone and your mouth."
"If possible, it's great to record in a wav format instead of MP3."
"Experimentation is the heart of finding your audio sound."
"How you're feeling comes across so clearly in your voice."
"I think it is better to put stuff out there and get feedback and grow than to hold back because you think you're not good enough."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
243: What Yoga Texts Should I Read? with Chase Bossart
Description:
Many yoga teachers are eager learners and always seeking to expand their knowledge about yoga. However the multitude of texts (and their various translations) available can feel overwhelming and daunting to approach. In this episode, Chase Bossart shares his recommendations and expertise around some of the must-read yoga texts.
Chase Bossart is the Director of the Yoga Well Institute, an organization dedicated to yoga, meditation, and holistic health in the tradition of Viniyoga. Chase studied under the tutelage of TKV Desikachar, son of Krishnamacharya who is often described as the father of modern yoga.
Chase shares his insights on how to take the yoga sutras into challenging times, the three fundamental texts he suggests yoga teachers read, and why these are so important for yoga teachers as a foundation in their practice and their teaching. Chase also explains why having a teacher to guide you in your study of the texts can be helpful, and whether yoga teachers need to know Sanskrit and all of the texts to practice or teach yoga. Shannon and Chase also discuss cultural appropriation, how and why yoga has changed so much in its practice in the East vs. West, and much more.
If you have ever wondered what texts you should read to deepen your knowledge of yoga and yoga philosophy, or how the teachings of yoga apply to our daily lives, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
[4:25] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Chase Bossart.
[6:37] Shannon gives a shoutout to Schedulicity.
[7:47] Shannon reads a review from a listener.
[11:25] This interview was recorded on the 20th of January, Inauguration Day in the US. Shannon and Chase discuss the state of things in the US at the moment.
[13:03] How have the yoga sutras held Chase through the challenges we have faced recently?
[19:20] What are the main texts that Chase recommends that yoga teachers read?
[22:14] Chase explains a little more about the Yogasūtra, and Haṭhayoga Pradīpika.
[25:26] These texts are not easy to read or understand. Chase talks about the traditional way that people would go about learning these texts.
[28:40] Not everyone can live with and learn these texts under the tutelage of a teacher. What can they do instead?
[34:12] Chase shares his recommendations on how yoga teachers can approach these texts.
[37:37] Does studying with one teacher mean that we are automatically limiting ourselves to just one person's ideas?
[39:08] Chase shares more about the three texts he recommends for yoga teachers.
[46:09] Context is not well understood in yoga.
[47:33] What is Chase's reaction to someone who just wants to practice yoga and believes that yoga's teachings will come through to them in their practice, without reading the texts?
[53:53] What are Chase's thoughts on bringing yoga from the East to the West? Shannon and Chase discuss the topic of cultural appropriation in yoga.
[60:27] Where should yoga teachers who want to study yoga texts start?
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals.
Quotes from this episode:
"The yoga sutras are very clear that you don't have a lot of influence over what happens."
“Do what you need to do to maintain your equanimity because that is the determining factor in how you respond, and how you respond is going to determine what happens to you next.”
"I think it's so important that people take time to become familiar with yoga as a path, yoga as a way of interacting with the world."
"Yoga, like cooking, is experiential knowledge. Like music or dance. It's not just something that you know, it's something you do."
"It's important to build a foundation before we add lots of stories."
"Another part of difficulty in yoga is that context is not well understood."
"We should be, at least, having a fundamental idea of what is yoga as a practice and as a life philosophy, rather than just what is yoga as an exercise class or some huff and puff."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
242: Mantra & Chanting with Melissa Shah
Description:
As a white yoga practitioner who may have trouble with Sanskrit pronunciations, you may have wondered how to approach using mantra in your practice. You may have wondered - What if I can't pronounce the words correctly? Does pronunciation matter? When is it acceptable to use mantra or Sanskrit chants in my classes? Melissa Shah has answers to these questions and more.
Melissa works to make yoga accessible through yoga therapy, mentoring yoga teachers, and mantra, which she has practiced since childhood. She is passionate about bringing yoga and Ayurveda back to its roots, and reclaiming representation within the wellness community. Currently, Melissa works individually with clients offering yoga therapy in the Viniyoga tradition and offers weekly community chanting and pranayama classes.
Melissa sheds light on what exactly mantra is, and talks about the benefits and importance of mantra in yoga. She also shares her perspective on getting the pronunciations right when saying mantras, and how we can navigate incorporating mantra into our practice and classes in a way that is mindful, respectful and intentional.
Key Takeaways:
[4:55] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Melissa Shah.
[6:52] Check out the hot tip of the week from Schedulicity.
[9:37] Where did Melissa's yoga journey begin? When did she start practicing mantra and chanting?
[13:01] Did Melissa ever have a period of time where she rejected yoga, having started at such a young age?
[16:38] What is the definition of mantra?
[19:02] Are mantras always in Sanskrit or can they be in English?
[21:03] What's the difference between kirtan and mantra?
[25:46] How should yoga teachers approach the pronunciation of Sanskrit words in mantra?
[30:38] What is the science behind mantra?
[35:36] Where the tongue lands in the mouth has an impact on the body. Melissa explains more about this in relation to mantra.
[41:28] How does Melissa approach people who may feel uncomfortable with chanting and mantras, or like it collides with their beliefs or religion?
[45:10] Learn more about mantra and chanting from Melissa at her classes, and also check out some resources she has available on her website.
[47:13] Melissa closes the interview with a chant.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, Schedulicity, and Pelvic Health Professionals.
Quotes from this episode:
"What kind of intended effect do you want the mantra to have?"
"Depending on where the individual you're working with this at and what they'll connect to the most, you can give them other kinds of sounds."
"When you're in a position of power, especially as a white person in a wellness space, when you're in a position of power like that, what you do, other people model."
"It means something when you don't put in the effort. It's a micro aggression and it does mean something and it does cause harm."
"I wouldn't say that not being able to pronounce something the perfect way is an excuse for not using it at all."
"You don't necessarily have to know what the mantra means to get its benefit."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
241: Bhakti Yoga & Kirtan with Kamini Natarajan
Description:
Not many people in North America practice bhakti yoga and kirtan or even associate it with the stereotypical images of yoga portrayed on social media. In fact, for many people sitting and chanting do not fit into their idea of what yoga is and its purpose. Kamini Natarajan, kirtan and raga singer and bhakti teacher for over two decades to share more.
Kamini Natarajan comes from a family of bhakti practitioners, and started learning Indian classical music at the age of six. She has undergone rigorous training with acclaimed teachers and musicians in India, and today, she teaches Indian classical music and kirtans, as well as performs at events both in person and online, and records her own music.
What is bhakti yoga? What is kirtan? What are the benefits we can get from them? Kamini explains all this and more. She also explains how we can be respectful of Indian culture and heritage, while still incorporating kirtans and bhakti yoga into our own practices. She answers the “whys” and “hows” about Bhakti Yoga and the deep spiritual relationship that exists between Classical Indian music, chanting and how it relates to our daily lives.
Key Takeaways:
[7:38] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Kamini Natarajan.
[11:17] What is the work that Kamini does and who does she do it for?
[12:27] Where did Kamini's journey with kirtan and bhakti yoga begin?
[16:04] What is a bhajan? Kamini explains how it differs from a kirtan.
[18:25] Kirtans in North America are often led by people from North America. What are Kamini's thoughts on someone not of the Indian culture learning and sharing kirtans?
[23:37] What are some things Kamini wishes yoga teachers would know to appreciate the culture and understand it better before bringing kirtans into their yoga classes?
[25:53] Not a lot of people practice bhakti yoga in North America, and have very differing concepts of what yoga is.
[30:04] How would Kamini explain the concept of Bhakti yoga to someone who had no idea about what it is?
[34:17] Kamini is also a raga singer. What is raga?
[36:38] What are the benefits of bhakti yoga?
[40:08] Is bhakti yoga something that can be done on your own? Is it something that we can do virtually?
[43:09] Where does Kamini suggest people get started if they are interested in bhakti yoga, singing and chanting?
[48:23] How does Kamini manage singing kirtans early in the morning when everyone else is asleep?
[51:27] Did Kamini have a rebellious period as a teenager when she tried to rebel against what her mother was doing?
[52:22] Is yoga philosophy incorporated into bhakti yoga? How did bhakti yoga originate?
[57:35] Find out more about Kamini and her work on her website.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity, Pelvic Health Professionals and the Accessible Yoga Conference.
Quotes from this episode:
"The kirtans here, they are of course, very, very, very simplified and sometimes, I would say, diluted down versions of what we hear back in India."
"Bhakti yoga is about finding your own path, your own spiritual path, your own journey."
“If somebody is really deep into their own bhakti and spiritual journey, that is, I think, what matters the most.”
"Try to learn from the sources to the best that you can."
"A lot of people get mixed up, they get caught up so much in the physical aspect and the exercise aspect of yoga that they don't even know about all of these other forms of yoga."
"With devotion comes letting go."
“When we talk about devotion, we talk about surrender. We talk about not thinking about ourselves, giving up on the importance that we give to ourselves in certain ways.”
"I really always encourage my students as well as people who come to attend my kirtan events to come up with their own melody for a lot of these simple mantras and chants."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
240: Pelvic Health for Everyone with Shannon Crow
Description:
What is pelvic health and who is it for? Many people think of pelvic health as being related to childbirth, or people assigned female at birth, or getting older in a female body - but this is not true! Everyone has a pelvis, and a pelvic floor, and it is important for all of us to understand it better.
In this episode, Shannon Crow explains more about what pelvic health is and who it is for. She explains the basics around the form and anatomy of the pelvic floor, as well as its key functions in the body. She also highlights some of the common pelvic health issues people face, as well as shares some statistics on why pelvic health is something we should all know about.
If you are a yoga teacher who is teaching people who have a pelvis, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
[4:02] In this episode, Shannon is talking about pelvic health - what it is, and who it's for.
[6:28] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity.
[7:53] Everyone should know more about pelvic health.
[8:18] Many people think of pelvic health as being related to childbirth, people assigned female at birth, or getting older in a female body but this is not true!
[9:20] There tends to be shame and embarrassment around talking about pelvic health issues.
[10:45] Pelvic health issues are extremely common!
[12:33] The first step towards improving pelvic floor starts with understanding how the pelvic floor works.
[13:42] What is the pelvic floor, and where is it?
[15:34] The pelvic floor has three layers.
[17:16] What does the pelvic floor do? Two of its key functions are support and sphincteric.
[18:59] The pelvic floor also contributes to sexual function and stability
[20:23] The pelvic floor acts as a sump pump as well.
[21:14] One of the pelvic floor’s roles is to guard and protect.
[23:13] Shannon shares some statistics around pelvic health.
[24:37] If you would like to learn more about pelvic health, Pelvic Health Professionals is a great place to learn from experts and other professionals.
[28:15] Shannon gives a shout out to the Accessible Yoga Conference - she will be leading a panel on building community!
[29:59] Shannon summarizes her answers to the questions "What is pelvic health?" and "Who is pelvic health for?"
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity, Pelvic Health Professionals and the Accessible Yoga Conference.
Quotes from this episode:
"Whether we're assigned male or female at birth, whether we're non-binary or non-gender conforming, that really has nothing to do with pelvic health because everyone on the planet has a pelvis and a pelvic floor."
"One of the first steps towards improving our pelvic health is just understanding how the pelvic floor works."
"Once you start to understand how the pelvis works, you can be a real benefit to your yoga student."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
239: Connecting in Divisive Times with Sinéad O'Connor
Description:
These are divisive times, both online in yoga communities and beyond that. Some people are for the vaccine, some people are against it, some people have questions and are uncertain about their stance. Yet, these divisions are the opposite of what yoga is about. This podcast is all about connections, and we need to be mindful about how we can extend care to ourselves, those around us, as well as the planet and every living creature.
In this episode, Sinéad O’Connor talks from her perspective as someone with an underlying health condition living through the pandemic. Sinéad is a member of The Connected Yoga Teacher team, a yoga teacher, and active mother of three energetic boys who enjoys camping and hiking. She is also someone who lives with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic kidney disease, and is in Stage 3 of renal failure.
Sinéad shares a post she recently wrote about living with this disease during a pandemic, especially on how it is a privilege to be able to question the healthcare offered to us as healthy, able-bodied people. Shannon concludes by urging us to reflect on how we can practice care or ahimsa for someone else -- that doesn’t involve trying to change their behaviour or views?
Key Takeaways:
[5:00] We are seeing many divisions in the yoga world right now.
[7:45] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sinéad O'Connor.
[8:35] Sinéad shares a little bit about herself and her condition, polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
[9:30] Sinéad recently wrote a post on Facebook about living with this disease in light of the COVID situation.
[13:01] If you would like to support Sinéad’s fundraiser, two things you can do are to give a donation, or share Sinéad’s post to share her story with the world.
[13:32] Shannon has a few questions for us to reflect on.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and the Accessible Yoga Conference.
Quotes from this episode:
"Not everybody understands what it's like to live with an underlying health condition in a pandemic."- Sinéad
"Like millions of people living with underlying health conditions, I don't have the privilege of questioning the healthcare I'm being offered. That privilege is only afforded to the healthy, the able bodied, the people that once stayed home to protect us." - Sinéad
"What does care for someone in my community look like without trying to change their views or their behavior?" - Shannon
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
238: How to Host a Yoga Challenge with Amanda McKinney
Description:
One of the main questions that is often asked in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group is “How do I get more students to sign up for my classes?” A common and effective way that you might build your yoga student roster, your email list or a Facebook group is by hosting a yoga challenge. Amanda McKinney has a lot of experience in hosting challenges, and she joins Shannon Crow in this episode to share her 10 step process to successfully host a yoga challenge.
Amanda McKinney is a marketing coach who is passionate about helping yoga teachers find the tools and the confidence within themselves to build a thriving yoga business. She couples her background in marketing and years of experience in the corporate world with her knowledge and love of yoga to help yoga teachers create sustainable businesses they enjoy through the Marketing Yoga with Confidence podcast, online courses and the Thrive membership program.
Yoga challenges can come in all shapes and forms. Amanda explains what a yoga challenge really is, and how it can help grow your yoga business. She also outlines her tried-and-tested 10 step program to help you put together a successful yoga challenge. Whether you’ve been running challenges for years, or have never done a challenge with your audience, you’re sure to get some useful tips to ensure your next challenge is a huge success.
Key Takeaways:
[3:06] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Amanda McKinney.
[4:25] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity.
[8:52] What is a yoga challenge, and why or when would we use one?
[11:27] Challenges can range from 3 days to a month long!
[12:32] Challenges are great because they can kickstart engagement in your community, and they are shareable!
[14:53] Step 1: Decide on the topic you want to focus on.
[15:32] Amanda shares her thoughts on having a yoga teacher training be the paid offering at the end of a challenge.
[16:49] If you're planning to promote classes at a yoga studio at the end of a challenge, be sure to check in with the studio about running the challenge!
[17:42] Step 2: Map out the details of the challenge like the dates, the goals, how you're going to deliver it.
[23:59] Step 3: Outline all of the content.
[27:04] Step 4: Create a pre-challenge to-do list.
[31:03] Step 5: Write out a "during the challenge" to-do list.
[38:37] Step 6: Get everything you've planned onto your calendar.
[41:06] Step 7: Actually do the work, and follow the plan you've created!
[43:37] Step 8: Promote your challenge.
[45:04] Step 9: Host your challenge.
[47:29] Step 10: Invite people to the paid offering.
[50:41] Amanda has prepared all the resources to get your own challenge off the ground with Yoga Challenge in a Box - check it out.
[56:04] Will you be running a yoga challenge soon? Tell us all about it in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group!
[57:08] Shannon leaves us with an action step for this episode.
How to Host a Yoga Challenge with Amanda McKinney
Pre-Challenge - What's the goal? What do you want people to do at the end of this? Be on your email list? Join your Facebook group? Sign up for your paid offering?
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and the Accessible Yoga Conference.
Quotes from this episode:
"A challenge is something where you walk your students through small, tiny steps to either give them some relief to solve a problem or to give them the experience of working with you."
"The health of your email list is a direct indication of the health of your business."
"We make it so complicated, but it actually needs to be so simple... You want people to think about, how can I take this action, whatever that action is, in 15 minutes or less a day."
"Once you run a challenge one time, 90% of the work is done for you. All you have to do, even if it's a different challenge, is use what you've already done and adapt it."
"If it's scheduled, it will happen."
"If you're creating this amazing party, people have to be invited to it or they don't know what's happening."