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The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

Shannon Crow (she/her)

  • 1 hour 9 minutes
    371: Organizing a Yoga Retreat with Checka Antifonario

    The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

    371: Organizing a Yoga Retreat with Checka Antifonario

     

    Description:

    Have you thought about hosting a yoga retreat for a day, a week-end or longer? Retreats are a great way for yoga teachers to provide a new, more immersive experience to their students but planning and executing a yoga retreat can be challenging. Checka Antifonario shares her thoughts as an experienced retreat planner and host. 

     

    Checka Antifonario is the founder of Yogaway, and she has been guiding yoga and mindfulness classes, workshops and retreats since 2008. She is deeply committed to maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, and grounded space for practice and community. When Checka is not teaching near home or online through her digital platform Anyday Yogaway, she journeys throughout the United States and abroad, leading weekend and week-long retreats. Checka also supports yoga teachers through her mentorship program for new or evolving Yoga teachers, as well as an in-depth retreat planner training. Off of the mat, she is passionate about being in nature and spending time with her dogs, goats and family!

     

    Checka shares insights about the fundamentals of planning and organizing a yoga retreat. She gives tips on how to choose a venue for the retreat, the ideal group size, and things to consider when pricing the retreat. Checka also offers an insider view of how to organize a retreat schedule as well as how to build community among the participants of the retreat. If you have been contemplating hosting a retreat but aren’t sure how to get started, this episode is for you.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [3:23] This episode is made possible by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

    [5:25] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Checka Antifonario.

    [9:54] What does Checka do and who does she do it for?

    [12:06] What is step 1 when it comes to planning a retreat?

    [16:19] What are some tips Checka would give to a yoga teacher who needs to clarify their driving force for hosting a retreat?

    [20:10] How long should a retreat be, especially for the first retreat that you host?

    [23:42] What are some elements we might consider when planning the retreat schedule?

    [27:07] What kind of group size should we be aiming for? What should the ratio of leaders or teachers to people attending the retreat be like?\

    [30:09] Shannon pops in with a quick tip about how OfferingTree can support you in hosting retreats in your community or around the world!

    [32:12] Checka and Shannon discuss pricing for retreats. There can be a big difference in costs between hosting your retreat at a retreat center vs self-hosting a retreat!\

    [38:07] Checka shares some of her experience in terms of managing logistics, coordinating with retreat centers, and handling insurance.

    [40:41] What are some hiccups that we could run into while planning and hosting a retreat?

    [46:30] How can we form community and connections while we are on a retreat?

    [52:14] Learn more about hosting yoga retreats from Checka by connecting with her via her website or on social media.

    [53:04] Checka shares some final thoughts for yoga teachers who are feeling inspired to plan a retreat.

    [55:36] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Checka about hosting retreats.

    [59:00] Shannon shares a review about the yoga series with Tyler Arnason in Pelvic Health Professionals.

    [60:18] Check out all the different yoga series available in Pelvic Health Professionals with a free month of membership!

    [62:27] Shannon shares some final reflections about yoga and social justice.

     

    Links:

     

    Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

     

    Quotes from this episode:

    "Just finding your own most authentic way toward building community because that's really the foundational piece that will make offering and running retreats so much less intimidating [and] a little smoother when you get to that process."

     

    "What is your mission with the retreat?"

     

    "Where I'm going to pour my passion and love and energy is where things are going to thrive, and with retreats, I think that's really, really true."

     

    "Group size is very important because I do believe it affects the dynamic of things quite a bit."

    29 April 2024, 8:45 am
  • 58 minutes 46 seconds
    370: Is Email Marketing Dead? with Meg Sangimino

    The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

    370: Is Email Marketing Dead? with Meg Sangimino

     

    Description:

    Many of us are struggling with overflowing email inboxes and receive ever more emails daily. In this context, is email marketing still a relevant tool that can help your yoga business? How can yoga teachers use email marketing effectively? Meg Sangimino some insights.

     

    Meg Sangimino is a yoga teacher and business expert. Her expertise is in helping wellness professionals implement sustainable business strategies. With a background in project engineering and a passion for wellness, Meg is your go-to for implementing essential (and efficient) systems that underlie a business that nourishes, supports, and fulfills the lifestyle that you want without spinning your wheels on social media or having constant technology headaches.

     

    If you don’t already have an email list, you may be wondering where to start. Meg shares tips for effective lead magnets and freebies, and explains why email marketing doesn’t have to be cringe-inducing. She also gives some ideas about what to email your list, suggestions on how often to email them, and trends when it comes to effective email marketing for yoga teachers.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [3:16] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

    [5:10] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Meg Sangimino.

    [9:39] What does Meg do and who does she do it for?

    [10:18] Why do people cringe when they think about email marketing?

    [11:20] There is a lot of value in the content yoga teachers create to market themselves, and sometimes they may not realize that.

    [13:25] People go to social media for a different purpose than their email inboxes.

    [15:55] How can yoga teachers get started with email marketing?

    [19:23] If you have a freebie or lead magnet and nobody is signing up for your list, you could have two problems: 1) nobody is seeing it, 2) nobody wants it.

    [23:11] Do not be discouraged if you put something out and it doesn't get the response you hope for!

    [24:47] Shannon reflects on the freebies she has in her own business.

    [25:15] You may get people who unsubscribe from your list, and that's okay! 

    [26:25] What is Meg's advice to yoga teachers who feel like they wouldn't like to receive multiple emails about an offer, so feel uncomfortable sending emails to their list?

    [28:11] What kinds of freebies are working in the yoga space and what are some trends that Meg has observed in email marketing?

    [32:17] What should yoga teachers write in their emails?

    [34:35] How often does Meg recommend including a call to action in you emails?

    [35:42] How often should yoga teachers email their list?

    [37:11] It's important to continue supporting your list even when you are not selling anything!

    [38:08] What is something Meg wishes she would have known when starting email marketing?

    [40:50] Shannon pops in to share about OfferingTree, a great all-in-one software option especially for email marketing!

    [45:07] Shannon and Meg discuss the popular options for email marketing platforms.

    [49:01] Shannon reflects on her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Meg.

    [50:47] Shannon shares some of the upcoming guest calls inside Pelvic Health Professionals.

    [53:32] Shannon gives a special shout out to yoga teachers who have been and continue to speak out for humanity and Palestine.

     

    Links:

     

    Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

     

    Quotes from this episode:

    "For listeners who are feeling drained and a little bit bogged down by social media, email marketing is a really, really solid alternative."

     

    "Those of us in the wellness industry tend to be very averse to marketing ourselves."

     

    "The fact that people are picky with who they give their email to is why email marketing is so effective."

     

    "The more time we invest in growing that list, the more warm leads we have, the more we can promote when we actually have something to promote."

     

    "We first have to be the consumer that we want to attract."

     

    "The trend that I'm seeing is shorter and simpler are getting more downloads or more subscribers."

     

    "Your tool for bringing people onto your email list, whether that's a freebie or something different, should be aligned with what you're going to offer them."

     

    15 April 2024, 8:45 am
  • 43 minutes 38 seconds
    369: Struggling to Write Content is Normal with Billie Smith

    The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

    369: Struggling to Write Content is Normal with Billie Smith

     

    Description:

    If you have ever sat staring at your blinking cursor and wondered how to write an email, social media caption, or blog post for your yoga business when more important things are happening in your personal life or the world – you are not alone. Billie Smith recently faced this same struggle and decided to share their honest thoughts instead of their usual messaging.

     

    Billie Smith is a queer advocate, trauma, abuse, and eating disorder survivor, who is shaking up the status quo and challenging conventional narratives in the wellness industry. They believe in discarding harmful ideologies like diet culture and spiritual bypassing, and are dedicated to creating spaces where individuals can authentically connect with themselves, free from judgment and expectation. Billie's approach to movement is all about empowerment, helping students tune into how they feel rather than how they look. With over 600 hours of training and a commitment to inclusivity, Billie's classes, workshops, and one-on-one sessions provide a safe space for those seeking to reclaim their bodies and their narratives. 

     

    In this episode, originally shared as an email to Billie’s subscribers and then as an audio on their podcast, the Rebel Movement Podcast, Billie shares openly about their experience struggling to write an email about topics related to their yoga business while also grappling with other challenges. They talk about how difficult it can feel to hold multiple truths, balance self care and social justice work, and reflect on showing up authentically. 

     

    Writing content can be hard when we are faced with balancing work, personal life, and tragedies in the world - if you are struggling because of this, this episode is for you.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [3:07] This episode is sponsored by Pelvic Health Professionals.

    [4:14] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Billie Smith.

    [7:30] Billie shares a little about a newsletter that they sent out on 14 February and their process of writing it.

    [14:40] Shannon pops in to talk about a recent call with Mary Reddinger inside Pelvic Health Professionals.

    [16:17] Listen to a short snippet from Mary Reddinger about how she gets the bulk of her private yoga students. Get access to the full interview by joining the Pelvic Health Professionals membership.

    [18:13] Billy highlights that it can feel difficult for us to hold all the things that are happening in the world and in our personal lives - what we are experiencing is not normal.

    [21:12] We are all struggling to find balance lately.

    [24:47] If you are using your platform to talk about Gaza or Palestine, unfortunately it is a risk.

    [27:53] Billie talks about the importance of standing up for your values and staying true to them even in difficult times.

    [31:02] It is important to take care of yourself even as you do social justice work.

    [32:28] Shannon reflects on her own personal experience of speaking up about the harm taking place in Gaza right now.

    [36:01] There are so many people who say they want peace and freedom for all people but are afraid to speak up. But we can make a huge difference if we all speak up.

    [39:29] Do leave a review for the podcast and come hang out in real time with Shannon in the Pelvic Health Professionals membership!

     

    Links:

     

    Gratitude to our Sponsor, Pelvic Health Professionals.

     

    Quotes from this episode:

    "Invalidating your own struggles is not gonna give you any more energy to help change the world."

     

    "It's ok if you don't feel rage every single second of the day because like how are you supposed to do all your stuff if you do?"

     

    "There's a struggle to find balance lately."

     

    "[If] you've been having that feeling of doubting yourself or doubting, what is even the point of doing this anymore? I would just encourage you to check in with it and not take it as a sign that you're doing anything wrong in your life."

     

    "I don't want my business to negate its values to make money. I don't want to sacrifice my values for profit."

     

    "Find the balance between taking care of yourself and then doing social justice work."

     

    1 April 2024, 8:45 am
  • 1 hour 3 minutes
    368: Moving to a New City & Marketing with Jennie MacGoy

    The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

    368: Moving to a New City & Marketing with Jennie MacGoy

     

    Description:

    Have you recently moved or are you struggling to grow your yoga business? Have you been posting on social media and not seeing that time convert to students? Have you been thinking about switching your niche or taking a break? Jennie MacGoy has navigated a cross-country move and shares how she found success marketing her yoga business in a new city.

     

    Jennie MacGoy opened her first yoga studio in Virginia in 2017 but moved to Southern California in 2021. Since making the move, Jennie has continued to teach gentle and chair yoga and movement to seniors in retirement communities, skilled nursing facilities, and memory care communities while also working 1:1 with older adults. Jennie strongly believes that older adults can live their best lives through physical activity, stress reduction, cognitive exercise, and social engagement and incorporates all of these into her yoga classes. 

     

    In this episode, Jennie shares her challenging journey of rebuilding her yoga business from scratch in a new city and neighborhood. She openly talks about the struggles she faced, how she overcame them, and what really worked for her in terms of marketing her yoga business. Learn about pivoting in your yoga business and alternative options for marketing in this inspiring conversation with Jennie.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [2:41] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

    [4:55] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jennie MacGoy.

    [8:37] What is the work that Jennie does and who does she do it for?

    [10:24] What was it like when Jennie moved? What did she learn immediately and what advice does she have for other yoga teachers who may be navigating a move?

    [13:02] What worked and what didn't work for Jennie when she moved?

    [17:31] Jennie had to decide if she still wanted to teach yoga when things weren't working out for her.

    [18:42] Jennie was not marketing on Instagram or Facebook. She explains how she marketed her services to her target audience.

    [21:38] What kind of offerings is Jennie focusing on in her business?

    [26:49] What are some things Jennie has learned from working with the population of older adults and/or people with dementia?

    [30:36] Jennie reflects on what she gets out of teaching a mixed class of people with different abilities.

    [34:09] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree.

    [37:45] What is the population that Jennie works with in private sessions?

    [39:05] Jennie had to make a big shift to continue her yoga business when she moved to a new city.

    [41:11] Jennie volunteered with some organizations as a way of expanding her local network after she moved.

    [45:27] What is something Jennie wishes she would have known sooner when she moved to her new location?

    [48:17] We all struggle with different things at different moments in our business.

    [52:26] Connect with Jennie via her website.

    [53:50] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Jennie.

    [58:36] Shannon shares a personal update about how it has been to stand up for things she believes in.

     

    Links:

     

    Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

     

    Quotes from this episode:

    "One of the most important lessons that I learned was to be willing to pivot, ... be flexible."

     

    "Words are so important and something that I have always been passionate about, but it comes really into play in these classes where you have people of differing abilities."

     

    "It was a total mind shift in how it was all word of mouth."

     

    "Don't underestimate the value of reaching out."

     

    25 March 2024, 8:45 am
  • 1 hour 25 minutes
    367: Money Matters & Budgeting with Jenifer Parker

    The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

    367: Money Matters & Budgeting with Jenifer Parker 

     

    Description:

    How do you feel about budgeting and money as a yoga teacher? What is your system for tracking income and expenses – is it working? How can you decrease your expenses and/or increase your income? These are some questions Jennifer Parker answers in this insightful money conversation.

     

    Jenifer Parker has been a yoga teacher for more than 21 years and is a qualified instructor in 4 lineages: Kripalu, Sivananda, Krishnamacharya, and Thai Yoga. She meets students where they are, teaching a traditional, integrated approach. In general she teaches within the Krishnamacharya lineage, but offers a unique insight into the similarities and differences in practice across lineages. Currently, she offers private lessons, corporate and private group classes, and a few public community classes in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa (Wellington, New Zealand).

     

    In this episode, Shannon and Jennifer dive deeper into money matters and budgeting for yoga teachers. Jennifer explains how to get consistent with our budgeting, how to adapt it to our needs and our yoga business, and why it’s so important for yoga teachers. She also shares some ideas on how to make more money as a yoga teacher and tackles some big mindset blocks yoga teachers may face when it comes to money issues.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [0:28] Shannon takes a moment to recognize the harm that is taking place in Palestine right now.

    [4:13] Shannon briefly talks about her topic and guest for the episode.

    [5:15] Shannon introduces herself and gives a shout out to the sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

    [8:47] Kathleen Pratt shares a little about the ongoing online yoga series, Nourish Your Nervous System.

    [10:13] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jennifer Parker.

    [15:49] What does Jennifer do and who does she do it for?

    [18:36] Jennifer shares a little about where she is located.

    [19:44] Why is Jennifer so passionate about talking about money in relation to teaching yoga and being a yoga teacher?

    [25:47] What are Jennifer's thoughts on budgets?

    [32:04] What kind of tools does Jennifer use when it comes to creating a budget?

    [34:08] What actions does Jennifer take when she's looking at her budget every week?

    [37:26] Jennifer shares some tips that can help with the mindset part of creating and following a budget.

    [40:34] What are some ideas for yoga teachers to make more money?

    [46:49] Having a clear goal in mind will help you move in the right direction.

    [48:23] Shannon pops in to give a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree.

    [51:21] What are some other ideas for making money within yoga?

    [58:17] Jennifer recommends talking to your landlord about subdividing the physical space you are using for yoga classes if the rent has gone up.

    [62:23] We have to get comfortable talking about money!

    [0:00] undefined

    [63:18] Jennifer's advice is to tap into your networks.

    [74:37] Shannon shares some reflection questions you can journal on.

    [75:37 - 75:50] Questions:

    [78:42] Shannon shares an audio message from a podcast listener.

    [81:11] Support the podcast by making a donation or signing up for one of the offerings!

     

    Links:

     

    Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

     

    Reflection & Journaling Questions:

    • How can we navigate the often unpredictable landscape of income and expenses while staying true to the practice of yoga and the purpose of our work? 

    • How do you personally approach budgeting as a yoga teacher?

    • Have you found success in tracking your income before your expenses, and if so, how has it impacted your financial stability?

    • What methods have you used to increase your income beyond teaching classes?

    • Do you prefer using budgeting apps or spreadsheets, and why?

    • How often do you check your bank statements, and what insights have you gained from this practice?

    • In what ways do you see parallels between budgeting and yoga, particularly in terms of consistency and adaptability?

    • Have you been able to build a buffer of savings, and if so, what strategies have helped you achieve this?

    • When do you think it's appropriate for yoga teachers to consider taking on part-time work, and how can one navigate the potential stigma associated with it?

    • Have you ever negotiated rent for your teaching space, or explored alternative venues? What advice would you offer to others in similar situations?

    • Lastly, how do you harness the power of your network and student referrals to grow your yoga community and increase your teaching opportunities?

     

    Quotes from this episode:

    "It's OK to make income teaching yoga.'

     

    "It's really helpful if people can actually sit down and look at the numbers and then make for themselves a clear decision. Is this something that I want to do full time all the time or is it something that I just wanna do sometimes?"

     

    "Let's talk about different ways of approaching the financials of this business that are based in living our values rather than just ‘I made a beautiful abundance collage and the universe will take care of me’."

     

    "The first step of budgeting is: what are my costs?"

     

    "The budget will work for you if it works the way you work."

     

    "If you're in a place where you can say I'm not gonna be too proud, all of a sudden now there's infinite opportunity."

    18 March 2024, 8:45 am
  • 54 minutes 16 seconds
    366: Get Okay with Making Money with Chioma Njoku

    The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

    366: Get Okay with Making Money with Chioma Njoku

     

    Description:

    Is making money yoga-like? How is making money aligned with the principles of yoga? How do you balance making money as a yoga teacher with keeping your offerings financially accessible to people? Chioma Njoku shares her insights on these questions and more.

     

    Chioma is the owner and Chief Mindful Operator at the Mindful Bookkeeper, and host of the Cheers to Your Prosperity podcast. By integrating the lessons she has learned from her own financial struggles and her professional experience as an Accountant of 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 this episode, Chioma dives into the nitty gritty details of the money and finances aspect of running a yoga business. She talks about how bookkeeping software can help us with our finances, how to track payment fees, how to check your financial reports with intention, and why creating money practices is like practicing yoga. Tune in for Chioma’s tips on how to be consistent with money and shift your money mindset.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [2:23] This episode is powered by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

    [3:58] Kathleen Pratt shares a little about the upcoming yoga series: Nourish Your Nervous System.

    [5:12] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Chioma Njoku.

    [9:49] What does Chioma do and who does she do it for?

    [10:42] What does it look like when Chioma works with someone?

    [12:47] Chioma addresses the idea that making money is yoga. It's okay to make money.

    [15:24] How can yoga teachers balance the need to get paid with keeping their yoga classes accessible to people with limited funds?

    [17:54] Chioma shares a little about the saviorism she encountered in 2020, when people invited her to attend their yoga classes for free because she is Black.

    [21:09] Chioma talks about bookkeeping and what that means for yoga businesses.

    [22:11] How often should we be looking at our money?

    [24:34] What's a good starting point for yoga teachers who are not tracking their income or their expenses?

    [29:06] Shannon pops in to share a great article that Sinead from the Connected Yoga Teacher Team wrote for OfferingTree.

    [31:02] Shannon and Chioma chat about different software that is available for bookkeeping and tracking income and expenses.

    [33:25] How does Chioma recommend yoga teachers look at their reports?

    [35:18] What are some things yoga teachers can do to cut their expenses or increase their income?

    [39:34] What are some other roadblocks yoga teachers often run into around mindset?

    [42:57] How can yoga teachers work on their money mindset and get comfortable with money?

    [46:33] Chioma shares some final thoughts for yoga teachers around money and running their own yoga business.

    [47:56] Check out Chioma's podcast to learn more, and visit her website to connect.

    [49:19] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Chioma.

     

    Links:

     

    Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

     

    Quotes from this episode:

    "What we can do is offer our service and give them the opportunity to rise, to come to us, to take a class. Believe me, when someone gets something out of something, ... we will invest, we'll figure it out." - Chioma

     

    "It's not our job to save them. We can present our service. It's up to them to say yes or no." - Chioma

     

    "You are in business. Doing your bookkeeping is important to your business." - Chioma

     

    "It's more of just getting into the habit of looking at that report and what it is to me, it's setting expectations for your business." - Chioma

     

    "It's good to have conversations and questions about your money because there are little ways that you can save money." - Shannon

     

    "Let's try not to discount a service. We're teaching people to not value yoga." - Chioma

    11 March 2024, 8:45 am
  • 1 hour 23 minutes
    365: How to Teach Accessible Yoga with Jivana Heyman

    The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

    365: How to Teach Accessible Yoga with Jivana Heyman

     

    Description:

    How can we make yoga more accessible? From financial accessibility to the language we use in teaching, from offering modifications to supporting students who don’t follow our lesson plans, making yoga accessible encompasses many different things. Jivana Heyman shares his insights.

     

    Making yoga accessible is at the core of the work Jivana does. He is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an international non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings for people of all abilities and backgrounds. He is also an author, and his latest book, The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga, was recently released (listen in to find out how you can enter to win a copy!).

     

    In this episode, Jivana shares how we communicate yoga has evolved over the years, although yoga philosophy remains unchanged, and how accessibility is a part of that.  He also talks about figuring things out as new teachers, overcoming imposter syndrome and why maybe a little bit of imposter syndrome is not a bad thing, and many other aspects of making yoga accessible, including how to maintain a yoga practice even when we don’t have time!

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [3:52] This episode is powered by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

    [4:52] Kathleen Pratt shares a little about the upcoming yoga series: Nourish Your Nervous System.

    [5:58] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jivana Heyman.

    [10:05] What is the work that Jivana does and who does he do it for?

    [11:15] How can yoga teachers find that balance between being paid for their work enough to make a living and making sure people can access their classes financially?

    [13:56] Pay-what-you-can models and tiered pricing models are some options to increase financial accessibility.

    [15:36] What are some other main things Jivana covers in his new book?

    [18:43] Shannon and Jivana discuss the idea that there is one best/correct way of doing a pose in yoga. This is not true!

    [20:13] The general public has a very different idea of what yoga is than how it can actually be practiced.

    [24:30] What are some new things Jivana has learned recently about making yoga more accessible?

    [27:31] How does Jivana address situations in his classes where a student gives another student a hands-on assist?

    [30:20] Jivana is giving away two of his books! Leave a comment in the show notes to stand a chance to win a copy!

    [30:40] Are you signed up for the OfferingTree newsletter? They offer a free workshop or webinar every month for teachers!

    [31:53] It can sometimes feel that as we learn more about making yoga accessible, there is always yet more to learn.

    [34:36] Yoga has remained the same for millennia but how we interpret, communicate, and share it with people has changed and evolved over time.

    [38:40] How yoga is taught has evolved over time but the yoga philosophy has not.

    [42:13] It can be tempting to want our yoga practice to be perfect, like we experience at a yoga retreat, but how can we apply yoga to our real day-to-day?

    [46:38] What are some tools we can use to bring yoga into our lives?

    [50:28] Shannon and Jivana discuss other ways we can bring yoga into our busy lives.

    [53:50] We can hold opposing things as true at the same time.

    [56:05] Jivana shares the ABCs of yoga: Agency, Boundaries, Collaboration.

    [62:27] How does Jivana handle situations where students don't do what everyone else is doing?

    [68:08] Many yoga teachers deal with imposter syndrome. Jivana addresses this.

    [74:08] Join the giveaway for Jivana's books by leaving a comment and find out more about his work and the books at his website and on Instagram.

    [75:43] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this episode.

    [79:08] Shannon shares some of the upcoming events in Pelvic Health Professionals, including Nourish Your Nervous System.

     

    Links:

     

    Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

     

    Quotes from this episode:

    "Mostly the studio model doesn't really work for making yoga accessible."

     

    "I just don't think advanced yoga is advanced asana anymore. That's not the point."

     

    "As a yoga teacher, you're not simply just channeling the teachings in a pure way, you have to be interpreting them."

     

    "The question is, how do you make them resonant and applicable to this moment for your students who are in front of you today?"

     

    "I don't think yoga practice is just about my personal enlightenment or the goal of becoming that. Rather, it's about becoming of service to the world and to others."

     

    "I would say a little bit of imposter syndrome is actually healthier than too much ego."

     

    4 March 2024, 9:45 am
  • 42 minutes 14 seconds
    364: 7 Years of Podcasting with Shannon Crow

    The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

    364: 7 Years of Podcasting with Shannon Crow

     

    Description:

    It has been 7 years of podcasts on the Connected Yoga Teacher podcast with Shannon Crow. While it is a time of celebrating the consistency and the amazing connections that have come from the podcast, Shannon shares some of her reflections about her recent situation, both personal and on a broader scale.

     

    Shannon has been dealing with emotional heaviness, sadness, and heartbreak, on top of a cold. She shares how current events like what’s happening in Gaza have been affecting her emotions, especially because of the silence of many people in the health and wellness world. She talks about some things that are helping her through this time and how she is working through the anger and emotions she is feeling. Shannon also invites us to explore how we can start seeing the connections between us and how we can support ourselves as we navigate these challenging times.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [0:02] It's the 7th year anniversary of the Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast!

    [4:23] This episode is supported by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals, but you can chip in to keep the podcast going too!

    [7:05] Kathleen Pratt shares a little about the upcoming Yoga Series she is hosting in Pelvic Health Professionals - Nourish Your Nervous System.

    [9:26] Shannon guides a short breath exercise.

    [10:22] Shannon checks in with herself. In addition to dealing with a cold she has been feeling some heaviness, sadness, and heartbreak.

    [15:14] Shannon has also been feeling angry about the silence from many people in the health and wellness world.

    [18:13] One thing that has made a difference for Shannon is seeing the yoga teachers who are speaking up and supporting the Palestinian cause.

    [21:06] Shannon talks about some ways she is working on processing her anger.

    [25:10] Shannon shares two messages that have held her and kept her steady.

    [27:39] Shannon gives a shout out to Jivana Heyman's upcoming collaboration with OfferingTree - Chair Yoga is Real Yoga.

    [29:22] Shannon reads another message she received after sharing Rula's episode.

    [34:14] How can we start seeing the connections between us?

    [37:08] The upcoming yoga series, Nourish Your Nervous System, is a great course for anyone who has been feeling stressed.

    [38:33] Shannon shares some other upcoming events and offerings you can check out.

     

    Links:

     

    Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

     

    Quotes from this episode:

    "I am so grateful to those of you who listen to multiple episodes. It's really a complete honor and the podcast exists because of you."

     

    "I want to be able to speak up against harm and oppression because I feel like that's part of yoga."

     

    "We can speak up and make mistakes and be in community."

     

    "In society, we are not taught to get comfortable with anger."

     

    "I am just so grateful when I see a comment on a post that we've made or a podcast that we've done or a message in support of the work that we're doing here on the podcast."

     

    "In these connections, we realize how connected we really are."

    26 February 2024, 9:45 am
  • 53 minutes 9 seconds
    363: Build a Full-Time Private Yoga Career with Mary Reddinger

    The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

    363: Build a Full-Time Yoga Career with Mary Reddinger

     

    Description:

    Teaching private yoga is a topic that often comes among yoga teachers. Questions like about finding and retaining private students, the difference between group classes and private sessions, and how to make sure private students are getting what they need are common. Mary Reddinger shares her insights.

     

    Mary is a full-time yoga teacher and mother to two boys, ages 9 and 5. Mary has practiced yoga on and off for many years, but integrated it into her life after her first pregnancy when she started really seeing the benefits of yoga. Mary also shares a little about her journey to working with perinatal students – she currently teaches prenatal yoga, postnatal yoga and private lessons. In addition to her yoga teacher training, Mary has also studied under Francesca Cervero about The Science of the Private Lesson.

     

    In this episode, Mary gives us a detailed look at her full-time yoga career as a private yoga teacher. She shares how she got started teaching private yoga lessons, what helped her retain her students, how she structures classes with private students and how she manages her schedule as a mother and yoga teacher. Tune in to learn all about the art of teaching private yoga lessons.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [0:17] Hang out with this episode's guest, Mary Reddinger, in Pelvic Health Professionals!

    [3:08] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals!

    [3:44] Check out the upcoming yoga series with Kathleen Pratt - Nourish Your Nervous System.

    [6:16] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Mary Reddinger.

    [10:53] What does Mary do and who does she do it for?

    [11:55] How did Mary build up her private classes as her main business? How did private students find her?

    [14:37] What challenges did Mary face after she completed her yoga teacher training in teaching 1:1?

    [16:43] What did Mary find were the best ways to get the initial few students booked?

    [17:44] How has Mary managed client retention after the initial set of sessions with a student?

    [21:49] Does Mary do mostly online or in-person classes?

    [22:47] What makes Mary's private sessions different from the group classes?

    [26:02] Shannon pops in to share some exciting news about OfferingTree.

    [27:59] Does Mary take notes when she is teaching 1:1?

    [29:13] Mary explains why she goes to the student's home rather than having them come to her or meeting at a studio.

    [34:00] What kind of responses or feedback does Mary get from her students about private sessions?

    [38:03] How does Mary manage her schedule and find balance between teaching yoga and showing up for her family?

    [43:06] Find out more about Mary and her work via her website.

    [43:06] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Mary.

    [50:15] If you would like to support the podcast, do leave a review or make a financial contribution!

     

    Links:

     

    Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

     

    Quotes from this episode:

    "The number one thing I have done to create a full schedule of private students is to tell people that I am a private yoga teacher."

     

    "A lot of yoga teachers do not share that private sessions are something they offer."

     

    "Really the first year of working with a new private student, it's about building your relationship with them and it's about building trust."

     

    "Part of yoga as a practice is noticing what comes up when we are distracted and then what do we need to do to come back."

     

    "In terms of what we're teaching, you can truly make a yoga practice that serves that student that day in the body and the mind they are showing up with that day."

    19 February 2024, 9:45 am
  • 59 minutes 27 seconds
    362: Yoga in Times of War & Violence with Molly Nixon

    The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

    362: Yoga in Times of War & Violence with Molly Nixon

     

    Description:

    Over 110 million individuals have been forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations. As yoga teachers, we might be seeing people who are refugees in our yoga classes — and we need to know how we can support them, even if we don’t know their status. Molly Nixon shares her perspective and experience about how yoga can support us in times of war & violence.

     

    Molly Nixon is the Director and Trainer for Yoga Mandala Project, a grassroots initiative cultivating a community of care among refugees and those serving them around the world while providing tools to support mental-health through yoga and other embodied modalities. As a trauma-informed yoga teacher and teacher trainer, Molly believes yoga is an effective way to support the well-being of refugee communities, and can help to foster dignity, compassion and a sense of a shared humanity. She has spent the past eight years weaving together her passions for yoga, travel and service in the heart of the humanitarian sector while co-creating sustainable projects in Greece, Turkey, Jordan and Iraq.

     

    In this episode, Molly shares her experience of losing her closest friend to violence in the Middle East and how yoga not only supported her in dealing with the grief and trauma in that moment, but also moved her to bring the healing tools of yoga to refugees, genocide survivors, and aid workers. She explains how supporting refugee communities is part of yoga and how we can help, even if we don’t have plans to move to a refugee community and start teaching yoga. Tune in to find out how you can support the work of the Yoga Mandala Project and more.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [0:07] This episode goes beyond just teaching yoga in refugee communities.

    [4:54] Shannon introduces herself and gives a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

    [7:32] Kathleen Pratt shares about the upcoming yoga series in Pelvic Health Professionals: Nourish Your Nervous System

    [8:50] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Molly Nixon.

    [10:45] What does Molly do and who does she do it for?

    [12:12] What does it look like when Molly goes to a refugee camp?

    [14:11] Molly shares a little about how she started doing this work.

    [16:09] Yoga supported Molly through the grief and trauma of losing her friend to violence in Syria.

    [16:58] How did Molly deal with people in her life who were discouraging her from doing this work?

    [18:42] Molly provides some context about how yoga teachers partner with the Yoga Mandala Project.

    [23:20] Connections can be really powerful. Molly shares a little about why connection is a part of the mission of Yoga Mandala Project.

    [26:44] In light of what is happening in Gaza, Palestine, what is Molly's response to people who are saying that we should be focusing more on the hostages instead of what the people of Gaza are experiencing?

    [30:50] How is all of this related to yoga?

    [33:30] Shannon pops in with a quick message about OfferingTree - especially if you dread updating or working on your website!

    [34:53] How can you sign up for a trauma-informed training? How relevant is it to yoga teachers?

    [39:08] Shannon and Molly discuss what people who are menstruating in Gaza are going through now with no access to menstruation products.

    [41:15] What would Molly say to someone who says all this information about Gaza is triggering?

    [46:39] What was one thing from yoga that helped Molly in the aftermath of her friend being taken?

    [50:42] Connect with Molly via the Yoga Mandala Project website or email.

    [52:45] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Molly.

    [54:58] Come hang out in real time in the Pelvic Health Professionals membership!

     

    Links:

     

    Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

     

    Quotes from this episode:

    "The intention behind our work is to create ... community and a culture of care among those experiencing war and violence."

     

    "For me, it really comes down to looking at the intentions of yoga and offering that and making it accessible to people experiencing stress and other impacts of trauma."

     

    "There's all sorts of ways to make a difference even if you can't be on the ground in a refugee camp."

     

    "I think connection is the only way forward for humanity."

     

    "Yoga is not about gymnastics on the yoga mat. It's about living these, living the Yamas and the Niyamas."

    12 February 2024, 9:45 am
  • 54 minutes 39 seconds
    361: Connect to Nature and Your Roots with Tracee Stanley

    The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

    361: Connect to Nature & Your Roots with Tracee Stanley

     

    Description:

    What is our relationship with nature? How do we connect to our roots and our ancestors? Why is all of this important and relevant to yoga? Tracee Stanley shares her insights.

     

    Tracee Stanley is the author of Radiant Rest: Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation and Awakened Clarity and The Luminous Self: Sacred Yogic Practices & Rituals to Remember Who You Are. She is also the founder of Empowered Life Circle, a sacred community and portal of practices, rituals, and Tantric teachings. Tracee is devoted to sharing the wisdom of yoga nidra, rest, meditation, self-inquiry, nature as a teacher, and ancestor reverence.

     

    In this episode, Tracee talks about her journey in seeking a place beyond all sorrow through yoga, and how this is different from turning inward and blocking out external suffering of others. She also shares her perspective on our relationship to nature, how to change it into one of reciprocity and cultivate a real connection through rituals. Tracee also explains our deep connection to our ancestors and how we can tap into their wisdom and learn from them through our practice.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    [1:10] A snippet from this interview with Tracee Stanley about how nature can help us, our loved ones, and our communities.

    [1:42] Shannon expresses gratitude to Tracee for not shying away from some tough questions and gives a brief introduction to herself and her work.

    [6:10] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Tracee Stanley.

    [8:28] What does Tracee do and who does she do it for?

    [11:59] Tracee shares a little about turning inward to find this place beyond sorrow, and how it is different from simply ignoring what is going on in the world.

    [14:50] What is the place that is beyond all sorrows?

    [16:23] How does getting out in nature help people come back to themselves?

    [19:21] What are some of the rituals and practices to start connecting with and being in a reciprocal relationship with nature?

    [21:27] Shannon reflects on how her relationship with her garden has changed since 2020.

    [27:11] Shannon pops in with a message about OfferingTree.

    [28:38] Tracee talks a little about our connection to our ancestors.

    [32:05] Tracee shares her experience of connecting to her ancestral realm.

    [36:22] Shannon talks about looking up her own settler ancestry. Tracee reflects back some insights about this process of reclaiming our roots.

    [41:09] What are some of the rituals that Tracee does now that help her?

    [44:35] Check out Tracee's book on her website.

    [45:06] Tracee has some final words of advice for people who are feeling worn out.

    [46:28] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Tracee.

    [48:39] What's coming up in Pelvic Health Professionals and the podcast?

     

    Links:

     

    Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Pelvic Health Professionals.

     

    Quotes from this episode:

    "If we know that we can also touch into a place that can be revealed to us through stillness and practice. That to me is very hopeful because it becomes an inner resource that we can always go to."

     

    "One of the things that happens when we want to look away and pretend it's not happening is that we're not acknowledging this idea that we are all connected."

     

    "We actually, as human beings, have to take this respite of rest at some point, whether it's seasonal or whether it's during the day or whether it's because the cycle of the news has carried us to a place where we need to take a moment or a day to rest or more than one or two days. But we have to listen."

     

    "Can we, instead of resisting this cold, resisting this time of fallowness, can we welcome the beauty that the snow brings and the cold brings?"

     

    "For most of us, I think that has been lost or forgotten or we feel that it's not important. And yet all of the prayers of our ancestors, all of their memories, all of their knowledge is living in our DNA and it's part of who we are."

     

    "I can't tell anybody what to do. This is why practice is so important because practice, when we get still and silent and we rest, gives us the answer of what is ours to do."

     

    "It really doesn't have to be big, but one little increment of movement in a positive direction can be so helpful."

    255

    What is our relationship with nature? How do we connect to our roots and our ancestors? Why is all of this important and relevant to yoga? Tracee Stanley (she/her) addresses these questions and shares insights about rituals we can practice to go deeper.

    5 February 2024, 9:45 am
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