Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast
Information, support, and inspiration for yoga teachers. Topics include the business of yoga, teaching skills, philosophy, ethical and legal considerations, and more.
Episodes
7 hours ago
7 hours ago
Does your spirit crave to feel reconnected to the earth? To be surrounded by the Tramontana mountains and crystal clear waters? This week, I’m joined by retreat leader Dagmar Spremberg to talk about Mallorca, Spain. Originally overlooked as a party destination, Dagmar now calls Mallorca home and has seen its transformation into a high-end retreat paradise. Together we discuss locations like La Serrania, Son Sion, and Osa Major that offer refuge for those seeking relaxation, recharging, and a quiet connection with nature. If you’re drawn to natural beauty and calming energy, this episode explores what makes Mallorca the perfect destination for your future retreats.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:02:23 Falling in love with Mallorca05:11 Types of retreats that would work best in Mallorca06:19 Mallorca compared to other parts of Spain08:53 Pros and cons of leading retreats in Spain12:16 Recommended retreat centers14:01 Tips for avoiding the crowdEPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat
Dagmar Spremberg Yoga
Follow Dagmar on Instagram @montezumayoga
Follow Dagmar on Facebook
Follow Dagmar on Youtube
Retreat Roadmap
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group
Learn more about the Impact Club
Leave a review on iTunes
Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Italy Yoga Retreats: Pros, Cons, and Tips with Pedro Luna
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
If the idea of coastal sunsets and pasta under the stars is calling your name, a retreat in Italy might be your perfect destination. This week I’m joined by retreat leader Pedro Luna to talk about Italy as a location for hosting a retreat. Pedro has led multiple international retreats and shares two of his favorite retreat spots: Amalfi Coast Yoga Retreats and La Dogana in Tuscany. We discuss embracing the slow-paced Italian lifestyle, and his preference for working with local partners for renting venues. This episode gives insight into the financial, cultural, and logistical challenges that come with planning abroad. If you’ve been dreaming of hosting in Italy, this episode is full of practical tips.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:01:28 Starting a Yoga Retreat in Italy02:12 Understanding Your Ideal Client05:00 Finding Authentic Local Experiences06:39 Working with Travel Partners09:10 Financial Considerations for Italy Retreats11:50 Challenges and Tips for First-Time Retreat Leaders14:27 Recommended Retreat Centers in Italy18:02 Final Advice and Contact Information
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat
Next Level Yoga Community
Follow Pedro on Instagram @yogimemes
Contact Pedro Luna
Retreat Roadmap
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group
Learn more about the Impact Club
Leave a review on iTunes
Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Greek Island Yoga Retreats: Pros, Cons, and Tips with Lily Dwyer Begg
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Clear turquoise waters, a slow-paced lifestyle, delectable food, and rich history are just a few of the features that make the Greek Islands an ideal place to lead yoga retreats. In this episode, my guest Lily Dwyer Begg and I reminisce about a retreat that she led (and I assisted) this past fall on the island of Amorgos. The conversation highlights unique elements of Greek culture and local experiences that can be integrated into a retreat. We also spill the tea on which Islands off the beaten tourist path are most highly recommended by the locals. Tune in to get the inside scoop on leading a yoga retreat in the Greek Islands.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
02:04 Why Greece? Personal Reflections
07:03 How to Integrate Greek Culture with Your Retreat
14:20 Financial Considerations for Retreats
21:43 Potential Challenges
24:49 Choosing a Greek Island
28:08 Retreat Centers and Recommendations
37:55 Final Thoughts and Reflections
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat
Lily Dwyer Begg Yoga
Follow Lily on Instagram @lilydwyerbegg
Follow Lily on Facebook
Retreat Roadmap
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group
Learn more about the Impact Club
Leave a review on iTunes
Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Mexico Yoga Retreats: Pros, Cons, and Tips with Nathania Stambouli
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
If you’re considering a retreat in Mexico, tune in for inside tips from guest expert Nathania Stambouli who has led dozens of retreats there. You’ll hear about the unique aspects of different Mexican retreat locations and cultural experiences such as the Temazcal sweat lodge and Dia de los Muertos. We also explore practical considerations such as safety, tipping cultures, cash usage, and interfacing with the local population to support vendors and artisans.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Introduction and welcome
01:01 Regions of Mexico that are ideal for retreats
02:31 Student demographics and preferences
04:19 Cultural insights and local interactions
08:04 Language and logistics
09:54 Financial considerations and tipping
16:21 Activities and cultural experiences
20:29 Potential challenges and opportunities
26:38 Recommended retreat centers
30:56 Final thoughts and advice for retreat leaders
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat
SoulTribe Adventures
Follow Nathania on Instagram @soultribe.adventures
Follow Nathania on Facebook
Free Arm Balance Training
Retreat Roadmap
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group
Learn more about the Impact Club
Leave a review on iTunes
Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
France Yoga Retreats: Pros, Cons, and Tips with Corine Englander-Bombled
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Explore the diverse options for hosting yoga retreats in France with Corine Englander-Bombled, a seasoned yoga instructor who has lived in France for more than 20 years. Corine shares the unique appeal of various French retreat locations, from mountains to eco-villages to castles. She shares her personal journey, teaching experiences, and key tips for organizing successful retreats. Learn about the cultural nuances, financial considerations, and the importance of preparation and communication. Enjoy this detailed guide to retreats in France to inspire and inform your next adventure.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Introduction to Retreats in France
01:55 Guest Introduction: Corine’s Journey
04:18 First Retreat Experiences
06:56 Running Retreats in France
12:28 Cultural and Practical Considerations
20:57 Recommended Retreat Locations
24:48 The Joy of Running Retreats
26:34 Advice for New Retreat Leaders
29:39 Conclusion and Contact Information
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat
Sasa Roots
Studio Lotus 333
Follow Studio Lotus 333 on Instagram @studiolotus333
Follow Corine on Instagram @corine.sasaroots
Follow Corine on Facebook
Retreat Roadmap
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group
Learn more about the Impact Club
Leave a review on iTunes
Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Costa Rica Yoga Retreats: Pros, Cons, and Tips with Dagmar Spremberg
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thinking of offering a retreat in Costa Rica? Dagmar Spremberg is a retreat leader who lived in Costa Rica for over 20 years. In this episode, she shares her insider’s perspective to help you speed up your planning process and avoid rookie mistakes. Topics include selecting the best time of year, dealing with climate and local wildlife, and financial considerations.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Introduction to the Series and Episode
01:51 Dagmar's Journey to Leading Retreats in Costa Rica
03:01 Types of Retreats and Locations in Costa Rica
07:36 Financial Considerations for Retreats in Costa Rica
09:40 Retreat Center Operations and Payments
12:42 Daily Life at a Costa Rican Retreat
15:20 Challenges and Tips for Leading Retreats in Costa Rica
18:03 The Impact of Leading Retreats
20:25 Advice for New Retreat Leaders
22:26 Conclusion and next steps
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Episode 271: The Power of Place: How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat
Dagmar Spremberg
Follow Dagmar on Instagram @montezumayoga
Follow Dagmar on Facebook
Follow Dagmar on Youtube
Retreat Roadmap
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group
Learn more about the Impact Club
Leave a review on iTunes
Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
How to Choose The Right Location for Your Yoga Retreat
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
The right location can elevate a yoga retreat from excellent to unforgettable. In this episode, Mado and Lily explore the creative process of choosing a retreat location. They share real-world experiences and essential practicalities such as budgeting realistically, navigating contracts, understanding legal requirements, and site visits. Learn how to evaluate venue amenities, accessibility for all participants, the surrounding environment, and the overall atmosphere. This episode is packed with actionable advice for yoga retreat leaders but keeps the fun and joy of leading retreats front and center.
00:00 Introduction: The Impact of Location: How a thoughtful location choice impacts your retreat business over the long term
01:48 Key Considerations: Beyond the Instagram Photo: Go beyond the surface and learn essential factors most retreat planners overlook when choosing a location.
04:37 Balancing Costs & Value: Is Your Retreat Venue Worth It?: Learn how to strategically balance your budget with the value a location offers – and avoid overspending on things that don't matter.
08:08 The Key to Glowing Testimonials. How making bold decisions impacts the students you attract for a specific retreat - and their satisfaction with the experience.
11:37 The Location Selection Process: From Dream to Reality: We break down the exact steps to take, from initial brainstorming to narrowing down your top choices.
14:59 Contract Negotiation: Don't Sign Anything Until You've Heard This: Learn critical contract clauses you need to watch out for to protect yourself and your retreat.
18:22 Accessibility & Travel: Choosing a Do-able Retreat Location for your Students: Consider the budget, needs, and lifestyle of your students before choosing your retreat location.
23:18 Curating the Atmosphere: Setting the Stage for Transformation: Learn how to create an unforgettable atmosphere that aligns with your retreat theme.
27:09 Venue Evaluation: The Checklist You Can't Afford to Skip: Get an inside perspective on how experienced retreat leaders evaluate venues – including the hidden details that can make or break your retreat.
34:51 The Pros and Cons of Site Visits: When do you need them and how to adapt when they aren’t in the budget.
37:23 Final Tips & Encouragement: Your Dream Retreat is Within Reach: Leading retreats is incredibly rewarding and fun - enjoy these tips for getting started.
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Lily Dwyer Begg
Follow Lily on Instagram @lilydwyerbegg
Follow Lily on Facebook
Stream Lily on Soundcloud
Retreat Roadmap
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group
Learn more about the Impact Club
Leave a review on iTunes
Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
The Hustle is Holding you Back
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
This quick episode is a takedown of hustle culture. Hustle culture harms yoga teachers with promises of future happiness - while it drains us of the joy that’s available right now. In this episode, I share thoughts on finding appropriate challenges, the role of boundaries, the awkward phase of flow, and how to cultivate a mindset that fosters fulfillment now rather than someday in the future.
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Focus and Flow Course
Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group
Learn more about the Impact Club
Leave a review on iTunes
Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
10 Reasons Yoga Teachers Struggle with Focus (& How to Overcome Them)
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
High stakes, blurred boundaries, perfectionism, and burnout: no wonder yoga teachers have a hard time staying focused. In this week's episode, I explore ten reasons why maintaining focus is difficult; from social media distractions to the pressure of running a passion-driven business, and offer strategies such as time management, boundary-setting, and self-care. While these challenges are persistent, implementing thoughtful systems and routines can help reclaim creative energy and prevent burnout.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:00:00 The Struggle for Focus and Creative Energy04:23 Reason 1: High Stakes05:55 Reason 2: Over-Identification and Boundaries07:14 Reason 3: Perfectionism and Procrastination08:51 Reason 4: Multiple Hats and Fragmented Attention12:24 Reason 5: Resource Constraints and Energy Drain14:15 Reason 6: Burnout Culture16:01 Reason 7: Social Media Distractions17:04 Reason 8: Information Overload and Mental Clutter19:05 Reason 9: Urgency vs. Importance20:01 Reason 10: Straight Up Burnout22:00 Conclusion: Reclaiming Your Creative Energy
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group
Learn more about the Impact Club
Leave a review on iTunes
Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
How to Teach Better Yoga Workshops
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Got a yoga workshop coming up and want to brush up on your faciliation skills? No matter how well you know your topic, your workshop will flop if you don’t understand how to keep your students engaged. In this episode, I'll share the most common mistakes that workshop leaders make and how to avoid these pitfalls to teach better workshops.
Episode Highlights:
Strategies to capture your students’ attention and engage them in the learning process
Common presentation mistakes and how to turn them into strengths
How to plan your workshops so that you cover what you promised AND leave enough time for closure at the end.
How to make your workshop memorable so your students feel excited for your next event.
Want me to walk you step-by-step through planning, promoting, and presenting a yoga workshop? Check out Workshops that WOW