Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast

Yoga Therapy and the Power of Community with Marsha Banks-Harold

Marsha Banks-Harold is a yoga therapist who specializes in working with people impacted by trauma and/or living with special needs. In this inspiring conversation, she describes her journey from overworked engineer to yoga teacher and eventually a yoga therapist, studio owner, and founder of a non-profit. We dive into the differences between yoga teacher and yoga therapist, the importance of family and community, and her advice for yoga teachers with big dreams who are holding themselves back with self-doubt.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
03:06 Marsha Banks-Harold: engineer, yoga therapist, studio owner, and non-profit founder
04:21 How Marsha discovered yoga & decided to become a teacher
08:48 First teaching experience: adapting to students' needs
12:15 Differences between yoga teaching and yoga therapy
20:06 Building a vision: studio, school, and nonprofit
27:10 Obstacles in her path & how yoga helped
29:56 Family and community as a superpower
34:15 Why it’s important to share your vision
38:36 Marsha’s advice for yoga teachers struggling with doubt
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
PIES Fitness Yoga Studio
Follow Marsha Banks-Harold on Instagram @marshadbanksharold
Contact Marsha: piesfitness@gmail.com or 703-887-9574 
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource 
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The Seat of the Teacher with Shawna Emerick [On-Air Coaching Call]

What does it mean to take the seat of the teacher? Shawna Emerick is an experienced yoga teacher who finds herself feeling like a beginner again as she takes on a new mindfulness meditation certification program. In this relatable discussion, we talk about the very real discomfort that comes with teaching yoga - and how the fact that it never fully goes away is a good thing. Other topics explored include; intuitive and deliberate modes of thinking, the relationship between renunciation and boundaries, and the differences between being a teacher and being a mentor.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
02:10 The Role of a Teacher
03:57 Intuition vs. Deliberation
07:06 Why we need to slow down to speed up
14:22 Does teaching involve renunciation
22:03 How people pleasing harms both teachers and students
25:43 The difference between teaching and mentorship
31:02 The relationship between mentorship and therapy
34:47 Why discomfort as a teacher is not the problem
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Shawna Emerick
Follow Shawna on Instagram @shawnashakti
Listen to Shawna’s previous episode: How to Overcome Fear & Doubt
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
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Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

Yoga Alliance Standards with Kathy Humphrys

Yoga Alliance standards have changed again! In this episode, Kathy Humphrys describes the evolution and impact of Yoga Alliance standards, particularly the recent changes in training requirements. She also provides practical advice for yoga teachers aiming to become registered trainers with Yoga Alliance and shares strategies for successfully creating and delivering high-quality yoga training programs.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
01:10 Kathy’s journey from teacher to teacher trainer
04:08 Why Kathy decided to license Standards
08:08 Yoga Alliance classroom hours - what they mean and how they impact teacher trainings
12:54 Lead trainer requirements
15:38 What it takes to register a school with Yoga Alliance
18:00 Do these new standards help improve the quality of YTTs?
26:08 Immersions vs teacher trainings
29:19 The future of yoga teacher trainings
36:42 The Yoga Alliance Core Competencies
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Ambassador Yoga
Follow Ambassador Yoga on Instagram @yogatrainer.fasttrack
Yoga Alliance
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource 
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Tips for Teaching Anatomy (For Yoga Teachers and Trainers) with Dr. Libby Hinsley

If you’re an anatomy nerd eager to share your enthusiasm for the human body with your students, you’ll love the insider tips and best practices we share in this conversation. Listen in to hear about the balance between clarity and accuracy, the importance of knowing your audience, and the potential pros and cons of incorporating anatomical concepts into asana classes. We also cover special considerations for teaching anatomy in yoga teacher training programs.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
02:51 Pros of including anatomy in yoga classes
04:36 Cons of including anatomy in yoga classes
05:47 Balancing anatomy in general classes
18:13 Considerations for teaching anatomy in teacher training
21:24 What it takes to be an excellent anatomy teacher
26:34 How to handle diagnostic questions
28:47 The most important aspects of anatomy for yoga teacher trainings
32:28 Dr. Libby Hinsley's anatomy training programs
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Libby Hinsley
Anatomy Bites
Anatomy Bites - Embodied Anatomy
Follow Libby on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt
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

Yoga Anatomy Made Easy with Dr. Libby Hinsley

Why is learning anatomy so hard for yoga teachers? In this episode, we discuss the importance of becoming fluent in basic anatomy to accurately speak about the body in your yoga classes. We know anatomy can feel like a foreign language - that’s because it is! But fear not, we have the secret sauce to make it all stick. From our own adventures with anatomy to tips that'll make studying a breeze, this episode is the ultimate cheat sheet for all wanna-be anatomy enthusiasts. Get ready to unleash your inner nerd and build a rock-solid anatomical foundation.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
01:09 Why yoga teachers need basic anatomy knowledge
02:02 Challenges and misconceptions in learning anatomy
03:32 The role of anatomy in your yoga classes
09:13 Our personal journeys in anatomy learning
13:10 Tips for yoga teachers to learn anatomy
18:36 The basics: bones, joints, and muscles
23:24 The importance of context and relevance
28:14 Advanced tips and continuous learning
35:52 Recommended anatomy education programs
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Libby Hinsley
Anatomy Bites
Anatomy Bites - Embodied Anatomy
Follow Libby on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt
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 SpeakP

Retreat Roadmap Behind the Scenes

This bonus episode is a peek behind the curtain of 'Retreat Roadmap'. Listen to hear about each course module, plus a description of the time-saving resources that are included. I'll also explain your options for getting additional live group and one-to-one support. If you've been eyeing Retreat Roadmap and want an inside scoop on what to expect inside the program, this episode is for you.Episode highlights include:
 
00:39 The experience that inspired us to create the Retreat Roadmap
03:46 Course Overview and Structure
05:21 Module 1: Big Picture Planning
08:43 Module 2: Admin and Planning
09:47 Module 3: Marketing Your Retreat
11:06 Module 4: Planning Your Curriculum
11:55 Module 5: Sustainable Retreat Leadership
13:22 Special Offer and Pricing Details
14:45 Mentorship Program Details
20:41 Conclusion and Contact Information
 
Join Retreat Roadmap

Four Reasons to Plan Retreats A Year in Advance with Lily Dwyer Begg

Advance planning can make the difference between filling all rooms and canceling due to a lack of enrollment. In this episode, I chat with my Retreat Roadmap Collaborator, Lily Dwyer Begg, about all the benefits of giving yourself (and your students) plenty of lead time when planning a retreat. 
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
01:02 What changed when Lily increased her retreat timeline from 6 months to 12+ months
05:20 How to make your retreat more financially inclusive
07:31 How to help your students feel more relaxed during your retreat
09:09 Why a longer timeline allows your students to enjoy the retreat BEFORE it even starts
10:07 How a longer timeline gives you more options for where to offer retreats
15:11 Why a longer timeline will help you attract more participants (and earn more money)
16:39 How a compressed timeline skews your ability to judge the potential success of a retreat
22:00 How to stay in integrity when you preach self-care
24:42 Time objections and the best/worst times to lead & launch retreats
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Quiz: What kind of retreat is best for you?
Retreat Timing Guide
Lily Dwyer Begg Yoga
Follow Lily on Instagram @lilydwyerbegg
Retreat Roadmap Online Course
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource 
Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list
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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

Four types of retreats (and how to choose the one that's best for you) with Lily Dwyer Begg

Yoga retreats allow you to share yoga free from the distractions of daily life - while often earning far more than your usual weekly classes. There are four basic types of retreats to consider: day, camping, local, and international. In this episode, we cover the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is right for you. Packed with personal insights and practical tips, this dialogue aims to inspire yoga teachers to organize retreats, explaining the win/win dynamic for both student and teacher.
 
 
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Why we love retreats and four types of retreats to consider leading
01:34 Retreat opportunities for students and teachers
13:24 Day Retreats: A low-risk way to dip your toes into leading retreats
19:33 Camping Retreats: An affordable option for nature lovers
27:03 Local Retreats: Gateway to a deeper practice
33:47 International Retreats: The easiest retreat to fill up and earn a profit
40:07 Conclusion: Choosing the right retreat for you
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Quiz: What kind of retreat is best for you?
Retreat Timing Guide
Episode 226: Yoga Retreat Fundamentals
Episode 233: How to Thrive as a Retreat Leader
Lily Dwyer Begg Yoga
Follow Lily on Instagram @lilydwyerbegg
The Ultimate Retreat Roadmap Online Course
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

12 Tips for Teaching Large(r) Groups

Teaching large groups can be intimidating! But it’s also fantastic for improving your teaching skills and boosting your confidence. This episode focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities involved in teaching large yoga groups. Learn to embrace the challenges of large-group instruction and develop your ability to offer high-quality instruction to groups of any size.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 The benefits of teaching larger groups
05:15 Why teaching large groups is so nerve-wracking
07:02 Why it’s important to keep your class plan simple in a larger group
09:33 How to encourage focus and engagement in a larger group
10:12 How to balance different personality types when it comes to student participation
12:04 How to manage student questions to avoid getting thrown off track
15:06 How to provide an intimate experience in a large group
17:14 Thoughts on physical touch in a large group
19:17 How to bring attention back to you after small group or partner work
21:06 The role of visual aids in a larger group
22:51 How to utilize assistants when teaching a larger group
24:54 How to learn your student’s names (even if you’re usually terrible with names)
26:52 How to facilitate connection between students in a larger group
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource 
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An Anti-Perfectionist Approach to Accessible Yoga with Jivana Heyman

Over the past decade, there has been a welcome push towards a more inclusive approach to yoga. But what does that look like on a practical level? Jivana Heyman has been at the center of the accessible yoga movement as the founder of the Accessible Yoga Project and the author of The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga, Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body. In this episode, Jivana shares an anti-perfectionist approach to accessible yoga that centers the relationship between teacher and student. The conversation delves into insecurities and imposter syndrome, the interplay between teaching and personal growth, and the importance of ethics in guiding both personal and teaching practices.
 
 
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 The philosophy of accessible yoga
01:48 Jivana’s early experiences with yoga
03:30 How yoga helps with emotional regulation
05:59 The impact of social media and information overload
08:43 How to deal with impostor syndrome
13:22 Teaching as a relationship
21:04 Inquiry on the ethics of teaching
27:50 The importance of meeting your students where they are and respecting their preferences
33:41 Perfectionism and people-pleasing
38:30 Kindness as a guiding principle for accessible yoga
42:15 Helping and fixing vs serving 
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Accessible Yoga School
Access all of Jivana’s books here
Follow Jivana on Instagram @jivanaheyman
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