  The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast   323: Finding Support in Yoga Philosophy with Sunita Patil      Description:   Yoga philosophy is an important part of yoga. Yet, interpreting and applying those principles to our modern lives can be difficult. So how can we find support for our yoga practice in the sutras and yoga philosophy? Sunita Patil has some insights.     Sunita has over 30 years of experience in the personal practice of yoga. Over the past 20 years, she has taught thousands of students in Australia, USA, and India. Sunita has studied Yoga and Meditation, Sanskrit, Ayurveda, and the Vedas and Upanishads with teachers from around the world. Today, she offers mentoring sessions, group sessions, talks, workshops to bring the wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda into day-to-day life.     Sunita explains about how we can make yoga, yoga philosophy, and the teachings from the sutras simple and adaptable to our daily life, and what the true essence of yoga philosophy is.  Shannon and Sunita also discuss self-care for yoga teachers, how to maintain peace and calm in our hectic lives, and so much more.     Key Takeaways:   [2:32] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sunita Patel.   [5:02] What does Sunita do and who does she do it for?   [7:36] How can yoga philosophy support yoga teachers?   [16:14] What are Sunita's thoughts on the different translations or interpretations of yoga philosophy out there?   [20:10] Sunita talks a little bit about the first principle of yoga.   [24:58] What are some of Sunita's takeaways from the character of Arjuna in the Gita?   [26:37] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree.   [28:26] What are some of Sunita's ideas of how to incorporate yoga into our daily lives?   [34:39] What are some things that Sunita does to bring calm and ease to her life?   [43:12] Sunita shares some inspiration from yoga philosophy for yoga teachers who might be feeling that life is a lot right now.   [53:01] Get in touch with Sunita via her website and social media.   [54:19] Shannon shares her biggest takeaway from this conversation with Sunita.     Links:     Balance Flow Yoga: 7-Week Online Series with Shelly Prosko  (Code: BALANCE)    Sunita Patil    Sunita Patil on  Instagram     The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 297: Yoga Philosophy & Business with Rebecca Sebastian     The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 269: Yoga Philosophy and Colonialism with Shyam Ranganathan     The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 142: Living the Sutras with Kelly DiNardo     The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 243: What Yoga Texts Should I Read? with Chase Bossart    Shannon Crow on Instagram    The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group       Gratitude to our Sponsors,  OfferingTree  and  Pelvic Health Professionals.     Quotes from this episode:   "With the yoga philosophy, it's basically coming back to stillness."     "My always intention is how can I make it simple to adapt to my life, this modern life?"     "This is the beauty of yoga like you can adapt it according to your need."     "As we grow in the practice, we will change the practice."  

323: Finding Support in Yoga Philosophy with Sunita Patil

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast is a place where yoga teachers can tune in each week to learn, connect with community and gain inspiration. After a yoga teacher training it can feel like being left out in the wilderness for yoga teacher entrepreneurs. The business side of yoga is often not talked about as much as philosophy, anatomy and other topics covered in a yoga teacher training. This podcast addresses the questions and challenges that yoga teachers face. Hear interviews with yoga teachers and other professionals on a variety of topics.

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  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:    Checka Antifonario    Checka Antifonario on  Facebook  and  Instagram     The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 287: Insurance for International Yoga with Beth McVeigh & Joe Fagan    Yoga for Humankind on Instagram (@yogaforhumankind)    Tender Warrior Co. on Instagram    Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals    Shannon Crow on Instagram    The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group    Pelvic Health Professionals  (Get a free month using the code Connected2024)       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."

371: Organizing a Yoga Retreat with Checka Antifonario

  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:    Meg Sangimino    The YogaBiz Podcast by Meg Sangimino    Previous Episodes on Email Marketing      176: Email Marketing Strategy with Jessica Stansberry     139: Grow Your Yoga Business via Email with Tarzan Kay     072: Email & Content Strategy [Consultation Call] with Kristen Boyle     The Connected Yoga Teacher Live Show: Episode 9: Create and Grow Your Yoga Student Email List     Podse.io    The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 369: Struggling to Write Content is Normal with Billie Smith    Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals    Shannon Crow on Instagram    The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group    Pelvic Health Professionals       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."  

370: Is Email Marketing Dead? with Meg Sangimino

  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:    Billie Smith, Move With Billie     Rebel Movement Podcast with Billie Smith    Billie Smith on  Facebook,  Instagram,  Pinterest,  YouTube, and  Spotify    Shannon's Viral Reel     Nourish Your Nervous System, 6-Week Online Series with Kathleen Pratt in Pelvic Health Professionals    Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals     Support the podcast     The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team    Shannon Crow on Instagram    The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group    Pelvic Health Professionals       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."  

369: Struggling to Write Content is Normal with Billie Smith

  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:    Jennie MacGoy    Jennie MacGoy on LinkedIn     The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 161: Get Your Yoga Online in 48 Hours with Jennie MacGoy     Nourish Your Nervous System, 6-Week Online Series with Kathleen Pratt in Pelvic Health Professionals    Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals     Support the podcast     The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team    Shannon Crow on Instagram    The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group    Pelvic Health Professionals       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."  

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

  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:    Jennifer Parker    Previous Podcast Episodes on Money     366: Get Okay with Making Money with Chioma Njoku      330: Connect with Your Money with Shannon Crow     295: Make Money Teaching Yoga with Betty Welsh     280: Get Paid as a Yoga Teacher with Shannon Simmons     141: Let’s Talk Money with Katie Brauer    042: Money Mindset with Geraldine Carter     154: Bookkeeping for Yoga Teachers with Kelly Christian     329: Why Separate Bank Accounts? with Shannon Crow     Mint: Budget Tracker & Planner     Nourish Your Nervous System, 6-Week Online Series with Kathleen Pratt in Pelvic Health Professionals    Guest Speakers in Pelvic Health Professionals     Support the podcast    Shannon Crow on Instagram    The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group    Pelvic Health Professionals       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."

323: Finding Support in Yoga Philosophy with Sunita Patil

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