The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

398: Closing This Chapter with Rebecca Sebastian

Change is a natural part of every process and sometimes, that means ending things and stepping away. For the Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast, it is almost time to close this chapter - this is the second-last episode of the podcast. Rebecca Sebastian joins Shannon Crow in this episode to reflect on the process of making big shifts and transitions in business.

Rebecca Sebastian is a long-time yoga teacher and 11-year yoga therapist. She formerly owned an accessible and inclusivity-focused yoga studio which she recently sold, and is the host of the Working In Yoga Podcast. Rebecca is a passionate writer on yoga topics and she participates and loves all things yoga and the yoga industry. She believes that through writing and communication, we can all lift each other up and share what lights us up with the world.

In this episode, Shannon and Rebecca talk about the big shifts each of them are making in their yoga businesses. They share their process, their reflections, and the challenges that have accompanied each of them in this journey. Shannon and Rebecca also discuss how they have navigated the complexities of making the decision to "break up" with their business and what has sustained and supported them through the process.

[0:05] Shannon makes a big announcement about the podcast: This is the 2nd last episode of the podcast.

[3:14] Shannon gives a shout out to the sponsor - OfferingTree.

[3:42] Shannon checks in with Rebecca Sebastian, her guest for this episode.

[5:23] Shannon talks about the decision to officially end the podcast and how it happened.

[6:33] Rebecca shares a little bit of context and her own update of the big changes in her business.

[8:56] What are some of the feelings that came up for Rebecca when she was thinking about closing her studio?

[12:38] Rebecca and Shannon discuss some of the challenges of being an entrepreneur.

[17:56] What is Rebecca working on now? What has been her process since selling the studio?

[20:30] Rebecca and Shannon share the goals they had when they started their yoga-related businesses and how it has been to transition away.

[25:11] Shannon and Rebecca reflect on some of the hard things that guided them in making the decision to "break up" with their businesses.

[30:17] If you are doing the work of changing the world, the first step is to lean into your community, especially when you're feeling despair.

[32:28] Quitting something, even if it's ultimately the right decision, is hard and complicated.

[33:49] Shannon shares a quick message about the sponsor, OfferingTree.

[36:45] It's not breaking up with everything -- it's choosing what's in alignment with you.

[40:34] Rebecca and Shannon discuss the idea of taking care of self.

[41:32] How are Rebecca and Shannon feeling in this moment, in the middle of their shifts in business?

[50:02] Shannon and Rebecca share some of their thoughts and reflections about the closing of this chapter.

[59:05] Shannon shares some final, closing thoughts.

• Rebecca Sebastian

• Rebecca Sebastian on Instagram

• Working in Yoga Podcast with Rebecca Sebastian

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 382: Having Tough Conversations with Rebecca Sebastian

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 304: How Are We Still here? with Rebecca Sebastian

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 297: Yoga Philosophy & Business with Rebecca Sebastian

• Creativity, Inc., by Edwin Catmull and Amy Wallace

• Jivana Heyman

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

"How do you quit something when it's going well? [There are] lots of complicated feelings." - Shannon

"Breaking up with things is hard." - Rebecca

"You just don't have to do the same thing forever, and if you have the skills of entrepreneurship, you can build whatever business you want to." - Rebecca

"The first step is to lean into your community, especially when you're feeling despair." - Rebecca

"Some people get caught up in the idea that they have to justify ending something." - Rebecca

"Building something and having it be a thing that people appreciate is so humbling and gratifying, and it's also ... time for me to build something different." - Rebecca

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

397: How to Suck at Marketing with Brea Johnson

Do you feel overwhelmed by marketing your yoga? It is something that many yoga teachers struggle with - especially when it feels like the world often prioritizes being polished over showing up authentically. Brea Johnson shares her insights about how to suck at marketing – and why that can work for your yoga business.

Brea Johnson is the founder of Heart + Bones Yoga, a globally recognized online platform for anatomy-informed yoga, mobility and inclusive practices for both yoga teachers and everyday people. She has been teaching yoga, anatomy and movement since 2003 and regularly teaches workshops and trainings around the world. At Heart + Bones, Brea offers online yoga, education and teacher training where functional and inclusive practices are celebrated and encouraged.

In this episode, Brea shares what inspired her to start talking about marketing and what we can do when we suck at it. She highlights some common marketing practices that do not align with her values and belief systems and how she navigates the changing social media and online marketing landscape. Brea and Shannon also discuss showing up honestly, imperfectly, and authentically, what motivates them to keep posting about topics that may bring pushback, and much more.

If you feel like your marketing is not "enough" to make a meaningful impact, this episode is for you.

[1:59] Shannon introduces her topic for this episode, marketing, and her guest - Brea Johnson.

[3:45] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree.

[5:37] What does Brea do and who does she do it for?

[8:07] What inspired Brea to start talking about marketing and what to do when we suck at it?

[13:38] What are some things that Brea doesn't do in marketing because they don't align with her?

[17:29] How does Brea turn things that irk her about the yoga world into playful content that educates?

[20:46] How has social media shifted for Brea in the past few years? What are some new trends and changes she is noticing?

[27:10] Shannon and Brea discuss how social media can be a place to let your authentic self shine through.

[34:44] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsor, OfferingTree.

[36:08] What is Brea's advice for when your inner critic shows up to discourage you from marketing your yoga?

[45:54] When we show up and share our values and opinions online, we might get back a lot of hate or pushback. How does Brea deal with that?

[55:27] What keeps Brea posting about "controversial" topics or social justice issues?

[58:42] Shannon and Brea discuss the importance of small actions, even when it feels like those actions may not be making a difference.

[65:49] Learn more from Brea via her website and social media.

[67:08] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Brea.

• Brea Johnson, Heart + Bones Yoga

• Heart + Bones Yoga on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 078: Creating an Online Yoga Studio with Brea Johnson

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 375: Why Marketing is Different Now with Tristan Katz & Brooke Monaghan - The Connected Yoga Teacher

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

"How do I promote what I share, what I do, how I know I can help people, and how my business can help people without falling into that trap of playing to the algorithm?"

"There's something about the consistency and letting go of The so-called vanity metrics and seeing that more broad view of how social media can help connect us."

"What is my why? Why am I even doing this? What is my who? Who am I helping? And what is my how? How am I helping?"

"How can you show up in the way that works for you?"

"This isn't about you. You've got to see the fear and the imposter syndrome and the insecurity and do it anyway."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

396: Yoga for Abortion Care with Sasha Sigel

We live in a time when access to abortion care is increasingly under threat and attacks on reproductive health are intensifying. What does yoga have to do with abortion care and how can yoga teachers support people going through abortion care before, during, and after the process? Sasha Sigel shares her insights.

Sasha Sigel is a pelvic floor yoga teacher, Reiki practitioner, and abortion doula. Sasha is also a cofounder of a queer yoga collective called Be Queer Now, which offers virtual and in-person programming for the queer community. In her work, Sasha focuses on folks in the LGBTQIA+ community seeking pelvic health support as well as offering trauma-informed, gender-affirming practices. When Roe v Wade was overturned in 2022, she trained to be an abortion doula where she supports folks going through abortion care with accurate information and practical, emotional, and physical support.

In this episode, Sasha shares more how how yoga intersects with reproductive justice and how we can lean on the foundational values of yoga to guide us in supporting people through their reproductive choices. Sasha also explains how yoga is more than just movement – it is a liberatory practice that can offer space for validation, rest, and healing, especially for those who've experienced abortion or miscarriage. Tune in to learn more about the barriers many people face when accessing care, how community doulas and yoga teachers can safely show up, and why normalizing abortion as a part of human healthcare is a crucial part of our work as compassionate spaceholders.

[2:20] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsor, OfferingTree.

[2:46] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sasha Sigel.

[4:51] What does Sasha do and who does she do it for?

[8:37] What does abortion have to do with yoga?

[10:03] What are some quick-bites that Sasha shares with people who may not have considered that abortion is healthcare?

[15:43] How does yoga help people through the journey of abortion care?

[21:42] How can yoga teachers support their students going through an abortion or post-abortion emotionally and with their language?

[23:38] What are some words or phrases that are unhelpful to a person after abortion? What are some ways yoga teachers can reassure them?

[27:51] What has Sasha's experience been with yoga offerings that support people who have received abortion care?

[30:05] Shannon pops in with a message about OfferingTree.

[32:09] What is Sasha's advice about looking up information online and resources for people who live in a place where abortion care isn't available?

[36:45] How does Sasha approach marketing her services as an abortion doula and making sure that people know support is available?

[40:09] Does Sasha have to deal with online hate or misinformation?

[41:32] Where does Sasha suggest a yoga teacher start if they are wanting to get more involved in offering abortion care and support?\

[45:06] What would Sasha say to someone who has gone through abortion care or are considering it?

[47:24] Shannon shares a book that has resonated with her on the topic.

[48:48] Learn more about Sasha and her work via her website or social media.

[50:26] Sasha shares some final thoughts for yoga teachers about abortion care.

[54:29] Shannon and Sasha discuss how people might think that certain things would never happen in their country or state and that's an assumption worth challenging.

[56:52] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation.

• Sasha Sigel

• Sasha Sigel on Instagram

• Aborsh — A podcast about abortion in Canada

• Guttmacher Institute

• Center for Reproductive Rights

• Signal

• DuckDuckGo

• Shout Your Abortion

• AbortionFinder.org

• New York Abortion Access Fund

• National Network of Abortion Funds

• The Great Simplification Podcast - Jeremy Grantham: "The Baby Bust: How The Toxicity Crisis Could Cause the Next Economic Crash"

• Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings

• Looking for Jane, by Heather Marshall

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

"Yoga is a liberatory practice and reproductive justice and healthcare is something that's under attack right now in terms of folks having agency over their own body."

"Use non-assumptive, non-judgmental language. We don't know why this person got an abortion. We don't know what their experience was. So our main role is going to be listening to whatever information they do give us."

"How people report their experience after an abortion is often mixed and complicated, but very seldom is the main emotion or experience regret."

"This is not new. This is something that we have the right to, and our bodies have been doing since the beginning of humans being alive."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

395: Anticolonial Philosophy & Yoga with Shyam Ranganathan

Yoga philosophy can sometimes feel overwhelming, inapplicable to the modern problems we face today, or just too abstract. Dr. Shyam Ranganathan, a repeat guest on the podcast, has a gift for breaking philosophy down in a way that we can relate to.

Dr. Shyam Ranganathan is a philosopher, author, researcher, and leading voice in anti-colonial philosophy, as well as the founder of the Yoga Philosophy Institute. He specializes in the study and translation of philosophy, especially South Asian philosophy and Yoga. In his recent book, Yoga — AntiColonial Philosophy, Shyam explores yoga as a decolonial tradition and how we can reconnect to that legacy in our modern practice.

In this episode, Shyam explains how colonialism shows up even in yoga philosophy, and how we can apply the practice of yoga and yoga philosophy to the many social justice issues we face in the world. He shares more about Ishvara Pranidhana (devotion to sovereignty), samskaras (rituals and practices), and how we might apply them to our daily lives to take back agency and practice yogic behavior. Tune into this conversation if you are seeking to be inspired by how philosophy can be a tool for liberation.

[2:04] Shannon gives a shout-out to sponsor, OfferingTree.

[3:08] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Dr. Shyam Ranganathan.

[6:20] What does Shyam do and who does he do it for?

[8:06] How did Shyam choose the title of his book, Yoga — AntiColonial Philosophy?

[9:27] Why is it that yoga philosophy does not often give a platform to the voices of South Asian yoga teachers and authors?

[13:35] Shyam reflects on how education is not really about learning but about training people to follow instructions.

[16:39] How does the practice of yoga and yoga philosophy apply to the many social justice issues we are facing in the world?

[21:40] Shyam explains the concept of Ishvara Pranidhana (devotion to sovereignty) in more concrete terms with some examples.

[24:19] What is the practice to get out of being stuck in our own prejudices?

[26:23] What are samskaras in yoga and how do they affect us?

[29:55] Shyam shares how we can take back and redeploy our agency instead of getting stuck in loops and patterns.

[31:58] Shannon pops in to give a shout-out of thanks to OfferingTree.

[33:25] Simply practicing yoga is the easiest way to disrupt the harm of colonialism.

[34:47] Shannon and Shyam discuss how challenging certain laws may be a part of resisting colonialism and is yogic behavior.

[39:47] Shyam explains what he means by "the real philosophical practice is what one does where one already is in relationship to the people that are already in one's life."

[44:51] What is a practice that can be a first baby step for someone who has not explored much of yoga philosophy?

[46:57] What might the first moment of conscious thought look like when we are showing up as an ally for ourselves? Shyam talks about what the practice of yoga can look like in our daily lives.

[51:31] Shannon and Shyam discuss the future of (de)colonization.

[57:35] Shannon and Shyam chat about how he felt writing the book and how Shannon felt reading it.

[58:49] Connect with Shyam via his website or on Instagram to learn more.

[59:18] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation.

• Dr. Shyam Ranganathan

• Dr. Shyam Ranganathan on Instagram

• Yoga AntiColonial Philosophy by Dr. Shyam Ranganathan

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 269: Yoga Philosophy and Colonialism with Shyam Ranganathan

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

"The fact that people do self-select in this way speaks to a kind of an actual fear of learning."

"What we call education, especially in the West, is not really education. It's geared to getting us to follow instructions."

"Every kind of bigotry or small-mindedness is part of just not being free from those past experiences."

"What happens is we don't see our agency when we're in these patterns and loops because our agency is hidden by these patterns, but our agency is what's powering it. So we have to find a way to redeploy our agency."

"You can't be working on your autonomy and also being colonized at the same time."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

394: A Pep Talk to Share Your Yoga with Shannon Crow

Taking a big leap can feel scary and overwhelming, and you may be filled with doubt and hesitation. You may feel imposter syndrome creeping in, start procrastinating, or simply feel unable to take the first (or next) step. In this episode, Shannon shares her pep talk to motivate you (and herself) to make the leap.

Shannon has been considering the idea of starting a farmer's market for some time now, but is also struggling with taking the heap. She shares how she knew it was the right time to start taking baby steps towards making her dream a reality and what that might look like for you. Shannon also shares some advice on overcoming doubts and fears that creep in, explains why connection and collaboration can help move you forward, and tips to stay motivated and take action.

If you are feeling nervous or overwhelmed and are procrastinating on launching something new in your yoga business, this is the perfect episode for you.

[0:32] Shannon shares something she learned while working at M'Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Center.

[8:15] Shannon gives a shout out to the podcast sponsor, OfferingTree.

[9:42] The inspiration for this episode came from Shannon's own fears and hesitation.

[13:58] How do you know when it's the right time to take a big leap or launch something new?

[17:15] It can feel comfortable to stay in the dreaming, planning, and wishing stage, but when you're constantly thinking about it, it's time to start taking baby steps towards making it happen.

[19:13] Once you have the motivation to do the thing, where do you start?

[20:57] If it starts to feel overwhelming, think back to all the things you've already done to prepare for this moment.

[24:36] If you are feeling overwhelmed about not having a website or not knowing how to set up the tech side of things, OfferingTree can be a great solution.

[26:36] How can you deal with the fears and doubts that creep in?

[31:31] Consider collaborating and building connections with others to help you along the journey.

[33:10] Mark and celebrate your wins and successes along the way.

[33:28] Are you launching something new? Share in the comments, the Facebook group, or send Shannon a voice message.

• M'Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre

• Bannock Recipe

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 319: Do I Need Another Yoga Training? with Shannon Crow

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 392: Concussion Recovery & Yoga with Shannon Crow

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

"I have ideas all the time. ... But when they really stick and they just keep coming back, that's when I know, OK, this is one that I really have to listen to."

"When your message gets bigger than your fears, it's time."

"Think back to what you've already done to prepare for this moment."

"Because failure or being wrong on something is literally just feedback. It's just more learning so we can do better."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

393: Opening a Yoga Studio with Michael Jay

Have you ever thought about opening a yoga studio? Perhaps you own a yoga studio and have been wondering how to take it to the next level. If you've ever had questions about owning or running a yoga studio, Michael Jay is the expert to talk to – and on this episode, he shares his insights.

Known as the yoga biz champ, Michael Jay has over 26 years of experience in the yoga world. Michael has taught yoga, run a successful yoga studio, and now focuses on helping yoga studio owners thrive and build a profitable business. Dedicated to elevating yoga studios from mere survival to genuine thriving, Michael provides yoga studio owners with clear, actionable advice based on insights from his hands-on experience and Certified Business Consultant background.

In this episode, Michael shares his journey to yoga and into the world of running a yoga business. He talks about what it takes to start and grow a studio and how he sold his own studio to a yoga teacher. Michael also gives tips on how yoga studios can create financial stability, the best strategies for marketing a yoga studio, and why being on ClassPass may not be such a great thing. He highlights the importance of community building and explains why planning ahead is essential for building a thriving yoga business. Whether you own a studio, are dreaming of opening one, or just need some tweaks for your own yoga business to make it more sustainable, this episode is for you.

[2:22] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Michael Jay.

[3:44] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree.

[6:06] What does Michael do and who does he do it for?

[13:32] How did Michael transition from teaching yoga to running his own yoga studio?

[21:13] Michael talks about how useful OfferingTree has been in helping him run his business.

[25:05] If you are interested in checking out OfferingTree, use Shannon's discount code at offeringtree.com/shannon.

[25:45] How important is a business mindset for running a yoga studio?

[28:17] What are some things yoga teachers who are thinking about starting a yoga studio should consider to prepare themselves?

[33:27] Offering a signature series can be a profitable way to run a yoga business.

[35:50] If you're offering a yoga series, support it by doing some additional marketing with automated emails.

[38:09] How many classes should be in a yoga series?

[39:19] What are Michael's thoughts on using ClassPass in your yoga studio?

[45:13] What would the ideal payment structure be for a yoga studio?

[47:05] How can yoga studio owners figure out what the best times are for classes?

[52:33] What are some things yoga studio owners could save themselves the headache of if they prepared in advance?

[55:40] Michael shares some strategies for marketing yoga studios.

[61:06] Learn more from Michael on his podcast, Yoga Biz Champ, or book a free chat with him.

[65:38] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Michael.

[69:12] Shannon shares a quick update about her recovery.

• Michael Jay

• Yoga Biz Champ Podcast

• Book a call with Michael Jay

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 277: Yoga and Land Acknowledgement with Jessica Barudin & Emmy Chahal

• How I Broke Up with ClassPass - Sarah Morgan Red Sun Yoga Yoga Biz Champ with Michael Jay

• Michael Jay on OfferingTree.

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 392: Concussion Recovery & Yoga with Shannon Crow

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

"If you're passionate about it, dial into your superpowers and get help on the things that you need help on."

"You can run a very, very good business with a signature series."

"The best way to do [email marketing] is: teach a class, and then create a follow-up email based on that class, and then you build your automation sequence ... as you go along."

"Learn how to do a dedicated landing page for your series."

"First of all, you need to know what your mission, vision, and values are."

"There's never been a better time for an independent business, whether a solo practitioner or a studio."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

392: Concussion Recovery & Yoga with Shannon Crow

As yoga teachers, we don't often expect to become the student. Shannon Crow recently had a concussion and a health scare. As a result, she has had to shift from her role of yoga therapist to patient and student. She shares the unexpected challenges in her concussion recovery journey.

In this episode, Shannon talks about how grateful she is for all the people who reached out after she shared that she had experienced a concussion and health scare. She reflects on her recovery journey, including how difficult it has been for her to step into the role of patient and student. Shannon also shares some of the things that have helped in her recovery journey, including her yoga practice with Ray Zott.

This has been a challenging time for Shannon but has reminded her about the impact that yoga teachers can have on their students' lives. Whether you're teaching or practicing yoga, this episode is a reminder of the power of patience, community, and showing up for one another.

[1:49] Shannon is sharing an update on her concussion recovery journey in this episode and the role yoga has played.

[3:37] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree.

[4:39] Shannon gives thanks to everyone who reached out to her with well wishes after she shared about her concussion and health scare.

[6:42] Shannon reflects on her experience being a student in healing and recovery this week.

[9:13] Shannon shares more about her yoga experience in supporting her healing journey post-concussion.

[12:05] Shannon gives a shout out to OfferingTree and talks about how she uses it in her business.

[13:48] Shannon's physiotherapist has reminded her that the process of healing can be frustrating but it's important to take it easy.

[16:27] If you're teaching, you may not always realize how much of an impact you're making.

[18:43] If you are going through your own healing journey, you are not alone.

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 391: Yoga for Wheelchair Users with Rodrigo Souza

• Proactive Physio Plus (Owen Sound, Canada)

• Ray Zott

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

Ray Zott's Yoga Practice

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

"You are moving forward, but there definitely are setbacks on that healing journey, especially with a concussion."

"It's a huge reminder also of how profound the yoga practice can be when you're living through something that's so challenging."

"What really stood out to me was the way the intention and the slow pace and matching that breath and movement can make such a deep impact."

"If you're teaching, you may not always realize how much of an impact you're making."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

391: Yoga for Wheelchair Users with Rodrigo Souza

How can we make yoga classes more inclusive and accessible to wheelchair users? What are some dos and don'ts when it comes to working with differently-abled people? Rodrigo Souza shares his insights and perspectives.

Rodrigo Souza is the founder of Allihopa Yoga. After experiencing a life-changing spinal cord injury, Rodrigo turned his journey of recovery into a mission to make yoga accessible for all bodies. He shares adaptive yoga with people who have experienced trauma, loss, and disability while helping them find comfort, joy, mindfulness, and acceptance in their unique experiences.

In this episode, Rodrigo invites us to consider the language we use and how to be more inclusive with the words we use. He also shares his personal experiences with disability and being a wheelchair user, while reminding us that mistakes are a normal part of learning to be more inclusive. Rodrigo provides tips on practical ways to create more welcoming yoga spaces as well as guidance on teaching yoga to wheelchair users.

Whether you are seeking ways to adapt your yoga lessons to be more inclusive or simply want to challenge your assumptions, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

[2:09] Shannon gives a shout out of thanks to sponsor, OfferingTree.

[2:52] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Rodrigo Souza.

[5:24] What does Rodrigo do and who does he do it for?

[8:44] Shannon and Rodrigo discuss some of the terminology and language around people in wheelchairs.

[10:58] What are some key things yoga teachers could change with their language?

[14:24] Shannon shares a mistake she made when talking about a wheelchair user.

[17:09] Rodrigo talks about the Golden Rule when it comes to working with wheelchair users.

[19:31] It is important for us to diversify our friend circle, or at the very least, our social media feeds.

[22:33] Rodrigo shares his experience tackling internalized ableism.

[25:46] Shannon pops in with a few messages for listeners, including a shout out to sponsors, OfferingTree.

[27:42] What has Rodrigo's experience been as a wheelchair user attending a regular yoga class?

[30:21] Shannon and Rodrigo discuss how YTTs often tend to be rigid and not focused on inclusion, accessibility, and equity.

[33:02] What are some variations of yoga poses that yoga teachers can offer to students who are wheelchair users?

[40:16] What are some resources available to yoga teachers who want to make their yoga classes more accessible to wheelchair users?

[42:10] Rodrigo is starting to write a book - he shares a little about some of the themes he will cover.

[47:21] Rodrigo explains how yoga has helped him deal with pain.

[51:24] Find out more about Rodrigo and learn from him via his website and social media.

[53:07] Shannon shares some of her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Rodrigo.

[55:56] Shannon shares a personal update. The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast turns 8!

• Rodrigo Souza, Allihopa Yoga

• Rodrigo Souza on Instagram

• Accessible Yoga Ambassador & Mentorship Program

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 365: How to Teach Accessible Yoga with Jivana Heyman

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 092: Accessible Yoga Begins with Language with Elliot Kesse, Chantel Ehler and Katie Juelson

• The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga (Podcast Series)

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 289: Limb Difference and Yoga with Melissa D'Errico

• Nemahsis

• Nemahsis says her label dropped her for her pro-Palestinian stance | CBC Arts

• Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga - Resources by The Connected Yoga Teacher

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

"Mistakes are a step for us to learn."

"I think a teacher should never feel sorry for the student. That is the wrong power dynamic you have in the room if you go that way."

"Every mistake is a learning opportunity."

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

390: Yoga for People with Limited Energy with Katie Blecker & Audrey

People with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or other health conditions may have limited energy. As yoga teachers, what are some things we should know when teaching people with limited energy? What are some things that are helpful, and what should we avoid? Katie Blecker and Audrey share their insights as yoga teachers with limited energy.

Katie Blecker is a yoga teacher, advocate, and visual artist. Her lived experience with complex chronic illness informs her worldview and inspires her passion for disability advocacy. In her work as a trauma-informed yoga facilitator both online and in-person, Katie focuses on supporting folks who live with chronic illness and pain, disability, and chronic stress using tools such as therapeutic asana, pranayama, and meditation.

Audrey also is a yoga teacher and advocate whose experience with complex chronic illnesses informs her way of practising and teaching. As a disabled and neurodivergent person, her philosophy is that the practice will adapt to the person, not the other way around. Audrey devotes herself to sharing the transformational tools of yoga with other people so they too can find a practice that serves them, where community, access, and joy are centred.

In this episode, Katie and Audrey share their personal journeys with chronic illness and how these experiences have shaped their inclusive teaching methodologies. They explain what "limited energy" means and how it differs from someone who is simply more tired than usual, and how their own conditions influence their work as yoga teachers. Katie and Audrey also highlight the importance of adapting yoga practices to individual needs, the role of community in fostering a supportive environment for those with chronic conditions, and how yoga teachers can best support people with limited energy.

[2:20] Shannon introduces her guests for this episode - Katie Blecker and Audrey.

[8:31] What work does Audrey do and who does she do it for?

[10:21] What does Katie do and who does she do it for?

[11:58] What are CFS and ME? Katie and Audrey share a little about these chronic conditions.

[15:02] What are some things that Audrey has found unhelpful in a yoga class because it does not work well for someone with limited energy?

[19:45] Having limited energy is not just about feeling more tired than usual. Katie explains the distinction.

[23:55] What do yoga teachers who are working with people with limited energy need to know?

[30:48] Shannon pops in to share a little about OfferingTree.

[33:13] Katie invites us to take a step back and reflect on why we might feel the need to "fix" or "help" someone through yoga.

[35:33] What are some of the benefits of yoga for people with limited energy?

[42:15] How do Katie and Audrey show up for their work as yoga teachers as people with limited energy?

[50:21] Find out more about Katie and Audrey's work via their websites and on Instagram.

[54:33] How do Katie and Audrey speak up for social justice when they have limited energy?

[63:13] Speaking up for social justice is not a sprint, it's a marathon, and it is important not to make it a competition.

[70:08] Shannon shares her takeaways from this conversation with Katie and Audrey.

[74:22] Shannon shares a quick personal update.

• Audrey

• Audrey on Instagram

• Katie Blecker

• Katie Blecker on Instagram

• Yoga for People with Limited Energy 5-week Series

• Cozy Yoga Winter Series

• Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga - Resources by The Connected Yoga Teacher

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

"Limited energy is like a profound absence of being able to create energy through the body. It's not being tired, it's a severe level of fatigue that can't really be recovered from on a day to day level. ... We start out with almost an impairment in energy on a daily basis." - Katie

"First and foremost, remembering that our students are the experts in their own bodies and their own experiences." - Katie

"Yoga will not heal or fix any anyone." - Audrey

"It's important to look at all of the wonderful practices of yoga and not always focus on Asana and movement." - Audrey

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast

389: Cultivating Self-Acceptance with Donna Noble

Sometimes, we can be very hard on ourselves (or others). We may feel we need to change parts of ourselves, look or behave in certain ways, or have certain things in order to be better. How can we overcome this kind of thinking? Donna Noble shares her insights.

Donna Noble is a yoga teacher and advocate for inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity in yoga. In her work, she is focused on disrupting the yoga and wellbeing space to make it more inclusive and diverse and is on a mission to create welcoming spaces for everyone—regardless of body type, background, or ability. She aims to bring people who feel unwelcome in mainstream yoga spaces to explore yoga and enjoy its benefits. Donna is also an author and wellbeing coach.

In this episode, Donna shares her inspiring journey of using yoga to overcome personal challenges, including Bell's palsy. She explains her philosophy on self-acceptance, the importance of gratitude in self-love, and the transformative power of mindfulness. Donna also offers some powerful insights about how we can go about addressing unconscious biases and fostering social justice in yoga.

[0:20] Shannon reflects on some of the current crises we are experiencing.

[3:05] Shannon shares a personal anecdote wondering why we are all so hard on ourselves at times.

[4:49] This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree!

[5:28] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Donna Noble.

[6:37] What does Donna do and who does she do it for?

[7:55] What does Donna tell people who think they may be limited in some way so they can't do yoga?

[9:34] What are Donna's thoughts on the topic of self-love?

[11:19] What are some things that helped Donna in accepting her body and in her yoga practice?

[14:52] What practices does Donna suggest for a person who is comparing themselves to others and beating themselves up?

[20:29] Shannon pops in with a message about OfferingTree.

[21:47] Donna clarifies the difference between acknowledging the negative thoughts and working on changing them, and engaging in toxic positivity.

[26:54] Shannon and Donna discuss the internal work that we need to do of looking at our biases and also why it's important not to invalidate other people's experiences even if they are not the same as yours.

[31:59] Donna talks a little about her yoga journey and how and why she become body positive.

[35:33] How did Donna move towards body positivity and self-acceptance?

[38:49] Shannon pops in to share a note about the harm caused by Bikram (the person, not the yoga style).

[40:09] Donna shares how yoga has impacted her life.

[43:02] Shannon and Donna discuss how social justice is a part of yoga.

[45:50] Shannon and Donna reflect on the relationship between self-love and ahimsa.

[47:41] Check out Donna's book and her website to learn more about body positive yoga.

[50:02] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation with Donna.

• Donna Noble

• Donna Noble on Instagram

• Teaching Body Positive Yoga by Donna Noble

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 312: We Stand With Survivors with Rebecca Sebastian & Colin Hall

• Ecosia

• Anti-Oppression, Inclusion and Accessibility in Yoga - Resources by The Connected Yoga Teacher

• The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Team

• Shannon Crow on Instagram

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

"I see that so many people want to do yoga, but because of what the mainstream is saying, they don't think it's for them. So I try to debunk it as much as possible."

"If you're doing yoga and you have a body, you have a yoga body."

"If we can appreciate our bodies for all the things that it does for us without asking. We become accepting of ourselves and see that we are fine as we are."

"A lot of us are out there fighting the good fight and creating the change, and sometimes we don't even realize the impact or the changes that we're making."