November 13, 2023

The Funny Thing About Yoga

Astrology, Yoga, and Our Stars with Mahlet Yared

Episode No. 40

This week Giana and Bradshaw have on Astrologer Mahlet Yared. They have so much fun talking about their charts, but only after diving into the link between yoga and astrology. Aside from the long history of both yoga and astrology linked in the Vedic period, there are also strong planetary influences that may indicate if you’re involved in a career regarding health, wellness, or service. Mahi breaks It all and makes It palatable for the complete astrology beginner. Plus you’ll get to know you’re two lovely hosts on a more intimate level. If you feel inspired to learn more about your chart, check out the list of resources Mahi shared with us at the bottom of these show notes. And don’t forget she is available for private readings. Thank you so much for listening. If you're enjoying this podcast, share It with friends! And don’t forget you can win a t-shirt through the end of November when you rate, review, and subscribe. Thank you for Listening!

00:00 Intro

00:30 Welcome Back Announcements and Introduction

03:40 All about Mahlet Yared

08:15 Yoga and Astrology 

12:20 Mahi’s Signs 

13:30 Big Three: Sun, Moon, Rising

17:20 Gemini Moon in Giana and Bradshaw’s Chart

22:06 Bad Reps, The Truth, and The Hands 

25:45 Energy and Intuition  

27:40 Virgo Rising Vs. Virgo Sun

31:47 Aquarius Sun, Venus, and Mercury 

33:30 Complimentary energy between Venus in Libra and Aquarius 

37:28 The link between Queer and Poly and Venus in Aquarius 

39:10 Libra Venus- Finding Potential 

41:00 Bradshaw Thinks Everyone Is Hot

42:25 Libra and Indecision

45:10 Mars, Mercury, and Air Energy

47:50 Our Partnership Was Written in the Stars

49:22 7th House of Partnerships

50:20 Finding the Houses and Different House Systems

51:28 Vedic System Accuracy 

53:20 Jupiter and Healing

59:30 Where to Begin Learning About Astrology

01:00:30 Where to Find Mahi

01:02:00 The Funny Thing About Yoga 

01:05:20 Intuition and Astrology

01:10:15 Closing Thoughts and Goodbyes

Mahlet Yared Web & IG https://justonegursha.com/ | @justonegurusha

Mahi’s Recommendations: https://www.astro-seek.com/ + Apps: Time Passages, Chani, The Spark

Follow Us on Instagram:

@TheFunnyThingAboutYoga @CayaYogaSchool @GianaGambino @BradshawWish

Curious about our 200-hour? https://www.cayayogaschool.com/nicaytt

Join us in Nicaragua: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/nicargua

Join us in Starved Rock: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/starvedrock

Join our Substack for bonus content: https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/?r=2m1azy&utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web

Learn more about C.A.Y.A. Yoga School: https://www.cayayogaschool.com

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November 05, 2023

The Funny Thing About Yoga

Giving It Your All with Yoga Entrepreneur Pedro Luna

Episode No. 39

This week Giana and Bradshaw have on Pedro Luna, the creator of YogiMemes, Yoga with Pedro, and Next Level Yoga Community. Giana and Pedro met a decade ago during YTT in Costa Rica and briefly taught at the same South Florida studio afterward. Witnessing Pedro's career blossom into all that he has accomplished today has been nothing short of inspiring. He’s done It all, from bringing people joy with his memes and tweets, hosting real conversations on the Yogi Show Podcast, creating an online community and large beach yoga following, to building an app and sharing virtual meditations and classes, and that's not even all! This episode addresses topics like growth, partnerships, building confidence, taking risks, investing in yourself, and dreams for the future. Pedro gets things done and he loves to help others along the way because, at the heart of It, the community is what drives him. Pedro reminds us that if you're passionate about what you're doing and dedicated to staying the course, everything will fall into place. 

If you're enjoying this podcast, share It with friends! And don’t forget you can win a t-shirt through the end of November when you rate, review, and subscribe. Thank you for Listening!

Follow Pedro Luna @yogawithpedro and @yogimemes

For More Information about Pedro: https://www.nextlevelyogacommunity.com/  

Follow Us on Instagram:

@TheFunnyThingAboutYoga @CayaYogaSchool @GianaGambino @BradshawWish

Curious about our 200-hour? Check It out: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/nicaytt

Join us in Nicaragua: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/nicargua

Join us in Starved Rock: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/starvedrock

Join our Substack Newsletter to Receive extra bonus FUNNY THING content:

https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/?r=2m1azy&utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web

Be Featured on the Podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSck2nTNc_UlcCKBhZId5DmDwoU6aslkFfGKtdz-1uSo-HNY8g/viewform

Learn more about C.A.Y.A. Yoga School: https://www.cayayogaschool.com

Subscribe to our C.A.Y.A. Newsletter: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/contact

Giana’s Website: https://www.gianayoga.com/ 

Bradshaws Website: https://www.bradshawwish.com/

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October 30, 2023

The Funny Thing About Yoga

Backbend Basics & Banter 

Episode No. 38

Giana and Bradshaw talk all about backbends today beginning with Upward Facing Dog pose. Though this pose is one of the most repeated backbends in a vinyasa yoga class, they explain how It is not often broken down in enough detail so It can be polarizing. Not only do they explain the alignment and differences between an updog and a cobra pose, but they also break down prone backbends, kneeling backbends, standing backbends, and supine backbends. They stress the importance of sequencing progressively and finding balance, and they encourage teachers and students to explore the many benefits of the lower range of motion backbends. Of course, they share some tips, funnies, and ridiculous banter along the way. 

If you're enjoying this podcast, share It with friends! And don’t forget you can win a t-shirt through the end of November when you rate, review, and subscribe. Thank you for Listening!

00:00 Intro

00:30 Welcome Back Chit Chat 

03:50 Let's Talk Backbends!

06:48 Backbends are Polarizing

07:39 Upward Facing Dog

10:35 Cobra versus Updog

13:10 The Problem with Cuing Alignment in Flow Classes

15:20 Lower Range of Motion Backbends

17:32 Bringing Balance to the Body

21:20 Low Range of Motion Backbends Bring More Benefits 

23:25 Different Styles of Backbends

25:22 Prone Backbends 

29:55 Kneeling Backbends

35:54 Reclining Backbends

39:24 Standing Backbends

42:30 Summary 

43:15 Pregnancy and Backbends

46:14 Tips for Crunchiness

47:12 First Crushes

50:30 Cancel, Explore, Commit

51:40 The Funny Thing About Yoga

55:17 Closing Thoughts and Announcements

Follow Us on Instagram:

@TheFunnyThingAboutYoga @CayaYogaSchool @GianaGambino @BradshawWish

Curious about our 200-hour? Check It out: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/nicaytt

Join us in Nicaragua: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/nicargua

Join us in Starved Rock: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/starvedrock

Join our Substack Newsletter to Receive extra bonus FUNNY THING content:

https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/?r=2m1azy&utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web

Be Featured on the Podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSck2nTNc_UlcCKBhZId5DmDwoU6aslkFfGKtdz-1uSo-HNY8g/viewform

Learn more about C.A.Y.A. Yoga School: https://www.cayayogaschool.com

Subscribe to our C.A.Y.A. Newsletter: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/contact

Giana’s Website: https://www.gianayoga.com/ 

Bradshaws Website: https://www.bradshawwish.com/

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The Funny Thing About Yoga

Q&A: Studio Sequence Requirements, Teaching with a Mat, & Comped Classes for Perspective Teachers

BONUS EPISODE #7

October 25, 2023

Once a Month, You can anticipate a special bonus episode where we answer YOUR questions! In this extraordinary bonus episode, we answer a few questions submitted to us by listeners. Today we banter and talk about Giana's current teaching problem and then get to listener questions. We talk about socializing before class and deviating from the flow. If you have a question, please submit It to the podcast to be featured and start a discussion!

Submit a Question Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSck2nTNc_UlcCKBhZId5DmDwoU6aslkFfGKtdz-1uSo-HNY8g/viewform

00:00 Welcome to Bonus Episode 7!

03:00 Question #1: Studio Sequence Requirements

11:20 Question #2: Teaching with a Mat

16:50 Question #3: Comped Classes for Perspective Teachers

26:42 Closing Thoughts and Announcements

200 HOUR YTT: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/nicaytt

Follow us on IG:

@thefunnythingaboutyoga @cayayogaschool @gianagambino @bradshawwish

www.gianayoga.com

www.bradshawwish.com

www.cayayogaschool.com/podcast

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October 23, 2023

The Funny Thing About Yoga

The Student-Teacher Paradigm Shift LIVE from Zen Yoga Garage

Episode No. 37

This week Giana and Bradshaw bring back Melissa Talleda, Managing director of Zen Yoga Garage to host an in-studio event and podcast recording. On Friday, October 20th the three of them co-taught a 60-minute yoga class demoing different teaching styles then the group stayed for the live and interactive podcast recording. In this week's episode, you will hear the discussion that took place that night. The teacher-student paradigm was at the forefront of this conversation, and Giana began by discussing a few of the many ways the relationship has changed. They talk about what students look for in a teacher, hands-on assists, the business side of things, different teaching and learning styles, and so much more. Not only do these three detail their experiences as young students and how that experience shaped their yoga world, but how with more knowledge and growth they continue to show up as teachers in a changing field. Navigating these shifts- be It COVID, Me Too, Black Lives Matter, or the Body Positivity movement, has greatly influenced how they show up to the yoga room. And these same social movements have also affected how students receive and perceive information. So has the rise of on-demand virtual classes, mediated imagery of "yoga," social media scrolling and so much more. From shorter attention spans to multiple sources of information, teachers are often left feeling defeated. Ultimately this discussion poses two major questions: how can teachers better serve their students? And how can students become better students?

Follow Us on Instagram:

@TheFunnyThingAboutYoga @CayaYogaSchool @GianaGambino @BradshawWish

Subscribe to Substack to Receive extra bonus FUNNY THING content:

https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/?r=2m1azy&utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web

Curious about our 200-hour? Check It out: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/nicaytt

Or check out our retreats:

Nicaragua: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/nicargua

Starved Rock: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/starvedrock

Be Featured on the Podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSck2nTNc_UlcCKBhZId5DmDwoU6aslkFfGKtdz-1uSo-HNY8g/viewform

C.A.Y.A. Yoga School: https://www.cayayogaschool.com

Giana: https://www.gianayoga.com/ 

Bradshaw: https://www.bradshawwish.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 16, 2023

The Funny Thing About Yoga

We Talk Nonsense, then Get Serious about Sequencing 

Episode No. 36

The title says It all: this episode begins with casual banter that spirals into a lot of nonsensical talk between Giana and Bradshaw. It's a conversation that paints a clear picture of their dynamic, which often involves Giana trying to lay out the foundation and Bradshaw bouncing to the beat of his own drum. After chatting about therapy, water aerobics, nudity, language, conjugal visits, gonorrhea, and vaginas they finally take a deep breath and focus. They get serious about sequencing and talk about why It is so important to have a plan and blueprint. They also share really great advice, especially for new teachers, and emphasize the importance of simplicity and consistency. The end with a game of cancel, commit explore, and share funny etiquette and ego stories. Please share this episode with friends, and don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Through November you can win a T-shirt for your review!

00:00 Intro

00:30 Welcome to A Live Podcast From The Road

06:43 Upcoming Events

09:30 Bradshaw can’t be Managed

12:40 OK, All things SEQUENCING!

17:23 Why Is It Important?

21:25 Improvising is a Skill

22:03 Know What You're Trying to Teach 

23:45 Consistency is Key

29:53 Subbing and Sequencing

32:08 The Importance of Simplicity 

37:15 Mentorship is Helpful

38:50 Recap and Advice

44:00 Bringing in the Spiritual, Mental, Emotional

45:52 Cancel, Commit, Explore

47:09 The Funny Thing About Yoga

53:40 Final Thoughts and Goodbyes

Follow Us on Instagram:

@TheFunnyThingAboutYoga @CayaYogaSchool @GianaGambino @BradshawWish

Curious about our 200-hour? Check It out: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/nicaytt

Join us in Nicaragua: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/nicargua

Join us in Starved Rock: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/starvedrock

Join our Substack Newsletter to Receive extra bonus FUNNY THING content:

https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/?r=2m1azy&utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web

Be Featured on the Podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSck2nTNc_UlcCKBhZId5DmDwoU6aslkFfGKtdz-1uSo-HNY8g/viewform

Learn more about C.A.Y.A. Yoga School: https://www.cayayogaschool.com

Subscribe to our C.A.Y.A. Newsletter: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/contact

Giana’s Website: https://www.gianayoga.com/ 

Bradshaws Website: https://www.bradshawwish.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 9, 2023

The Funny Thing About Yoga

Teaching Opportunities, Auditions, and All Things Money

Episode No. 35

This week Giana and Bradshaw talk about the different places yoga teachers can teach, auditioning, and all things money. They share their years of experience in teaching at several venues, creating opportunities for themselves, and cultivating the necessary business skills to be your own boss. They bring full transparency to this conversation to help inspire you- whether you’re a seasoned teacher yourself or newly certified. Many of the topics discussed are often taboo, yet they believe that yoga teachers need to look out for one another. There is no gatekeeping here- you can anticipate hearing about the going rates in Chicago, their lowest-paying gigs, how to negotiate pay, and the audition process. While the information can be very helpful, especially for newer teachers, this field is not always pretty or glamorous. As Giana settles back into Chicago, she is deep in It herself. As she says, if you have the passion and drive for teaching yoga and walking this path, there is a way to make a comfortable living. They hope this conversation helps inspire you to find your way.

 If you find this episode helpful, please share It with your yoga teacher friends. And as always, please rate, review, and subscribe!

00:00 Intro

00:30 Welcome to A Live Podcast From The Road

05:30 Making Money and Getting Jobs

06:45 Different Places to Work as a Yoga Teacher

10:10 Creating Opportunities for Yourself

14:35 Gyms Versus Studios

21:45 Teaching at Yoga Studios

31:15 We’re Still Figuring It Out

35:15 Audition Formats 

42:10 Advice for Auditions

44:45 Money Money Money!

51:58 Advice on Negotiating Rate

57:45 Cancel, Commit, Explore

58:30 The Funny Thing About Yoga

Follow Us on Instagram:

@TheFunnyThingAboutYoga @CayaYogaSchool @GianaGambino @BradshawWish

Interested in becoming a Yoga Teacher? Learn about our 200 Hour Program Here:

https://www.cayayogaschool.com/nicaytt

Nicaragua Yoga Retreat: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/nicargua

Starved Rock Yoga Retreat: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/starvedrock

Be Featured on the Podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSck2nTNc_UlcCKBhZId5DmDwoU6aslkFfGKtdz-1uSo-HNY8g/viewform

Join our Substack Newsletter to Receive extra bonus FUNNY THING content:

https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/?r=2m1azy&utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web

C.A.Y.A. Yoga School: https://www.cayayogaschool.com

Giana’s Website: https://www.gianayoga.com/ 

Bradshaws Website: https://www.bradshawwish.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 2, 2023

The Funny Thing About Yoga

Live From Joshua Tree: The Ebbs and Flows of Practice 

Episode No. 34

Giana and Bradshaw record live from their retreat in Joshua Tree, California this week. They talk about taking time off to be students in Los Angeles beforehand and how It was important to fill up their cups before leading the retreat. Not only did they feel inspired and reconnected to their personal practice but they also discuss the broader ebbs and flows of practice. They discuss the logistics that hold them back and ways in which they could hold themselves accountable and recommit to being a student. They also have attendees listening in and 

00:00 Intro

00:30 Welcome to A Live Podcast From The Road

03:25 The Ebbs and Flows of Practice

08:40 Yoga Buddies for Accountability

10:00 Growing as a Teacher

11:10 Giving It Your All

12:35 Ego or Motivation?

16:01 Inner Monologue 

19:02 Gender Diversity in the Yoga Room

21:55 Insecurity about the Ebb and Flow

23:02 Taking Classes and Finding Teachers

27:34 Commitment and Convenience

31:30 The Ebbs and the Flows are a Cycle of Growth

33:10 Feedback from our Retreat Attendees

35:10 A Good Reminder

39:02 The Funny Thing About Yoga

41:32 Cancel, Explore, Commit

43:27 Announcements & Goodbyes 

Follow Us on Instagram:

@TheFunnyThingAboutYoga @CayaYogaSchool @GianaGambino @BradshawWish

Join our Substack Newletter to Receive extra bonus FUNNY THING content:

https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/?r=2m1azy&utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web

Join us in Nicaragua: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/nicargua

Join us in Starved Rock: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/starvedrock

Be Featured on the Podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSck2nTNc_UlcCKBhZId5DmDwoU6aslkFfGKtdz-1uSo-HNY8g/viewform

Learn more about C.A.Y.A. Yoga School: https://www.cayayogaschool.com

Subscribe to our C.A.Y.A. Newsletter: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/contact

Giana’s Website: https://www.gianayoga.com/ 

Bradshaws Website: https://www.bradshawwish.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 25, 2023

The Funny Thing About Yoga

Reflecting and Growing with Alison Riazi 

Episode No. 33

This week Giana and Bradshaw talk with Alison Riazi a fellow Chicago Yoga Teacher with a ton of experience. From her early days in Corepower training to a big move to New York to pursue dancing, then a move home to Chicago and so much more, Alison has done It all. They talk about rebuilding your career with moving and other yoga teacher milestones and transitions. They also touch on the energy output, teaching online, 200 hour trainings and stepping into the teacher's teacher role. You can anticipate tangents and laughs around also have dating as a yoga instructor, special moments in class, and backhanded student insults. You are sure to feel part of this chat during this episode. Enjoy the listen and don't forget to share the love by rating, reviewing, and subscribing. We love you!

00:00 Intro

00:30 Welcome to the Podcast Alison Riazi

01:28 Alison's Journey to Teaching

06:20 Hot Yoga and 2010

08:50 Going Full Time and Further Education

10:30 NYC teaching spots

13:08 Moving Back to Chicago

15:10 Starting Over and Rebuilding 

17:45 Becoming Teachers Teachers

18:45 Leading 200-Hour Yoga Trainings and Insecurities 

22:45 Teaching Online

26:37 Adapting as a Yoga Teacher

29:05 Quick Transition to Virtual

30:45 Changing Your Teaching Style for Online

34:55 The Energy Output and Editing

39:15 Reviewing Old Recordings and the Sound of Our Voices

41:55 It's All About Energy

45:00 Creative Outlets

51:05 Dating As A Yoga Teacher

52:18 The Funny Thing About Yoga

01:03:30 Where to Find Alison and Goodbyes

Follow Alison at @alisonriaziyoga

Follow Us on Instagram:

@TheFunnyThingAboutYoga @CayaYogaSchool @GianaGambino @BradshawWish

Join our Substack Newletter to Receive extra bonus FUNNY THING content:

https://thefunnythingaboutyoga.substack.com/?r=2m1azy&utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web

Join us in Nicaragua: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/nicargua

Join us in Starved Rock: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/starvedrock

Be Featured on the Podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSck2nTNc_UlcCKBhZId5DmDwoU6aslkFfGKtdz-1uSo-HNY8g/viewform

Learn more about C.A.Y.A. Yoga School: https://www.cayayogaschool.com

Subscribe to our C.A.Y.A. Newsletter: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/contact

Giana’s Website: https://www.gianayoga.com/ 

Bradshaws Website: https://www.bradshawwish.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Funny Thing About Yoga

Q&A: Socializing Before Class & Deviating from the Flow 

BONUS EPISODE #6

September 21, 2023

Once a Month, You can anticipate a special bonus episode where we answer YOUR questions! In this very special bonus episode, we answer a few questions submitted to us by listeners. Today we banter and talk about Giana's current teaching conundrum and then get to listener questions. We talk about socializing before class and deviating from the flow. If you have a question, please submit It to the podcast to be featured and start a discussion!

Submit a Question Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSck2nTNc_UlcCKBhZId5DmDwoU6aslkFfGKtdz-1uSo-HNY8g/viewform

00:00 Welcome to Bonus Episode 6!

04:57 Question #1: Socializing Before Class

11:50 Question #2: Deviating from the Flow

24:00 Closing Thoughts and Announcements

Follow us on IG:

@thefunnythingaboutyoga @cayayogaschool @gianagambino @bradshawwish

www.gianayoga.com

www.bradshawwish.com

www.cayayogaschool.com/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.