March 27, 2023

The Funny Thing About Yoga

Updated Cues for Chair Pose and Hogwarts Banter

Episode No. 7

Tune in to this very fun episode where Giana and Bradshaw break down chair pose from the feet upto the head. They detail some outdated cues and the reason behind them, and give you suggestions on how to alter or update the cue with a bit more knowledge. As with any sort of education, do your own research, try these cues out for yourself and create an embodied experience before making any assessments. We encourage you to take what you like and leave the rest, but never stop being curious. Of course this chat is filled with tangents that’ll bring you right to Hogwarts or inside an x-rated movie. If you don’t want away from this episode with new and improved cues to use for chair pose, we know you will have at least smiled a little bit. 

00:00 Intro

00:30 Welcome back to the Pod and be a part of It! 

01:15 What you all wanted to hear about today and CAYA update

2:30 Chair Pose

3:14 Lets talk about the Feet 

8:30 Lifting your Toes in Chair

10:24 Whats going on with the Pelvis in Chair 

16:32 Twisted Chair Pelvis cues

19:30 Bradshaw goes on a Harry Potter tangent 

21:15 Whats going on with the Shoulders

29:47 Our Preference for the Head and Gaze in Chair

33:07 Summary of How to Cue Chair

35:16 Cancel, Explore, Commit

38:03 The Funny Thing About Yoga

41:31 Wrapping Up!

42:24 Outro

Follow Us on Instagram:

@TheFunnyThingAboutYoga @CayaYogaSchool @GianaGambino @BradshawWish

Join us in Joshua Tree: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/joshuatree 

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

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

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

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

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

Email: [email protected]

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

March 20, 2023

The Funny Thing About Yoga

Water Cooler Moment with Margo Lightburn:

We Literally Talk About Everything

Episode No. 6

Margo Lightburn joins Giana and Bradshaw on the podcast this week and they honestly talk about everything. Margo shares so much wisdom from her years of teaching and being in the business in a way that is honest, personal, and captivating. From revealing a recent diagnosis to assessing her career path and goals, we quickly learn Margo is so much more than yoga and yet we talk about It all: how to conserve your energy, the process of de-idolizing your teachers and advancing your knowledge, sharing your inspiration, the commercialization of yoga and the over saturation of the field, feeling like a satellite and finding community, agism, music, and so much more. We need to have Margo back because we could have gone on forever and you’ll understand exactly why. It’s so easy to fall in love with Margo, so give this episode a listen and let us know what you think!

00:00 Intro

1:22 Who do we have on the Pod? Margo Lightburn !

1:55 Get to know Margo Lightburn!

6:03 Recent ADHD Diagnosis

10:13 Growing up in LA

12:14 Margo has a Message

14:13 Water Cooler Moments and Social Media

19:17 How to find an energy balance with teaching

22:08 Processing Trauma and Yoga Industry Bullshit 

23:30 Bradshaw, you’re still a white male

27:35 Agism in the Industry 

32:32 How You do Anything is how You do Everything

34:34 Getting Stuck as a Teacher

37:33 Your Yoga Teachers Don’t Have All the Answers

43:10 We Talk Corporate Yoga 

48:10 Credit Your Teachers

52:12 Music, Playlists, and Krishna Das

55:17 The Funny Thing About Yoga

1:34:00 Outro 

Follow Margo on Instagram at @margolightburn

You can Find Us Here : @thefunnythingaboutyoga @cayayogaschool @gianagambino @bradshawwish @margolightburn

Margo Lightburn: https://margolightburn.com/

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

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

Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thefunnythingaboutyoga/

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

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

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

Email: [email protected]

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

March 13, 2023

The Funny Thing About Yoga

Burnout & Inspiration: Plus we get vulnerable and make you laugh

Episode No. 5

This week Giana and Bradshaw talk about their experience with Burnout. They both detail how many classes they were teaching weekly when they experienced burnout. And they also cover the ways in which they help mitigate burnout. Overworking is sometimes necessary, especially for financial security, but there are ways you can arrange your schedule and organize your teaching plans to help lighten the load. You’ll have to listen to hear a ton more tips and tricks, but also listen to the hilarious moments and also heartfelt. This is the first episode where we hear Bradshaw get truly vulnerable, but of course these two still keep the conversation light. From talking blush to staring into the souls of strangers, you won’t want to miss one sound bite. 

00:00 Intro

00:30 Welcome: Let’s Talk About Burnout 

01:12 Giana’s Experience with Burnout

02:49 How to Manage a Hefty Teaching Schedule

03:53 Commuting Contributes to Burn Out 

07:18 Twenty-Five Classes a Week is More than 25 Hours

08:24 Sequencing can Help with Burn Out

09:37 Burn-out is Hard 

11:35 You Need a Day Off!

14:07 Bradshaw Talks about his Experience with Burnout

15:23 Bradshaw gets Personal

19:36 The signs of Burnout and Losing your Practice

21:51 Boundaries and Energy Reserve

23:03 What Can You do About Burnout?

24:53 Taking Time Off Can Save your Career

25:57 Running Retreats for Teachers is Not a Vacation

27:10 Say NO! Its ok

27:56 How to Make your Job Easier? And Stay Inspired!

28:48 Whats Inspiring Bradshaw Right Now!

31:21 Practice for However Long and Wherever your Comfortable

34:00 An Inspired Teacher Inspires Students

34:28 Giana Shares Whats Inspiring Her

36:09 Online Trainings May be More Financially Feasible

37:00 The Funny Thing About Yoga

52:48 Five Star Reviews Only

Follow Us on Instagram:

@TheFunnyThingAboutYoga @CayaYogaSchool @GianaGambino @BradshawWish

Join us in Joshua Tree: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/joshuatree 

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

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

Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thefunnythingaboutyoga/

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

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

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

Email: [email protected]

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

March 6, 2023

The Funny Thing About Yoga

The Business of Creating Community with Melissa Talleda

Episode No. 4

This week Giana and Bradshaw bring on yoga teacher and managing partner of Chicago’s Zen Yoga Garage, Melissa Talleda! Curious about what It was like to take over the daily operations of a busy yoga studio right at the start of the pandemic? Well, tune in to hear Melissa talk about the ways in which this popular studio had to adapt during these turbulent times and how they continue to create community. Melissa has truly embraced the flow and learned a lot along the way. Bradshaw, Giana and Melissa detail everything that makes Zen Yoga Garage Special - they talk about being approachable, creating happy workers, diversity and inclusivity, and even share silly stories from around the studio. You’ll definitely laugh at their banter and maybe even feel inspired. 

00:00 Intro

00:30 Giana and B discuss their plans for the day

00:52 Who do we have on the Pod today? Melissa Talleda!

02:20 We’re going to Sedona

04:29 Let’s hear from Melissa !

05:50 Melissa and Zen Yoga Garage 

08:45 Find Yoga Young as a Dancer

10:19 Taking over a Studio at the beginning of a Global Pandemic 

16:15 The Many Layers and Shifting of Schedule

17:35 Prioritizing and Supporting Teachers through tough times

20:05 Yoga Business Decisions and Happy Workers

21:11 How Melissa’s background as a creative inspired innovation to withstand challenges 

23:08 Is this field performative?

25:45 Yoga teachers are humans too

26:19 The current shifts that feel a little bit more normal 

27:20 Pandemic wasn’t just the Pandemic, It was a Social Revolution!

29:13 Everything is being Recorded 

29:57 Theres something special about the Zen community 

32:00 Take the Yoga teacher off the Pedestal 

34:27 Zen’s commitment to Diversity and Inclusion and plans to do better

36:40 Representation on the Roster 

41:28 The biggest Challenges and Rewards

43:00 Late Arrivals and being Timely

45:00 Zen Still Live Streams!

48:48 The Funny Thing About Yoga 

55:24 Being around People who get It

56:59 Zen Gossip- ish

58:44 What its like when Bradshaw and Giana teach at the same time 

1:00:10 Where to find Zen Yoga Garage

1:01:03 Whats coming Up

Zen Yoga Garage: https://www.zenyogagarage.com/

Join us in Sedona: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/sedona

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

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

Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thefunnythingaboutyoga/

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

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

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

Email: [email protected]

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

February 27, 2023

The Funny Thing About Yoga

Harness Your Humor with Jack Workman 

Episode No. 3

Episode 3 features our first very guest, Jack Workman. Giana, Bradshaw and Jack speak about humor and yoga and contemplate humor’s place in the yoga room. They reveal what they were attracted to in their yoga teachers and how they’ve been inspired to utilize humor in their own classes. Jack opens up about his use of instagram and his humorous yoga reels which have gone viral. He talks about pressure to be funny and Bradshaw relates by always feeling a need to be “on.” The three of them detail the different yoga vibes between their respective cities as they compare San Francisco to Chicago. And eventually Giana begins to talk about how when you’re teaching in a comfortable environment how your personality can shine through more authentically. They all offer a little bit of advice to new teachers around being yourself and not forcing anything if you’re not feeling It. Finally concluded with three hilarious stories about virtual yoga, being exposed, and mandala flows. Enjoy this episode !

00:00 Intro

00:30 Whats on the Schedule today?

01:22 Jack Workman Introduction

4:30 Jacks Talks About Yoga Comedy Instagram Reels versus Real Life

6:45 Bradshaw Relates His Perspective on Using Humor in the Yoga Room

8:25 Does Humor have a Place in the Yoga Practice?

11:30 Giana relates to Jack about how the teaching environment effects your personality

12:25 Jack talks about using humor in a strategic way

14:05 Jack gives advice on how to explore humor in your classes as a teacher

16:25 Humor takes you out of the physical challenge 

18:10 Jack talks Yoga in the Media versus being Real

20:37 Giana talks about how humor helped her as a new student 

22:00 Jack talks about being yourself and finding authenticity in your own way 

24:29 Bradshaw talks about including some softness behind the humor

25:58 Jack gives advice to new teachers

28:20 Bradshaw sparks a conversation about the yoga scene in different cities

37:30 Is there pressure to carry on your teachers teachings in SF?

40:40 Jack about doing what feels natural on social media

47:30 Jacks Instagram blowup

50:20 Where you can find Jack!

51:37 The Funny thing About Yoga

57:20 Wrapping It Up 

Jacks Yoga Journal Article: https://www.yogajournal.com/teach/how-to-harness-your-humor-as-a-yoga-teacher/

Join us in Sedona: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/sedona

Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thefunnythingaboutyoga/

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

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

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

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

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

Email: [email protected]

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

February 20, 2023

The Funny Thing About Yoga

Theres a Style of Yoga for Everybody and Other Silly Things

Episode No. 2

In this episode Giana and Bradshaw talk about several different styles and forms of Modern Yoga practices. They believe that there is no one size fits all practice, however, there is a style of yoga for every body. It may take some time and practice to find the style of yoga you resonate with most, but with the information in this episode the hosts aim to provide you with a starting point. They talk about Ashtanga Vinyasa, Vinyasa, Hatha, Bikram, Hot Yoga, Yin and Restorative. While you learn about these styles, both hosts share a several personal stories about injury, what they like about teaching some of these styles, and the nervous system, among other things. Stay tuned for their funny stories to hear the unbelievable twist you’d never expect. 

00:00 Podcast Intro Song

00:30 Bradshaw and Giana talk about whats on their minds.

01:00 Different Styles of Yoga and How to Find the One for You

2:05 The Hatha Yoga Umbrella 

5:24 Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

9:28 Different Ways to Practice Ashtanga

11:05 Mysore

12:28 Sitting Forward Bends & Asymmetrical poses

14:08 Repetitive Stress Issues

14:37 Binding 

16:20 Vinyasa Yoga

18:42 Sequencing Vinyasa

18:58 Subcategories of Vinyasa

19:30 Vinyasa varies Dependent on your Teacher

20:30 Hatha at Your Local Studio

21:42 Simple Hatha Transitions

23:00 Hatha is Great for Beginners, Aging bodies or for Slowing Down

25:28 Bikram Yoga

29:54 Bikram Versus Hot Yoga

35:12 Yin Yoga

37:33 Yin Sequencing and Holds

38:50 Yin Variations

39:34 What We Like about Teaching Yin

42:43 Restorative Yoga and the Differences between Yin

45:06 You Need Time to Restore

46:52 Regulating your Nervous System 

49:50 Synopsis: There is a Style of Yoga for Every Body 

51:36 The Funny thing About Yoga 

56:57 What to Expect Next Week

57:53 Outro

Hatha Family Tree Illustration by Michael A. Hill : https://www.michaelahill.com/portfolio/hatha-yoga-tree-and-breathe

Join us in Sedona: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/sedona

Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thefunnythingaboutyoga/

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

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

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

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

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

Email: [email protected]

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

February 13, 2023

The Funny Thing About Yoga

The Funny thing about Yoga is US: Get to know your hosts, Giana Gambino and Bradshaw Wish

Episode No. 1

In this Episode, the hosts introduce themselves and detail how they found the yoga practice, what made them dedicate themselves to It, and how they began teaching yoga. They reveal how they came together to collaborate on yoga teacher trainings, retreats and this podcast. They share their approach to teaching, their influences and training experience, and how the pandemic strengthened their partnership. You can support the podcast by liking, reviewing, and subscribing, as well as spreading the word. If you feel called to take time for yourself and practice with Bradshaw and Giana you can join them in Sedona for a yoga retreat on March 31 - April 3, 2023. And while the hosts are knowledgeable and serious, they also keep things light by ending the episode with a funny story. Join us again next week !

00:00 Podcast Intro Song

00:30 Welcome!

02:00 Giana Tells her story 

07:00 How Giana started Teaching

10:00 Bradshaw Tells his story

12:45 How Bradshaw started Teaching

16:30 How Bradshaw and Giana came together 

20:20 Gym Yoga

24:15 Boundaries and Energy

25:15 Our Collaborative Vision: C.A.Y.A Yoga School

26:00 Our Approach to Teaching

26:30 How the Pandemic strengthened our Partnership

30:25 Why we are doing this podcast

33:55 How you can help support us 

34:35 Join us in Sedona and a bit about Retreats

35:35 What is the funny thing about yoga?

39:50 Goodbyes

Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thefunnythingaboutyoga/

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

Join us in Sedona: https://www.cayayogaschool.com/sedona

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

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

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

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

Email: [email protected]

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