The Funny Thing About Yoga

By C.A.Y.A. Yoga SchoolHealth & Fitness

The Funny Thing About Yoga episodes

November 03, 2025Unlearning the Roles That Raised Us
We kick things off in true us fashion: chatting about the seasons changing, a brief (and unnecessary) detour into rigor mortis, Bradshaw trying to order Uber Eats mid-record, and Giana casually moving the recording time to close a sale. There’s even an off-hand joke about sharing a boyfriend and a debate about whether straddle pressing actually counts as pressing (it does- justice for straddle pressers).
And just a heads-up: if you’re here for the actual episode, it begins around minute 16. We believe in a proper warm-up.
Once we finally settle in, we dive into therapy, identity, and unlearning the roles we grew up with. As two middle kids who landed on opposite ends of the personality spectrum- one a performing tornado of energy, the other a perfectionist who once tried to have no needs. We talk about how we’re now, hilariously, trying to learn each other’s strengths in adulthood.
Giana’s finding her voice and escaping decision-fatigue prison; Bradshaw’s learning to not always be “on” and to let other parts of himself shine. We explore the difference between anxiety and intuition, how to feel into your body for clarity, and what inner safety and reparenting really look like.
There are laughs, lightly unhinged tangents, a headstand-gone-wrong story, and even a brief wish that brick-laying had been the career path. Through it all, the thread is clear: we’re here, growing out loud, figuring ourselves out, and finding humor and community in the messy, beautiful middle.

Join us at the Castro Room, November 15th from 1-3 PM

** CHECK OUT OUR 300-HOUR PROGRAM **

🌊 Upcoming Retreats
Todos Santos, Mexico Retreat: December 4-8, 2025
Nicaragua Yoga Teachers Retreat: February 2026 (2 Spots Opened)
Starved Rock Retreat: June 12-14, 2026
Amalfi Coast Yoga Retreat: July 25 - August 1, 2026

Support our podcast: Join Patreon

📚 Read the Podcast Blog: The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack

📲 Follow Us: @thefunnythingaboutyoga | @cayayogaschool | @gianagambino | @bradshawwish

🌐 More Links: gianayoga.com | bradshawwishyoga.com | cayayogaschool.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
56 min
October 27, 2025What It Really Takes to Teach Yoga Online with Cathy Madeo
Today on the podcast, we’re joined by the amazing Cathy Madeo! We dive into her early days of teaching everywhere, from studios to wherever she could roll out a mat, and how that eventually led her to building a thriving online yoga business.

We chat about the signs that it might be time to shift fully online, the ups and downs of social media, staying consistent, and finding growth through persistence. Cathy shares how never giving up (and trying everything to see what sticks) has been key to her success. We also delve into the bittersweet process of transitioning to online classes and making significant changes in your teaching journey. Cathy turns the mic on us and asks about our dreams, which sends us spiraling into a hilarious and honest tangent about our own social media struggles and self-expression online.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a yoga podcast without some funny classroom moments. Cathy shares a few unforgettable stories about farts and yoga pants, and Bradshaw and I chime in with our own tales of awkward distractions while teaching and filming online.

Find Cathy Madeo Online:
IG: @cathymadeoyoga
Web: Cathymadeoyoga.com
YouTube: Cathy Madeo YouTube

Support Our Podcast: Join Patreon!

* CHECK OUT OUR 300-HOUR PROGRAM *

🌊 Upcoming Events/Retreats
Live Podcast at The Castro Room: Nov. 15th, 2025
Todos Santos, Mexico Retreat: Dec 4-8, 2025
Starved Rock Retreat: June 12-14, 2026
Amalfi Coast Yoga Retreat: July 25 - August 1, 2026
Portugal Relax by the Sea Retreat: August 4-10, 2026

📚 Read the Podcast Blog: The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack

📲 Follow Us: @thefunnythingaboutyoga | @cayayogaschool | @gianagambino | @bradshawwish

🌐 More Links: gianayoga.com | bradshawwishyoga.com | cayayogaschool.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 4 min
October 23, 2025Q&A: Teaching Yoga Online & Promo Photos
In this month’s bonus episode, Giana and Bradshaw cover everything from naming kids after yourself, intermittent fasting, and sleeping with your phone, to making changes, navigating the hardest parts of wellness, finding balance, journaling, and manifesting. But this episode is really about you and your questions. Today, we’re answering two questions: what it takes to start teaching yoga online and sharing our favorite tips for choosing and taking great promotional photos as a yoga teacher.

Want to support our podcast? Join our Patreon for extra content

** CHECK OUT OUR 300-HOUR PROGRAM **

🌊 Upcoming Retreats
Todos Santos, Mexico Retreat: December 4-8, 2025
Nicaragua Yoga Teachers Retreat: February 2026
Starved Rock Retreat: June 12-14, 2026
Amalfi Coast Yoga Retreat: July 25 - August 1, 2026
Portugal Relax by the Sea Retreat: August 4-10, 2026

📚 Read the Podcast Blog:
The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack

📲 Follow Us
Podcast: @thefunnythingaboutyoga
School: @cayayogaschool
Hosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish

🌐 More Links
gianayoga.com
bradshawwishyoga.com
cayayogaschool.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
26 min
October 20, 2025We Need to Talk About Twists
This week, we’re talking all about twisting, but not before diving into changing seasons, finding motivation, the importance of sleep, and Bradshaw’s dating life. Naturally, there’s also a big tangent on Brahmacharya and semen retention (yes, we went there).
Then we get into the details of twisting: the misunderstood anatomy, where movement actually comes from, and how to execute it safely in your spine. We unpack bad twist assists, alignment cues, extremes in practice, and the energetic side of things.
Giana shares practical cues for helping students twist effectively, highlighting shoulder mobility and spinal isolation, while Bradshaw goes on a tangent about hating seated twists, disliking seated poses in general, and dealing with SI joint discomfort.
There’s also a good rant about the myth of “detoxing” through twists and some musing about the energetic movement behind them. It’s a mix of anatomy, philosophy, and a whole lot of curious conversation.

Want to support our podcast? Join our Patreon for extra content

** CHECK OUT OUR 300-HOUR PROGRAM **

🌊 Upcoming Retreats
Todos Santos, Mexico Retreat: December 4-8, 2025
Nicaragua Yoga Teachers Retreat: February 2026
Starved Rock Retreat: June 12-14, 2026
Amalfi Coast Yoga Retreat: July 25 - August 1, 2026
Portugal Relax by the Sea Retreat: August 4-10, 2026

📚 Read the Podcast Blog:
The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack

📲 Follow Us
Podcast: @thefunnythingaboutyoga
School: @cayayogaschool
Hosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish

🌐 More Links
gianayoga.com
bradshawwishyoga.com
cayayogaschool.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
41 min
October 13, 2025Processing in Public: Grief, Growth, and Burnout
Everything feels heavy lately. People are stressed, and teaching through it can feel intense. The world feels weird right now, and showing up for others in the middle of it all is hard.

This week we’re talking about processing in public. We’ve touched on this before, but we’re going deeper. What’s appropriate to share, and what’s not? Where’s that line between honesty and oversharing?

We talk about full schedules, burnout, and the growing pains of working for yourself, and the constant pull between planning ahead and staying present. Bradshaw opens up about grief, and Giana shares about a no-contact situation and the shared pain that comes with it. We’re really bearing it all in this one, and asking, what are we all running from? And how can we use yoga and its tools to move through it?

These conversations change the way we teach. We’re growing, learning, and getting to know ourselves more deeply, and hopefully inspiring that same kind of connection in our students.

Want to support our podcast? Join our Patreon for extra content

** CHECK OUT OUR 300-HOUR PROGRAM **

🌊 Upcoming Retreats
Todos Santos, Mexico Retreat: December 4-8, 2025
Nicaragua Yoga Teachers Retreat: February 2026
Starved Rock Retreat: June 12-14, 2026
Amalfi Coast Yoga Retreat: July 25 - August 1, 2026
Portugal Relax by the Sea Retreat: August 4-10, 2026

📚 Read the Podcast Blog:
The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack

📲 Follow Us
Podcast: @thefunnythingaboutyoga
School: @cayayogaschool
Hosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish

🌐 More Links
gianayoga.com
bradshawwishyoga.com
cayayogaschool.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
56 min
October 06, 2025Should Yoga Teachers Use ChatGPT?
In this episode, Giana and Bradshaw delve into the growing trend of yoga teachers using ChatGPT to create their class sequences, scripts, and themes. They unpack the difference between using AI as a supportive tool versus outsourcing your own creativity and intuition. Giana talks about developing trust in your own voice, instincts, and body wisdom, saying, “ChatGPT doesn’t have a body. So why are we asking it to tell us how to move ours?”
They explore the importance of building confidence as a new teacher and understanding how to do this. They urge listeners to use AI thoughtfully and know how to edit or when to rely on it. Without editing, critical thinking, and embodied experience is thrown out the window, and it actually stunts your growth as a teacher.
To put it to the test, they ask ChatGPT to create a 60-minute full-body yoga class and go through the sequence section by section to explain exactly why you can’t outsource AI for this- especially if you want to be a good teacher! It’s not all negative, though; they also highlight the many ways AI can support your teaching career, from simplifying admin tasks and refining marketing copy to sparking ideas for themes, workshops, and other offerings.
Expect honest conversation, a few laughs, and a reminder that your real power as a yoga teacher doesn’t come from a perfect script, it comes from your embodiment, your lived experience, and your ability to connect!

Support our podcast? Join Patreon for more content - Liforme Yoga Mat giveaway by October 10th!

* CHECK OUT OUR 300-HOUR PROGRAM * Early Bird ends October 20th!

🌊 Upcoming Retreats
Todos Santos, Mexico Retreat: December 4-8, 2025
Nicaragua Yoga Teachers Retreat: February 2026
Starved Rock Retreat: June 12-14, 2026
Amalfi Coast Yoga Retreat: July 25 - August 1, 2026
Portugal Relax by the Sea Retreat: August 4-10, 2026

📚 Read the Podcast Blog: The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack

📲 Follow Us
Podcast: @thefunnythingaboutyoga | School: @cayayogaschool
Hosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish

🌐 More Links
gianayoga.com | bradshawwishyoga.com | cayayogaschool.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
49 min
September 29, 2025Ciao Amalfi: Italy Retreat Recap
In today’s episode, Giana and Bradshaw recap their Amalfi Coast yoga retreat, starting with a quick stop in New York to film online courses, a few days of wandering around Rome, and a visit to Naples before heading out on retreat.

We share about the luxurious villa we stayed in, the incredible attendees who joined us, the funny content we created, and what our retreat days looked like. Along the way, we tell plenty of hilarious stories about “edging” the Sistine Chapel, realizing we didn’t actually know what a shepherd is, and sprinting through the rain with pizza in hand.
This trip was unforgettable, and we’re thrilled to announce we’ll be heading back next July. Don’t miss out on this experience- spots are limited, so snag yours while you can!

Want to support our podcast? Join our Patreon for extra content

** CHECK OUT OUR 300-HOUR PROGRAM **

🌊 Upcoming Retreats
Todos Santos, Mexico Retreat: December 4-8, 2025
Nicaragua Yoga Teachers Retreat: February 2026
Starved Rock Retreat: June 12-14, 2026
Amalfi Coast Yoga Retreat: July 25 - August 1, 2026
Portugal Relax by the Sea Retreat: August 4-10, 2026

📚 Read the Podcast Blog:
The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack

📲 Follow Us
Podcast: @thefunnythingaboutyoga
School: @cayayogaschool
Hosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish

🌐 More Links
gianayoga.com
bradshawwishyoga.com
cayayogaschool.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
39 min
September 25, 2025Q&A: Ideal Retreat Size, Recording Class & Getting Over Nerves
In this episode, we’re answering listener questions about the ideal number of retreat attendees, what to do when a studio asks to record your classes, and how to get over first-time teaching nerves. Of course, our banter takes a few detours—into cycle syncing and freebleeding (because obviously that has everything to do with yoga).
⚡Heads up: soon these bonus episodes will be Patreon-only! Join now for behind-the-scenes, extra episodes, classes, and more:
👉 Patreon

CHECK OUT OUR 300-HOUR PROGRAM: https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/300-hour

🌊 Upcoming Retreats
Mexico Retreat – Dec 4–8, 2025 — 2 SPOTS LEFT
Yoga Teachers Retreat – Feb & Mar 2026 — 2 SPOTS LEFT
Starved Rock Retreat – June 12–14, 2026 — Use code EARLYBIRD40 for $40 off

📚 Read the Podcast Blog:
The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack

📲 Follow Us
Podcast: @thefunnythingaboutyoga
School: @cayayogaschool
Hosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish

LINKS:
https://www.cayayogaschool.com/
https://www.gianayoga.com/
https://bradshawwishyoga.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
23 min
September 22, 2025 Flipping the Script on Props with Jenny Clise
This week, Giana and Bradshaw sit down with Jenny Clise, a San Francisco yoga teacher and author of The Complete Guide to Yoga Props. They dive into everything from moving and settling into new cities, finding community, and managing studios to carving out your niche wherever you are.

You’ll hear fun “get-to-know-you” stories from Jenny’s time teaching in New York (including her favorite class with septuagenarians) to stepping into a San Francisco class formerly led by a beloved Bhakti teacher, only to disappoint students when they discovered she couldn’t sing.

The conversation then turns to pandemic-era shifts that sparked growth, including Jenny’s pursuit of yoga therapy training and the creativity that led to her block-based eBook, which eventually became a full book deal! She shares insights into the process: researching prop uses, mapping it out, getting friends to demo poses, and weaving together years of experience into a valuable resource.

They also explore using props in fun, approachable ways, flipping the script so props are not just “modifications” but can be both supportive and deepening.
The episode wraps with lighthearted stories of frantic moments before restorative classes, chaotic retreat travel, and COVID-era travel challenges. Jenny is full of wisdom, warmth, and humor: you don’t want to miss this one!

Jennys Book: https://amzn.to/46BTNSo

Find Jenny Clise Online:
Web: https://jennyclise.com/
Ig: @jennyclise_

About Jenny Clise:
Jenny Clise (C-IAYT) is a certified yoga therapist with over 1,000 hours of training and has been teaching since 2012. She completed her yoga therapy training at Prema Yoga Institute, integrating therapeutic principles to make yoga accessible and inclusive. Jenny emphasizes mindful movement, breath work, props, and alignment tailored to individual needs, helping students cultivate physical and mental strength. An avid traveler, she leads retreats worldwide and writes for Yoga Journal on yoga, meditation, and wellness. She began with her ebook Blockasanas and later authored The Complete Guide to Yoga Props, empowering others on their yoga journey.

Want to support our podcast? Join our Patreon for bonus content!

CHECK OUT OUR 300-HOUR PROGRAM: https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/300-hour

🌊 Upcoming Retreats
• Todos Santos, Mexico Retreat: December 4-8, 2025
• Nicaragua Yoga Teachers Retreat: February 2026

🌐 More Links
gianayoga.com
bradshawwishyoga.com
cayayogaschool.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 5 min
September 15, 2025 Yoga Teachers: Teach Beyond the Studio
In this episode, Giana and Bradshaw explore what it looks like to teach beyond the group class setting. They discuss taking the leap into workshops, day retreats, and series, and stepping confidently into the role of yoga entrepreneur (even if they never use that word).

They share their own journeys: Bradshaw opens up about his annual Mariah Carey Christmas tradition that sparks joy year after year, while Giana reflects on the resourcefulness that has shaped her career- from working in a chiropractor’s office to hosting day retreats on her brother’s farm. Most recently, she led a Bay Area day retreat complete with sauna and cold plunge, building community in a brand-new space.
The two also dive into practical strategies for getting students to sign up and marketing your offerings. Plus, Giana announces her new mentorship beginning October 1, designed to help teachers branch out and start creating their own events.

This episode is packed with stories, strategies, and inspiration to fuel your entrepreneurial spirit.

CHECK OUT OUR 300-HOUR PROGRAM: https://cayayogaschool.com/pages/300-hour

🌊 Upcoming Retreats
• Todos Santos, Mexico Retreat : December 4-8,2025
• Nicaragua Yoga Teachers Retreat : February 2026
• Starved Rock Retreat : June 12-14, 2026

📚 Read the Podcast Blog:
The Funny Thing About Yoga on Substack

📲 Follow Us
Podcast: @thefunnythingaboutyoga
School: @cayayogaschool
Hosts: @gianagambino & @bradshawwish

🌐 More Links
gianayoga.com
bradshawwishyoga.com
cayayogaschool.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
38 min