The Yoga Connection

Big changes are coming to Yoga Alliance, but what do they actually mean for yoga teachers, teacher training programs, and the future of the industry?

In this episode of The Yoga Connection Podcast, Jamie and Bobbi unpack the recently announced changes to Yoga Alliance credentials, teacher assessments, continuing education, and membership benefits. Drawing from their experiences as a yoga teacher trainer and studio owner, they share their initial reactions, questions, and hopes for what these changes could mean for the yoga community.

They explore the challenges of standardizing yoga education, the importance of continued learning beyond a 200-hour training, and whether these updates could help create more sustainable career opportunities for yoga professionals.

With plenty of details still to come, this conversation isn't about having all the answers. It's about asking important questions and considering what the future of yoga education could look like.

• Upcoming changes to Yoga Alliance credentials and membership

• The introduction of standardized teacher assessments

• Balancing educational standards with different teaching styles and philosophies

• Why 200-hour yoga teacher training is just the beginning

• The value of mentorship, continuing education, and professional development

• Whether Yoga Alliance registration is necessary for yoga teachers

• Creating more sustainable career opportunities in the yoga industry

• The return of the Big Cedar yoga retreat in 2027

Yoga Alliance, Yoga Alliance changes, yoga teacher training, RYT, ERYT, yoga certification, yoga education, yoga credentials, yoga teacher assessment, continuing education, yoga industry, yoga studio, yoga podcast, yoga career, wellness

The Yoga Connection is a production of Yoga Media LLC. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Yoga Media LLC or its partners. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding any personal decisions or health-related concerns.

Episode Description:

What happens when you discover yoga at 58? For Judy Buerk, it led to 800 classes, lasting friendships, and a whole new chapter of personal growth.

In this episode of The Yoga Connection Podcast, Jamie and Bobbi welcome longtime Namaste student Judy to share her journey from trying yoga for the first time during COVID to making it an essential part of her life.

Judy shares how her competitive spirit kept her coming back, why learning to listen has become one of her greatest lessons, and how attending a yoga retreat with her daughter led to meaningful friendships. They also explore the importance of staying active as we age, finding community through movement, and why it's never too late to try something new.

And could yoga teacher training be in Judy's future? Jamie and Bobbi certainly think so!

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Discovering yoga at 58 and celebrating 800 classes

• Staying active, strong, and adaptable as we age

• How yoga teaches us to listen both on and off the mat

• Finding friendship and community through yoga retreats

• Embracing new opportunities and personal growth later in life

• Why yoga teacher training isn't just for younger students

• Wellness wins, self-care, and the importance of supporting one another

Keywords:

yoga, yoga podcast, yoga over 50, yoga over 60, yoga for beginners, healthy aging, yoga community, personal growth, yoga retreats, yoga teacher training, mindfulness, wellness, Namaste Yoga, St. Louis yoga, active aging

Disclaimer:

The Yoga Connection is a production of Yoga Media LLC. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Yoga Media LLC or its partners. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding any personal decisions or health-related concerns.

Episode Description

What makes a yoga class one you can't wait to return to? Join Jamie and Bobbi for a conversation about what makes a class feel great and why that experience can look different for everyone.

Whether you're a student or a teacher, consider the classes that have stayed with you. Was it the teacher's guidance, the music, the sense of connection, or how you felt afterward?

We'd love to hear your experiences. What makes a yoga class great for you? Email us at [email protected] and tell us what keeps you coming back.

Keywords

yoga, yoga classes, yoga teachers, yoga students, yoga community, teaching yoga, yoga practice, mindful movement, The Yoga Connection, Jamie Fuller, Bobbi Baker

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about your individual needs.

Margaret is back for Part 2, and this time we're tackling a question that somehow comes up every single day: What are we having for dinner?

Jamie and Bobbi get real about the mental load of feeding a family, busy schedules, grocery shopping, and the exhaustion of having to think about food day after day. Margaret shares her practical approach to making meal planning feel easier, including planning just a few days at a time, creating go-to meal templates, prepping ingredients while you're already cooking, and keeping simple backup meals on hand for the nights when everything goes sideways.

They also talk about why weeknights may not be the time to experiment with complicated new recipes, how to make familiar meals feel fresh without starting from scratch, and why eating well doesn't have to mean making everything more complicated.

Plus, Jamie discovers shaved beef, learns that leftover rice can go in the freezer, and shares her new "10 out of 10" dinner that might just become a weekly staple.

If figuring out what to cook feels like one more thing on an already overflowing list, this episode is full of realistic ideas for making meals simpler, more flexible, and a lot less stressful.

B'vive Website: https://b-vive.co/

Instagram: @bviveco

meal planning, easy meal planning, healthy meal ideas, family meals, weeknight dinners, meal prep, mental load, healthy eating, simple meals, wellness, midlife wellness, B'vive, Margaret, meal templates, busy moms, realistic wellness, The Yoga Connection Podcast

The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, nutritional, or other professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health and wellness needs.

What if feeling better isn't about doing more, following more rules, or finally getting everything "right"?

This week, Jamie and Bobbi sit down with Margaret Faintich, certified nutrition and wellness coach and founder of B'vive, to talk about her "better than perfect" approach to wellness.

Margaret shares how her own experience in her 40s led her to rethink what it actually means to feel well and eventually inspired her to become a health coach. The conversation explores perfectionism, the pressure to do all the things, and the relief that can come from letting go of wellness rules that simply don't work for you.

They also talk about the role yoga has played in Margaret's journey, from approaching yoga as a physical workout to using it as a way to recover, slow down, and listen to what her body actually needs. Margaret shares one of her favorite lessons from yoga: keep your eyes on your own mat. And when it comes to nutrition, keep your eyes on your own plate.

Plus, Margaret shares what working with a wellness coach can look like, the story behind B'vive, and why the best exercise, vegetable, or wellness practice might simply be the one that actually works for you.

B'vive Website: https://b-vive.co/

B'vive Recipes: https://b-vive.co/recipes/

B'vive Glow Guide + Love Letter: https://b-vive.co/

Instagram: @bviveco

B'vive, Margaret Faintich, wellness, nutrition, health coaching, women's wellness, midlife wellness, yoga, perfectionism, better than perfect, intuitive wellness, nutrition coaching, listening to your body, self-care, healthy habits, yoga philosophy, recovery, movement, wellness rules, women over 40, The Yoga Connection Podcast

The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, nutritional, or mental health advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health and wellness needs.

What happens when pushing through stops working?

This week, Jamie and Bobbi sit down with physical therapist and wellness practitioner Ashley Kumar, DPT, to talk about her experience with postpartum burnout and the moment she realized she could no longer outwork or outsmart what her body was telling her.

Ashley shares how years of little sleep, motherhood, work, and a constant drive to accomplish more eventually forced her to slow down. She explains why doing less, getting quiet, moving intentionally, and reconnecting with her breath became important parts of her healing.

They also talk about the pressure women feel to optimize everything, why wellness can become another item on the to-do list, nervous system regulation, moving meditation, and learning to listen to your body instead of constantly pushing it.

Plus, Jamie, Bobbi, and Ashley share their latest Wellness Wins, including massages, outsourcing weeknight meals, and finding simple things that bring a little more joy and ease into everyday life.

Connect with Ashley Kumar, DPT

Ashley Kumar DPT Website

Ashley Kumar on Instagram (@healingwithak)

Mastering the Basics of Breathwork

Your Thrive Code

Work with Ashley

Ashley at PALM Health

Wellness Wins & Resources Mentioned

Britt Cooks STL

A Perfect Fit STL Personal Chef Services

Ashley Kumar, Ashley Kumar DPT, postpartum burnout, postpartum depletion, burnout, breathwork, nervous system regulation, stress management, motherhood, women's wellness, physical therapy, postpartum wellness, mental load, meditation, moving meditation, yoga, restorative movement, self-care, biohacking, slowing down, stress, PALM Health, Your Thrive Code, The Yoga Connection Podcast

The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.

Episode Description:

In this episode of The Yoga Connection Podcast, Bobbi turns the microphone around and interviews Jamie about her journey from stepping into her very first yoga class to becoming a yoga teacher, teacher trainer, and retreat leader.

Jamie shares how yoga began as a way to relieve back pain and improve flexibility, but quickly became something much deeper. She reflects on the role community has played throughout her journey, how her teaching has evolved over the years, and why yoga philosophy has become the foundation of both her classes and her everyday life.

Whether you're simply curious about yoga or considering yoga teacher training yourself, this conversation offers an honest look at what it means to grow through the practice and trust the journey, even when you don't feel ready.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Jamie's first yoga class and what inspired her to keep coming back
• How yoga evolved from a fitness practice into a lifelong philosophy
• The impact of retreats and community on personal growth
• The journey from student to yoga teacher and trainer
• Why teaching styles should continue to evolve
• The value of slow, intentional movement
• Advice for anyone considering yoga teacher training

Keywords:

yoga, yoga teacher, yoga teacher training, yoga journey, personal growth, wellness, yoga philosophy, community, retreats, mindfulness, yoga podcast

Disclaimer:

The Yoga Connection is a production of Yoga Media LLC. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Yoga Media LLC or its partners. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding any personal decisions or health-related concerns.

What does it really take to go from yoga student to studio owner?

In this episode of The Yoga Connection Podcast, Jamie sits down with co-host Bobbi Baker to talk about the journey from taking her first yoga class to building and leading a yoga studio community. Bobbi shares the lessons she learned along the way, the challenges of studio ownership, and how yoga continues to influence the way she leads, teaches, and lives.

Together, Jamie and Bobbi explore the importance of community, creativity, self-awareness, and creating a business that aligns with your values. They also share their latest wellness wins and reflect on making space for passions that bring more joy and inspiration into everyday life.

• Bobbi's journey from yoga student to studio owner
• How hobbies and passions can evolve into meaningful careers
• The moment Bobbi knew she wanted to open a yoga studio
• Building a strong studio culture and supportive teaching team
• Lessons learned from managing a yoga business
• The difference between teaching yoga and running a yoga studio
• Creating boundaries while holding space for students and teachers
• How yoga philosophy influences leadership and everyday decisions
• Encouragement for aspiring yoga teachers and future studio owners
• Finding balance between creativity, wellness, and daily routines
• Wellness Wins featuring better sleep, artistic expression, and reconnecting with creativity

If you want to feel more inspired about the way you approach business, leadership, wellness, and life, sign up for the Glowe Connective Newsletter. Get insights, stories, and ideas designed to help you create more meaningful connections and intentional experiences.

https://www.gloweconnective.com/newsletter

Yoga podcast, yoga teacher, yoga studio owner, yoga business, studio leadership, yoga community, wellness, mindfulness, creativity, entrepreneurship, personal growth, leadership, intentional living, Bobbi Baker, Jamie Fuller, The Yoga Connection Podcast

The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding your individual health, wellness, or business needs.

Summer has a way of throwing every routine off track. In this episode, Jamie and Bobbi talk about what yoga teaches us when life doesn't go according to plan. From travel and changing schedules to letting go of perfection, they share practical ways to stay grounded when your routine disappears.

• Why routines naturally change with the seasons
• Finding your "anchor" habits
• Letting go of the all-or-nothing mindset
• Simple ways to stay connected to your practice
• How yoga helps us adapt without losing ourselves

yoga, wellness, routines, summer, mindfulness, self-care, healthy habits, flexibility, travel, yoga practice

The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise, wellness, or nutrition program. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and are based on their personal experiences and professional expertise.

Episode Description:

As we reach the halfway point of the year, Jamie and Bobbi take a step back to reflect on how their yoga practices—and their lives—have evolved over the past six months.

They explore what it means to truly listen to your body, how community continues to shape their practice, and why slowing down can sometimes be the most transformative thing we do. Through personal stories and honest reflection, they discuss adapting routines, embracing discomfort, and allowing yoga philosophy to guide life beyond the mat.

Whether you're feeling energized, stuck, or somewhere in between, this episode offers an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what you need most in this season.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• A yoga-inspired mid-year check-in
• How our yoga practices have changed this year
• Listening to your body instead of your expectations
• The role of community in personal growth
• Embracing slower movement and mindful living
• Using yoga philosophy as a guide for everyday life
• Reflecting on routines that are serving you—and those that aren't

Keywords:

yoga, yoga podcast, mid-year reflection, mindfulness, wellness, community, personal growth, self-awareness, slowing down, yoga philosophy, routines, self-care

Disclaimer:

The Yoga Connection is a production of Yoga Media LLC. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Yoga Media LLC or its partners. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding any personal decisions or health-related concerns.