Send a text and share your thoughts. We want to hear from you!

Ever found yourself in pigeon pose thinking, “Huh… why am I suddenly leaking from my eyes?” You’re not alone — and you’re definitely not broken. In this episode, we dive into the very real, very human moment when yoga unexpectedly brings up tears, tenderness, and every emotion in between.

MJ opens with a personal story about the first time she realized that crying on the mat isn’t just possible — it’s common. From there, she unpacks what might be happening beneath the surface, including the current theories about fascia, emotional release, and why stillness plus breath can unlock things we’ve been holding for years.

You’ll also learn:

✨ Why emotional releases in yoga are normal (and even healing)
 ✨ How our upbringing around emotions influences what happens on the mat
 ✨ The science and the mystery behind fascia and stored tension
✨ Practical tips on what to do if you’re the one crying
✨ How yoga teachers can support students who become emotional in class
✨ Why your mat can become your “Dr. Mat”—your safe place to unravel and rebuild

Toward the end, MJ shares details on two special January programs designed to help you start 2026 with a steady, soulful foundation:

• Meditation Made Easy for Beginners & Skeptics
• Yoga for True Beginners

Both programs open for registration on November 24th and are limited to 30 students each. Head to www.shareyogawithmj.com
to learn more and sign up for MJ’s newsletter so you don’t miss early access and updates.

If yoga has ever surprised you with tears… or if you're a teacher wanting to feel more confident holding space for emotional students… this episode is for you.

Until next time — keep sharing yoga.

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Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

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Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE https://shareyogawithmj.com
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YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
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E-MAIL [email protected]

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🎙️ Let’s Not Do This Solo

In this episode, MJ shares why companionship and accountability are so powerful, especially as we move into a new year of caring for our bodies, minds, and hearts. You’ll also hear a few of her stories from teaching yoga and meditation in community — and how even solo practices can create deep bonds when shared with others.

So much of what we do for our health — yoga, meditation, exercise — can feel like a solo act. But studies (and real life!) show that we stick with new habits longer when we do them together.

Here’s why partnering up works:
 • You’re more likely to stay consistent when someone’s counting on you.
 • It’s simply more fun — shared laughter and small wins go a long way.
 • Connection and community are vital to healthy aging and emotional well-being.

✨ Black Friday Specials!
Starting November 24, 2025, registration opens for MJ’s two upcoming programs:
🧘‍♀️ Yoga for True Beginners — a 5-week online series for brand-new yogis.
🧘‍♂️ Meditation Made Easy for Beginners and True Skeptics — learn four simple styles of meditation (no incense required).

Both programs begin January 3, 2026, and space is limited to just 30 participants each. Maybe this is the year you start something new — with a friend by your side.

🌐 Learn more and register at shareyogawithmj.com

💬 Questions or want to meet MJ first? Book a free discovery call right from the website — she’d love to connect.

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Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

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Find MJ Waddell at:
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YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
E-MAIL [email protected]

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In this episode:
MJ explores what it means to stay true to yourself as a yoga teacher (and as a human being) in times that can feel divided, uncertain, and sometimes just plain loud.

You’ll hear about:

• The challenge of balancing authenticity with sensitivity in the yoga room
• Navigating faith, spirituality, and language around the divine in class
• How to bring the yamas, niyamas, and deeper teachings of yoga into modern practice without alienating students
• Ways to stay grounded when the world feels polarized — inside and outside the studio
• How to speak from your heart while still honoring the diverse perspectives of your students
• Gentle strategies for diffusing conflict or discomfort in conversation (on or off the mat)
• The freedom that comes with teaching and living authentically — with kindness and curiosity

Perfect for:
Yoga teachers and lifelong students who want to share their truth with compassion, connect more deeply, and create a space where everyone feels seen and supported.

Support the show

Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

Send a voicemail with your question or thought, it might be part of a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Shareyogawithmj

Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE https://shareyogawithmj.com
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=557038390
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
E-MAIL [email protected]

Dan Jones-Editor
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In this episode of The Youthful Older Yogi, MJ dives deep into what it really means to age well — not just in years, but in purpose, vitality, and joy.

She shares the latest science on healthy aging, what researchers look for when predicting long-term wellness, and how optimism can help you live not just longer, but better longer.   You’ll hear about:
🧘‍♀️ Why it’s never too late to start yoga — and how simple movements can improve your balance, strength, and independence.

 🌍 The Blue Zones — what researcher Dan Buettner discovered about the world’s longest-lived people and how connection, purpose, and movement make all the difference.

 🧠 The Science of Optimism — how studies show that a positive mindset can lengthen lifespan by up to 15% and support healthy aging markers like grip strength and mobility.

❤️ MJ’s personal story — from pain and double hip replacement to recovery, renewal, and rediscovering optimism through yoga, visualization, and community.

💬 Why optimism isn’t naive — Optimism isn’t pretending everything’s perfect — it’s believing you can keep moving forward, even when things are hard. That belief changes everything. It’s a practice, just like yoga, and it can be cultivated one thought (and one breath) at a time.

Whether you’re in your 50s, 70s, or beyond, this episode reminds you that aging well isn’t about chasing youth — it’s about building resilience, joy, and connection in every stage of life.

🔗 Resources

 https://danbuettner.com/                                                                                                                          Boston University study on optimism and longevity (PNAS Journal)                            Best Possible Self Exercise                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Support the show

Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

Send a voicemail with your question or thought, it might be part of a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Shareyogawithmj

Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE https://shareyogawithmj.com
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=557038390
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
E-MAIL [email protected]

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 When it comes to yoga, sharing what we practice, what we learn, and even what we wrestle with creates a ripple effect far beyond the mat. In this episode of The Youthful Older Yogi, MJ shares the story of how ShareYoga began, the importance of generosity in teaching, and the wisdom she continues to learn from her own practice, her students, and other teachers.

Sharing, after all, is serving—and it’s one of the most powerful poses we can take.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• 🌿 How ShareYoga started as a way to support charities (and how it continues today)
• 🌿 Why MJ donates a portion of all income to the World Food Program in 2025
• 🌿 The yoga mat as a “laboratory and playground” for curiosity and exploration
• 🌿 The role of student feedback in shaping future teaching
• 🌿 Teachers and mentors who inspire MJ and freely share their teachings
• 🌿 Why there are no absolutes in yoga, meditation, or life
• 🌿 The unique wisdom of learning from teachers over 50 and teaching older students with confidence
• 🌿 BeYogi Insurance as a resource for free tutorials, CEUs, and coverage for yoga teachers
• 🌿 Why lifelong learning, curiosity, and generosity are essential for a vibrant yoga practice

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Jason Crandell & Andrea Ferretti https://jasonyoga.com/
• Sean Fargo & Mindfulness Exercises https://mindfulnessexercises.com/about-us/
• Sharon Salzberg https://www.sharonsalzberg.com/
• Tara Brach https://www.tarabrach.com/
• Joseph Goldstein https://www.dharma.org/teacher/joseph-goldstein/
• Judith Hanson Lasater https://www.judithhansonlasater.com/
• Lizzie Lasater https://www.lizzielasater.com/
• Erin Stewart https://www.erinstewart.net/
• BeYogi Insurance https://beyogi.com/
  
  

Connect with MJ:
💻 Website: shareyogawithmj.com

📸 Instagram: @maryjaynewaddell
🎙️ Podcast: The Youthful Older Yogi

Support the show

Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

Send a voicemail with your question or thought, it might be part of a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Shareyogawithmj

Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE https://shareyogawithmj.com
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=557038390
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
E-MAIL [email protected]

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Yoga Teaching After 50: The Tech, the Truth, and Why I Keep Going

Description:
 Back in the 80s, I was teaching aerobics in the Jane Fonda era—yes, leotards and leg warmers included. By the mid-90s, I fell in love with yoga and soon began teaching.

Fast forward to 2025, and yoga teaching looks very different. Studios want numbers, social media wants constant content, and if you’re over 50, it can feel like you’re being left behind if you don’t know Instagram, TikTok, or how to run a website.

In this episode, I’m sharing my honest experience as a solo entrepreneur and older yoga teacher navigating the tech-heavy yoga world. 

This isn’t about shiny success stories or follower counts. It’s about truth, persistence, and remembering that older teachers are deeply needed in today’s yoga community.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• My journey from aerobics in the 80s to yoga teaching in 2025
• The challenges older yoga teachers face in studios and online
• Why building an online platform is both frustrating and (sometimes) worth it
• How I’ve kept podcasting consistently with zero sponsors and a whole lot of love
• Encouragement for older teachers who feel overwhelmed by tech or left behind

Takeaway:
 I may not have thousands of followers or a six-figure yoga empire—but I keep showing up, because teaching yoga is about connection, wisdom, and presence. If you’re an older teacher struggling with the modern yoga world, you’re not alone.

Resources & Links:

• Connect with me at www.shareyogawithmj.com

Support the show

Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

Send a voicemail with your question or thought, it might be part of a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Shareyogawithmj

Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE https://shareyogawithmj.com
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=557038390
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
E-MAIL [email protected]

Dan Jones-Editor
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Breathing—it’s something we do all day, every day, without thinking. But what happens when we do think about it? Turns out, the benefits are anything but boring.

In this episode of The Youthful Older Yogi, MJ explores and shares the surprising science of conscious breathing. You’ll hear:

• 🌬️ Fun facts about your amazing respiratory system
• 🏥 MJ’s post-surgery story and why doctors gave her a spirometer
• 📊 Research comparing conscious breathing with mindfulness meditation—and why breathwork often comes out on top for boosting mood, sleep, focus, and decision-making
• 💡 Simple techniques like box breathing, sama vritti (equal breath), and the powerful “cyclical sighing” breath—shown to be especially effective for lowering stress
• 🧘 A guided breathing practice you can try right now (don’t worry, it’s short and so simple!)
• 🙌 Tips for weaving breath awareness into everyday moments—before bed, while waiting in line, or ahead of a stressful conversation

Breath is universal. You don’t need to practice yoga to get more in tune with your breath—you’re already a breather, and that makes this episode for you (and all your friends).

✨ Takeaway: Conscious breathing is one of the simplest, most powerful tools we have to age well, stay resilient, and reconnect with the present moment.

Resources & References Mentioned:

• Studies on breathwork versus mindfulness meditation https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9873947/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20breathwork%20practices%2C%20particularly%20cyclic,one's%20breath%2C%20as%20in%20mindfulness
• Info and benefits on spirometers and post-surgical breathing exercises https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/4302-incentive-spirometer

👉 If you enjoy this episode, please share it with a friend—after all, everyone you know is a breather too.

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Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

Send a voicemail with your question or thought, it might be part of a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Shareyogawithmj

Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE https://shareyogawithmj.com
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=557038390
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
E-MAIL [email protected]

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Have you ever stepped away from your yoga practice—or any passion or routine—because of injury, illness, or just… life?
 Me too.

After living with advanced arthritis and undergoing a double hip replacement (yes, both hips!), I’m experiencing yoga like it’s brand new—because in many ways, it is. In this episode, I share my story of how my asana practice changed, how I leaned into other limbs of yoga like breath and meditation, and what it means to start again with compassion and curiosity.

I’ll also offer gentle, realistic tips to help you return to any kind of practice—not just yoga—with kindness, flexibility (in your mindset more than your hamstrings), and a healthy dose of humor.

We’ll talk about:

• What to do when your body won’t move like it used to
• Why your breath might be your best teacher
• How to start small and stay curious
• Why props—and support in general—are a sign of wisdom, not weakness
• How these principles apply far beyond yoga: to art, music, movement, and any discipline you’ve had to pause

Whether you’re returning to the mat, a hobby, or just feeling like it’s time to reconnect with yourself—this episode is your invitation to begin again.

Because it may be different now… but so are you.

Resources & Links:

🌿 Learn more about my offerings, workshops, and retreats:
 www.shareyogawithmj.com

📧 Want to share your story or ask a question? I’d love to hear from you:
       [email protected]

🎧 Like this episode? Share it with a friend, leave a review, or tag me on social when you're listening!

Support the show

Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

Send a voicemail with your question or thought, it might be part of a future episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/Shareyogawithmj

Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE https://shareyogawithmj.com
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=557038390
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
E-MAIL [email protected]

Dan Jones-Editor
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🎙️ In this episode, MJ invites you to hit pause on your go-go-go life and say yes to something deeply restorative: the Nurture & Nourish Retreat, happening this September on beautiful Bald Head Island, NC.

You’ll hear all the details about this “Only If You Want To” kind of retreat—laid-back, low-key, and lovingly curated for women who crave rest, reconnection, and really good food. MJ and Terri share the science behind why time in nature, shared meals, community connection, and letting someone else handle the details are the ultimate tonic for your overworked nervous system.

Co-hosted with wellness chef and health-forward goddess Terri Orr, this retreat includes:

• 🧘‍♀️ Gentle movement + beginner-friendly meditation
• 🥗 Delicious, nourishing meals (and recipes to take home!)
• 🌅 Time for yourself + stunning island sunsets
• 🛏️ Cozy, renovated accommodations
• 🛶 Optional island adventures (kayaking, hiking, beach walks, and more)
• 💛 Evening chats + light-hearted community connection

Whether you’re a beach lover, an introvert who needs quiet, or someone who just wants to show up and not plan a thing—this is your invitation to breathe deeper, laugh easier, and return home recharged.

🗓️ Retreat Dates: September 9–13, 2025
💸 Early Bird Discount: $100 off if you register by August 10
🛑 Registration Deadline: August 24
📍 Location: Bald Head Island, North Carolina
👯‍♀️ Limited to just 8 women

🔗 Links & Resources

👉 Learn more or register: www.shareyogawithmj.com
📧 Got questions? Reach out to MJ at [email protected]
🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://yoypodcast.buzzsprout.com | 

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
💰 Payment accepted via Venmo or PayPal—details provided upon registration.

After Labor Day, the island quiets down and the magic happens. This retreat is about showing up exactly as you are and letting the island, the food, and the community hold you.

Want to bring a friend, or need help arranging travel? We’ve got you. Everything will be shared once you register—including ferry info, ground transport options, packing tips,

Support the show

Sign-up for my NEWSLETTER for upcoming episodes, and yoga with MJ

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Find MJ Waddell at:
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YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
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E-MAIL [email protected]

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🎙️ This episode is the big one—Surgery Day.

In Hip, Hip Hooray, I take you behind the curtain (literally) of the operating room and share what it felt like to finally arrive at the day I’d been mentally prepping for and nervously circling for months.

I knew it was the right choice. I had the research, the second opinions, the pre-op yoga practice, the calming breaths.
 And still—my heart pounded, and a very real part of me wanted to run the other way (I didn’t).

This episode is about what it means to say yes to healing, even when you're scared. It's about how sometimes the bravest thing we can do is lie down on a table and trust that we’ll rise up stronger.

And—because I’m now 10 days post-op—I’ll also share what the first stretch of recovery has really been like.

It’s been a dance of swelling, small wins, surprise tears, and serious gratitude for grabbers and leg straps.

As I say in this episode:
 🌀 “Healing is not about rushing—it’s about returning.”

So grab your tea, take a deep breath, and come with me into this pivotal chapter of the journey.
 We’re not just fixing a hip—we're learning what it means to rebuild, reframe, and rise.

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YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheYOY50
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/maryjaynewaddell/
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