Season 7 | Ep. 7

I still can't quite believe we made it to 100 episodes. Honestly, I wasn't sure we'd get here; my biggest fear was always running out of topics. But here we are, and I'm so grateful.

For this milestone episode, I borrowed an idea from my friend Addie and asked some past guests to share why they practice Yin Yoga.

The responses were beautiful and reminded me of why I fell in love with this practice in the first place.

My teacher, Paul Grilley said it perfectly: Yin is the ideal way to prepare the body and train the mind to sit still comfortably.

Addie talked about how Yin bridged her yoga practice with her Buddhist meditation practice.

Karina called it "a rebellion against the world telling me I have to move fast and keep producing."

And Bernie? He said Yin gave him the other half of his practice, the stillness and mindfulness he was missing.

And there are other nuggets for past guests, too!

I want to hear from you, let me know why you practice Yin Yoga, leave me a comment on my blog, on spotify or if you are listening on Apple send me a dm on Instagram.

Find the links to my guests and their episodes here:  https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/a-yin-yoga-podcast-episode-100/

Regular Podcast Links for Spotify

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Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page

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Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley

Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra 

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Season 7 | Ep.6

Year of the Fire Horse 🐴🔥 | Chinese New Year with Dougal Meachem

I'm chatting with Dougal Meachem about Chinese New Year and what the Year of the Fire Horse means for us. Turns out, it's maximum yang energy – think Red Bull meets bungee jumping.

We explore the mythology behind the zodiac animals, explain why the lunar calendar actually makes sense, and discuss how these ancient cycles relate to yin yoga practice. Plus, why making resolutions in January is backwards (spring is when you should plant those seeds).

What we talk about:

• How the zodiac animals got their order
• Fire Horse energy vs Year of the Snake
• Working WITH the seasons instead of against them
• Why rest in winter, create in spring




Dhugal's previous interview: Dancing with the Tao 

https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/yin-yoga-and-taoism/

Find Dhugal at https://www.dhugalmeachem.com

Ready for Fire Horse energy? Let me know in the comments 🔥

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Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page

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Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley

Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra 

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@YinYogaPodcast

Season 7 | Ep. 5

How Yin Yoga Teaches Us to Be Kinder HumansWhat if I told you the biggest benefit of Yin Yoga isn't flexibility or pain relief—it's becoming a kinder human?In this episode, I share 10 ways a regular Yin Yoga practice transforms how we show up in the world:✨ Meeting yourself without judgment✨ Staying present through discomfort✨ Softening the habit of force✨ Respecting everyone's unique edges✨ Learning to witness instead of react✨ Normalizing vulnerability✨ Developing patience with timing✨ Separating sensation from story✨ Releasing attachment to performance✨ Cultivating steadiness in stillnessIf your Yoga practice isn't affecting your life off the mat, you're not really practicing Yoga. Yin does this better than anything else because of the time, the quiet, and the stillness.The world could use a lot more kind humans. 🙏

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Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page

To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom

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Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley

Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra 

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Season 7 | Ep. 4

In this episode, I'm diving into one of my favourite topics: why teaching yoga functionally is such a game-changer compared to the old-school alignment rules we've all inherited.I'll share my own journey from being an alignment-obsessed Iyengar teacher to having my mind blown by Paul Grilley's work on skeletal variation. Turns out, we're not all built the same on the inside, shocker, right?I break down real examples from my teaching (like that time dragonfly pose did the complete opposite of what my teacher said it would) and explain why cues like "bring your toes to point at the ceiling" or "never let your knee go past your ankle" don't actually work for everyone.You'll learn:- Why your students aren't "doing it wrong"—their bones are just different- How to stop over-cueing and start teaching what the poses actually do- Practical ways to make your classes more accessible and way less injury-prone- Why I now teach mountain pose completely differently than I used to- Whether you teach Yin or any other style, this is about serving your students better by ditching the "one right way" mentality. Want to support my work? Leave me a tip. https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/78PEVR5WF3ZSASee all episodes at a glance https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NOyRZM7cKC-h9kOMT-rIIeuatJgOf1CKT63LjAHk2LU/edit?usp=sharingYoga Teachers Get on the Waitlist: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/ at the bottom and top of the PageTo join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom https://nykdanu.com/students/yoga/online-yoga/To subscribe to my https://nykdanu.com/students/yoga/video-library/Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley : https://pranamaya.com/courses/anatomy-for-yoga/?ref=20 (affiliate link)Find me on Instagram Nyk Danu Yoga: https://www.instagram.com/nykdanuyoga/Yin Yoga Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/yinyogapodcast/

Season 7 | Ep. 3

When Less Is More: Do We Really Need to Go Deeper?Do your students really need to go "deeper" in their Yin poses?

In this episode, I challenge the common teaching habit of encouraging students to go deeper partway through a pose—and explain why this well-meaning cue might actually undermine the true purpose of yin yoga.We'll explore:✨ Why "going deeper" isn't the goal of yoga (or yin yoga)✨ How this language reinforces goal-driven, achievement-based thinking✨ What to say instead to encourage present-moment awareness✨ Why functional yoga is about sensation, not destination✨ Alternative cues that honour where students are right nowWhether you're a yin teacher looking to refine your language or a practitioner curious about the philosophy behind the practice, this episode will help you rethink what it means to "go deeper."🎧 Mentioned in this episode • What to Do When You Don't Feel a Yin Pose• Dear Yoga Teacher, Please Shut Up📚 Spring 2026 Therapeutic Yin Teacher Training is now open for registration! https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/💜 Support the podcast: Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, share with a friend, or visit the PayPal link 👇🏻Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.

See all episodes at a glance

Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page

To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom

To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:

Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley

Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra 

Find me on Instagram 

@nykdanuyoga

@YinYogaPodcast

Season 7 | Ep. 2

Join me and my guest, TJ, as we dive into the world of neurodiversity and Yin Yoga!

In this candid, 'fireside chat', we share personal stories, discuss what it means to be neurodivergent, and explore how yoga teachers can make their classes more accessible for all brains.

Whether you’re a teacher, student, or just curious about neurodiversity, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to check the show notes for more resources and info on TJ’s new course!

TJ's Website: https://www.yujmu.com

His Book and Asana Deck: https://www.yujmu.com/yin-yoga/training-materials

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yujmu/

Want to support my work? Leave me a tip. https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/78PEVR5WF3ZSA

See all episodes at a glance https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NOyRZM7cKC-h9kOMT-rIIeuatJgOf1CKT63LjAHk2LU/edit?usp=sharing

Yoga Teachers Get on the Waitlist: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/ at the bottom and top of the Page

To join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom https://nykdanu.com/students/yoga/online-yoga/

To subscribe to my https://nykdanu.com/students/yoga/video-library/

Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley :

https://pranamaya.com/courses/anatomy-for-yoga/?ref=20 (affiliate link)

Find me on Instagram

Nyk Danu Yoga: https://www.instagram.com/nykdanuyoga/

Yin Yoga Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/yinyogapodcast/

Season 7 | Epiosode 1

In this Episode: I talk about why critical thinking is essential for yoga teachers and students, and how it shapes my approach to teaching and podcasting.I address listener feedback, including comments about my direct style and why I ask tough questions.The importance of debate, being open to new ideas, and how discomfort leads to growth—both on and off the mat.I explain what I mean by “Vinyasa bunny,” clear up some cultural references, and guide these students in Yin classes.Plus, a quick update on my upcoming Therapeutic Yin Training and how to get in touch if you have questions or feedback.Video I mentioned

https://youtube.com/shorts/OGE7oBIKbc0?si=Uzz-NVggdZ6xg4y4

My interview with Paul Grilley: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/yin-yoga-podcast-paul-grilley-interview/

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See all episodes at a glance

Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page

To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom

To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:

Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley

S6 | Ep.13

Welcome to this special winter episode of my Yin Yoga podcast! In this episode, I dive into the wisdom of winter through the lens of Chinese medicine, exploring themes of rest, introspection, and the water element.

You'll hear me share some of my favourite seasonal poetry, reflection questions, and journal prompts to help you honour this time of year. I talk about the importance of reclaiming rest, letting go of guilt around slowing down, and tuning into the natural rhythms that winter invites. I also discuss how our culture pushes us to overwork and how we can resist that by embracing stillness and self-care.

Throughout the episode, I offer practical ideas for bringing more rest and reflection into your life, from slow mornings, , candlelight to nourishing foods and honouring your body's need for stillness.

I also touch on why winter is not the time for New Year's resolutions, but rather for dreaming, envisioning, and preparing for the seeds you'll plant in spring.

Thank you for listening and for being part of this community. I’d love to hear how winter is showing up in your life

Leave a comment, DM me on Instagram, or share your thoughts wherever you listen. Wishing you a restful, nourishing winter season. Until next time, may you be well, content, at peace, and free.

To access all the resources mentioned, including links to the poets, click here

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See all episodes at a glance

Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page

To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom

To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:

Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley

Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra 

Find me on Instagram 

@nykdanuyoga

@YinYogaPodcast

S6 | Ep. 12

Episode Title: Should You Offer Yoga Nidra in Your Yin Yoga Classes?

In this episode, My Guest, Kaya Mindlin, and I explore the question: Should you incorporate Yoga Nidra into your Yin Yoga classes?

I share my personal journey and experiences with both practices, discuss the unique benefits and potential challenges of combining them, and Kaya offers practical advice for teachers considering this integration.

You’ll hear about:

• The differences and similarities between Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra
• How Yoga Nidra can complement a Yin Yoga class
• My own approach to blending these practices
• Tips for introducing Yoga Nidra to your students
• Things to consider before making this addition to your classes
• A bunch of teaching tips

Whether you’re a seasoned yoga teacher or just starting, this episode will give you insights and inspiration for your teaching journey. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Have you tried offering Yoga Nidra in your Yin classes?

Let me know by reaching out or leaving a comment!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share with your fellow Yoga teachers. Thank you for listening!

Find Kaya:

Website: https://yogawithkaya.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayamindlin/

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See all episodes at a glance

Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page

To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom

To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:

Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley

Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra 

Find me on Instagram 

@nykdanuyoga

@YinYogaPodcast

S6 | Ep. 10

In this episode, I dive into the heart of Yin Yoga, exploring what happens beyond the physical poses.

I share why Yin Yoga is so much more than stretching, how it helps us tune into our inner world, and why quiet, stillness, and self-care are essential parts of the practice.

Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or new to Yin Yoga, you’ll find practical tips, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on what it really means to drop Yinside.

Thanks for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review or share it with a fellow Yin Yoga lover.

Until next time, keep dropping Yinside.

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See all episodes at a glance

Yoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the Page

To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom

To subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:

Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley

Hang Drum Music by Fred Westra 

Find me on Instagram 

@nykdanuyoga

@YinYogaPodcast

Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome & What’s Beyond the Poses

5:40 – Meditation and Awareness in Yin Yoga

12:20 – Nervous System, Self-Care, and the Power of Quiet

19:00 – Listening to Your Heart & Quiet Community

22:00 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways