Yoga Teacher Training Podcast: Learn Anatomy, Philosophy, Business and More

In this episode of the Yoga Teacher Training Podcast, Jeremy Devens welcomes Karen Fabian, founder of Bare Bones Yoga, for a straight-talking, deeply practical, and inspiring conversation for yoga teachers at any stage of their journey. Karen shares how her unique 10-step anatomy-based method helps teachers feel more confident, clear, and connected in their classes. With a background in rehabilitative medicine and over two decades of experience teaching yoga and anatomy, Karen breaks down what actually builds confidence for teachers—and it’s not what you think.

You’ll hear insights on:

• Why repeating sequences actually builds more confidence and connection with students

• How perfectionism, childhood conditioning, and limiting beliefs show up in the teaching space

• Why teachers who practice the whole class with their students are missing the opportunity to actually teach

• How to “break up with your practice” so you can teach from embodied experience without needing to demonstrate

• What it really means to walk into a room and lead from integrity, clarity, and vision

Whether you’re just finishing your teacher training or feeling stuck years into your career, this episode will reignite your passion and clarify your purpose.

5 Key Quotes:

1. “There is something triggering about teaching yoga. And I say that from personal experience and from the teachers I work with. There’s something about it that brings up our stuff. It’s not just, oh, I’m nervous. It’s more like, I want to get it right. I want to be liked. I want them to like me. I want to do it right. I don’t want to be embarrassed.”

2. “I call it: how to break up with your practice as the source of your teaching. Because that’s what a lot of teachers do. They practice at home and then they reverse-engineer that sequence and teach it in class. And then when they get into class, they teach it from their mat.”

3. “There was no big uprising on the fourth class when I taught the same sequence. Nobody cared. Nobody was like, I’m calling corporate. Nobody. It was just a reminder to me: this is something I’m creating in my own head, this idea that every class needs to be different.”

4. “I remember one time teaching and I looked around and I realized: I’m actually teaching. I’m not just cueing from the script in my head. I’m responding to them. I’m seeing them. I’m walking around. I’m adjusting. And I thought to myself, I think I’m actually teaching yoga right now.”

   5. “Every yoga teacher has agency over how they want to show up. And I think sometimes we forget that. We think we have to be a certain way. But your experience, your background, your voice—it all matters. And your students need you to bring that to the room.”

Enroll in the Quietmind Yoga Teacher Training at https://www.quietmind.yoga/ytt

One of the first things I ask everyone to do inside the Quietmind Yoga Teacher Training is to create a self-care plan. Because you can’t give from an empty cup. You need a team. You need support. You need energy practices that nourish you just as much as you guide others in their practices.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Tom Ingegno, bestselling author of The Cupping Book: Unlocking the Secrets of Ancient Healing and founder of Charm City Integrative Health. We dive deep into the world of cupping—its surprising history, powerful benefits, and how it supports yoga teachers and practitioners in their own healing and transformation.

You’ll learn why cupping can be the missing link in your self-care, how it works (without the fluff), and how this ancient folk medicine became a modern healing staple used by Olympians and grandmas alike. We talk about safe use at home, what the “cupping marks” actually mean, and how cold plunges, red light therapy, and cupping are all part of the same conversation of getting back in sync with natural rhythms.

Whether you’re brand new to cupping or you’ve had it done but never really understood how it works—this episode will give you an insider’s understanding from someone who’s done it for 25+ years and taught at the university level. Plus, we get into meditation, Taoism, somatic healing, vagal tone, and what the future of medicine and self-care might look like.

Topics Covered

• Why yoga teachers need a self-care plan and a support team

• What cupping is and how it works (Eastern and Western perspectives)

• The surprising global history and origins of cupping therapy

• Fire cupping vs. silicone cupping: safety, tools, and use at home

• How cupping improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and relieves pain

• Understanding “Sha” and what cupping marks really mean

• When not to use cupping (contraindications like pregnancy and DVT)

• The connection between cupping, vagal tone, and nervous system health

• Why traditional healing is resurging and what science now confirms

• How to integrate cupping into your yoga practice and recovery routine

5 Key Quotes from this Episode:

• “If you’re giving to others, you better be receiving too. Otherwise, you burn out.”

• “Cupping is like a reverse massage—pulling instead of pushing—and it feels amazing.”

• “It’s not just about treating illness. It’s about building a life that supports vitality.”

• “You don’t need to be sick to benefit from cupping. This is for anyone moving their body, carrying stress, or needing better circulation.”

• “Traditional wisdom is finally getting its seat at the table again—not just as ‘woo,’ but as science.”

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Cupping Book: https://amzn.to/3EOib9g [Searchable on Amazon & digital formats]

• Charm City Integrative Health: https://charmcityintegrative.com

• Quietmind Yoga Teacher Training: http://www.quietmind.yoga/ytt

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Quietmind Yoga Membership (800+ Classes):

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Quietmind Astrology Podcast: https://www.quietmindastrology.com/podcast

Keywords: cupping therapy, self care for yoga teachers, ancient healing, Chinese medicine, fascia health, vagal tone, yoga teacher burnout, modern integrative health, fire cupping, restorative yoga, preventative medicine, inflammation relief, eastern medicine, energy healing, acupuncture, Dr. Tom Ingenio, Charm City Integrative, cupping at home, yoga + cupping, healing modalities, immune support

RSVP for Free to the Thrive Online workshop at http://www.quietmind.yoga/thriveworkshop

If you want consistent income, real impact, and personal freedom through your yoga teaching—without burning out or losing yourself—this episode is for you.

In this episode, I unpack what it really means to be consistent, and why so many yoga teachers feel shame around this word. We explore the energetic frequency behind our actions and how our inner alignment (or misalignment) shapes our results—whether it’s inconsistent income, irregular teaching schedules, or confusion about what to offer.

We’ll break down:

• Why you might secretly not want the consistency you’re craving

• How to track and align your income with your energy and impact

• Why your offers need to be deeply fulfilling and financially sustainable

• The entrepreneur mindset shift every yoga teacher needs

• The link between your own introspection and your ability to make an impact

You’ll hear real-world strategies and mindset shifts to:

• Build sustainable income that honors your energy

• Make a meaningful impact through your authentic teaching

• Expand your freedom by doing less, but better

• Avoid burnout by knowing when to rest and when to teach

• Stay true to yourself while growing your reach

This isn’t about hustle or overwhelm. It’s about embodiment, alignment, and building something that lasts.

💡 Journal Prompts:

• What does consistency feel like in my body?

• What kind of energy do I bring to teaching, posting, or promoting?

• Am I doing what I really want—or what I think I “should” do?

• Where am I leaking energy in my business or teaching?

✨ Whether you’re teaching weekly classes, running online offerings, or dreaming of your first retreat—this episode will help you clarify your next right step. It’s time to create a business that nourishes you as much as it helps others.

🧘🏽‍♂️ Want to go deeper into building your aligned business?

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the FREE live Thrive Workshop here:

http://www.quietmind.yoga/thriveworkshop

5 Key Quotes

- “If you’re not being consistent, part of you doesn’t want to be.”

- “You can’t expect consistent income from inconsistent action.”

- “When you create offers that are both heart-aligned and financially sustainable, freedom follows.”

- “You’re not just a yoga teacher—you’re an entrepreneur. That changes everything.”

- “Burnout happens when you try to give more than you have. Like drinking from a coconut that’s already empty.”

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Subscribe for Free to “Self Care Sunday” (Free Weekly Updates & Exclusive Offers): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.quietmind.yoga/selfcaresunday

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Quietmind Yoga Membership (800+ Classes)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.quietmind.yoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Quietmind Astrology Podcast: https://www.quietmindastrology.com/podcast

Keywords: Consistency, Burnout, Dharma, Freedom, Income, Entrepreneurship, Alignment, Purpose, Energy, Intention, Sustainability, Prana, Nervous system, Frequency, Capacity, Expansion, Inner work, Client attraction, Impact, Authenticity

We all know yoga isn’t just about physical poses—it’s about working with energy, too. Beyond just putting the body into shapes, we’re working with pranayama, meditation, and powerful maps of consciousness like the chakras, nadis, koshas, and kundalini energy. In this episode, I’ll dive into these subtle layers of yoga, sharing insights from my years of practice and teaching, as well as what I teach in the Quietmind Yoga Membership and the Quietmind Yoga Teacher Training.

Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, you’ll learn how to work with these energies in practical ways. I’ll break down how to recognize when a chakra is balanced, excessive, or deficient, and how to use yoga practices to restore harmony. I’ll also share how energy moves from subtle to gross, why it’s so important to address imbalances before they manifest physically, and simple tools like pranayama and grounding poses to regulate your energy.

If you’ve ever wondered how to go beyond the physical and truly tap into the deeper layers of yoga, this episode is for you.

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Practice with me in the Quietmind Yoga Membership at⁠https://www.quietmind.yoga

Enroll in the Quietmind Yoga Teacher Training athttps://www.quietmind.yoga/ytt

Follow on Instagram⁠@quietmind.yoga⁠

Follow⁠Quietmind Astrology Podcast⁠ for free weekly horoscopes in Vedic Astrology (the sister science of yoga)

Follow @quietmindastrology on IG for more

Keywords: alignment, astrology, birth chart, astrology reading, Vedic astrology, life purpose, self-discovery, authenticity, spiritual growth, mindfulness, inner peace, Quietmind Astrology, podcast episode, values alignment, personal transformation, life changes, cosmic insights, planetary influences

In this episode, I sit down with Jamie Mittelman, founder of Flame Bearers, the world’s first storytelling platform for elite women athletes. Jamie shares how her personal yoga journey helped her manage OCD and anxiety, deepening her understanding of the mind-body connection. She also discusses how Flame Bearers amplifies the voices of over 275 Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries, with a focus on diverse representation through video, podcasts, and events.

Listeners will gain insights into:

Jamie and Flame Bearers are reshaping the narrative of elite female athletes and the role yoga plays in fostering mental and physical resilience. For more on Jamie’s work, lookup the Flame Bearers podcast, visit flamebearers.com or contact her at [email protected]

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If you feel called to dive deeper into other topics of yoga philosophy, join the waitlist for my Quietmind Yoga Teacher Training at ⁠⁠⁠⁠quietmind.yoga/ytt⁠⁠⁠⁠. That’s where I guide you through the ten core competencies of yoga, including philosophy, yoga history, mindfulness, anatomy, and teaching skills.

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Follow on Instagram ⁠@quietmind.yoga⁠

Follow ⁠Quietmind Astrology Podcast⁠ for free weekly horoscopes in Vedic Astrology (the sister science of yoga)

Follow @quietmindastrology on IG for more on astrology

Keywords: teacher training, certification, become a teacher, teaching tips, instructor training, teaching skills, anatomy, philosophy, practice, teaching classes, sequencing, poses, asanas, for beginners, advanced training, business, career, teacher podcast, teacher journey, mindfulness, meditation, pranayama, techniques, lifestyle, teacher community, resources, workshops, retreats, alignment, ethics, wellness, education, teaching online, teaching strategies, student engagement, class themes, training tips, teaching challenges, professional development.

Practice with me in the Quietmind Yoga Membership at https://www.quietmind.yoga

This is the start of a new series on the 10 Core Competenices of Yoga - starting with the first and arguably most important: Mentorship. I'll share:

Some of the most important lessons from my mentors

How to find a mentor

How mentors can save you years of frustration and confusion.

Stay tuned for next time when we'll talk about the core competency of Energetic Anatomy!

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If you feel called to dive deeper into other topics of yoga philosophy, join the waitlist for my Quietmind Yoga Teacher Training at ⁠⁠⁠quietmind.yoga/ytt⁠⁠⁠. That’s where I guide you through the ten core competencies of yoga, including philosophy, yoga history, mindfulness, anatomy, and teaching skills.

--

Follow on Instagram @quietmind.yoga

Follow Quietmind Astrology Podcast for free weekly horoscopes in Vedic Astrology (the sister science of yoga)

Follow @quietmindastrology on IG for more

Keywords: alignment, astrology, birth chart, astrology reading, Vedic astrology, life purpose, self-discovery, authenticity, spiritual growth, mindfulness, inner peace, Quietmind Astrology, podcast episode, values alignment, personal transformation, life changes, cosmic insights, planetary influences

Plan your year in sync with astrology and yogic principles at MindfulNewYear.com

Today I share a yogic perspective of goal setting and living into your dharma (purpose).

We all know most goal setting and New Years Resolutions don't stick, so what actually works?

This is something I come back to a lot in my own life; what's most important to focus on next, and how to stay on track with my path. Maybe you can relate?

I share 6 major points about this and some powerful questions for self inquiry to help you check in with what matters most to you in this season of your life.

Dharma is a continually evolving path, so this is one of those episodes you might want to come back to regularly.

If you want a guided workshop all about this go to MindfulNewYear.com⁠

I guide you through a powerful practice to review the past, prepare for the future and get current with what matters most now. I share all the major Vedic Astrology / energy shifts for the year ahead and how you can best work with them + several other resources to optimize your health, wealth, relationships and purpose.

Enjoy!

Jeremy

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If you feel called to dive deeper into other topics of yoga philosophy, join the waitlist for my Quietmind Yoga Teacher Training at ⁠⁠quietmind.yoga/ytt⁠⁠. That’s where I guide you through the ten core competencies of yoga, including philosophy, yoga history, mindfulness, anatomy, and teaching skills.

--

Follow on Instagram @quietmind.yoga

Follow Quietmind Astrology Podcast for free weekly horoscopes in Vedic Astrology (the sister science of yoga)

Follow @quietmindastrology on IG for more

Keywords: alignment, astrology, birth chart, astrology reading, Vedic astrology, life purpose, self-discovery, authenticity, spiritual growth, mindfulness, inner peace, Quietmind Astrology, podcast episode, values alignment, personal transformation, life changes, cosmic insights, planetary influences

Learn 10 Core Competencies with lots of 1-1 support from me in the Quietmind Yoga Teacher Training. Learn more at ⁠https://www.quietmind.yoga/ytt⁠

In this episode of the Yoga Teacher Training Podcast, I’m sharing the five most common causes of yoga injuries—and how you can avoid them. Injuries can sneak up on anyone, whether you’re a teacher or a practitioner, but they don’t have to. Yoga is about feeling good, strong, flexible, and balanced—not dealing with tweaks or strains that could’ve been prevented.

I’ll talk about real-life examples, like the mistake I’ve made (and learned from) of demoing poses without warming up first, the risks of jumping from one extreme range of motion to another, and why listening to your body is the most important skill you can develop. You’ll also hear my thoughts on why yoga isn’t about pushing to your limit or performing—it’s about creating a practice that supports you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

If you’re ready to take your practice deeper or teach yoga in a way that supports your students’ growth and safety, join the waitlist for my Quietmind Yoga Teacher Training at ⁠quietmind.yoga/ytt⁠. That’s where I guide you through the ten core competencies of yoga, including mindfulness, anatomy, and teaching skills.

Let’s keep your practice safe, sustainable, and aligned with what yoga is really all about. Listen now to learn how!

Keywords: Yoga injuries prevention, common yoga injuries, safe yoga practice, avoid yoga injuries, yoga teacher tips, yoga anatomy basics, yoga practice safety, preventing yoga injuries, yoga alignment tips, mindful yoga practice, lifelong yoga practice, yoga teaching skills, yoga sequencing for safety, yoga for flexibility and strength, yoga teacher training online, injury-free yoga practice, yoga tips for beginners, advanced yoga poses safety, listening to your body in yoga.

Joanna Sapir is a business strategist for holistic practitioners, particularly those that integrate multiple modalities.

Joanna's special ability is in helping practitioners set up repeatable systems and processes in their businesses to serve their clients more powerfully, enroll committed long-term clients, and create steady income and cash flow.

She has been a teacher and trainer for more than twenty years, from the classroom to the gym floor and now to wellness practices across the world.

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, she is a mother of two, a USA Masters National Champion in Olympic-style Weightlifting, and the host of the Business Revolution for Practitioners podcast. Learn more at http://joannasapir.com

THREE POWERFUL SYSTEMS THAT WILL COMPLETELY TRANSFORM YOUR PRACTICE

Get Joanna's free guide for this episode here: https://joannasapir.com/YogaTeachers

Key Takeaways

* Focus on creating tailored programs for ideal clients ("bullseye clients") rather than generic offerings

* Implement a programmatic approach with front-end intensive programs and back-end maintenance programs

* Use a profitable pricing calculator to determine appropriate rates based on business expenses and income goals

* Transition from trading time for money to creating sustainable, transformative programs for clients

Topics

Identifying Ideal Clients

* Focus on 3-5 favorite past clients who got great results and were enjoyable to work with

* Look for patterns in their pain points, goals, and desires rather than demographic niches

* Design programs specifically tailored to these ideal "bullseye clients"

Creating Sustainable Programs

* Front-end program: 3-month intensive addressing core issues (often one-on-one)

* Back-end program: Ongoing maintenance/lifestyle support (can be group format)

* Structure provides consistent income and deeper client transformation

* Allows practitioners to fully commit and provide high-value service

Pricing and Financial Planning

* Use a "profitable pricing calculator" to determine base hourly rate

* Factor in all business expenses, desired salary, and profit goals

* For group programs, determine minimum viable number of participants

* Separate personal and business finances for clarity

Business Mindset for Practitioners

* View business as separate entity from yourself as practitioner

* Embrace leadership role as CEO of your practice

* Overcome fears about business being "unspiritual" or inauthentic

* Focus on how business skills allow you to help more people at a deeper level

Next Steps

* Download free resources at joannasapir.com/yogateachers (3 workflows for lead generation, enrollment, and client communication)

* Consider booking a discovery call for the Profitable Practitioner Academy program

* Evaluate current offerings and identify opportunities to create more tailored, transformative programs

* Implement proper financial tracking and goal-setting for your business

Bob Cirino is the Executive Director for the non-profit Yoga Studies Institute, whose mission of teaching the classic texts and methods of yoga has reached thousands of students in over 35 countries in 8 languages. Bob has studied Tibetan yoga lineages for 8 years and directs a non-profit that teaches one of the most fundamental Hatha Tibetan lineages, Lady Niguma, and the classic texts like the Yoga Sutra and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Though he celebrates yoga in the West, his emphasis is on the embodiment of the essential aspects of the practice that are most often left out or just plain never taught.

He is also the Founder of Spiritual Warrior, an education and training organization that helps individuals live fearlessly on-purpose as a Spiritual Warrior. Bob is a serial entrepreneur whose projects have spanned from regenerative agriculture (where he is known as Biochar Bob), real estate investing and development, alternative investments, to educational technology. All of Bob's projects have a common thread of healing people and planet through compassionate strategies and philosophies.

Learn more and enroll in Bob's programs at https://www.spiritualwarrior.life/

Key Takeaways

- Yoga is about stopping the mind from "twisting" reality, realizing experiences come from within

- Renunciation in yoga means giving up causes of suffering, not necessarily physical objects

- Creating a sense of safety is crucial for healing trauma and fostering connection

- Astrology and yoga can be tools for self-awareness and personal growth when approached mindfully

Topics

Yoga Philosophy and Practice

- Yoga Sutra defines yoga as "stopping the way the mind turns things around"

- Renunciation in yoga is about giving up causes of suffering, not necessarily physical objects

- Hatha Yoga (Ha: sun, Ta: moon) aims to balance energies and bring prana into the central channel

- Importance of challenging and questioning teachings, even from respected gurus

Trauma and Healing

- Safety is crucial for healing and connection

- Creating a non-judgmental space allows people to express emotions and heal

- Different approaches work for different people; some may need gentle compassion, others tough love

Vedic Astrology and Personal Growth

- Astrology can be a tool for self-awareness and understanding life patterns

- Importance of maintaining agency and not giving full control to astrological predictions

- Viewing challenging transits as opportunities for growth and discipline

Spiritual Partnership and Relationships

- Concept of being "the exact thing that everybody needs" in relationships

- Viewing difficult past relationships as perfect teachers for personal growth

- Importance of bringing happiness to relationships rather than expecting happiness from them

Want to work with Jeremy?

- Sign up for Self Care Sunday: Free yoga and ayurveda practices to optimize your health at https://www.quietmind.yoga

- Beginners Yoga Sequence (free download) at https://www.quietmind.yoga/beginnersequence