For us to know where we are headed, it is crucial to understand where we came from and how we got here today. To that end, host Rachel Land and returning guest Firdose Moonda MA, spend today's episode discussing yoga's history, examining aspects of that history that are often overlooked.

They dive into the challenge of balancing respect for the ancient traditions of yoga with the techniques that are most relevant to modern students, and debate whether teachers need to reference yoga's history in every class they teach.

Listen in to learn why yoga history matters, what might be missing from your understanding of it, and what questions to ponder as we all take part in creating the yoga history of the future.

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• Does yoga's history matter? [2:15]
• Pros and cons of teaching ancient yoga history [7:38]
• What is missing from the yoga history commonly taught? [12:05]
• Western influence on yoga [14:54]
• The delicate balance of respect and relevance [19:58]
• Critical missing components of yoga history [25:54]
• The modern intermingling of yoga and wellness [30:31]
• Should we always incorporate yoga history in teaching? [35:48]
• Wrap up and questions to ponder [37:33]

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• Watch this episode on YouTube
• LIVE Online The History of Yoga Teacher Training
• Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes:
  • 100: Yoga, Politics & History: Expert Insights with Firdose Moonda MA
  • 114: Yoga & Religion: Expert Insights with Firdose Moonda MA
• Yoga Medicine® Book Club
• Connect with Firdose Moonda, MA: Firdose Moonda | Instagram | YMO Guest Teacher

—

You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-155.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes, or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5-star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

In this episode, host Rachel Land revisits topics as varied as managing our behavior during the holidays, how much to depend on technology when it comes to our health, the underestimated power of interoception, signs of undiagnosed autoimmune disorder, common symptoms pre- peri- and post-menopause, practicing in support of Rheumatoid Arthritis pain flare-ups, ADHD or recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury, and key challenges facing yoga teachers today.

Listen in to this episode to hear some of the gems you might have missed during the year.

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• Changing deep-seated patterns around the holidays [01:07]
• Recent research: female sex hormones and inflammation [5:42]
• Common symptom clusters during pre- peri- and post-menopause [12:15]
• Red flags suggesting undiagnosed autoimmune disorder [17:28]
• Is wellness a personal responsibility? [21:28]
• Navigating new wellness technology [25:33]
• Yoga practice during Rheumatoid Arthritis pain flare-ups [30:39]
• Interoception as a learned skill [36:11]
• Rebuilding body awareness after Traumatic Brain Injury [42:12]
• Teaching cues: balancing clarity with personal choice [44:46]
• Repeated and predictable movement for ADHD [50:25]
• Creating a sustainable teaching schedule [54:10]
• Shifting cultural and commercial pressures for yoga teachers [1:00:32]

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• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Episode 130: When Should You NOT Teach? Teacher's Series
• Episode 132: Interoception Research & Yoga: Expert Insights with Valerie Knopik, PhD
• Episode 133: Yoga & Rheumatoid Arthritis: Expert Insights with Dr. Nikki Tugnet, FRACP
• Episode 134: ADHD & Yoga: Community Conversations with Emily Mariola
• Episode 135: Yoga as Personalized Medicine
• Episode 137: Funk'tional Nutrition with Erin Holt
• Episode 139: Experiencing Menopause: Research Roundup
• Episode 142: Female Hormones, Immune System, & Exercise: Research Roundup
• Episode 144: The Power of Language: Teachers' Series
• Episode 146: Hustle Culture Meets Wellness Sphere
• Episode 147: LoveYourBrain: Expert Insights on TBI with Kyla Pearce, MPH, PhD, CBIS, E-RYT

You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-154.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

As we close out the year, how do we, as yoga teachers, gauge our progress? How can we assess our success?

Today, host Rachel and returning guest Elena Cheung share their answers to these questions. We discuss why one-dimensional metrics like ratings, reviews, student numbers, online likes, and follows are so appealing, as well as the complexities of teaching that they fail to capture.

Listen to this episode to learn how to balance your interests and values with the needs of your students, and how to meaningfully reflect on your work as a yoga teacher.

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• Complexities that ratings & reviews don't express [3:32]
• From "teacher knows best" to "the customer is always right"? [10:20]
• Navigating changing student tastes with integrity [13:06]
• The space that teaching experience creates around feedback [21:46]
• Why "objective" metrics appeal, and what they miss [26:12]
• How to gauge success as a yoga teacher [33:05]
• Final takeaways [47:27]

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• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes:
  • 74: Yoga for All
  • 141: Pitfalls of Private Yoga (and How to Avoid Them)
• The Art of Teaching Impactful Group Classes Online Course
• Connect with Elena Cheung:

Instagram | Elena Shapeshifts | The Way Softness Moves | Yoga Medicine® Online Guest Teacher

You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-153.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

A common misconception is that all yoga teacher trainings are the same, but that's not the case. Every program varies in its style, priorities, and methods, making it crucial to do your research to ensure your teacher training is a good fit for you.

In this short clip from Episode 103: Teacher Training Myths, host Rachel and fellow teacher trainer Dana Diament discuss how different trainings vary and key things to bear in mind before you sign up. They also share details of the Yoga Medicine® Online 200HR Teacher Training 2026 intake, and a deep discount is available right now.

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• Teacher trainers vary in focus and communication style [1:50]
• Programs vary in their focus and assessments [4:37]
• Prepare to be out of your comfort zone [6:57]
• The satisfaction of completing yoga teacher training [10:33]

—

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Yoga Medicine® 200HR Yoga Teacher Training
• Listen to the full Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 103: Teacher Training Myths

You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-152.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

When the yoga landscape is changing and trends are constantly shifting, how do we find our place as teachers? How do we balance feeling purposeful and fulfilled with making a sustainable living?

This episode is for people who are new to teaching yoga, those who have been teaching for decades, and everyone in between. Hosts Tiffany and Rachel discuss four phases of teaching and the potential pitfalls and pathways of each stage.

Listen in to hear what reflections and actions could take you from feeling stuck to a place where you thrive.

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• Phase 1: Starting out – just do it [2:36]
• Phase 2: Curious about what lights you up [9:30]
• Where teachers get stuck in this phase [12:44]
• Phase 3: Invest in your speciality [19:28]
• Navigating imposter syndrome [22:02]
• The value of teaching one-on-one [26:33]
• Sharing your expertise through writing [29:14]
• Phase 4: Staying inspired, open to self-growth and reinvention [30:57]
• Final takeaways [42:42]

—

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Yoga Medicine® 200HR Teacher Training
• Yoga Medicine® 500HR Teacher Training

You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-151.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

High achievers in business, sport, and life in general can benefit hugely from yoga practice. However, the very traits that lead to success in their field can bring up unique challenges when brought to the mat.

Today, host Katja speaks with Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialist Katharina Claeys about teaching yoga to high achievers. Katharina is an educator, speaker, and consultant with a focus on building resilience and nervous system regulation, as well as women's health.

Listen to this episode to learn why setting realistic expectations, being flexible in your teaching approach, and managing the moments of transition into class are so important when working with high achievers.

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• Traits of high achievers on and off the mat [2:47]
• Which high achievers seek yoga for support? [6:29]
• Establish "the why" and set clear expectations [10:27]
• Working with perfectionism and Claeys [15:26]
• Be ready with a range of techniques [17:19]
• Doorway affirmations, tapping into physical senses [27:05]
• Work with the person, not the profession [31:49]
• Match your student's energy [34:17]
• Tips for teachers: self-care, scheduling, community, mentors [40:28]
• Get started teaching yoga to high achievers [45:22]

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• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Online Burnout Resilience Program
• Previous Yoga Medicine Podcast Episode:
  • Episode 146: Hustle Culture Meets Wellness Sphere
• Connect with Katharina Claeys & Resilience Yoga:

Katharina Claeys | Instagram | LinkedIn

You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-150.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

A major barrier for many people interested in yoga teacher training is the assumption that it is only for certain kinds of people—whether that's deep and spiritual, energetic and outgoing, irresistibly charismatic, or highly skilled at yoga postures.

In this short excerpt from Episode 103, Teacher Training Myths, host Rachel and fellow teacher trainer Dana Diament share that the truth is that teaching yoga is as much about holding space for students to be themselves as it is about instructing yoga poses and practices.

They also share details of the Yoga Medicine Online 200-hour Teacher Training 2026 intake and a deep discount available right now.

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• Myths about who YTT is for [2:12]
• Find your own voice, range, and teaching style [4:12]
• Learning to communicate with groups, as yourself [10:10]
• Teaching as holding space [13:00]

—

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Yoga Medicine® 200HR Yoga Teacher Training
• Listen to the full Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 103: Teacher Training Myths

You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-149.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.