Yogaland Podcast

Learning to teach yoga online is vital right now. But if you're used to teaching yoga in person, it can feel really daunting! On this episode, we break down what you can do to feel more comfortable and truly connect with your yoga students -- even through a Zoom room.SHOUT OUT TO OUR SPONSORSGet your virtual yoga studio in a flow with Acuity Scheduling, the all-in-one scheduling tool for virtual classes and private sessions. Acuity automatically connects with your favorite videoconferencing tool and handles all of the day-to-day booking and billing drudgery, freeing you up to be fully present in your online sessions. As a special bonus for our friends at Yogaland, your first 45 days of Acuity are 100% free – no credit card needed! All you have to do is sign up at acuityscheduling.com.Storyworth makes it easy and fun for loved ones to tell their stories. Simply purchase a subscription for someone you love--like your mom for Mother's Day--and each week Storyworth will send them a question about their life. After a year, stories are bound in a beautiful book. For $20 off, visit storyworth.com/yogaland when you subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re so happy to be back for Season 2!There's that old adage, "Change is the only certainty in life." And it applies to your yoga practice and teaching, too. This week, Jason and I are talking about the internal challenges, doubts, and insecurities that come up when we're managing change in our practice.We talk about:* How Jason has changed as a student and a teacher throughout the years. He shares one transition that was particularly hard for him as a young teacher* He gives advice for people who are hard on themselves after a shift because they feel disillusioned about some of the beliefs or techniques they were teaching previously* Why Jason dislikes the word “master” (as in “yoga master”) and what happened in his life that empowered him to start experimenting with changing up yoga traditions and sharing his findings with his students* The struggles that come with the evolution of modern yoga in the social media age* Why it’s problematic for teachers to discourage their students from experimenting with other teachers and other ways of practicingShow notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode148/SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. LOLA is a female-founded company offering 100 organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. For every purchase, LOLA donates feminine care products to homeless shelters across the U.S. For 40% off all subscriptions, visit mylola.com and enter the code YOGALAND40 when you subscribe.2. Care/of is a monthly subscription vitamin service made from high, quality ingredients personally tailored to your exact needs. Their short quiz asks you about your diet, health goals, and lifestyle choices and uses these answers to create personalized vitamin packs just for you. For 50% off your first month of personalized care/of vitamins, visit takecareof.com and enter promo code YOGALAND50. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We can all use a little more joy and creativity in our lives right now -- especially after months of teaching and taking online yoga classes. Chicago-based yoga teacher Bradshaw Wish is just the breath of fresh air we all need. It matters not that much of the world is going back into lockdown -- Bradshaw's annual Mariah Carey Christmas Flow must go on! We talk about this upcoming not-to-be missed event, how it came to be, and how creating space for joy and creativity is a deeply important part of Bradshaw's intention as a yoga teacher.Show notes: http://jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode218 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want to improve your shoulder health? Listen to this episode. It's a two-parter and it focuses on 1) an important functional movement of the shoulders that is often overlooked in yoga and 2) essential mobility drills for the shoulders that yogis can incorporate into their practice.I've got shoulders on my mind because I am about to begin teaching my Shoulders, Upper Back, and Neck Module of my 300-Hour YTT. We begin this Wednesday and I'd love to see you there. It's open to students who'd like to deepen their practice and teachers who would like to feel more confident and knowledgeable. You can learn more and register at jasonyoga.com/300 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really feel like to teach yoga for the first time? In this episode of The Making of a Yoga Teacher, Jason takes you inside that nerve-wracking but transformative moment every new teacher faces: stepping to the front of the room.Laurel, Raquel, and Erin talk about what it was like to teach for the first time during the training. Through their stories, you’ll see that every yoga teacher starts here — nervous, vulnerable, and discovering that courage grows with each breath and each class.👉 Learn more about Jason's 200-Hour Training here: jasonyoga.com/200👉 Jason has a 300-Hour Module coming up in one week! Learn about it here: jasonyoga.com/300 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to do a yoga teacher training—or if you’re looking for insight, motivation, and honesty about the process—this episode shows how transformation begins: one decision, one class, one breath at a time. You'll meet Laurel, Raquel, and Erin and find out what made them say yes to their journey toward becoming yoga teachers.🎥 Episodes in this series:1️⃣ How It All Begins — Starting Yoga Teacher Training2️⃣ Finding Your Voice — The First Time Teaching3️⃣ Becoming Yourself — Confidence, Connection & Growth4️⃣ The First Class — Teaching in the Real World🧘‍♂️ Learn about Jason Crandell’s Online 200-Hour Training → learn.jasonyoga.com/200 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week -- a solocast from Jason, fresh from his trip teaching a weeklong "Sequencing 2.0" training in London. On this episode, he breaks down a practical framework for scaling a single 60-minute sequence into:(1) shorter online formats(2) longer workshops(3) four-week series with clear objectivesHe also explains why real creativity comes from solving for a goal—not from random choreography—and how to communicate a simple plan so students feel part of something bigger. Psst! Don't miss next week's episode where we launch a four-part “Transformation Series,” that follows three of Jason's trainees through their teacher training journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance structure and freedom in your teaching and how to help students problem-solve rather than memorize, Jason shares some ideas on this week's Yoga(ish). We also talk about "the examined life," and what that means to us. Lastly, we share how the "Wawa meet-up," went (spoiler: it was as quirky and sweet as we hoped it would be.)⸻⏱️ Chapters0:00 Life lately & Chihuahua meetup4:15 What is the constraint-led approach to learning?18:34 Applying it to yoga & sequencing31:16 The shadow side of yoga & self-inquiry37:00 Why discomfort leads to growthCheck out our shownotes with links from the episode: yogalandpodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This meditation is an invitation to find softness within you regardless of the chaos around you.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you practiced yoga in the 90s, you know… it was different.Chapters:00:00 Intro & why we’re talking about 90s yoga04:03 Andrea’s first yoga class (and the clown car moment)11:54 Jason’s first yoga class in college25:11 Quirky studios, circus neighbors & wild props31:26 What’s changed for better and worseBefore it was in every gym, before online classes, before Lululemon — yoga in the U.S. was a quirky subculture you had to seek out. In this episode of Yoga-ish, we share our funniest, weirdest, and most heartfelt memories from our early years of practice: • Renting rooms in funky parts of town with circus performers as neighbors • The original paper-thin blue and green mats that never got cleaned • Heavy wooden props that could double as furniture • Our first teachers — from deeply traditional to delightfully eccentric • How yoga felt before it became mainstream, and what’s changed (for better and worse)Whether you started in the 70s, 90s, or just last week, this is a love letter to yoga’s evolution — and a celebration of its wonderfully weird past.💬 Your turn: Were you practicing yoga in the 90s (or earlier)? Share your best memory here or on Instagram (and tag us) -- we'd love to hear them!📌 Resources & Trainings Mentioned:ABOUT JASON CRANDELL AND HIS ONLINE YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS:✅ Sequencing 2.0: Move Beyond Drop-in Classeshttps://www.mission-e1.com/sequencing/✅ 200hr Online Yoga Teacher Training:https://learn.jasonyoga.com/200✅ Considering YTT? Check out our honest guide, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About YTT here: https://jasonyoga.com/yoga-teacher-training Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some lessons change you forever — and yoga has given us more than we can count.After 30 years of practice, these are the teachings we still lean on every day — on and off the mat. In this episode of Yogaland, we share the timeless yoga lessons that have shaped our lives, improved our relationships, and transformed the way we move through the world.Highlights:00:00 Why enduring lessons matter after decades of practice01:34 Movement as a tool for emotional regulation10:10 Self-regulation, steadiness & resilience in daily life13:35 Learning to be comfortable with discomfort18:22 Self-study & curiosity over memorization23:47 Practicing self-compassion on (and off) the mat29:31 Empathy, compassion & understanding the human condition34:17 Developing the witness & separating from the ego40:17 Building better coping skills & mental flexibility💬 Your turn: What lessons from yoga have stayed with you the longest? Share them in the comments — we’d love to hear your story.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ABOUT JASON AND HIS ONLINE YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS:✅ Get your 300hr & 500hr Teacher Training Certificate with Jason: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/300✅ LIVE! A London Immersion -- Sequencing 2.0: Move Beyond Drop-in Classeshttps://www.mission-e1.com/sequencing/✅ 200hr Online Yoga Teacher Training:https://learn.jasonyoga.com/200 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 30 years of yoga, we’ve discovered which poses, myths, and cues actually hold you back.Here’s what to let go — and what to focus on instead for a stronger, more sustainable practice.Over three decades of yoga practice, we’ve seen trends, techniques, and teaching cues come and go. In this episode, we share the poses we approach differently now, the myths we no longer believe, and the verbal cues we’ve retired for good. From letting go of “going to your edge” in every pose, to embracing strength training, to rethinking old alignment rules, we reflect on what truly supports longevity, strength, and enjoyment in yoga practice. Whether you’re a yoga teacher or a dedicated student, you’ll find insight, perspective, and a few laughs from our 30 years on the mat.You can find shownotes here: yogalandpodcast.com/episode364Don't miss! Module II of Jason's 300-Hour YTT August 20th -- Register here: jasonyoga.com/300Join the waitlist for our 200 hour! Enrollment opens soon: jasonyoga.com/200Considering YTT and have questions? Check out our honest guide, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About YTT here: https://jasonyoga.com/yoga-teacher-training Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Teaching yoga isn’t about impressing your students—it’s about supporting them. On this episode, Jason shares 5 things to keep in mind if you're a yoga teacher (especially in the first five years). His ideas will help you feel grounded, confident, and inspired as you build your yoga teaching career.Heads up: Module II of Jason's 300-hour YTT is come up in two week! This is the core + spine module but it's also the module where he does a deep dive into the yoga philosophy of Patanjali. You can get all the info & register here: jasonyoga.com/300 It's all online for maximum flexbility; you can begin the lectures and classes as soon as you register! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week my guest is Philadelphia-based yoga teacher, Matthew Shaw. Matthew joined the Jason Crandell Yoga Method team as our Lead Teacher Training Mentor this year and has been a longtime student of Jason's.What I didn't know until a few weeks ago is that Matthew spent 20 years in a previous life as a successful opera singer, performing on major stages across Europe—including Germany, Austria, and Hungary.In this conversation, Matthew shares how, in the second half of his career, just as he was really taking off, anxiety and depression decided to tag along. He talks openly about imposter syndrome, how he found solace through yoga and Western meds (you know I love my meds so I'm here for it!) and how his whole journey lead him to where he is today.We spend the second half of the conversation focused on retreats, why they are so vital, and how he creates intentional, supportive spaces for his students to both adventure and reset.We talk about:Why success didn’t solve his self-doubt—in fact, it made it worseThe cultural pressures of perfectionism in classical performanceHis transition to becoming a yoga teacher and community builderThe joy he finds leading yoga retreats around the worldWhy retreats offer so much more than a temporary escape—and how they can ripple outward to impact our daily livesYou can find shownotes here: yogalandpodcast.com/episode362We've got two YTT events coming up! Module II of Jason's 300-hour begins August 20th. You can get all of the details and join us here: jasonyoga.com/300And if you are considering becoming a yoga teacher, join our 200-hour waitlist! I will send you details and interesting content as well as details about the training. Get all the info here: jasonyoga.com/200 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by yoga teacher and global mindfulness facilitator Josh Blatter. We talk about his teaching journey—from the yoga studio to his work with Peace on Purpose, a program that supports United Nations staff working in some of the most high-pressure environments in the world.Josh shares:Why questioning long-held beliefs is vital for yoga teachersStudying in the Viniyoga lineage and the individualized approach to yogaWhat it was like to study at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in ChennaiHow Vedic Chant is a powerful part of his personal practice -- and how challenging it is to learnPeace on Purpose and his recent trips to Bangladesh and PakistanHow Josh teaches in high-stress environments and how cultural sensitivity shapes the workAdvice for yoga teachers on staying inspired, grounded, and financially afloatA guiding principle for sustainable teaching and caregiving (this one's a huge lightbulb moment for me!)Thank you, as always, for listening and sharing the podcast.If you'd like to keep up with us, subscribe to our newsletter at: jasonyoga.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, we dive deep into 5 of the most common yoga cues—offering clearer, more effective alternatives that enhance both understanding and practice.Whether you’re a yoga teacher seeking to improve your verbal communication or a dedicated practitioner eager to refine your alignment, this episode will help you:✔️ Clarify common cues like “lift your kneecaps” and “tuck your tailbone”✔️ Understand why some cues aren’t landing and how to adjust them✔️ Enhance your students’ experience with precise, actionable languageJoin us as we unpack and rephrase cues that are technically correct but can be made more accessible and impactful.ABOUT OUR ONLINE YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS:✅ The Essential Guide to Yoga Anatomy Online Course: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/anatomy✅ Get your 300hr & 500hr Teacher Training Certificate with Jason: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/300✅ The Art of Teaching Beginners Online Course:https://learn.jasonyoga.com/beginners✅ The Art of Yoga Sequencing Online Course:https://learn.jasonyoga.com/sequencing✅ JOIN OUR MAILING LIST and you'll be the first to know whenever we have new content: https://www.jasonyoga.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jason dives deep into one of the most overlooked — and often overwhelming — skills in yoga teaching: verbal communication. Whether you're a new teacher still getting comfortable saying anything aloud, or a seasoned instructor trying to say less with more impact, this conversation is full of practical insights.You’ll learn how to refine your voice, distill your message, and create space for your students to absorb and respond.Highlights from the episode include:Why saying less often helps students learn moreThe #1 mistake yoga teachers make with verbal cues (and how to fix it)What Jason learned from Andrea’s editorial red pen ✏️How to pair your cues with your sequence (and why this skill takes time to develop)What “over-teaching” looks like and how to avoid itMinimizing jargon (and when it's okay to use it)Managing up-speak and down-speak for clarity and confidenceUsing story, metaphor, and analogy to keep teaching engagingThe hardest skill of all: being yourself, even while giving commands👉 Learn more about Jason’s 200-hour YTT and 300-hour YTT. Module Two of the 300-hour starts in early August! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if everything you’ve learned about pranayama tells only half the story?In this episode, Jason Crandell breaks down the two radically different approaches to pranayama found in traditional Hatha Yoga and Patanjali’s Raja Yoga. These lineages share a goal—liberation through practice—but their breathwork techniques, underlying philosophies, and mechanisms of transformation couldn’t be more different.Whether you’re a yoga teacher, a teacher-in-training, or a student curious about the deeper roots of breathwork, this talk will help you understand: • Why pranayama in the Hatha Yoga tradition focuses on energy, purification, and awakening Kundalini • Why Patanjali’s approach to pranayama emphasizes stillness, subtlety, and inner quiet • How each tradition views the purpose of pranayama in relation to the mind, body, and spirit • What these differences mean for your breathwork practice and teaching todayThis lecture is excerpted from Jason’s online Pranayama Teacher Training, a comprehensive course that combines modern science and traditional wisdom to help yoga teachers build confidence in teaching breathwork.🧘‍♂️ Learn more about Jason’s Pranayama Teacher Training here: jasonyoga.com/breathwork🔍 Key Topics Covered: • Pranayama in Hatha Yoga vs. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra • The role of kundalini, nadis, and chakras in traditional breathwork • Patanjali’s model of liberation through stillness of mind • The purpose of breath control (pranayama) in classical yoga • How to apply these insights in modern yoga classes and teacher trainingsABOUT JASON AND HIS ONLINE YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS:✅ Train to become a yoga teacher with Jason's 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training: jasonyoga.com/200✅ Get your 300hr & 500hr Teacher Training Certificate with Jason: jasonyoga.com/300✅ The Essential Guide to Yoga Anatomy Online Course: jasonyoga.com/anatomy✅ The Art of Teaching Beginners Online Course: jasonyoga.com/beginners✅ The Art of Yoga Sequencing Online Course: jasonyoga.com/sequencing✅ JOIN OUR MAILING LIST and you'll be the first to know whenever we have new content: https://www.jasonyoga.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're happy to be back with Yoga(ish)! On this episode, we reflect on Autism Acceptance Month. We talk about internalized ableism, ADHD, the power of special interests, and how creating the right environment can unlock learning and joy for neurodivergent kids. Plus: a very passionate review of our current comedy obsession (I Think You Should Leave).CHAPTERS01:05 Autism Awareness Month01:30 Love on the Spectrum: A Heartwarming Show03:54 Personal Reflections on Neurodivergence13:27 Understanding Autism and Support Needs15:55 Challenges and Misconceptions in Neurodivergence23:00 Navigating Social Interactions with Neurodivergent Individuals24:06 Controversial Views on Autism by RFK Jr.30:36 Personal Reflections on Political Statements and Neurodiversity34:13 Challenges and Rewards of Homeschooling40:54 Comedy Recommendations and Personal Humor46:50 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionABOUT JASON AND HIS ONLINE YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS:✅ The Essential Guide to Yoga Anatomy Online Course: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/anatomy✅ Get your 300hr & 500hr Teacher Training Certificate with Jason: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/300✅ The Art of Teaching Beginners Online Course:https://learn.jasonyoga.com/beginners✅ The Art of Yoga Sequencing Online Course:https://learn.jasonyoga.com/sequencing✅ JOIN OUR MAILING LIST and you'll be the first to know whenever we have new content: https://www.jasonyoga.com/newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling stuck, uninspired, or overwhelmed in your teaching journey?In this episode, Jason shares 5 timeless lessons from yoga philosophy that support you — the teacher. These aren’t abstract ideas for your students — they’re personal, practical teachings to help you stay grounded, motivated, and aligned as you grow.Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator, these insights from the Yoga Sutras and beyond offer tools for navigating self-doubt, comparison, burnout, and creative fatigue.Topics include:• Abhyasa & Vairagya (Effort + Letting Go)• Svadhyaya (Self-Study for Teachers)• Dharma (Teaching with Purpose)• Ahimsa (Self-Compassion in Teaching)• Pratipaksha Bhavanam (Reframing Negative Thoughts)Chapters01:11 Upcoming Yoga Training Details02:36 Yoga Philosophy for Teachers04:07 Abhyasa and Vairagya: Developing and Releasing Patterns05:19 Practicing Teaching Skills09:31 Non-Attachment in Teaching11:59 Knowing Yourself as a Teacher18:17 Aligning Teaching with Your Purpose21:45 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception22:10 Defining Your Purpose as a Yoga Teacher23:26 Teaching Techniques and Philosophical Insights26:15 Compassion for Yourself and Your Students33:04 Reframing Your Inner Critic41:53 Final Thoughts and AnnouncementsABOUT JASON AND HIS ONLINE YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS:✅ The Essential Guide to Yoga Anatomy Online Course: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/anatomy✅ Get your 300hr & 500hr Teacher Training Certificate with Jason: https://learn.jasonyoga.com/300✅ The Art of Teaching Beginners Online Course:https://learn.jasonyoga.com/beginners✅ The Art of Yoga Sequencing Online Course:https://learn.jasonyoga.com/sequencing✅ JOIN OUR MAILING LIST and you'll be the first to know whenever we have new content: https://www.jasonyoga.com/newsletterJason Crandell is a natural teacher and author with more than 20 years of experience. Named “one of the teachers shaping the future of yoga,” by Yoga Journal, Jason has been an in-demand teacher at conferences around the world for more than two decades. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.