Yogaland Podcast

Ai Kubo received a PhD in cancer epidemiology from Columbia University, and has nearly 40 scientific publications in peer-reviewed medical journals. Years ago, Kubo was told flat out, by one of the most renowned mindfulness researchers, not to try to create (and fund) mindfulness studies. At that time, studying mindfulness and yoga was too fringe, she was told. She heeded this advice and spent a decade studying the effect of nutrition on cancer. But, as a yoga teacher, she felt that something was missing, so she decided to change the focus of her research. These days, Kubo is hard at work creating studies that examine the effect of mindfulness for cancer patients and their families in reducing stress and depression. We had a lively conversation about her current studies, her approach to eating and living in a way that minimizes cancer risk, and the details on her 3-week Mindfulness Cleanse, which focuses on helping the body rest and reset.Shownotes for this episode: www.yogalandpodcast.com/episode105SHOUT-OUT

Why don't you have a seat and stay awhile? If you think meditating is boring, hard, pointless, or too time consuming, this episode is for you!This week, Jason and I discuss everything meditation. We unpack why it's important for yoga students to meditate. Plus, we'll give some practical tips for to start if you're new to the practice (or start again if not very consistent). We promise, you'll be glad you did!PS: Jason just launched a program on yogaglo called, "I Don't Meditate." It's six classes and we think it will convert even the biggest meditation skeptics. You can find it here: http://bit.ly/meditate_with_jasonHighlights from this episode:* The difference between a person's identity and their habits + how to unravel those to make meditating seem more possible* Some of the common fears (and excuses!) that keep people from meditating* Why meditation is an important part of a well-rounded yoga practice and if there's anyone who shouldn't meditate* Jason's approach to teaching seated meditation and how

There's a special place in my heart for Tias Little. I studied with him many years ago and the vivid imagery and metaphor he used had a profound impact on the way I think about the body. He's also got this dry, dry, dry humor that I love. In the years since I studied with Tias, he has started doing dharma talks and one of them inspired this episode.You see, I think most of us are perfectionists. And, as much as I love to put in a hard day's work full of drive and goal-crushing, perfectionism doesn't lead to happiness. It's an illusion of control that (mostly) takes us out of the present moment and into a myth of life being neat, tidy, and complete. It can also bleed into our relationships with those we care about most -- friends, partners, children -- creating conflict and suffering that's unnecessary.In this episode, I ask Tias how we can use yoga and Buddhist psychology to become aware of our perfectionist tendencies and reframe them. Over the past few weeks since our conversation, Tias' words have stayed w

When your body hurts, it can feel like your soul hurts. And when you sustain an injury from yoga, it can be even more rattling. When an injury threatened Laura Burkhart's yoga practice—and her livelihood—she was forced to dig deep, be creative, and step into a new role as a yoga teacher, too. In this episode, she explains how she survived with humility and humor. (PS: Don't forget to read Laura's most recent Yoga Journal blog post!)We talk about:* Laura's experience sustaining a hip injury during her yoga practice, how it was diagnosed (when she didn't have health insurance), and the path she took to begin to heal* How she coped with the fear, shame, and frustration that came up* The process she used that allowed her to shift from a negative mindset to one that help her completely reprioritize her life and work* The biggest insight she learned from the ordeal: Don't get your identity from your physical abilities or your career, but in something deeper and more meaningful* How she approaches her practice and h

When I first started taking yoga classes from Jason many years ago, I was struck by his voice. He has a voice that draws you in. It's soothing and encouraging. He speaks in a measured, comfortable pace. And he's a clear, succinct communicator. In essence, he's a natural when it comes to verbal communication.This week, I ask Jason to share how he's developed this skill set. And, although this episode is specifically geared toward yoga teachers, the ideas we here apply to everyone. We all have times when clear verbal communication is vital -- in client meetings, with our loved ones, during presentations -- and some of us struggle with it more than others. My hope is that you'll gain confidence and clarity from this episode.We talk about:* Why verbal communication might be the most important skill for yoga teachers* Using each class you teach as a practice for personal growth in the area of verbal communication* The struggles we (Jason and Andrea) have when it comes to speaking in front of a group* How

Jason's back on the podcast answering some of our listeners most common questions. This week, we tackle questions related to Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Balance).We dive into:* Headless Headstand - An alternative pose that recommends for students who are new to Forearm Balance* Three things the shoulders need to be in order to practice Forearm Balance* A conversation about Jason's biggest pet peeve that he sees students do when they're setting up for Pincha Mayurasana and Headstand (and why Andrea has decided to politely agree to disagree)* How to avoid having an excessive curvature in the low back (a phenomenon often called "banana back") in Pincha Mayurasana* Four helpful variations on Pincha MayurasanaShow notes: http://www.jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode99SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORSCareof is a monthly vitamin subscription service that's tailored to your exact needs. Their recommendations are based on clinical research with input from doctors and nutritionists. Vegan and veg supplement options are available! Fo

On this week's episode, neurophysiologist Dr. Robyn Capobianco returns and we cover a ton of interesting ground. I walked away from the conversation asking myself, ‘Are there absolutely, definitively good movements and bad movements within the framework of yoga poses? And do we know what they are?’Here are the other points we discuss:* The difference between the "anatomy," "biomechanics," and "neuromechanics" and how they apply to yoga* What Robyn's research has shown her about squeezing the glutes in backbends + the surprising thing that happens when you stop squeezing* How to be a more discerning connoisseur of all the research, articles, and blog posts that are out there and why it matters* Why Robyn believes that the constraints around the practice can sometimes do more harm than good* Is it safe to roll up from Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) to standing?*BONUS: Robyn's favorite mascara brand, which she promises will change your life.Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode98/SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS1.

We decided to give male listeners some TLC this week by answering their questions. While we focus on yoga for men in this episode, it has tons of insights for women who want to relate to the men in their classes and for teachers who want to help their male students.Besides, we've all struggled with feeling like the only person in class who can't do something, right?We talk about:* What it's like to be a male in a majority female yoga class + some good news for men who feel uncomfortable - there are more and more men finding their way into yoga studios* How to handle the awkwardness and frustration associated with being the tightest person in a yoga class (which is something that is not just relevant to men, by the way!)* Modifications for tight shoulders in poses where you interlace the fingers behind the back* How to apply lessons from strength training to yoga practice* Tips for yoga teachers who want to help people who are really struggling with posesSHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. RxBar are protein bars made f

This episode is in response to the overwhelming number of questions we've gotten about Handstand. We explore the logistical side -- what are the best prep poses for Handstand? And the emotional side, i.e., how do I cope with my fear of Handstand? You'll also learn:* The vital triad of forearm, finger, and shoulder strength for Handstand* Helpful prep poses yoga poses to help you build the strength for the pose* The importance of understanding scapular motion when learning Handstand * The muscles and actions that people neglect when they're trying to learn Handstand* How to manage and cope with your fear of Handstand* Alternative poses that offer the same benefits as HandstandShownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode96/SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. Mahabis sell incredibly comfortable, Scandinavian-inspired slippers with unique detachable soles. The detachable soles clip on and off easily, so you can even wear your slippers outdoors, or to and from your yoga class! Head to mahabis.com to buy your pair today

This week, Coral Brown offers her take on the psychodynamics of the teacher-student relationship in yoga. Coral is both a respected Prana Vinyasa yoga teacher and licensed mental health counselor with great insight into this topic.There are obviously major differences in the therapist/patient relationship vs. the yoga teacher/student relationship. Yet, many of the same psychodynamics arise. Coral shares how transference, countertransference, unmet needs and behaviors all make their way into the yoga room, whether we're aware of them or not.She also shares:*Her thoughts on why the teacher/student model inherently sets up a power differential and what we can do about it*How therapists are trained and prepared to handle the dynamics that arise within the working relationship*How she brings principles from her therapy training to her yoga teacher trainees* Her process for using the chakra system as a roadmap for psychological self-discovery*The role of charisma in elevating a teacher's status*Coral's ap

This is our first-ever live podcast recording! From Jason's training in San Francisco at Love Story Yoga, we dig deep into how yoga teachers can serve their students better through offering hands-on, or manual, adjustments.We talk about:* The value of hands-on adjustments in yoga postures for students, and which students might benefit most. * Why Jason feels there should be a paradigm shift in the way teachers deliver manual adjustments and what that shift should be.* Ways to approach adjusting super flexible students, tighter students, and those middle-of-the-road students + why it's important to give them all equal attention in class.* Practical advice teachers can implement right now to offer safer, more skillful adjustments that informs their experience of the posture.Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/podcast/episode94SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. Mahabis sell incredibly comfortable, Scandinavian-inspired slippers with unique detachable soles. The detachable soles clip on and off easily, so you can even we

Sexual misconduct in the yoga community isn't new. But the evolving #metoo and #timesup movements have brought to light the magnitude of the problem for women from all walks of life -- including within the yoga world. (Rachel Brathen collected more than 300 of them last year). It's opened an important dialogue about how to put an end to sexual misconduct and other abuses of power within the yoga community. There are a few thoughtful yoga teachers leading the way, and I talked with two of them in this week's episode: Judith Hanson Lasater and Mary Taylor. Judith and Mary, with AZIAM founder Alanna Zabel, shared their stories recently with <em>Yoga Journal. </em>Now, they're talking with me about what they feel should be the next steps for healing.We talk about:* The history of ethical standards for yoga teachers and how both Judith and Mary believe these standards should evolve in the future* How the vocation of yoga teacher has changed through the years as yoga has become more commercial

Did you know that the fastest growing demographic of new yogis is the 55 and older set? Neither did I. I learned all sorts of fascinating facts, statistics, and new research from this week's guest, Baxter Bell.Together with his co-author, Nina Zolotow, Baxter has a new book, Yoga for Healthy Aging and that's the main focus of this episode. I can't think of two people better-positioned to write this book: Baxter spent years practicing medicine as a family doc before becoming a yoga therapist and practicing acupuncturist. Nina is the author of several books on yoga and is a certified yoga teacher, having studied extensively with esteemed teachers like Rodney Yee and Donald Moyer.I don't know about you, but Jason and I have tried -- unsuccessfully! -- to get our parents to do yoga. This book reminds me of how beneficial yoga practice is as we age. I think it's a vital and meaningful book for any thoughtful yoga teacher's toolkit.In this week's podcast we learn more about:* The story behind Baxter and Nina's new

Jason's back on the podcast this week answering some of the best questions we've gotten in about yoga postures. (Yogaland listeners are a smart, inquisitive bunch!)We dive into:* Why he rarely teaches Virabhadrasna I (Warrior I Pose) and how he feels about "squaring" the hips* What Jason teaches instead of Warrior I (and what a relief it is)* The differences between Paripurna Navasana (Full Boat Pose) and Ardha Navasna (Half Boat Pose) and which one is better for strengthening the core muscles* What to do when you can't breathe deeply in twists* What it means to be an advanced yoga practitionerShownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode/SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. Zola is reinventing the wedding planning and registry experience. From engagement to wedding to decorating your first home, Zola is there, combining compassionate customer service with modern tools and technology. To sign up with Zola and receive a $50 credit towards your registry, go to zola.com/yogaland 2. RxBar are protein bars made from 100% whole foo

This week, we continue our conversation with Jill Miller to learn even more about the mysterious (and amazing!) connective tissue that literally holds our bodies together: fascia.We talk more about:The three different layers of fascia, how each layer functions, and why each one is importantWhere in your own body you can feel the different textures of fasciaWhat happens to the fascia when you stretch your musclesHow to use tools like therapy balls, a yoga mat, or even a hard wood floor to create awareness from the skin to the deep fascia (Hint: Less is more)Whether rolling on therapy balls is more effective before or after exerciseShownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode/SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS1. Zola is reinventing the wedding planning and registry experience. From engagement to wedding to decorating your first home, Zola is there, combining compassionate customer service with modern tools and technology. To sign up with Zola and receive a $50 credit towards your registry, go to zola.com/yogaland 2. RxBar are

I've got a special two-part series this week Yoga Tune Up® founder Jill Miller about -- you guessed it -- fascia. There is more and more info. being shared about fascia. But I've found that it sometimes feels esoteric. My goal with these interviews is threefold: I wanted to offer clarity about what fascia is and then talk about why it is so important and how we can apply this info. to our yoga practice. By the end of Part II, I feel like Jill and I dug into all of these questions, so be patient! Fascia is complex and it took me a bit longer than usual for these interviews to land.We learn more about:* What exactly fascia is anyway? And why is there some controversy over the definition.* Why fascia is the "Cinderella story of human anatomy"* How to incorporate our understanding of fascia into our yoga practice* Why using a yoga ball to roll one part of your body can help to relieve tension in another part of the body* The nervous system's relationship to the fascia systemShownotes: yogalandpodcast.co

Yogis often talk about the nervous system in terms of how it responds to stress. But if you've ever wanted to learn more about the science of how the nervous system works, this episode is for you! (Spoiler alert: It controls almost everything related to movement!)This week, I talked with yoga therapist and PhD candidate Robyn Capobianco, who studies at the Neurophysiology of Movement Laboratory at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She explains how her research applies to yogis and offers practical ways to apply her findings to avoid yoga injuries and more. It's fascinating stuff.We explore:* How the nervous system works and informs movement* How the body responds to sensory input, and how it relates to yoga* How the SI joint differs from other joints in the body and what yogis can do to avoid SI joint pain* One simple thing you can do to engage the core more in Plank Pose* The science behind common beliefs like: Is it really unsafe to jump back from Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) to Plank

We pick up where we left off last week with Jason answering more of your recent questions! This week, he answers:* How often should I change my sequences?* How do I sequence given the large influx of new students in January without alienating my established students?* If I let my pelvis rotate during twists, will it cause a hip impingement?Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode87/SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!!1.   Did you know that you can save money on your life insurance just because you do yoga? Health IQ is an insurance company that helps yogis get lower rates on their life insurance. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at healthiq.com/yogaland or mention the promo code YOGALAND when you talk to a Health IQ agent.2.   RxBar are protein bars made from 100% whole foods. That means RxBars do not contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fillers. They also do not contain added sugar. They’re also delicious!  For 25% off your first order, visit RXBAR.

Jason Crandell joins me this week to answer your questions. We cover a lot of ground in this short episode including:* Strategies for Down Dog -- How to make it easier to step forward, what to do when a student can't straighten their arms* Lower Rib Flare -- Why it's important to think of core length, not just core strength* The Cue to 'Tuck Your Tailbone Under -- Is it dangerous? Appropriate? What's the deal. Please.Shownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode86SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!!1.   Did you know that you can save money on your life insurance just because you do yoga? Health IQ is an insurance company that helps yogis get lower rates on their life insurance. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at healthiq.com/yogaland or mention the promo code YOGALAND when you talk to a Health IQ agent.2.   RxBar are protein bars made from 100% whole foods. That means RxBars do not contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fillers. They also do not contain added s

This week’s podcast with author and yoga teacher Michelle Marchildon focuses on her formula for theming your yoga classes. The formula comes from her book, Themeweaver: Connect the Power of Inspiration to Teaching Yoga and is a clear, thorough approach to creating themes that are meaningful, not cheesy, and will help your students really deeply connect their physical practice to Michelle talks us through:• The three types of students who come to class• The four elements that make a good theme• Theming don’ts• Five rules for incorporating your themes into your classes• How to organize your themes so that you can edit them and reuse them in the futureShownotes: yogalandpodcast.com/episode85/SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS:1.   Did you know that you can save money on your life insurance just because you do yoga? Health IQ is an insurance company that helps yogis get lower rates on their life insurance. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at healthiq.com/yogaland or mention the promo cod