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We are super excited to be back recording this episode after Carla had a baby (9 weeks ago). Keep an eye out for the birth story in the next episode, she wasn't quite ready to share it yet. In this episode, we have a quick chat about baby stuff (like how loud babies fart) and also about doing hard things, because things can be hard, but hard isn't always bad, right?Also, Emma's microphone did not have the best connection... for some reason, something to do with my internet and zoom. Anyway, it's not too bad, so still press play!This is what we spoke about during the episodeCarla had a baby! YAY!Exercise is not always easy, but the reward is worth it.Sometimes it's not the action that's hard, but it's starting action. Finding the motivation is hard.When you have zero motivation, the best thing to do is take action. PUSH THROUGH the resistance. The book "The Tea Rose" makes us appreciate the luxury of modern living compared to the manual labour of the past.Running a business with a baby is really hard, pre

In this episode, we chat about people-pleasing and the idea that not everyone is going to like you. How do you deal with this and have the courage to be disliked?You can learn more about our 2025 MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here.This is what we spoke about during the episodePeople-pleasing and forever seeking people's approval, limit opportunities and can stop you from stepping towards goals and dreams.It's okay if some people don't love you, like you, align with you or get you. When everyone approves of you and likes you. But do you approve of yourself?Go inwards for a moment and choose you. Get your own approval.Apple's iconic marketing strategy did not try to please everyone but targeted the misfits and creatives.Our Yoga Teacher Training's underlying mission is to teach you to teach yoga, but with self-acceptance at the forefront.We love how our MerryBody members and Yoga Teacher trainees are passing on lessons of self-acceptance.Being you is your greatest super power! If you lo

This episode is part of our Yoga Teacher Series, we chat ideas and opportunities you can take to kickstart your Yoga teaching journey.You can learn more about our 2025 MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here.This is what we spoke about during the episodeFind a local Facebook group where yoga teachers hang out and find class cover opportunities, which can lead to permanent positions.If there is a studio that you love, put yourself out there. Network and build a relationship with the studio owner.Get your foot in the door and offer classes at a community rate or even free of charge for people to get to know your teaching style.Join local council initiatives and explore funding opportunities to teach yoga.Tap into other industries or events for wellness opportunities and offer your service.Build your social media presence to share your values and mission, and for potential clients to research and connect with you.Teach private classes and find an opportunity to collaborate and network with other profes

This episode is part of our Yoga Teacher Series, we reflect on our conversations with our trainees from the 2024 cohort of MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training and the unexpected lessons that came from it.You can learn more about our 2025 MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here.This is what we spoke about during the episodeYoga Teacher Training extends much further than learning how to teach yoga and improving your physical Asana practice.Setting and accomplishing a goal during the training builds self-belief.A lot of self-reflection is invited as Yoga Teacher Training allows the opportunity to reflect on who you are and how you want to live your life.Because of the increase of focused practice of meditation, Pranayama and Asana during the training, enhanced self-awareness comes with it.Self-acceptance becomes a profound practice as you dive deeper into yoga's philosophy.Everything you learn on the mat or in the Yoga Teacher Training ripples out and touches every aspect of your life.Self-compassion and s

We received a lovely compliment: "I love the way you do business." This episode is inspired by those kind words.This is what we spoke about during the episodeStaying true to your moral compass is important.If you're only focused on building a business and nothing else in your life, then every other important part of your life gets forgotten about.Business pivots.Following our bliss is the big overarching theme in our business journey.Keeping a lean team allows for deep connections and meaningful support to our community.In this digital age where faster is better and less personable, for us, personal connections matter. From 1-on-1 check-ins with our Yoga Teacher Trainees to sending physical tokens of appreciation, building and nurturing genuine relationships has been our cornerstone.Get your head around finances and accounting for profit and loss.Foundations and processes are important for business longevity.Say yes to the things that you really want to say yes to. Say no to things you really want to say no t

Time to go behind the scenes of what it's like to be a Yoga Teacher, we talk about the things you need to do to overcome the fear of Teaching Yoga.We go far deeper into these subjects inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If this series sparks your interest we'd encourage you to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you!This is what we spoke about during the episodeThe nervousness and anxiety associated with teaching a Yoga class is natural. You're never going to feel ready. You just have to jump in.Writing your sequence of what you're going to teach helps you prepare and be confident for a class or presentation.Using the "treasure map" approach or breaking down your poses help you overcome the anxiety of memorising your sequence. If you miss something, it's okay!Before walking into a class, get yourself grounded and calm, take a deep breath and switch your mindset to "teacher" mode.Be prepared for s

In this episode, we shift from the discussions about Yogic philosophies to Carla's pregnancy update (she was at 36 weeks when we recorded this episode).This is what we spoke about during the episodeCarla's been doing all the prep work like hypnobirthing, meditations and affirmations to feel calm and positive about the birth.Carla's having a dream pregnancy where she hasn't had any issues like sciatica or pelvic pain, aside from a little bit of back pain. Overall, it's been amazing!We're very grateful we have a lean business structure and a small team for flexibility.Healthy movement methods that release those feel-good endorphins including Pilates, yoga, and walking. If you loved this episode or have more questions about this, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to carla@themerrymakersisters.com or emma@themerrymakersisters.com or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.Always merrymaking,Emma + CarlaP.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact

This episode is Part 10 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Ishvara Pranidhana is the fifth Niyama and it translates to surrender.We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If this series sparks your interest we'd encourage you to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you!This is what we spoke about during the episodeNischala Joy Devi translates Ishvara Pranidhana as wholehearted dedication. Through wholehearted dedication, we become intoxicated with the divine.What does Ishvara Pranidhana look like in our modern world? Ishvara Pranidhana is looked at as one of the most important Niyamas. If we are to practise this, everything else just falls into place.If you are looking for a fast track to enlightenment and bliss, combine Tapas, Svadhyaya, and Ishvara Pranidhana. These are described as Kriya Yoga or yoga in action.The whole reas

This episode is Part 9 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Svadhyaya is the fourth Niyama and it's the practice of self-study and study of the divine.We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If this series sparks your interest we'd encourage you to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you!This is what we spoke about during the episodeNischala Joy Devi translates Svadhyaya as the sacred study of the divine through scripture, nature and introspection. If we do that, this will guide us to the supreme self.Svadhyaya invites us to look within and at the external, and realise that it's all connected.It invites us to the questions "who am I?", "why am I here?", and "how do I wanna live my life?".Always be willing for your concept of reality to change as your consciousness brightens. We have to be willing to let go of the old to welcome in

This episode is Part 8 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Tapas is the third Niyama and it traditionally translates to discipline.We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If this series sparks your interest we'd encourage you to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you!This is what we spoke about during the episodeSometimes the word "discipline" comes with negative connotations, so we like to add in "devotional discipline". Even when we're practising discipline, we need an element of love, compassion and forgiveness.Tapas is required if you would like to welcome any kind of change.Things are not always pleasant, but we have to move through those obstacles in order to keep going forward.In regards to MerryBody, Tapas is not just about being disciplined, but it's about how we do the things that we're being disciplined with.Tapas isn'

This episode is Part 7 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Santosha is the second Niyama and it translates to contentment and acceptance.We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If anything within this Yama and Niyamas Series sparks your interest we'd suggest to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you! Exciting!This is what we spoke about during the episodePersonally and professionally, Santosha is the backbone of everything we do here at MerryBody. It was a life-changing practice for us, particularly for our body image.When you practise acceptance, suddenly, you feel free and able to experience joy just the way that you are. Then, you become more harmonious.Societal pressures affect our self-esteem and Santosha acts as a shield against them. And the more that you practice it, the more easily it comes.Nischala Joy Devi translates Santosha as

This episode is Part 6 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Nischala Joy Devi translates the Niyamas as an evolution toward harmony. If you practice the 5 Niyamas, you will move toward a more harmonious you. Saucha is the first Niyama which is translated as detoxification and cleanliness.We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If anything within this Yama and Niyamas Series sparks your interest we'd suggest to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you! Exciting!This is what we spoke about during the episodePatanjali reminds us to go a little bit deeper, Suacha is not just about taking a shower. Pumping of the Big 6 (Stop Chasing Pain on Instagram) is a wonderful way of practising Saucha or detoxification when starting your day and it only takes about 30 seconds. Tap under your collarbone, behind your ears, shoulders, stomach, groin, and b

This episode is Part 5 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Aparigraha is the 5th Yama which translates to detachment or the idea of non-hoarding, not keeping things or grasping on to things. Let's look a little bit deeper and think bigger about this idea of detachment.We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If anything within this Yama and Niyamas Series sparks your interest we'd suggest to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you!This is what we spoke about during the episodeOur buying and consuming habits have gone too far for our planet.The practice of detachment allows us to enjoy the journey and become more present. The journey is the goal, not the destination.Nischala Joy Devi translates Aparigraha as acknowledging abundance. Take a moment to feel gratitude for the great blessings that surround you.This practice of Detachment turned ou

This episode is Part 4 of our 10-part Yoga philosophy series where we tip toe, take snack bites (whatever you want to call it) into the Yamas and Niyamas. Brahmacharya is the 4th Yama and is traditionally translated to celibacy, but there is so much more to discuss!We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If anything within this Yama and Niyamas Series sparks your interest we'd suggest to continue following that spark... you never know where it may lead you!This is what we spoke about during the episodeSexual energy is one of the most natural human states of energy celebrated. Anand Mehrotra says "thinking that Patanjali was asking us to be celibate is ridiculous".Brahmacharya is not just about celibacy but also about channeling your energy and being aware of where your energy is going.It is a state of consciousness where you start to experience things based on their fullest value. When you look at

This episode is Part 3 of our 10-part Yoga philosophy series where we dip our toes into the Yamas and Niyamas. It's a snack bite-sized dive into philosophy (haha). Satya is the 3rd of the 5 Yamas, and is traditionally translated to non-stealing.We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training program over here.This is what we spoke about during the episodeAsteya is not just about non-stealing of physical possessions. Being late is stealing time. Distracting ourselves where there is no need for distraction is stealing from our own present moment.Nishala Joy Devi translates Asteya as abiding in generosity and honesty. When we are honest and generous, we experience abundance.Asteya tells us not to steal, but as it expands our hearts, it says give. Don't wait for someone to ask. Be alert and never miss an opportunity to give, give, give.Make sure to give to yourself first: compassion, love, acceptance, non-judgment, underst

This episode is Part 2 of our 10-part Yoga philosophy series where we dip our toes into the Yamas and Niyamas. Satya is the 2nd of the 5 Yamas.We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training program over here.This is what we spoke about during the episodeSatya translates to truth and integrity. Our thoughts, words and actions gain the power to manifest.Many of us have spent so much of our lives trying to please other people that we have forgotten what our truth is and who we really are.If you allow a moment to get quiet and peaceful, often it's when the truth will speak to you. Do you actually listen? Do you live that truth out?The more you follow and live your truth and show up with integrity, the easier it becomes.There's a little bit of magic when you begin something new. And, you have to step outside your comfort zone to experience that.If you missed the first part of this series, listen to 410: Embracing Ahimsa | The F

This episode is Part 1 of our 10-part Yoga philosophy series where we dip our toes into the Yogic philosophies, starting with the Yamas and Niyamas. You'll realise that Yoga is so much more than just a downward-facing dog. Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training program over here.This is what we spoke about during the episodeYamas are the first limb of Yoga. Nishala Joy Devi, an amazing author and Yoga Teacher, translates the Yamas as practices that uncover our true nature.Yamas are often described as the "don'ts".Ahimsa, the first Yama, is often translated as non-violence. How can you show up with more love, with more kindness, not only for others, but also for yourself?Nishala Joy Devi translates Ahimsa as embracing, revenance, and love for all. We experience oneness. With love and kindness, we then experience a connection.Listen to our Chakra series: 353: Joy, Pleasure and the Sacral Chakra, 354: Confidence, self-esteem and the Solar Plexus Chakra, 355: Kindness, love, compassion and the Heart Chak

This is a special episode, we share our 108 Affirmation Meditation from the MerryBody App.Meditation welcomes mindfulness and focus, and this creates an ideal state for positive affirmation. Affirmations are positive statements that shift negative thoughts. You can use them to help reinforce your desired beliefs.Meditation and affirmations form a powerful duo for personal growth and wellbeing. Together, they amplify each other's effects, helping to rewire the brain for positivity and resilience. When combined, meditation calms the mind and cultivates focus, while affirmation welcomes self-confidence and motivation. Our MerryBody Members are loving this meditation, hear what some of them are saying about it.“I just completed the Feel Good Yoga class and finished off with the 108 affirmations, so good” - Jo “This morning my body still felt quite tired, normally I would have chosen a Yin class, but instead I pressed play on Nadi Shodhana pranayama and then the new meditation in the MB app, 108 affirmat

In this episode, we chat about positive affirmations and their power to shift your mindset. They are very much part of our business journey. When we started our business (11 years ago now) we had them pinned up on all of our walls everywhere.This is what we spoke about during the episodeWe came to a point where we stopped believing in the power of positive affirmations but listening to the Founders Podcast reminded us of the importance of positive affirmations and a positive mindset.Positive affirmations are essential in shifting mindsets, especially in a stress-laden environment like managing a business.It's important to look at our thoughts and the words that are on repeat in our mind.Positive affirmations are not just woo-woo or whimsical magical teachings. Carla shares her hypnobirthing journey, where positive affirmations are practised, to let go of the stress and anxiety of giving birth.Positive affirmations can help regulate our emotions. If we shift our thoughts, our thoughts create the feelings.

Right now we have over 600 Yoga, Pilates, Yin, Barre and meditation MerryBody classes inside our App. One of our amazing Yoga teacher trainees asked us about the inspiration and decisions that go into the creation of these classes. Thanks for the question Sharon, this was such a fun conversation. This is what we spoke about during the episodeHow we first designed our first in-person Yoga and Pilates classes compared to now. We began filming 4 classes a day, now we are filming 10. You have to start somewhere, reflect, learn and then make it better.When you are organised and have a system, it creates the perfect environment for creativity to thrive.If you haven't tried our classes, sign up to our FREE Pilates class called Daily Dose Pilates or try our FREE Yoga class called Desk Worker Upper Yoga.If you're interested in joining the 2025 MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training, sign up for the waitlist.If you loved this episode or have more questions about this, we would love to hear from you, send us an