Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast

Hosted by Mado Hesselink

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Episodes

333

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Information, support, and inspiration for yoga teachers. Topics include the business of yoga, teaching skills, philosophy, ethical and legal considerations, and more.

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60 recent

June 4, 2026Episode 29838 min

Tips for Learning Anatomy with Dr. Libby Hinsley

Why is learning anatomy so hard for yoga teachers? In this episode, we discuss the importance of becoming fluent in basic anatomy to accurately speak about the body in your yoga classes. We know anatomy can feel like a foreign language - that’s because it is! But fear not, we have the secret sauce to make it all stick. From our own adventures with anatomy to tips that'll make studying a breeze, this episode is the ultimate cheat sheet for all wannabe anatomy enthusiasts. Get ready to unleash your inner nerd and build a rock-solid anatomical foundation. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:09 Why yoga teachers need basic anatomy knowledge 02:02 Challenges and misconceptions in learning anatomy 03:32 The role of anatomy in your yoga classes 09:13 Our personal journeys in anatomy learning 13:10 Tips for yoga teachers to learn anatomy 18:36 The basics: bones, joints, and muscles 23:24 The importance of context and relevance 28:14 Advanced tips and continuous learning 35:52 Recommended anatomy education programs EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Libby Hinsley Anatomy Bites Anatomy Bites - Embodied Anatomy Follow Libby on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

May 21, 202618 min

Yoga’s PR Problem (and how you can help)

Learn to correct common misunderstandings about yoga. As teachers, we have an important role to play in improving the public perception of yoga. In this episode, you will learn the most common misconceptions that prevent people from trying yoga, why yoga is misunderstood in the wider culture, and what you can do about it as a yoga teacher. Episode Highlights: 4 misunderstandings that make (some) people resistant to yoga Tips for sharing what yoga is really about How incorrect public perceptions of yoga spread and solidify Why hearing an objection about yoga is an opportunity and a gift Mini scripts to help you speak clearly about yoga Episode Links & Resources Thinking Fast & Slow - By Daniel Kahneman Links & Resources Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes

May 7, 2026Episode 29633 min

So You Want to Run a Teacher Training? with Angela Hammond

What does it actually take to run a yoga teacher training? In this episode with Angela Hammond, founder of Main Street Yoga, we talk about the real behind-the-scenes of leading a 200-hour yoga teacher training. From curriculum design and Yoga Alliance requirements to navigating group dynamics and burnout, Angela shares what she’s learned over years of trial and error. Teacher trainings are a lot of work, yes—but also the most rewarding format for teaching. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Angela’s story 03:09 Opening a studio in a small town 05:15 Why start a teacher training 10:07 Building the curriculum 12:01 Refining through feedback 15:24 Schedule and teaching load 16:33 Anatomy teaching breakthrough 22:39 Online vs. In-Person 24:30 Advice for new trainers 28:36 How to know if you are ready 31:55 Final tips EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Main Street Yoga Follow Main Street Yoga on Instagram @mainstreetyogafmt Follow Main Street Yoga on Facebook Follow Angela Hammond Yoga on YouTube @angelahammondyoga Embodied Anatomy LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

April 23, 2026Episode 29532 min

Teaching With an Injury with Juzbi Walia [On-Air Coaching Call]

Physical demonstration is an important tool for teaching - so what do you do when an injury prevents you from being able to demonstrate? In this on-air coaching call with Juzbi Walia, we explore what it means to teach yoga with an injury, from rethinking asana beyond set sequences to developing more subtle, specific approaches to movement and instruction. What at first feels like a limitation can actually boost creativity, expand accessibility, and highlight the role of structure and community in long-term growth. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:10 Meet Juzbi: A yoga teacher returning to her hometown and grappling with an injury 09:26 Why teaching with limitations feels so hard - but can be a catalyst for growth 12:27 Reimagining Asana Practice 14:42 How to Build Community Through Access 18:06 Cultivating a Growth Mindset with Discernment 23:18 How to Challenge without Compromising Safety 27:44 The benefits of a One-on-One Teacher 31:14 Wrap-Up and Next Steps EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Follow Juzbi on Instagram @juzbiyoga Follow Yoga With Juzbi on Facebook LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

April 9, 2026Episode 29416 min

Why Running a Yoga Business Feels so Hard (and things that will help)

Yoga teachers often begin their teaching journey expecting a flexible, meaningful, and low-stress career, but quickly find themselves overwhelmed by the realities of running a business. In this episode, we break down why the modern yoga teacher role feels so hard, from the pressures of social media to the many hats you’re required to wear when self-employed. This conversation unpacks the gap between the “dream” and the day-to-day, and what it actually takes to build a sustainable path as a yoga teacher today. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:41 Yoga teacher fantasy vs reality 02:57 How social media changed the game 07:21 Why it’s harder than ever to be a new yoga teacher 11:56 How to embody the multiple roles of the yoga teacher 12:53 Things that will help: Big Picture Routines 14:08 Things that will help: Task Management Habits 15:10 Things that will help: Coworking & Collaboration 16:00 Things that will help: Connection to Purpose, Joy, and your Personal Practice LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

April 2, 20261 hr 13 min

Inside Anatomy Bites with Dr Libby Hinsley

Peek behind the curtain of Anatomy Bites - the easiest and most enjoyable way for yoga teachers to learn anatomy. In this unusual episode, you’ll hear the audio portion of a live Q&A session led by Dr. Libby Hinsley, physical therapist and yoga teacher. Anatomy Bites is a 36-module program designed to give yoga teachers a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. You’ll also hear the story of how Anatomy Bites came to be and learn about what it’s like to be a member. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 The birth of Anatomy Bites 04:16 Dynamic vs. static movements for strengthening 06:41 The relationship between the low back and glutes in backbends 11:50 Foot and knee alignment in backbends 22:24 Foot placement in wide leg forward fold 30:20 Does it matter which side you roll towards in savasana? 33:41 Concentric vs eccentric movement 38:11 Torn labrum & chronic pain 52:11 Noise in neck movement 53:11 Spinal issues in yoga classes 01:06:14 Rounding the spine for older adults 01:10:51 Nerve sensations in Yin Yoga 01:13:27 Understanding fascia and its impact on movement 01:15:48 What to do with the shoulder blades in forearm plank 01:19:16 What it’s like inside Anatomy Bites EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Libby Hinsley Anatomy Bites Anatomy Bites - Embodied Anatomy Follow Libby on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe

March 26, 202625 min

Hip Labral Tears & Yoga Practice with Dr. Libby Hinsley

What are some ways to help a student with a hip labral tear? In this episode, Dr. Libby Hinsley explains how a labral tear can affect yoga asana practice and how to support students who have them while staying in your scope of practice. Episode Highlights: What are labral tears and what are the symptoms? How labral tears are diagnosed - and why a true diagnosis can be problematic Treatment options for hip labral tears Connections between asana practice, hypermobility syndromes, and hip labral tear prevalence. How yoga asana can exacerbate the risk of hip labral tears. How yoga asana can support the healing of hip labral tears. Tips for teaching standing balance postures in a way that will benefit all your students, including those with labral tears. Episode Links & Resources: Visit Anatomy Bites Libby Hinsley Follow Libby Hinsley on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt Follow Libby Hinsley on Facebook Links & Resources: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast

March 19, 202625 min

Osteoperosis and Spinal Flexion with Dr Libby Hinsley

Should we modify spinal flexion for osteoporosis? Osteoporosis affects approximately 20% of women over the age of 50 and increases the risk of bone fractures. In this episode, Dr. Libby Hinsley and I continue our 3-episode miniseries highlighting common medical conditions. Episode Highlights: What is osteoporosis, how to treat it, and how to prevent it. Why many people don’t get diagnosed with osteoporosis until after they fracture a bone. The three most common locations for osteoporosis, and how this might affect a yoga practice. Whether or not to modify yoga practices for higher-risk students who do not have an osteoporosis diagnosis. How osteoporosis is different from other common medical conditions that are likely to show up in your yoga classes. Episode Links & Resources: Visit Anatomy Bites Libby Hinsley Follow Libby Hinsley on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt Follow Libby Hinsley on Facebook Other Resources: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast

March 12, 202629 min

Degenerative Disc Disease with Dr. Libby Hinsley

Students often share scary-sounding diagnoses with their yoga teachers and expect us to know what they are - and how to modify for them. Today’s episode is the first of a miniseries about some of the most common conditions that will show up in a yoga classroom. Dr. Libby Hinsley demystifies the misleading diagnosis of “degenerative disc disease” - and shares the tools you will need as a yoga teacher to confidently help any student who tells you they have it. Episode Highlights: How your back is like a Jelly Doughnut! What IS “degenerative disc” and what impact should it have on your practice? The relationship between bulging, slipped, and herniated discs (hint - one of these isn’t a real thing). The prevalence of spinal abnormalities - and how worried we should be if they show up on imaging. The relationship between degenerative disc disease and backbends. Nerve compression symptoms and how to modify for them. Episode Links & Resources: Visit Anatomy Bites Libby Hinsley Follow Libby Hinsley on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt Follow Libby Hinsley on Facebook Other Resources: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes

February 26, 2026Episode 29334 min

Sustainable Service Packages and The Myth of Passive Income with Amberly Kelley-Dotson [On Air Coaching Call]

Yoga teachers often find themselves with a business model that leads straight to burnout. In this live coaching session, yoga teacher Amberly Kelley-Dotson opens up about the exhaustion of the one-on-one grind. Amberly is caught in a cycle of high-touch services and hidden, unpaid labor. In this episode, we work through a real-time restructuring of her business, moving away from the "passive income" fantasy and toward sustainable, concrete alternatives. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 02:51 Amberly’s journey from injury to therapeutic yoga 06:32 The unpaid labor of private practice 11:04 Packages and multiple levels of service 20:03 Marketing Without the Info Dump 24:55 Courses, Retreats, and Reusable Content 30:42 Next Steps & Wrap-Up EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Amble WellBeing Follow Amberly Kelley-Dotson on Instagram @amblewellbeing Follow Amberly Kelley-Dotson on Facebook LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource Join the Yoga Teacher Resource email list Join the Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Learn more about the Impact Club Leave a review on iTunes Ask a question for the podcast on the Yoga Teacher Resource website or on SpeakPipe