Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast

Hosted by Mado Hesselink

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339

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Aug 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

August 27, 2026Episode 29939 min

First Time Retreat Math: Pricing, Deposits, and Minimums with Monisha

Planning your first yoga retreat? Let’s make sure the math actually works! In this episode, you’ll hear a real-life retreat planning conversation about pricing, minimum enrollment, deposits, cancellation policies, and how to make sure you’re paying yourself for all the work that goes into creating a retreat. We also talk about how to communicate the value you bring when the retreat center already offers yoga, Ayurveda, food, and other experiences. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:54 Is it OK to Run a Retreat Over the Holidays? 02:48 Cancellation Terms with a Short Timeline 04:19 What’s the optimal length for a retreat? 05:13 Sustainable Approaches to Pricing 11:25 The reality of minimum numbers 16:40 How to communicate urgency without being salesy 20:46 Deposits and Refunds 25:38 Defining Your Value 29:51 Curating Guest Experts 34:19 Vetting Retreat Centers 38:24 Wrap Up and Next Steps EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Retreat Roadmap Get on the priority registration list for Mado's Yoga + Hiking in the French Alps October 2027 (Registration opens September 2026) Monisha's Website Monisha's Instagram 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

August 13, 2026Episode 29819 min

Vetting Venues: Questions First-Time Retreat Leaders Forget to Ask

Dreaming of leading your first yoga retreat? Save yourself time and potential headaches by following this two-step retreat center vetting process that covers everything from communication red flags to the fine print on cancellations. In this episode, you’ll hear exactly how I narrow down my options for retreat venues, compare apples to apples, and read between the lines to find the best venue for your first yoga retreat. If you aren’t sure exactly what questions you need to ask a retreat center before booking with them, tune in for practical advice for choosing the venue for your first or next yoga retreat. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Why retreat leaders get stuck at step one 01:06 Start with the geographic region, but don’t get attached 02:30 Dedicated retreat centers vs hotels vs vacation rentals 06:07 Phase One: The non-negotiables 07:36 How to compare prices 08:59 Communication red flag 10:15 Phase Two: The fine print and extras 16:26 What to do when the choice isn’t clear 18:14 Contracts, deposits, & next steps EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Retreat Roadmap 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

July 30, 2026Episode 29724 min

12 Reasons Every Retreat Leader Needs to be a Guest Too

Many yoga retreat leaders have never attended a retreat as a guest. In this episode, I share 12 reasons why retreat leaders should prioritize experiencing a retreat from the other side. Some of these reasons are personal, such as forcing you to take a break, while others are more practical, like discovering your operational blind spots. Since finances are often a major hurdle, I also share three ways that retreat leaders can get discounts on other people’s retreats. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Why Leaders Skip Retreats 01:07 Leader vs Guest Reality 03:46 Reason 1: Self-Care Reset 04:08 Reason 2: Spot Blind Spots 05:20 Reason 3: Reinvigorate Your Practice 06:04 Reason 4: The Food 06:56 Reason 5: Stop Overstuffing Your Retreat Schedule 08:11 Reason 6: Retreat Yoga is Different From Home Yoga 09:09 Reason 7: Retreat Social Dynamics 10:02 Reason 8: Build Confidence & Calm 10:43 Reason 9: Market Research 12:45 Reason 10: Venue Research 13:06 Reason 11: Reduce Taxable Income 13:36 Reason 12: Force Yourself to Rest 14:42 Money Objections and Values 16:27 3 Ways to Get Discounted Retreats 21:09 Why Retreats Support a Sustainable Yoga Business EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Retreat Roadmap 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

July 16, 202612 min

How to Sequence a 20 Minute Demo Class

Mado shares her top 5 tips for sequencing a 20 minute demo class to audition for a teaching position. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Why yoga studios ask for a 20 minute audition. How to do research for the teaching job you are hoping to get. What to focus on when you don’t have enough time to sequence a full class experience. Teaching techniques you can use in your demo and beyond. How to have a plan for if you start running out of time and can’t teach everything you prepared. How to show up as your best self - even when you’re nervous. EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Get a free downloadable cheat sheet based on this episode when you sign up for my email list. 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

July 2, 20261 hr 14 min

Breathing Myths and Misconceptions with Dr Crystal Frazee

Dr. Crystal Frazee unpacks common myths and misconceptions about the breath that are frequently shared in yoga classes. In this episode, she shares the basics of breathing physiology that every yoga teacher should know - and how to apply that knowledge in a yoga setting. She advises teachers to drop the cue “deep breath,” prioritize quiet, effortless nasal breathing with lower rib expansion, emphasize the full breath cycle and pauses, offer opt-outs in group classes, and use gentle strategies such as slowed exhalations and brief breath holds to support CO2 tolerance and student self-observation. Listen to this episode to understand why these are best practices for teaching and cueing the breath in a yoga setting. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:46 Meet Dr Crystal Frazee 08:27 The difference between breathing and respiration 12:25 What most people get wrong about oxygen and CO2 18:22 What we can learn from watching a baby breathe 23:58 Nose vs Mouth Breathing 31:35 Hyperventilation & Why it Matters 34:13 Pranayama and Dysregulation 37:26 Breathing deeply: The biggest breathing myth in yoga 49:31 Breathing and Yoga Therapeutics 56:41 How to teach breathing in general public classes 01:07:51 Key Takeaways & Recap EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Crystal Frazee Website Follow Dr. Crystal Frazee on Instagram @drcrystalfrazee Follow Dr. Crystal Frazee on Facebook Graduate School of Behavioral Health Sciences (where Crystal studied breathing mechanics) Breathing assessment worksheet * Note: This worksheet is laid out as a diagnostic tool; however, yoga teachers are not qualified to make diagnoses. If you download this worksheet, you agree to use it for your own education and as a tool to evaluate whether to refer a client or student to a clinician for diagnosis. 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

June 18, 202635 min

Tips for Teaching Anatomy with Dr. Libby Hinsley

If you’re an anatomy nerd eager to share your enthusiasm for the human body with your students, you’ll love the insider tips and best practices we share in this conversation. Listen in to hear about the balance between clarity and accuracy, the importance of knowing your audience, and the potential pros and cons of incorporating anatomical concepts into asana classes. We also cover special considerations for teaching anatomy in yoga teacher training programs. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 02:51 Pros of including anatomy in yoga classes 04:36 Cons of including anatomy in yoga classes 05:47 Balancing anatomy in general classes 18:13 Considerations for teaching anatomy in teacher training 21:24 What it takes to be an excellent anatomy teacher 26:34 How to handle diagnostic questions 28:47 The most important aspects of anatomy for yoga teacher trainings 32:28 Dr. Libby Hinsley's anatomy training 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

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