Many struggle to balance being a yogi and running a profitable business because, sadly, no one taught them how. But there is a way to nurture and nourish yourself and your clients as a yoga instructor. In today’s episode, I'm speaking specifically to yoga professionals interested in learning how to grow a sustainable practice without burning out. Listen in as I share how to grow your business in alignment with the healing approach, as well as how to identify a niche by recognizing the kinds of y...
Mar 26, 2024•23 min•Ep. 238
Today I'm talking about a very specific kind of client that may frequent your practice: the “hard driver." This is one of those clients who is deeply ambitious, strong-willed, and has a hard time slowing down. There are some really smart ways you can help these clients reduce pain while working with their natural energetic tendencies and I'm sharing them in this week's episode. Tune in to learn how to channel a client’s innate internal energies to support their rehabilitation and the three key c...
Mar 21, 2024•18 min•Ep. 237
Many of us in Western culture have a rigid understanding of the student-teacher relationship—one that places teachers in positions of authority to which students are taught to defer. But helping our clients to heal requires a relationship of exchange. In this episode, I’m speaking with Ruth Ann Penny, veteran educator and yoga teacher, about the role of teachers in helping clients out of pain. Listen in as Ruth Ann and I share an in-depth discussion on our role as effective teachers, empowering ...
Mar 19, 2024•39 min•Ep. 236
I'm continuing my mini-series on reducing and eradicating physical pain for your clientele and today’s episode focuses on the glutes—specifically what people may refer to as “lazy glutes” or “dead butt”. In addition to addressing why such terminology can be detrimental to patients, we’ll walk through some of the core glutes exercises that are recommended in the rehabilitation process and the ways in which we, as health professionals, can help clients gain awareness so that they can properly exec...
Mar 14, 2024•21 min•Ep. 235
As a health professional, it’s crucial to understand that your job is not to heal your clients but rather to provide them with the physical and mental tools required to reduce pain. In part two of my Healing & Synergy mini-series, I’m discussing the five key components to help reduce and eradicate your clients’ pain. Listen in as I outline all five of these key components, including “compelling reason” and “strengthening for real,” as well as provide insights on how to implement these princi...
Mar 12, 2024•32 min•Ep. 234
If you're a health professional or yoga teacher who wants to hone your ability to help clients reduce and eradicate pain, I recorded this episode and the upcoming mini-series for you! Tune in to hear me discuss the connection between having fun while working with clients and growing your business, and strategies for cultivating a client base that is committed to your healing techniques. You'll learn what kinds of questions you should be asking yourself to effectively grow your healing skill set ...
Mar 07, 2024•15 min•Ep. 233
For many of my clients, the concept of becoming stronger is a challenge, especially after rehab. This is because their rehabilitation likely failed to instill a feeling of connection to their body and the movements required for strengthening. On today’s episode, I'm discussing the process you and your clients can use to make gains after rehab and why, despite common belief, strength can be easy. Listen in as I explore how to gain better bodily awareness during rehab so that afterwards you can ap...
Feb 29, 2024•29 min•Ep. 232
Achieving strength—the kind of real strength that supports a pain-free life—requires a solid connection between mind and body. This is the type of strength that we rely on in the rehabilitation process, and I'm outlining how to build this strength in today's episode. Tune in to hear me outline the eight principles of movement that will help you become more attuned to your body’s functions, foster a greater connection between your mind and your body, and start down the path toward alleviating and...
Feb 22, 2024•24 min•Ep. 231
On this very special episode, I’m speaking with Anne Douglas, a teacher and trainer of yoga and meditation, about the incredible benefits of the Rest and Revitalization Sleep Meditation certification that she created. If you've been curious about adding this technique to your toolbox as an instructor, this episode is for you. Anne and I discuss how different healing practices such as hypnotherapy and non-sleep deep rest teaching (NSDR) fold into sleep meditation, and the ways in which these appr...
Feb 15, 2024•36 min•Ep. 230
I'm so excited to again be talking to two recent graduates of my Therapeutic Yoga Intensive in what is becoming a recurring series where we explore the real, tangible impacts that teachers are having using what they learned in the program. Today's episode features Charlotte Van Bassan and Susan Morrison who are joining me to discuss how the Therapeutic Yoga Intensive has given them the tools to help others become more aware of their movements and compensation patterns, as well as how an open dia...
Feb 08, 2024•33 min•Ep. 229
While some styles of yoga consider downward facing dog to be a resting pose, many can attest to their difficulty in achieving this position. In this episode of my shoulder mini-series, I’ll unpack downward dog and the compensation patterns connected to it so you can turn your grumpy dog into a pain-free puppy! Tune in to learn how you can perform your own dog pose, and understand both the mindset and the actual movements required to improve shoulder awareness in this pose and use it to make prog...
Feb 01, 2024•19 min•Ep. 228
Oftentimes, an issue you’re suffering from in one part of your body actually has roots elsewhere. Such is the case with the shoulders, where the problem may be a result of a poor connection between the shoulders and hips. In this episode of my shoulder mini-series, I’ll guide you through two movements – a bridge pose and a supine twist – to help you become more aware of the relationship between shoulders and hips en route to achieving gains in the rehabilitation process. Get full show notes and ...
Jan 30, 2024•22 min•Ep. 227
If you've dealt with shoulder issues personally or supported your clients through them, you may have heard of "setting the shoulder blades." In this second part of my shoulder mini-series, I'm addressing this concept, and explaining why I recommend alternatives. First we’ll discuss what it actually means to set the shoulder blades or the scapula and how that process—which is intended to put the shoulders and the shoulder girdle in the correct position—can be misguided and potentially harmful. I'...
Jan 25, 2024•30 min•Ep. 226
This episode begins a new mini-series focusing on the shoulder and shoulder girdle, in which we'll explore the reasons shoulder injuries occur, and how to support the girdle in becoming stable, strong, and mobile. The shoulder girdle acts as a bridge between the arms, spine, torso, and more, and we're going to explore its role in transmitting and transforming energy. Tune in to learn the principles of movement that inform shoulder function so you can support your clients (or yourself) in settlin...
Jan 18, 2024•21 min•Ep. 225
This is the second and final episode of my two-part series on a return to pain-free walking. Today we’re talking about what happens after your first two "reconnaissance" walks — how to stay on track and continue making progress. I’ll outline four helpful concepts, like remembering the gains you've made and staying in your body while walking. Plus, we’ll discuss some simple and effective movements to take advantage of during your walk if you start to feel any warning sensations. Get full show not...
Jan 16, 2024•21 min•Ep. 224
Today’s episode kicks off the first part of my two-part series on pain-free walking, which is a common desire from my patients as they begin to enjoy extended periods without pain. So, how exactly can you go from zero to 30 minutes? This is a big step and not one to take lightly. Listen in as I share how exactly you can gauge your baseline, what movements and patterns you should be aware of while walking, as well as ways to avoid significant setbacks on your road to 30 minutes. Get full show not...
Jan 11, 2024•23 min•Ep. 223
We’ve discussed how sleep apnea is on an upward trend, but that doesn’t mean we need to normalize it. As part of my mini-series on the Mechanics of Breathing, today’s episode will focus on several full-body breathing exercises to bring intention to your breathing and counteract airway issues. Listen in as I guide you through various exercises, including a three-part breathing technique that incorporates the upper and lower belly, the chest, the rib cage and even different parts of the back. Get ...
Jan 04, 2024•22 min•Ep. 222
Get comfortable because today’s episode—part seven of my Mechanics of Breathing mini-series—is another Rest & Revitalization Sleep Meditation practice, this one specifically focused on TMJ and sleep apnea. As I share at the beginning of this episode, meditation grants us the opportunity to change our thoughts and beliefs, which, as a result, can change how we act. Find a safe, contained space to settle in as I walk you through this powerful, 30-minute R&R Sleep Meditation designed to bri...
Dec 28, 2023•34 min•Ep. 221
In part six of my Mechanics of Breathing mini-series, we’re discussing TMJ, airway, and sleep apnea with my dentist, Dr. Larry Stanleigh. We dive into sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which Dr. Larry calls “the most common non-communicable disease in the world.” Listen in as Dr. Larry breaks down the cause of this disorder and how it actually manifests during our sleep cycles. We’ll discuss breathing exercises to improve our responses, as well as different ways to imp...
Dec 21, 2023•34 min•Ep. 220
We’re discussing an Ayurvedic approach to tongue, sleep, and sleep apnea in part five of my Mechanics of Breathing mini-series. I'm joined by Mona Warner, Ayurvedic practitioner, Ayurvedic yoga therapist, and yoga teacher trainer, to dive into the role of the tongue as a barometer in issues related to breathing and sleep. Mona shares with me the Ayurvedic perspective of viewing our body as a series of channels, and explains why if the respiratory channel is weakened, our breathing, and consequen...
Dec 19, 2023•39 min•Ep. 219
In part four of my Mechanics of Breathing series, I'm exploring a part of the body you might not normally associate with your breath: the feet. Rarely do we consider the role of tissue in the way that breath comes in, but when we can improve the suppleness of our bodily tissue – yes, even in the feet – our breathing can change in a powerful way. Listen in to discover the link between your feet and your breath, and be guided through an exercise to help you better understand “breathing with your f...
Dec 14, 2023•19 min•Ep. 218
This is the third installment of my Mechanics of Breathing mini-series. In it, we’ll explore the rib cage, both through intellectual theory and a guided breathing practice. When we’re not breathing well—as a result of asthma, TMJ, obstructive airway issues, etc.—the body relies upon the secondary muscles around the rib cage to get air in. Listen in as I discuss the role of core stability in proper breathing, and how the rib cage can act as a bracing mechanism. I’ll also walk you through a guided...
Dec 12, 2023•26 min•Ep. 217
In the second part of my Mechanics of Breathing mini-series, we’re diving into the myofascial connections and relationships between TMJ issues, sleep apnea, airway, breathing, and how I use my signature systematic approach of reducing pain to improve them holistically. You'll hear me outline the main principles of TMJ, airway issues, sleep apnea, and tissue unwinding, and share how to approach therapeutic exercises to address these problems yourself. Get full show notes and more information here...
Dec 07, 2023•14 min•Ep. 216
My new mini-series on the mechanics of breathing starts today! It will feature embodied practices and intellectual interviews geared toward clients (and professionals) suffering from sleep apnea. In this episode, we’ll cover how the fields of dentistry and ayurveda are approaching issues that often precede sleep apnea. I’ll also discuss hypermobility, a somewhat new diagnosis, and how it impacts us physiologically. Listen as I explain the three core aspects of breath—phase, pace, and feel—and he...
Dec 05, 2023•18 min•Ep. 215
Two more graduates from my Therapeutic Yoga Intensive, Nona Jordan and Karin Rossi, join me in this episode to share their experiences, expectations, and learnings from this latest training. We discuss their unique backgrounds—working with business clients and clients suffering from trauma—and explore how the training has informed their understanding of what it means to best serve their clients. Listen in as we discuss specific teachings from the intensive such as the crucial role compassion pla...
Nov 30, 2023•28 min•Ep. 214
My guest, Neill Williams, is a life and productivity coach who specializes in the link between our physiology and our ability to get things done. While many of us are plenty productive, Neill is here to help us understand how to align our to-do lists with our bodies' natural rhythms so we can be productive without feeling depleted. Listen as she describes how to break the day into buckets based on your brain chemistry's daily fluctuations, and hear tips for maneuvering your schedule to make your...
Nov 28, 2023•31 min•Ep. 213
I'm super excited to be welcoming the one and only Corinne Crabtree to the show today, CEO of No BS Weightloss and a powerful voice in the women's health space. She's joining me to discuss the surprising similarities between the work she does around losing weight, and the work I do in pain reduction. Listen in as Corinne shares her personal story of losing weight and outlines some foundational elements of her well-loved program, such as recognizing hunger cues, “eating to enough,” and breaking t...
Nov 23, 2023•30 min•Ep. 212
Claire MacEachen and Michelle Deschenes are experienced yoga teachers who wanted to deepen their practices and address some of their physical pain points at the same time. They enrolled in my Therapeutic Yoga Intensive in October 2023 and had some pretty exciting takeaways, which they're sharing with me on this episode. We discuss how the training has helped Claire and Michelle understand the difference between cueing, and actually teaching clients about their bodies' movement. We also explore t...
Nov 21, 2023•24 min•Ep. 211
Today’s episode is an opportunity to pause, breathe, and rest. I'm sharing a guided Rest & Revitalization Sleep Meditation with step-by-step instructions for soothing your system both physiologically and psychologically. Find a safe, comfortable space and listen in as I offer you a taste of this nourishing, rejuvenating experience. Think of this as a chance to explore your emotions and thoughts in a healing manner. And, if you like this practice, tune in to future episodes as we do more guid...
Nov 16, 2023•37 min•Ep. 210
Golf is one of the most common activities that my clients seek to return to after their surgery. Despite the differences in the hip and knee joints (and the differences in their surgeries), both are instrumental in swing dynamics and effectively addressing the ball. This week, I'm exploring the fundamental movements required for a fluid golf swing as well as the state of mind needed to make that motion after a hip or knee surgery. I also share why getting your clients back to the driving range i...
Nov 09, 2023•16 min•Ep. 209
