Do you struggle to break down what is yoga to a newbie? Especially in an asana class where you barely have 2 minutes before you need to start the class? Then this episode is for you. Arundhati breaks down how to clearly, briefly explain what is yoga to a newbie who comes into class wanting to stretch and do poses. She highlights 3 main aspects that every beginner should know. As well as clearing up the most popular misconceptions of what yoga is & instead building a clear picture of what yog...
Mar 17, 2022•24 min•Ep. 77
The number one question I get asked by yoga teachers in my mentorship community is "How to get more students". This is in fact a question on many yoga teachers' minds if not all. In today's episode, I share what you need to look at before asking yourself or someone else this question of "more students". We even explore if more students is native to yoga or otherwise. If you're a yoga teacher, sincerely wanting to share your yoga with others. Then tune in, this episode will bring to light many di...
Mar 07, 2022•22 min•Ep. 76
Have you ever asked yourself what's the most important yoga class you'll ever teach? Usually, you'll hear one of these 3 responses... Every class is equally important Teaching advanced asana because safety is important Teaching aspiring yoga teachers But for me personally, all of these miss the mark. The most important class you'll ever teach is that in which there's a beginners student or even better, a full class of beginner yoga students. Why? Because the beginner is a blank canvas. And you h...
Mar 01, 2022•31 min•Ep. 75
The sukshma sharira is often translated as the subtle body, energetic body, and even pranic body in yoga. But often, most yoga teachers don't have enough clarity about the deep significance of this subtle body. Why it's crucial to our yoga. It's deep significance in this practice or even how to approach this. Indu Arora is on the show to shed more light on the many depths of Sukshma sharira. You'll learn the real meaning of this word, "sukshma sharira". Its origins and the significance in yoga. ...
Feb 21, 2022•50 min•Ep. 74
After the tragic events of 2020, many "big", "visible" yoga platforms - online demand platforms, digital & print media & apparel brands made big promises to do more, to be better & to initiate change by being more diverse & inclusive. At the start of 2022, I took stock of how much the yoga world has really "moved" in this direction. There has been some change. A little. But not really where it matters. At least to me. I invited long-time yoga teacher, thought leader & friend ...
Feb 14, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 73
Kundalini is often a confusing topic in yoga. Some people think of "kundalini" as the style of kundalini yoga. Most often yoga teachers only superficially hear of Kundalini in passing but that's it. On the show today, Kaya Mindlin is back for the 3rd time. She needs no introduction on this podcast. You'll learn more about... What is Kundalini? What is Kundalini yoga? What is Kundalini Yoga? What are some of the practices of kundalini? Is a Kundalini practice necessary? Is it for everyone? Is the...
Feb 07, 2022•46 min•Ep. 72
Doing something a bit different on the podcast today. Sharing my life & yoga story. Telling you how I discovered yoga, my journey as a naive yoga student. Why I moved to the US & how I built my yoga studio in the most unconventional way possible. Want support, mentorship & community as a yoga teacher? Check out my Mindful Yoga Teachers Club - https://www.mindfulyogateachers.com/MYTC?_ga=2.126559950.2105421858.1643603067-62439877.1621270872 You can find all the resources mentioned in ...
Jan 31, 2022•29 min•Ep. 71
The Vedas come up in conversation in the yoga world every now & then. But the average yoga teacher feels confused about how the Vedas relate to yoga. On the Let's Talk Yoga podcast this week, I bring you someone who has studied the Vedas since his childhood. Sarvesh Thakkar is an entrepreneur with a financial background but has been raised in the presence of his Guru & currently working on a non-profit called 'The Veda Project'. We chat about the Vedas, how they relate to yoga. How does ...
Jan 25, 2022•42 min•Ep. 70
If you want clarity on the current yoga landscape & how it relates to traditional yoga - you should go straight to Prasad Rangnekar. Back on the podcast for the second time, Prasad shares the importance of recontextualizing modern yoga. He draws parallels without a bias between popular yoga & traditional yoga. He warns us about the dangers of treating the part as the whole. We chat about the current landscape of yoga & how a sincere yoga seeker or yoga teacher can and should do bette...
Jan 17, 2022•58 min•Ep. 69
Have you wondered what yoga in India is like in 2022? My guest today, Vikram Jeet Singh is a lifelong yoga student & teacher born & raised in India. He shares what yoga is like in India today - the changing landscape, the strengths of learning yoga in India & much more. Tune in to find out more about... The major differences between yoga in India & US Does studying yoga in India make you a better student? How does one find the right school or teacher? Has yoga tourism hurt or hel...
Jan 10, 2022•56 min•Ep. 68
For the final episode of our special replay series this month, I give you episode 63 entitled "5 Ways to Verify the Credibility of Your Instagram-Famous Yoga Teacher". With the emergence of self-proclaimed yoga teachers left and right, it doesn't hurt to know how to identify genuine yoga educators. Choosing your yoga teacher is probably the most important first step in your yoga journey. So if you are new to yoga, or if you have been looking for a more suitable yoga trainer, this episode will he...
Dec 27, 2021•31 min
Welcome to the second episode replay from our series this month. As you wished, I am replaying episode 47 entitled "Yamas & Niyamas - The Missing Link" (Part 1 of 2) with a special guest, Savira Gupta. In this episode, you will be reminded of the relevance of the yamas & niyamas in the context of modern yoga. As a yoga seeker, you will find it extremely important to understand these fundamentals in order for you to truly "live your yoga". Relax and listen as we dive deeper into the yamas...
Dec 20, 2021•54 min
As promised, I am re-releasing some of your favorite episodes for the month of December. I would like to begin with one of your three most requested episodes, which is the Origins of Yoga with esteemed yoga educator, Prasad Rangnekar. If you are listening to this podcast for the first time, I'm really glad that you stumbled upon this particular episode replay as this helps every yoga enthusiast to strengthen the foundation of their knowledge of the yoga practice. Enjoy as you listen in and redis...
Dec 13, 2021•1 hr 4 min
In this episode, I share 3 things that every yoga teacher should be doing before the year ends. Actionable, practical & important for modern yoga teachers. Mindful Yoga Teachers Club: Join here. You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at https://letstalk.yoga/ Connect with us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arundhati_baitmangalkar / Join our exclusive Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkyoga Join our mailing list: https...
Dec 08, 2021•20 min•Ep. 67
Exploring the 4 main margas (paths) of yoga & questioning if they make "living your yoga" off your mat simpler with Uma Subramaniam. (M. Sc Yoga science) The paths of yoga are ancient & rich. But we often get lost in the modern yoga landscape of styles, trends, and schools of yoga. The margas go back in time to much more ancient & rich wisdom often forgotten in modern yoga. Uma explains why we have these different paths. Why do they matter to a yoga seeker? How you can find your path...
Nov 29, 2021•48 min•Ep. 66
Today, we highlight 3 important topics... The trauma of cultural appropriation on Indian people What is 'decolonizing' mental health from a POC viewpoint Exploring compassion as a core value You might be wondering what any of this has to do with yoga? Occasionally, I take a step out of "traditional" or "more-predictable" yoga conversations to bring you topics that will influence your yoga life. This is one such conversation. Ekta Hattangady is a social worker, psychotherapist, and mindfulness co...
Nov 22, 2021•46 min•Ep. 65
An exclusive behind-the-scenes (BTS) look at my new immersive study program. Happening this Winter 2022. For the first time, I take you behind the scenes to give you a first-hand look at how I’m re-working the existing system of studying & teaching yoga. For student who loves to practice, but looking to deepen their understanding of yoga. But doesn't necessarily want to teach yoga. The issue that plagues the yoga world today is most people leap from loving asana to suddenly studying to becom...
Nov 15, 2021•30 min•Ep. 64
Social media has undoubtedly influenced yoga. In today's conversation, I explore ways in which you can verify the credibility of your Instagram-famous yoga teacher. You'll get a list of questions or thought-provoking prompts before you dedicate your time, energy and money to these yoga teachers. If you use Instagram & are a yoga teacher, chances are you're influenced by the medium and probably not fully aware of the extent to which the medium influences your thinking. Listen in, for 5 must a...
Nov 08, 2021•31 min•Ep. 63
Want to be a better teacher? You've first got to seek out the best yoga teacher trainings out there. But it isn't business as usual in the yoga world in 2021. I take a fresh look at where the yoga industry is headed in this new normal. Where you should be focused for higher or better yoga education. The best combination of trainings to get a good foundation & more. Hit play if you want to learn how to be a better yoga teacher. You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the s...
Oct 25, 2021•28 min•Ep. 62
Are you keen to understand the Bhagavad Gita & how it relates to the life of yoga seekers? If yes, this conversation is the best on this topic. Kaya Mindlin is a lifelong student & teacher of the Bhagavad Gita. She shares many fascinating aspects of this text. We don't talk about the storyline of the Gita but more along the lines of how this applies to a yoga seeker. Kaya shares some very important misconceptions in modern yoga about this text. And reminds of the much overlooked "teachin...
Oct 18, 2021•59 min•Ep. 61
Judith Hanson Lasater is back on the show today for the 3rd time. We chat about her 2 very significant milestones. Her newest book, “Teaching Yoga with Intention - The Essential Guide to Skillful Hands-On Assists and Verbal Communication”. She also completed 50 years of teaching yoga this July & I ask her what it's like to teach for half a century. Her evolution through this journey. Teaching yoga with intention is a book that is for both - the yoga teacher and the yoga student. Judith addre...
Oct 11, 2021•48 min•Ep. 60
Beginner's yoga classes are often ignored by many in the modern yoga landscape. While in reality teaching beginners is one of the most rewarding experiences that a yoga teacher could ask for. It's how you can build community & confidence in yourself and your students. But there's definitely a learning curve. While I've personally built my studio with beginners yoga classes over the years. I found the perfect guest to have this conversation with on the show. Natalia Tabilo, is a yoga teacher,...
Oct 05, 2021•41 min•Ep. 59
Ayurveda is Yoga's sister science. Every now & then, I bring Ayurveda guests on the show to highlight key aspects of Ayurveda that impact our every day. In this episode, we're exploring the Gunas & how they impact us on a regular basis with Myra Lewin. Myra is an Ayurveda & Yoga Teacher with over 30 years of experience. She's an author, podcast host, the head of Hale Pule Ayurveda & a well-recognized leader in the western Ayurvedic community. Episode highlights. What are the Guna...
Sep 27, 2021•45 min•Ep. 58
Sharing answers to the TOP 5 most frequently asked questions about Pranayama on the show today. Pull up your front-row seat to my pranayama training. Hit play to find out answers to the most commonly asked questions about Pranayama. If you like what you hear & want to learn more about pranayama - check out my upcoming 30-hour pranayama training for yoga teachers starting this October 1st, 2021. If you enjoy our weekly content, please review & rate this podcast. It will help us get this c...
Sep 20, 2021•15 min•Ep. 57
You've got a front-row seat in my upcoming pranayama training. In today's episode, you'll discover the 3 main categories of pranayama practices. These 3 groups are like your GPS or guiding system. They make navigating through the various techniques effortless. These are fundamental to know & understand if you want to practice or teach pranayama in any capacity. Knowing these 3 groups will help you build effective, safe and smart pranayama sequences for yourself & others. What are you wai...
Sep 13, 2021•18 min•Ep. 56
As yoga teachers, knowing the origins of yoga & its passage through time is very significant. In fact, I would argue that's it's required if one teaches any aspect of yoga. Knowing this correctly is not only important but has deep cultural implications if misinterpreted. I’ve been on the lookout for the “perfect” guest for this one. Someone who could take into account the many subtle nuances & layers that a conversation about the origins of yoga warrants. To follow its passage through ti...
Aug 23, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 55
In today's episode, I chat with Alexandria Crow. An ex-gymnast turned yoga educator. Injuries from her gymnastic career led Alex to evolve her approach to yoga. Today she's passionate about making yoga accessible & living the practice through her teachings. We chat about hypermobility & the pursuit of flexibility in yoga. How to balance the pursuit of flexibility as a yoga teacher. The repetitive nature of yoga asana practice. Understand how hypermobile people understand sensation in the...
Aug 16, 2021•56 min•Ep. 54
Do you know there’s a Sanskrit channel on YouTube that’s phenomenal? Whether you think Sanskrit is a dead language or you’re intrigued by it. Today’s episode is fire. I’m chatting with Udaya Shreyas. A Sanskrit linguist, & the director & (much loved) host of THE SANSKRIT CHANNEL on YouTube. We chat about the birth of his channel. Why he fell in love with Sanskrit & how he gave up a promising career at Google to become a professional YouTuber. I also quiz Uday about some of the most p...
Aug 09, 2021•59 min•Ep. 53
You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at https://letstalk.yoga/ Connect with us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arundhati_baitmangalkar / Join our exclusive Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkyoga Join our mailing list: https://www.aham.yoga/instagram-2021 for all episodes. We’re Hiring: Join My Team as a Social Media & Digital Content Specialist (Remote, Part-Time) Join our mailing list Find all the resources mentio...
Aug 02, 2021•49 min•Ep. 52
Savira Gupta is back with Part 2 of the Yamas & Niyamas. If you haven't heard part 1. Check out episode 47 before listening to this one. If you ask anyone who’s raised in the culture of yoga. They’ll tell you they learned these aspects since childhood. Their first teachers being their mothers, grandmothers, school teachers, elders, spiritual lessons & so on… but most westerners overlook the first two limbs of yoga. Your yamas & niyamas can be your best friends on your yoga journey. A...
Jul 27, 2021•51 min•Ep. 51
