Best Sage Rountree Podcasts (2025)

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34. How to Handle Medical Emergencies in Yoga Class: Life-Saving Preparation Every Teacher Needs 12:19

5d ago12:19

12:19

The longer you teach, the more likely you’ll face a medical emergency in class. In this episod, we explore how to recognize and respond to serious situations like diabetic shock, cardiac events, and seizures—those rare but real class-stopping issues. You’ll hear real-life stories from teachers who stayed calm, trusted their instincts, and took the …

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33. Managing Difficult Students Without Losing Your Cool 14:06

12d ago14:06

14:06

Every yoga teacher encounters students whose behavior challenges their calm—talking during class, arriving late, doing their own thing, or just radiating resistance. In this episode, I share real-life stories from my two decades of teaching and offer compassionate, effective strategies to address common classroom disruptions without compromising yo…

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32. How to Be a Gracious Host to Your Students: Elevate Your Teaching by Welcoming Connection 10:09

19d ago10:09

10:09

In today’s episode of Yoga Teacher Confidential, I explore how thinking of yourself as a gracious host—not just an instructor—can deeply transform your students’ experience. I share actionable tips like preparing your space, greeting each student personally, adjusting your cues to student needs, and embracing authenticity in every class you teach. …

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31. Season 1 Recap: Building Confidence + What’s Next for Yoga Teacher Confidential 9:34

26d ago9:34

9:34

In this episode, I’m celebrating 31 episodes of Yoga Teacher Confidential by looking back at what we’ve covered in season 1—an entire season focused on building confidence as a yoga teacher. From centering your students to handling nerves and dealing with difficult moments, we’ve built a foundation to support your teaching for the long haul. I’ll r…

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30. The Secret to Great Teaching: Finding Your Authentic Voice 19:08

1M ago19:08

19:08

What sets apart a truly magnetic yoga teacher—the kind students will rearrange their lives to practice with? It’s not the perfect playlist or poetic cueing. It’s authenticity. In this episode of Yoga Teacher Confidential, I explain why being yourself isn’t just a cliché—it’s your greatest teaching asset. We’ll explore: Why imitation holds you back …

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29. You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Effective: Building Confidence as a Yoga Teacher 8:43

1M ago8:43

8:43

When I first began teaching yoga, I didn’t feel confident—and honestly, I still have my days. In this episode of Yoga Teacher Confidential, I’m sharing how confidence is built, not born. You’ll hear the awkward story of my second-ever class (spoiler: it was spontaneous), how I reframed failure, and the exact practices I used to grow into a confiden…

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28. The Certification Myth: Why More Training Won’t Make You a Better Yoga Teacher 22:11

2M ago22:11

22:11

Are you caught in the cycle of chasing certifications, thinking one more training will finally make you feel ready? You’re not alone. Many yoga teachers—new and experienced—fall into the trap of believing that more hours, credentials, and certifications will give them legitimacy, confidence, and expertise. But here’s the truth: your ability as a te…

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27. Creating an Inclusive Classroom: How Consistency and Permission Build Student Confidence 15:05

2M ago15:05

15:05

My first yoga class as a student was a disaster—I felt lost, uncomfortable, and unsure of what was allowed. It wasn’t the poses that overwhelmed me—it was the uncertainty. Can I leave if I need to? What if I can’t do a pose? Where’s the bathroom? As teachers, we often focus on our confidence, but what about our students? In this episode, I explore …

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26. How to End Class So People Remember You 19:07

2M ago19:07

19:07

The last five minutes of your yoga class might be just as crucial as the first. A strong closing helps students integrate their practice, transition back to daily life, and remember their experience in a meaningful way. Let’s break down the essential elements of an effective class ending, including: • Why the last moments of class shape how student…

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25. How to Start Class with Confidence: The First Five Minutes Matter Most 16:21

2M ago16:21

16:21

The way you begin your yoga class determines everything that follows. In this episode, I break down how to create a welcoming environment, set clear expectations, and guide students into a focused and engaged practice. From greeting students to setting the tone with your voice, presence, and language, I’ll share practical strategies to ensure your …

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24. What If No One Shows Up? How to Handle Low Attendance with Confidence 9:44

2M ago9:44

9:44

Have you ever walked into the studio, set up for class . . . and no one shows up? Or maybe just one student arrives, turning your group class into an unintentional private lesson. It happens more than we admit, and it can feel discouraging—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I share how to reframe low attendance as an opportunity. Small cla…

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23. Confidence in Private Lessons: Overcome Fear and Thrive 9:53

3M ago9:53

9:53

Many yoga teachers avoid private lessons—not because they lack skill, but because they lack confidence. If you’ve ever felt unsure about pricing, session structure, or meeting a student’s needs, this episode is for you. I share my journey from uncertainty to confidence, plus three essential steps to help you teach private lessons with ease. Chapter…

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22. The Power of Feedback: How to Grow as a Yoga Teacher 10:56

3M ago10:56

10:56

Teaching yoga can be isolating, especially when feedback is scarce. But feedback is crucial for growth. In this episode, I explore why feedback is hard to get, how to collect it, and why peer feedback is the most valuable. Plus, I share an invitation to my Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing mentorship, where you’ll receive real, actionable feedba…

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21. Confident Theming: Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses with Alexandra DeSiato 33:34

3M ago33:34

33:34

How can you theme your yoga classes with confidence? Theming is what transforms a sequence into an experience, leaving students inspired long after class ends. But for many teachers, theming—especially when it involves yoga philosophy—can feel intimidating. In this episode, my longtime collaborator Alexandra DeSiato joins me to share her expert ins…

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20. Confident Pricing: Charge What You’re Worth as a Yoga Teacher 16:56

3M ago16:56

16:56

Are you undercharging for your yoga classes? Setting confident prices isn’t just about making more money—it’s about ensuring your students value your work. In this episode, I break down why undercharging hurts both you and your students, how to set rates that align with your worth, and practical strategies to help you feel confident when naming you…

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19. Confident Demoing to Serve Your Students Best 12:27

4M ago12:27

12:27

Your yoga mat isn’t just a raft keeping you safe—it’s a tool for connecting with your students. In this episode, you'll learn how to balance demonstrating poses with stepping off the mat to observe and connect. Hear ways to create a more engaging, student-centered class, from beginner-friendly cues to trauma-sensitive strategies. Whether you’re won…

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18. How I Turned a Workshop Flop into a Game-Changing Program 15:57

4M ago15:57

15:57

Have you ever launched a project that didn’t go as planned? In this episode, I get honest about how my Plan a Month in an Hour workshop fell short—and how it inspired me to create something even better. I share what went wrong, the lessons I learned, and how listening to feedback led to my new mentorship program: Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencin…

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17. How to Build Confidence on Camera with Jenni Rawlings 27:43

4M ago27:43

27:43

Developing confidence on camera is essential for yoga teachers looking to grow their careers. Whether it’s creating short promotional videos or teaching full-length online classes, on-camera teaching can open up new opportunities for impact and income. But it can be intimidating to get started! In this episode, guest Jenni Rawlings and I explore ho…

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16. Class Planning Made Easy: Modular Sequencing for Confident Yoga Teachers 15:02

4M ago15:02

15:02

sequencing. With this approach, you’ll think big and small at the same time, creating balanced, engaging classes with ease. Chapters: 1.[00:00:00] Don’t Start at the Pose Level Why starting your planning with individual poses is like spinning your own thread—it’s inefficient and unnecessary. 2.[00:01:24] Get Granular: Think Through Planes of Moveme…

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15. Teach Your Niche: How Specializing Makes You a Better Yoga Teacher 10:06

5M ago10:06

10:06

Want to become (almost) everyone’s favorite yoga teacher? The secret to thriving as a teacher is to specialize—teach your niche. When you focus on what you love, your enthusiasm shines, your confidence grows, and you connect deeply with your students. Chapters: 1.[00:00:00] Why Niche Teaching Matters Teaching a niche helps you stand out and serve y…

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14. The Most Painful and Productive Way to Improve as a Yoga Teacher 12:05

5M ago12:05

12:05

What’s the best way to improve your yoga teaching? It’s using the tool you may be holding right now: your phone. It’s simple, free—and yes, a bit painful. In this episode, I walk you through how recording and reviewing your classes can help you identify areas for growth and fast-track your teaching improvement. Chapters: 1.[00:00:00] The Best Thing…

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13. Managing Burnout: Strategies for Sustainable Yoga Teaching 19:13

5M ago19:13

19:13

Feeling burnt out as a yoga teacher? You’re not alone. Teaching yoga is rewarding, but it can also be draining if we don’t care for ourselves. In this episode, I explore what burnout looks like, where it comes from, and, most importantly, how to manage it so you can find joy in teaching again. Chapters: 1.[00:00:00] Introduction to Burnout I explai…

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12. Teaching Yoga Is a Conversation: How to Truly Connect with Your Students 8:36

5M ago8:36

8:36

Your yoga class isn’t a monologue—it’s a conversation. While you only get to hear your side of it, your students hear both. Becoming a great yoga teacher means giving them the time and space to contribute their side of the conversation, even if it’s silent. In this episode, I explain how teaching yoga is about fostering connection—even when you can…

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11. From Nerves to Confidence: Tackling Imposter Syndrome in Yoga Teaching 18:31

6M ago18:31

18:31

What if your nerves are actually a good thing for your yoga teaching? When you shift your thinking to appreciate how much you care about yoga and your students, nerves can be a secret key to confident yoga teaching! Let's reframe nerves as an ally, not an obstacle. In this episode, I offer strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome, defining your …

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10. Why Every Yoga Teacher Should Lead Workshops (Even Beginners!) 19:16

6M ago19:16

19:16

Life as a yoga teacher can feel like a grind, but workshops can change that. Whether you’re a fresh graduate of your 200-hour training or a seasoned teacher, a workshop is a smart next choice for your yoga career. Leading a yoga workshop can elevate your teaching, solve your students’ problems, and build your confidence. Listen to hear: Why worksho…

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9. Holding Space When Times Are Hard 22:09

6M ago22:09

22:09

Life is hard—but how we show up for our students in difficult times can make all the difference. In this episode, I talk about ways to create a consistent, supportive space for yoga students during tough times—for them, or for us as teachers. Chapters: Introduction (0:00): Welcome to today’s episode, exploring how yoga teachers can support students…

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8. Why Blank Expressions in Your Yoga Class Aren’t What You Think 8:56

6M ago8:56

8:56

Ever looked out during a yoga class and thought, “Why do my students look so disengaged? They must be hating this!” Good news: those blank faces are often a sign of deep connection—not disinterest. Let's have a frank conversation about the often misunderstood signals yoga teachers receive from their students during class. You'll hear why blank expr…

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7. Consistency Beats Variety in Yoga Class Sequencing 24:37

6M ago24:37

24:37

Are you spending too much time planning each yoga class? Changing your approach could benefit both you and your students! You’ll feel more relaxed, your students will grow better, and the entire experience will be more fun for everyone involved. In this episode we explore the importance of consistency over variety when planning yoga classes. I'll w…

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6. Building Confidence as a Yoga Teacher with Karen Fabian 28:07

7M ago28:07

28:07

Did you know confidence as a yoga teacher is a skill you can build? It’s true—confidence isn’t an innate trait; it’s a skill developed over time, through practice, and by addressing the self-limiting beliefs that hold us back. In this episode I welcome Karen Fabian, an expert in helping yoga teachers identify and overcome the mental barriers that i…

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5. Are Your Strengths as a Practitioner Holding You Back as a Teacher? 21:24

7M ago21:24

21:24

Could the very things that drew you to yoga be standing in your way as a teacher? In this episode, let's explore how the strengths that make you a natural fit for yoga can also become blind spots in your teaching. When you haven’t had to struggle with certain aspects of the practice, it can be harder to empathize with students who do. I have some s…

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4. The Importance of Learning Your Students' Names 9:30

7M ago9:30

9:30

Students come to group classes to be seen. One of the best ways to show you see them is to learn and use their names. From personal anecdotes to practical tips, I explain how getting names right can enhance the student-teacher connection and create a more welcoming classroom experience. You’ll hear: • Why names matter in building connection in your…

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1. How Centering Your Students Transforms Your Teaching 25:46

7M ago25:46

25:46

Are you unintentionally messing up by placing too much emphasis on yourself in class? Learn how to make your students the heroes of their own practice and watch your teaching career flourish. In this episode, I present the powerful shift in mindset that will revolutionize your yoga teaching career. In this episode, you’ll learn: The misconception m…

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2. The Secret to Confidence as a Yoga Teacher: You Only Have to Be You 12:09

7M ago12:09

12:09

In this episode, I recount a pivotal experience from my second-ever class that taught me to embrace her own teaching style without feeling the need to apologize for not being like others. This story is a reminder for all yoga teachers: you only have to be you. You’ll hear: • How one unexpected emergency subbing opportunity led to invaluable feedbac…

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3. When Students Walk Out of Class: It's Not About You 13:06

7M ago13:06

13:06

Sometimes students walk out of class—and rarely, if ever, is it about YOU. Let me tell you about the times I have walked out of classes and why it was never about the teacher. And I'll help you handle student walkouts in your own yoga classes with empathy and self-compassion. I have one story to tell you that will forever change your relationship t…

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Season 1 Trailer 1:43

9M ago1:43

1:43

Coming October 15: Yoga Teacher Confidential with Sage Rountree, a podcast that pulls back the curtain on what goes on in the yoga classroom and how you can be the best yoga teacher possible for your students. Season 1 focuses on building confidence in the yoga classroom. We cover vanquishing imposter syndrome in the yoga studio, how to learn and u…

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Sage Rountree Podcasts

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