Best Sage Rountree Podcasts (2025)

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45. How to Move Past YTT Overwhelm and Actually Feel Ready to Teach 11:53

3d ago11:53

11:53

You finished your 200-hour training, certificate in hand . . . but your class plan is blank and your brain is fried. Sound familiar? In this episode, I walk you through Phase 1 of the Yoga Teacher Success Timeline: what I call post-training overwhelm. It’s that panicky season where you feel like you should be ready, but instead, you’re second-guess…

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The Confidence Practice (EP.362) 36:02

3d ago36:02

36:02

Imagine you had a step by step way to feel more confident not only in your life but when you’re teaching your classes. This is what you’ll discover when you listen to this episode. In it, you’ll discover The Confidence Practice, a 6-step framework for building your confidence, grounded in science and mindset principles. Once you listen, you can tak…

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44. The Yoga Teacher Success Timeline: Where You Are, What’s Next, and How to Move Forward 10:56

10d ago10:56

10:56

“I’ve been teaching for years and I still feel like I’m faking it.” If that sounds familiar, I'm here to reassure you: you’re not alone, and you’re not behind. In this episode, I share the Yoga Teacher Success Timeline, a five-phase framework that helps you name where you are in your growth as a yoga teacher—and understand what’s coming next. Wheth…

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Success Strategies for Yoga Teachers (EP.361) 45:20

10d ago45:20

45:20

Catch this episode and you’ll walk away with solutions to problems that yoga teachers are having. These are problems I hear about from teachers all over the world and with all levels of experience. In many cases, they’re driven by the narratives in the yoga industry around different things: cueing, sequencing, student injuries and how to teach your…

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43. Repetition Builds Confidence: Nyisha Rylander’s Journey Teaching Yoga on Kauai 29:16

17d ago29:16

29:16

What if the secret to confidence wasn’t doing something new—but doing the same thing, over and over again? In this episode, I talk with Nyisha Rylander, who teaches yoga in three very different contexts on the island of Kauai: at a local gym with regular students, at resorts with one-time guests, and online as part of her health coaching business. …

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Using Your Intuition (EP.360) 43:02

17d ago43:02

43:02

Do you feel like your intuition is guiding you when it comes to how you’re teaching or are you following what you were told or what others are doing? In this episode, you’ll discover ways to listen to your intuition so that you can find the most authentic, easy, confident way to teach your yoga classes. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a cle…

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42. How to Use Music in Yoga Classes: Legal, Practical, and Energetic Tips 27:39

24d ago27:39

27:39

Whether you love crafting playlists or prefer teaching in silence, this episode helps you make thoughtful, legally sound, and energetically aware choices about music in yoga classes. I walk you through: the legal requirements most teachers overlook nuts-and-bolts tech tips to avoid disruption and the nuanced ways sound shapes student experience. Yo…

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Overworked and Underpaid Yoga Teachers (EP.359) 36:09

24d ago36:09

36:09

Are you feeling overworked and underpaid or even one or the other? Catch this episode and discover how to swap that out and instead feel rewarded, balanced and valued. I heard this statement from a yoga teacher recently as a comment on my social media and I used it to query my email list to see if it resonated. I got a bunch of replies and that tol…

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41. How to Teach Corporate Yoga Classes That Pay Well and Feel Great 28:38

1M ago28:38

28:38

Corporate yoga might just be the hidden gem of your teaching business. In this episode, I share everything you need to know to succeed in this unique environment—from landing gigs to crafting office-friendly sequences. You’ll learn how to approach HR and wellness directors, price your sessions with confidence, and teach diverse groups who may never…

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Meet Dr. Jodi Blinco (EP.358) 58:02

1M ago58:02

58:02

In today’s episode, you’ll meet Dr. Jodi Blinco. She is an educator, former yoga studio owner, entrepreneur and leader in higher education. Jodi and I have a spirited conversation about confidence, managing your energy, learning and building a life you love. Listening to this episode, you’ll hear more about: Developing your intuition Jodi’s work ow…

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40. Handling Nosebleeds, Cramps, and Dizziness in Yoga Class: Minor Medical Emergencies with Grace 22:05

1M ago22:05

22:05

As yoga teachers, we’re often prepared for the flow—but what about the unexpected? From nosebleeds and nausea to cramps and emotional releases, minor medical situations happen more often than we expect. In this episode, I share practical, professional ways to respond to these common classroom incidents without derailing your teaching or unsettling …

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Shift Your Focus and Build Your Confidence (EP.357) 1:03:32

1M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

When you’re teaching your yoga classes, what’s one feeling you wish you had? If you’re like a lot of yoga teachers that I talk to, you might wish you felt more confident. In this episode, you’ll find out more about how to build your confidence and how shifting your focus might just be one of the keys. Meet Divya Parekh, an ICF-credentialed executiv…

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39. Teaching Yoga in Small Spaces: Maximize Every Inch 23:11

1M ago23:11

23:11

NB: I fixed the audio glitch—thanks for listening to this better version! Tight rooms, big challenges—and even bigger opportunities! In this episode, I share lessons from years of teaching yoga in spaces that may have seemed too small on paper but that turned out to be perfectly intimate in practice. You’ll hear my go-to strategies for mat arrangem…

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Meet Dr. Andrew McGonigle (EP.356) 1:06:23

1M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

When you hear the word “anatomy,” what feelings come up? If you’re like a lot of yoga teachers, you might feel nervous or you might feel a sense of pressure to “learn anatomy” when your attempts to learn it in the past haven’t given you the results or confidence you need. Enter Dr. Andrew McGonigle, a yoga teacher with over 20 years of experience i…

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38. How to Sub Yoga Classes Without Apologizing or Losing Your Style 17:11

2M ago17:11

17:11

My second-ever yoga class as a teacher is one I showed up to take but wound up subbing unexpectedly. I learned a lesson I’ve carried ever since: you don’t have to be the regular teacher, you just have to be you. In this episode of Yoga Teacher Confidential, I’ll walk you through how to: navigate the challenges of subbing someone else’s class commun…

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Meet Dr. Lauren Tober (EP.355) 1:17:12

2M ago1:17:12

1:17:12

There’s no denying that yoga is both a physical and mental practice. When people practice yoga, they can experience all sorts of emotions and that may come out in various ways. In this episode, Dr. Lauren Tober and I discuss various scenarios that may come up in your classes and look at them through the lens of mental health, sharing emotions and h…

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What Teacher Type Are You? (EP.354) 26:06

2M ago26:06

26:06

In my years of working with hundreds of yoga teachers inside my program, I’ve discovered there are several different teacher types. Each has their own unique set of problems but many times, they don’t see it as a problem because there’s a strong belief causing them to keep doing what they’re doing…. even when it feels hard, pressure-filled and bloc…

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37. Why Boundaries Make You a Better Yoga Teacher 17:36

2M ago17:36

17:36

In Episode 37, I dive deep into the essential yet often uncomfortable topic of boundaries in yoga teaching. I share insights from over two decades of experience, covering: the teacher-student dynamic ethical considerations the tricky terrain of transference and projection You’ll learn practical tips on maintaining professional and personal limits, …

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Teaching Yoga Full Time (EP.353) 1:06:36

2M ago1:06:36

1:06:36

In today’s episode, you’ll meet yoga teacher Reiki Shucart, who runs an in person and online yoga business and is the host of the podcast, “Full Time Yoga Teacher.” You’ll hear her story, how she began teaching yoga and how she build a multi-faceted yoga business. She shares her philosophy as a teacher, shares from her work mentoring yoga teachers …

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36. Navigating Private Yoga Lessons: Personalized Teaching, Lasting Impact 15:02

2M ago15:02

15:02

The most transformative yoga moments I’ve had didn’t come in packed studios—they happened one-on-one. In this episode, we dive deep into how to craft meaningful, student-centered private yoga sessions. I walk you through welcoming students, providing tailored feedback, managing pacing and flow, adapting on the fly, and creating a safe, empowering s…

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Meet MaKenzie Fly (EP.352) 1:03:50

2M ago1:03:50

1:03:50

Have you ever wanted to try something different in your classes that would allow you to elevate your teaching to a new level? On today’s show, you’ll discover a new technique that will not only transform you as a teacher but also transform your students. MaKenzie Fly shares a teaching methodology called “Theme Weaving,” and once you hear more about…

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35. How to Prepare for a Private Yoga Lesson (Even If You’re Nervous) 12:32

2M ago12:32

12:32

If you feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the idea of teaching a private yoga lesson, you’re not alone. In this episode, I walk you through the exact steps to prepare for a private session that’s safe, professional, and deeply personalized—whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth. We cover how to create an effective intake process, use the 6-4…

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Workshop on Confidence (EP.351) 1:06:05

2M ago1:06:05

1:06:05

Listen in to a workshop held on May 21, 2025 on the four pillars of confidence teaching. At the end of the workshop, you’ll hear an offer. Here’s the link: https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-AcceleratorBy Karen Fabian

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

3M ago12:19

12:19

The longer you teach, the more likely you’ll face a medical emergency in class. In this episode, 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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Authentic Yoga Teaching (EP.350) 1:23:00

3M ago1:23:00

1:23:00

In this episode, you’ll uncover how to teach authentically by listening to my conversation with yoga teacher Avi Gordon. Avi Gordon serves as the Director of the Integral Yoga Teachers Association (IYTA), a global network of over 10,000 yoga teachers dedicated to spreading the timeless teachings of Integral Yoga. As the host of the Integral Yoga po…

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

3M 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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Meet Ann Swanson (EP.349) 1:10:02

3M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

There’s no denying that when you’re teaching yoga, the better you understand anatomy, the more confident you’ll feel. In this episode, you’ll meet Ann Swanson, author and yoga teacher with a wealth of experience in anatomy, yoga, yoga therapy and training teachers. She's the author of Science of Yoga which has sold over half a million copies worldw…

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Anatomy of Backbends (EP.348) 32:48

3M ago32:48

32:48

Have you ever wondered why backbends can be hard for your students to master? It has to do with the actual movement of spinal extension and that we often don’t move in that direction during the day. In this episode, you’ll learn more about the anatomy of backbends, how to teach them and clear cues to use. This will help you feel more confident as y…

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

3M 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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Meet Jeremy Devens (EP.347) 1:13:00

3M ago1:13:00

1:13:00

Yoga teachers don’t often get a chance to have live conversations and that’s one of the reasons I love having fellow yoga teachers on my podcast. In this episode, you’ll meet Jeremy Devens, yoga teacher, teacher trainer and podcast host, producing the Yoga Teacher Training Podcast. Jeremy has a special skill for building community, especially onlin…

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

3M 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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Meet Joanna Sapir (EP.346) 1:14:09

3M ago1:14:09

1:14:09

Have you ever wondered how you can build up a thriving one on one private yoga session business? Imagine helping people transform their health in ways that are most meaningful to them and being a part of that process by teaching yoga, meditation and any other modality you feel is a good match for their vision. This is all possible when you create a…

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

4M 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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Meet Laurie James (EP.345) 1:19:33

4M ago1:19:33

1:19:33

Have you ever had a physical reaction to an emotion you feel? What about as a yoga teacher.. have you ever asked your students to “notice how you feel?” Noticing how we feel and managing our emotions and the reactions to them in our physical body is part of the study of somatics. This is part of what you’ll learn about when you listen to my convers…

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

4M 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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Meet Billy Wynne (EP.344) 1:13:46

4M ago1:13:46

1:13:46

When you hear the phrase “you are whole and complete” what comes up for you? Well, if you’re like author Billy Wynne, you ponder how to help people understand the essence of what this really means AND live like this. Billy is the author of “The Empty Path: Finding Fulfillment through the Radical Art of Lessening,” and we talk about the profound and…

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

4M 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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Meet Reema Datta (EP.343) 1:13:57

4M ago1:13:57

1:13:57

In today’s episode, you’re going to meet an amazing guest, Reema Datta, who’ll be sharing about her life, her yoga teaching and all about her new book. Here is more about Reema: Reema Datta is the author of The Yogi’s Way: Transform Your Mind, Health, and Reality. Datta first learned yoga and Ayurveda from her mother and grandmothers as well as her…

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

4M 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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Yoga Teaching and AI (EP.342) 1:17:36

4M ago1:17:36

1:17:36

Have you ever thought of how you can start to use Artificial Intelligence as a way to make your life easier as a yoga teacher? There are actually lots of ways and in this episode, you’re gong to find out how. My guest is Adrianne Jerrett, founder of All Mats Taken, and she bridges the worlds of yoga teaching and business technology. With a backgrou…

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

5M 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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Evaluating Your Cues (EP.341) 32:47

5M ago32:47

32:47

How many of the cues that you share do you truly understand the reason for the cue? Many teachers feel like they repeat cues but they don’t really KNOW them. In this episode, you’ll discover a template you can use to evaluate the cues you share and see how much you really know about each one! Remember, when you teach from what you know, your confid…

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

5M 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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Effective Assisting Techniques for Yoga Teachers (EP.340) 54:34

5M ago54:34

54:34

Ready to assist your students in yoga class but not sure where to start? Or maybe you’ve been experimenting with assisting your students and you feel uncomfortable and you’re not sure you’re doing it in a way that’s helpful for your students. In either case, this episode is for you! Here you’ll discover some fundamental concepts for assisting your …

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

5M 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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Busting Age Related Beliefs About Teaching Yoga (EP.339) 29:03

5M ago29:03

29:03

Do you think you’re too old to teach yoga? Do you ever worry that your classes won’t be as popular as a younger teacher? If you’re 45 years old or old and you’ve ever had that thought, you’re not alone. I hear this from teachers quite a bit and at the same time, I’m seeing more and more yoga teachers over the age of 45 than ever before. In this epi…

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

5M 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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Common Questions Yoga Teachers Ask (EP.338) 52:09

5M ago52:09

52:09

For this episode, I asked Chat GPT for popular questions that it gets asked about teaching yoga. The questions that were returned are similar to my experience of talking to yoga teachers and the list of 10 questions makes for our conversation today. We’ll go through each question and you can see if the question is one you have too along with my app…

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

5M 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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Take Your Power Back (EP.337) 39:26

5M ago39:26

39:26

When yoga teachers tell me they want to feel “confident” and then they share the things that aren’t working for them, the things that are getting in the way of feeling “confident,” what it often relates to is giving their power away. What this often looks like is deferring to other teachers’ opinions and methods, even when it doesn’t work well for …

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Sage Rountree Podcasts

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