The Funny Thing About Yoga

Join us for our monthly bonus episode! We start by discussing  The Secret Lives of the Mormon Wives  before diving into two questions about yoga retreats. The first addresses the challenge of selling the last few spots on a retreat—something we’ve both experienced and are eager to share insights about. The second question explores how we got into hosting retreats and highlights important...

In this episode, Giana and Bradshaw dive into the heart of community—what it means to them and how they've cultivated it since starting C.A.Y.A. Yoga School. They share stories of different studio vibes, the power of shared interests, and how connection can offer support and growth, both personally and professionally. Fostering this sense of community is one of their favorite aspects of teaching y...

This episode is chaos, humor, and technical as they discuss alignment. Giana and Bradshaw recorded late at night and are *definitely* unhinged as they chat about everything from their pets to their hilarious bickering while Giana crashes at Bradshaw’s place. They dive into how they drive each other crazy, sprinkle in some serious updates on upcoming retreats, and share their excitement over being...

In this deeply personal episode, Bradshaw returns to the podcast after the tragic loss of his dad to suicide. Together, we navigate the complexities of teaching yoga through challenging times and explore the power of letting our students see us in our most human moments. We talk about the roller coaster of grief, the concept of chosen family, and ways to show support. Bradshaw shares the vulnerabi...

In this week's episode, Giana sits down with Samantha Marks Gitlin, a former colleague and friend, to catch up on life after leaving their previous workplace. They cover everything from how a corporate environment can stifle teachers' personalities to the differences between teaching at gyms versus studios, the importance of hands-on assists, and Sam's passion for supporting yoga teachers. Sam als...

Join us for our monthly bonus episode! Today, we’re casually chatting about the renovations to Bradshaw's kitchen and what’s been happening lately. Then, we dive right into your burning questions. We cover topics like: our favorite and least favorite assists, whether it’s frowned upon to have 300 hours of training and not teach, and the best way to lead into Savasana. This episode is both informat...

In this episode, Giana reconnects with Emma, who’s back on the podcast after a year and a half to share her journey from leaving corporate studios to becoming her own boss. Emma dives into how she built a fully booked schedule filled with private lessons and exclusive group classes, offering insights on earning your worth, breaking free from rigid sequencing, and embracing diverse movement modalit...

In this episode, Bradshaw and Giana dive deep into the world of common yoga injuries—what causes them and how to avoid them. They share personal stories about their own yoga-related mishaps, providing insights into why these injuries occur and how to maintain a balanced, mindful practice to stay injury-free. With a special PSA for yoga teachers on understanding their scope of practice, they also o...

In this  open-hearted  episode, Bradshaw and Giana dive deep into their experience of partnering together. They share the ups and downs, the benefits, and the pitfalls of working closely with someone else. With a mix of humor and honesty, they reveal some funny behind-the-scenes stories and offer valuable advice for anyone considering a partnership. They also discuss how this collaborati...

In this episode, Bradshaw and Giana dive into a candid discussion about the hidden pitfalls of complacency in yoga teaching. After years of guiding students, they’ve both experienced moments of coasting through their roles, losing the spark that once fueled their passion. They explore the fine line between complacency and contentment, sharing personal stories of when and why they’ve felt stuck—whe...

Today, we're thrilled to have Quinn Kearney, a Chicago-based yoga teacher and co-founder of Yogaview, joining us. Quinn has been in the yoga world for over 20 years, and he's here to share his journey from the beginnings of his yoga practice to the challenges and rewards of owning a studio for over two decades. We dive into the rise and popularity of yoga, the business aspects of owning a studio,...

Join us for our monthly bonus episode, where we kick things off with some chitchat about sharing a room on a retreat and all the exciting things we have going on. Then, we dive right into your burning questions. We cover topics like: the best way to begin a yoga class, Advice for when pregnant women attend advanced classes, and whether moving from closed hip to open hip postures is okay. This epis...

In this episode, Bradshaw and Giana kick things off by discussing the importance of decluttering, letting go, and the process of moving. They then dive deep into the topic of repetition, exploring how it's a vital tool for learning and increasing awareness. They detail the many ways repetition benefits a yoga practice, particularly in sequencing, and delve into the different methods of sequencing....

Join us today as we sit down with Stephanie Snyder, a seasoned yoga teacher and mentor from San Francisco with over 25 years of experience. Known for her impactful teachings, Stephanie leads trainings, retreats, and boasts a significant online presence. In this episode, Stephanie generously shares her journey, from humble beginnings to founding Love Story Yoga. She imparts invaluable wisdom gained...

In this episode, we delve into the subtle yet profound impact of silence within the yoga studio. Join us as we navigate the delicate balance of providing cues while allowing space for personal reflection and mindfulness. We discuss the art of minimal cuing—when less is more—and explore how excessive guidance can detract from the practice. Delving into the contentious topic of music in yoga, we com...

Join Giana and Bradshaw on their latest episode as they delve into their viral Instagram post that prompted yoga teachers to share their least favorite yoga cues, igniting a spirited debate. They discuss the importance of feedback and growth in yoga teaching, stressing the need to understand the "why" behind preferences. Navigating social media without controversy is one of their goals, alongside...

Catch our monthly bonus episode, where we dive right into your burning questions. We discuss our first memories of each other, collaboration challenges, and how to know when you’re strong enough to work on a pose. This concise episode is one you won't want to miss. Important Time Markers:  01:45 - Q1: First Memory of Each Other 10:05 - Q2: Collaborative Challenges 16:00 - Q3: How Do You Know...

Join us as we delve into a transformative conversation on Pride, guided by the principles of yoga. In this episode, we explore the rich tapestry of Pride, weaving through its historical roots, the courage to come out, and the poignant impact of the AIDS epidemic. From intergenerational perspectives to the complexities of self-acceptance, we candidly navigate It all. We discuss the importance of co...

Join Giana and Bradshaw in the latest episode of 'The Funny Thing About Yoga' as they sit down with their yoga teacher and mentor, Jason Crandell. They're beyond honored to have him on the podcast, reminiscing about their training days in San Francisco and catching up on what he's been up to since then. In this enlightening conversation, they cover a wide range of topics, from navigating the yoga...

Join Bradshaw and Giana in this insightful episode of Navigating Changes where they dive into the dynamic world of growth and development as a yoga teacher. They cover everything from transitioning between studios and evolving teaching styles to innovating class sequences. Whether you're a self-starter or looking to adapt post-pandemic, this episode offers valuable insights on building resilience,...

In today's episode, Bradshaw and Giana delve into the significance of doing simple things well or mastering the basics. They explore the complexity of the Vinyasa practice and emphasize the importance of moving through the foundational postures with precision. Understanding that "well" varies for each individual, they share insights on achieving comfort and ease in these postures. Bradshaw and Gia...

Catch our monthly bonus episode, where we dive right into your burning questions. We discuss how to bounce back from teaching a "bad class," our class preparation techniques, and whether we attend each other's classes. This concise episode is one you won't want to miss. Important Time Markers:  01:45 - Q1: Teaching a Bad Class 04:50 - Q2: Prepping for Class 10:45 - Q3: Taking Each Other’s Cla...

Join Bradshaw and Giana in this special Mental Health Awareness Month episode as they dive into the crucial role the nervous system plays in mental health, particularly concerning anxiety. They explore the intricacies of the autonomic nervous system, discuss the importance of somatics, and share practical ways to shift out of fight or flight mode. Drawing from their personal journeys, Bradshaw and...

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Christina Gambino-Gordon! Christina shares her inspiring journey of turning to yoga during a tough injury, drawing on her extensive background in gymnastics, and her exciting new passion for Ninja Warrior. We dive into the benefits of cross-training, the best gymnastics tips for mastering handstands, and strategies to tackle fear. Bradshaw gets answers to...

Join Giana and Bradshaw in a reflective conversation on the state of modern yoga in the United States and its parallels with the fitness industry. They delve into whether the contemporary yoga scene has veered too far towards fitness, neglecting its spiritual essence. Sharing personal journeys, they discuss their initial attraction to yoga's physical aspects and how it led them to delve deeper int...