Yin Yoga Podcast

In this episode of the Yin Yoga podcast, I sit down with Norman Blair to explore the expansive world of Yin Yoga. We delve into Norman's Yoga journey, from his initial introduction to yoga in the early 1990s, his transition into teaching, and his passion for Yin Yoga. Whether you're a Yin Yoga enthusiast or a yoga teacher looking to deepen your practice, our lengthy, informal, and heartfel...

In this episode of the Yin Yoga Podcast, I delve into whether to use stories, poems, and quotes in Yin Yoga classes. Inspired by a question from a Facebook group, I share my evolving approach and insights on this topic. I discuss the importance of meeting students where they are emotionally and the pitfalls of overly positive, saccharine readings that can lead to spiritual bypassing. I also offer...

In this episode, I give you an overview of Chinese Medicine and the Taoist view of Spring. Why it's my favourite season. The qualities of the wood element in us as humans. I discuss how the energy of spring can be a force for both spiritual and emotional growth. I explore the passionate drive that can lead to significant changes within ourselves and the world. 00:00 Introduction to Spiritual and E...

A little Spring Break Pause the podcast will be Back April 10, 2025

(Part 2) Interview with Bernie Clark: Deep Dive into Yin Yoga In this episode of the Yin Yoga Podcast, I'm excited to welcome you back for part two of my interview with Bernie Clark. We delve into a variety of topics, including the benefits and controversies surrounding Yin Yoga. Bernie and I discuss the impact of heat in yoga practice, the effects of static stretching on performance, and the...

S. 4| Ep. 8 How To Teach Exceptional Yin Yoga Classes In this episode of The Yin Yoga podcast, I discuss what it takes to teach truly exceptional Yin Yoga classes. I'll share my journey and tips, including the importance of deep training, setting a calming environment, and the need for personal practice. I'll also delve into creating trauma-informed spaces and why being flexible and ground...

S. 4| Ep. 6 Today, we're diving into the concept of discomfort in Yin Yoga practice. I'll explain why being comfortable with the uncomfortable is crucial for both students and teachers. We’ll discuss the difference between discomfort and pain, how being uncomfortable can spur growth, and why teachers shouldn't rush to fix students' discomfort. I'll share personal experiences an...

S. 4| Ep. 5 In this episode, I have a conversation with Stephanie Nosco, a psychotherapist, somatic educator, and author of 'Follow Your Tao.' We chat about Stephanie's fascinating journey through Yoga, Yin Yoga, Qigong, and Chinese medicine, exploring the psychoemotional aspects of the organs, and how she blends ancient wisdom with modern practices. Stephanie shares her profound insig...

S. 4| Ep. 4 In this episode, I'll dive into the often-overlooked meditative aspect of Yin Yoga. I share my journey with meditation, including initial challenges and lessons learned. You'll hear about practical techniques for using Yin Yoga as a gateway to meditation, allowing you to anchor your mind and cultivate mindfulness. I also announced an expanded Yin Yoga teacher training program f...

S. 4| Ep. 3 In this episode of the Yin Yoga podcast, I welcome my guest Tiffany Cruikshank, founder of Yoga Medicine. We'll dive deep into the benefits and considerations of Yin Yoga for athletes, discussing how it can enhance recovery, maintain range of motion, and support mental resilience. Tiffany shares insights from her extensive background in sports medicine and acupuncture, and we addre...

S. 4 | Ep. 2 In this episode, I'll take you through the unique journey of teaching Yin Yoga. We dive deep into how this practice can be both challenging and surprisingly easier compared to more dynamic forms of Yoga. I share my insights, offering practical advice for those transitioning from teaching movement-based Yoga to the stillness of Yin Yoga. You'll learn the importance of proper tr...

S. 4 | Ep. 1 In this episode, we dive deep into the power of words in Yin Yoga classes with our guest, Leta Lavigne. From her beginnings in hot yoga in Thailand to running Yoga Rock Studios in Finland, Lita shares her experiences and insights, including her journey into embracing Yin Yoga and meditation. We also discuss finding one's authentic voice, and the importance of creating genuine clas...

S. 3 | Ep. 13 Bonus Hey yinnies! In this episode, we're wrapping up season three of the podcast with a seasonal roundup and some exciting reflections. I've thoroughly enjoyed diving deep in season 3 into yin yoga topics like anatomy, Chinese medicine, and more with you. I've covered listener-requested subjects, guest expert insights, and solo thoughts on yin yoga essentials, spine heal...

S. 3 | Ep. 12 Embracing Winter: A Yin Yoga Guide to the Water ElementIn this episode of the Yin Yoga podcast, I delve into the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine as it relates to winter. We'll discuss the importance of rest and introspection and how winter connects to the water element and Yin energy. I'll share practical tips for staying balanced during the winter season, dealing with...

S. 3 | Ep. 11 When considering whether or not and why and how I should do some book reviews or book episodes, the reason I decided again to do this is because. There are a lot of teachers who are a bit newer that have come up, in more recent years, who may not be as familiar with Yin and the founder of Yin, or at least the founder of Yin in the way that I practice and teach it and the most kind of...

S. 3 | Ep. 10 The episode delves into the philosophy of Taoism, drawing connections between Yin Yoga and Taoism's principles of wu wei (non-forcing action). My Guest, Dhugal Meachem, is a friend and colleague with a rich background in Tibetan meditation, Qigong, and Tai Chi. Dougal shares his journey from practicing Tai Chi and Qi Gong in Hong Kong to discovering Yoga and then eventually Paul...

S. 3 | Ep. 9 Today's topic can be a bit of a tricky one—a common question I get is about the origins and philosophical roots of Yin Yoga. Is it rooted in Indian philosophy or does it have its connections with Taoism and Chinese medicine? As Is often the case in Yin Yoga the answer is yes....no ...well it depends. This often leaves new teachers puzzled about whether to discuss chakras or meridi...

S. 3 | Ep. 8 In this episode of the Yin Yoga podcast, I delve into the topic of 'Yin Yoga Policing', with a focus on defining what constitutes a Yin Yoga pose. Questions from Yin Yoga Facebook groups inspired this episode. I share my thoughts and personal experiences, especially from my training with Mr. Yin Yoga teacher Paul Grilley. Paul (and I) emphasize the need for critical thinking r...

S. 3 | Ep. 7 The Five Elements: An Overview This Episode was a requested episode from a listener! If you have Yin Yoga questions or Topic Ideas you want me to cover on the podca,st let me know in the comments. In this episode, we’re going to talk about the Five Elements according to Taoism and TCM, which are closely tied to Feng Shui. It's a broad, subject that I cover more in-depth in my teac...

S. 3 | Ep. 6 Yin Yoga and Sobriety: A Deep Dive with Daphne Luke In this episode of the Yin Yoga podcast, my guest Daphne Luke and I explore the profound impact of Yin Yoga on addiction recovery and sobriety. Daphne is a seasoned teacher with both Bernie Clarks' 50-hour Yin Yoga Training and 500 hours of Yin Yoga Training with Paul Grilley. Daphne has been practicing Yoga since the 90s and tea...

S. 3 | Ep. 5 Welcome to this week's episode: Yin Yoga and Spine Health. This was a requested topic, and it’s something I encounter often in questions like, "My student has lower back pain, what sequence can I give them?" or "How do I address back issues in my classes?" As a Yoga therapist with a specialty in back care, I’ve worked with individuals suffering from back issues...

S. 3 | Ep. 4 Today on the podcast I'm going to discuss the practice of Loving Kindness Meditation, or Metta for Yin Yoga. In this episode, I'll share in detail the who, what, when, why, and how of incorporating this powerful meditation into our Yin Yoga practice, in our Yin Yoga Classes, AND in our everyday lives. This topic is very near and dear to my heart I’ve been practicing Metta for...

S.3 | EP. 3 Fall and The Metal Element: An Overview As we start transitioning into fall, it’s a time linked deeply with the metal element in TCM. Fall marks a shift from the extroverted, yang energy of summer to a more introverted, yin phase. In both TCM and Taoist thought, fall is a time for letting go and is connected to the emotion of grief. This grief could be as simple as missing summer or so...

S.3 | EP. 2 In this episode, we dive into the fundamentals of fascia with anatomy expert Gil Hedley. From understanding different types of fascia to debunking common myths, Gil provides an exploration of the body's connective tissues. We also discuss Yin Yoga, the relationship between fascia and the nervous system, and the holistic perspective of body anatomy. Gil's rant about Cellulite th...

S.3 | EP. 1 In this episode of A Yin Yoga podcast,  Addie deHilster (mindfulness meditation teacher and certified Yoga therapist) and I have a relaxed, what I'm calling a fireside chat, about the use of props in Yin Yoga. If we think that yoga should be accessible to everyone (and I do), regardless of their skeletal structure or flexibility. Then, in this discussion, Addie and I emphasize how...