Yogaland Podcast

What does it really feel like to teach yoga for the first time? In this episode of The Making of a Yoga Teacher, Jason takes you inside that nerve-wracking but transformative moment every new teacher faces: stepping to the front of the room. Laurel, Raquel, and Erin talk about what it was like to teach for the first time during the training. Through their stories, you’ll see that every yoga teache...

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to do a yoga teacher training—or if you’re looking for insight, motivation, and honesty about the process—this episode shows how transformation begins: one decision, one class, one breath at a time. You'll meet Laurel, Raquel, and Erin and find out what made them say yes to their journey toward becoming yoga teachers. 🎥 Episodes in this series: 1️⃣ Ho...

This week -- a solocast from Jason, fresh from his trip teaching a weeklong "Sequencing 2.0" training in London. On this episode, he breaks down a practical framework for scaling a single 60-minute sequence into: (1) shorter online formats (2) longer workshops (3) four-week series with clear objectives He also explains why real creativity comes from solving for a goal—not from random choreography—...

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance structure and freedom in your teaching and how to help students problem-solve rather than memorize, Jason shares some ideas on this week's Yoga(ish). We also talk about "the examined life," and what that means to us. Lastly, we share how the "Wawa meet-up," went (spoiler: it was as quirky and sweet as we hoped it would be.) ⸻ ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 Life lately &amp...

This meditation is an invitation to find softness within you regardless of the chaos around you.  Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/yogaland . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you practiced yoga in the 90s, you know… it was different. Chapters: 00:00 Intro & why we’re talking about 90s yoga 04:03 Andrea’s first yoga class (and the clown car moment) 11:54 Jason’s first yoga class in college 25:11 Quirky studios, circus neighbors & wild props 31:26 What’s changed for better and worse Before it was in every gym, before online classes, before Lululemon — yoga in...

Some lessons change you forever — and yoga has given us more than we can count. After 30 years of practice, these are the teachings we still lean on every day — on and off the mat. In this episode of Yogaland, we share the timeless yoga lessons that have shaped our lives, improved our relationships, and transformed the way we move through the world. Highlights: 00:00 Why enduring lessons matter af...

After 30 years of yoga, we’ve discovered which poses, myths, and cues actually hold you back. Here’s what to let go — and what to focus on instead for a stronger, more sustainable practice. Over three decades of yoga practice, we’ve seen trends, techniques, and teaching cues come and go. In this episode, we share the poses we approach differently now, the myths we no longer believe, and the verbal...

Teaching yoga isn’t about impressing your students—it’s about supporting them. On this episode, Jason shares 5 things to keep in mind if you're a yoga teacher (especially in the first five years). His ideas will help you feel grounded, confident, and inspired as you build your yoga teaching career. Heads up: Module II of Jason's 300-hour YTT is come up in two week! This is the core + spine module...

This week my guest is Philadelphia-based yoga teacher, Matthew Shaw. Matthew joined the Jason Crandell Yoga Method team as our Lead Teacher Training Mentor this year and has been a longtime student of Jason's. What I didn't know until a few weeks ago is that Matthew spent 20 years in a previous life as a successful opera singer, performing on major stages across Europe—including Germany, Austria,...

This week, I’m joined by yoga teacher and global mindfulness facilitator Josh Blatter. We talk about his teaching journey—from the yoga studio to his work with Peace on Purpose, a program that supports United Nations staff working in some of the most high-pressure environments in the world. Josh shares: Why questioning long-held beliefs is vital for yoga teachers Studying in the Viniyoga lineage a...

On this episode, we dive deep into 5 of the most common yoga cues—offering clearer, more effective alternatives that enhance both understanding and practice. Whether you’re a yoga teacher seeking to improve your verbal communication or a dedicated practitioner eager to refine your alignment, this episode will help you: ✔️ Clarify common cues like “lift your kneecaps” and “tuck your tailbone” ✔️ Un...

In this episode, Jason dives deep into one of the most overlooked — and often overwhelming — skills in yoga teaching: verbal communication . Whether you're a new teacher still getting comfortable saying anything aloud, or a seasoned instructor trying to say less with more impact, this conversation is full of practical insights. You’ll learn how to refine your voice, distill your message, and creat...

What if everything you’ve learned about pranayama tells only half the story? In this episode, Jason Crandell breaks down the two radically different approaches to pranayama found in traditional Hatha Yoga and Patanjali’s Raja Yoga. These lineages share a goal—liberation through practice—but their breathwork techniques, underlying philosophies, and mechanisms of transformation couldn’t be more diff...

We're happy to be back with Yoga(ish)! On this episode, we reflect on Autism Acceptance Month. We talk about internalized ableism, ADHD, the power of special interests, and how creating the right environment can unlock learning and joy for neurodivergent kids. Plus: a very passionate review of our current comedy obsession (I Think You Should Leave). CHAPTERS 01:05 Autism Awareness Month 01:30 Love...

Feeling stuck, uninspired, or overwhelmed in your teaching journey? In this episode, Jason shares 5 timeless lessons from yoga philosophy that support you — the teacher. These aren’t abstract ideas for your students — they’re personal, practical teachings to help you stay grounded, motivated, and aligned as you grow. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator, these insights from the Yoga...

On this episode, Jason shares how to find your voice as a yoga teacher, how it evolves through different life phases, and how to sustain it over the long haul. You’ll learn why finding your voice is an ongoing process, how to stay confident as a yoga teacher, and how to overcome burnout, self-doubt, and comparison. You'll learn: • How to find your voice as a yoga teacher (and why it’s always evolv...

On this episode, Jason addresses a common question he gets from yoga teachers: When will I start to feel more sure of myself, more confident in my teaching? Whether you’re newly certified or have been teaching for years, this episode will help you fill in the missing pieces and grow into the confident, grounded, and impactful yoga teacher you want to be. What You’ll Learn: • Why so many yoga teach...

In this episode, Jason guides you through 3 simple yet powerful pranayama techniques to help you unwind, relax, and get better night's sleep. These breathing exercises are perfect for reducing stress, calming the mind, and promoting relaxation—whether you’re winding down after a busy day or preparing for a restful night’s sleep. Time codes: 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:44 Overview of Prana...

Teaching pranayama and breathwork can feel overwhelming—even for experienced yoga teachers. In this episode, Jason breaks down the five most common mistakes teachers make when teaching pranayama and offers simple, research-backed solutions that will help you guide breathwork with clarity, confidence, and impact. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your skills, this episode will help you s...

This is episode 1 of a four-part series on Pranayama: On this episode, we explore why breathwork matters so much for yoga teachers and how to effectively integrate pranayama into your yoga classes. Whether you're a seasoned yoga teacher or simply interested in deepening your pranayama practice, this conversation will help you understand why breathwork is essential and how to teach it with confiden...

Looking for fresh ideas to keep your classes engaging and effective? In this episode of Yogaland, we’ll show you how to plan a month-long yoga series that helps your students build skills, gain confidence, and deepen their practice over time. If you’re tired of planning classes one-by-one and want to teach more cohesively and effectively, this episode is for you! Whether you’re a new yoga teacher...

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Whether mild (commonly called a concussion) or severe, TBI can create long-term health challenges ranging from cognitive fatigue, to memory loss to insomnia and mental health issues. This episode explores how LoveYourBrain 's free yoga and meditation program benefits people affected by TBI and their caregivers.&nbsp...

Have you ever felt like your students aren’t fully absorbing what you’re teaching? Want to make your cues, sequences, and insights truly stick? On this episode, Jason reveals the top teaching strategies every yoga instructor should know to enhance student learning, improve retention, and create transformative class experiences. Highlights: ✅ The difference between leading a class vs. teaching for...

Jason’s getting Invisalign. Andrea’s diving into writing. Our daughter just got a new horse named… Namaste. Yep. It’s a lot. 🤣 In this episode of Yoga(ish), we get personal—talking about self-consciousness as yoga teachers, how our jobs shape our confidence, and why getting adult braces feels way more vulnerable than it should. We also dive into Andrea’s new writing project, her experience in a c...