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Yoga Medicine — Health & Fitness
Yoga Medicine

This show was created to educate and empower yoga students and teachers to use yoga therapeutically to optimize experiences, communities and resilience. Our methods are based on a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology and the integration of modern science and research with traditional practices and experience. We believe research is just as precious as experience and we believe in the human potential for change and greatness. Our goal is to help you learn the owners manual of your unique body/mind and so we offer this as a free resource to anyone interested in optimizing their health and wellbeing.

SUBSCRIBE TO YOGA MEDICINE ON iTUNES/APPLE PODCASTS: https://apple.co/3aWW3XO

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE: https://YogaMedicine.com

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CONNECT WITH US!
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PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/tiffanyyoga

Copyright: © 2021 Yoga Medicine®, All Rights Reserved

Latest Episodes:

Prerequisites for Yoga Teacher Training: Bonus Short Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

Do you need teaching experience, extreme flexibility, or deep knowledge of philosophy and anatomy to get the most out of yoga teacher training?

In this short clip from Episode 127: Your Teacher Training Questions Answered, host Rachel and fellow teacher trainer Dana Diament share what they do—and just as crucially, don't—consider to be key prerequisites for yoga teacher training. They also share details of the Yoga Medicine Online 200-hour Teacher Training 2026 intake, which is open for registration right now.

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Show Notes:

The importance of personal practice [02:29]
Time to commit to yoga teacher training [04:59]
A deep interest in yoga is key [06:34]
What skills and qualities AREN'T required before teacher training? [09:34]
How to prepare for YTT [10:39]

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Links Mentioned:

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Learn More:

You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-156.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes, or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Yoga's Hidden History: Expert Insights with Firdose Moonda, MA Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

For us to know where we are headed, it is crucial to understand where we came from and how we got here today. To that end, host Rachel Land and returning guest Firdose Moonda MA, spend today's episode discussing yoga's history, examining aspects of that history that are often overlooked.

They dive into the challenge of balancing respect for the ancient traditions of yoga with the techniques that are most relevant to modern students, and debate whether teachers need to reference yoga's history in every class they teach.

Listen in to learn why yoga history matters, what might be missing from your understanding of it, and what questions to ponder as we all take part in creating the yoga history of the future.

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Show Notes:

Does yoga's history matter? [2:15]
Pros and cons of teaching ancient yoga history [7:38]
What is missing from the yoga history commonly taught? [12:05]
Western influence on yoga [14:54]
The delicate balance of respect and relevance [19:58]
Critical missing components of yoga history [25:54]
The modern intermingling of yoga and wellness [30:31]
Should we always incorporate yoga history in teaching? [35:48]
Wrap up and questions to ponder [37:33]

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Links Mentioned:

Watch this episode on YouTube
LIVE Online The History of Yoga Teacher Training
Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes:
- 100: Yoga, Politics & History: Expert Insights with Firdose Moonda MA
- 114: Yoga & Religion: Expert Insights with Firdose Moonda MA
Yoga Medicine® Book Club
Connect with Firdose Moonda, MA: Firdose Moonda | Instagram | YMO Guest Teacher

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Learn more:

You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-155.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes, or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5-star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Best of 2025 Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, host Rachel Land revisits topics as varied as managing our behavior during the holidays, how much to depend on technology when it comes to our health, the underestimated power of interoception, signs of undiagnosed autoimmune disorder, common symptoms pre- peri- and post-menopause, practicing in support of Rheumatoid Arthritis pain flare-ups, ADHD or recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury, and key challenges facing yoga teachers today.

Listen in to this episode to hear some of the gems you might have missed during the year.

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Show Notes:

Changing deep-seated patterns around the holidays [01:07]
Recent research: female sex hormones and inflammation [5:42]
Common symptom clusters during pre- peri- and post-menopause [12:15]
Red flags suggesting undiagnosed autoimmune disorder [17:28]
Is wellness a personal responsibility? [21:28]
Navigating new wellness technology [25:33]
Yoga practice during Rheumatoid Arthritis pain flare-ups [30:39]
Interoception as a learned skill [36:11]
Rebuilding body awareness after Traumatic Brain Injury [42:12]
Teaching cues: balancing clarity with personal choice [44:46]
Repeated and predictable movement for ADHD [50:25]
Creating a sustainable teaching schedule [54:10]
Shifting cultural and commercial pressures for yoga teachers [1:00:32]

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Links Mentioned:

You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-154.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Integrity Beyond the Metrics: Community Conversations with Elena Cheung Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

As we close out the year, how do we, as yoga teachers, gauge our progress? How can we assess our success?

Today, host Rachel and returning guest Elena Cheung share their answers to these questions. We discuss why one-dimensional metrics like ratings, reviews, student numbers, online likes, and follows are so appealing, as well as the complexities of teaching that they fail to capture.

Listen to this episode to learn how to balance your interests and values with the needs of your students, and how to meaningfully reflect on your work as a yoga teacher.

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Show Notes:

Complexities that ratings & reviews don't express [3:32]
From "teacher knows best" to "the customer is always right"? [10:20]
Navigating changing student tastes with integrity [13:06]
The space that teaching experience creates around feedback [21:46]
Why "objective" metrics appeal, and what they miss [26:12]
How to gauge success as a yoga teacher [33:05]
Final takeaways [47:27]

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Links Mentioned:

Watch this episode on YouTube
Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes:
- 74: Yoga for All
- 141: Pitfalls of Private Yoga (and How to Avoid Them)
The Art of Teaching Impactful Group Classes Online Course
Connect with Elena Cheung:

Instagram | Elena Shapeshifts | The Way Softness Moves | Yoga Medicine® Online Guest Teacher

You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-153.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Is Every Yoga Teacher Training the Same? Bonus Short Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

A common misconception is that all yoga teacher trainings are the same, but that's not the case. Every program varies in its style, priorities, and methods, making it crucial to do your research to ensure your teacher training is a good fit for you.

In this short clip from Episode 103: Teacher Training Myths, host Rachel and fellow teacher trainer Dana Diament discuss how different trainings vary and key things to bear in mind before you sign up. They also share details of the Yoga Medicine® Online 200HR Teacher Training 2026 intake, and a deep discount is available right now.

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Show Notes:

Teacher trainers vary in focus and communication style [1:50]
Programs vary in their focus and assessments [4:37]
Prepare to be out of your comfort zone [6:57]
The satisfaction of completing yoga teacher training [10:33]

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Links Mentioned:

You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-152.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

From Stuck to Thriving: Teacher's Series Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

When the yoga landscape is changing and trends are constantly shifting, how do we find our place as teachers? How do we balance feeling purposeful and fulfilled with making a sustainable living?

This episode is for people who are new to teaching yoga, those who have been teaching for decades, and everyone in between. Hosts Tiffany and Rachel discuss four phases of teaching and the potential pitfalls and pathways of each stage.

Listen in to hear what reflections and actions could take you from feeling stuck to a place where you thrive.

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Show Notes:

Phase 1: Starting out – just do it [2:36]
Phase 2: Curious about what lights you up [9:30]
Where teachers get stuck in this phase [12:44]
Phase 3: Invest in your speciality [19:28]
Navigating imposter syndrome [22:02]
The value of teaching one-on-one [26:33]
Sharing your expertise through writing [29:14]
Phase 4: Staying inspired, open to self-growth and reinvention [30:57]
Final takeaways [42:42]

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Links Mentioned:

You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-151.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Stress Management for High Achievers: Community Conversations with Katharina Claeys Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

High achievers in business, sport, and life in general can benefit hugely from yoga practice. However, the very traits that lead to success in their field can bring up unique challenges when brought to the mat.

Today, host Katja speaks with Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialist Katharina Claeys about teaching yoga to high achievers. Katharina is an educator, speaker, and consultant with a focus on building resilience and nervous system regulation, as well as women's health.

Listen to this episode to learn why setting realistic expectations, being flexible in your teaching approach, and managing the moments of transition into class are so important when working with high achievers.

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Show Notes:

Traits of high achievers on and off the mat [2:47]
Which high achievers seek yoga for support? [6:29]
Establish "the why" and set clear expectations [10:27]
Working with perfectionism and over-efforting [15:26]
Be ready with a range of techniques [17:19]
Doorway affirmations, tapping into physical senses [27:05]
Work with the person, not the profession [31:49]
Match your student's energy [34:17]
Tips for teachers: self-care, scheduling, community, mentors [40:28]
Get started teaching yoga to high achievers [45:22]

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Links Mentioned:

Watch this episode on YouTube
Online Burnout Resilience Program
Previous Yoga Medicine Podcast Episode:
- Episode 146: Hustle Culture Meets Wellness Sphere
Connect with Katharina Claeys & Resilience Yoga:

Katharina Claeys | Instagram | LinkedIn

You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-150.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Who is Yoga Teacher Training For? Bonus Short Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

A major barrier for many people interested in yoga teacher training is the assumption that it is only for certain kinds of people—whether that's deep and spiritual, energetic and outgoing, irresistibly charismatic, or highly skilled at yoga postures.

In this short excerpt from Episode 103, Teacher Training Myths, host Rachel and fellow teacher trainer Dana Diament share that the truth is that teaching yoga is as much about holding space for students to be themselves as it is about instructing yoga poses and practices.

They also share details of the Yoga Medicine Online 200-hour Teacher Training 2026 intake and a deep discount available right now.

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Show Notes:

Myths about who YTT is for [2:12]
Find your own voice, range, and teaching style [4:12]
Learning to communicate with groups, as yourself [10:10]
Teaching as holding space [13:00]

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Links Mentioned:

You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-149.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Support Yourself for a Joyful Holiday: Expert Insights with Diane Malaspina PhD Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

The holidays can bring up strong feelings. Whether you're managing travel, disruption to regular routines, over-indulgence, or deeper issues like family conflict or loss, this time of year isn't always as magical as we perhaps imagine it to be.

Today, host Rachel is joined by returning guest Diane Malaspina, yoga teacher and psychologist, to share practical suggestions on how we can better self-regulate through the holiday season.

In this episode, Diane stresses the importance of making time for honest reflection on our feelings regarding this season, and shares how this process prompted one key change in her own life that created more joyful holidays.

Listen to this episode to learn how a mindful approach can, slowly but surely, transform your experience of the holiday season.

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Show Notes:

Holiday expectation versus reality [3:08]
Honest reflection on how you feel about the holidays [5:20]
Cultivating awareness BEFORE the holidays arrive [9:05]
Carrying imagined expectations from others [11:49]
Challenge one undesirable holiday pattern [14:50]
Embracing seasonal rhythms [18:47]
Self-regulation micro-doses accumulate [21:37]
Boundaries as self-care [30:29]
Grief at the holidays [39:50]
Yoga Medicine Burnout Resilience Program [47:48]
Final takeaways [50:48]

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Links Mentioned:

Watch this episode on YouTube
LIVE Online Burnout Resilience Program
Working with Grief – Theory & Therapeutic Application of Yoga Online Course
Inside the Yoga Sutras – The Path to Freedom Online Course
Exploring the Niyamas through Meditation & Practice Online Course
Exploring the Yamas through Meditation & Practice Online Course
Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes with Diane Malaspina, PhD:
Connect with Diane Malaspina PhD:

Facebook | Instagram | Diane Malaspina | Yoga Medicine® Online Guest Teacher

You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-148.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

LoveYourBrain: Expert Insights on TBI with Kyla Pearce MPH, PhD, CBIS, E-RYT Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

Today's guest calls traumatic brain injury (TBI) "a silent epidemic", describing a common yet complex injury that, for many, presents with chronic symptoms.

In this episode, host Rachel Land speaks with expert guest Dr. Kyla Pearce, Senior Director of Programs, Research & Operations for the LoveYourBrain Foundation – a national nonprofit that delivers evidence-based holistic health programs for the brain injury community.

Because individual experiences of TBI vary widely, it can be a daunting thing to work with as a yoga teacher. Dr. Pearce talks about the under-appreciated importance of social support and the delicate balance of giving students agency without creating overwhelm. She also offers best practices for movement and breath work, and discusses the power of visualization.

Listen in to learn how to use yoga as a healing modality for traumatic brain injuries.

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Show Notes:

Defining Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) [3:38]
Surprising causes of brain injury [5:28]
Common symptoms of brain injury [6:21]
The mission of the LoveYourBrain Foundation [12:45]
Evidence-based research outcomes [17:14]
Yoga for brain injury versus other trauma [19:29]
Challenges for yoga students with TBI (and their teachers) [24:50]
Balancing student agency and simplicity [33:23]
Suggested practices [39:57]
"Cognitive preparation" cueing [45:00]
Preferred meditation and breath work techniques [47:32]
How to know when students need up-regulation [55:23]
Summing up, final takeaways [58:18]

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Links Mentioned:

Watch this episode on YouTube
Learn more about LoveYourBrain's certification-level yoga teacher trainings, resources, and research-backed holistic health programs for TBI/concussion
Learn more about LoveYourBrain Yoga for Traumatic Brain Injury, Level 1 & Level 2, 20-hr online training for yoga teachers, yoga therapists, and people in the brain injury community
Learn more about LoveYourBrain Yoga for Health Professionals, 20-hr online training for clinicians
Previous Yoga Medicine Podcast Episodes:
- Episode 47: Concussion Care with Dr. Daya Grant
- Episode 30: Trauma Informed Yoga with Dr. Ann Bortz
Yoga for Concussions Online Course with Dr. Daya Grant

You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-147.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes, or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5-star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

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