In this Yogaland episode, Jason Crandell and I talk candidly about power dynamics in yoga, the potential for abuse of authority, and how students and teachers can protect what’s most important: trust, safety, consent, and healthy boundaries.
We’re not psychologists or legal experts — but we’ve been in the yoga world for decades, and we’ve seen how quickly a “teacher-student relationship” can become unhealthy when authority, charisma, and vulnerability collide. The goal of this conversation is simple: help more people recognize warning signs early, keep their autonomy intact, and stay connected to yoga in a way that’s grounded, mature, and safe.
You’ll hear us cover:
• The most common red flags in teacher-student dynamics
• Why critical thinking belongs in yoga spaces
• How “one true way” teaching can become coercive
• Charisma, attachment, and love-bombing in wellness culture
• Why discouraging cross-training or other teachers is a problem
• How “inner circles” and status tiers can create vulnerability
• Consent and hands-on adjustments: what students can ask for, and what teachers must respect
If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in a class, confused by a teacher’s intensity, or pressured to stay loyal to one method or community — this episode is for you.
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