Share

Yogaland Podcast
3 Backbend Cues for Tweaky Knees or Hips
Jason and I recorded this episode live at LoveStoryYoga in San Francisco at the Module 1 Advanced Studies training. Since the students are currently focusing on the hips and legs, we thought we'd take a look at backbending techniques. Jason unpacks some of the conventional wisdom about the alignment of this category of poses and then offers some unconventional options for those who don't fit the blueprint.
The bottom line is this: Since there are many different body types, there is often more than one "right" way to approach pose alignment.
We talk about:
* Three different approaches to try to troubleshoot knee pain during backbends
* When it might be OK for the feet to not be perfectly parallel in backbends like Urdhva Dhanurasana
* Why Jason no longer subscribes to any hard rules for how to tilt the pelvis in backbends (in other words, whether you should "tuck" the tailbone or not) and what he does instead to find a balanced arc
* Strategies for preparing the arms and shoulders for postures like Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow Pose or Wheel Pose)
Show notes: jasonyoga.com/podcast/episode180
SHOUT-OUT TO OUR SPONSORS
Get your yoga studio in a flow with Acuity Scheduling, the all-in-one scheduling tool for classes and private sessions. How Acuity works is simple: we clear the minds of busy studio owners and managers (just like you!) by handling all of the day-to-day booking and billing drudgery, freeing you up to be fully present in the moment. As a special bonus for our friends at Yogaland, your first 45 days of Acuity are 100% free – no credit card needed! All you have to do is sign up at acuityscheduling.com.
Women shouldn’t have to compromise when it comes to feminine products. And, with Lola, there are no compromises. Lola products are 100 percent natural, made of 100 percent organic cotton with no added chemicals, fragrances, synthetics, or dyes. Plus, they now offer new hypoallergenic cleansing wipes. Their online subscription service is fully customizable, so it’s one less thing to worry about. For 30 percent off all subscriptions, visit Mylola.com and enter code YOGALAND30 when you subscribe.
Aera is a better, safer way to diffuse essential oils. Easy, press-and-play aromatherapy capsules with no mixing, heating, or cleaning needed so it doesn’t add an additional stress of another to-do to your life. For 20% off diffusers and free shipping, go to AeraforHome.com and use code YOGALAND at check out.
More episodes
View all episodes

How to Demonstrate Yoga Poses Effectively (In-Person & Online)
40:50|Most yoga teachers undervalue how powerful good demonstrations really are. In this episode, we break down how, when, and why to demonstrate yoga poses so students actually learn.Demonstration is one of the most overlooked—and misunderstood—skills in yoga teaching.In this episode of Yogaland, Jason shares how to demonstrate yoga poses effectively in both in-person and online classes, and why visual communication plays such a crucial role in student learning.You’ll learn: • When yoga teachers should and should not demonstrate • The pros and cons of practicing with the group vs. observing • How demonstration impacts student comprehension and retention • The biggest mistakes teachers make when demonstrating poses • Why orientation and timing matter more than flexibility or strength • How to demonstrate safely without risking injury • Smart strategies for Zoom classes, recorded classes, and live online teaching • How beginner teachers can use demonstration to build confidence and pacingWhether you teach vinyasa, flow, alignment-based yoga, or online classes, this conversation will help you teach more clearly, communicate more effectively, and support student learning without over-explaining or over-demonstrating.This episode is especially helpful for: • Yoga teachers in 200-hour or 300-hour teacher training • New teachers learning pacing and classroom management • Experienced teachers refining their communication skills • Anyone teaching yoga online or on Zoom
6 Anchors Every Yoga Teacher Needs for the Year Ahead
27:16|The start of a new year can feel exciting and overwhelming for yoga teachers. New students, new expectations, new pressure. In this episode of Yogaland, Jason shares six foundational anchors to help you ground your teaching, reconnect with your students, and create classes that are sustainable—for you and for them.Rather than chasing trends or social media metrics, this conversation focuses on what actually builds strong classes and long-term teaching careers: consistency, kindness, real connection, movement quality, stillness and regeneration, and empowering students to make informed choices in their practice.Whether you’re teaching full classes, building a schedule in the new year, or simply wanting to feel more rooted and confident as a teacher, this episode offers practical perspective you can apply immediately—without adding more to your plate.⸻Highlights00:00 – Why teachers feel overwhelmed at the start of the year01:29 – Anchor #1: Consistency in tone, sequencing & expectations04:40 – Anchor #2: Kindness, presence & being a good host08:20 – Anchor #3: Real connection vs social media distraction14:49 – Anchor #4: Quality of movement over range of motion21:26 – Anchor #5: Stillness, pranayama & regeneration25:19 – Anchor #6: Empowering students to make educated choices⸻Train to become a yoga teacher with Jason! Our next cohort begins next week, January 13th. Get all the details here: jasonyoga.com/200
Yoga(ish): Holiday rituals, neurodivergent needs & letting people have their feelings
38:25|The holidays can be joyful… and also a lot—especially if you’re introverted, neurodivergent, parenting a neurodivergent kid, or trying to manage family expectations without burning out.In this episode, we share the holiday traditions that actually work for their family—and the boundaries that make those traditions possible. We talk about front-loading expectations, time boundaries, demand avoidance, and why it’s okay to let other people have their feelings when you don’t meet their expectations. You’ll also hear practical strategies for navigating social events (without forcing yourself or your child to “perform”), plus a few favorite holiday rituals—from cookie baking to Christmas Eve dinner to a Christmas Day zoo trip.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by holiday gatherings, unsure how to set boundaries with family, or stuck between “being flexible” and “protecting your nervous system,” this conversation will help.In this episode: • Holiday boundaries for introverts and neurodivergent families • Why time limits reduce anxiety (and increase participation) • Setting expectations with relatives ahead of gatherings • Demand avoidance, sensory overwhelm, and holiday rituals • How to navigate parties with roles, structure, and exit plans • Letting people be disappointed (without taking it on)
Unexpected Lessons From Yoga in 2025
41:27|As the year winds down, we’re reflecting on the real gifts yoga has given us—beyond poses and flexibility. In this conversation, we talk about pranayama and nervous-system regulation (including HRV), learning acceptance as our bodies age, how yoga builds discernment around recovery, and what we’re grateful for (including health, community, and the unexpected growth that comes from changing course as parents and professionals).If you’re navigating stress, pain, aging, burnout, or a shifting relationship with practice, this episode is an honest look at what yoga can offer for the long haul—and what we’re ready to let go of as we head into a new year.
The 8 Limbs Made Clear: A Modern, Practical Guide to Patanjali’s System
18:51|Long before Jason was an anatomy nerd, a sequencing, and a technique nerd, he was a philosophy nerd. In fact, his undergraduate degree is in Philosophy. On this episode, he breaks down Patanjali’s 8-limbed path through a modern, practical model that finally makes sense -- not as a ladder to climb, but as concentric circles of self-regulation that move from the external to the deeply internal.We’ll explore how yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi work together as a system for grounding, clarity, and inner steadiness — and why this perspective is easier to apply in real life than the traditional “8 steps” approach.If this brings more clarity to the 8 limbs, please share it with your students or fellow teachers!***A reminder: Jason's 200-Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training is now open for enrollment. The early bird pricing expires Dec. 21st, so enroll before then to lock in your $300 discount. Learn more at jasonyoga.com/200
Yoga(ish): Quarter Zips, Garage Yoga & Midlife Comebacks
50:43|In this episode, we’re catching up on… us. Jason is out of retirement, teaching live classes at an exclusive spot in Carlsbad, Andrea shares how strength training and high-protein eating (like, super high-protein) has helped her get out of chronic knee and foot pain in post-menopause. We also talk shoulder rehab, why teachers don’t need to “do it all” in class, and what’s currently entertaining us (books, TV, and yes—Dancing With the Stars).>> Jason announced a few live teaching events in 2026. To get the announcements, join our newsletter: jasonyoga.com/newsletter>> Learn about Jason’s 200-Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training (early-bird registration through December 21st): learn.jasonyoga.com/200
Parts 3 & 4: Becoming a Yoga Teacher
32:38|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 teacher starts here — nervous, vulnerable, and discovering that courage grows with each breath and each class.________________________________________We're having a Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale this week! Save 20% on all of our Continuing Education courses when you enter code BREATHE25 at checkout. Enjoy!
A Special Episode for Your Shoulders
36:30|Want to improve your shoulder health? Listen to this episode. It's a two-parter and it focuses on 1) an important functional movement of the shoulders that is often overlooked in yoga and 2) essential mobility drills for the shoulders that yogis can incorporate into their practice.I've got shoulders on my mind because I am about to begin teaching my Shoulders, Upper Back, and Neck Module of my 300-Hour YTT. We begin this Wednesday and I'd love to see you there. It's open to students who'd like to deepen their practice and teachers who would like to feel more confident and knowledgeable. You can learn more and register at jasonyoga.com/300
Part 2: The Making of a Yoga Teacher -- From Nerves to Confidence
21:36|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 teacher starts here — nervous, vulnerable, and discovering that courage grows with each breath and each class.👉 Learn more about Jason's 200-Hour Training here: jasonyoga.com/200👉 Jason has a 300-Hour Module coming up in one week! Learn about it here: jasonyoga.com/300