The Mentor Sessions

In this solo episode of The Mentor Sessions, I'm sharing a more personal, behind-the-scenes look at my life right now and the things that are genuinely helping me stay grounded, connected, and functional during a very full season of teaching, parenting, and activism. After asking on Instagram what kinds of episodes you wanted more of, one request came up again and again: more real-life context about how I make all of this work. So in this episode, I'm walking you through the practices, systems, apps, routines, communities, and relationships that are "saving my life" right now. I talk honestly about balancing a full teaching schedule with motherhood, creating sustainable routines that support my nervous system, deepening my activism work, and building a life that feels aligned with my values—even when it's imperfect. From romance novels on my Kindle to strength training at 5:30 a.m. to building community through the The Mentor Session Sangha, this episode is a candid snapshot of what's supporting me in this season of life. In this episode, you'll hear: Why the Libby app completely changed my reading habits How the iPhone "send later" text feature helps me communicate without feeling constantly available The way I structure my work schedule around my family priorities Why having a clear shutdown routine before picking up my son makes such a big difference How activism has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life Why I use ScreenZen to limit social media access The political podcasts helping me stay informed without completely burning out How keeping a running list of things to look forward to boosts my mood and perspective The consistency of my movement and meditation practices Why the The Mentor Session Sangha continues to challenge and support me as a teacher Resources Mentioned: Libby App Emily Henry Ali Hazelwood Christina Lauren Kate Clayborn ScreenZen Pod Save America Chamber of Mothers Singing Resistance Indivisible Kearsten Lyon of Toronto Movement Therapy Susan Piver Habit Tracker App The Mentor Sessions Sangha OfferingTree is a proud sponsor of this episode and I am honored to be an affiliate. Visit OfferingTree at www.offeringtree.com/mentor and you'll get 50% off your first three months (or 15% off any annual plan). OfferingTree supports me with each sign-up and I'm proud to be supported by a public benefit company whose mission is to further wellness access and education for everyone.

In this episode of The Mentor Sessions, I share something a little different: a Dharma talk I recently offered in my monthly class for yoga teachers. These monthly gatherings are one of my favorite places to teach—intimate, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in practice—and this particular talk felt important to bring to the podcast. Over the last several months, as the political situation in the United States has become more extreme and more frightening, I've been turning again and again to a Buddhist teaching known as The Four Reminders. These contemplations come from the Tibetan Buddhist lineage, and while they are simple, they cut right to the heart of what matters most. They have become the anchor of my own personal practice during this time of rising fascism, fear, and widespread suffering. In this episode, I share how I came back to these teachings—interestingly, prompted not by the worst harm being done in this country, but by the moment Jimmy Fallon was taken off the air for criticizing the administration. Watching someone with so much privilege get silenced instantly made me realize that we weren't sliding toward fascism. We were already living inside it. And from that moment, I knew I didn't want to get stuck in despair. I wanted to stay awake, engaged, loving, and grounded. The Four Reminders helped me do that. In this episode, you'll hear: Why these four contemplations feel so powerful and clarifying How reflecting on the preciousness of human life expands our compassion for ourselves, each other, and the planet The truth of impermanence — and how it can become a liberatory force rather than a source of fear The reality of karma and interdependence, and why even the smallest actions matter The universality of suffering, and why it is not inevitable How these teachings help me hold a vision of a world where every being is safe, free, and fed Why joy is not a luxury but an essential part of practice—especially in oppressive times The role of protest, collective action, and tiny daily choices in shaping the world we believe is possible After the Dharma talk, I share some of the reflections and questions that came up in conversation with the teachers in class. One theme that surfaced again and again was how grounding it feels to hold a positive vision—not in a naïve or spiritually bypassing way, but as a guiding truth that helps us stay resourced, energized, and committed. I talk about the small actions I take to stay connected to this vision, like calling my representatives or supporting my local food bank, and why these seemingly insignificant acts matter. We may not see the fruits of our labor in our lifetime, but as the Gita reminds us, that doesn't mean the work isn't ours to do. If you're feeling overwhelmed right now… I hope this episode reminds you that your life is precious, your presence matters, and your choices—however small—ripple outward. I hope it gives you permission to feel your grief and to feel joy. And I hope it encourages you to stay rooted in your own vision of what is possible for humanity. Thank you for being on this path with me. Resources Mentioned: Studio Success Checklist OfferingTree is a proud sponsor of this episode and I am honored to be an affiliate. Visit OfferingTree at www.offeringtree.com/mentor and you'll get 50% off your first three months (or 15% off any annual plan). OfferingTree supports me with each sign-up and I'm proud to be supported by a public benefit company whose mission is to further wellness access and education for everyone.

If you've ever dreamed of owning a yoga studio, or you are curious to hear what experts are saying about the yoga industry and its future-- this episode is for you! In my first "podcast swap" I had an awesome conversation with Michael Jay, a long-time teacher and yoga studio consultant who is also known as @YogaBizChamp. Michael is a Certified Business Consultant who helps yoga studios open with impact and grow with intention. With 13 years of studio ownership under his belt—including surviving two recessions and eventually selling his profitable business—he now coaches studio owners across the globe through every stage of their journey. Whether you're launching your first space or trying to regain control of a growing studio, Michael brings real-world strategy, a marketing mind, and "in the trenches" support that meets you where you are. He also hosts the Yoga Biz Champ Podcast, the go-to resource for studio owners who want honest talk, real advice, and a solid game plan. Together, we explore the evolving yoga industry, the role of studio owners in elevating their teachers, and why having a clear point of view is more powerful (and sustainable) than trying to be everything to everyone. In this episode, you'll hear: how yoga studios have shifted from community-led to franchise-driven — and back again why teachers fresh out of training aren't always ready for studio life (and how to mentor them well) the difference between "niching down" and developing a true teaching point of view why your yoga studio is only as strong as the teachers who represent it how community studios today can compete with franchise studios real talk about industry changes, competition, and what makes studios sustainable in 2025 and beyond Learn More From Michael: Visit Michael online Follow Michael on Instagram Yoga Biz Champ Podcast This episode is sponsored by OfferingTree! Sign up at www.offeringtree.com/mentor to get 50% off your first three months (or 15% off any annual plan). With OfferingTree, yoga teachers put their schedule on a personally branded website where students can book classes and even pay or donate online.

This is a vulnerable episode for me to share, but it was very important to me to record and release this episode because it highlights something I don't think we see enough: people in positions of power, privilege or leadership openly receiving feedback. Janie Ganga is a yoga teacher I deeply admire and have worked closely with for nearly a decade. In May of this year, they reached out to tell me something I had posted on social media had upset and hurt them. (Here is the reel that started it all.) We've had several conversations about the situation since, and this episode is the culmination and public sharing of how we worked through that. Please listen, share it widely, and let us know how it lands with you. Janie Ganga (she/they) is an E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher, social justice activist, and co-owner of Santosha Yoga, an online studio rooted in the Providence, RI community. Certified in I AM Yoga since 2013, Ganga specializes in Private Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and Let Your Yoga Dance, and is completing certification as a Yoga Therapist. Beyond the mat, Janie has organized queer community events for years – creating queer friendly femme-centered spaces in Boston with madFemmePride and co-leading the 2006 Transcending Boundaries Conference, which brought together activists for Transgender, Bisexual, Intersex, Polyamorous, and Kink Rights. As a Professional Member of ASDAH (Association for Size Diversity and Health), Janie is guided by Health at Every Size and is passionate about making yoga accessible to all bodies and identities. Learn More about: Janie Ganga Santosha Yoga Let Your Yoga Dance Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) Health at Every Size Resources: Loretta Ross TED talk - Don't call people out – call them in Original idea of "calling in" - 2013 Blog by Ngọc Loan Trần Loretta J. Ross book - Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You'd Rather Cancel Renu Diane Zagoria, creator of I AM Yoga Nidra for Kids Chandrakant - Yogacharya in the Lineage of I AM Yoga & former resident of Kripalu Center Swami Kripalu - who followed the Path of Love Deana Tavares - MultiDisciplinary Artist & Poet who is always Finding Hope Jacoby Ballard - his talk "Flux & Fracture: an Invitation to Deepen" and his direct encouragement to Ganga to dive into Loretta Ross's whole amazing book Johnny Blazes - Malden Pride speech Martin Luther King, Jr. and The King Center - "Hate is too great a burden to bear" Other examples of "calling in" that shaped Ganga's perspective include: Man Changes His Mind on Trans People - a reminder sent over by Deana about the power of listening and shifting perspective. Anne Lamott's son "called on" his mom after a transphobic tweet - Janie stumbled on this story after she questioned a colleague about sharing a Lamott's quote. Ganga discovered Lamott had publicly apologized, though the apology received little attention compared to the initial harm. Public Enemies, Private Friends - recommended by Janie's friend Marshall Miller, this documentary highlights dialogue between pro-choice and pro-life leaders in 1990s Boston. Accessible Yoga Podcast - hearing Jivana Heyman speak about his own activism and yoga inspired Janie to share her own perspective more openly. Ganga is deeply grateful to the colleagues and friends who supported their growth, including Stacy, Jyotika, Padma, Megha, her Anti-Racism for White Yoga Teachers book club, and all her students. OfferingTree is a proud sponsor of this episode and I am honored to be an affiliate. Visit OfferingTree at www.offeringtree.com/mentor and you'll get 50% off your first three months (or 15% off any annual plan).

I started teaching one private yoga client virtually in 2019 when she left Washington, DC for California. But other than her I had absolutely NO experience teaching online when everything changed on March 13th, 2020. I was slightly ahead of the curve in understanding that the pandemic would be a life alternating experience and that we wouldn't be teaching yoga in-person for many many months. I made really quick work of getting all my in-person private students on board to pivot to virtual private lessons and by Monday March 16th I had everyone set up for the virtual lessons in their normal standing scheduled spot. I did not miss a single day of work, or single private lesson in that transition and that is something I am really proud of. Then, at the beginning of 2022 I moved to a new area and had a baby. I kept all my clients virtual through that transition and 95% of my teaching is still virtual. And I LOVE it. Today on the podcast I'm making the case for virtual private lessons! I'll tell you: why AND how to find virtual private clients why they are great for your students how they can help support your business who they are a good fit for (both student and teacher) how to get started in offering virtual private lessons Resources mentioned in the episode: 3 Steps to Teach Better Private Lessons Video Series two effective strategies for booking private clients TEMPLATES The Science of the Private Lesson online course Discounted mentoring sessions Camera set up This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree, an easy-to-use, all-in-one online platform for yoga teachers that provides a personal website, booking, payment, blogging, and many other great features. If you sign up at www.offeringtree.com/mentor, you'll get 50% off your first three months (or 15% off any annual plan)! OfferingTree supports me with each sign-up. I'm proud to be supported by a public benefit company whose mission is to further wellness access and education for everyone.

Social media can be a wonderful tool to help us connect with friends, communities or potential students. It can also be a black hole of despair and panic. Some people say it is necessary to participate and post on social media to be a successful business nowadays. I don't think engaging on social media is a requirement for having a thriving yoga teaching business at all, but if you use it right it can be a cheap way to market your services. It is also really easy to waste countless hours creating posts that go nowhere and do nothing for you. This is not what we want! I've been in a good routine with the way I am engaging with social media, and it's been working for my business without me having to spend hours on the apps. Today on the podcast I'm sharing the things I've been doing that make social media both easier for me, and actually useful! In this episode, you'll hear: why it only makes sense to post on social if it is easy how to know your outcome goal why you have to pivot to video and some easy ways to do that different suggestions for creation schedules my hot take on AI and how I'm using it in my business Resources and posts mentioned: Screen Zen App WorkPlay Branding (company that did my photoshoots last year) IG post I mentioned

In episode 148 I collected all my best advice for new teachers. The episode centered around the idea that the most important thing new teachers can do is start teaching and figure out what kind of teacher they want to be. But once you've started that process, there are some important business foundations you want to have in place so you have solid ground upon which to build. This episode (152) is a deep dive into those business fundamentals, including lots of recommendations for specific software. If you are a new teacher, or an experienced teacher without an online presence, this episode is a must-listen! In this episode, you'll hear: why you don't need to worry about social right now why you do need liability insurance, but not necessarily an LLC my recommendations for online booking for 1x1 sessions the software options to have students register for group classes where to host your email list, and why you need one options for website builders Resources Mentioned Liability Insurance: https://www.phly.com/productsfw/FWI_YogaIndiv.aspx https://yoga.alliant.com/ https://beyogi.com/ https://alternativebalance.com/ How to book private lessons: Youcanbookme Calendly Acuity OfferingTree A place for people to register for group classes Momence Union Fit Degree Mindbody OfferingTree Email list options: Flodesk Mailchimp Convertkit OfferingTree Website Options: Squarespace Wix Wordpress OfferingTree

Being a yoga teacher, heck being a PERSON, is TOUGH right now. But having a job that requires presence and vulnerability and groundedness all the time requires we pour into ourselves so we have something to give. I LOVE hearing the behind the scenes details of people's lives and routines. And I'm so happy to say that after a pretty stressful few years, I have my self care routines DIALED IN right now! In today's episode of the podcast I am sharing the daily, weekly + monthly routines that make me the teacher I want to be. It might sound kind of silly, but I treat being a fulltime yoga teacher and parent as a high performance job and it is WORKING for me! In this episode, you'll hear: what I do every month (and day) to keep me connected to my spiritual practice how I care for my body with weekly routines the ten things I prioritize every day to keep my nervous system healthy This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree, an easy-to-use, all-in-one online platform for yoga teachers that provides a personal website, booking, payment, blogging, and many other great features. The best thing about OfferingTree is you can get up and running in 10 minutes with no tech skills needed. As an added bonus, If you sign up at www.offeringtree.com/mentor, you'll get 50% off your first three months (or 15% off any annual plan)! OfferingTree supports me with each sign-up. I'm proud to be supported by a public benefit company whose mission is to further wellness access and education for everyone.