The Move with Love Podcast

Is "Listen to Your Body" actually helpful, or is it just confusing for your students? In this episode, Brea, Founder of Heart and Bones Yoga, chats with Ula about the nuance of one of the most common cues in the yoga world. While we want to offer autonomous experiences, "listening to your body" can be tricky when our "normal" is actually a pattern of unconscious postural habits or even tension. In this video, you’ll learn: Why "listen to your body" can backfire for students with deep-seated habits. The "Goldilocks" method: Using polarities to help students find their middle ground. How to support hypermobile students who might be "guarding" or tense without realizing it. Real-world examples of using props (like the "festival chair" moment!) to create ease. A sneak peek into our upcoming Lab Series on nervous system-supportive cueing. Curious about the Lab? Our first Lab is now live, Nervous System 101 for Yoga Teacher: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/nervoussystem101/ BECOME A YOGA TEACHER WITH HEART + BONES 200hr & 300hr Online Yoga Teacher Training: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/ PRACTICE WITH US Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH SAY HI ON SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartandbonesyoga YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YogaTeacherTips

If you've been struggling to find yoga teaching work, whether you just finished your 200-hour, moved to a new city, or feel like there are more teachers than there are jobs—this one's for you. Brea Johnson, founder of Heart + Bones and a yoga teacher with over two decades of experience, shares the honest, practical strategies she wishes more teachers knew about. From her years owning a brick-and-mortar studio (and being the one doing the hiring), she knows exactly what gets a teacher noticed, and what doesn't. Found a creative way to build your teaching career that we didn't cover? Drop it in the comments—we'd love to hear it! What we cover: Why the yoga studio isn't always the best place to start — and what to do instead How to rent your own space and actually fill it (even when nobody knows you yet) The power of finding a niche to grow your classes faster Working with gyms, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and corporate offices What Brea looked for as a studio owner — and the things that almost guaranteed someone wouldn't get hired How to build relationships that open doors, even if you're introverted Why subbing is one of the most underrated ways to get your foot in the door BECOME A YOGA TEACHER WITH HEART + BONES 200hr & 300hr Online Yoga Teacher Training (anatomy-informed, accessible, and actually enjoyable): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/ PRACTICE WITH US Try Heart + Bones Studio free for one month, use code: PODCASTMONTH https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/ SAY HI ON SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartandbonesyoga

As yoga teachers, we all want to say the “right” thing in class. The perfect cue. The one that lands in every body. But here’s the truth: there isn’t one cue that works for everyone. In this episode, Brea shares 3 universal cues for yoga teachers that support every body, every style, and every level. These are not rigid anatomical commands. They’re awareness-based cues that build autonomy, connection, and sustainable movement in your classes. If you’ve ever wondered: How do I cue for all bodies? How do I make my classes more accessible? How do I teach with confidence without over-talking? This is for you. With over two decades of teaching experience, Brea walks you through the shift from memorized, lineage-based scripting toward a more anatomy-informed, functional approach to yoga teaching. You’ll learn: Why there is no “one cue to rule them all” How to invite autonomy into your classes How to reduce hierarchy in your teaching Why awareness is the heart of yoga practice Simple cues that deepen connection without overwhelming your students These cues work in downward dog, trikonasana, warrior, standing poses, seated work, and beyond. They help you teach less and guide more. Modern Yoga Teacher Training: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/ Explore Heart + Bones Yoga Online Studio: Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

What does it actually mean to be a yoga teacher in 2026? In this episode, we break down the five things we believe every yoga teacher needs to hear right now. Not more pressure. Not more perfection. Not another trend to keep up with. We talk about nervous system literacy as the new alignment, why experience matters more than choreography, how teaching is shifting away from performance, and what sustainable teaching really looks like over the long term. This conversation is for teachers who feel the tired of trying to do it all, teachers who care deeply about their students, and teachers who want to keep teaching without burning themselves out. Inside this episode: • Nervous system first teaching • Invitational classrooms over top down authority • Experience over choreography • Why perfection is not the goal • Longevity as a real teaching skill Want to go deeper? Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/ Ula's Substack: https://avibrantmind.substack.com/ Try Heart and Bones Online Yoga Studio: Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

January has a way of turning everything up to eleven: goals, pressure, expectations, and the belief that we’re supposed to become entirely new people overnight. In this episode, Brea and Ula unpack why extreme challenges feel so seductive this time of year, and why so many of them leave us burned out, disconnected, or feeling like we’ve failed before we’ve even started. They talk about grind culture, wellness FOMO, and the noise of social media—and how all of it shows up not just in our minds, but in our bodies. Rather than rejecting goals altogether, this conversation offers a different way in: one rooted in self-trust, nervous system awareness, and small, sustainable shifts. They explore why consistency beats intensity, why rest isn’t a reward you have to earn, and why real change doesn’t happen in isolation. The episode closes with an invitation to approach January with more kindness, more curiosity, and a lot less pressure, plus a look at the Small Shifts Challenge as a way to practice this work together, in community. Takeaways: January pressure isn’t personal, it’s cultural. Extreme challenges work for a few people, but often fail the rest of us. Grind culture has quietly shaped how we approach wellness and self-care. If it feels panicky or FOMO-driven, that’s information. Sustainable change comes from consistency, not intensity. Small habits build momentum without activating stress or shame. Rest isn’t laziness, it’s part of how we grow. We don’t change in isolation; community matters. Listening to your body is a skill you can practice. Kindness toward yourself makes habit-building possible. PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Are yoga retreats really worth it, for teachers or students? brea and Ula share the truth about running yoga retreats: the money, the burnout, the logistics no one talks about, and what finally made us return after a six-year retreat break. Whether you’re thinking about hosting your first yoga retreat or deciding if a Tuscany retreat is right for you, this conversation gives you an honest look behind the scenes. We talk about why retreats aren’t vacations for teachers, how to structure a retreat people actually enjoy, and the hidden costs and “rigamarole” that often lead to burnout. We also share what made our recent Tuscany retreat so special—and why we decided to go back. Have questions about running a yoga retreat? Drop them in the comments! Heart and Bones Tuscany Yoga Retreat, April 2026: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/tuscany-yoga-retreat/ 👉 Subscribe for more yoga teacher tips, anatomy-informed practices, and real conversations about the business of teaching yoga. 🔗 Want to go deeper? Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/ Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

This episode is a little different from what we normally do. Usually you hear Brea, or the two of us together, exploring a topic in depth. Today, we’re offering you a guided experience rather than a conversation. Think of this as an opportunity to pause. Instead of listening to us talk, you get ten minutes that are fully for you, a chance to reset your nervous system and reconnect with your body. And if you’re a yoga teacher, there’s something here for you too. Practicing with other teachers is one of the simplest ways to spark inspiration, and this guided body scan might give you ideas for how to bring a moment of grounding into your own classes. What to expect: Gentle guidance through each area of the body Breath awareness to calm the nervous system Gratitude practice to close your session PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

What did you get wrong as a new yoga teacher? Brea looks back on 20+ years—“yoga voice,” prescriptive cueing, and the Pinterest-quote myth that “the poses you don’t like are the ones you need.” We unpack why those didn’t serve students, how to shift to action cues, what to do with feedback (good and bad), and how to find your voice without micromanaging bodies. In this episode you’ll learn: Why “yoga voice” happens—and how to sound like you The problem with prescriptive, micromanaging cues Action cues that protect autonomy and land better in real bodies Hypermobility, proprioception, and why “where should I feel this?” backfires Handling feedback + clarifying your why as a teacher Evolving your teaching without losing the heart of yoga Resources + next steps: Subscribe for more yoga teacher tips, anatomy-informed practices, and real conversations about the business of teaching yoga. Want to go deeper? Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/ Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Every yoga teacher has those moments, your mind goes blank in class, you forget your cue, or your words don’t land. It’s normal, it happens to everyone, and it doesn’t make you a bad teacher. In this video, Brea Johnson of Heart + Bones Yoga shares simple, practical strategies for what to do when you don’t know what to say while teaching yoga. Whether you’re a new teacher or have been teaching for years, these tips will help you stay calm, professional, and connected to your students. You’ll learn: • Why forgetting cues is a normal part of teaching • How pausing the class can reset you and your students • Why “less is more” with verbal cues • How to come back to the breath when you lose your words • The power of reflective cues over micromanaging • A simple way to keep your confidence when mistakes happen Want more support? Explore our anatomy-informed yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/yoga-certification-course/ Try Heart + Bones Studio for $1 this month with code PODCASTMONTH: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Sometimes the best thing you can do is stop, breathe, and give yourself a moment. This short guided meditation is a gentle reminder to pause and reconnect with your own practice, whether you’re a yoga teacher, or simply someone who could use five minutes of calm. In just a few breaths, you’ll soften your shoulders, relax your belly, and return to the steady rhythm of your body. A simple reset you can come back to anytime. Want to keep nurturing your personal practice? Heart + Bones Yoga makes it easy, with accessible, anatomy-informed classes and programs, and yes, more calming moments like this practice. Try Heart + Bones online yoga one month for just $1: with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Being a yoga teacher today means more than creating class sequences—it’s about evolving your teaching and your yoga business. In this episode of The Yoga Teacher Podcast, Brea Johnson and Ula examine what it really takes to adapt, grow, and build a sustainable path as a teacher. We talk about: How to know if you’re actually growing as a teacher or just repeating the same year over and over. Why “boring” yoga sequencing can be more supportive than flashy flows. The business side of teaching yoga—and how to stop playing small. How to embrace your authentic, weird, wonderful self (instead of becoming another “boring grey yoga teacher”). Practical skills yoga teachers must evolve: inclusivity, personal practice, and community. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your teaching or wondered how to make your yoga business sustainable, this conversation is for you. 👉 Subscribe for more yoga teacher tips, anatomy-informed practices, and real conversations about the business of teaching yoga. 🔗 Want to go deeper? Learn more about our anatomy-informed online yoga teacher trainings (200hr + 300hr): https://heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/ Try Heart + Bones Studio for $1 this month using the code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/ Submit your wildest yoga teacher stories for an upcoming episode: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/podcast-question-submissions Ula's Substack: https://avibrantmind.substack.com/

What do experienced yoga teachers do differently after 20+ years in the practice? In this episode, we explore how teaching yoga evolves—especially when you start to question rigid alignment cues, romanticized yoga lineages, and performance-based teaching. Join Brea Johnson and Ula for a candid conversation on what it means to lead inclusive, anatomy-informed, and sustainable yoga classes—without falling into old patterns or culty dynamics. Whether you're a new yoga teacher or a long-time practitioner, this episode helps you reflect on what actually supports your students (and yourself). Join the next free training: How to Teach Inclusive Yoga Classes Aug 20th 2025: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/how-to-teach-inclusive-yoga-classes-workshop Explore our online yoga teacher resources + trainings: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/ Try Heart + Bones Studio for $1 this month using the code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/ Submit your story for our podcast: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/podcast-question-submissions

Want to teach your own yoga workshop—but feeling stuck, unsure, or like you’re not “ready”? In this episode, Brea Johnson and Ula talk through what really holds yoga teachers back (hint: it’s not experience), and share actionable tips to help you plan and lead a workshop that feels aligned, spacious, and actually fills. Whether you’re a new yoga teacher or have years of experience, this conversation breaks down the myths about what a workshop has to be, and how to move past fear, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism to confidently share your offerings. Watch the original “How to Plan, Market + Fill Your Next Yoga Workshop” Replay: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/workshop-workshop/ Join the next free training: How to Teach Inclusive Yoga Classes: https://heartandbonesyoga.ac-page.com/how-to-teach-inclusive-yoga-classes-workshop Explore our online yoga teacher resources + trainings: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/ Try Heart + Bones Studio for $1 this month using the code: PODCASTMONTH Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/