Yogaland Podcast

What is yoga — really?Most practitioners and teachers can answer that question with a pose, a breath, or a feeling. Far fewer can answer it with the philosophical depth the tradition actually deserves. This week's episode does just that.Drawing on academic scholarship, Sanskrit etymology, and nearly 30 years of teaching and study, Jason identifies the six core teachings that appear consistently across the diverse spectrum of yoga traditions — from Hatha to Jnana, from Karma to Bhakti, from Patanjali to modern practice. Not a single reductive definition, but a genuine philosophical framework that holds up across lineages, eras, and approaches.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/yogaland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 respectIf 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.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/yogaland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 ZoomSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/yogaland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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)Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/yogaland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/200Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/yogaland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.