Lizzie Lasater is a prominent yoga educator and content creator known for her expertise in restorative yoga. With a rich background in architecture, Lizzie applies her design thinking to her yoga teachings. She collaborates with her mother, Judith Hanson Lasater, a pioneer in the field, and Mary Richards, a renowned yoga therapist, to produce courses that delve into the intersection of yoga, anatomy, and well-being. Based in Salzburg, Austria, Lizzie blends her professional expertise with her life experiences as a mother to offer a unique perspective on yoga and mindfulness.

Visit Lizzie on her website here: https://www.lizzielasater.com/
Visit Lizzie’s newsletter here: https://lizzielasater.substack.com/
Sign up for Love Your Lower Back here: https://www.lasater.yoga/courses/love-your-lower-back

Key Takeaways:

• Lizzie Lasater emphasizes the importance of slowing down and allowing comfort in yoga practices to promote relaxation and nervous system regulation.
• Her experience growing up in a yoga household without pressure offers insights into fostering a positive relationship with yoga for children.
• Lizzie advocates for adapting traditional yoga cues to align with modern anatomical and personal needs, moving towards a more inclusive yoga practice.

Embracing Rest: How Lizzie Lasater Redefines Yoga for Modern Life

Key Takeaways

• Personal Journey in Yoga: Lizzie Lasater transitioned from a vigorous ashtanga practice to promoting restorative yoga, emphasizing personal experience and intuition.
• Teaching and Parenting Insights: Her upbringing in a yoga household informs her parenting and teaching, focusing on exposure rather than imposition of the practice.
• Navigating Modern Challenges: Lizzie addresses today’s overstimulation and digital dependency, advocating for slower, more mindful living.

Lizzie Lasater’s Yoga Evolution: From High-Powered Practice to Restorative Bliss

Lizzie Lasater’s journey within yoga is nothing short of fascinating. Initially delving into the worlds of ashtanga and vinyasa yoga, she has intricately redefined her practice to focus on the gentler, introspective aspects. Her inspiration emanates from her personal battles and observations, notably her experiences with anxiety and the profound realization that yoga can serve as a tool for deep relaxation and presence. “Yoga is in the laboratory of my body,” Lizzie articulates, underscoring her philosophy of using personal experience as a guiding star—something that resonates deeply through her teachings and writings.

Her transition to restorative yoga is not just a personal antidote but a public act of inclusion, making the practices accessible and inviting for those who might find traditional yoga intimidating. “What stays with us through the life cycle are those practices,” she wisely notes, suggesting that nurturing quieter practices remains beneficial throughout life’s stages.

This shift is also reflected in her collaboration with her mother, Judith Hanson Lasater, a pioneering voice in restorative yoga, and Mary Richards, a yoga therapist. Their courses, like the upcoming “Love Your Lower Back,” emphasize the importance of functional, anatomy-based practices over rigid adherence to outdated methodologies. Predictably, Lizzie’s approach challenges the norm, asking deep and relevant questions: “At what point does it cease to be yoga?” Her inquiry into authenticity within practice brings a refreshing honesty that both reassures and provokes introspection.

Fostering Mindful Practices Within Modern Parenting

The cultivation of presence and mindfulness is not solely for her students; Lizzie artfully integrates these values into her parenting. Raised in a yoga-infused household, Lizzie carries forward her mother’s approach of ambient exposure rather than enforcement. This method advocates for a natural curiosity in her children about yoga, ultimately serving as a gateway to personal exploration without pressure.

Her parenting outlook comes full circle as she grapples with balancing her twin sons’ divergent personalities. “Yoga was just always around,” Lizzie recalls, explaining how these subtle cues from her upbringing influence her parenting techniques. She creates an atmosphere where silence and comfort with stillness are gifts, offering her children the space to embrace quiet moments rather than a constant succession of activities.

Interestingly, Lizzie extends this gentle philosophy to counter the modern trend of kids’ yoga, labeling it a trend and questioning its necessity. Instead, she emphasizes creating a sensory experience around yoga that her sons can unconsciously absorb, a comforting familiarity they might draw upon in the future.

Tackling Modern-Day Challenges: Digital Detox and Mindful Living

The omnipresence of digital technology can leave many feeling tethered and depleted—a truth not lost on Lizzie. She unveils her personal tussle with digital over-dependence, ones that resonate universally, as she describes the phone’s allure as akin to “a pack of cigarettes.” Her candid self-awareness and decision to embark on a digital detox illuminate a significant concern, echoing her questions such as, “What am I doing with all my time?”

By undertaking two weeks offline, she uncovered a remarkable crispness in thought and decisiveness regained, painting a compelling picture of the potential benefits lying in digital abstinence. This experience accentuates Lizzie’s advocacy for restorative yoga, which she expands upon as an accessible entry point to meditation and mindfulness without the barriers of tradition: “It’s almost like cheating. You don’t have to know how to do it.”

Through these personal revelations, Lizzie encourages a rebellion against constant stimulation, urging a retreat into silence and a return to authenticity. Her insights tap into the core of technology’s role in fracturing attention, highlighting restorative yoga as a formidable antidote. This practice becomes not merely about physical respite but a profound statement on valuing one’s mental and emotional bandwidth.

The wisdom Lizzie imparts is not just a method but a movement toward reclaiming one’s agency over time and attention. Her transparency breeds relatability, inciting individuals to explore how they might gently—and powerfully—restore their own lives.

Lizzie Lasater’s approach to yoga, parenting, and modern life firmly places her as a thought leader navigating the contemporary yoga landscape. Her teachings offer an invitation: to pause, question, and embrace the art of doing nothing. In intertwining yoga as a practice not of form but of presence and rest, she redefines its role in a society tethered to fast-paced living and technological noise. The lessons Lizzie shares remind us that in a world where speed and volume prevail, perhaps the most radical act is to simply slow down and savor silence.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link

New Student FREE Livestream Yoga Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream Sign into the classes you would like to take and you will receive an email 30 minutes prior to join on Zoom. The class is recorded and uploaded to nativeyogaonline.com  ➡️  Click Here to Join. 

Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.

Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com

Enjoy new Native Yoga Center classes uploaded everyday on our online learning hub. Use code FIRSTMONTHFREE at checkout. https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class

Support the show

Native Yoga website: here
YouTube: here
Instagram: @nativeyoga 
Twitter: @nativeyoga 
Facebook: @nativeyogacenter 
LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin

Listen to Toddcast with Tawanya for FREE Here

Tawanya Norwood is a U.S. Marine and a passionate advocate for yoga, blending her military discipline with the mindfulness of yoga practice. Originally from Miami Dade County, Tawanya has served in the military for seven years, currently stationed at the Pentagon. She has an academic background in sociology, graduating from the University of Florida, and works on the social media team for the Marine Corps, leveraging her skills developed from her yoga journey. Tawanya is also a dedicated mother and an inspiration figure aiming to bridge the gap between military service and holistic wellness.

Follow Tawanya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/th33besticanbe/?hl=en

Key Takeaways:

• The Intersection of Yoga and Military Life: Tawanya uniquely blends the discipline of the Marines with the mindfulness of yoga, demonstrating resilience and self-awareness.
• Inspirational Roots: Motivation drawn from early life challenges and influential figures like Eric Thomas continues to drive her success.
• Power of Affirmations: Emphasizing the role of positive self-talk and visualization in achieving excellence, as observed in Olympic athletes.
• Evolving Military Practices: The integration of yoga and stretching in military training highlights a progressive approach to soldier wellness.

The Intersection of Yoga and Military Life

Finding Balance Through Yoga in the Military

In the high-stakes environment of the military, stress management and physical fitness are paramount. For Tawanya Norwood, a dedicated Marine, yoga has been an essential tool in maintaining her mental and physical well-being. When asked about her initial foray into yoga, Tawanya recalls discovering it in high school as a means to enhance her flexibility and recovery from track workouts. This early exposure blossomed into a deeper practice after college, where she attended free sessions at a public library:

“My first experience was actually at a public library… I liked the environment, and in particular, I liked the respect that they put on the stretching.”

This notion of respect for one’s body through yoga parallels the discipline instilled in military training. Despite the initial surprise of her fellow recruits during boot camp, Tawanya integrated her practice seamlessly into her routine, even receiving support from her superiors who recognized the benefits of yoga for mental resilience and physical flexibility.

“Surprisingly, we actually practice yoga as a group, like, they brought someone in who could teach it to us… the Marine Corps is evolving as the people within it are evolving.”

For Tawanya, practicing yoga in the military wasn’t just about the poses; it was about creating a balance between the rigorous demands of the military and the holistic benefits of yoga. Yoga provided an avenue for stress relief and mental clarity, fostering a deeper connection with her fellow marines and contributing to a culture of wellness within the military framework.

Self-Discovery and Overcoming Societal Barriers

Tawanya’s journey from Miami Dade County to the halls of the Pentagon is a testament to overcoming societal barriers and personal challenges. Growing up in the rough neighborhood of Liberty City, she was exposed to significant adversity, including violence and economic instability. These experiences ignited a determination to break the cycle of poverty and provide a better future for her family.

“I didn’t want that to continue. So when I thought about what could do that, for some reason the military popped up.”

Joining the Marines at the age of 28, Tawanya leveraged her education in sociology to understand the psychological and communal aspects of her training. This maturity allowed her to navigate the challenges of boot camp with resilience. Moreover, her commitment to yoga and her experiences traveling the world with the military has fueled her desire to inspire others who come from similar backgrounds.

“I still have the dreams that I had when I started because for me, those were my true dreams… reach back and give back to who I want.”

Tawanya’s story exemplifies the power of self-belief and the pursuit of one’s best self despite facing societal and personal hurdles. Her vision of using her platform to inspire and motivate others, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, underscores an enduring commitment to personal and communal upliftment.

The Synergy Between Christian Faith and Yoga

Navigating the intersection of Christian faith and yoga, Tawanya has found a harmonious balance that enriches both her spiritual and physical practices. The concern that yoga could conflict with Christian beliefs is something she addresses with sensitivity and insight. For Tawanya, the essence of yoga is its intentionality and the focus it brings to one’s meditative practices.

“I like to say that I practice Christian yoga because my practice, what I like to focus on, what I like to instruct people about is faith-based stuff or meditating on positive things… the Bible talks about meditations, about what you focus on.”

This perspective allows Tawanya to integrate biblical principles and Christian meditations into her yoga practice, bridging the gap between physical wellness and spiritual integrity. Her approach encourages others to see yoga not as a conflicting practice but as a complementary one that can enhance their religious experience.

“I think when I wrote the post on Facebook, one of the bigger points I made is like, it’s about what you focus on when you’re in the pose.”

By leveraging her platform to promote this understanding, Tawanya demonstrates how yoga can be adaptable and inclusive, providing a space for individuals to express their spirituality in diverse ways. Her leadership in this area is paving the way for broader acceptance and integration of holistic practices within the framework of Christian faith.

Recap of Key Insights

The journey of Tawanya Norwood from a challenging childhood in Miami to a dedicated Marine and passionate yoga practitioner highlights several compelling themes. Through the lens of yoga, Tawanya has found balance and resilience amid the rigorous demands of military life, demonstrating that physical discipline and mental well-being can coexist harmoniously. Her story of overcoming societal barriers to pursue her goals serves as a powerful example of determination and self-belief, inspiring others to strive for their best selves despite their circumstances. Finally, Tawanya’s ability to blend her Christian faith with her yoga practice illustrates the adaptability and inclusivity of yoga, offering a model for how spiritual practices can coexist and even enhance one another. Through her experiences, Tawanya continues to motivate and uplift those around her, using her unique journey as a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and holistic well-being.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link

New Student FREE Livestream Yoga Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream Sign into the classes you would like to take and you will receive an email 30 minutes prior to join on Zoom. The class is recorded and uploaded to nativeyogaonline.com  ➡️  Click Here to Join. 

Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.

Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com

Enjoy new Native Yoga Center classes uploaded everyday on our online learning hub. Use code FIRSTMONTHFREE at checkout. https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class

Support the show

Native Yoga website: here
YouTube: here
Instagram: @nativeyoga 
Twitter: @nativeyoga 
Facebook: @nativeyogacenter 
LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin

Listen to Toddcast with Mark for FREE Here

Mark Stephens is a highly respected and influential figure in the world of yoga. He is a prolific author, having written several books on yoga. Mark runs an Online Teaching Yoga Academy and has a podcast called The Yoga Room Podcast. His expertise spans across various domains such as yoga, bodywork, and the integration of therapeutic yoga in different systems including the prison system. He is known for his dynamic approach to teaching, his extensive knowledge of yoga history and anatomy, and his dedication to making yoga accessible to all.

Visit Mark on his website: https://www.markstephensyoga.com/

Key Takeaways:

• Transformative Impact of Yoga: Mark shares how yoga has the power to transform lives, particularly for troubled youths in juvenile systems.
• Adaptability in Yoga Instruction: The importance of understanding individual conditions and intentions when teaching yoga to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Evolution of Yoga Practices: Insight into the historical context of yoga’s rise in the West, including influential figures and cultural phenomena.

Unlocking Yoga’s Potential: Insights from Mark Stephens’ Journey

Key Takeaways

• Embrace the blend of experiential learning and academic inquiry to deepen yoga practice and teaching.
• Understand the critical importance of anatomical and biomechanical awareness in yoga to prevent long-term injuries.
• Adopt a mindful, individualized approach to yoga practice to respect and honor the diverse needs of students.

A Journey Through Yoga’s Transformation and Impact

In a captivating conversation with Todd McLaughlin from Native Yoga, Mark Stephens, a distinguished yoga instructor and author, shares his profound insights drawn from years of practice, teaching, and a unique life journey. Stephens delves into the intersections of yoga, social activism, and anatomy, shedding light on the evolutionary path of yoga practice and its implications for both teachers and students.

The Power of Experiential Learning

Mark Stephens’ journey is a testament to the powerful combination of lived experience and formal education. Dropping out of school in eighth grade, he was exposed to various life challenges that ultimately shaped his teaching philosophies. Stephens’ first encounter with yoga came through books, leading to a self-practice that later complemented his deep involvement in social justice initiatives.

“I had this experience and thought, ‘Wow, there’s something more here,'” Stephens recalls, speaking about a pivotal moment that nudged him towards yoga. This laid the foundation for his later work in academic and activist settings, particularly in juvenile institutions where he introduced yoga as a transformative tool. His unique background enabled him to connect deeply with the youth, many of whom had complex traumatic backgrounds.

Todd McLaughlin highlights this synergy, noting, “I can see how this would have evolved. You were able to speak that language and understand where they’re coming from.” This approach underscores the importance of blending personal experiences with professional pursuits to create impactful teaching methods.

The Importance of Anatomical and Biomechanical Awareness

One of the standout themes in Stephens’ dialogue is the critical necessity of understanding anatomy and biomechanics in yoga practice. In his book “Yoga Sequencing,” he cautions against certain movements that can lead to long-term injuries. For example, repeatedly transitioning from internal to external hip rotations with full body weight can cause hip joint stress, leading to conditions like femoral neck syndrome.

“That rotation with full weight can introduce forces that stress the femoral neck,” warns Stephens, urging yoga practitioners to be mindful of the nuanced impacts of their movements. This anatomical insight is not widely covered in standard yoga teacher training, which Stephens finds concerning.

Stephens’ anecdote about early influences from teachers like Shiva Rea further enriches this narrative. Rea’s concept that extreme postural practices can be particularly detrimental has been a guiding principle for Stephens: “Shiva first suggested this to me, and I then went deeper into understanding these forces.” This deep dive into biomechanics is part of what makes Stephens’ teaching uniquely grounded in scientific understanding.

Individualized and Mindful Yoga Practice

Another significant theme emerging from Stephens’ discussion is the necessity of an individualized and mindful approach to yoga. He emphasizes respecting each student’s unique conditions while encouraging playful exploration within their practice. His response to students playing with different poses resonates with his teaching philosophy: “Play with it, but be aware there are potential implications.”

Stephens recalls a formative experience in juvenile institutions, where he noticed that the youth often sought quiet and restorative yoga practices rather than high-energy vinyasa flows. This observation led him to tailor his sessions to include more breathwork, guided meditation, and calming postures.

“What they wanted was permission and opportunity to be quiet and still,” he shares, reflecting on the importance of listening to students’ needs. This adaptability is crucial for effective teaching, ensuring that yoga serves as a therapeutic and supportive practice rather than a one-size-fits-all regimen.

Continual Evolution and Learning

Mark Stephens’ practice and teaching methods have continuously evolved, informed by decades of experience and ongoing scholarly inquiry. He remains a proponent of foundational postures that strengthen and support the body’s mechanics, cautioning against extreme contortions.

The implications of his insights are far-reaching, advocating for a shift in how yoga is taught and practiced globally. His emphasis on biomechanics and individualized practice can potentially prevent the long-term injuries seen in many seasoned practitioners.

Overall, Stephens’ journey reveals a layered understanding of yoga – one that honors tradition while embracing scientific and experiential wisdom. By merging academic rigor with lived experience, he illustrates the transformational potential of yoga when practiced mindfully and inclusively. His story is a call to all yoga teachers and practitioners to deepen their awareness and approach practice with both curiosity and care.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link

New Student FREE Livestream Yoga Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream Sign into the classes you would like to take and you will receive an email 30 minutes prior to join on Zoom. The class is recorded and uploaded to nativeyogaonline.com  ➡️  Click Here to Join. 

Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.

Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com

Enjoy new Native Yoga Center classes uploaded everyday on our online learning hub. Use code FIRSTMONTHFREE at checkout. https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class

Support the show

Native Yoga website: here
YouTube: here
Instagram: @nativeyoga 
Twitter: @nativeyoga 
Facebook: @nativeyogacenter 
LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin

Listen to podcast with Joe for FREE Here

Joe Taft is a seasoned yoga instructor based in Asheville, North Carolina. With a professional background in kayaking, Joe transitioned into yoga to manage his back pain from the sport’s physical strain. He initially trained under Mary Kay West and was deeply involved in Anusara Yoga, where he achieved full certification. Joe’s practice combines various yoga philosophies and physical movements to create a balanced and harmonious practice for his students.

Visit Joe on his website: https://joetaftyoga.com/
Follow him on IG: https://www.instagram.com/joe_taft_yoga/

Key Takeaways:

• Transition from Kayaking to Yoga: Joe Taft discusses how the physical strain from professional kayaking led him to yoga for pain relief and holistic healing.
• Influences and Training: Joe’s initial training with Mary Kay West and his involvement with Anusara Yoga helped shape his teaching philosophy.
• Philosophy and Spirituality: The conversation touches on Joe’s balancing of his Christian upbringing with non-dual Tantra philosophies, offering a unique perspective on spiritual practices.
• The Role of Mythology: Joe emphasizes the importance of mythology in understanding consciousness and self-awareness through stories and practices.

The Power of Embracing Dual Philosophies in Yoga

One of the standout themes from the insightful conversation between Todd McLaughlin and Joe Taft is the robust embrace of dual philosophies. This duality is beautifully reflected in the profound simplicity with which Joe embodies both his Christian upbringing and his deep dive into the non-dualist Tantra philosophy. Joe explains, “Although I had a lot of things I had to work through…I feel really fortunate about that.” This shows a significant personal transformation, suggesting an intrinsic value in understanding and integrating conflicting belief systems.

These integrative philosophies enhance a yoga practitioner’s depth of understanding and expose them to a variety of spiritual practices and ethical considerations. Joe mentions, “We don’t really believe that things are good or bad. Because, I mean, how many times has something happened to you? And you’re like, oh, my gosh, that was the worst thing that ever happened to me. And then like, two months later, you’re like, oh, my gosh, that was the best thing that ever happened to me.” This viewpoint emphasizes the importance of recognizing the fluidity and connectivity of diverse experiences, both positive and negative.

The personal journey Joe has been through, alongside cultural and religious influences, shows that dual philosophies offer a comprehensive understanding of life’s complexities. Here lies the essence of practicing spiritually grounded yoga – acknowledging the stillness of Shiva while dancing with the ever-changing Shakti.

The Intersection of Physical Practice and Philosophical Beliefs

A significant part of this transformative conversation is the deep intersection between the physical practices of yoga and the underpinning philosophical beliefs. This connection manifests in Joe’s journey from suffering debilitating back pain due to his kayaking career to finding relief and purpose in yoga. His story “…my back was excruciating. Like there were mornings when I couldn’t get out of bed or I had to get out really slowly. And that process kind of got me into yoga,” vividly shows the physical struggles leading to spiritual awakenings.

Joe’s foray into yoga started intuitively, aligned with self-discovery and experimentation, which later formalized under the mentorship of teachers like Mary Kay West. His transition demonstrates how physical ailments can pave the way for deeper philosophical engagements and teachings.

On the other hand, Todd’s narrative of discovering yoga through the physicality of Bikram Yoga parallels Joe’s journey. Both highlight the transformative power yoga has in aligning the mind, body, and spirit. Todd states, “I can feel surfing in my body anywhere anytime,” showcasing how physical activity, like surfing, can be mirrored in yoga practices, providing a continuous link to physical and spiritual wellness.

These narratives illustrate that the physical practice of yoga is not just about physical health but equally about spiritual and philosophical growth. Practitioners like Joe and Todd find a harmonious balance between physical exertion and spiritual understanding, thus embodying the true essence of yoga.

Personal and Historical Contexts Shaping Spiritual Journeys

Exploring personal and historical contexts opens another layer of insight into one’s spiritual journey, as seen in Joe’s and Todd’s experiences. Joe’s journey from eastern North Carolina to becoming fully immersed in the practice and teaching of yoga is laden with personal anecdotes and experiences. He reflects, “I had this opportunity to experience fundamentalist Christianity…shaped my way to become a yoga teacher.” This reveals how historical and geographical influences are pivotal in shaping our spiritual outlooks and practices.

Similarly, Todd’s background in Catholicism, subsequent engagement with Krishna consciousness, and finally establishing a life around yoga practice encapsulates the impact of historical and personal contexts. He mentions, “…when I started going toward the east, say, and I’m interesting, I’m just starting to have this reconnection again where I’m like, I want to, I want to know about all of it.” This is a striking example of how historical religious contexts intertwined with personal experiences lead to evolving spiritual pursuits.

Joe also emphasizes the value of stories and mythology in understanding deeper life themes. Emphasizing the mythological elements in yoga, he states, “I believe in mythology…as a zip file.” This analogy illustrates that personal history and mythology contribute significantly to spiritual growth and understanding, driving home that background and stories deeply influence our personal philosophies and practices.

Recapping the key points, this conversation authentically captures the essence of spiritual growth through a dual approach, the intersection of physical practice and philosophy, and the profound influence of personal and historical contexts. Through these lenses, we can appreciate that life’s complexities and spiritual understandings are interwoven with our experiences and that embracing this can lead to a richer, more fulfilling practice of yoga and life.

For those inclined to delve deeper into these themes and explore yoga from both a holistic and academic perspective, seeking guidance from experienced teachers like Joe Taft, engaging in mythology, and integrating physical practices with philosophical reflections create a well-rounded, spiritually enriching journey.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link

New Student FREE Livestream Yoga Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream Sign into the classes you would like to take and you will receive an email 30 minutes prior to join on Zoom. The class is recorded and uploaded to nativeyogaonline.com  ➡️  Click Here to Join. 

Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.

Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com

Enjoy new Native Yoga Center classes uploaded everyday on our online learning hub. Use code FIRSTMONTHFREE at checkout. https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class

Support the Show.

Native Yoga website: here
YouTube: here
Instagram: @nativeyoga 
Twitter: @nativeyoga 
Facebook: @nativeyogacenter 
LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin

Click here to listen to Toddcast with Josh for FREE here

In this enlightening episode of the Native Yoga Toddcast, host Todd McLaughlin is joined by Josh Biro, the dynamic founder of Yogapreneur Collective. Josh dives deep into the integration of yoga practices with entrepreneurial ventures, providing invaluable insights for yoga studio owners and business enthusiasts. With a background embedded in both yoga and business from an early age, Josh shares his transformative journey from a reluctant yogi to a thriving entrepreneur. The conversation is rich with practical advice on reconciling the seemingly contrasting worlds of yoga and business, and offers a fresh perspective on adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of yoga entrepreneurship.

Visit Josh on his website: https://yogapreneurcollective.com/
Subscribe to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@yogapreneurcollective

Key Takeaways:

• Integration of Yoga and Business: Josh highlights the importance of reconciling yoga practices with business operations to create a sustainable and impactful yoga studio.
• Cashflow Management: The necessity of managing cashflow effectively to maintain and grow a yoga business is stressed as the foundation of operational success.
• Technology and AI in Yoga Businesses: Insights on leveraging AI and automation to enhance efficiency, customer service, and market adaptability, without losing the human touch.

Unlocking the Secrets to Yoga Business Success: Insights from Josh Biro

The world of yoga and business might seem at odds with each other at a glance. Yet, there is a growing synergy between the two, especially when it comes to operating a successful yoga studio. Todd McLaughlin recently hosted Josh Biro on the Native Yoga Toddcast, delving into the intersection of yoga philosophy and business acumen. Here, we unearth the rich insights Josh shared, highlighting the importance of mindset, technology, and sustainable growth in achieving success in the yoga business.

Integrating Yogic Philosophy with Business Mindset

One of the most compelling discussions revolved around the reconciliation between yoga and business. Josh, the founder of Yogapreneur Collective, emphasized the need to balance passion for yoga with solid business practices. He noted, “Yoga plus business people would even say like, well, those go together…Yogi’s tend to be excellent business people once they personally reconcile the fact that the business is not at odds with their yoga practice.”

Josh relayed his personal story of transitioning from a yoga practitioner to a successful studio owner. His journey highlighted the necessity of loving not just yoga, but the business elements that sustain it. This requires shifting from a mindset of being a “small business owner” to becoming a “yoga entrepreneur.”

Key Insight: Success hinges on shifting from mere practice to fully embracing business strategies. A yoga studio is more than a space for practice—it’s a community hub that requires strategic planning and robust management.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Operational Excellence

AI is revolutionizing how yoga studios operate, making it a hot topic among yoga entrepreneurs. Josh elaborated on the transformative potential of AI, illustrating that the technology’s ability to automate and streamline operations affords studio owners more time to focus on the human aspects of their business.

For example, Josh mentioned, “You can now upload that into AI…what would have taken a data analysts like two days of moving things around…to cross reference through everything you can do in five minutes?” This remarkable efficiency increase enables studios to better serve their clients while focusing on growth.

Tools like chatbots, automated follow-ups, and highly tailored marketing emails can significantly enhance customer interaction without burdening the staff. This is echoed in Josh’s assertion: “Imagine I can go into your website and I can just like have a conversation with your website to get the information I need.”

Broader Implications: AI can help balance efficiency and personal touch, critical for nurturing the customer relationship in a yoga community. Embracing these tools enables yoga businesses to scale without compromising service quality.

Sustainable Growth and Community Building

Surviving and thriving in the yoga business involves sustainable growth and a strong sense of community. Josh stressed the importance of focusing on cash flow, equating it to the “breath” in business. He illuminated that many studios falter not from a lack of interest but due to poor financial planning.

“Cash flow, strictly speaking, it’s trying to make a sale or trying to get more dollars per person or trying to make it more accessible in pricing or whatever,” he detailed. Continuous growth requires understanding local market demands and pricing accordingly. This ensures studios can offer competitive salaries to attract and retain top-tier teachers, echoing Josh’s point, “If you want the best teachers, the A players, you’re going to have to pay them.”

The interview further discussed community-centric approaches as vital for resilience, especially post-COVID. Josh observed, “In the yoga world, we’ve kind of accidentally devalued what we were doing in our attempt to make things accessible and inclusive.” To counter this, studios need to convey the true value of in-person experiences, reinforcing the importance of community and practice space.

Strategic Advice: Creating a sustainable yoga business involves meticulous financial management and community building. Recognizing the intrinsic value of yoga and pricing services to reflect this can create lasting success.

As we integrate yoga philosophy with entrepreneurial efficiency, the future of yoga businesses looks exceedingly promising. Entrepreneurs like Josh Biro encapsulate the path forward: merging a deep love for yoga with a savvy business approach. By harnessing the power of AI and focusing on sustainable growth, yoga studios can thrive amid ever-evolving challenges.

Josh imparted inspiring wisdom, underscoring the fact that whether you’re a studio owner or an aspiring yogapreneur, embracing both change and tradition creates a balanced, flourishing practice and business. The real essence lies in love for the journey—yoga practitioners nurturing a business and entrepreneurs finding profundity in yoga.

This convergence promises a dynamic future, one where studios not only become places of physical practice but epicenters of communal progress and well-being.

Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
Free Grow Your Yoga Live Webinar – Every Thursday at 12pm EST
➡️ Click here to receive link

New Student FREE Livestream Yoga Special ~ Try 2 Weeks of Free Unlimited Livestream Yoga Classes  at Native Yoga Center. info.nativeyogacenter.com/livestream Sign into the classes you would like to take and you will receive an email 30 minutes prior to join on Zoom. The class is recorded and uploaded to nativeyogaonline.com  ➡️  Click Here to Join. 

Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.

Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.

Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com

Enjoy new Native Yoga Center classes uploaded everyday on our online learning hub. Use code FIRSTMONTHFREE at checkout. https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class

Support the Show.

Native Yoga website: here
YouTube: here
Instagram: @nativeyoga 
Twitter: @nativeyoga 
Facebook: @nativeyogacenter 
LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin