As we begin a new year, I’m reflecting on a question that quietly shapes every yoga teacher’s journey: why do you teach? In this episode, I share personal insights from my own path, the lessons that only time and experience reveal, and why certifications alone don’t create longevity in teaching. I also share details about the upcoming 300-hour online teacher training, live Q&A session, and important dates if you’re considering taking the next step in your practice or teaching.Episode Highlights:Why certifications and accumulated hours don’t guarantee confidence or sustainabilityThe difference between loving yoga and being able to teach it long-termHow burnout, injury, and doubt reveal the importance of a deeper “why”Why purpose in teaching is personal, evolving, and not meant for performanceThe connection between discipline, consistency, and Sutra 1.145 Important things about your whyKey updates on the upcoming 300-hour online teacher training and live Q&AWaitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of AsanaFor teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at admin@ahamyoga.com for special local pricingJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

Let's Talk Yoga

Finding Your Why & Join Me Live

This episode feels like a full-circle moment as I wrap up the final episode of 2025. Before we step into a new year, I take some time to share what’s coming up in 2026 for the Let’s Talk Yoga and Aham Yoga community. There’s a lot unfolding, from a brand-new 300-hour online yoga teacher training to in-person study and international travel, and I wanted to lay it all out clearly so you know what’s ahead and how to be part of it.After the updates, I’m joined by Rebecca from the Working in Yoga podcast for a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation on creativity in yoga teaching. We explore how teachers can stay innovative without crossing into performance, why reverence still matters, and how professionalism, boundaries, and self-inquiry shape longevity in this work. It’s a reflective conversation about teaching, aging, motivation, and remembering why we came to yoga in the first place.Episode Highlights:Exciting Announcements for 2026300 Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training200 Hour In-Person TrainingInternational Yoga Retreat in ItalyTime-Sensitive Updates RecapCreativity in Yoga TeachingBalancing Tradition and CreativityEngagement vs. Entertainment in YogaEvolving Yoga Teaching MethodsStudent Agency and Teacher GuidanceLearning and Teaching YogaExploring Cultural Appropriation in YogaFinding Your &apos;Why&apos; in Teaching YogaMarkers of Success in Yoga PracticePersonal Motivations and Aging GracefullyThe Importance of Professional BoundariesReverence and Cultural Differences in YogaNavigating Marketing and Authenticity in YogaFinal Thoughts and Upcoming TrainingsWaitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of AsanaFor teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at admin@ahamyoga.com for special local pricingJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

Yoga Endings, 3 New Super Yoga Things & Creativity in Yoga

Inversions don’t have to be intimidating, flashy, or reserved for advanced students. In this episode, I break down the three pillars of teaching inversions and share how to approach being upside down with structure, progression, and nervous system awareness. If you’ve ever felt unsure about when, how, or why to teach inversions, this framework will bring clarity and confidence to your teaching.Episode Highlights:Why inversions were traditionally practiced as tools for regulation, not performance.How modern yoga culture has distorted our understanding of being upside down.What actually qualifies as an inversion, beyond handstands and headstands.The difference between mild, moderate, and intermediate inversions.Personal reflections on unlearning unsafe inversion habits.Pillar One: Structure before shapePillar Two: Progression before performancePillar Three: Nervous system literacySituations where inversions may not be appropriate to teach.Where inversions fit best within a well-sequenced class.How inversions cultivate humility, discernment, and emotional awareness.Why the deepest impact of inversions is internal, not physical.Waitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of AsanaFor teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at admin@ahamyoga.com for special local pricingJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

3 Pillars of Teaching Inversions

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “winging it” when planning your yoga classes, this episode will help you fix that for good. I break down my Sequence Smarter Framework and walk you through seven simple questions that will instantly make your sequences clearer, more intentional, and easier to teach. Whether you’re new to sequencing or ready to level up your teaching, this guide will change the way you plan your classes.Episode Highlights:Why many yoga teachers struggle with sequencing and end up “winging it.”The purpose of the Sequence Smarter Framework and why it matters.How the three pillars—Purpose, Pathway, and Pose—create intelligent sequencing.What it really means to define the purpose of a class with clarity.How to build a pathway that prepares the body, breath, and pranic flow.Why pose selection should be the last step, not the first.The most common reasons yoga sequences feel disjointed or ineffective.How to use the seven audit questions to evaluate any sequence.A breakdown of applying the 3P framework to Trikonasana.Why thoughtful sequencing supports mixed-level rooms and aging bodies.How intelligent sequencing builds confidence, clarity, and longevity in teaching.Waitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of AsanaFor teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at admin@ahamyoga.com for special local pricingJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

Sequence Smarter - Stop Winging It - Audit Your Yoga Sequence in 7 Questions

If you’ve ever felt stuck repeating the same physical cues in your classes, this episode is going to open up a whole new way of thinking about teaching. I’m breaking down what it really means to move from gross to subtle, how subtle cueing works, and why it’s the key to creating deeper, more meaningful yoga experiences. You’ll walk away with practical tools you can use right away—no fluff, no woo, just clearer teaching.Episode Highlights:Explanation of the Teach Smarter module and how this episode builds on the “Gross to Subtle” workshop.Why two teachers can teach the same pose but create completely different student experiences.The difference between the gross (sthula) body and the subtle (sukshma) body.Why most modern yoga teaching gets stuck in the gross physical layer.The limitations of staying in purely physical cueing—repetition, boredom, overthinking alignment, teacher burnout, and lack of depth.Clear signs that a teacher may be relying too heavily on gross cueing.Introduction to subtle cueing as a precise and grounded practice—not vague or woo-woo.Overview of the six types of subtle cueing:Attention cuesBreath cuesPranic-direction cuesSensory cuesInteroceptive cuesEnergetic sequencingA practical example of Warrior II comparing gross cues vs. subtle cues.Guidance on how teachers can begin practicing subtle cueing:Use intentional pausesLet the breath lead the teachingChoose one subtle layer per classStop micromanaging alignmentPractice receiving your own cuesTrust your students’ intelligenceWhy subtle cueing matters for long-term student development and sustainable practice, especially as students age.A self-inquiry checklist for teachers to evaluate their cueing approach.Reflective questions for both teachers and students to deepen their awareness in asana.Encouragement to revisit the episode, reflect, and apply the concepts.Invitation to explore the 300-hour YTT and how the training weaves ancient wisdom with modern teaching needs.Brief overview of the three modules:Sequence SmarterBreathe SmarterTeach SmarterWaitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of AsanaFor teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at admin@ahamyoga.com for special local pricingJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

Teach Smarter Series — How To Go Beyond Repetitive Physical Cues: A Guide for Yoga Teachers

After years of saying no, I’m finally bringing back my 300-hour yoga teacher training — and I can’t wait to tell you why! In this episode, I share how this new online program came to life, what makes it different, and how it’s designed to help you teach, sequence, and breathe smarter. If you’ve been craving more depth, clarity, and confidence in your yoga journey, this one’s for you.Episode Highlights:Why I decided to finally relaunch my 300-hour training after years of saying noThe gaps I’ve seen in most 200-hour trainings, and how this course bridges themMy vision for reimagining yoga education: depth without overwhelm, authenticity without dogmaHow this online format differs from traditional in-person teacher trainingsThe three main modules:Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of AsanaBreathe Smarter – The Living Body of PranaTeach Smarter – The Living Body of TeachingA deep dive into Module 1, including:The evolution and origins of asanaYoga for the elderly and creating accessible practiceBreathing in asana: the missing link in most yoga trainingsThe Sequence Smarter Framework for confident, intelligent sequencingCourse structure: year-long online program with recorded and live sessionsAccess details: when it begins, early-bird pricing, and options to register module-by-moduleHow this training integrates manuals, reflection workbooks, and done-for-you sequencesA preview of what’s to come in Module 2: Breathe Smarter and Module 3: Teach SmarterWaitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of AsanaFor teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at admin@ahamyoga.com for special local pricingJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

The 300-Hour YTT You’ve Been Waiting For — All the Details Inside

Our feet are our foundation, but most of us don’t give them much thought until something goes wrong. In this episode, I chat with physical therapist and movement educator Michelle Edmison about how reconnecting with your feet can transform not just your yoga practice, but your whole life. We explore foot anatomy, posture, brain-body connection, and why strong, mobile feet are key to balance and longevity.Michelle also shares practical tips you can start right away to restore strength, sensitivity, and awareness in your feet. Whether you’re a yoga teacher, mover, or simply curious about how to support your foundation, this conversation will have you looking at your feet in a whole new way.Episode Highlights:Why the feet are considered the true foundation of the bodyHow modern footwear has weakened natural foot functionCommon ways our feet change as we age, and why it’s not just about agingThe powerful brain-foot connection and how movement shapes neuroplasticityThe nervous system’s relationship with the feet and sensory inputEmotional sensitivity, trauma, and how they can manifest in the feetThe real purpose of the toes: stability and propulsion, not grippingWhat dancers, athletes, and yogis can teach us about foot functionUnderstanding bunions and common foot issues: what causes them, how alignment affects them, and how yoga can helpThe truth about arches, pronation, and flat feetHow women’s feet change during perimenopause and menopauseMichelle’s top three non-negotiable practices for foot healthWhy a “foot problem” is never just about the footWaitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of AsanaFor teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at admin@ahamyoga.com for special local pricingJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

From Sole to Soul – The Power of Your Feet in Yoga & Life with Michelle Edmison

Autoimmune diseases can feel isolating and unpredictable, but yoga offers both science and hope. I sit down with yoga therapist and researcher Renu Jain to explore how stress, the gut, and the immune system are connected; and how personalized yoga, pranayama, and mindfulness can support healing from the inside out.Episode Highlights:Introduction to guest Renu Jain and her background at Kaivalyadhama.Understanding what autoimmune diseases are and how they affect the body.Exploring common shared patterns and root causes behind autoimmune conditions.Exploring the connection between stress, the gut, and immune function.Understanding the pranic system and how energetic imbalance mirrors physical symptoms.The role of yoga in managing autoimmune conditions holistically.Importance of personalization in yoga therapy: why no one-size-fits-all approach works.Go-to questions yoga teachers should ask students before planning a practice.Pranayama practices that support balance and calm for autoimmune health.Restorative yoga, relaxation, and mindfulness as healing tools.How meditation helps regulate the nervous system and supports emotional healing.The mindset and empathy yoga teachers need when working with these students.Why yoga philosophy and ethics should always guide therapeutic teaching.Final reflections on patience, compassion, and using yoga as a bridge between science and spirit.Waitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of AsanaFor teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at admin@ahamyoga.com for special local pricingJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

Autoimmune Diseases & Yoga - The Science, the Practice, and the Hope with Renu Jain

Yoga doesn’t just live on the mat; it’s how we show up in everyday life. I share 30 simple ways to live like a yogi, from practicing gratitude and silence to decluttering, serving others, and reconnecting with nature. Small daily acts that bring awareness, compassion, and joy into the ordinary.Episode Highlights:Updates on the upcoming 300-hour teacher training and free cueing workshopInspiration behind the episode: a personal 30-day mindfulness listThe cultural meaning of the word yogi and why Aru uses it thoughtfullyReminder that yoga is awareness, not limited to the mat or a single class hourEncouragement to bring yoga into everyday life through small actions30 Ways to Live Like a YogiPractice gratitude (Santosha)Notice beauty (Pratyaksha)Use your handsInvite colorWish well for others (Maitri Bhavana)Exhale your worriesAsk what lights you up (Swadhyaya)Light a candle or diyaClap your hands or ring a bellDrink waterPractice AbhyangaClean up and declutter (Aparigraha)Notice negative thoughtsRemember someone who has passed (Shraddha)Take a mindful walkNotice other beingsSmileAvoid gossip and negative newsTouch the soilDetach from drama (Vairagya)Reduce sensory input (Pratyahara)Move your bodyExplore a craftCleanse your spacePractice silence (Mauna)Serve others (Seva)Practice Yoga Nidra or body scanJournalCleanse the body (Saucha)Sit in silenceWaitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of AsanaFor teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at admin@ahamyoga.com for special local pricingJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

30 Ways to Live Like A Yogi

When trust is broken in yoga spaces, the impact runs deep. I talk about sexual harassment, abuse of power, and misconduct in the yoga world—why silence protects harm, how to recognize red flags, and what we can do to rebuild safety and integrity in our communities.Episode Highlights:Announcements about upcoming workshops and the 300-hour online trainingReflection on recent misconduct cases in the yoga community and what they revealPersonal story of confronting harassment within Aru’s own dance studioHistorical overview of sexual abuse and misconduct in yoga lineagesDiscussion of how reverence without accountability allowed abuse to thriveBreakdown of how abuse begins—through trust, power imbalance, and manipulationExplanation of spiritual gaslighting and why survivors often stay silentCommon reasons victims don’t come forward: fear, loss of belonging, trauma response, and cultural conditioningRecognition of microaggressions and boundary violations in modern studiosRed flags to watch for in teachers and studio environments (flirtatious behavior, vague boundaries, unwanted touch, secrecy)Aru’s personal story of ignoring red flags and learning to trust her instinctsPractical suggestions for how to respond if someone confides in you about harassmentGuidance for yoga teachers and studio owners:Create written ethical policiesTeach ethics and boundaries in teacher trainingsEstablish independent reporting systemsModel consent and clear communicationCall to believe women first, foster open conversations, and stop idealizing teachersReminder that ethics isn’t cultural; it’s universal and foundational to yogaFinal reflections on accountability, community healing, and how true yoga shows up in how we treat one anotherWaitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of AsanaFor teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at admin@ahamyoga.com for special local pricingJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

When Trust Is Broken: Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Yoga Spaces

The story behind Ashtavakrasana, or Eight-Angled Pose, is as powerful as the pose itself. I share the tale of Sage Ashtavakra—born bent in eight places and mocked by many—whose wisdom and self-realization transformed both body and spirit. Discover how his journey teaches us to find strength in awkwardness, grace in imperfection, and alignment beyond the body.Episode Highlights:Announcements about upcoming online and in-studio programs at Aham YogaIntroduction to the monthly “Mythical Stories Behind Poses” seriesStory of Ashtavakra: born deformed due to a father’s curse, yet destined for greatnessHow Ashtavakra’s intellect and wisdom outshone physical limitationsThe debate between young Ashtavakra and scholar Vandin in King Janaka’s courtAshtavakra’s victory and miraculous transformation through the power of truthConnection between Ashtavakra’s journey and the yoga pose AshtavakrasanaSymbolism of the pose: steadiness through asymmetry, strength through surrenderLessons for modern practitioners: transcending ego, judgment, and appearanceReminder that real alignment comes from within, not from physical perfectionReflection questions for practice: Where am I resisting? What can I soften or “straighten” within?Encouragement to share these stories and teachings to keep yoga’s roots aliveWaitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of AsanaFor teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at admin@ahamyoga.com for special local pricingJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

The Yoga Pose Born from a Curse - The Story of Ashtavakrasana

Join me and Dr. Andrew McGonigle as we unpack the difference between pain and inflammation, how language and mindset shape the way students experience discomfort, and what yoga teachers can do to create safe, supportive spaces. From understanding acute vs. chronic pain to practical advice on guiding students you’ve just met, this conversation blends science with compassion to give you tools you can use in every class.Episode Highlights:Defining pain: What it is, how the brain creates it, and the difference between acute and chronic (or “persistent”) painWhy language and mindset can change how pain is experienced—both positively and negativelySimple, general questions teachers can ask when they don’t know a student’s historyHow yoga teachers can respond compassionately when students share injuries or painIs pain always a sign of tissue damage? The biopsychosocial model and what landmark research revealsAru’s personal story of ACL surgery and recovery without heavy pain medsObservations of widespread knee pain in Indian women and the role of lifestyle and expectationGood discomfort vs. bad pain in yoga practice, and how to guide students without teaching from fearPlacebo and nocebo effects in yoga classrooms—why our words matter so muchThe nervous system’s role in amplifying or quieting pain, and how stress or mindfulness shifts the experienceTransitioning to inflammation: acute vs. chronic, myths about boosting the immune system, and what yoga can (and can’t) doThe link between osteoarthritis, systemic inflammation, and lifestyle habitsMovement as medicine: why physical activity is the best way to manage both pain and inflammationClearing up wellness myths around posture, core stability, and anti-inflammatory fixesClosing reflections for yoga teachers on recognizing and working with pain or inflammation in class and in lifeWaitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of AsanaFor teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at admin@ahamyoga.com for special local pricingJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

Pain vs. Inflammation: What Every Yoga Teacher Should Know with Andrew McGonigle

Mindfulness and meditation often get used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. In this episode, I explain how mindfulness sets the stage for meditation, why they nourish each other like soil and roots, and how cultural context shapes our understanding of both. You’ll also learn the most common pitfalls of meditation and get simple, practical tips to build a steady practice without frustration.Episode Highlights:Why mindfulness and meditation are often confused in modern wellness cultureHistorical and cultural roots of meditation (Dhyana) in yoga and BuddhismDefining mindfulness as present-moment awareness without judgmentDefining meditation as a structured, often seated practice of focus and absorptionTwo types of meditation: guided meditation and unguided meditationRelationship between mindfulness and meditation: how they support each otherWhy rushed, distracted living makes meditation harder and how mindfulness throughout the day creates better conditions for itHow deeper meditation strengthens qualities like concentration, equanimity, and compassion, which naturally support mindfulness in daily lifeThe cultural roots of mindfulness and meditation in Indian and Buddhist worldviews, and how Western wellness often dilutes their depthCommon traps in meditation: forcing, suppressing thoughts, lack of foundation, unrealistic goalsPractical tips for teachers: normalize the wandering mind, start small, embed mindfulness in daily lifeJournaling as a supportive tool for clarity and reflectionExamples of mindfulness practices in everyday life vs. seated meditationHow to measure success: awareness, presence, compassion, and consistency in daily livingWaitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of AsanaFor teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at admin@ahamyoga.com for special local pricingJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

Difference Between Mindfulness and Meditation (Explained)

Discover the deeper meaning of Shavāsana beyond just lying down at the end of class. I share two powerful mythological stories that reveal how this pose symbolizes surrender, rebirth, and transformation, and why it deserves as much respect as any peak pose in your yoga practice.Episode Highlights:Reflecting on the popularity of mythical pose stories and listener feedbackWhy Shavāsana is misunderstood and often rushed through in modern yogaOrigin of the term and its deeper meaning: corpse as a sacred pause, not an endMyth of Shiva and the sages: how surrender transforms death into awarenessMyth of Kali and Raktabeej: how desire and compulsion multiply, and the power of stillness to stop itThe symbolic death of Shavāsana: letting go of ego, effort, and identityPractical tips for teachers: honoring Shavāsana as the culmination of practiceWaitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of AsanaFor teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at admin@ahamyoga.com for special local pricingJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

The Untold Story Behind Shavāsana: The Death That Changed Everything

I sat down with Medha Bhaskar to unpack the real value behind 200- and 300-hour yoga teacher trainings. We explored why so many programs fall short of preparing teachers, what’s often missing in modern yoga education, and how personal practice and mentorship can make all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered whether certifications alone create great teachers, this episode is a must-listen.Episode Highlights:Why Medha became interested in yoga teacher training and what inspired her journey.Steps a participant should take before enrolling in a yoga teacher training program.Key elements to look for in a core 200-hour yoga teacher training syllabus.The original intent behind 200-hour and 300-hour trainings and how they are perceived today.The fundamental differences between 200-hour and 300-hour trainings, whether everyone needs to advance, and what topics should be included at the 300-hour level were explored.Faculty structure: whether to have lead teachers with guest faculty or a fully equal model, and which approach works best.Staying accountable after teacher training: how to keep the momentum alive once the graduation glow fades.Alternatives to Yoga Alliance: exploring India’s initiatives and whether certification really matters for teacher trainings.How students can evaluate the credibility and quality of yoga schools and trainers.Waitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of AsanaFor teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at admin@ahamyoga.com for special local pricingJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

200 Hours, 300 Hours… But Are We Really Learning Yoga? With Medha Bhaskar

Welcome to the Let's Talk Yoga podcast—your ultimate online destination for everything yoga. Think of it as your virtual yoga school, offering something for everyone—whether you’re a seasoned yoga teacher, a dedicated student, or simply curious about the deeper layers of yoga.Join host Arundhati Baitmangalkar, an immigrant yoga teacher, studio owner, global mentor, and creator of some of the most sought-after yoga teacher training programs in the world. Each week, we bring you valuable insights, in-depth conversations with renowned yoga teachers, and an abundance of yoga resources designed to inspire, educate, and transform.From mastering the art of teaching to navigating the complexities of yoga philosophy and business, this niche podcast is your go-to resource for all things yoga. Ready to deepen your practice and expand your understanding? Hit subscribe now and never miss an episode of Let's Talk Yoga!

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Let's Talk Yoga

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