In this episode, host Rachel Land revisits topics as varied as managing our behavior during the holidays, how much to depend on technology when it comes to our health, the underestimated power of interoception, signs of undiagnosed autoimmune disorder, common symptoms pre- peri- and post-menopause, practicing in support of Rheumatoid Arthritis pain flare-ups, ADHD or recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury, and key challenges facing yoga teachers today.

Listen in to this episode to hear some of the gems you might have missed during the year.

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• Changing deep-seated patterns around the holidays [01:07]
• Recent research: female sex hormones and inflammation [5:42]
• Common symptom clusters during pre- peri- and post-menopause [12:15]
• Red flags suggesting undiagnosed autoimmune disorder [17:28]
• Is wellness a personal responsibility? [21:28]
• Navigating new wellness technology [25:33]
• Yoga practice during Rheumatoid Arthritis pain flare-ups [30:39]
• Interoception as a learned skill [36:11]
• Rebuilding body awareness after Traumatic Brain Injury [42:12]
• Teaching cues: balancing clarity with personal choice [44:46]
• Repeated and predictable movement for ADHD [50:25]
• Creating a sustainable teaching schedule [54:10]
• Shifting cultural and commercial pressures for yoga teachers [1:00:32]

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• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Episode 130: When Should You NOT Teach? Teacher's Series
• Episode 132: Interoception Research & Yoga: Expert Insights with Valerie Knopik, PhD
• Episode 133: Yoga & Rheumatoid Arthritis: Expert Insights with Dr. Nikki Tugnet, FRACP
• Episode 134: ADHD & Yoga: Community Conversations with Emily Mariola
• Episode 135: Yoga as Personalized Medicine
• Episode 137: Funk'tional Nutrition with Erin Holt
• Episode 139: Experiencing Menopause: Research Roundup
• Episode 142: Female Hormones, Immune System, & Exercise: Research Roundup
• Episode 144: The Power of Language: Teachers' Series
• Episode 146: Hustle Culture Meets Wellness Sphere
• Episode 147: LoveYourBrain: Expert Insights on TBI with Kyla Pearce, MPH, PhD, CBIS, E-RYT

You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-154.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

As we close out the year, how do we, as yoga teachers, gauge our progress? How can we assess our success?

Today, host Rachel and returning guest Elena Cheung share their answers to these questions. We discuss why one-dimensional metrics like ratings, reviews, student numbers, online likes, and follows are so appealing, as well as the complexities of teaching that they fail to capture.

Listen to this episode to learn how to balance your interests and values with the needs of your students, and how to meaningfully reflect on your work as a yoga teacher.

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• Complexities that ratings & reviews don't express [3:32]
• From "teacher knows best" to "the customer is always right"? [10:20]
• Navigating changing student tastes with integrity [13:06]
• The space that teaching experience creates around feedback [21:46]
• Why "objective" metrics appeal, and what they miss [26:12]
• How to gauge success as a yoga teacher [33:05]
• Final takeaways [47:27]

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• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes:
  • 74: Yoga for All
  • 141: Pitfalls of Private Yoga (and How to Avoid Them)
• The Art of Teaching Impactful Group Classes Online Course
• Connect with Elena Cheung:

Instagram | Elena Shapeshifts | The Way Softness Moves | Yoga Medicine® Online Guest Teacher

You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-153.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

A common misconception is that all yoga teacher trainings are the same, but that's not the case. Every program varies in its style, priorities, and methods, making it crucial to do your research to ensure your teacher training is a good fit for you.

In this short clip from Episode 103: Teacher Training Myths, host Rachel and fellow teacher trainer Dana Diament discuss how different trainings vary and key things to bear in mind before you sign up. They also share details of the Yoga Medicine® Online 200HR Teacher Training 2026 intake, and a deep discount is available right now.

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• Teacher trainers vary in focus and communication style [1:50]
• Programs vary in their focus and assessments [4:37]
• Prepare to be out of your comfort zone [6:57]
• The satisfaction of completing yoga teacher training [10:33]

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• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Yoga Medicine® 200HR Yoga Teacher Training
• Listen to the full Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 103: Teacher Training Myths

You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-152.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.