Advertise on podcast: The Yoga Connection

Episode Description Big changes are coming to Yoga Alliance, but what do they actually mean for yoga teachers, teacher training programs, and the future of the industry? In this episode of The Yoga Connection Podcast, Jamie and Bobbi unpack the recently announced changes to Yoga Alliance credentials, teacher assessments, continuing education, and membership benefits. Drawing from their experiences as a yoga teacher trainer and studio owner, they share their initial reactions, questions, and hopes for what these changes could mean for the yoga community. They explore the challenges of standardizing yoga education, the importance of continued learning beyond a 200-hour training, and whether these updates could help create more sustainable career opportunities for yoga professionals. With plenty of details still to come, this conversation isn't about having all the answers. It's about asking important questions and considering what the future of yoga education could look like. What We Cover in This Episode Upcoming changes to Yoga Alliance credentials and membership The introduction of standardized teacher assessments Balancing educational standards with different teaching styles and philosophies Why 200-hour yoga teacher training is just the beginning The value of mentorship, continuing education, and professional development Whether Yoga Alliance registration is necessary for yoga teachers Creating more sustainable career opportunities in the yoga industry The return of the Big Cedar yoga retreat in 2027 Keywords Yoga Alliance, Yoga Alliance changes, yoga teacher training, RYT, ERYT, yoga certification, yoga education, yoga credentials, yoga teacher assessment, continuing education, yoga industry, yoga studio, yoga podcast, yoga career, wellness Disclaimer The Yoga Connection is a production of Yoga Media LLC. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Yoga Media LLC or its partners. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding any personal decisions or health-related concerns.

Episode Description: What happens when you discover yoga at 58? For Judy Buerk, it led to 800 classes, lasting friendships, and a whole new chapter of personal growth. In this episode of The Yoga Connection Podcast, Jamie and Bobbi welcome longtime Namaste student Judy to share her journey from trying yoga for the first time during COVID to making it an essential part of her life. Judy shares how her competitive spirit kept her coming back, why learning to listen has become one of her greatest lessons, and how attending a yoga retreat with her daughter led to meaningful friendships. They also explore the importance of staying active as we age, finding community through movement, and why it's never too late to try something new. And could yoga teacher training be in Judy's future? Jamie and Bobbi certainly think so! What We Cover in This Episode: Discovering yoga at 58 and celebrating 800 classes Staying active, strong, and adaptable as we age How yoga teaches us to listen both on and off the mat Finding friendship and community through yoga retreats Embracing new opportunities and personal growth later in life Why yoga teacher training isn't just for younger students Wellness wins, self-care, and the importance of supporting one another Keywords: yoga, yoga podcast, yoga over 50, yoga over 60, yoga for beginners, healthy aging, yoga community, personal growth, yoga retreats, yoga teacher training, mindfulness, wellness, Namaste Yoga, St. Louis yoga, active aging Disclaimer: The Yoga Connection is a production of Yoga Media LLC. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Yoga Media LLC or its partners. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding any personal decisions or health-related concerns.

Episode Description What makes a yoga class one you can't wait to return to? Join Jamie and Bobbi for a conversation about what makes a class feel great and why that experience can look different for everyone. Whether you're a student or a teacher, consider the classes that have stayed with you. Was it the teacher's guidance, the music, the sense of connection, or how you felt afterward? We'd love to hear your experiences. What makes a yoga class great for you? Email us at [email protected] and tell us what keeps you coming back. Keywords yoga, yoga classes, yoga teachers, yoga students, yoga community, teaching yoga, yoga practice, mindful movement, The Yoga Connection, Jamie Fuller, Bobbi Baker Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about your individual needs.

Episode Description Margaret is back for Part 2, and this time we're tackling a question that somehow comes up every single day: What are we having for dinner? Jamie and Bobbi get real about the mental load of feeding a family, busy schedules, grocery shopping, and the exhaustion of having to think about food day after day. Margaret shares her practical approach to making meal planning feel easier, including planning just a few days at a time, creating go-to meal templates, prepping ingredients while you're already cooking, and keeping simple backup meals on hand for the nights when everything goes sideways. They also talk about why weeknights may not be the time to experiment with complicated new recipes, how to make familiar meals feel fresh without starting from scratch, and why eating well doesn't have to mean making everything more complicated. Plus, Jamie discovers shaved beef, learns that leftover rice can go in the freezer, and shares her new "10 out of 10" dinner that might just become a weekly staple. If figuring out what to cook feels like one more thing on an already overflowing list, this episode is full of realistic ideas for making meals simpler, more flexible, and a lot less stressful. Connect with Margaret + B'vive B'vive Website: https://b-vive.co/ Instagram: @bviveco Keywords meal planning, easy meal planning, healthy meal ideas, family meals, weeknight dinners, meal prep, mental load, healthy eating, simple meals, wellness, midlife wellness, B'vive, Margaret, meal templates, busy moms, realistic wellness, The Yoga Connection Podcast Disclaimer The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, nutritional, or other professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health and wellness needs.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION What if feeling better isn't about doing more, following more rules, or finally getting everything "right"? This week, Jamie and Bobbi sit down with Margaret Faintich, certified nutrition and wellness coach and founder of B'vive, to talk about her "better than perfect" approach to wellness. Margaret shares how her own experience in her 40s led her to rethink what it actually means to feel well and eventually inspired her to become a health coach. The conversation explores perfectionism, the pressure to do all the things, and the relief that can come from letting go of wellness rules that simply don't work for you. They also talk about the role yoga has played in Margaret's journey, from approaching yoga as a physical workout to using it as a way to recover, slow down, and listen to what her body actually needs. Margaret shares one of her favorite lessons from yoga: keep your eyes on your own mat. And when it comes to nutrition, keep your eyes on your own plate. Plus, Margaret shares what working with a wellness coach can look like, the story behind B'vive, and why the best exercise, vegetable, or wellness practice might simply be the one that actually works for you. LINKS & RESOURCES B'vive Website: https://b-vive.co/ B'vive Recipes: https://b-vive.co/recipes/ B'vive Glow Guide + Love Letter: https://b-vive.co/ Instagram: @bviveco KEYWORDS B'vive, Margaret Faintich, wellness, nutrition, health coaching, women's wellness, midlife wellness, yoga, perfectionism, better than perfect, intuitive wellness, nutrition coaching, listening to your body, self-care, healthy habits, yoga philosophy, recovery, movement, wellness rules, women over 40, The Yoga Connection Podcast DISCLAIMER The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, nutritional, or mental health advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health and wellness needs.

Episode Description What happens when pushing through stops working? This week, Jamie and Bobbi sit down with physical therapist and wellness practitioner Ashley Kumar, DPT, to talk about her experience with postpartum burnout and the moment she realized she could no longer outwork or outsmart what her body was telling her. Ashley shares how years of little sleep, motherhood, work, and a constant drive to accomplish more eventually forced her to slow down. She explains why doing less, getting quiet, moving intentionally, and reconnecting with her breath became important parts of her healing. They also talk about the pressure women feel to optimize everything, why wellness can become another item on the to-do list, nervous system regulation, moving meditation, and learning to listen to your body instead of constantly pushing it. Plus, Jamie, Bobbi, and Ashley share their latest Wellness Wins, including massages, outsourcing weeknight meals, and finding simple things that bring a little more joy and ease into everyday life. Links & Resources Connect with Ashley Kumar, DPT Ashley Kumar DPT Website Ashley Kumar on Instagram (@healingwithak) Mastering the Basics of Breathwork Your Thrive Code Work with Ashley Ashley at PALM Health Wellness Wins & Resources Mentioned Britt Cooks STL A Perfect Fit STL Personal Chef Services Keywords Ashley Kumar, Ashley Kumar DPT, postpartum burnout, postpartum depletion, burnout, breathwork, nervous system regulation, stress management, motherhood, women's wellness, physical therapy, postpartum wellness, mental load, meditation, moving meditation, yoga, restorative movement, self-care, biohacking, slowing down, stress, PALM Health, Your Thrive Code, The Yoga Connection Podcast Disclaimer The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.

Episode Description: In this episode of The Yoga Connection Podcast, Bobbi turns the microphone around and interviews Jamie about her journey from stepping into her very first yoga class to becoming a yoga teacher, teacher trainer, and retreat leader. Jamie shares how yoga began as a way to relieve back pain and improve flexibility, but quickly became something much deeper. She reflects on the role community has played throughout her journey, how her teaching has evolved over the years, and why yoga philosophy has become the foundation of both her classes and her everyday life. Whether you're simply curious about yoga or considering yoga teacher training yourself, this conversation offers an honest look at what it means to grow through the practice and trust the journey, even when you don't feel ready. What We Cover in This Episode: Jamie's first yoga class and what inspired her to keep coming back How yoga evolved from a fitness practice into a lifelong philosophy The impact of retreats and community on personal growth The journey from student to yoga teacher and trainer Why teaching styles should continue to evolve The value of slow, intentional movement Advice for anyone considering yoga teacher training Keywords: yoga, yoga teacher, yoga teacher training, yoga journey, personal growth, wellness, yoga philosophy, community, retreats, mindfulness, yoga podcast Disclaimer: The Yoga Connection is a production of Yoga Media LLC. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Yoga Media LLC or its partners. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding any personal decisions or health-related concerns.

Episode Description What does it really take to go from yoga student to studio owner? In this episode of The Yoga Connection Podcast, Jamie sits down with co-host Bobbi Baker to talk about the journey from taking her first yoga class to building and leading a yoga studio community. Bobbi shares the lessons she learned along the way, the challenges of studio ownership, and how yoga continues to influence the way she leads, teaches, and lives. Together, Jamie and Bobbi explore the importance of community, creativity, self-awareness, and creating a business that aligns with your values. They also share their latest wellness wins and reflect on making space for passions that bring more joy and inspiration into everyday life. What We Cover Bobbi's journey from yoga student to studio owner How hobbies and passions can evolve into meaningful careers The moment Bobbi knew she wanted to open a yoga studio Building a strong studio culture and supportive teaching team Lessons learned from managing a yoga business The difference between teaching yoga and running a yoga studio Creating boundaries while holding space for students and teachers How yoga philosophy influences leadership and everyday decisions Encouragement for aspiring yoga teachers and future studio owners Finding balance between creativity, wellness, and daily routines Wellness Wins featuring better sleep, artistic expression, and reconnecting with creativity Stay Connected If you want to feel more inspired about the way you approach business, leadership, wellness, and life, sign up for the Glowe Connective Newsletter. Get insights, stories, and ideas designed to help you create more meaningful connections and intentional experiences. https://www.gloweconnective.com/newsletter Keywords Yoga podcast, yoga teacher, yoga studio owner, yoga business, studio leadership, yoga community, wellness, mindfulness, creativity, entrepreneurship, personal growth, leadership, intentional living, Bobbi Baker, Jamie Fuller, The Yoga Connection Podcast Disclaimer The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding your individual health, wellness, or business needs.

Episode Description Summer has a way of throwing every routine off track. In this episode, Jamie and Bobbi talk about what yoga teaches us when life doesn't go according to plan. From travel and changing schedules to letting go of perfection, they share practical ways to stay grounded when your routine disappears. What We Cover Why routines naturally change with the seasons Finding your "anchor" habits Letting go of the all-or-nothing mindset Simple ways to stay connected to your practice How yoga helps us adapt without losing ourselves Keywords yoga, wellness, routines, summer, mindfulness, self-care, healthy habits, flexibility, travel, yoga practice Disclaimer The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise, wellness, or nutrition program. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and are based on their personal experiences and professional expertise.

Episode Description: As we reach the halfway point of the year, Jamie and Bobbi take a step back to reflect on how their yoga practices—and their lives—have evolved over the past six months. They explore what it means to truly listen to your body, how community continues to shape their practice, and why slowing down can sometimes be the most transformative thing we do. Through personal stories and honest reflection, they discuss adapting routines, embracing discomfort, and allowing yoga philosophy to guide life beyond the mat. Whether you're feeling energized, stuck, or somewhere in between, this episode offers an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what you need most in this season. What We Cover in This Episode: A yoga-inspired mid-year check-in How our yoga practices have changed this year Listening to your body instead of your expectations The role of community in personal growth Embracing slower movement and mindful living Using yoga philosophy as a guide for everyday life Reflecting on routines that are serving you—and those that aren't Keywords: yoga, yoga podcast, mid-year reflection, mindfulness, wellness, community, personal growth, self-awareness, slowing down, yoga philosophy, routines, self-care Disclaimer: The Yoga Connection is a production of Yoga Media LLC. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Yoga Media LLC or its partners. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding any personal decisions or health-related concerns.

Episode Description What if the key to managing stress isn't doing more—but learning to listen to your body? In this episode of The Yoga Connection Podcast, Jamie and Bobbi sit down with licensed clinical social worker Erin Hotz to explore the powerful connection between the nervous system, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Erin shares practical, accessible tools that can help calm anxiety, reduce overwhelm, and create more resilience in everyday life. Together, they discuss how our bodies communicate through physical sensations, why our emotions are valuable sources of information, and how simple practices like box breathing and humming can help regulate the nervous system. The conversation also dives into parenting, introducing the concept of "good enough" parenting, the importance of repair over perfection, and how childhood experiences continue to shape our adult responses. Erin explains the often-overlooked trauma response of fawning and offers compassionate insight into recognizing and healing these patterns. Whether you're a parent, yoga practitioner, caregiver, or simply someone looking for practical ways to navigate life's stressors, this episode offers encouragement, education, and tools you can begin using today. Resources & Links Connect with Erin Hotz Website: https://erinhotzcounseling.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/erinhotzcounseling Resources Mentioned Are You Mad at Me? by Meg Josephson Box Breathing Technique: https://www.healthline.com/health/box-breathing Mindfulness Resources: https://mindful.org Parenting Resources: https://childmind.org Keywords nervous system regulation, nervous system, stress management, anxiety, emotional regulation, breathwork, box breathing, mindfulness, mental health, therapy, licensed therapist, parenting, good enough parenting, child development, fawning response, trauma responses, body awareness, self-care, yoga, wellness, emotional resilience, Yoga Connection Podcast Disclaimer The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical or mental health care. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need individualized support, please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

Episode Description: In this episode of The Yoga Connection Podcast, Jamie and Bobbi reflect on a recent workshop experience and the powerful connection between yoga philosophy and everyday life. Together, they explore the cycle of awareness, growth, and surrender, and discuss what it means to truly live the practice both on and off the mat. From rediscovering creativity and navigating life transitions to finding balance between effort and rest, this conversation offers practical insights for anyone looking to deepen their relationship with themselves and their practice. Whether you're new to yoga philosophy or have been studying it for years, this episode serves as a reminder that growth begins with awareness and that peace often comes when we learn to let go. What We Cover in This Episode: Reflections from a recent yoga philosophy workshop The cycle of awareness, heat, and peace How yoga invites self-study and personal growth Balancing activity, productivity, and surrender Rediscovering creativity and passions outside of yoga Practical ways to cultivate mindfulness and grounding Sound Bites: "Living the practice is so simple yet so impactful." "Surrender and peace are often missing from my cycle." "Yoga invites you to notice what's going on inside." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Workshop Recap 00:02 Personal Updates and Travel Plans 02:38 Creative Exploration and Rediscovering Art 05:16 Insights from the Workshop on Awareness and Peace 07:49 The Cycle of Awareness, Heat, and Peace 10:23 Struggles with Surrender and Grounding in Practice 14:17 Navigating the Challenges of Teaching Yoga 15:37 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Yoga 17:54 Embracing the Philosophy of Yoga 20:50 The Importance of Personal Growth and Connection 23:06 Wellness Wins: Exploring New Practices 24:59 Finding Balance in Life and Wellness Resources + Links: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron: https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-Julia-Cameron/dp/0143129252 Keri Kugler Workshops: https://www.kerikugler.com Andrew Huberman Podcast: https://hubermanlab.com/ Keywords: yoga philosophy, mindfulness, personal growth, yoga practice, self-awareness, wellness, surrender, creativity, yoga podcast, mindfulness practices, yoga sutras, personal development Disclaimer: The Yoga Connection is a production of Yoga Media LLC. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Yoga Media LLC or its partners. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding any personal decisions or health-related concerns.

Episode Description After a little time away from the microphone, we're back and catching up on everything that's been happening behind the scenes. In this episode, we reflect on recent life changes, the power of community, and what we're learning about balance in a season of growth. We talk about making room for multiple passions, setting boundaries, and creating space for the things that matter most. As always, we kick things off with Mat Chats—where we unroll our mats and talk about what's going on in our lives—plus a few wellness wins along the way. Disclaimer The Yoga Connection is a production of Yoga Media LLC. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Yoga Media LLC or its partners. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding any personal decisions or health-related concerns.

Episode Description We're still not officially back… but we're having too much fun not to keep going. In this episode, we're diving into what makes a retreat feel truly special—not just the schedule, but the experience. We talk about creating "pockets of magic" in everyday life, the role of creativity in well-being, and why stepping outside your routine can shift everything. We also share more details about our upcoming Spring Day Yoga Retreat—a full day designed to help you root, rise, expand, and radiate alongside an incredible community. But before we get into all of that, we kick things off with Mat Chats—where we unroll our mats and talk about what's going on in our lives—plus a few personal wellness wins along the way. If you've been craving connection, creativity, or just a reset, this one's for you. Retreat Details Spring Day Yoga Retreat 📍 Sunflower Hill Farm Sunday, May 31, 2026 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Theme: Root • Rise • Expand • Radiate 4 Yoga Practices designed to guide you through a full arc of movement and restoration Community-building experiences to deepen connection Book club discussion featuring Big Magic Unstructured outdoor time to explore, rest, or connect Lunch provided Dinner + drinks to close out the day This retreat is designed to help you reconnect to yourself, feel supported in community, and leave energized and restored. Sign up here: https://namaste-stl.com/retreat/spring-day-yoga-retreat/ What We Cover Why retreats create meaningful shifts in mental health and perspective The idea of "pockets of magic" and how to create them in daily life The connection between creativity and overall well-being How community supports growth and transformation What to expect from the Spring Day Retreat experience Sound Bites "Creative minds need an outlet for their ideas." "Disruption of flow creates magic." "We are all the same at the end of the day." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Yoga Connection Podcast 02:49 Mat Chats: Life Updates and Reflections 05:30 Exploring Creativity and Inspiration 08:19 The Magic of Community and Connection 10:43 Details of the Upcoming Day Retreat 13:23 Wellness Wins and Personal Reflections Resources + Links Big Magic https://www.amazon.com/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond/dp/1594634726 Sunflower Hill Farm https://sunflowerhillfarm.com Spring Day Retreat Signup https://namaste-stl.com/retreat/spring-day-yoga-retreat/ Keywords retreats, creativity, community, wellness, yoga, self-care, personal growth, spring, mindfulness Disclaimer The Yoga Connection is a production of Yoga Media LLC. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Yoga Media LLC or its partners. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding any personal decisions or health-related concerns.

Episode Description: In part two of this special Spring Day Retreat series, Jamie and Bobbi are joined by members of the teaching team for a conversation centered around teaching styles, personal growth, and the power of community. They dive into how different approaches to yoga can support students in unique ways, why retreats create space for deeper connection, and how personal wellness evolves through different seasons of life. This episode is a reminder that there's no one "right" way to practice—just the way that meets you where you are. Spring Day Yoga Retreat Details: Sunday, May 31, 2026 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Sunflower Hill Farms Theme: Root • Rise • Expand • Radiate Join us for a full day of yoga, connection, and restoration featuring four guided practices, community experiences, meals, and time to reset. Investment: $250 Sign up: https://namaste-stl.com/retreat/spring-day-yoga-retreat/ What We Cover in This Episode: How different yoga teaching styles support different students Why retreats offer a deeper level of connection and growth The role of community in sustaining a wellness practice Personal wellness wins and evolving self-care routines The importance of strong, intentional instruction Sound Bites: "Feeling confident in my body is empowering." "Taking care of my body as an example." "Yoga is about community and connection." Chapters: 00:00 Spring Break Reflections and Family Life 04:26 Exploring New Teaching Styles 08:43 Embracing Change in Parenting 10:38 The Importance of Retreats and Community 16:00 Collaborative Teaching and Class Dynamics 16:21 Intentional Teaching and Class Balance 17:19 Community and Connection Through Movement 18:16 The Importance of Resetting and Learning 20:07 Wellness Wins: Personal Growth and Achievements 22:01 Strength and Confidence in Wellness Practices 23:46 Navigating Aging and Body Awareness 26:05 Nutrition and Wellness Adjustments 27:44 The Value of Connection and Support in Wellness Resources + Links: Sunflower Hill Farms: https://sunflowerhillfarms.com Spring Day Yoga Retreat: https://namaste-stl.com/retreat/spring-day-yoga-retreat/ Keywords: yoga, yoga retreat, wellness, community, teaching styles, personal growth, mindfulness, Sunflower Hill Farms, self-care, connection Disclaimer: The Yoga Connection is a production of Yoga Media LLC. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Yoga Media LLC or its partners. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding any personal decisions or health-related concerns.