Why You Should NEVER Teach for Free and Other Yoga Controversies

The Business of Yoga Speaker Series with Amy McDonald and Marylene Henry

Marylene is a yoga teacher trainer who specialises in Yoga anatomy, therapeutic applications of yoga, Corporate Yoga and Yoga for depression, stress, and anxiety. Her passion for yoga took a new turn when she helped a friend overcome depression through yoga. Curious about what other benefits a holistic approach to yoga could bring, she devoted her time and energy to study the 8 limbs of yoga. Splitting her life between a successful international corporate career and teaching yoga, she perfectly understood how everyday demands can get in a way of a healthy body and healthy mind, and used this experience to teach corporate yoga. In 2016, she decided to leave her corporate career to pursue a PhD in Osteopathy to deepen her knowledge of the physical body. She also completed her certifications as Reiki Master and Mindfulness coach. Today, Marylene teaches private and group classes, and co-host Yoga Teacher Trainings in Bali, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.

In this interview, Amy and Marylene discuss:

• How to make learning about anatomy REALLY interesting

• Why you should NEVER teach for free

• Making big leaps and being bold to share your voice

Are you ready to shift from a Yoga teacher hobbyist to an Abundant Yoga Business Owner?

Amy's Growing Your Yoga Biz is a 6-month group training, coaching and business development program for Yoga Teachers ready to learn new skills, shift old patterns and limiting beliefs, meet and have fun with new colleagues and friends AND generate more prosperity doing what they love.
 

Learn More Here: http://www.amymcdonald.com.au/growingyouryogabiz

Use bizofyoga at check out for $500 off!

Reinventing Yourself: The journey from Pharmacist to Spiritual Breath Worker

The Business of Yoga Speaker Series 6: Amy McDonald and Niraj Naik

Niraj Naik is an ex-pharmacist turned holistic health expert. After working for several years as a community pharmacist, Niraj saw firsthand just how ineffective and even damaging pharmaceutical drugs can be. When he found himself a patient of stress-related depression and ulcerative colitis, he embarked on a journey of profound healing and now has no symptoms at all. Known internationally as The Renegade Pharmacist, Niraj is also the founder of SOMA Breath and is dedicated to educating others on topics of holistic health, breath work  meditation, and more.

In this episode Amy and Niraj discuss:

• Reclaiming Pranayama as a healing art

• The journey from from pharmacist to spiritual breath worker

• Why breathing slower and more mindfully is essential for the body

Learn more about Growing Your Yoga Business - Amy’s 6-month Yoga biz training program - here: http://www.amymcdonald.com.au/growingyouryogabiz

When to Modify vs When to Tell A Student They're In the Wrong Class

The Business of Yoga Speaker Series 6: Amy McDonald and Angela Kukhahn

After a life changing injury, Angela’s soul purpose unfolded down the path of yoga. Today she teaches others to move beyond their fears and limitations. With her personal practice providing inspiration, she has a magical knack for leading yogis straight into the achievement of postures they never thought possible, distracting them with humour, inspiring with music and leading with colourful metaphor.

In this episode Amy and Angela discuss:

• Knowing when to step away from your students

• Why learning other modalities helps your practice and teaching

• The WEIRDEST troll story I've ever heard...

Ready to Grow Your Yoga Biz? Learn more about Amy’s signature Yoga biz training program here: http://www.amymcdonald.com.au/growingyouryogabiz

Dealing with Imposter Syndrome and People Pleasing as you Grow Your Yoga Biz

The Business of Yoga Speaker Series 6: Amy McDonald and Danni Pomplun

Danni Pomplun is a 500-hr E-RYT Yoga Teacher, and accomplished yoga teacher trainer. In addition, he is also on the training faculty at Yoga Tree in San Francisco, and Noah Mazé in Los Angeles. Danni leads popular workshops and immersions in his hometown of San Francisco and around the world. No matter where he goes the thread of community remains. His style has been described as functional, down-to-earth, and fun with an edge. Each offering will connect to power and flow, infused with light-hearted spirituality where you’ll find the inspiration to connect with your higher self.

In this episode Amy and Danni discuss:

• Dealing with imposter syndrome and people pleasing as you grow

• How to NOT burn out

• Taking the craft of teaching Yoga VERY seriously

Ready to Grow Your Own Yoga Biz? Sign up for Amy’s 6-month Yoga biz training program here: http://www.amymcdonald.com.au/growingyouryogabiz

The Reality of Having a Yoga Business with your Partner (and Newborn!)

The Business of Yoga Speaker Series 6: Amy McDonald and Anna Sugarman

Anna is an international yoga teacher and teacher trainer, known for inspiring through playful mindfulness, extensive anatomy knowledge, and rockin playlists. Her joie de vivre is contagious. She encourages light hearted courage, empowering others to shine consistently – during the dark times and the bright. Anna’s fun, loving style of educating instills confidence in students of all levels as she illuminate their strengths, gently guiding them toward their higher potential by offering tools to elevate their happiness and optimize their lives – on and off the mat.

In this episode Amy and Anna discuss:

• The reality of having a Yoga business with your partner

• Teaching and hosting retreats with a baby

• The 'slutty Cinderella’ fairytale and other AMAZING stories!

To learn more about getting Amy’s support to grow your Yoga biz, click here for all the info about her 6-month group training program: http://www.amymcdonald.com.au/growingyouryogabiz

How to Love What You Do for YEARS (and with all the stupid questions...)

The Business of Yoga Speaker Series 6: Amy McDonald and Carlos Pomeda

Originally from Madrid, Spain, Carlos has been steeped in all aspects of the yoga tradition during more than 40 years of practice and study. He spent 18 of those years as a monk of the Saraswati order, under the name Swami Gitananda, including 9 years of traditional training and practice in India.

During this time he learned the various systems of Indian Philosophy and immersed himself in the practice of yoga, becoming one of the senior monks of the tradition and teaching meditation and philosophy to tens of thousands of students around the world. He combines this experience and traditional training with his academic background, which includes two Masters Degrees: one in Sanskrit, from U.C. Berkeley (where he has taught) and another one, in Religious Studies, from U.C. Santa Barbara.

In this episode Amy and Carlos discuss:

• How to develop cultural sensitivity for teaching overseas

• The fine line between being close-minded and being gullible

• Why its essential to be discerning with your learning

And to learn more about the Growing Your Yoga Biz program, click here: http://www.amymcdonald.com.au/growingyouryogabiz

The Reality of Being at the 'Top' of your Yoga Career

The Business of Yoga Speaker Series 6: Amy McDonald and Sarah Ezrin

Sarah Ezrin is a motivator, writer, yoga teacher, and teacher trainer. Bringing a background of psychology and life coaching, she uses yoga to connect people to their brightest and most authentic Self. Based out of San Francisco Sarah leads trainings, workshops, and retreats at home and across the globe. Sarah is changing the world, teaching self-love one person at a time.

In this episode Amy and Sarah Discuss:

• The lie of control

• Realities of being 'at the top' in your Yoga career

• Boundaries with students vs friends

• Success and making our hearts happy

Is Failing Yoga School Even a Thing?

The Business of Yoga Speaker Series 6: Amy McDonald and Kelly Smith

Kelly Smith is the founder of Yoga For You, and host of the iTunes chart topping podcast, Mindful in Minutes. Kelly specialises in one-on-one yoga and meditation teaching/training and unique workshops and retreats for students of all levels, and yoga teachers who are ready to grow their practice and thrive in their teaching. 

In this episode Amy and Kelly discuss:

• Opinions vs feedback and how to handle both

• How Kelly almost failed Yoga school!

• Transitioning from Yoga Studio owner to location-independant Teacher.

Season 3 Celebration and (Almost) Finale!

THANK YOU for all of your support over the third season of the Abundant Yoga Teacher Podcast!

In this final ‘standard’ episode from me I’ve got some Ashram-insights as well as some gag-reel-esque guest recordings from the new Business of Yoga Speaker Series, which starts on MONDAY!

Make sure you get your free place to enjoy 2 weeks of Yoga biz trainings and inspiration from some of the world’s leading Yoga teachers and mentors here: https://amymcdonald.lpages.co/the-business-of-yoga-speaker-series-opt-in-may-2019/

Fill Your Classes with 1-off Workshops

Recently I've supported one of my private coaching clients to fill her weekly class with new students from offering a 1-off 'intro class'.

Over 2 weeks she:

- Enrolled 20+ students in her 2-hour 'intro class'

- Attracted 15 brand new students to the intro class with FB ads

- Made a $500 profit from the intro class (AFTER the FB ad spend and room rental)

- Signed up 9 of the 15 new people into her block of classes

- Generated over $1100 additional PROFIT in NEW class payments as a result of the intro class.

How would you feel about those sorts of results over 2 weeks?

Well, I've got good news for you.

I was so excited about the results I helped my client get, that I want to share it with you. Enjoy this longer podcast. (Yup, it goes for over 90 minutes ;)

And if you’re joining me on Retreat in 2020, here is the link to collect your place: http://www.amymcdonald.com.au/retreats

Next Level FB Ads for Your Yoga Biz

In this training I’m walking you through how a new opportunity in the way you can make ads on FB is going to really help you call in the potential new students who are already going to be interested in what it is you have to offer.

And if you like the idea of actually sitting down together and having me create your FB ads campaigns with you, get along to my Retreat in January. All of the details are here: http://www.amymcdonald.com.au/retreats

Staying Longer in the Vishnu Phase in Your Yoga Biz

The Hindu Trinity provides a really powerful model for our businesses.

The Brahma phase of business is about creating new projects, formulating ideas, seeking out new partnerships. The Siva phase is more about releasing things that don’t serve, cancelling things that are undersubscribed, firing staff, consolidating what and how you’re sharing your gifts.

In this episode I’m challenging you to seek out more Vishnu-encoded time in your biz: rest in the structures you’ve created, maintain your efforts without endlessly tweaking… read the books you’ve ALREADY got ;)

Take some time to journal out how this teaching could bring more ease and flow in biz this week… and beyond!

PLUS, don’t forget to register for the Abundant Yoga Teacher Retreat 2020: there is JUST ONE place left at the Tier 1 rate.

Here is the link: www.amymcdonald.com.au/retreats

Why Financial Planning for the Future is Important AND SEXY!

Good times and loveliness: this week I'm sharing some of the special guest training from my Keep Growing Mastermind, my high-level Graduate training and coaching program.

In this episode we are talking all things financial planning, I'm getting my women's-financial-empowerment nerd on, and you'll learn from an industry expert (who trained as a Kinesiologist!!) about why NOW is the right time to start preparing for your abundant financial future.

Also, in case you missed it, registrations are NOW OPEN for the Abundant Yoga Teacher Retreat 2020 at the Tier 1 pricing. (That = awesome).

Here is the link: http://www.amymcdonald.com.au/retreats

Stop Equating your Yoga Business Success with your Self-worth

How do you feel about yourself when your classes are empty, or you have to cancel a workshop? Does your inner critic kick in when you open your bank statement? In this episode I’m busting some ‘taking it personally’ myths!

Learn more about my Leadership for Yoginis Retreat at the Sivananda Yoga Ashram, Bahamas, here:

And check out the Tier 1 pricing just released for the Abundant Yoga Teacher Retreat in Thailand:

Manifesting Ease and Certainty when Making Important Decisions

Due to popular demand, I’m sharing more super power trainings about Spiritual Leadership with Nicole Vahlkamp. We’ve been teaching a Masterclass about Spiritual Leadership over the past month and this podcast is a sneaky peak of what we’ve been sharing. 

To learn more from Nicole and I, and step fully into your role as a confident Spiritual Leader in life and biz, join Nicole and I in the Bahamas this May. 

Learn more about our Leadership for Yoginis Retreat at the Sivananda Yoga Ashram, Bahamas, here:

Amy Interviews Kat Fowler

Kat Fowler is an international teacher, speaker and writer on spirituality, yoga and meditation, based in New York City. She has been featured on the cover of Yoga Journal, Om Yoga magazine, NY Yoga + Life Magazine, Natural Awakenings Magazine and featured in interviews on ABC News and the New York Times.

In this episode we talk about:

• When to know you're ready to start a Yoga teacher training,

• How to stay authentic and true to your values on social media,

• Why Yoga teachers gotta meditate... no, really.

To learn more about working with Amy McDonald as your Yoga business coach, visit www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching and use coupon code BOYSS5 for 20% off.

Amy Interviews R.R. Shakti

R.R. Shakti, PhD is a Contemplative Mythologist and Yoga Psychologist who holds a doctoral degree for her work in Mythology and Depth Psychology. Shakti is an international yoga teacher, ritual facilitator, speaker, and writer who presents a Tantrik approach to personal empowerment and social action. Through contemplative story-telling and mind/body practices, she offers a vision of deep peace and radical freedom.

In this episode we talk about:

• Invoking Kali when learning to say 'No'.

• Honesty and the shadow as service

• How to share personal stories as an invitation with your students

To learn more about working with Amy McDonald as your Yoga business coach, visit www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching and use coupon code BOYSS5 for 20% off.

Amy Interviews Anna and Linnea

Anna’s teaching combines an earnest desire to help people carve space for the changes they wish to see and helps them ultimately open a path to the fulfilment of the best version of themselves. Linnea, teacher since 2010, is yoga alliance registered as E-RYT status (over 1,000 hours of teaching) since 2014.

They are founders of the off-the-grid retreat company, Renew + Restore Co. that fosters holistic wellness through retreats.

In this episode we talk about:

How to REALLY work with your biz bestie (and how it gets to be your Yoga),

Why having participants you know on your retreat matters

Why repeating projects and offers gets you better, faster (and doesn't BORE your people!)

To learn more about working with Amy McDonald as your Yoga business coach, visit www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching and use coupon code BOYSS5 for 20% off.

Amy Interviews Peter Akkies

Peter Akkies helps yoga studios sell more memberships, workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings by automating their email marketing.

In this episode we talk about:

• Why you must stop sending newsletters... immediately!

• How to feel great about asking people to buy from you,

• The classic 'never do's' for sending email to your students 

To learn more about working with Amy McDonald as your Yoga business coach, visit www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching and use coupon code BOYSS5 for 20% off.

Amy Interviews Day Schildkret

Day Schildkret is internationally known for Morning Altars and has inspired tens of thousands of people of all ages across the globe to renew our relationship to nature, creativity, and impermanence with the ritual and practice of earth art. Day is the author of, “Morning Altars: A 7 Step Practice to Nourish Your Spirit Through Nature, Art and Ritual”

With workshops, book readings and large-scale earth art installations worldwide, Morning Altars is bringing ephemeral art to the collective human imagination.

In this episode we talk about:

• How does your conduct influence your capacity?

• Overcoming our destination addiction,

• The fallacy of gratitude and how to address it 

To learn more about working with Amy McDonald as your Yoga business coach, visit www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching and use coupon code BOYSS5 for 20% off.