Let's Talk Yoga

Arundhati Baitmangalkar

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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Top 10 Let's Talk Yoga Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Let's Talk Yoga episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Let's Talk Yoga for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Let's Talk Yoga episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

10-Point Cheatlist That Every Yoga Teacher Needs for Classes

Let's Talk Yoga

10/03/24 • 22 min

In this episode, I highlight an often-overlooked but crucial step in yoga teaching—building a solid foundation before focusing on sequencing. I share a 10-point cheat list to help yoga teachers improve their class planning and sequencing skills. This includes understanding each pose’s fundamentals, knowing the Sanskrit and English names, and being aware of the benefits and contraindications. I also emphasize the importance of using props, guiding students through breathwork, and recognizing whether a pose is heating, cooling, or neutral. Additionally, I discuss how to assess the difficulty of poses, incorporate proper warm-ups, and balance sequences with counter poses. Mastering these principles helps create more thoughtful and personalized classes that enhance students' well-being.
Episode Highlights:

Know the Name of the Pose
Know the Benefits of the Pose
Contraindications
Adaptations of Poses
Use Props Skillfully
Breathing Pattern for Poses
Know the Nature of the Pose
Pose Levels
Warm-up Needs
Counter Poses

Pranayama Yoga Teacher TrainingPranayama Yoga Teacher Training Info Session
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International Yoga Day Online Yoga Teachers Meetup

Let's Talk Yoga

06/17/23 • 4 min

Join International Yoga Day Online Yoga Teachers Meetup

Join our mailing listWAITLIST - Pranayama Teacher Training 2022Find all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

Yamas & Niyamas – The Missing Link (Part 1 of 2)

Let's Talk Yoga

06/28/21 • 53 min

Do you ever feel something is missing in your yoga journey?
Do you feel like you’re lacking something when it comes to living your yoga thoroughly?

Whether you answered yes or not, as a yoga teacher you cannot dismiss the Yamas & Niyamas. Which are so often OVERSIMPLIFIED as black & white in the modern yoga landscape. Often spoken about more than lived especially by yoga teachers.
On the Let’s Talk Yoga podcast today, return guest Savira Gupta not only brings you the wisdom & nuances of living these but she wholeheartedly shares personal stories of putting these into practice. Going from internal to external & vice versa in life.

If you think you know the yamas & niyamas of yoga. I’m happy for you. But I respectfully ask that you listen in to this powerful conversation exploring the roots & intent of these 2 limbs of yoga.

This is part 1 of a 2 part series. I bet this will ring deep with you.

Episode Highlights...

Why are the yamas & niyamas so central to yoga?
The missing gap for yoga teachers
The reality & consequences of oversimplification
How to learn these & live them?
A look at each Yama & how they intertwine and show up for yoga practitioners
A lot of personal stories & reflections

If you have questions or something you’d like to share, drop them at [email protected] & we’d answer them in part 2 that drops next month.

You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at https://letstalk.yoga/

Connect with us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arundhati_baitmangalkar/

Join our exclusive Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkyoga

Join our mailing list: https://www.aham.yoga/instagram-2021 for all episodes.

Pranayama Yoga Teacher TrainingPranayama Yoga Teacher Training Info Session
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Is THIS the most important yoga class you'll ever teach?

Let's Talk Yoga

03/01/22 • 30 min

Have you ever asked yourself what's the most important yoga class you'll ever teach? Usually, you'll hear one of these 3 responses...

Every class is equally important
Teaching advanced asana because safety is important
Teaching aspiring yoga teachers

But for me personally, all of these miss the mark. The most important class you'll ever teach is that in which there's a beginners student or even better, a full class of beginner yoga students.
Why?
Because the beginner is a blank canvas. And you have the incredible opportunity to showcase all that yoga has to offer. To literally help change their lives. While that sounds cliched. Most modern-day yoga studios, just dump people into a level 1, slow flow or gentle vinyasa class. And let the student figure out yoga for themselves based on their interest or convenience.
This leads to many people starting yoga but not sticking to it. There is a better way! That's what we explore in today's episode & you even get a preview into my new virtual course that addresses this issue.
I've literally been trying to solve this problem for a decade. I'll be sharing all my insights with you in the weeks ahead. While this podcast is a shorty. It sets the stage for much greater clarity of things coming your way.
To sign up for the course, or the free information session. Those details will be out with next week's episode...But make sure you're on my mailing list.
Join our mailing list: https://www.aham.yoga/instagram-2021 for all episodes.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/AhamYoga
You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at https://letstalk.yoga/

Connect with us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arundhati_baitmangalkar/

Pranayama Yoga Teacher TrainingPranayama Yoga Teacher Training Info Session
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Tracing the Origins of Surya Namaskar with Pradeep Sattwamaya

Let's Talk Yoga

12/19/23 • 65 min

Surya Namaskar, also known as sun salutations, is such a simple yet daunting topic for a lot of yoga teachers and we as modern practitioners only know it from the lens of it being very physical. So on the show today, I invited Pradeep Sattwamaya to help us trace the origins of Surya Namaskar and its uses in our modern-day yoga.
Episode Highlights:

How old is the practice of Surya Namaskar?
The importance of Hatha yoga
What is Chandra Namaskar?
Breath practices
Supplemental elements in yoga
The Origins of Surya Namaskar
Classical Surya Namaskar as a physical practice and Vinyasa
What type of Surya Namaskar and how many rounds is recommended a day
Is Surya Namaskar a moving meditation?

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The Origins of Yoga and Its Passage Through Time with Prasad Rangnekar

Let's Talk Yoga

08/23/21 • 64 min

As yoga teachers, knowing the origins of yoga & its passage through time is very significant. In fact, I would argue that's it's required if one teaches any aspect of yoga. Knowing this correctly is not only important but has deep cultural implications if misinterpreted.
I’ve been on the lookout for the “perfect” guest for this one. Someone who could take into account the many subtle nuances & layers that a conversation about the origins of yoga warrants.

To follow its passage through time with clarity & draw a timeline is no small feat. On the Let’s Talk Yoga podcast today, Prasad Ragnekar walks you through the origins of yoga & its passage through time with ease, clarity & humor.

Here are just a few highlights to give you a glimpse into this wonderful conversation that is a must listen if you teach yoga or love yoga in some capacity.

How did yoga originate?
What was the original goal of yoga?
Why the goal post of yoga has shifted?
What do we mean by yoga during the Vedic times? How do the Upanishads tie into this?
What about Patanjali’s yoga?
What is Hatha yoga?
Simplifying the link between the Vedas, Upanishads & Bhagawad Geeta.
The impact of British colonization on yoga
Do labels like classical yoga, pre-classical yoga, modern yoga etc make sense?
Differences between learning from a teacher versus a book

🙌🏼 And literally SO MUCH MORE...That it's not easy to squeeze into the highlights. If you've ever wanted to understand the history, origins & passage of yoga this is your podcast!

Prasad has been studying yoga since the age of 9 with over 36 years of study & sadhana. He has taught in over 18 countries & has a wonderful Youtube channel with over 350 video resources for yoga teachers.

When I started this podcast, I made a commitment to highlighting Indian yoga teacher voices as there is so much richness that is often lost in the modern yoga world. When I can bring you yoga teachers like this, it truly makes my heart full.

If you love this episode, please screenshot it, tag Prasad and me & tell us your favorite part.
Online Yoga Teacher Trainings : https://mindfulyogateachers.com/
You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at https://letstalk.yoga/

Connect with us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arundhati_baitmangalkar/

Join our exclusive Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkyoga

Join our mailing list: https://www.aham.yoga/instagram-2021 for all episodes.

Pranayama Yoga Teacher TrainingPranayama Yoga Teacher Training Info Session
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The Art of Instructing Yoga with Christina Sell

Let's Talk Yoga

10/03/22 • 65 min

In this episode, we explore the art of instructing yoga. It's something yoga teachers do every single time we enter a class. Yet, many yoga teachers struggle with getting comfortable, or skillful at instructing. Because we have to take what we have as experience in our bodies and being. Make it coherent for someone else. While this sounds straightforward, it's not.
Arundhati interviews Christina Sell. A long-time yoga teacher and student. The conversation goes deep into the "art of instructing yoga". If you teach yoga asana in some capacity, this is highly recommended listen.
Episode Highlights...

The goal of yoga and asana teachers in giving instructions
Avoiding over-instructing and under-instructing
Quality learning and instructing amidst the fast-paced world of yoga
Cueing in yoga
Is there a difference between teaching a beginner and a more experienced student?
Christina's words of encouragement

Christina Sell has been practicing asana since 1991. Known for her passion, clarity and creativity, Christina’s teaching style is a dynamic and challenging blend of inspiration, humor, and hard work.

Christina has a BA in Counseling and Education and an MA in Integrative Education and Curriculum Design. She resides in Bellingham, WA with her husband, two very affectionate cats, and the world’s best dog, Locket.

WAITLIST - Pranayama Teacher Training 2022

You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at https://letstalk.yoga/

Connect with us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arundhati_baitmangalkar/

Join our mailing list: https://www.aham.yoga/instagram-2021 for all episodes

Pranayama Yoga Teacher TrainingPranayama Yoga Teacher Training Info Session
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Marma Nadi: A Bridge Between Ayurveda and Yoga

Let's Talk Yoga

04/18/22 • 37 min

Have you heard about the Marma Nadi? Do you know its acts like a bridge between yoga and Ayurveda.

On the show today, Ismat -Dhala Natani shares how this marma nadi is the bridge between yoga & Ayurveda.
Ismat is professional background is in natural health care, with a specialty in traditional Indian medicine. With over two decades of experience, she has spearheaded CAISH, carefully guiding its growth since i2002.

Ismat focuses on melding ancient wisdom with current concepts of health and wellbeing. From this frame of reference, she develops educational programs, materials and teaching tools. Currently, Ismat is working toward accreditation affiliations, and the standardization of Ayurveda and Indian Systems of Healing programs in Canada

From this episode, you will gain clarity....

✅How and where do yoga and Ayurveda connect?

✅Ismat talks about how her Ayurveda journey began

✅Why some branches of yoga and Ayurveda are not mainstream

✅What are nadis and are they significant to Ayurveda?

✅Is the number of nadis significant?

✅How the nadis are activated and maintained

✅The meaning of Marma

✅Ismat’s gives more asana examples

✅How to improve one's health thru Marma Chikitsa

✅What are common issues that someone would go to Marma Chikitsa for?

✅Are Marma therapies dosha-dependent?

✅Ismat’s advice to those who want to learn about Ayurveda

Teaching Yoga To Beginners Course: https://www.mindfulyogateachers.com/beginnersytt

You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at https://letstalk.yoga/

Connect with us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arundhati_baitmangalkar/

Join our exclusive Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkyoga

Join our mailing list: https://www.aham.yoga/instagram-2021 for all episodes.

Pranayama Yoga Teacher TrainingPranayama Yoga Teacher Training Info Session
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Trauma of Cultural Appropriation, decolonizing mental health from a POC viewpoint, & Compassion as a Core Value with Ekta Hattangady

Let's Talk Yoga

11/22/21 • 45 min

Today, we highlight 3 important topics...

The trauma of cultural appropriation on Indian people
What is 'decolonizing' mental health from a POC viewpoint
Exploring compassion as a core value

You might be wondering what any of this has to do with yoga? Occasionally, I take a step out of "traditional" or "more-predictable" yoga conversations to bring you topics that will influence your yoga life. This is one such conversation.
Ekta Hattangady is a social worker, psychotherapist, and mindfulness coach. Who practices yoga & Buddhism. With 16 years of work experience in the US, UK & Canada.
We get into learning about...

What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?
Ekta explains what qualifies as good mental health
What it means to decolonize mental health & its importance
Ekta talks about yoga trauma for Indians abroad
What is compassion?
How empathy and compassion are related
Compassion: Learned Behavior or Internal Trait?
How to measure compassion?
What comes first? Compassion or Mindfulness?
Different types of compassion
Ekta's thoughts on the mental health of yoga teachers today
How to increase your compassio

You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at https://letstalk.yoga/

Connect with us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arundhati_baitmangalkar/

Join our exclusive Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkyoga

Join our mailing list: https://www.aham.yoga/instagram-2021 for all episodes.

Pranayama Yoga Teacher TrainingPranayama Yoga Teacher Training Info Session
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Body Positive Yoga and Setting a Shame Free New Year’s Resolution with Amber Karnes

Let's Talk Yoga

12/22/20 • 50 min

Can fat people do yoga? Oftentimes, larger-body people experience hostility in fitness environments. Amber Karnes certainly remembers how nervous she was when she first joined a yoga class. Nevertheless, her body figure and all the constant negative self-talk didn’t stop her and eventually, she got hooked on practicing yoga. She originally started to practice yoga in an effort to change her body but later realized that yoga taught her how to be in her body instead. Now, Amber teaches yoga full time and is an industry thought leader & an inspiration to many.

Get inspired as Amber shares her yoga journey, she talks about how she learned that bigger bodies can also do yoga - not just a cop-out child's pose but also hardcore asana and all other aspects of yoga.
She also shares some tips on setting up a shame-free goal for the New Year's resolution. As well as important language dos & don't for yoga teachers.
I’m truly inspired by her work which is really important, needed & missing in modern yoga culture.

You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at https://letstalk.yoga/

Connect with us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arundhati_baitmangalkar/

Join our exclusive Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkyoga

Pranayama Yoga Teacher TrainingPranayama Yoga Teacher Training Info Session
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