Props often get misunderstood in the yoga world. They’re seen as crutches, shortcuts, or something only beginners need. But in this episode, I’m joined by Iyengar yoga teacher Stephanie Tencer to go deeper into the purpose and power of props. We explore how props aren’t just tools for accessibility but can become key to revealing alignment, building body awareness, and transforming your practice from the inside out.

Whether you’re new to props or have been using them for years, Stephanie breaks down their value in a way that’s accessible, honest, and deeply rooted in experience. We talk about body proportions, sequencing strategies, and how to deconstruct poses to build them back up with intention. This conversation is especially useful for teachers who want to bring more nuance and creativity into their classes while meeting students exactly where they are.

This episode is a masterclass in intelligent, adaptable teaching. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how or when to use props, or want to take your sequencing and observation skills to the next level, this one’s for you.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding why props aren’t just for beginners or modifications, but for deepening learning
• How props can highlight specific actions, create feedback, and reveal imbalances
• Why using props skillfully requires experience, creativity, and clarity in teaching
• The impact of body proportions on practice and how to observe them as a teacher
• Strategies for deconstructing a pose to teach its parts before moving into the full shape
• Clarifying the roles of different props: straps, blocks, bolsters, blankets, chairs, and walls
• Common misconceptions around chair yoga and how chairs can enhance complex poses
• Creative ways to use the wall as a prop, especially to support balance, alignment, and resistance
• The importance of teachers practicing with props themselves to offer better instruction
• Teaching the same pose with and without props to develop insight and precision
• The difference between how you practice and how you teach, and why both can evolve

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To celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga, I wanted to reflect on how yoga extends far beyond the mat. In this episode, I share some of the most meaningful ways I’ve learned to live yoga in everyday life, through thoughts, actions, and awareness, not just physical poses. Over the years, I’ve come to believe that some of the most powerful yoga happens when no one is watching, and when we’re not even in a class. Whether you’re going through a joyful moment or a tough season, there’s always an opportunity to embody yoga through how you respond, relate, and move through the world. My hope is that this episode inspires you to carry yoga with you, wherever you are.

Episode Highlights:

• Honoring the spiritual and seasonal significance of International Yoga Day (June 21)
• Practicing Pratipaksha Bhavanam: transforming negative thoughts by cultivating their opposites
• Embracing Pratyahara: choosing intentional sensory withdrawal to reclaim your attention
• Living with steadiness and ease (Sthira Sukham Asanam) in daily life
• Balancing consistent effort and non-attachment through Abhyasa and Vairagya
• Releasing material and mental clutter with the principle of Aparigraha (non-hoarding)
• Turning inward with Swadhyaya: self-study for self-awareness and spiritual growth
• Welcoming more playfulness and spontaneity through Leela (divine play)
• Engaging in Seva: selfless service as a path to humility and interconnectedness
• Finding community and inspiration through Satsang
• Cultivating Maitri: loving-kindness toward self and others
• Surrendering to Ishvara: letting go and trusting in the divine

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Summer can be a tricky season to keep students engaged, studios empty out, routines shift, and the heat affects how people move and feel. That’s why I’m sharing my personal approach to summer sequencing, rooted in yoga’s energetic qualities (gunas) and years of studio experience. In this episode, I break down how to teach smarter in the heat, using simple, adaptable techniques to help your students feel balanced, not burned out. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned pro, these three methods can add more depth, intention, and accessibility to your summer classes.

Episode Highlights:

• Why summer attendance often dips, and how to adapt your teaching to meet students where they are
• How to identify the “guna” or energetic nature of a yoga pose: heating, cooling, or neutral
• The first sequencing tip: add one cooling pose after every 3–5 heating poses to help regulate body temperature
• The second sequencing tip: design a full class around mostly cooling, seated forward bends with minimal vinyasa to avoid overheating
• The third sequencing tip: apply a 70/30 format, maintain your usual sequence for 70% of class, then dedicate the final 30% to cooling poses, pranayama, and an extended shavasana

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As a yoga teacher, are you aware of the similarities between the Bhagavad Geeta & the Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali? Or even the vast differences between these two texts?

Often discussed in isolation but never together. On the show today, long-time yoga teacher Vikram Jeet Singh gives you the clearest, concise, and thought-provoking layout of these two texts.

He tells you exactly where they meet, where they diverge & where you should start and how.
He takes a complex topic and makes it digestible and relatable.

If you've been seeking clarity on these topics, this is the conversation you've been waiting for.

Episode Highlights...

• Which text is older: The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali or The Bhagavad Gita? Is it significant to know which one is older?
• Vikram explains the Mahabharata
• How to approach the study of The Bhagavad Gita
• Is The Bhagavad Gita a religious text?
• How to navigate The Bhagavad Gita as a religious text
• Who “wrote” The Bhagavad Gita?
• For whom was the Gita written?
• How are these texts relevant in a yoga world that is dominated by asana?
• What is Swadhyaya?
• How The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali and The Bhagavad Gita are connected
• What is Samkhya?
• Difference between The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali and The Bhagavad Gita
• Which text to study if you want to learn more about yoga philosophy
• Ways to practice learnings from the texts
• Is it possible to incorporate these teachings in an asana class?

Vikram Jeet Singh is a long-time yoga student, & teacher. Living in India, Vikram was raised in the culture of yoga. Today, he shares his knowledge with yoga teachers through training on all aspects of yoga including classical texts.

You can find all the resources mentioned in this episode in the show notes at https://letstalk.yoga/episode/the-bhagavad-gita-and-the-yoga-sutras/

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Do you as a yoga teacher have clarity about what is Sanatana Dharma & Hinduism? Do you understand its link to yoga? Or are you confused about where to start understanding this topic?

Have you wondered is yoga a religious practice?

Savira Gupta, is a long-time yoga student, teacher, and practitioner. We've often turned to her on this podcast for her insight, knowledge, and clarity on complex, subtle topics. In this episode, Savira helps us understand Sanatana Dharma and Hinduism and their link to yoga.

Episode Highlights...

• Sanātana Dharma and how it relates to yoga
• How does one become a Hindu?
• Savira explains the meaning of Dharma
• What are the different types of Dharma?
• How does Dharma relate to yoga?
• The world's misconception of Hinduism or Sanātana Dharma
• Savira shares helpful advice on how to explore Hinduism
• Is yoga a religious practice?

You can find the links and resources at: https://letstalk.yoga/episode/sanatana-dharma-hinduism-yoga-a-beginners-guide/

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In this episode, I share five important lessons I have learned from practicing yoga, which include letting go of mental and physical burdens, being kind to ourselves, and building inner resilience. These lessons are not just applicable to yoga but can be incorporated into our daily lives to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Episode Highlights:

• Insights on yoga poses and life lessons.
• Yoga poses offer valuable life lessons in different shapes
• 5 things yoga poses teach us about navigating life
  • Yoga poses make you fitter, stronger, healthier, or wholesome.
  • You put yourself in different shapes and orientations in yoga poses regularly.
  • You embrace the unknown.
  • You learn to surrender.
  • We learn to treat ourselves with true self-compassion, kindness, and respect.

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In this episode of the Let's Talk Yoga podcast, we welcome Savitha Enner, a fellow yoga teacher from Karnataka, India. Savitha shares her unique perspective on living yogic wisdom, which she affectionately calls the "lazy person's approach."

Episode Highlights:

• What is this lazy teacher's approach?
• Exploring the pursuit of sustainable inner peace through yoga practice
• Exploring the concept of ahimsa in yoga practice
• Prioritizing peace over ego in personal relationships can be challenging but rewarding in the long run.
• Emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself and showing compassion towards others.
• Savitha’s advice to a beginner teacher and an experienced teacher
• “Teaching yoga is a privilege.”
• Learning to be more loving by responding to messages with kindness and creating situations for love to flourish.

You can find the show notes with the resources mentioned at: https://letstalk.yoga/episode/a-lazy-yoga-teachers-guide-to-yogic-living-with-savitha-enner/

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Mado Hesselink shares some helpful insights on dealing with this, how recognizing it can help you improve as a yoga teacher. If you’re in for some guidance, do not hesitate because we have this episode packed with tips and strategies to help you elevate as a yoga teacher.

Imposter Syndrome For Yoga Teacher Highlights:

• Mado’s story
• What imposter syndrome is and how to identify it
• Nervousness and imposter syndrome
• Is this more common in women?
• Three patterns where imposter syndrome is harmful
• The most prevalent pattern among yoga teachers
• What Mado does when someone with imposter syndrome comes to her
• How social media plays for someone who has imposter syndrome
• Tips for yoga teachers experiencing imposter syndrome
• Mado’s recommendations for someone exploring imposter syndrome

You can find the episode show notes at: https://letstalk.yoga/episode/imposter-syndrome-yoga-teachers/

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