Episodes
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Welcome to Episode 166: The Secret Sauce: Ingredients for an Exceptional Yoga Teacher Training" with Host Sandy Raper.
In this episode, Sandy discusses the importance of choosing the right yoga teacher training program and the key ingredients that make a training exceptional. Sandy shares insights on the significance of choosing the right training format, researching the training staff, the teaching practicum's role, sequencing framework importance, and the unique SEVA Teaching Project that has set trainees up for success within her training programs.
TAKEAWAYS:
- 2025 is a pivotal year for yoga teacher training.
- Choosing the right training program is crucial for success.
- Exceptional training includes diverse formats and experienced lead teachers.
- Teaching practicum is essential for building confidence.
- A solid framework for sequencing is vital for sustaining effective teaching.
- Real-time teaching experiences enhance learning.
- Researching training staff is important for compatibility.
- Investing in training is an investment in your future.
- Connection and community are vital in the training process.
Keywords:
yoga teacher training, online yoga training, yoga education, yoga community, teacher training program, yoga sequencing, yoga practicum, yoga curriculum
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
2025 Yoga Teacher Training with Sandy:
New! Online 200-hour Foundational Yoga Teacher Training
New! Online 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training
www.sandyraper.com
Contact Sandy
Join the Beyond Yoga Teacher Training Newsletter List
Order Sandy's new book:
Teaching From the Heart: Lessons on Developing Character, Confidence, and Leadership as a Yoga Teacher
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Welcome to Episode 164: Finding Joy in Life’s Big and Small Moments with Host Sandy Raper.
In this episode, Sandy shares insight into the significance of celebrations in our lives. She emphasizes that celebrations are not just for extraordinary achievements but also for the small moments that contribute to our emotional well-being and social connections.
Episode Highlights:
06:56 The Importance of Celebrations in Our Lives
07:22 Creating Good Memories Through Celebrations
12:45 Influencing Others in a Positive Way Through Celebrations
13:44 Creating Milestone Markers in Life Through Celebrations
15:13 Finding Joy and Gratitude in Celebrations
18:37 Enhancing Life Satisfaction Through Celebrations
Takeaways
- Celebrations are essential for emotional well-being.
- Creating good memories is a key reason to celebrate.
- Celebrations positively influence others and strengthen relationships.
- Milestone markers in life provide purpose and meaning.
- Joy is a lasting state of being, not just an emotion.
- Celebrations nurture gratitude and appreciation for life.
- Small celebrations contribute to a greater sense of joy.
- Life's ups and downs are balanced by celebrations.
- Celebrating together fosters a sense of community.
- Memories from celebrations become a legacy we carry.
Keywords: celebrations, emotional well-being, memories, joy, milestones, relationships, gratitude, life events, yoga, community
RESOURCES
2025 Yoga Teacher Training with Sandy:
New! Online 200-hour Foundational Yoga Teacher Training
New! Online 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training
www.sandyraper.com
Contact Sandy
Join the Beyond Yoga Teacher Training Newsletter List
Order Sandy's new book:
Teaching From the Heart: Lessons on Developing Character, Confidence, and Leadership as a Yoga Teacher
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Missing episodes?
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Welcome to Episode 163: "Stop Trying So Hard to Be a Yoga Teacher" with Host Sandy Raper.
In this episode, Sandy discusses the common pitfall of overthinking the concept of being a yoga teacher and the importance of embracing authenticity.
HIGHLIGHTS & TAKEAWAYS:
07:45 Embracing Authenticity and Letting Go of Perfection
10:13 Simplifying and Trusting Your Training
12:54 Developing Intuitive Teaching Skills
16:13 Embracing Imperfection and Being Present
18:19 The Teachings of Yoga Come from a Greater Source
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
www.sandyraper.com
Contact Sandy
Join the Beyond Yoga Teacher Training Newsletter List
Order Sandy's new book:
Teaching From the Heart: Lessons on Developing Character, Confidence, and Leadership as a Yoga Teacher
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Welcome to Episode 162: "Feeling Caught Up vs. Being Caught Up" with Host Sandy Raper. In this episode, Sandy reflects on the concept of feeling caught up versus being caught up. Sandy provides strategies for finding balance between the two states and emphasizes the importance of holistic well-being and the practice of yoga in managing responsibilities.
Feeling caught up brings a sense of control, satisfaction, and relaxation. Being caught up can lead to stress, overwhelm, and burnout. Prioritize time management and develop keystone habits to maintain balance. Practice mindfulness to prevent feelings of being caught up from escalating into overwhelm. Recognize signs of stress and adjust priorities to create space and reduce unnecessary stress. Focus on incremental progress and reflection rather than striving for perfection. Take a holistic approach to managing responsibilities while maintaining personal well-being. The practice of yoga provides tools for managing responsibilities and finding balance.Episode Reference:
Episode 76: "5 Keystone Habits for Yoga Teachers"
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
www.sandyraper.com
Contact Sandy
Join the Beyond Yoga Teacher Training Newsletter List
Order Sandy's new book:
Teaching From the Heart: Lessons on Developing Character, Confidence, and Leadership as a Yoga Teacher
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Welcome to Episode 161: 'Not All Yoga Teacher Trainings Are Created Equal" REWIND Episode. In this episode, Host Sandy Raper revisits, or rewinds the show to 2023, sharing Episode 122, one of the B.Y.T.T. Podcast's Top 10 Rankings.
Episode Highlights:
Investing in a yoga teacher training program requires time, financial resources, and energy. Research and educate yourself to make an informed decision. Not all yoga teacher trainings are the same, even if they follow Yoga Alliance's guidelines. Consider the depth of content and teaching approach when choosing a training. The training experience is crucial for building a solid foundation and equipping yourself with the necessary tools to become a yoga teacher.ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
www.sandyraper.com
Contact Sandy
Join the Beyond Yoga Teacher Training Newsletter List
Order Sandy's new book:
Teaching From the Heart: Lessons on Developing Character, Confidence, and Leadership as a Yoga Teacher
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Welcome to Episode 160: Beware: The Allure of Chasing Credentials
In this episode, Sandy discusses the allure of chasing credentials in the yoga teaching world. She highlights the downsides of constantly seeking certifications, such as financial strain and burnout.
Takeaways:
- Constantly seeking new certifications can lead to financial strain and burnout.
- Practical experience and application are crucial for building confidence and developing a personal teaching style.
- Assess your current skills and set practical goals for your teaching practice.
- Follow your passions in self-study and learning to expand your teaching opportunities.
- Find a balance between acquiring new credentials and applying existing knowledge.
Resources:
www.sandyraper.com
Contact Sandy
Join the Beyond Yoga Teacher Training Newsletter List
Order Sandy's new book:
Teaching From the Heart: Lessons on Developing Character, Confidence, and Leadership as a Yoga Teacher
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Welcome to Episode 159: Heart & Soul: The Vital Role of Emotional Intelligence in Yoga
In this episode, Host Sandy Raper discusses the importance of emotional intelligence (EI) and its connection to the practice of yoga. She breaks down the five components of EI: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Sandy emphasizes the significance of actively listening and understanding emotions, both in oneself and in others.
Episode Highlights:
11:21: Introduction to Emotional Intelligence in Yoga
13:27: The Five Components of Emotional Intelligence
21:07: Accountability and Living from the Inside Out
25:23: Empathy and Compassion
30:10: Social Skills and Effective Communication
33:28 Active Listening and Constructive Conflict Resolution
37:12 Emotional Intelligence and Effective Decision Making
RESOURCES
www.sandyraper.com
Join the Beyond Yoga Teacher Training Newsletter List
Order Sandy's new book:
Teaching From the Heart: Lessons on Developing Character, Confidence, and Leadership as a Yoga Teacher
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Welcome to Episode 158: "The Quiet Revolution: Gentle is the New Advanced" with Special Guest J. Brown and Host Sandy Raper.
Highlights:
- Concept of a quiet revolution in yoga practice and the challenges of teaching a more mindful approach.
- The concept of 'gentle is the new advanced' challenges traditional notions of yoga practice.
- The distinction between teaching an experience and teaching individuals how to practice.
- The complexity of humanity and the diverse experiences that individuals bring to a yoga class, emphasizing the role of yoga in providing a space for connection and growth.
Connect with J. Brown: www.jbrownyoga.com
www.sandyraper.comJoin the Beyond Yoga Teacher Training Newsletter List
Order Sandy's new book:
Teaching From the Heart: Lessons on Developing Character, Confidence, and Leadership as a Yoga Teacher
Interested in training with Sandy? Check out her courses and teacher training.
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Welcome to Episode 157: "Closing Doors and Making Space for Thriving" with Special Guest and Mentee Austeen Heeney
In this conversation, Sandy and Austeen discuss their journey as yoga teachers and the evolving nature of their 'why'. Their conversation explores the important balance between the roles of being a student and a yoga teacher, as well as the impact of mentorship in these roles.
Austeen reflects on the obstacles she faced as an entrepreneur and studio owner, including learning about business, overcoming limiting beliefs around money, and navigating difficult conversations. Despite these challenges, she found moments of thriving and growth.
03:24: Balancing the Roles of Student and Teacher
10:33: The Journey from Student to Teacher
28:46: Closing Doors and Making Space for Thriving
32:21: The Power of Mentorship in the Yoga Teaching Journey
35:00: Developing Trust Within Oneself
47:08: Creating an Inner Sanctuary Through Movement Practices and Workshops
www.sandyraper.com
Order Sandy's new book! Teaching From the Heart: Lessons on Developing Character, Confidence, and Leadership as a Yoga Teacher
Interested in training with Sandy to become a yoga teacher?
Join the Beyond Yoga Teacher Training Newsletter List
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Welcome to Episode 156: "Authenticity Building Community" with Special Guest Kat Harmon.
As a part of a collection of special guest episodes to celebrate the recent debut of Host Sandy Raper's new book, Teaching From the Heart: Lessons on Developing Character, Confidence, and Leadership as a Yoga Teacher, Sandy welcomes guest, Kat Harmon, to the BYTT Podcast.
Kat Harmon is the visionary behind the empowering brand "Love the Shit out of Yourself" and the driving force behind Sol Harmony Fest, a transformative 3-day holistic healing arts festival. She infuses her yoga and embodiment practices with a passion for self-love and self-awareness. Kat utilizes awareness and nervous system support to help individuals rewrite self-defeating patterns and shed outdated defense mechanisms, allowing them to reconnect with their most authentic selves. Over her extensive 20+ years of teaching, Kat's approach emphasizes laughter and thinking outside the box, fostering deep connections and personal growth.
Connect with Kat Harmon: www.lovetheshitoutofyourself.com
Episode Highlights:
03:19: The Journey of Building Community
04:20: Finding Your Path as a Yoga Teacher
09:22: Empowering Teachers to Be Themselves
10:58: Being Curious and Meeting People Where They Are
12:19: The Humanity and Relational Aspect of Teaching
13:09: Service and Connection as Driving Forces
14:25: Avoiding Replication and Ego-Driven Community Building
20:57: Encouraging Students to Build Community
22:12: Embracing the Unfolding Process
23:20: Overcoming Limitations and Attachment to Outcomes
25:27: Expanding Community and Balancing Ego
28:24: Building Community with Authenticity and Joy
33:03: Expanding Community Offerings
www.sandyraper.com
Order Sandy's new book! Teaching From the Heart: Lessons on Developing Character, Confidence, and Leadership as a Yoga Teacher
Interested in training with Sandy to become a yoga teacher?
Join the Beyond Yoga Teacher Training Newsletter List
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Welcome to Episode 155: "Moving Away from Pose-Focused Teaching" with Special Guest Mary Richards
As a part of a collection of special guest episodes to celebrate the recent debut of Host Sandy Raper's new book, Teaching From the Heart: Lessons on Developing Character, Confidence, and Leadership as a Yoga Teacher, Sandy welcomes guest, Mary Richards, back to the BYTT Podcast.
Check out Mary's past episode on the BYTT Podcast:
Episode 51: Organizing into Expansion with Mary Richards
Connect with Mary Richards: www.yogawithmaryrichards.com
Book: Teach People, Not Poses by Mary Richards
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
01:58: Inspiration Behind the Book: Teaching People, Not Poses
03:02: Chapter 1: Yoga Curious
08:0:6 Becoming Yoga Ready
23:24: Moving Away from Rigidity and Routine in Teaching
28:07: The Courage and Willingness to See Individual Expressions
29:11: Encouraging Individuality in Yoga Practice
31:47: Discovering Personal Expression in Asana
33:49: Changing the Narrative as Yoga Teachers
34:57: Shifting from Predictability to Curiosity
39:09: Recognizing Structure and Form in Asana
39:58: Anatomy as a Tool for Empowering Students
42:03: The Need for Functional Movement in Yoga
44:35: The Purpose of Asana and the Role of the Teacher
RESOURCES
www.sandyraper.com
Order Sandy's new book! Teaching From the Heart: Lessons on Developing Character, Confidence, and Leadership as a Yoga Teacher
Interested in training with Sandy to become a yoga teacher?
Join the Beyond Yoga Teacher Training Newsletter List
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Welcome to Episode 154: "From Grief to Growth: Embracing Change and Unveiling a Beautiful Story" with Host Sandy Raper.
In this special episode, Sandy announces the release of her first book, Teaching from the Heart: Lessons on Developing Character, Confidence, and Leadership as a Yoga Teacher.
Episode Highlights:
- Insight into the journey of writing the Teaching From the Heart and the importance of trusting the process and seeking support from others along the way.
- Sandy expresses gratitude towards influential teachers and mentors who have guided her in the book writing process.
- Sandy emphasizes that the lessons in the book apply to all, not just yoga teachers, as yoga is a life practice.
Now Available!
Teaching From the Heart: Lessons on Developing Character, Confidence, and Leadership as a Yoga Teacher
RESOURCES:
www.sandyraper.com
Join the Beyond Yoga Teacher Training Bi-weekly Newsletter
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Welcome to Episode 153: Teaching Students How to Be Students with Host, Sandy Raper.
In this episode, Sandy shares insights through three specific lenses, understanding the importance of equipping and teaching students how to be students.
Episode Marker Highlights:
04:17 - Prepare to Teach: Students of the Practice
09:03 - Enhance Understanding: Three Lenses for Teachers
13:03 - Create a Supportive and Inclusive Experience
18:47 - The Importance of Learning Anatomy and Physiology
19:31 - Understand Human Design and Yoga Practice
21:44 - Inspire Lifelong Learning
22:43 - Explore Different Styles and Deepening Practice
23:39 - Remain an Ongoing Student
24:46 - Teach Yoga as a Transformative Journey
RESOURCES:
www.sandyraper.com
Pre-order Sandy's new book, Teaching From the Heart: Lessons on Developing Character, Confidence, and Leadership as a Yoga Teacher
Interested in training with Sandy to become a yoga teacher?
Join the Beyond Yoga Teacher Training Newsletter List
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Welcome to Episode 152: "Slow Down: Give Students Time to Do What You're Cueing" with Host Sandy Raper.
In this episode, Sandy shares insight into how setting the "right" tempo significantly impacts the type of experience students will have in class.
Episode Highlights:
- The crucial role of setting the right pace to support achieving the flow state of being in a yoga class.
- How the teacher sets and sustains the tone and tempo of the class experience.
- The importance of developing trust within the context of tempo, rhythm, and pace in which teachers lead yoga class sequences.
- Three considerations when setting the rhythm and tempo of a yoga class.
- How to create an environment that supports students in finding balance, focus, and presence on their yoga mat without rushing through the practice.
RESOURCES:
New! Hybrid 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training
Join the Hybrid 200-hour YTT WAITLIST
Sign up for the Beyond Yoga Teacher Training Newsletter
Practice with Sandy
Check out the BYTT Blog
New Book! Releasing April 23rd
Teaching From the Heart: Lessons on Developing Character, Confidence, and Leadership as a Yoga Teacher
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Welcome to Episode 151: "Spice Up Your Yoga Practice" with Host Sandy Raper. In this episode, Sandy shares insight about the importance of variety with a "cross-training" approach towards your yoga practice.
Episode Highlights:
- Two main needs for long-term fulfillment and satisfaction in life.
- Exploring the concept of novelty and the importance of variety within your yoga practice.
- Unrest: what it is and how variety supports your ability to move from feeling unsettled in your yoga practice and life.
- How variety cultivates lifelong learning.
- Four key factors for implementing variety within your yoga practice.
- How yoga teachers can infuse variety within their class sequences.
Episode Reference:
Episode 76: 5 Keystone Habits for a Yoga Teacher
RESOURCES:
Coming August 2024! Get on the Hybrid Yoga Teacher Training Waitlist to learn more
Sign up for the Beyond Yoga Teacher Training Newsletter
Practice with Sandy
Check out the BYTT Blog
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Welcome to Episode 150: Strategies for Enhancing Sequence Recall for Yoga Teachers with Host Sandy Raper. In this episode, Sandy equips you with three specific strategies that will enhance your memory and recall function to craft confidence to lead and teach impactful yoga class experiences.
Episode Highlights:
- Three strategies for simplifying the recall process of yoga sequence plans.
- How the "chunk" technique brings ease to recall.
- Using active recall learning to enhance your retrieval of yoga posture sequences.
- The difference between memorization and retrieval of stored information.
- Understanding your unique learning style to enhance recall and long-term memory.
RESOURCES
Sign up for the Beyond Yoga Teacher Training Newsletter
Practice with Sandy
Check out the BYTT Blog
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Welcome to Episode 149: "How Anatomical Knowledge Creates Invisible Confidence for Yoga Teachers" with Host Sandy Raper. In this episode, Sandy shares insight into how anatomical knowledge supports students and yoga teachers
Episode Highlights:
- Three areas where anatomical knowledge impacts the development of 'invisible' confidence.
- How informed decision-making provides a level of assurance through anatomical knowledge.
- How anatomical knowledge fosters a trusting and supportive learning environment.
- How invisible confidence through anatomical knowledge enhances communication.
Resources:
Sign up for the B.Y.T.T. Newsletter
Latest Blog: Balancing Asana: 10 Reasons Why Yoga Teachers Should Learn Anatomy
The B.Y.T.T. YouTube Channel
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Welcome to Episode 148: "Exercising Restraint in Sequencing Yoga Classes" with Host Sandy Raper. In this episode, Sandy, speaks to the vital aspect of sequencing and using restraint in organizing class sequences to reflect simplicity and symmetry.
Episode Highlights:
- Defining 'restraint' and a different perspective for organizing yoga class sequences.
- How restraint offers freedom for students and yoga teachers.
- Specific ways that restraint applies to preparing and organizing yoga postures within the context of simplicity and symmetry.
- Balanced symmetry and the benefits of practicing yoga poses within this approach to sequencing.
RESOURCES:
www.sandyraper.com
Latest Blog Post
Beyond Yoga Teacher Training YouTube Channel
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Welcome to Episode 147: "Making Progress in the Process" with Host Sandy Raper. In this episode, Sandy expands on creating a growth and development plan and the ongoing planning that requires "trusting the process".
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
- The meaning and impact of "trusting the process".
- How to make progress in the process of making appropriate choices.
- Mindset and trusting the process.
- How to trust the process even when it's hard.
- A wonderful planning resource to support you in your growth and development process.
- Episode 98: "Mindset Matters" Reference in today's episode
RESOURCES:
NEW! Mentorship Plans available
NEW! Ultimate Growth & Development Planner for Yoga Teachers
Limited time $10 promo code
Get the Ultimate Growth & Development Planner FREE when you schedule a Customized Growth Strategy Session with Sandy
NEW! Online 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Sandy
FREE WEBINAR: 5 Must-Haves for a Successful Teacher Training
Join the BYTT Email list
KEY Cueing™ Course
Sign up to receive The FREE Essential Guide for Effective Cueing
Beyond Yoga Teacher Training YouTube Channel
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Welcome to Episode 146: "Plan and Planning: Why You Need Both" with Host Sandy Raper. In this episode, Sandy shares insight into the importance of creating a plan and the impact of intentional planning to achieve the desired growth and development you seek as a yoga teacher and student.
Episode Highlights:
- The biggest fear with making decisions.
- The difference between having a plan and planning.
- How planning is an integral piece of your overall growth and development plan.
- 4 Distinct Aspects of Planning
- How to Make Progress in the Process of Planning
- 3 Qualities of Intentional Planning
- An important distinction of the aspect of planning.
Greatness Clips Podcast mentioned in today's episode.
RESOURCES:
NEW! Mentorship Plans available
NEW! Ultimate Growth & Development Planner for Yoga Teachers
Limited time $10 promo code
NEW! Online 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Sandy
FREE WEBINAR: 5 Must-Haves for a Successful Teacher Training
Join the BYTT Email list
KEY Cueing™ Course
Sign up to receive The FREE Essential Guide for Effective Cueing
Beyond Yoga Teacher Training YouTube Channel
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