What happens when you are the teacher… but still feel like an outsider in your own practice?

In Part 2 of this conversation, Ula and Brea get even more real. From being injured students in rigid classes, to struggling with the pressure to look a certain way on Instagram, this is a no-filter conversation on the systems, expectations, and social media traps that shape modern yoga.

We talk about:

• Why being a flexible, able-bodied white woman shouldn’t be a yoga marketing strategy
• The myth of the “perfect teacher” and the yoga voice we all faked at some point
• How social media algorithms can undermine empathy and authenticity
• Why building inclusive, values-led yoga spaces matters now more than ever
• The burnout of the weekly class grind—and how to build a sustainable teaching path

🎧 If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t “yogi” enough, or that something in modern yoga just feels… off—you’re not alone. And you’re not wrong to question it.

💡 Want to build a teaching life that’s aligned with your values—not the algorithm?

Learn more about our Inspire Mentorship and our 200hr / 300hr Teacher Training:

Yoga Teacher Mentorship Program with Brea

Heart + Bones Yoga Teacher Training (200hr / 300hr)

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If you’ve ever taught a class and thought, “What am I even doing?” — you’re not alone.

In our first episode together, Ula and Brea share their real, raw, and often hilarious stories from their early days of teaching yoga. From bringing a notebook to class to being completely unprepared for students with injuries, we’ve been there.

This is the behind-the-scenes mentorship talk we wish we had when we started.

We also explore how yoga in the West often misses the deeper teachings—and what it really means to create an inclusive class, one that supports all bodies, not just the flexible few.

👉 If you’re a new teacher, a seasoned one rethinking your approach, or just yoga-curious, you’ll feel seen in this one.

💡 Want support becoming the kind of teacher you want to be?

Check out our Inspire Mentorship and our 200hr / 300hr Yoga Teacher Trainings:

Yoga Teacher Mentorship Program with Brea

Yoga Teacher Training with Brea and Heart and Bones Yoga

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code:

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In your teacher training you learn so many different aspects of yoga but rarely do we talk about the things that actually make a good yoga teacher. This informative lesson will share the five most important aspects of being an effective and confident yoga teacher. You won't learn this in (most) teacher trainings and quite often will learn it the hard way so I'm here to give you a shortcut and help you be the best teacher you can be!

Looking for weekly inspiration and deeper yoga + movement knowledge? Whether you are a yoga teacher or student, Brea’s email is written to help you learn, grow, and connect with community: https://heartandbonesyoga.outgrow.us/General_list_Sign-Up

STUDY WITH HEART + BONES 🎓 200/300 Hour Online Teacher Training: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/

10 Hour Online Applied Anatomy for Yoga: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/essential-course-curious-people/

Want to watch the video? Find Brea on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PCuziHlrXAU?si=e_n_wDzsyasP3JDV

In this episode of the Yoga Teacher Hotline, Brea answers three submitted questions from yoga instructors:

1. Handling Students Who Deviate in Class: What should you do when a student consistently does their own thing during your class?
2. Responding to Medical and Health Inquiries: How can you address situations when students seek medical or health advice beyond your training?
3. Using Anatomical Language Confidently: How can you incorporate anatomical terms in your teaching without feeling unsure or distancing your students?

☎️ Submit your questions for Brea here : https://heartandbonesyoga.outgrow.us/yogateacherhotline

STUDY WITH HEART + BONES 🎓 200/300 Hour Online Teacher Training: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/modern-yogi-certification-course/

📕 10 Hour Online Applied Anatomy for Yoga: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/courses/essential-course-curious-people/

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Want to try out the online yoga studio? Get 1-month for $1 by using this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

Start Here: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/membership/

Say hi on social and follow for more tips and tutorials: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heartandbonesyoga/ https://www.tiktok.com/@heartandbonesyoga

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@heartandbonesyoga

What if strength training could transform not just your body, but your entire approach to life? Dr. Marcia, a physical therapist and powerlifting strong woman, shares her empowering journey on the Heart and Bones podcast. She challenges conventional views on fitness, revealing how strength training benefits everyone, including those with chronic illness and disabilities.

Dr. Marcia redefines strength training beyond traditional weightlifting, emphasizing that it can take many forms—from resistance bands to bodyweight exercises. "Strength training can mean anything... It's about what challenges you and helps you grow," she says. She also addresses common fears, like the myth of getting bulky, and highlights the functional benefits that enhance everyday life.

Marcia and Brea Johnson discuss the critical role of self-awareness and intuition in navigating fitness and healthcare. They encourage listeners to question societal narratives and prioritize their well-being. "Anyone you see for your health is being invited to share your journey. You have the right to ask questions and make decisions that feel right for you," Dr. Marcia emphasizes.

This conversation is a call to embrace your unique fitness journey, break free from limiting beliefs, and find strength in your own way.

About Dr. Marcia Darbouze

Dr. Marcia (she/they) is a doctor of physical therapy, Black spoonie, and powerlifting strongwoman. She is the owner of @MovewithMarcia which provides both free and affordable resources to help people move better through mobility exercises and yoga. Marcia also co-hosts the @DisabledGirlsWhoLift podcast. Find their links and more at DoctorMarcia.com.

PRACTICE WITH DR. MARCIA AT HEART + BONES

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:03 Dr. Marcia's Background and Experience

05:08 Dr. Marcia's Personal Experience with Strength Training

09:00 Managing Strength Training with Chronic Illness and Disability 13:30 Understanding Spoon Theory

18:22 The Importance of Strength Training in Physical Therapy

26:57 Resistance to Strength Training and Cultural Narratives

29:54 Setting the Vibe: The Importance of Strength Training and Movement

31:45 Challenging Societal Narratives and Limitations in Fitness

32:24 Recognizing the Physical Demands of Everyday Life

35:11 Navigating the Influence of Capitalism and Social Systems

36:05 Embracing Individualized Approaches to Fitness

37:30 Prioritizing Well-being and Autonomy in Movement and Fitness

What if yoga could build strength in ways you never imagined? Jules Mitchell, an expert in yoga biomechanics, explains that yoga involves both strength and flexibility, emphasizing the importance of the nervous system's role in strength development. Strength is not just about muscle size but also about coordination and motor unit recruitment. Yoga enhances body awareness and coordination, complementing traditional strength training. Flexibility and mobility are distinct, with mobility being more functional for specific tasks. Integrating yoga with strength training leads to a balanced and holistic approach to fitness and well-being. Yoga practitioners should embrace its diverse benefits, while yoga teachers should educate students holistically and foster inclusivity.

About Jules Mitchell

Jules Mitchell leads advanced continuing education programs in biomechanics for intellectually fearless yoga teachers. She helps them integrate principles of exercise science and applications of pain science into their classes. Jules is the author of Yoga Biomechanics: Stretching Redefined, a unique, evidence-based exploration into the complexities of tissue mechanics and the human body’s resilience and adaptability. She leads workshops and courses online and worldwide, runs a popular 300 hour yoga teacher training, frequently serves as guest faculty, and hosts a comprehensive mentoring program to support teachers in both education and business. Her passion is bringing the most useful and applicable research-based concepts into the yoga community, even when it invokes a discerning analysis of popular opinions. Jules lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her cat Pitbull.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julesyoga/

Website: https://www.julesmitchell.com/

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Context

02:28 Defining Strength and its Adaptations

11:07 Strength in Yoga: Challenging Binary Thinking

13:49 Inclusivity and Individual Needs in Strength Development

23:59 Taking a Holistic Approach to Strength in Yoga

24:54 The Nuanced Approach to Strength in Yoga

25:39 Navigating the Influence of Marketing and Capitalism

29:52 Embracing Curiosity, Uncertainty, and Self-Awareness

40:34 Selling Yoga Classes with Authenticity and Education

47:12 Moving Away from Rigid Guidelines in Strength

Strength goes beyond the physical in yoga, encompassing mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. In this episode, Brea Johnson chats with Tejal Patel, a first-generation Indian American yoga teacher, writer, podcaster, and community organizer, about redefining strength through yoga. Tejal shares her insights on how yoga's deeper teachings can help us cultivate inner strength, resilience, and holistic well-being.

Tejal explains that true strength in yoga is not just about physical prowess but about handling life’s challenges with grace and compassion. They discuss the cultural influences on modern yoga practices in the West and the importance of reclaiming yoga's authentic roots. Tejal highlights the need for inclusivity and the value of trauma-informed and decolonized yoga practices.

The conversation is filled with powerful reflections on how to integrate yoga philosophy into daily life and the significance of inner experience over external appearance. Tejal offers practical tips for those looking to deepen their yoga practice, emphasizing the importance of restorative yoga and studying foundational texts like the Yoga Sutras.

About Tejal Patel

Tejal Patel (She/They) is a first-generation Indian American yoga teacher, writer, podcaster, and community organizer. She advocates for holistic yoga through a social justice lens, aiming to educate and activate students for collective action. Tejal is the founder of Tejal Yoga Studio, a South Asian teacher-led community focused on social justice and authentic spiritual practices. She's also a co-host of the Yoga is Dead podcast, known for sparking critical conversations about wellness, power, and privilege. Tejal’s insightful teachings and compassionate approach make her a favourite in our online studio.

Website: www.tejalyoga.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tejalyoga

PRACTICE WITH HEART + BONES

Enjoy an entire month in the Heart + Bones online yoga studio for just $1 with this coupon code: PODCASTMONTH

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Follow Brea on Instagram for tips and inspiration.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Meaning of Strength in Yoga

10:27 The Influence of Cultural Conditioning on Strength

14:08 Preserving the Original Teachings of Yoga

15:50 Unacknowledged Origins: Bro Science and Assimilation in Yoga

22:54 The Bias Towards White Men in Yoga Authority

26:09 Coexistence, Collaboration, and Appreciation in the Yoga Community

28:40 Decolonizing Yoga: Finding Holistic Approaches

34:44 Exploring Different Notions of Strength in Yoga

40:12 No Effort is Wasted: The Spiritual Path of Yoga