Conversations for Yoga Teachers

Karen Fabian

Lessons, stories and interviews designed to help you feel more confident as a yoga teacher.

Music used with artist permission: https://johnbartmann.com/faq

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#427
Monday · 49 min
Six Essentials For Teaching Yoga (EP.427)
Feeling confident and like teaching yoga is easy and natural isn't about trying to control everything that happens in your classes. But often, teachers try to do that because they think some things are theirs to control when they’re really not. In this episode, I'm sharing 6 essentials that can help you become a more confident, intentional yoga teacher while letting go of the worry and pressure around the things you can't control. We'll talk about creating a signature sequence, understanding the cues you share, learning the essentials of anatomy, adopting a walk-and-talk teaching style, shifting from attachment to agency, and finding a grounded approach to yoga philosophy. You'll also discover how to focus your energy on what matters most: understanding what you're teaching, knowing why you're teaching it, and taking responsibility for your own growth as a teacher. Resources mentioned in this episode are: https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/ten-steps-to-learning-anatomy https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/how-to-create-a-signature-sequence https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/how-to-do-the-walk-and-talk https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/how-to-share-clear-yoga-cues https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator
#426
October 12 · 42 min
My Yoga Students Can’t Do That; Or Can They? (EP.426)
“I don’t teach that in my classes because my students can’t do it.” I hear teachers say this all the time. But how do you actually know what people can and can’t do? In this episode, I take a deeper look at the assumptions that can sit behind this belief—from our own experiences and limitations, to assumptions about older, newer, or deconditioned students, to things we’ve simply been told by other teachers. We’ll also look at the fear that offering a challenging movement might somehow put our students at risk, and how our attachment to having students “do it right” can actually get in the way of teaching objectively. Using High-to-low push-up as an example, you’ll discover why understanding anatomy changes the way you teach. When you understand what a movement is asking the body to do, you can observe what’s actually happening, offer modifications and useful cues, and help students develop the strength and skill they need to progress. Because sometimes, when we decide a student “can’t do it,” we’re actually denying them the opportunity to discover what they can do. And this is one of the reasons learning anatomy is so important for yoga teachers. It’s not about memorizing muscles and bones, it’s more about filling in the knowledge gaps so that you can trust what you teach. You’ll hear more about this in the episode and here it is: Download my free guide, 10 Key Steps to Learning Anatomy: https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/ten-steps-to-learning-anatomy Here’s the link to the Accelerator Program, where I’ll show you how to use the blueprint to learn anatomy: https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator
#425
October 5 · 44 min
Teaching Yoga Beyond How You Were Taught (EP.425)
What happens when the way you want to teach is different from the way you were trained to teach? In this episode, I’m exploring the tension between following the script and actually responding to the people in front of you. We’ll use Child’s Pose as a case study: a pose we’re often told is restful and accessible, yet one that can be surprisingly uncomfortable for many people. What happens when teachers can see that discomfort but don’t have the anatomical understanding or tools to know what to do about it? This is a conversation about moving beyond memorized cues, learning to observe what’s actually happening, and developing the confidence to teach from understanding rather than simply repeating what we were taught. Here is a video on social media that I created that partners with this episode: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dd9oYV0PM46/ Here is the link to the Accelerator Program: https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator
#424
September 28 · 39 min
How To Trust Your Cues (EP.424)
Have you ever given a cue in class and wondered, “What does this really mean?" Many yoga teachers learn cues by hearing them in teacher training, taking classes or watching other teachers. But when you don’t understand the WHY behind a cue, it can be hard to trust what you’re saying—or know what to do when a student is out of alignment. In this episode, I’ll walk you through a simple framework for creating cues from an understanding of anatomy rather than relying on memorization. We’ll look at how to start with the pose, identify the major joint movements, determine which muscles are creating those movements and then turn that understanding into something you can actually say to your students. I’ll also share my 3 action cues + 1 anatomy cue approach and explain why I always say, “Say the cue, see what they do.” Because the goal isn’t to memorize more cues. It’s to understand the WHY behind what you say so you can adjust, reframe and teach in your own voice. That’s how you begin to trust your cues—and trust what you teach. Here’s the video I referred to in the episode: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdozrvOMQC2/ Here is the link to the Yoga Anatomy Accelerator. You get a $50 discount for being a podcast listener ( let me know you’re ready to enroll and I’ll share the code) https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator Here’s the link to the 90 day coaching program: https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/blueprint-learning-program
#423
September 21 · 37 min
How To Trust Yourself When You Feel Nervous Teaching Yoga (EP.423)
Have you ever walked into teach your class, started teaching and something triggered you to feel nervous or anxious? In this episode, we’ll talk about why this can happen even after you’ve completed your 200-hour teacher training and feel like you “should” be getting it by now. I’ll share how overcomplicated sequences, complex cues and the pressure to please or take care of your students can make teaching feel harder than it needs to be. You’ll learn simple strategies to help you stay grounded, including using a signature sequence, simplifying your cueing with action cues, and what to do in the moment when anxiety starts to take over. The other piece of the episode that will really shift your perspective is the section on mindset. The mindset you have about your role as a teacher, especially as it relates to you and the people in your class, is a huge part of how you feel when you teach This rarely gets discussed in teacher training and that’s why so many teachers end up feeling nervous when they teach. Trusting yourself as a yoga teacher doesn’t mean you’ll never feel nervous. It means having a clear approach you can rely on when you do. Here’s a download on how to create a Signature Sequence: https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/how-to-create-a-signature-sequence And if you’re looking to get support to pull this all together, here’s how we can work on it together: https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator
#422
September 14 · 23 min
A Simple Framework For Building A Yoga Sequence (EP.422)
How can anatomy actually help you build a yoga sequence? In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a recent hip-focused Movement Lab and share the simple framework I used to create a 30-minute sequence leading to Half Pigeon. You’ll learn how starting with an objective, creating the structure of your class, and using movement to guide your pose choices can make sequencing feel simpler and more intentional. I’ll also show you how understanding the anatomy behind your sequence can help you create clearer, more effective cues. Links: https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/how-to-build-a-yoga-sequence-lead-page https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator
#421
September 7 · 1 hr
7 Yoga Class Scenarios And How To Address Them (EP.421)
When you went to teacher training, how much “real life” support did you get around scenarios that come up when you’re teaching? If you’re like a lot of teachers I talk with, you didn’t get much. Now that you’re teaching weekly classes, you might feel like every class there’s a new situation that comes up where you’re not exactly sure how to handle it. In today’s episode, I cover 7 scenarios that arise and an approach to each. The conversation covers both the technical aspects of teaching, meaning cues and sequences, the anatomical aspect of teaching, meaning how you apply anatomy to movement as well as the mindset piece that can impact how you feel when you teach. As you listen, you’ll hear me refer to The Yoga Anatomy Accelerator. If you’re curious to find out more, here’s the link: https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator If you have questions or are wondering if it’s a good fit for you, just reach out to me in my Instagram DM’s and let’s talk.
#420
August 31 · 37 min
September Reset: Simple Themes For More Confident Teaching This Fall (EP.420)
As we head into the fall, there’s a natural shift in energy, People get back to work, their regular schedules and children return to school. With that shift, we as yoga teachers can leverage this shift and speak to it in our classes to match how students are feeling. This can be a fun experiment and exercise in bringing in a theme to your class and also giving yourself a chance to speak to a theme that’s outside the technical aspect of teaching. In this episode, you’ll discover a way to approach your classes this fall that allows you to feel in control and calm and to have an approach that helps you build confidence. You’ll learn how to bring in simple movement based themes and a short exercise you can do after your class to track how you’re feeling- in an objective way. At the end of the episode, I speak about a new opportunity for you called, “September Sessions.” This is a series of 4 live teaching labs I’ve added for just the month of September for teachers inside my program, The Yoga Anatomy Accelerator. It’s designed to help you learn in real time how to apply anatomy to movement. All the details and dates of the live sessions are on the program page which you can see here: https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator If you have questions, just send me a DM on Instagram.
#419
August 25 · 10 min
A Real Time Announcement For Listeners Of The Pod (EP.419)
If you've been following my Anatomy Breakdown videos on social media this summer and loving the format and content, this short bonus episode is for you. I'm sharing why those videos inspired something new I'm launching this September (2026)—and why learning how to think through movement is far more valuable than memorizing anatomy or repeating cues. In this special announcement episode, I’m sharing a new way for you to up level your confidence- it’s called September Sessions, a new series of Live Teaching Labs designed to help you learn how to apply anatomy to movement without having to memorize anatomy or feel like you’re just repeating what you were told in teacher training. You can discover the exciting details in the episode and of course, you’ll need the link to the Yoga Anatomy Accelerator which you can find here: https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator
#418
August 24 · 42 min
Five Changes That Happen When You Truly Understand movement (EP.418)
In a number of episodes, I speak about the anatomy and how to apply it to your teaching. But in today’s episode, I take it up a notch and talk about once you’re the kind of teacher who truly understands not just the anatomy but how to apply it to movement, what’s the transformation? By this I mean what kind of transformation do you experience? This is the kind of episode that’s meant to inspire; to help you see what’s possible for you and to take you from the day to day teaching of classes, to the broader vision that describes the teacher you really want to be. In this episode, I share a Listener Appreciation Bonus. This is something that’s only available to listeners of the pod. Once you get to it, you’ll need these two links: https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/blueprint-learning-program
#417
August 17 · 26 min
What This Summer Taught Me: Lessons For Yoga Teachers (EP.417)
As summer comes to a close, I found myself reflecting on the episodes I shared this summer, conversations I had with teachers and what’s coming up in the fall. The fall is always a busy time and for yoga teachers, you’ll find busier classes and more beginners. In today’s show, I share a few lessons I learned by really listening to the teachers who reached out, emailed or commented on my social media and I share these lessons with you in this episode. As you listen, see which ones resonate and what you might add that’s a lesson you learned from teaching this summer. As always, I love to hear from you so drop me a line and share any thoughts you have. Links: The Yoga Anatomy Blueprint Learning Program https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/blueprint-learning-program The Yoga Anatomy Accelerator https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator
#416
August 10 · 33 min
How To Cut The Overwhelm With Learning Anatomy (EP.416)
I hear from so many teachers that they feel overwhelmed learning anatomy. This leads to a host of problems like the teacher feeling like there’s something wrong with them because they can’t learn it but also that they aren’t able to feel confident teaching. The reasons behind why so many teachers feel this way have to do in part with how the yoga industry is set up to teach anatomy inside 200 hour trainings. But more importantly and connected to that is the lack of a step by step, proven method is what’s missing. Inside my programs, I have a step by step proven method that has helped teachers all over the world move past this feeling of overwhelm and instead feel confident that they know what they’re doing when they’re teaching. Today’s episode will give you the step by step way to learn anatomy and if you choose to work with me inside one of my two programs, I’ll walk you through it. You also learn about how people learn and the brain science behind it. You’re going to discover some things in this episode that will surprise you. Here are links to the two programs and my e book as well: The Yoga Anatomy Accelerator/ 30-day short program: https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator The Yoga Anatomy Blueprint Learning Program/ 90 day coaching experience https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/blueprint-learning-program The Bare Bones Yoga Guide to Yoga Teaching https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/the-bare-bones-yoga-guide-to-incredible-yoga-teaching
#415
August 3 · 35 min
Bringing Anatomy Themes Into Your Classes (EP.415)
In today’s episode, I share a simple framework for how to bring anatomy themes into your classes. This is a great way to use the Signature Sequence you already know and simply overlay an anatomical theme onto it, to teach your students about movement and lend a bit of a different focus. I also review a recent article about yoga teacher pay and talk about the implications of what was raised for you and how you plan for the work you do as a yoga teacher. You’ll find links to the articles below. Article one: https://www.thesunlightexperience.com/insideyogablog/some-of-us-scrape-the-floors-others-can-afford-the-apartment-a-hard-look-at-yoga-alliances-executive-pay Article two (related): https://yenfeng.substack.com/p/the-half-million-dollar-ceo-salary E book: https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/the-bare-bones-yoga-guide-to-incredible-yoga-teaching How to build a Signature Sequence: https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/how-to-create-a-signature-sequence The Yoga Anatomy Accelerator: https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator The Yoga Anatomy Blueprint Learning Program: https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/blueprint-learning-program The Mindset Method: https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/the-mindset-method
#414
July 27 · 32 min
How To Have Conversations With Students About Injuries (EP.414)
One of the questions that creates the anxiety for yoga teachers is what to do when a student tells you they're injured. Maybe you've asked before class: "Does anyone have any injuries?" If you have, you're definitely not alone. The challenge is that when someone raises their hand, you suddenly have just a few seconds to understand what's going on and decide what to tell them—all while the rest of the class is waiting. That's a lot of pressure. In this week's podcast episode, I share a different approach. First, I walk through some of the most common injuries you're likely to hear about so those terms start to feel more familiar. Then I show you how to shift the conversation away from trying to diagnose an injury and toward something that's much more useful as a yoga teacher: "How does your injury affect your movement?" That simple question changes the conversation. Instead of feeling like you have to know everything about injuries, you can focus on what you do know—movement. As you listen, notice if there are terms that sound unfamiliar or concepts that make you realize, "I never really learned this." If that happens, don't be discouraged. It's one of the biggest anatomy learning gaps I see in yoga teachers, and it's exactly why so many teachers feel unsure of themselves when these conversations come up. I mention how I can help you if learning more about this is important to you: https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/blueprint-learning-program I'd love to know what stands out to you after you listen so drop me a DM and let me know.
#413
July 20 · 57 min
How To Build A Signature Sequence You Can Trust (EP.413)
In this episode, I'm sharing the audio from a live workshop I taught on July 16, 2026 on one of my favorite topics: How to Build a Signature Sequence You Can Trust. If you've ever felt like you need to create a brand new sequence every week or wondered how to build a sequence you can confidently teach without relying on notes, this workshop is for you. I walk through the process you can use to create a Signature Sequence, share how using a Signature Sequence can help you trust what you’re offering and even be able to teach without notes and by walking around, watching your students. Whether you're a new yoga teacher or simply looking to feel more confident teaching your classes, this workshop will not only give you some new things to experiment with in your classes to help you feel more confident, it’ll gently challenge some of the beliefs you have that you might not even realize are holding you back from truly feeling confident when you teach. If you'd like access to the full workshop replay with the video, just send me a DM or email at karen@barebonesyoga.com
#412
July 13 · 32 min
Yoga Pose Transitions To Try In Your Next Class (EP.412)
Looking for a simple way to make your yoga classes feel fresh without creating a brand-new sequence every week? In this episode, I share 6 different transitions (linking poses together) that you can begin incorporating into your classes, along with the cueing and anatomy considerations that make each one effective. From Warrior I to Warrior II and Side Angle to Half Moon to Reclined Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose into a Supine Twist, you'll learn how thoughtful transitions can create a different experience for your students while allowing you to build confidence with a sequence you already know. I also share why making small, intentional changes to a Signature Sequence is a great way to change your Signature Sequence a little bit but not so much that you can’t remember what comes next. At the end, I speak to a specific kind of yoga teacher; one who’s ready to step forward and feel more confident teaching. Once you listen, you’ll need this link to check out: https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator
#411
July 6 · 51 min
Meet Yoga Teacher Lauren Ilacqua (EP.411)
In this episode, I sit down with yoga teacher Lauren Ilacqua to talk about an incredible shift she's experienced over the past few months. After hearing her describe how she went from feeling pressure, dread, and uncertainty before teaching to feeling joyful, present, and deeply connected with the students in her class, I knew I wanted to invite her on the podcast to share it with you In this authentic and honest conversation, Lauren shares the fears she faced early on, what changed along the way, and the specific steps she took and mindset shifts she leveraged that helped her begin trusting herself as a teacher. Along the way, Lauren shares what it felt like to teach from a place of confidence rather than pressure and expectation, and how that transformation has changed her experience in her classes. If you've ever wondered whether you'll feel "ready" to teach or questioned whether you know enough, I think you'll find Lauren's story both relatable and inspiring. And be sure to listen for the powerful question Lauren now asks herself after every class—a simple shift in perspective that has helped her stop worrying about what her students might be thinking and instead focus on the things she can control.
#410
June 29 · 41 min
The “Start Here” Episode (EP.410)
If you're new to this podcast—or you've been listening for a while and want to better understand the philosophy behind what I offer—this is the perfect place to start. In this episode, I answer five foundational questions: Why is anatomy often taught in such a confusing way? Why do so many yoga teachers struggle with confidence? Why did I create Bare Bones Yoga? What makes my approach to teaching anatomy different? And what can you expect if you continue listening to this podcast? Whether you're a new yoga teacher or have been teaching for years, this episode will give you a clear understanding of my mission to make anatomy approachable, practical, and immediately applicable to your teaching. I start our with a bit of background about Yoga Alliance, the registry for yoga teachers, as a way to help you build a better understanding of the organization and it’s role in the industry. I end with a success story for one of the teachers in my program. Here is a resource you might like: https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/from-the-interview-chair-e-book/ And, if you’re curious about how I work with yoga teachers, here is one of my programs: https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator If you’ve got questions about what’s a good fit for you, let me know.
#409
June 22 · 29 min
What Would You Do If You Didn’t Care About The Outcome? (EP.409)
As a follow up to last week’s episode where I shared my new perspective on a problem I was experiencing in my business, I pick up on a related theme but turn the frame to you. This episode talks about a common theme for yoga teachers, which has to do with wanting to do a particular thing in their class or as a teacher but being worried about the outcome or what other people will think of them. As you listen, I share a few ideas that might resonate with you and you can also think of what comes to mind when you hear it. I end this episode describing some of the common problems yoga teachers have and an approach to help. Listen to see if you can relate. As I mention, here are some teaching resources you can get: https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/tips-for-new-teachers/ https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/how-to-create-a-signature-sequence/ If you’re ready to get help, check out my Accelerator program: https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator
#408
June 15 · 23 min
What Changed When I Let Go Of The Outcome (EP.408)
In this episode, I share a recent lesson I've been learning in my business about feedback, expectations, and letting go of outcomes I can't control. What started as frustration over not getting replies to emails, DMs, and workshop invitations led me to rethink how I show up and serve my audience. As I share that story, I connect it to a common challenge many yoga teachers face: looking for validation from students, feedback after class, or signs that we're doing a good job. If you've ever found yourself feeling discouraged by a lack of response or wondering what others think of your teaching, this episode offers a different perspective—one that may help you feel more grounded, present, and connected to why you teach in the first place. Here are some teaching resources you might like: https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/tips-for-new-teachers/ https://barebonesyoga.lpages.co/from-the-interview-chair-e-book/ https://barebonesyoga.thinkific.com/courses/Yoga-Anatomy-Accelerator

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