As we close out the year, how do we, as yoga teachers, gauge our progress? How can we assess our success?

Today, host Rachel and returning guest Elena Cheung share their answers to these questions. We discuss why one-dimensional metrics like ratings, reviews, student numbers, online likes, and follows are so appealing, as well as the complexities of teaching that they fail to capture.

Listen to this episode to learn how to balance your interests and values with the needs of your students, and how to meaningfully reflect on your work as a yoga teacher.

—

• Complexities that ratings & reviews don't express [3:32]
• From "teacher knows best" to "the customer is always right"? [10:20]
• Navigating changing student tastes with integrity [13:06]
• The space that teaching experience creates around feedback [21:46]
• Why "objective" metrics appeal, and what they miss [26:12]
• How to gauge success as a yoga teacher [33:05]
• Final takeaways [47:27]

—

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes:
  • 74: Yoga for All
  • 141: Pitfalls of Private Yoga (and How to Avoid Them)
• The Art of Teaching Impactful Group Classes Online Course
• Connect with Elena Cheung:

Instagram | Elena Shapeshifts | The Way Softness Moves | Yoga Medicine® Online Guest Teacher

You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-153.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

A common misconception is that all yoga teacher trainings are the same, but that's not the case. Every program varies in its style, priorities, and methods, making it crucial to do your research to ensure your teacher training is a good fit for you.

In this short clip from Episode 103: Teacher Training Myths, host Rachel and fellow teacher trainer Dana Diament discuss how different trainings vary and key things to bear in mind before you sign up. They also share details of the Yoga Medicine® Online 200HR Teacher Training 2026 intake, and a deep discount is available right now.

—

• Teacher trainers vary in focus and communication style [1:50]
• Programs vary in their focus and assessments [4:37]
• Prepare to be out of your comfort zone [6:57]
• The satisfaction of completing yoga teacher training [10:33]

—

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Yoga Medicine® 200HR Yoga Teacher Training
• Listen to the full Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episode 103: Teacher Training Myths

You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-152.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

When the yoga landscape is changing and trends are constantly shifting, how do we find our place as teachers? How do we balance feeling purposeful and fulfilled with making a sustainable living?

This episode is for people who are new to teaching yoga, those who have been teaching for decades, and everyone in between. Hosts Tiffany and Rachel discuss four phases of teaching and the potential pitfalls and pathways of each stage.

Listen in to hear what reflections and actions could take you from feeling stuck to a place where you thrive.

—

• Phase 1: Starting out – just do it [2:36]
• Phase 2: Curious about what lights you up [9:30]
• Where teachers get stuck in this phase [12:44]
• Phase 3: Invest in your speciality [19:28]
• Navigating imposter syndrome [22:02]
• The value of teaching one-on-one [26:33]
• Sharing your expertise through writing [29:14]
• Phase 4: Staying inspired, open to self-growth and reinvention [30:57]
• Final takeaways [42:42]

—

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Yoga Medicine® 200HR Teacher Training
• Yoga Medicine® 500HR Teacher Training

You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-151.

And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com.

To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.