So What, Exactly, is Somatic Yoga?

Greetings from Kolkata, the birthplace of some of the main characters in the story of Yoga’s journey to the West! In touring the homes of these folks, I’ve felt inspired to share with you a Yoga influencer from history that you might have not heard of! This episode previously aired in September 2022 as a Patreon bonus. Enjoy!Also, in this replay I’m launching my brand new, small and potent 5-part mastermind you’ll actually make your first international retreat happen. Over two fun, focused months, you’ll ditch the overwhelm and plan, price, and market your first international retreat with clarity and confidence. By the end, you won’t just have ideas — you’ll have your dates locked in, your offer crafted, and real steps taken toward a retreat that’s ready for your students to buy! This is NOT simply a training course. It is YOU, ME and a small group of inspiring colleagues actually getting this work done and making your dream retreat a reality.Here is the link to check it out: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/getitdoneretreatsJain, Andrea R (2015) Selling Yoga: from counterculture to pop culture, Oxford University Press, New YorkLove, Robert (2010) The Great Oom: The Improbable Birth of Yoga in America, Viking, New YorkNPR Recording: https://www.npr.org/2010/05/09/126610671/the-great-oom-yogas-wild-ride-to-respectability accessed 26 September 2022

Do you have the desire to offer Yoga retreats in exotic locations but you're not sure where to get started with planning your offer? This replay of a webinar I gave earlier this week will be a great start! A heads up about the sound: I hope the content will make up for it.Also, in this replay I’m launching my brand new, small and potent 5-part mastermind you’ll actually make your first international retreat happen. Over two fun, focused months, you’ll ditch the overwhelm and plan, price, and market your first international retreat with clarity and confidence. By the end, you won’t just have ideas — you’ll have your dates locked in, your offer crafted, and real steps taken toward a retreat that’s ready for your students to buy! This is NOT simply a training course. It is YOU, ME and a small group of inspiring colleagues actually getting this work done and making your dream retreat a reality.Here is the link to check it out: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/getitdoneretreats

Greetings from Ho Chi Minh City! To finish up this season of the show i’ve got 3 inspiring ways to get you out of your comfort zone and on the road teaching, learning and EARNING with your Yoga business! Also, some updates for all the goodies happening on Patreon AND make sure you’re registered for the free webinar happening this week: 5 Steps to Launch Your First International Retreat. I’ll see you there!Here are my links:FREE Retreats training: https://mailchi.mp/amymcdonald/overseasretreatsBusiness coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coachingCalendar to talk coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

I LOVE using myth as a basis for my workshops and special events. Today I'm unpacking how the myth of Ravana's 10 heads could be used in 4 different ways to structure interesting and powerful workshops. You’ll get one way here and you can jump over to Patreon and get the other 3 for just $5! Also, don’t forget my coaching package is on sale and its a bloody BARGAIN! Let’s talk!Here are my links:BIRTHDAY SALE: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/birthdaysaleBusiness coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coachingCalendar to talk coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

This week I’m joined again by Taylor Lorenz of taylorstracks.com and @taylorstracks. Taylor is the creator of the yoga & travel site, Taylor's Tracks, a former full-time travel writer turned yoga teacher, mentor & trainer after taking her first YTT that sparked her self acceptance journey. This time she is talking me through what Somatic Yoga is, how it can be helpful and how we can begin to incorporate it into our own practice and our teaching.Here are my links:BIRTHDAY SALE: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/birthdaysaleBusiness coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coachingCalendar to talk coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

Once upon a time Siva and Parvati were chatting, things got heated and Parvati cracked it and left. Unfortunately, without her around things started to fall apart and world fell into a famine. What happened? Listen in to find out! And then I’ll share three things this Goddess reminds us of in business.Here are my links:BIRTHDAY SALE: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/birthdaysaleBusiness coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coachingCalendar to talk about coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coachingPatreon: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

This week I’m joined by my friend @simon_phelan to talk all things 90s pop culture, travel, training and Yogaland in the 2000s. Simon graduated from the Yoga College of India in July 2009, in Palm Springs California. Since then he has taught and practised in Los Angeles, New York City, Paris, Sydney and Rishikesh. He also worked as a guest teacher in Bali and studios around Melbourne and now Bendigo, which is where he has a yoga studio and Ayurvedic massage therapy business. I’m also introducing Simon to Yogi Cameron, who I met in 2017, and his book ‘The Yogi Code’. Give Simon a follow and enjoy this fun episode!Here are my links:Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coachingCalendar to talk about coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coachingPatreon: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonaldReferences:Alborzian, Cameron (2017) The Yogi Code: Seven Universal Laws of Infinite Success, Simon and Schuster, New YorkHot or Not? A Model Turned Guru on What to EatAccessed 9 June 2025https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/09/dining/09yogi.htmlThe Yogi Code by Yogi CameronAccessed 9 June 2025https://layoga.com/entertainment/books-dvds/the-yogi-code-by-yogi-cameron/David Frawley is the American hippy who became RSS’s favourite western intellectualAccessed 9 June, 2025https://theprint.in/opinion/david-frawley-is-the-american-hippy-who-became-rsss-favourite-western-intellectual/150759/

A common mistake I see Yoga teachers making is trying to be all things to all people. This can happen as a result of being worried about money. If you become too specific in what you offer, will you can able to attract enough clients? If you have a wellbeing service that you offer online, it is critical that you are VERY specific with your audience. In fact, you’ll go broke it you’re not. Want my help? Reach out!Here are my links:Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coachingCalendar to talk about coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coachingPatreon: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Recently I had to check in with the boundaries I'd set for myself when it came to social interactions with my students. After hauling out one of my old teacher training manuals i realised I needed some new resources! In this episode I go through three that I really like. Let me know what you think!Here are my links:Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coachingCalendar to talk about coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coachingPatreon: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonaldReferences:The Ethical Crisis In Spiritual Leadershiphttps://mindbodyspirit.fm/article/the-ethical-crisis-in-spiritual-leadership-by-philip-goldberg/Accessed 2 June, 2025California Yoga Teachers Association Code of Conducthttps://www.yogalifeinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/California-Yoga-Teachers-Association-Code-of-Conduct.pages_.pdfAccessed 2 June, 2025The Promisehttps://www.seeksafely.org/practitioners/Accesses 2 June, 2025Honor Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Individualshttps://www.spiritual-integrity.org/honor-code/honor-code-for-individuals/Accessed 2 June, 2025

Today we are talking all things branding and design with my guest, Kylie Bire. Kylie is a Brand and Website Designer, creative strategist, and founder of Indeko Creative—where soulful strategy meets intentional design. With over 20 years of experience across graphic design, marketing, and brand management, she blends her deep industry expertise with a heart-led, intuitive approach to help creatives and wellness entrepreneurs align their branding with their energy, values, and essence. Through her own journey from burnout to alignment, Kylie now supports others to build brands that feel like a natural extension of who they are.Here are Kylie’s links: Website: https://www.indekocreative.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indekocreative/Brand archetype/branding kits: https://www.indekocreative.com.au/brand-archetypesHere are my links:Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coachingCalendar to talk about coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coachingPatreon: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald