Let's Talk Yoga

<p>Welcome to the <em>Let's Talk Yoga</em> podcast—your ultimate online destination for everything yoga. Think of it as your virtual yoga school, offering something for everyone—whether you’re a seasoned yoga teacher, a dedicated student, or simply curious about the deeper layers of yoga.<br /><br /></p><p>Join host Arundhati Baitmangalkar, an immigrant yoga teacher, studio owner, global mentor, and creator of some of the most sought-after yoga teacher training programs in the world. Each week, we bring you valuable insights, in-depth conversations with renowned yoga teachers, and an abundance of yoga resources designed to inspire, educate, and transform.<br /><br /></p><p>From mastering the art of teaching to navigating the complexities of yoga philosophy and business, this niche podcast is your go-to resource for all things yoga. Ready to deepen your practice and expand your understanding? Hit subscribe now and never miss an episode of <em>Let's Talk Yoga</em>!</p>

The Untold Story Behind Shavāsana: The Death That Changed Everything

Discover the deeper meaning of Shavāsana beyond just lying down at the end of class. I share two powerful mythological stories that reveal how this pose symbolizes surrender, rebirth, and transformation, and why it deserves as much respect as any peak pose in your yoga practice. Episode Highlights: Reflecting on the popularity of mythical pose stories and listener feedbackWhy Shavāsana is misunderstood and often rushed through in modern yogaOrigin of the term and its deeper meaning: corpse a...

09-07
13:08

200 Hours, 300 Hours… But Are We Really Learning Yoga? With Medha Bhaskar

I sat down with Medha Bhaskar to unpack the real value behind 200- and 300-hour yoga teacher trainings. We explored why so many programs fall short of preparing teachers, what’s often missing in modern yoga education, and how personal practice and mentorship can make all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered whether certifications alone create great teachers, this episode is a must-listen. Episode Highlights: Why Medha became interested in yoga teacher training and what inspired her journe...

08-29
58:15

Yoga In India versus America in 2025

After three weeks back in India, I’m sharing my fresh perspective on the yoga scene in 2025. From bustling rooftop classes to the deep sense of community in local shalas, yoga here feels refreshingly different from the West. I talk about how access has grown, what’s stayed true to tradition, and the small cultural quirks that make practicing in India so unique. Episode Highlights: How yoga access in India has expanded dramatically since 2012The cultural and practical differences between yoga...

08-17
23:40

Non-violent Communication for Yoga Teachers with Judith Hanson Lasater

While I’m still in India, I wanted to revisit one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had on the podcast, with Judith Hanson Lasater on non-violent communication for yoga teachers. I chose to share this episode again after receiving a surprising email that made me reflect deeply on how we speak to our teachers, students, and each other in the yoga space. This conversation is a beautiful reminder of how Ahimsa and respect show up not just in our practice, but in our communication, espec...

08-10
45:41

What Studying Yoga in India is Like with Vikram Jeet Singh

While I’m in India for the next few weeks, I wanted to bring back a special conversation that still feels incredibly relevant today. This episode features Vikram Singh as we talk about what it’s like to study yoga in India, how it compares to the Western approach, the value of traditional yoga education, and the unique cultural immersion that shapes the practice. If you’ve ever been curious about yoga universities, 200-hour courses in India, or finding authentic teachers in the middle of yog...

08-03
54:04

The Story Behind Warrior Pose - Rage, Devotion & Love

Have you ever paused to wonder about the story behind Virabhadrasana, or Warrior Pose? It’s one of the most iconic shapes we teach and practice, yet so few know the mythological roots that give it true meaning. In this episode, I share the epic story of love, rage, devotion, and transformation that birthed this powerful pose. This tale is one I’ve wanted to tell for a long time, and I hope it brings fresh depth to your practice and teaching. Episode Highlights: The background behind creating...

07-27
13:34

2 Cooling Pranayamas Every Yoga Teacher Should Know

As summer heats up, there’s no better time to bring intentional breathwork into your classes, and your own practice. In this episode, I share two powerful and accessible cooling pranayamas: Sheetali and Sheetkari. These ancient practices offer immediate relief from physical and emotional heat, making them perfect for summer classes, outdoor yoga, or anytime your nervous system needs calming. If you’re a yoga teacher who wants to move beyond asana and bring more depth to your teaching, this i...

07-17
18:52

Smart Yoga: 10 Injury Prevention Tips Everyone Should Know

Teaching yoga for over a decade has shown me that injury prevention is one of the most overlooked but essential parts of our practice. Yoga injuries don’t usually happen in a dramatic fall or twist, they build up quietly over time when we’re not paying attention. That’s why in this episode, I’m sharing 10 straightforward, practical tips to help you avoid injuries and keep your yoga sustainable for years to come. These insights come from my experience teaching thousands of students and runnin...

07-06
26:20

Beyond the Basics: How Props Transform Your Practice with Stephanie Tencer

Props often get misunderstood in the yoga world. They’re seen as crutches, shortcuts, or something only beginners need. But in this episode, I’m joined by Iyengar yoga teacher Stephanie Tencer to go deeper into the purpose and power of props. We explore how props aren’t just tools for accessibility but can become key to revealing alignment, building body awareness, and transforming your practice from the inside out. Whether you’re new to props or have been using them for years, Stephanie bre...

06-29
41:37

11 Ways to Yoga Without Striking A Yoga Pose

To celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga, I wanted to reflect on how yoga extends far beyond the mat. In this episode, I share some of the most meaningful ways I’ve learned to live yoga in everyday life, through thoughts, actions, and awareness, not just physical poses. Over the years, I’ve come to believe that some of the most powerful yoga happens when no one is watching, and when we’re not even in a class. Whether you’re going through a joyful moment or a tough season, there’s alwa...

06-20
24:35

3 Ways to Sequence Smart for Summer

Summer can be a tricky season to keep students engaged, studios empty out, routines shift, and the heat affects how people move and feel. That’s why I’m sharing my personal approach to summer sequencing, rooted in yoga’s energetic qualities (gunas) and years of studio experience. In this episode, I break down how to teach smarter in the heat, using simple, adaptable techniques to help your students feel balanced, not burned out. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned pro, these three met...

06-15
18:34

The Similarities and Differences Between the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita

As a yoga teacher, are you aware of the similarities between the Bhagavad Geeta & the Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali? Or even the vast differences between these two texts? Often discussed in isolation but never together. On the show today, long-time yoga teacher Vikram Jeet Singh gives you the clearest, concise, and thought-provoking layout of these two texts. He tells you exactly where they meet, where they diverge & where you should start and how. He takes a complex topic and mak...

05-25
56:43

Sanātana Dharma, Hinduism & Yoga – A Beginners Guide with Savira Gupta

Do you as a yoga teacher have clarity about what is Sanatana Dharma & Hinduism? Do you understand its link to yoga? Or are you confused about where to start understanding this topic? Have you wondered is yoga a religious practice? Savira Gupta, is a long-time yoga student, teacher, and practitioner. We've often turned to her on this podcast for her insight, knowledge, and clarity on complex, subtle topics. In this episode, Savira helps us understand Sanatana Dharma and Hinduism and the...

05-18
42:20

5 Life Lessons From A Yoga Pose

In this episode, I share five important lessons I have learned from practicing yoga, which include letting go of mental and physical burdens, being kind to ourselves, and building inner resilience. These lessons are not just applicable to yoga but can be incorporated into our daily lives to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Episode Highlights: Insights on yoga poses and life lessons.Yoga poses offer valuable life lessons in different shapes5 things yoga poses teach us about naviga...

05-11
13:13

A Lazy Yoga Teacher’s Guide to Yogic Living with Savitha Enner

In this episode of the Let's Talk Yoga podcast, we welcome Savitha Enner, a fellow yoga teacher from Karnataka, India. Savitha shares her unique perspective on living yogic wisdom, which she affectionately calls the "lazy person's approach." Episode Highlights: What is this lazy teacher's approach?Exploring the pursuit of sustainable inner peace through yoga practiceExploring the concept of ahimsa in yoga practicePrioritizing peace over ego in personal relationships can be challenging but r...

05-07
49:38

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Yoga Teacher: Proven Ways to Own Your Voice with Mado Hesselink

Mado Hesselink shares some helpful insights on dealing with this, how recognizing it can help you improve as a yoga teacher. If you’re in for some guidance, do not hesitate because we have this episode packed with tips and strategies to help you elevate as a yoga teacher. Imposter Syndrome For Yoga Teacher Highlights: Mado’s storyWhat imposter syndrome is and how to identify itNervousness and imposter syndromeIs this more common in women?Three patterns where imposter syndrome is harmfulThe m...

04-20
46:37

The Body of Breath - A Physiotherapist’s Guide to Healthy Breathing with Michelle Edmison

As someone who's deeply passionate about Pranayama, I couldn’t wait to bring this conversation to you. I sat down with physiotherapist Michelle Edmison to take a deep dive into the anatomy and function of breathing from both a clinical and yoga-informed perspective. Michelle breaks down complex ideas with such clarity and gives us practical ways to understand and teach breath in more effective, grounded ways. If you're a yoga teacher or a breathwork enthusiast, this episode will absolutely s...

04-13
48:46

5 Ways to Offer The Same Yoga Pose

Ever wondered how to make a single yoga pose more accessible, more challenging, or simply more engaging? As yoga teachers, it’s easy to get stuck teaching poses the same way, but the reality is that every student experiences movement differently. In this episode, I’m sharing five creative ways to offer the same pose, so you can better serve your students, whether they need more support, a deeper stretch, or a fresh approach to a familiar posture. Episode Highlights: Adopt a “Less is More” po...

04-06
29:00

Should Yoga Teachers Only Instruct Poses They Can Do?

Some yoga teachers believe they should only teach the poses they can personally execute, while others argue that teaching is about more than just demonstration. Where do you stand on this? In this episode, I unpack this common debate and explore five key considerations to help you decide what’s best for your teaching journey. Episode Highlights: Teaching from direct experience: Why new teachers should focus on what they know well.Aligning with yoga ethics: How Satya (truth), Ahimsa (non-harm...

03-30
16:42

What Great Yoga Teachers See: A Must-Have Observation Checklist

Teaching yoga is more than just leading a sequence—it’s about truly seeing your students and understanding what’s happening on the mat. Over the years, I’ve developed an observation checklist that has helped me refine my teaching, improve my students’ experiences, and bring more depth to my classes. Today, I’m sharing five essential things every great yoga teacher should notice during class. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned instructor, these insights will help you enhance your teac...

03-23
25:29

Sonia Chandsure

really enjoyed this episode on virabhadrasana, would love for you to do more, thank you for sharing the knowledge

07-31 Reply

Jessica Singh

This was such a helpful interview and conversation Arundhati. Thank you for this as it gave me a lot of insights about teacher training.

08-11 Reply

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