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 as a sacred pause, not an endMyth of Shiva and the sages: how surrender transforms death into awarenessMyth of Kali and Raktabeej: how desire and compulsion multiply, and the power of stillness to stop itThe symbolic death of Shavāsana: letting go of ego, effort, and identityPractical tips for teachers: honoring Shavāsana as the culmination of practiceJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram
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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 journey.Steps a participant should take before enrolling in a yoga teacher training program.Key elements to look for in a core 200-hour yoga teacher training syllabus.The original intent behind 200-hour and 300-hour trainings and how they are perceived today.The fundamental differences between 200-hour and 300-hour trainings, whether everyone needs to advance, and what topics should be included at the 300-hour level were explored.Faculty structure: whether to have lead teachers with guest faculty or a fully equal model, and which approach works best.Staying accountable after teacher training: how to keep the momentum alive once the graduation glow fades.Alternatives to Yoga Alliance: exploring India’s initiatives and whether certification really matters for teacher trainings.How students can evaluate the credibility and quality of yoga schools and trainers.Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram
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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 shalas and studiosHow Bengaluru’s traffic challenges create localized yoga communitiesTypical Indian yoga class schedules and early start timesThe rise of rooftop yoga as an affordable, accessible optionMinimal emphasis on style/teacher in class listingsLack of online presence for many studios and its impact on visitorsMany yoga teachers in India teach part-time, balancing other careers alongside yoga instructionProps, cleanliness, and community etiquette in Indian yoga spacesThe popularity of aerial yoga and the presence of chanting in every classNo liability waivers and a more trust-based approach to participationThe balance between independence and guidance in Indian yoga teachingJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram
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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, especially in the hard moments. I hope it offers insight, grounding, and a fresh perspective.Episode Highlights:What is non-violent communication? Is NVC more significant for yoga teachers? NVC is not for others but for usHow to engage with empathy? Who is NVC for? Where does violence start in communication? Cancel culture in the yoga world Should we respond to cancel culture in the yoga world?NVC exercise live on the podcast about cancel culture What are we giving our presence to? Why it matters? How to ground ourselves & act from empathyDifference between feeling & judgments Clarity of intension Updates about Judith's latest book Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram
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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 yoga tourism, this one’s for you.Episode Highlights:The major differences between yoga in India & US Does studying yoga in India make you a better student? How does one find the right school or teacher? Has yoga tourism hurt or helped India? Where does one start if you want to study yoga in India? What are the best yoga schools in India The landscape of yoga in modern India The secret to studying yoga well…What is western yoga missing when it comes to yoga education? Does cultural appropriation exist in India? Is yoga fitness a trend in India? Do women practice yoga in India? Is hot yoga a thing in India? Join our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram
Welcome to the Let's Talk Yoga 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.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.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 Let's Talk Yoga!
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