Abundant Yoga Teacher Podcasts - Amy McDonald

Yoga teachers don't usually burn out from teaching. We burn out from the marketing, admin, travel, content creation, and all the other jobs we're expected to do alongside it. In this episode, I unpack why burnout is so common in our industry and what it might take to build a business that doesn't leave you exhausted. Sign up for the free mid-year realignment training here: https://mailchi.mp/amymcdonald/realign Check out all the details for my Retreat here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/returning Support the show on Patreon. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

If marketing yourself as a Yoga teacher feels uncomfortable, awkward, or somehow at odds with your values, you’re not alone. In this episode, I unpack why so many Yoga teachers struggle with visibility and self-promotion, what’s actually getting in the way, and the practical shifts that can make marketing feel more authentic and effective. Plus, I share what’s actually working right now when it comes to attracting students and growing a sustainable Yoga business. Sign up for the free mid-year realignment training here: https://mailchi.mp/amymcdonald/realign Check out all the details for my Retreat here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/returning Support the show on Patreon. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

In this episode, I’m sharing the story behind my brand new Ashram Retreat happening this October at the Yoga Association of Victoria Ashram in the Wombat Forest. I talk about my own experiences in ashrams, the difference between practicing Yoga and truly living it, and why immersion, simplicity, and community can be so deeply transformative. We also explore the impact of constant stimulation on the nervous system and why so many of us are craving more depth and sincerity in our practice right now. Plus, I share all the details about the retreat itself, including the optional bonus business intensive for yoga teachers. Check out all the details here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/returning Support the show on Patreon. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

In this episode, I explore the yogic concepts of saguna and nirguna as two very different approaches to launching and selling your offers: structured strategy versus intuitive flow. I unpack the specific strengths and pitfalls of both styles, and why neither is inherently “better” than the other. We also talk about how experience helps us move from needing rigid structure into deeper self-trust and discernment. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a better plan or simply more trust in yourself, this episode is for you. Support the show on Patreon. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald REFERENCE Frawley, David (2009) Inner Tantric Yoga: Working with the Universal Shakti, Motilal Banarsidass International, Delhi

I recently met someone who asked me to define my spirituality. What is Svādhyāya and are you making time for it? In this episode I’m reflecting on what ‘spirituality’ is, how to grow and learn about the self in a non-obsessive way and why I think Eric Carmen has an important lesson for us in allowing for expansive moments in class. Enjoy! If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It’s just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald REFERENCES Bryant, Edwin F (2009)The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, North Point Press, New York Lee, Jenny (2016) True Yoga: Practicing with the Yoga Sutras forHappiness and Spiritual Fulfilment, Llewellyn Publications, Woodbury Leventhal, Les (2014) Two Lifestyles, One Lifetime, Yoga with Les, Ubud Wallis, Christopher, D (2023), Near Enemies of the Truth: Avoid the Pitfalls of the Spiritual Life and Become Radically Free, Wonderwell, Los Angeles

If you’re teaching in studios and quietly wondering why your classes aren’t fuller, this one’s for you. I’m sharing three shifts I see make a real difference: making it ridiculously easy to book, being intentional (not reckless) with Meta ads, and actually building your own brand alongside studio work. It’s honest, practical, and the kind of conversation that moves you from ‘This is interesting’ to ‘OK, I’m actually doing something about it.’ If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It’s just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Today we’re visiting the Mahabharata, and specifically talking about an influential and very discrete villain. How do we spot people that talk a big spiritual game but actually conduct themselves very badly? What can we learn from these people? Then I finish with 5 grounded, real-life ways to practice discernment, not just with others, but within ourselves. This is where the work actually gets interesting. Learn more about my counselling service here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/counselling If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It’s just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald REFERENCE: Pattanaik, Devdutt (2010) Jaya: an Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata, Penguin, Delhi

In this episode, inspired by what would have been Ram Dass’s 95th birthday, I share a very human moment of ending up with a little egg on my beard in a business connection that was not what it seemed. Using Ram Dass’s famous article as a jumping-off point, we explore how to navigate misalignment with honesty and grace. I’m also dipping into the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 2.8 and what it teaches about aversion, and the temptation to shut down or harden after things go sideways. This is a conversation about staying open, taking the lesson, and remembering that not every path is meant to be walked together forever. If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It’s just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald REFERENCES: Bryant, Edwin F (2009) The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, North Point Press, New York Finger, Alan and Newton, Wendy (2018) Tantra of the Yoga Sutras, Shambhala, Boulder Goldberg, Philip (2010) American Veda: How Indian Spirituality Changed the West, Three Rivers Press, New York ‘Egg on My Beard’ https://www.kashiashram.com/egg_on_my_beard.pdf accessed 7 April 2026

This week I’m joined for an inspiring conversation with Amy Landry. A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy Landry is a registered senior yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, odissi dancer, podcast host, author of The Ocean of Yoga, facilitator of the Study Yoga summit, and founder of the online Shruti School of Yoga. I’ve devoured her book and found great solace and inspiration in its pages. Get yourself a copy! Book - https://amyelandry.com/oceanofyoga/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/ If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It’s just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

The ‘modern Yoga industrial complex’ is FUCK!ING wild, man! So much so that it’s easy to forget why we even teach Yoga anymore! In this episode I’m reading from some of the books that always bring me solace when I’ve lost my mooring in Yogaland or am feeling disappointed by people who talk a big Yoga game but conduct themselves terribly. I hope it’s useful. Join me tomorrow for my new free training ‘Remember Why You Began’ here: https://mailchi.mp/amymcdonald/remember If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It’s just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald REFERENCES: Farhi, Donna (2006) Teaching Yoga: Exploring the Teacher-Student Relationship, Random House, London Feuerstein, Georg (2011) The Path to Yoga: an Essential Guide to its Principles and Practices, Random House, London Landry, Amy (2026) The Ocean of Yoga: A Complete Guide to Living the Teachings, Tradition, and Practice, Shambhala, Boston Lowenstein MD, Keith G. (2021) Kriya Yoga for Self-Discovery, Inner Traditions, Rochester Stone, Michael (2009) Yoga for a World Out of Balance, Shambhala, Boston

In this very special interview I’m joined by Jennie Rose to talk about her work as ‘The Adaptive Yogi’. Through her classes, retreats, and teacher trainings, Jennie helps yoga teachers feel more confident adapting yoga for real people and real bodies. She is the creator of The Adaptive Yogi Teacher Training, which teaches practical, compassionate approaches to making yoga truly inclusive. Learn more about Jenn’s training here: https://www.theadaptiveyogi.co.nz/teacher-training Join me next week for my new free training ‘Remember Why You Began’ here: https://mailchi.mp/amymcdonald/remember If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It’s just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Krishna is our go-to charismatic guy, and i think he has a lot to teach us on this front. Charisma in yoga teaching is not about ego or performance. At its best, it is about authentic presence. When a teacher is fully engaged, enthusiastic and genuine, students feel it. And when students feel something meaningful in a class, they come back. Learn about coaching here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It’s just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Webinars can be a powerful part of your marketing strategy, especially if you have high ticket or virtual offers. In this episode I’ll talk more about when webinars might work for you, how to make them work really well and how Hanuman might be your unlikely webinar champion! Learn about coaching here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It’s just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

In this episode, I explore how the traditional framework of pashu, vira and divya bhavas can offer a surprisingly practical template for business growth and development. We look at how these stages show up in pricing, visibility, decision-making and leadership — from survival and imitation, through courageous action, to integrated authority. If you’ve ever wondered why certain growth edges feel uncomfortable (or inevitable), this lens may help you understand exactly where you are and what’s required next. Enjoy! If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It’s just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald REFERENCE Paramahamsa Prajnanaanda (2006) Jnana Sankalini Tantra, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi

Enjoy the replay of Day 1 of my free Pancha Kanyas training happening this week. If you’d like to watch the remaining 4 days—either as replays of live—you can sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/amymcdonald/myths If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It’s just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Have you had an ‘epic fail’ in your Yoga business? Have you put in so much thought, planning, taken bold action, involved your family and friends… and its tanked anyway? So have I an so has Siva. I’ll share both our stories in this episode. If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It’s just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald Reference Charan Das, Nityanand (2024) Shiva: The Hidden Side of the Master of the Universe, Penguin Ananda, Gurugram

A couple of clients have been sharing with me recently their desire to find new locations for their classes. How do we do that well? What should we be looking for? What matters and why? Also a reminder to not be complacent about software expenses and my new ‘Lachlan’ principle. Enjoy! If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It’s just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

One of my goals for 2026 is reading more. Apparently a few of you are keen to know why, how and what. Great! I got you! In this episode I’m making a case for why you need to read more books, a few tips on how to make that happen, and some context for the 6 recommended reads I posted last week. Enjoy! If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It’s just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald REFERENCES: Ultra-Processed Minds: The End of Deep Reading and What It Costs Us https://carlhendrick.substack.com/p/ultra-processed-minds-the-end-of Accessed 28.1.26 Reading in the Age of Constant Distraction https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2019/02/08/reading-in-the-age-of-constant-distraction/ Accessed 28.1.26 Wolf, Maryanne (2018) Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World, Harper Collins, New York

I’ve wanted to talk about cashflow for ages but thought everyone would yawn… until I proposed it to a bunch of you last week! What is cashflow? Why do we need to manage it? How do we do that and what do we do when we have to spend more than we’ve earned? Check out ‘The Integration Path’ promotion here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching Catch the 5-Day free training here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/retreatreplays If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It’s just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald REFERENCE: Devine, Victoria (2021) She’s on the Money: Take charge of your financial future, Penguin Random House, Sydney

Once upon a time a thief became the world’s most famous poet by (safely) trusting the process. If you’re feeling unsure of the next steps to kick your 2026 business year off, this is the episode for you. Check out ‘The Integration Path’ promotion here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching Sign up for my 3-day free training to see out the end of 2025 and see in the start of 2026! Think yoga nerd jokes, mythology and fun! Here’s the link: https://mailchi.mp/amymcdonald/newyear If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It’s just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald