The longer you teach, the more likely you’ll face a medical emergency in class. In this episod, we explore how to recognize and respond to serious situations like diabetic shock, cardiac events, and seizures—those rare but real class-stopping issues.

You’ll hear real-life stories from teachers who stayed calm, trusted their instincts, and took the right action at the right time. I’ll walk you through a practical checklist to prepare for emergencies, from updating your CPR certification to knowing your studio’s address and AED location. And most importantly, I’ll help you approach emergency preparedness with confidence instead of fear.

This episode is essential listening for every yoga teacher—especially if you’ve ever wondered what to do when something truly serious happens in class.

Read my article on this topic for Yoga Journal.

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
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• Bluesky
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And come explore my mentorship program, continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

Every yoga teacher encounters students whose behavior challenges their calm—talking during class, arriving late, doing their own thing, or just radiating resistance. In this episode, I share real-life stories from my two decades of teaching and offer compassionate, effective strategies to address common classroom disruptions without compromising your boundaries or your students’ dignity.

We’ll reframe “difficult students” into “challenging behaviors,” align our responses with yogic principles, and walk through specific examples—from strong odors to handstands in gentle yoga—and how to handle each with grace. You’ll learn when to intervene, how to do it kindly, and when to let things go for the greater good of the group.

Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode gives you tools to stay steady, model equanimity, and protect the container of your class. Plus, get details about my upcoming free live call on “Handling the Unexpected” inside The Zone.

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my mentorship program, continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

In today’s episode of Yoga Teacher Confidential, I explore how thinking of yourself as a gracious host—not just an instructor—can deeply transform your students’ experience. I share actionable tips like preparing your space, greeting each student personally, adjusting your cues to student needs, and embracing authenticity in every class you teach. Plus, I introduce my new Comfort Zone Yoga studio setup where I’ll be creating even more content to support your growth as a teacher.

You’ll learn:

• How to set the “table” for student success
• Why being present at the door matters
• How to accommodate different learning styles without hovering
• The value of post-class reflection (hello, hostess diary!)
• Why authenticity always trumps perfection

This episode is all about empowering you to create a warm, welcoming space where transformation can truly happen.

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my mentorship program, continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

In this episode, I’m celebrating 31 episodes of Yoga Teacher Confidential by looking back at what we’ve covered in season 1—an entire season focused on building confidence as a yoga teacher. From centering your students to handling nerves and dealing with difficult moments, we’ve built a foundation to support your teaching for the long haul.

I’ll revisit key lessons, like:

• Why you’re the guide, not the hero
• How to reframe student walkouts
• The power of learning names
• What blank expressions really mean
• Why consistency matters more than variety

Then, I share what’s coming next: a shift from a rigid seasonal format to a more fluid, responsive release schedule. I’ll still be touching on themes like classroom management, studio dynamics, and career growth—but now with the freedom to respond to your questions and insights in real time.

This episode marks a turning point, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have you along for the ride. Here’s to growing together in confidence, one class at a time.

* Scavenger hunt: if you're watching this on Spotify as a video podcast, you'll notice my "safe word" that I missed while editing—the first one to comment there with the correct word will win a prize!

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my mentorship program, continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

What sets apart a truly magnetic yoga teacher—the kind students will rearrange their lives to practice with? It’s not the perfect playlist or poetic cueing. It’s authenticity.

In this episode of Yoga Teacher Confidential, I explain why being yourself isn’t just a cliché—it’s your greatest teaching asset. We’ll explore:

• Why imitation holds you back
• How to lean into your natural personality
• The difference between performance and presence
• How to develop signature cues and themes that reflect your life experience
• The liberating truth about not pleasing everyone

Whether you’re new to teaching or refining your seasoned voice, this episode offers real-world strategies to grow your confidence and deepen your impact.

If you’re ready to step into your full teaching potential, join me in the Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing Mentorship Program. Let’s teach from the inside out.

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my mentorship program, continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

When I first began teaching yoga, I didn’t feel confident—and honestly, I still have my days. In this episode of Yoga Teacher Confidential, I’m sharing how confidence is built, not born. You’ll hear the awkward story of my second-ever class (spoiler: it was spontaneous), how I reframed failure, and the exact practices I used to grow into a confident guide.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been teaching for years, these mindset shifts and tools will help you lead with clarity, presence, and compassion.

You’ll also learn:

• Why your confidence grows through repetition, not perfection
• How the 6-4-2 framework creates structure that supports your teaching
• Simple practices to stop over-explaining and start holding space
• The power of student agency and what it means to “get out of the way”

Confidence isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about showing up. Let’s do this together.

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my mentorship program, continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

Are you caught in the cycle of chasing certifications, thinking one more training will finally make you feel ready? You’re not alone. Many yoga teachers—new and experienced—fall into the trap of believing that more hours, credentials, and certifications will give them legitimacy, confidence, and expertise. But here’s the truth: your ability as a teacher isn’t measured in training hours.

In this episode, I break down:

• Why the yoga industry encourages a never-ending certification chase
• How confidence comes from teaching, not from credentials
• The historical roots of yoga education (spoiler: it wasn’t about certificates)
• When additional training does make sense—and when it doesn’t
• Practical strategies to build confidence in your teaching, right now

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not ready, not qualified enough, or just need one more certification before stepping into your full potential, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about what actually makes a great yoga teacher—and it’s not a piece of paper.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing Mentorship Program

• 300-Hour Advanced Studies Program

• The Professional Yoga Teacher’s Handbook

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my mentorship program, continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.

My first yoga class as a student was a disaster—I felt lost, uncomfortable, and unsure of what was allowed. It wasn’t the poses that overwhelmed me—it was the uncertainty. Can I leave if I need to? What if I can’t do a pose? Where’s the bathroom?

As teachers, we often focus on our confidence, but what about our students? In this episode, I explore how consistency in class structure and clear permission create a supportive, predictable environment where students can focus on their practice instead of worrying about logistics.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Why predictable class structures help students feel safe

✅ How to give explicit permission for modifications and classroom logistics

✅ Simple ways to normalize choice and agency in your yoga class

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Pinterest

And come explore my mentorship program, continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.