Yin Yoga Podcast
Nyk Danu
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Yin Yoga Podcast is hosted by Nyk Danu, a certified yoga therapist, mentor, and Yin Yoga teacher trainer. Each long-form episode explores Yin Yoga through anatomy, philosophy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, meditation, Taoism, and teaching practice. Conversations with guests are informal, lo-fi, and intentionally imperfect. It is aimed at listeners who love Yin Yoga and want to deepen their understanding and teaching.
Episodes
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Teaching Swan Pose? Help is on the way! 16.10.2026 50mSeason 9 | Ep.4Teaching Swan Pose? Help Is on the Way!In this episode, I'm diving into one of the most requested topics from the Yin Yoga community: Swan Pose (also known as Sleeping Swan, or if you speak Hatha, Pigeon Pose). If you're a Yin Yoga teacher who's ever panicked when a student can't do this pose, this one's for you.What I cover:The difference between Swan and Sleeping Swan (and why we don't call it Pigeon in Yin Yoga)Why teaching functionally is everything — if you know why you put a pose in your sequence, you'll never be caught off guard when someone can't do itThe myth of the 90-degree front leg — spoiler: it's about bone structure, not flexibilityThe number one issue in Sleeping Swan (the front knee) and what to actually do about itWhat to do when it's the back knee that's the problem (yes, this happens!)A buffet of modifications and alternatives: adjusting the foot and knee angle, using props like blocks, bolsters, straps, blankets, towels, chairs, and wallsWhy flipping someone onto their back for a figure four (aka Keyhole, Reclined Pigeon, Eye of the Needle — so many names!) is often the quickest and most effective solutionWhy that reclined version is actually deeper for some people (hi, it's me)Reclined Shoelace as another great option for folks who need less external rotationSeated options like Shoelace, Square Pose, and Deer PoseThe "butt in the air" problem and how to handle it gracefullyWhy I love Paul Grilley's Anatomy for Yoga and why it's required watching in my teacher trainingA companion PDF on Tummee with tons of visual variations (living, breathing document, I'll keep adding to it!)Want to make a request? DM me on Instagram or leave a comment on the blog. Frog and Cattail are on the way, I promise.Until next time, bye for now!Mentioned In this Episode:Tummee PDF Link How To Make Yin Yoga Accessible The Yin Yoga Way: Function VS FormTeaching Saddle Pose Help Is On The WayYin Yoga and Hip Pain: What Teachers Should Know Knee Pain and Yin Yoga: What Teachers Need to KnowTummee Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast -
What Is MyoYin? With Nicky Hadjithoma 09.10.2026 1h 14mSeason 9 | Ep. 3 Myo Yin with Nikki HajitomaIn this episode, I sit down with Nikki Hajitoma, founder of Yintelligence, to talk all things Myo Yin. If you've ever wondered what happens when you combine myofascial release balls with Yin Yoga, this one's for you.About NikkiNikki is a highly esteemed teacher within the international Yin Yoga community, a vastly experienced studio teacher, and founder of Yintelligence, a school of Yin and functional Yoga. She's known for her tenure as resident lead in the Yin Yoga teacher training at Pure Yoga (Asia's largest studio group). She is considered one of the key teachers to popularize Yin Yoga in Asia.She has trained extensively with Paul Grilley, Sarah Powers, Bernie Clark, and Jo Phee, and spent nearly a decade as a personal apprentice to Jo Phee Based in London, Nikki teaches online and travels internationally to deliver specialized teacher trainings in Yin Yoga, functional anatomy, and compassionate self-inquiry.What We Talk AboutWe kick things off with Nikki's Yoga origin story, and it's a good one. She shares openly about her struggles with addiction, the moment Yoga cracked her open during treatment at 26, and how she went from the last person anyone would expect to become a Yoga teacher to one of the most respected Yin teachers in the world.From there, we get into:What Myo Yin actually is (spoiler: it's not just a ball in a Yin pose)The different ways to practice and teach it, from dynamic rolling before a pose, to static ball placement during a Yin holdWhy the combination amplifies the physical benefits, and how it can also become a powerful mindfulness practiceThe importance of intelligent sequencing so it doesn't just become a gimmickHow Nikki uses Myo Yin with more yang-focused students to ease them into stillnessWe also talk about functional anatomy, the one-size-fits-all cuing problem in Yoga, alignment culture, trauma-informed teaching, and why Nikki believes you can teach functionally without being trauma-informed, but you can't be trauma-informed without teaching functionally. That one hit home for me.Nikki's Upcoming Trainings60-hour Myo Yin Teacher Training in London at Mission: December 7 to 13, 2026Myo Yin Teacher Training in Hong Kong: January 16 to 24, 2027Online workshops coming in fall 2026Online teacher training: late 2027The best way to stay in the loop is to sign up for the newsletter on her website.Nicky's website: yintelligence.com and InstagramIf you loved this episode, please leave a review or comment. It helps other Yin Yoga lovers find the podcast. And if you've already left one, a screenshot shared in your Instagram stories means the world.Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast -
The Courage To Say ' I Don't Know" 02.10.2026 34mSeason 9 | Ep. 2The Courage to Say "I Don't Know" In this episode, I'm talking about something that I think every Yoga teacher needs to hear: it's okay to not have all the answers.I share a real moment from my own teaching that got me thinking about how we relate to not knowing, and why saying "I don't know" is actually one of the most courageous and mature things a teacher can do.We get into the Dunning-Kruger effect and how it shows up in Yoga teacher training, my own experience of thinking I knew way more than I did as a new teacher (including some very confident and very wrong alignment cues), and how discovering Paul Grilley's work on skeletal variation completely cracked my world open.I also talk about the difference between clarity and certainty, why the wellness world's obsession with having all the answers can actually do more harm than good, and what Daoism has to say about the wisdom of not knowing.Whether you're a brand new teacher or you've been at this for years, I think this one will resonate.In this episode:The Dunning-Kruger effect and how it shows up in Yoga teachingWhy "I don't know" reflects maturity, not inadequacySkeletal variation and how it changed everything for meThe difference between certainty and clarityWhy curiosity is lighter to carry than the pressure of having all the answers Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast -
7 Things I Wish I Had Known When I started Teaching Yin Yoga 25.09.2026 30mSeason 9 | Ep.1 7 Things I Wish I'd Known When I Started Teaching Yin YogaIn this episode, I'm sharing seven things I wish someone had told me earlier in my teaching journey. These aren't lessons you have to wait decades to earn. Think of them more like signposts to keep an eye on as your teaching unfolds, whether you're brand new or you've been at this for years.What we get into:1. The nervous system always has the first and last say2. Timing matters more than technique3. Your presence matters more than your plan4. Variability isn't the problem; it's the practice5. I stopped teaching poses and started teaching people6. Experience doesn't give you all the answers7. Go teach, then come back and study again Also mentioned in this episode:My #1 Pose for Every Yin Yoga Class (constructive rest)Dear Yin Yoga Teacher- Please Shut UpHow To Teach Exceptional Yin Yoga Classes Mentorship matters Let's connect:I'd love to hear what pearls of wisdom you've picked up on your own teaching journey. What did I miss? Drop a comment on YouTube or Spotify, I genuinely want to know.And if you love this podcast, a rating or review goes a long way in helping other Yin Yoga lovers find it. You can also take a screenshot of your favourite episode and share it in your Instagram stories. Tag me so I can share the love!Thanks for being here. Until we meet again, bye for now.Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast -
Protecting the Sovereign: The Wisdom of the Pericardium 03.07.2026 36mSeason 8 | Ep. 12Episode Title: Protecting the Sovereign: The Wisdom of the PericardiumThis is the last episode of the season, and we're going out on one of my favourite topics: the heart and the pericardium in Chinese medicine.The heart is the sovereign, the seat of our Shen (spirit/mind). The pericardium is its protector. But what happens when that protection goes too far, and the fence becomes a wall? Or when there's not enough, and we're giving it all away?We also get into how Yin Yoga creates the conditions for the Shen to settle, and I leave you with some journal questions to take this deeper.In this episode: the Shen and why it matters, signs of scattered or disturbed Shen, the pericardium as heart protector, boundaries versus walls, emotional armour, and how stillness reveals what we didn't know we were carrying.Quote: "Wide open, gentle heart. Big fucking fence." Danielle LaPorteTaking a summer break, back in September 2026. See you then.Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast -
What Makes You Qualified To Teach Yin? 26.06.2026 48mSeason 8 | Episode 11A comment in a Yin Yoga network group stopped me in my tracks. Someone said they were "already certified to teach Yin," and I couldn't get that out of my head. So this episode is all about what certification actually means, whether it equals qualification, and what only time and humility can teach you that no training ever could.In this episode:Why a certificate marks the beginning of teaching, not the completion of learningThe problem with weekend intensives and fast-track certification cultureThe shadow side of collecting certifications without integrating the materialWhy the deeper you go into Yin Yoga, the less certain you becomeHumility as a Yin quality and why staying teachable matters more than arrivingIf this episode resonated, please rate and review on Apple, leave a five-star on Spotify, or drop a comment on YouTube. I read them all.My 100 Hour Therapeutic Yin Course. Full details and sign up here.https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/Also mentioned in this episode: What is Therapeutic Yin Yoga: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/what-is-therapeutic-yin-yoga/Why Yin Yoga Teachers Need a Home Practice: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/yin-yoga-teachers-home-practiceUnearthing Trauma - Yin Yoga for Release and Resilience with Janis Isaman: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/unearthing-trauma-yin-yoga-for-release-and-resilience-with-janis-isaman/What is Yin Yang: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/yin-yoga-podcast-what-is-yinyang/Want to support my work? Leave me a tip. https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/78PEVR5WF3ZSASee all episodes at a glance: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NOyRZM7cKC-h9kOMT-rIIeuatJgOf1CKT63LjAHk2LU/edit?usp=sharingYoga Teachers Get on the Waitlist: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/ at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom https://nykdanu.com/students/yoga/online-yoga/To subscribe to my https://nykdanu.com/students/yoga/video-library/Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley : https://pranamaya.com/courses/anatomy-for-yoga/?ref=20 (affiliate link)Find me on Instagram Nyk Danu Yoga: https://www.instagram.com/nykdanuyoga/Yin Yoga Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/yinyogapodcast/ -
Knee Pain and Yin Yoga: What Teachers Need to Know 19.06.2026 1h 11mSeason 8 | Ep. 10Knee Pain and Yin Yoga: Modifications, Surgeries, and What Your Teachers Need to KnowHey Yinies! Welcome back to the Yin Yoga Podcast. This one is near and dear to my heart because, honestly, I've been living this topic in real time. Between the X-rays, physio appointments, knee braces, and, yes, the electric scooter I bought to get myself to the studio, knee pain has been my main concern lately. So, I brought back Beth Coyne Lewis, a physiotherapist and Yoga teacher, to help me (and all of you) make sense of it all.If you missed our last episode with Beth on hip pain, go back and listen to that one first. But if your knees are what's on your mind right now, you're in exactly the right place.In this episode we cover:A breakdown of the main structures of the knee: bones, cartilage, meniscus, ligaments, the IT band, and why all of it matters for Yin teachers and studentsThe difference between acute injuries (ACL tears, falls, sports injuries) and gradual wear-and-tear issues like arthritis and meniscal degenerationTracking issues and what they actually mean, including my own 20-plus-year journey with themHypermobility and connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos, and how to safely support those students in your classesCommon knee surgeries, including meniscal repair, partial and full knee replacements, and what recovery actually looks like today (way better than you might think)Beth's own experience of having a knee replacement 12 years ago and returning to teaching YinPose-by-pose modifications and alternatives for students with knee pain, including saddle, sleeping swan, child's pose, sitting cross-legged, seiza, squatting, and kneelingWhy figure four on your back is not just a modification, it is a variation that works better for a lot of bodies (including mine)How to talk to students about their medical history without overstepping your scope as a Yoga teacherWhy Yin is so much more than the physical shapes, and how that matters especially for students in recoveryLinks and resources mentioned:Also mentioned in this episode:Hyper mobility and Yin YogaTeaching Saddle pose Help In On The WayDeepening Yin - The Power of PropsBlog post for this episode with an anatomy image on my websiteIf this episode was helpful to you, please leave me a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. And Spotify or a comment on Spotify. You can also find a blog post with more details and images on my website, and there's a comment section there too. And if you want to suggest a topic or send me a note, Instagram DMs are always open.See you in the next one, YinniesWant to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast -
Yin Yoga and Hip Pain-What Teachers Should Know 12.06.2026 1h 10mSeason 8 | Ep. 9I am excited to share this conversation with you. In this episode, I sat down with Beth Coyne Lewis, a recently retired physiotherapist, Yin Yoga teacher, and someone who has personally navigated a knee replacement and a hip labral repair. Beth also completed my 100-hour Yin training, so we already knew each other going in, which made for a really easy, honest conversation.This episode came about because of a question that popped up in the Yin Yoga Network Facebook group (not my group, just one I help admin!) about knees or hips, and I thought, most Yoga teachers, especially those with just a 200-hour, have not been given the tools to support students dealing with hip issues. Beth was the obvious person to call.What We Talk About: The difference between true hip joint pain and outer hip pain, what to actually do when a student tells you they have had a hip replacement, and why the type of surgery matters so much when it comes to movement restrictions. We also talk about props, asymmetry, scope of practice, and the shadow side of certain Yoga traditions when it comes to pushing through hip pain. And we spend some time on something I feel really strongly about: Yin Yoga is not just a physical practice, and sometimes the breath and mindfulness aspects are exactly what a student needs most.A Little More About Beth:Beth is currently teaching Yin, Vinyasa, Nidra, chair, aqua, and Yoga for grief. She teaches at a studio and at the Jewish Community Centre through a grant program for people over 60. She is also an advanced clinical aromatherapist and a level one and two Reiki practitioner. When she is not doing all of that, she is probably baking sourdough and spoiling her cats, McCartney and Harrison.Part two is coming, and we are tackling knees, which feels very timely for me personally right now. Stay tuned.Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast -
Yin Therapy with Emrik Suichies 05.06.2026 1h 15mSeason 8 | EP. 8I had such a good conversation with Emrik, and I honestly could have kept going for hours. Emrik is a Yin Yoga teacher and therapist based between the Netherlands and Hungary, and what he has built over the course of his career is unlike anything I've come across in the Yoga world.We're talking about a formally accredited bachelor's degree in Yin therapy. Not just a certification. Not just a teacher training. An actual bachelor's degree, recognized by insurance companies in the Netherlands. It's the kind of thing that makes you go, "Wait, why isn't everyone doing this?"But beyond the credentials, what really got me in this conversation was Emrik's philosophy. About learning, about healing, about what Yin Yoga actually is and what it's capable of.What we talked about:How Emrik built a bachelor's degree program in Yin therapy and got it officially accreditedWhy insurance companies in the Netherlands now cover Yin therapy sessions, and what that actually means for the professionThe Yoga licensure debate and why getting licensed isn't necessarily the golden ticket people think it isEmbodied, experience-based learning and why Emrik tells his students they don't have to remember anythingDNA methylation and how Yin Yoga can actually help "close" gene expressions that are causing noise in your nervous systemWhat he's currently studying with neurosurgeon Jack Kruse around light, magnetism, and the mitochondriaHis upcoming English master's program in integrative medicine and Yin therapyOne thing Emrik said that I haven't stopped thinking about: Yin Yoga is the missing part of being alive. I felt that one right in my heart.If you're a Yoga teacher, a therapist, or just someone who loves going deep into the why behind the practice, this episode is for you.Resources and links mentioned:Website: https://yinassociation.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yinassociation/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YinAssociationBook in Dutch: https://migems.nl/over-leven-met-yin/Enjoyed this episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow Yin Yoga lover. It really does help more people find the show, and I appreciate it more than you know.Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast -
What We're Not Talking About in Yin Yoga (but should be) 29.05.2026 57mSeason 8 Ep. 7What We Aren't Talking About in Yin YogaWe talk a lot about fascia, long holds, meridians, and the nervous system in Yin Yoga. And those are all valuable conversations. But in this episode, I wanted to go a little deeper and explore the quieter, subtler parts of a Yin practice that don't always get airtime, the things that are harder to measure, harder to teach, and maybe harder to talk about.These are some of the most important conversations I think we can be having as teachers and dedicated practitioners, and I'm so glad you're here for it.In this episode I cover:The rebound (what I call the resonance or linger) and why it's one of the most skipped and most valuable parts of a Yin classThe difference between a rebound and a counterposeHow my nervous system as a teacher shapes the entire room, and the role of co-regulation in a group Yin practiceThe difference between teaching students to stay still versus stay presentWhy physical stillness does not automatically create awarenessPractical cues I use to guide students inward during holdsSilence as a teaching tool, and why I think many of us teachers are more uncomfortable with it than our students areHow over-talking can interrupt your students' processThe role of boredom in Yin Yoga and why it might be a threshold worth crossingHow Yin can challenge achievement-oriented students, and how I like to reframe it for themWhy less intensity can actually create more awarenessThe real gifts of a consistent Yin practice that have nothing to do with flexibilityEpisodes I mention:Honouring the ReboundHow to teach exceptional classesHow to hold brave spaceTrauma, the Nervous System and Yin Yoga- with Alyssa StefansonMindfulness in YinInteroception Do we need to go deeper Accessible YinYin Yoga is not entertainmentConstructive restWant to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast -
Yin Yoga Lessons: Learning To Stay 22.05.2026 35mSeason 8 | Ep. 6Yin Yoga Lessons: Learning to StayIn this episode, I'm diving into something I've been thinking about a lot lately, the lost art of staying. Like, actually being able to sit with yourself without immediately reaching for your phone or looking for the next distraction.I talk about how Yin Yoga, with its longer holds and quieter pace, is honestly one of the best tools I know for learning how to stay with sensation, with boredom, with restlessness, with whatever's showing up. And why that matters way beyond the Yoga mat.As a mid-Gen Xer, I have a pretty clear memory of life before smartphones, and I think that frame of reference has been really eye-opening for me lately. I've been craving a more analog life, and I think a lot of us are feeling that, even if we can't totally name it.We also get into:Why boredom isn't actually the enemy (spoiler: it's where creativity lives)The rebound/resonance after a Yin shape — and why it's actually the hardest part of stayingHow the inability to stay shows up in our bodies, our emotions, and our attention spansA little guided reflection you can use yourself or with your studentsIf you're a Yin teacher, there's also some good stuff in here around how to weave this theme into your classes, either as a full theme or just in little cues you drop in throughout practice.Enjoying the pod? You can support the show through PayPal Here: Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.Or leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, leave five stars and drop a comment on Spotify, or share this episode with someone who needs a little reminder to slow down.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast -
Prana One Breath Many Worlds - Bernie Clarke 15.05.2026 1h 2mSeason 8 | EP. 5Bernie Clark Returns: Prana, Fascia Science, and the Art of Slowing Down (Part 2)Part two with Bernie Clark is here, and we are going deep into his newest book, Prana: One Breath, Many Worlds. This one is equal parts storytelling, history, and science, and there was so much to unpack.We get into: Helene Langevin's research and how it builds a real bridge between ancient Eastern practices and modern Western science. Dr. Motoyama's AMI machineThe history of how prana has been understood across the ages Bernie's very personal story of burning out from too much yang and what finally brought him back into balance. We also talk about pranayama safety and what Yin teachers need to keep in mind when including breath practices in class.If you haven't listened to part one yet, go back to the last episode and start there. And if this book isn't on your shelf, go get it.Find The Book HereWant to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast -
Bernie Clark Answers Your Questions 08.05.2026 1h 19mSeason 8 | EP. 4Your Questions Answered with Bernie ClarkSo excited to share this conversation with Bernie Clark, one of the most well-known voices in the yin yoga world. Bernie and I got talking and, true to form, it went long — so I split it into two parts. This first episode is all about your questions. You sent them in, I asked them, and Bernie delivered in the most thorough and nuanced way possible.We start with a catch-up on Bernie's anatomy course, which is now available on demand after its final live run. If you learn better by watching than reading (same), it's worth checking out.Then we get into the good stuff:Can yin yoga increase bone density?Bernie takes us into the biology lab for this one. We talk about Wolf's Law, the mechanostat theory, osteoblasts vs osteoclasts, and what the research actually says about how bone grows. Short version: yin probably won't actively build bone, but it may help slow resorption — and more importantly, it can reduce fall risk, which is where most osteoporosis-related fractures actually happen.Does flexing the foot in swan/pigeon protect the knee?Bernie breaks down why this cue has more validity than he originally thought (fascia is involved), but also why we need to stop using it as a fear-based universal correction. The knee isn't the target in swan — the hip is.The Lizzie Lasseter postA lot of you sent me this one. We go through it point by point — GOGI tendon organs, proprioception, neural drive, end range of motion. Bernie cites actual research. I rant a little about pitting yoga styles against each other. We both agree: let's stop using pseudoscience to make one practice seem superior to another. Bernie wrote a full response article and I've linked it in the show notes.How long is too long to hold a yin pose?Minimum around two minutes for the tissues to actually start releasing, with about 95% of the physical benefit happening by four minutes. Beyond that, the reasons to stay longer are more psychological, emotional, or energetic than physical — and that's totally valid.We also take a detour into scope of practice as yoga teachers, which honestly could be its own episode.Part two is coming next — Bernie and I dig into his new book, Prana: One Breath, Many Worlds. Can't wait for you to hear it.Links mentioned:Bernie's anatomy course (Functional Anatomy for Yoga Teachers)Bernie's response to Lizzie's postPrevious Bernie Clark episode (split into two parts)Yin yoga for athletes episode with TiffanyEpisode with Niamh on osteoporosisHypermobility and Yin Yoga- Libby HinsleyWant to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast -
The Quiet Shift: From Yin Yoga Intructor to Teacher & Guide 01.05.2026 1h 1mSeason 8 | EP. 3The Quiet Shift: From Yin Yoga Instructor to Teacher and GuideThere's a transformation that happens when you've been teaching Yin Yoga for a while, and most people don't even notice it's happening until they're already on the other side of it. In this episode, The subtle but powerful evolution from instructing to truly teaching and eventually stepping into the role of a guide.In this episode, I cover:The real difference between a Yin Yoga instructor, a teacher, and a guide and why it mattersWhy most Yoga teacher trainings are actually instructor trainings (and what to do about it)The class where I forgot my lesson plan turned out to be the best class I ever taughtWhy I ignored my intuition for years before I finally started chanting to my students during ShavasanaWhat it means to hold brave space for your studentsThe power of bookends in your classes and why repetition is actually good for your students' nervous systemsHow to know which student feedback is worth listening to and what to let go ofWhy being a great Yin Yoga teacher means you're forever a studentEpisodes mentioned In This Episode:How To Hold Brave SpaceHow To Teach Exceptional Yin ClassesYin Yoga for the Upper BodyWhen Less Is More: Do you Need to Go DeeperThe #1 poseAlso MentionedBook mentioned Buddha's Brain by Rick Hanson Being a Bodhisattva Bodhisattva Prayer Video Monty Python Black Night If this episode resonated with you, I'd be so grateful if you took a moment to leave a five-star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or a written review on Apple.On Spotify, let me know in the comments how this landed for you. And if you know a Yin Yoga teacher who needs to hear this, please share it with them. Sharing is caring, as they say.Want to support my work? Leave Me a Tip See all episodes at a glance To Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra -
How Often Should You Practice Yin Yoga? 24.04.2026 31mSeason 8 | Ep. 2How Often Should You Practice Yin Yoga?In this episode, I'm diving into one of your most asked questions: how often should someone practice yin yoga? Spoiler: the answer is "it depends," and I get into all the reasons why.The stock answer you'll hear a lot is that yin and yang should be practiced equally to stay in balance. And while that's not wrong, it's way oversimplified. I break down why that answer doesn't account for so much of real life.We talk through all the factors that actually matter when figuring out the right amount of yin for someone:Health and ability — chronic illness, injury, recovery (including substance abuse recovery), and how that changes everythingStage of life — parents of little kids, seniors, anyone who's already running on emptyHow active you are outside of yoga — athletes, cyclists, people with physically demanding jobs (yes, I used my partner as an example!)Why you came to yoga in the first place — not everyone is here for the physical benefits. Some of us want to quiet the mind, learn to meditate, or go on an inward journeyNervous system nourishment — yin offers something that a movement-based class just can't in the same wayTrauma and the body — for people working through trauma, yin can be a powerful space to practice staying and befriending the bodyIntroverts and highly sensitive people — you don't always need more stimulation. Sometimes the chill, quiet class is exactly rightWe live in a yang-dominated world. Sometimes a little extra yin isn't an imbalance; it's the antidote.Oh, and we hit 100,000 downloads! Huge thank you to everyone who's been listening, sharing, and sending in topic ideas. Y'all are the reason this podcast exists.Links mentioned:Episode on Yin Yang TheoryEpisode on Yin Yoga and Osteoporosis/OsteopeniaEpisode on Highly Sensitive PeopleEpisode with Tiffany Cruikshank on Yin Yoga for AthletesWhat the World Needs Now is Yin Sweet YinWant to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast -
AcuYin Yay or Nay? 17.04.2026 38mSeason 8 | Ep. 1In this episode,I'm diving into AcuYin, what it is, whether it's worth adding to your toolkit, and why I have some serious reservations about it. We talk about the real depth of Chinese medicine, why acupressure points are way more powerful (and individual) than most Yoga teachers realize, and where I think short continuing ed courses on this topic fall short. If you're a Yoga teacher considering an AcuYin training, this one's for you. Plus, a little celebratory moment, we hit 100,000 downloads! Thank you for your support!Season eight, here we go....Also mentioned in this Episode: Yin Yoga is Not Chinese Medicine with Dr. Karina SmithTeaching Saddle? Help Is On the Way Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast -
Vision to Decision: Liver & Gallbladder Wisdom 27.03.2026 28mSeason 7 Ep. 12Today I'm talking about one of my favourite paired organs in Chinese Medicine, the liver and gallbladder. They're connected to spring, and the wood element, and understanding them can transform your Yin Yoga practice and your life.The liver sees the path. The gallbladder walks it.Key Functions:Ensures smooth flow of chi (emotional, digestive, menstrual)Controls the sinews (fascia)Associated emotion: anger, frustration, passionImbalance signs: Irritability, tight muscles, headaches, PMS, feeling stuckKey Functions:Governs decision-making and courageExecutes the liver's visionCourage = clarity + actionImbalance signs: Indecision, timidity, difficulty taking actionLiver = the dreamer, the architectGallbladder = the general who makes it soLiver without gallbladder = frustrated dreamerGallbladder without liver = action with no soulTogether = vision + courage + forward momentum"Without anger and frustration, there would be no evolution, revolution, or change.""Vision plus courage—that's what we need."Winter is for going inward. Spring is for planting seeds and taking action. SPRING is when I create my vision board and start new habits—not January!🎙️ Podcast break! Back April 17th💡 Send me your Yin Yoga questions: Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcastor comment on YouTube/Spotify/ My BlogAlso mentioned in this Episode: Root to Rise: Yin Yoga Spring and the Wood element Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra -
What The World Needs Now Is Yin Sweet Yin 20.03.2026 45mSeason 7 | ep. 11 In this episode, I dive into why the world desperately needs more Yin energy right now – and I'm not just talking about Yin Yoga (although definitely that too). I'm talking about the overarching philosophy of Yin and why embracing these qualities is an act of resistance against hustle culture.I explore seven key reasons why we need more Yin, sweet Yin:• Yin as resistance to hustle culture• How Yin helps us avoid burnout through rest and regulation• Why listening (to ourselves and others) is a Yin superpower• Creating depth instead of constant stimulation• Embracing compassion and softness in a competitive world• Honouring natural cycles instead of endless growth• Supporting nervous system regulationI also share some personal stories, including a vulnerable moment about a health scare that really put things in perspective for me, plus journal prompts you can use to bring more Yin qualities into your daily life.If you're feeling burnt out, overstimulated, or just exhausted by the constant pressure to do more, this episode is for you.Also mentioned in this episode: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/yin-yoga-podcast-what-is-yinyang/Want to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast -
Should we Combine Yin and Restorative Yoga? 13.03.2026 42mSeason 7 EP. 10Should you mix Yin and Restorative Yoga in one class? Spoiler alert: I'm not a fan, and in this episode, I'm breaking down exactly why.I get asked this question all the time, so let's clear up the confusion once and for all. Yin and restorative yoga have completely different intentions. In restorative, you're using tons of props to feel zero stretch so your nervous system can deeply rest. In Yin, you're actually looking for sensation in the body while holding poses for 2.5 to 5 minutes.The problem? Most teachers (and students) are confused about the difference. And when you mix them in one class, it gets even muddier.In this episode, I cover:• The real difference between Yin and Restorative Yoga• Why mixing them confuses students• What to call your class if it's not 'actually Restorative.'• How I'd combine them if someone forced me to (spoiler: Yin first, then Restorative)• Why your 200-hour training is just the beginningIf you've been teaching "Restorative" with one bolster and a blanket, this episode is for you. Let's talk about honouring these beautiful practices and giving them the space they deserve.Got thoughts? Drop them in the comments. I'd love to hear your take on this. 👇🏻Also mentioned in this episode:Yin vs Restorative: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/yin-vs-restorative-yoga-whats-the-difference/What is Yin Yang: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/yin-yoga-podcast-what-is-yinyang/Props for Practice: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-podcast/yin-yoga-podcast-what-is-yinyang/Restorative Training: https://www.judithhansonlasater.comWant to support my work? Leave me a tip. https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/78PEVR5WF3ZSASee all episodes at a glance https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NOyRZM7cKC-h9kOMT-rIIeuatJgOf1CKT63LjAHk2LU/edit?usp=sharingYoga Teachers Get on the Waitlist: https://nykdanu.com/teachers/yin-yoga-teacher-training/ at the bottom and top of the PageTo join my Yin Yoga Classes on Zoom https://nykdanu.com/students/yoga/online-yoga/To subscribe to my https://nykdanu.com/students/yoga/video-library/Anatomy for Yoga with Paul Grilley : https://pranamaya.com/courses/anatomy-for-yoga/?ref=20 Find me on Instagram Nyk Danu Yoga: https://www.instagram.com/nykdanuyoga/Yin Yoga Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/yinyogapodcast/ -
Yin Yoga and Osteoporosis 06.03.2026 1h 16mSeason 7 | Ep. 9Yin Yoga & Osteoporosis: Essential Safety Guidelines for Teachers & PractitionersJoin me in a conversation with Niamh Daly, Yoga teacher trainer and author of "Yoga for Menopause and Beyond," for an in-depth discussion on safely practicing and teaching Yin Yoga for those with osteoporosis and osteopenia.Key Topics:• Understanding osteoporosis vs. osteopenia and why both require the same precautions• Why 54% of women over 50 have osteopenia (and may not know it)• Specific pose modifications: avoiding spinal flexion, supporting forward folds, and safe alternatives• The truth about whether yin yoga can increase bone density• Teaching accessibly: starting with the gentlest variations first• Supporting students emotionally through their diagnosis journeyEssential Takeaway: Teach osteoporosis-friendly variations as your default approach, especially when working with women over 40—the highest demographic in yoga classes.Learn more about Niamh's work at https://yinstinctyoga.comWant to support my work? Leave me a tip.See all episodes at a glanceYoga Teachers: Join The Waitlist for my Therapeutic Yin Yoga Training at the bottom and top of the PageTo Join my Yin Yoga Classes on ZoomTo subscribe to my On-Demand Video Library:Anatomy for Yoga with Paul GrilleyHang Drum Music by Fred Westra Find me on Instagram @nykdanuyoga@YinYogaPodcast
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