Let's Talk Yoga

I’m joined by Andrew McGonigle for a deep dive into Ujjayi Pranayama, the breath technique often called “ocean breath.” We explore the anatomy, nervous system effects, breath retention, and why Ujjayi is far more nuanced than most modern yoga classes make it seem.
Episode Highlights:
Ujjayi breath foundations
Ujjayi body mechanics
Inhalation versus exhalation use
Ujjayi in vinyasa yoga
Breath literacy beyond technique
Breath as tool, not goal
Natural breath versus Ujjayi
Ujjayi and nervous system regulation
Trauma-sensitive breath practices
Ujjayi during pregnancy
Breath retention and kumbhaka
Internal awareness through pranayama
Teaching Ujjayi progressively
Heating versus cooling effects
Classical versus modern Ujjayi
Personal choice and breath agency
Pranayam Teacher Training 2026
Prana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern Italy
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I’m sharing the deeply personal story behind why I revamped my Pranayama Teacher Training and how grief transformed my relationship with breath, pranayama, and teaching yoga. I also dive into breath literacy, why breath is more than just a technique, why Ujjayi is often overused, and the foundational breathing principles I believe every yoga student and teacher should understand.
Episode Highlights:
Revamped Pranayama training launch
Personal pranayama backstory
Grief and relationship with breath
Turning pain into purpose
Breath literacy philosophy
Breath beyond technique
Beyond inhale and exhale
Ujjayi breath reconsidered
Breath and nervous system connection
Steady breath and steady mind
Nasal breathing in yoga
Nostrils and brain connection
Pranayama training details
Italy retreat updates
Pranayam Teacher Training 2026
Prana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern Italy
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What’s the real difference between a yoga teacher and a content creator? In this episode, I break down the subtle (but important) signs that can help you tell them apart, so you can choose how and who you learn from more intentionally. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by courses, content, or conflicting advice online, this one will help you cut through the noise.
Episode Highlights:
Distinguishing teachers vs content creators
Recognizing modern yoga landscape shifts
Understanding intention vs impact
Spotting marketing-driven yoga approaches
Identifying email list obsession patterns
Recognizing freebie-heavy funnels
Noticing inflated metrics vs real impact
Understanding numbers vs student transformation
Identifying “old yoga failed” narratives
Spotting packaged personal opinions
Recognizing transactional teaching models
Understanding lack of long-term mentorship
Identifying short-term course interactions
Spotting constant free content loops
Recognizing overconsumption in yoga learning
Identifying sales funnels vs real practice
Noticing aesthetic-driven curation
Recognizing curated vs embodied teaching
Spotting trend chasing without depth
Noticing high presence, low-impact profiles
Understanding digital reach vs real-world impact
Defining qualities of a yoga educator
Understanding teacher-student relationships
Recognizing long-term guidance and accountability
Understanding contextualized traditional teachings
Identifying student integration over time
Recognizing course consumption patterns
Auditing followed yoga accounts
Evaluating course quantity vs depth
Committing to one teacher long-term
Assessing teacher retention of students
Practicing consistency with one method

Pranayam Teacher Training 2026
Prana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern Italy
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Should you teach stretch or strength first in your yoga classes?
In this episode, I break down a clear, practical framework for sequencing, especially for beginners. Learn how to balance flexibility, strength, and mobility in a way that builds confidence, prevents injury, and actually supports long-term progress.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to structure your classes, this one’s for you.
Episode Highlights:
Stretch vs strength sequencing clarity
Teaching beyond rigid formulas
Flexibility vs strength in yoga practice
Injury risks from imbalance
Beginner-focused sequencing approach
Building body awareness and proprioception
Starting with lower body flexibility
Creating early success through sensation
Targeting major muscle groups
Lower body: glutes, hamstrings, quads
Upper body: side body and breath
Introducing range of motion work
Dynamic movement vs passive stretch
Shoulder and hip mobility focus
Adding strength for beginners
Tabletop as foundational strength
Standing poses for lower body strength
Sequencing stretch before strength
Balancing release and stabilization
Beginner ratios: 70–30 to 60–40
Adjusting for hypermobility and special cases
Intermediate student progression
50–50 balance and alternating focus
Teaching with intention and adaptability
Pranayam Teacher Training 2026
Prana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern Italy
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I sit down with Vikram Jeet Singh to explore Sankhya—the philosophical framework behind yoga—and how it helps us understand the mind, reduce suffering, and cultivate real awareness. It’s a practical, eye-opening conversation on discernment, identity, and seeing clearly.
Episode Highlights:
Sankhya pronunciation clarified
What Sankhya is and why it matters today
Sankhya as philosophy vs. psychological framework
How Sankhya is practiced in real life
Core structure and framework of Sankhya
The goal of Sankhya and ending suffering
Understanding purusha and prakriti
Creating separation between observer and experience
Discernment (viveka) as a core practice
How to build and strengthen discernment
Buddhi vs. ahamkara in decision-making
Samskaras, kleshas, and repeating patterns
Identifying true discernment vs. ego-driven thinking
The gunas and their role in the mind
Real-life application of sattva, rajas, and tamas
Understanding tamasic vs. rajasic tendencies
Strengthening the “viveka muscle”
Creating space between stimulus and response
Reducing inner friction and reactivity
Teaching yoga without Sankhya awareness
Learning Sankhya: teacher vs. self-study
The role of tattvas in understanding reality
Vikram’s book and ways to study with him
Pranayam Teacher Training 2026
Prana & Presence: An Immersive Week of Yoga, Stillness & Soulful Study in Southern Italy
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Find all the resources mentioned in this episode
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