Lessons on Owning A Yoga Studio In Bangkok Part 1

This week I’m joined by Yogatique Bangkok Co-Founder Minh Lowe. Minh has a 23 year Yoga practice and draws her inspiration from a blend of the essential aspects of Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Anursara, Iyengar and Yin practices. Since teaching her first class 14 years ago, Minh has committed to making her classes welcoming, challenging and safe.

Read Minh’s articles here: https://medium.com/@Minh.Lowe

Access a comp coaching spot (tick the GOYA box) here: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

The November sale info is here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/sale

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

Absorb Less, Act More

A number of my clients have been making themselves dizzy trying to absorb all the free biz growth things on the internet. As well as suddenly being very busy, they’re also confused: what am I doing again? This week I’m going on a tirade about self-soothing with business freebies, and I’ve got 4 considerations if you want to check in with your own freebie addiction.

Those comp coaching spots (tick the GOYA box) are here: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

The November sale info is here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/sale

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

What It Means When You Hate Your Students!

Welcome to a brand new season of the Abundant Yoga Teacher Podcast! We are kicking it off with a spicy, ‘real-talk’ topic.

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

BONUS: The Improbable Daddy of Western Postural Yoga

Greetings from Kolkata, the birthplace of some of the main characters in the story of Yoga’s journey to the West! In touring the homes of these folks, I’ve felt inspired to share with you a Yoga influencer from history that you might have not heard of! This episode previously aired in September 2022 as a Patreon bonus. Enjoy!

Also, in this replay I’m launching my brand new, small and potent 5-part mastermind you’ll actually make your first international retreat happen. Over two fun, focused months, you’ll ditch the overwhelm and plan, price, and market your first international retreat with clarity and confidence.

By the end, you won’t just have ideas — you’ll have your dates locked in, your offer crafted, and real steps taken toward a retreat that’s ready for your students to buy! This is NOT simply a training course. It is YOU, ME and a small group of inspiring colleagues actually getting this work done and making your dream retreat a reality.

Here is the link to check it out: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/getitdoneretreats

Jain, Andrea R (2015) Selling Yoga: from counterculture to pop culture, Oxford University Press, New York

Love, Robert (2010) The Great Oom: The Improbable Birth of Yoga in America, Viking, New York

NPR Recording: https://www.npr.org/2010/05/09/126610671/the-great-oom-yogas-wild-ride-to-respectability accessed 26 September 2022

BONUS: 5 Step to Launch Your First International Retreat

Do you have the desire to offer Yoga retreats in exotic locations but you're not sure where to get started with planning your offer? This replay of a webinar I gave earlier this week will be a great start! A heads up about the sound: I hope the content will make up for it.

Also, in this replay I’m launching my brand new, small and potent 5-part mastermind you’ll actually make your first international retreat happen. Over two fun, focused months, you’ll ditch the overwhelm and plan, price, and market your first international retreat with clarity and confidence.

By the end, you won’t just have ideas — you’ll have your dates locked in, your offer crafted, and real steps taken toward a retreat that’s ready for your students to buy! This is NOT simply a training course. It is YOU, ME and a small group of inspiring colleagues actually getting this work done and making your dream retreat a reality.

Here is the link to check it out: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/getitdoneretreats

Season Finale: 3 Ways to Travel Overseas with Your Yoga Business

Greetings from Ho Chi Minh City! To finish up this season of the show i’ve got 3 inspiring ways to get you out of your comfort zone and on the road teaching, learning and EARNING with your Yoga business! Also, some updates for all the goodies happening on Patreon AND make sure you’re registered for the free webinar happening this week: 5 Steps to Launch Your First International Retreat. I’ll see you there!

Here are my links:

FREE Retreats training: https://mailchi.mp/amymcdonald/overseasretreats

Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching

Calendar to talk coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

Blending Mythology Into Your Workshops and Ravana's Ten Heads [Patreon Teaser]

I LOVE using myth as a basis for my workshops and special events. Today I'm unpacking how the myth of Ravana's 10 heads could be used in 4 different ways to structure interesting and powerful workshops. You’ll get one way here and you can jump over to Patreon and get the other 3 for just $5! Also, don’t forget my coaching package is on sale and its a bloody BARGAIN! Let’s talk!

Here are my links:

BIRTHDAY SALE: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/birthdaysale

Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching

Calendar to talk coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

So What, Exactly, is Somatic Yoga?

This week I’m joined again by Taylor Lorenz of taylorstracks.com and @taylorstracks. Taylor is the creator of the yoga & travel site, Taylor's Tracks, a former full-time travel writer turned yoga teacher, mentor & trainer after taking her first YTT that sparked her self acceptance journey. This time she is talking me through what Somatic Yoga is, how it can be helpful and how we can begin to incorporate it into our own practice and our teaching.

Here are my links:

BIRTHDAY SALE: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/birthdaysale

Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching

Calendar to talk coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

3 Yoga Biz Insights from Goddess Annapurna

Once upon a time Siva and Parvati were chatting, things got heated and Parvati cracked it and left. Unfortunately, without her around things started to fall apart and world fell into a famine. What happened? Listen in to find out! And then I’ll share three things this Goddess reminds us of in business.

Here are my links:

BIRTHDAY SALE: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/birthdaysale

Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching

Calendar to talk about coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

Patreon: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Bikram, Versace, Paris and a Damp Cat

This week I’m joined by my friend @simon_phelan to talk all things 90s pop culture, travel, training and Yogaland in the 2000s. Simon graduated from the Yoga College of India in July 2009, in Palm Springs California. Since then he has taught and practised in Los Angeles, New York City, Paris, Sydney and Rishikesh. He also worked as a guest teacher in Bali and studios around Melbourne and now Bendigo, which is where he has a yoga studio and Ayurvedic massage therapy business. I’m also introducing Simon to Yogi Cameron, who I met in 2017, and his book ‘The Yogi Code’. Give Simon a follow and enjoy this fun episode!

Here are my links:

Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching

Calendar to talk about coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

Patreon: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

References:

Alborzian, Cameron (2017) The Yogi Code: Seven Universal Laws of Infinite Success, Simon and Schuster, New York

Hot or Not? A Model Turned Guru on What to Eat

Accessed 9 June 2025

https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/09/dining/09yogi.html

The Yogi Code by Yogi Cameron

Accessed 9 June 2025

https://layoga.com/entertainment/books-dvds/the-yogi-code-by-yogi-cameron/

David Frawley is the American hippy who became RSS’s favourite western intellectual

Accessed 9 June, 2025

https://theprint.in/opinion/david-frawley-is-the-american-hippy-who-became-rsss-favourite-western-intellectual/150759/

Why Money Fear Dilutes Your Message (and How to Fix It!)

A common mistake I see Yoga teachers making is trying to be all things to all people. This can happen as a result of being worried about money. If you become too specific in what you offer, will you can able to attract enough clients? If you have a wellbeing service that you offer online, it is critical that you are VERY specific with your audience. In fact, you’ll go broke it you’re not. Want my help? Reach out!

Here are my links:

Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching

Calendar to talk about coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

Patreon: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Revisiting Your Yoga Teaching Ethics [Patreon Teaser]

Recently I had to check in with the boundaries I'd set for myself when it came to social interactions with my students. After hauling out one of my old teacher training manuals i realised I needed some new resources! In this episode I go through three that I really like. Let me know what you think!

Here are my links:

Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching

Calendar to talk about coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

Patreon: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

References:

The Ethical Crisis In Spiritual Leadership

https://mindbodyspirit.fm/article/the-ethical-crisis-in-spiritual-leadership-by-philip-goldberg/

Accessed 2 June, 2025

California Yoga Teachers Association Code of Conduct

https://www.yogalifeinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/California-Yoga-Teachers-Association-Code-of-Conduct.pages_.pdf

Accessed 2 June, 2025

The Promise

https://www.seeksafely.org/practitioners/

Accesses 2 June, 2025

Honor Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Individuals

https://www.spiritual-integrity.org/honor-code/honor-code-for-individuals/

Accessed 2 June, 2025

How to Make Your Branding Truly Transformational

Today we are talking all things branding and design with my guest, Kylie Bire. Kylie is a Brand and Website Designer, creative strategist, and founder of Indeko Creative—where soulful strategy meets intentional design. With over 20 years of experience across graphic design, marketing, and brand management, she blends her deep industry expertise with a heart-led, intuitive approach to help creatives and wellness entrepreneurs align their branding with their energy, values, and essence. Through her own journey from burnout to alignment, Kylie now supports others to build brands that feel like a natural extension of who they are.

Here are Kylie’s links:

Website: https://www.indekocreative.com.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indekocreative/

Brand archetype/branding kits: https://www.indekocreative.com.au/brand-archetypes

Here are my links:

Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching

Calendar to talk about coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

Patreon: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

One Way To Dig Yourself Out of Yoga Gig Work Hustle

A few weeks ago we were talking about my simple business structure for better money making potential. This week i’m sharing one way to dig yourself out of the ‘stuck in the bottom’ tier way of working. If you’re teaching all over town and don’t have time to think about doing business differently, this might be a solution. And if you want my help to make it a reality, reach out.

Here are my links:

Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching

Calendar to talk about coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

Patreon: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Vānaprastha Contemplations Part 3: Draupadi and the Jambhul Fruit

In this foresty mythical episode we are talking about the importance of telling the truth. When confronted with confessing her deepest secret, Draupadi saved the day. What secrets could liberate you in life and business if you said them out loud?

Want more support? Here are my links:

Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching

Calendar to talk about coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

Patreon: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Want More Time? STOP Doing These Things Immediately!

I’m a zealot for more space and time to enjoy life. If I’m not working with my clients or teaching my students, I’d prefer to be almost anywhere than my office and computer. If you’re craving to claw back time from your wellness business, I hereby give you permission to stop doing these four things. Right. Now.

Want more support? Here are my links:

Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching

Calendar to talk about coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

Patreon: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

My Simple 3-Tier Yoga Business Structure to Make More Money

Are you making the money you want to in your Yoga business? Do you have the time you want in your iife to live as you want to? If you’re running all over town teaching everywhere and not getting time to rest, recharge and have enough fun, it could be because you’re business structure isn’t set up for success. This episode will help.

Here are my links:

Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching

Calendar to talk about coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

Patreon: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

What Grinds Your Gears + How to Raise Your Rates [Patreon Teaser]

I heard from a bunch of listeners who just get really peeved when Yoga teachers say… In this episode Ive got some laughs from our Kula that you’ll love. Also this week a sneak into the Patreon May bonus episode about knowing when and how to raise your rates.

Here are my links:

Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching

Calendar to talk about coaching: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

Patreon: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Undies, Catholicism and When Teachers Just Don't Age Well

Do you own any books written by celebrities? This week Shauna Flash and I are chatting about the yoga book written by super model Christy Turlington. We cover a LOT of ground! If you’d like to talk about Yoga books with me on the show, reach out.

More about Shauna: Shauna Flash is a yoga teacher and yoga teacher trainer based in Sandy, Utah, specialising in stress reduction and mindfulness practices. With a calming presence and a passion for holistic wellness, she supports individuals in finding balance through breath, movement, and mindfulness practices. In addition to teaching yoga, she facilitates immersive sound baths and leads stress reduction workshops for individuals and corporations, helping teams reset, refocus, and thrive in high-pressure environments. Her work blends ancient practices with modern needs, creating accessible tools for lasting well-being. Find her on Instagram at  https://www.instagram.com/shaunaflashyoga or online at www.shaunaflashyoga.com

My links:

MAY SALE: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/intensives

Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching

Calendar to book in to talk: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

Counselling: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/counselling

Patreon: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Reference:

Turlington, Christy (2002) Living Yoga: Creating a Life of Practice, Hyperion Books, New York.

Onboarding New Clients: Reflection Questions for You

This week I’m onboarding two new clients. As a part of that process they have completed a comprehensive survey which poses questions about business, challenges, goals, visions and support. This week I’m sharing part of that survey because I suspect there will be insights for you and your business, too.

Here are my links:

Business coaching: www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching

Calendar to book in to talk: https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/coaching

Counselling: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/counselling

Patreon: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald