The Fun Scale In Biz or It's Time to Impress the Hell Out of Yourself!

Over the weekend I took a solo hike up a mountain and impressed the hell out of myself. This episode is inspired by that hike, as well as two outdoorsy writers who have some really powerful things to share about having fun… even when we’re not.

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:

Sharwood, Anthony (2020) From Snow to Ash, Hachette, Sydney

‘The Fun Scale’, https://kellycordes.com/2009/11/02/the-fun-scale/ accessed 2.12.25

What Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone Show Us About Your Niche

Watching Bugonia got me thinking: Yoga is for EVERYONE! So how to choose your niche? I’ve got three ways, and #3 is my recommendation.

The November sale info is here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/sale There are only 5 places remaining.

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

Inside My Class Planning Process

Heads up: this is a bit of a ranty episode, but hopefully it’s useful!

The November sale info is here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/sale There are only 5 places remaining.

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

Yoga, Strength and Launching an Online Course

Today I’m joined by Victoria Thomas, a fabulous client of mine, who is sharing some fantastic wisdom about why we need to incorporate strength work into our classes and how to do it. Check out Vics’ course here: https://www.yogateacherslab.com/yoga-for-strength-course-165869 and follow her on Insta here: https://www.instagram.com/victoriathomasosteoyoga/

SHOP MY BLACK FRIDAY SALE! Coaching is 20% off for the rest of the month!

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

Choosing Transgressive Acts in The Pursuit of Dreams

SHOP MY BLACK FRIDAY SALE!

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

References:

Banerjee Divakaruni, Chitra (2019) The Forest Of Enchantments, Harper Collins, Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Rao, Anjali (2025) Yoga as Embodied Resistance: A Feminist Lens on Caste, Gender and Sacred Resilience in Yoga History, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley

Work Less, Earn More with These 3 Tips

SHOP MY BLACK FRIDAY SALE!

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

3 Ways You're Making Biz Unnecessarily and Gargantuanly Difficult

SHOP MY BLACK FRIDAY SALE! Plus I’ve got a lineup of 3 mini shows:

1. Invisible Money is Too Hard to Manage

2. Safe Boundaries when Cultivating Parasocial Connections

3. Newsletters: When, What & How

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

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