[Patreon Teaser] When Your Values Bust Your Boundaries + The Shero You Need to Know

October 1, 2026

Last month we kicked off the new Yoga Teacher Circle with some juicy questions about boundaries. Enjoy a teaser of that conversation. And also over on Patreon I’ve got a bonus episode of the podcast all about a recent Shero I discovered. Enjoy!

Support this show and access all the extra goodies on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Join the Returning Retreat here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/returning

Join the Business Breakthrough Day here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/breakthrough

And if you’re interested in working with me individually around your own life, relationships or inner world, you can find out more about counselling here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/counselling

REFERENCE:

Rao, Kavitha (2021) Lady Doctors: The Untold Stories of India's First Women in Medicine, Westland, Chennai

You've Done All the Inner Work. So Why Are You Still Stuck?

September 24, 2026

There’s a strange point in personal growth where you can become very good at understanding your patterns without actually changing them. In this episode I’m looking at why insight isn’t always enough, how attachment and people-pleasing patterns can show up with students, studio owners and colleagues and what it takes to interrupt those automatic responses and choose something different.

Support this show on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

And if you’re interested in working with me individually around your own life, relationships or inner world, you can find out more about counselling here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/counselling

The Why of Anatomy-Informed, Consent-Centred Hands-On Yoga

September 17, 2026

I’m kicking off a brand new season with a special guest! Kiara Armstrong is the creator of Rubber Band Method®, a system for teaching hands-on yoga through anatomy-informed, consent-centered, and biomechanically precise techniques.

Hands-on adjustments are one of those things that can divide Yoga teachers pretty quickly. Some teachers love them. Some avoid them altogether. Some of us were trained to do them without ever really being taught how to think about touch, consent, anatomy or what makes an adjustment genuinely useful.

That’s why I was really happy to sit down with Kiara Armstrong from @rubberbandmethod for this week’s Abundant Yoga Teachers podcast.

We talk about touch, anatomy, biomechanics, consent and the difference between a genuinely useful assist and simply moving someone into a shape because you think they should be there.

And there’s a business angle here that I think is worth considering, too.

I don’t think hands-on work should be treated as some kind of gimmick or point of difference you bolt onto your Yoga teaching. But developing genuinely confident and skillful hands-on work can absolutely become an advantage in your Yoga business.

Four reasons I think hands-on assists can be a business advantage:

They can make your classes feel more personal. Thoughtful, appropriate touch can create a sense of individual attention that can be difficult to replicate in a large group class.
They can deepen the experience you offer. When you know what you’re doing, an assist can help a student understand an Asana in a way that verbal instruction alone sometimes can’t.
They give you another skill people can seek you out for. In a crowded Yoga market, having a particular area of expertise can give students another reason to choose your classes.
They can become part of your teaching identity. Not because you want to be known as ‘the teacher who touches everyone’, but because developing a real skill and using it thoughtfully can become part of what makes your teaching yours.

The important bit, of course, is the skill. Confidence without good training isn’t enough. And intention isn’t the same thing as consent.

That’s what Kiara and I get into in the episode.

Access your special gift from Kiara here: https://www.rubberbandmethod.com/amy

And if this is something you’d like to chew over with other Yoga teachers, I’m also inviting you to the very first Yoga Teacher Circle next Thursday.

The Circle is a new discussion space for Yoga teachers to talk about the real stuff that comes up when you’re actually teaching: student relationships, tricky situations, boundaries, teaching questions and the things you don’t necessarily get to discuss in a standard teacher training.

The inaugural Circle is open to all Patreon supporters for just $5 AUD (about US$3.50 / £2.70).

So if you’re already supporting me on Patreon, you’re invited. And if you’re not currently a supporter but you’d like to come along and try it out, you can join Patreon for $5 AUD and come to this first session.

We’ll meet on Thursday 24 September at 7am Melbourne time on Zoom.

You can bring a question, bring a teaching dilemma or just come along and listen. There’s no preparation and you don’t need to be an expert. It’s simply a chance to get a bunch of Yoga teachers together and have a proper conversation.

Join Patreon and come along to the first Yoga Teacher Circle here: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

I’d love to see you there.

Join the launch of the Yoga Teacher Circle and Support this show on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Join the Returning Retreat next month here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/returning

REFERENCE:

Gilani, Nadia (2022) The Yoga Manifesto: How Yoga Helped Me and Why It Needs to Save Itself, Bluebird, London

[Patreon Teaser] How to Stop Having Endless Conversations With People Who Don't Buy

September 10, 2026

Are you spending way too much time answering questions from people who are interested in your Yoga business, but never actually buy?

In this episode, I’m talking about sales boundaries: how to stop turning enquiries into free coaching sessions, how to recognise when scarcity and people-pleasing are driving your sales conversations, and how to create a simple process that protects your time while still being warm and helpful.

Listen to the full episode on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

And if you’re interested in working with me individually around your own life, relationships or inner world, you can find out more about counselling here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/counselling

[Patreon Teaser] What to Do When a Student Gets Under Your Skin

September 3, 2026

What do you do when a Yoga student irritates you, pushes your buttons, crosses a boundary or simply makes you think, ‘Oh god, not this person again’? In this teaser episode, I’m exploring what our reactions to students can teach us about boundaries, projection, emotional labour and the difference between compassion and making ourselves endlessly available.

Listen to the full episode on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

And if you’re interested in working with me individually around your own life, relationships or inner world, you can find out more about counselling here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/counselling

Special Announcement: It's My Birthday!

July 30, 2026

It's birthday week, which means it's time for my annual birthday sale.

From now until 6 August, I'm offering 20% off both my Returning Retreat and 1:1 Business Coaching.

If you've been thinking about working together, or joining me on retreat, this is a lovely opportunity.

1:1 Business Coaching

The birthday sale brings coaching from AUD $3,500 to AUD $2,800 (approximately £1,350 or US$1,800).

If you're wondering whether coaching is the right fit, I'd love to invite you to book a Clarity Call. It's a relaxed conversation where we can explore your goals, what's happening in your business, and whether we'd be a good fit to work together.

Learn more about coaching:
https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching

Book a Clarity Call:
https://scheduler.zoom.us/amymcdonald/strategy

Returning Retreat

If what you're craving isn't another strategy or another online course, but a chance to step away, breathe, reflect and reconnect with yourself, Returning might be exactly what you need.

Three days. Two nights. Time to slow down, think clearly and remember what matters.

Learn more about Returning:
https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/returning

If you've got questions, please get in touch. And please don't not book a Clarity Call because you're worried you'll be wasting my time. You won't. I promise.

Pratyāhāra and Creating a Business That Doesn't Interrupt You All Day

July 16, 2026

Have you accidentally built a business where everyone has direct access to your attention?

In this episode, I'm exploring the yogic concept of pratyāhāra and how it can help you create clearer communication systems, reduce unnecessary interruptions and reclaim your focus.

We'll look at practical ways to simplify your tech, your notifications and your client communication so your business supports your work instead of constantly distracting you from it.

If you'd like the space to step back and work on your business rather than just in it, I'll also tell you a little about the dedicated business day at this year's Returning Retreat.

Learn more here:
https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/returning

Support the show on Patreon. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

We've Forgotten That Yoga Is a Tradition of Stories

July 9, 2026

This week I'm exploring something that's been quietly bothering me for a long time: somewhere along the way, we've become very good at teaching Yoga poses, but we've forgotten that Yoga has always been a tradition of stories.

In this episode, I share why stories have been central to the Yoga tradition for thousands of years, explore the extraordinary roles of Vyasa and Valmiki, and reflect on why the Ramayana and the Puranas continue to speak so powerfully to modern life. If you've ever wondered whether there was something deeper beneath the physical practice of Yoga, this conversation is for you.

If you'd like to experience more of these teachings, registrations are now open for my free three-part online series next week, where we'll explore three ancient stories from the Yoga tradition and what they still have to teach women today.

Sign up for the free training here: https://mailchi.mp/amymcdonald/story

Check out all the Returning Retreat details here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/returning

Support the show on Patreon. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Choosing a Life of Deep Practice

July 2, 2026

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Swami Atma Muktananda Saraswati, the long-time resident teacher and manager of Rocklyn Ashram, where we’ll be gathering for my upcoming October Returning Retreat.

Swamiji has spent more than 40 years living, teaching, and serving at the ashram, and in this conversation we explore the traditional Satyananda Yoga system, the role of Yoga Nidra in creating deep relaxation, the history of the ashram, and what life in an ashram is actually like. We also talk about community, practice, and why stepping away from the pace of everyday life can create space for something quite profound to happen.

After spending time out at the ashram recently, I’ve become even more excited for our retreat. There’s something very special about the place — the warmth of the people, the beautiful bush setting, the simplicity of the rhythm, and the feeling that you can put down all of the usual “doing” for a while and simply arrive as a student and practitioner. If you’ve been craving more depth in your practice, more spaciousness, or simply a few days away from holding everything together, I genuinely think this experience is going to be incredibly special.

A quick reminder too: the super early bird pricing for the retreat ends this Sunday, so if you’ve been considering joining us, now is a really lovely time to book in.

Enjoy the conversation.

Check out all the Returning Retreat details here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/returning

Support the show on Patreon. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Beyond the Yoga Hustle 5: Why You're Wondering Whether You Even Want This Anymore (And What To Do About It)

June 25, 2026

Have you ever found yourself wondering whether you're tired of teaching... or simply tired of the way you've been doing things? In this final episode of the 'Beyond the Yoga Hustle' series, I’m exploring the quieter questions many Yoga teachers are carrying: what if success doesn't have to mean constant growth? What if you're chasing goals that no longer fit who you are? And what if the problem isn't your business — but the standards you're using to judge it?

Shop my coaching sale and get a $1000 gift!: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/coaching

Watch the free trainings here: mid-year realignment training here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/videos

Check out all the details for my Retreat here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/returning

Support the show on Patreon. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Beyond the Yoga Hustle 4: Why It's So Hard to Stand Out as a Yoga Teacher (And What To Do About It)

June 18, 2026

In today's yoga industry, standing out can feel harder than ever. More teachers. More studios. More online options. More competition for attention. But what if the problem isn't that there are too many yoga teachers? What if the real problem is that too many teachers are saying the same things? In this episode, I’m exploring why traditional niche advice often falls short, why generic marketing is making teachers increasingly forgettable, and what actually makes students remember and connect with a teacher.

Watch the free trainings here: mid-year realignment training here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/videos

Check out all the details for my Retreat here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/returning

Support the show on Patreon. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

BONUS: What ’Living Namaste’ Means and Why It Matters

June 15, 2026

Guest Jeremy Engels joins podcast host Amy McDonald to talk about ‘Living Namaste’, what it means and how it can make a difference, taking Yoga into the world for equality and the wellbeing of all and how to stay inspired and true to your values as a studio owner.

Follow Jeremy’s work here: https://jeremydavidengels.com or Instagram @jeremy_david_engels

Sign up for the free mid-year realignment training here: https://mailchi.mp/amymcdonald/realign

Check out all the details for my Retreat here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/returning

Support the show on Patreon. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Beyond the Yoga Hustle 3: Why So Many Yoga Teachers Are Burnt Out (And What To Do About It)

June 11, 2026

Yoga teachers don't usually burn out from teaching. We burn out from the marketing, admin, travel, content creation, and all the other jobs we're expected to do alongside it. In this episode, I unpack why burnout is so common in our industry and what it might take to build a business that doesn't leave you exhausted.

Sign up for the free mid-year realignment training here: https://mailchi.mp/amymcdonald/realign

Check out all the details for my Retreat here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/returning

Support the show on Patreon. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Beyond the Yoga Hustle 2: Why Marketing Yourself as a Yoga Teacher Feels So Hard (And What To Do About It)

June 4, 2026

If marketing yourself as a Yoga teacher feels uncomfortable, awkward, or somehow at odds with your values, you’re not alone. In this episode, I unpack why so many Yoga teachers struggle with visibility and self-promotion, what’s actually getting in the way, and the practical shifts that can make marketing feel more authentic and effective. Plus, I share what’s actually working right now when it comes to attracting students and growing a sustainable Yoga business.

Sign up for the free mid-year realignment training here: https://mailchi.mp/amymcdonald/realign

Check out all the details for my Retreat here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/returning

Support the show on Patreon. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

[Patreon Teaser] Beyond the Yoga Hustle: Why You’re Still Struggling Financially as a Yoga Teacher (And What To Do About It)

May 28, 2026

If you’re teaching regularly but still not feeling financially stable, this episode is going to land. I’m breaking down the real reasons so many yoga teachers stay stuck in inconsistent income, from over-reliance on studio work to missing structural pieces in their business model, and what actually needs to change. Most importantly, I share practical, grounded steps you can take to start shifting from hustle and guesswork into a more sustainable way of working.

Check out all the details for my Retreat here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/returning

Support the show on Patreon. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Come experience ashram life with me (and my newest retreat offering)

May 21, 2026

In this episode, I’m sharing the story behind my brand new Ashram Retreat happening this October at the Yoga Association of Victoria Ashram in the Wombat Forest. I talk about my own experiences in ashrams, the difference between practicing Yoga and truly living it, and why immersion, simplicity, and community can be so deeply transformative. We also explore the impact of constant stimulation on the nervous system and why so many of us are craving more depth and sincerity in our practice right now. Plus, I share all the details about the retreat itself, including the optional bonus business intensive for yoga teachers.

Check out all the details here: https://www.amymcdonald.com.au/returning

Support the show on Patreon. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Saguna vs Nirguna: Structured vs Intuitive Launches

May 14, 2026

In this episode, I explore the yogic concepts of saguna and nirguna as two very different approaches to launching and selling your offers: structured strategy versus intuitive flow. I unpack the specific strengths and pitfalls of both styles, and why neither is inherently “better” than the other. We also talk about how experience helps us move from needing rigid structure into deeper self-trust and discernment. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a better plan or simply more trust in yourself, this episode is for you.

Support the show on Patreon. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

REFERENCE

Frawley, David (2009) Inner Tantric Yoga: Working with the Universal Shakti, Motilal Banarsidass International, Delhi

[Patreon Teaser] Sales Krama for More Ease in Business

May 7, 2026

If your yoga offers feel a bit random or disconnected, this episode is your nudge to rethink the pathway. I’m talking about krama, the idea of intelligent sequencing, and how your workshops, trainings, and retreats should actually build on each other, not sit in isolation. I share practical ways to make your offers align thematically, attract the same people, and naturally lead into what’s next. Plus, how to follow up in a way that feels like guidance, not a sales pitch. If you want the full episode, please sign up for Patreon!

Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonald

Svādhyāya, Eric Carmen and a Sunbeam of a Human

April 30, 2026

I recently met someone who asked me to define my spirituality. What is Svādhyāya and are you making time for it? In this episode I’m reflecting on what ‘spirituality’ is, how to grow and learn about the self in a non-obsessive way and why I think Eric Carmen has an important lesson for us in allowing for expansive moments in class. Enjoy!

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

Bryant, Edwin F (2009)The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, North Point Press, New York

Lee, Jenny (2016) True Yoga: Practicing with the Yoga Sutras forHappiness and Spiritual Fulfilment, Llewellyn Publications, Woodbury

Leventhal, Les (2014) Two Lifestyles, One Lifetime, Yoga with Les, Ubud

Wallis, Christopher, D (2023), Near Enemies of the Truth: Avoid the Pitfalls of the Spiritual Life and Become Radically Free, Wonderwell, Los Angeles

3 Tips to Grow Your Studio Classes

April 23, 2026

If you’re teaching in studios and quietly wondering why your classes aren’t fuller, this one’s for you. I’m sharing three shifts I see make a real difference: making it ridiculously easy to book, being intentional (not reckless) with Meta ads, and actually building your own brand alongside studio work. It’s honest, practical, and the kind of conversation that moves you from ‘This is interesting’ to ‘OK, I’m actually doing something about it.’

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

Abundant Yoga Teacher Podcasts

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