Yoga Teacher Confidential: Secrets of Becoming a Great Yoga Teacher

Sage Rountree
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Yoga Teacher Confidential is your backstage pass to the unspoken truths of being a yoga teacher. Sage Rountree, PhD, E-RYT500, dives into the real challenges and rewards of teaching yoga, offering expert advice and secrets to help you build confidence, connect with your students, and teach with authenticity. Sage draws on her two decades of experience teaching yoga, owning and running a studio, mentoring yoga teachers, and directing yoga teacher trainings to share practical insights you can use right away. You'll also hear advice from her books, including Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses, The Art of Yoga Sequencing, and The Professional Yoga Teacher's Handbook. Yoga Off the Mat is coming out in July 2026. Whether you’re navigating imposter syndrome, mastering classroom presence, or refining your skills to teach specialized niches like athletes, this podcast empowers you to lead your classes with clarity, grace, and ease.

  1. 4D AGO

    80. Why I Named It Comfort Zone Yoga

    "Get out of your comfort zone." It's practically a bumper sticker. But here's the definition I keep coming back to: the place where you can operate without fear of failure. That's not a limitation. That's a superpower. In this episode, I share the story behind the name Comfort Zone Yoga—what it actually means for your teaching, your confidence, and the kind of teacher you're becoming. We cover what happens in the room when you're teaching at the edge of your comfort zone, why most teacher trainings leave new teachers underprepared for real students, and how repetition (not novelty) builds the confidence that lasts. Your backstory isn't baggage—it's your curriculum. The obstacle you overcame gives you the authority to teach the very students who share that challenge. We unpack why this is true and what it means practically for how you show up. We also dig into the two sides of comfort: getting comfortable with discomfort (the growth edge most teachers know) and getting comfortable with comfort—the harder edge for athletes and high-achievers who already know how to push. Close out with the frameworks that make it all possible: the 6–4–2 checklist for balanced movement and the S.E.R.V.E. Method. Free live open houses April 18 & May 16, both at noon Eastern—sign up at comfortzoneyoga.com/c/comfort-zone-conversations. Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there! For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials: InstagramFacebookThreadsBlueskyPinterestAnd come explore my mentorship program, my Yoga Class Prep Station membership, continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs, and my many books for yoga teachers. It's all at sagerou...

    13 min

  2. MAR 31

    79. Theming Your Yoga Classes without Overthinking

    Think about the last time you sat down to plan a themed yoga class. Did you freeze—staring at your notebook, wondering whether to use a Sanskrit concept, a seasonal metaphor, or a quote from a book you half-remember? You're not alone, and you're probably overthinking it. In this episode, Sage Rountree breaks down what a yoga class theme actually is—and what it isn't. A theme is simply a thread: one idea that gives your students something to hold onto from centering to closing. Sage shares practical methods for choosing a theme in five minutes or less and demonstrates how to weave it through your class naturally. Drawing from both volumes of Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses—the books Sage co-authored with Alexandra DeSiato—this episode gives you access to 108 ready-made themes and a template you can use to create your own. Whether you use the observation method (demoed in full), inquiry, or borrowed wisdom, you'll walk away with a simple system that makes your classes feel cohesive and intentional. Sage also previews the free Comfort Zone Conversation on April 9th, where all three methods will be walked through live. Join the Zone at comfortzoneyoga.com to RSVP—it's free, and the recording will be available afterward. For the full class-arc framework and S.E.R.V.E. Method, visit sagerountree.com/mentorship. Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there! For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials: InstagramFacebookThreadsBlueskyPinterestAnd come explore my mentorship program, my Yoga Class Prep Station membership, continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs, and my many books for yoga teachers. It's all at sagerou...

    12 min

  3. MAR 24

    78. Yoga Nidra, the Koshas, and You

    I was teaching my regular Monday night balance class when I realized something: the centering I've been guiding for years—body, breath, mind, intention—is a walkthrough of the koshas. I just never called it that. In this episode, I break down the five koshas (body, breath, brain, belly, bliss—the five B's) and show you how this ancient model from the Taittiriya Upanishad is already woven into every class you teach. From your opening centering to your final savasana, you've been guiding students through these layers all along. I also walk through how the koshas come alive in yoga nidra, why understanding them gives you a teaching tool no app or NSDR clip can replicate, and how to use the "specific to general" dial to guide deeper relaxation. Plus, the one thing you absolutely cannot do: force your students to relax. Whether you teach vinyasa, restorative, or anything in between, this episode will change the way you think about centering, savasana, and everything that happens between them. I share a personal practice example, a practical challenge you can try this week, and resources for going deeper—including my forthcoming book Yoga Off the Mat and my 20-CEU course Teaching Yoga Nidra at Comfort Zone Yoga. RSVP for the open house—we meet at noon EDT on Saturday, April 18. I'll send a replay to all registrants after the event! Register here: Find Your Teaching Voice Live + 200YTT Open House Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there! For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials: InstagramFacebookThreadsBlueskyPinterestAnd come explore my mentorship program, my Yoga Class Prep Station membership, continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs, and my many books for yoga teachers. It's all at sagerou...

    19 min

  4. MAR 17

    77. Storytelling for Yoga Teachers with Sara Joelle

    Website copywriter Sara Joelle joins me to talk about something every yoga teacher needs—storytelling. Whether you're theming a class, writing a newsletter, or trying to tell people about your workshop without cringing, Sara has practical methods to make it easier. We dig into the mindset around selling and why the voice in your head telling you you're annoying is one you made up. Sara shares her approach to breaking the fourth wall during a launch and why believing in what you're offering makes everything else click. Sara walks through two storytelling methods—starting with the point and working backward to a story, or starting with a story and connecting it to a message. Her Cards Against Humanity game night example is worth the listen on its own. We also talk about what actually belongs on a yoga teacher's website (hint: logistics first, credentials last) and why conversational copy beats esoteric language every time. Sara closes with a powerful reminder to stop blocking your own blessings. Listen now! RSVP for the open house—we meet at noon EDT on Saturday, April 18. I'll send a replay to all registrants after the event! Register here: Find Your Teaching Voice Live + 200YTT Open House Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there! For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials: InstagramFacebookThreadsBlueskyPinterestAnd come explore my mentorship program, my Yoga Class Prep Station membership, continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs, and my many books for yoga teachers. It's all at sagerou...

    35 min

  5. MAR 10

    76. Why Every Yoga Teacher Needs a Newsletter (And How to Start One)

    Have you ever noticed how even your most loyal yoga students eventually drift away? Life happens—schedules change, people move—and without a way to stay in touch between classes, those connections fade. In this episode of Yoga Teacher Confidential, Sage Rountree breaks down why a newsletter is one of the simplest, most ethical tools yoga teachers have for building lasting relationships with students. You'll learn what permission-based marketing actually means (and why it should make you feel good, not guilty), how often to send your newsletter, and what to offer as a lead magnet to grow your list—using things you're probably already creating. Sage also covers the ethics of collecting email addresses, including how to get explicit consent and why unsubscribes are a feature, not a failure. Plus, she tackles the often-overlooked topic of studio non-solicitation policies and how to navigate them professionally. Ready to get started? Join Sage on March 19 at 2 p.m. Eastern for the Newsletter Launch Pad—a free live call inside Comfort Zone Conversations where you'll walk through choosing a platform, collecting addresses, and planning content without the overwhelm. RSVP at the link in the episode, and if you can't make it live, you'll get the recording. Next week on Yoga Teacher Confidential: copywriter Sara Joelle joins Sage to talk about storytelling for yoga teachers—because once you have a newsletter, you need to know what to put in it. RSVP for the open house—we meet at noon EDT on Saturday, April 18. I'll send a replay to all registrants after the event! Register here: Find Your Teaching Voice Live + 200YTT Open House Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there! For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials: InstagramFacebookThreadsBlueskyPinterestAnd come explore my mentorship program, my Yoga Class Prep Station membership, continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs, and my many books for yoga teachers. It's all at sagerou...

    13 min

  6. MAR 3

    75. Why Teaching Yoga Is Not Like Teaching Other Subjects

    A vivid dream about teaching Spinning brought me face to face with something I've known for years but never quite articulated: teaching yoga is fundamentally different from every other kind of teaching I've done. In this episode, I'm drawing on my background in Spinning instruction, university English literature, and public radio to show exactly where those skills help in the yoga room—and where they actively work against your students' experience. From the constant monologuing of radio to the performance energy of Spinning, I had to unlearn a lot to become an effective yoga teacher. I'm also sharing the surprising overlaps—like helping students find comfort in their setup, using breath as an anchor, and navigating students' desire for intensity. These are transferable skills that serve you beautifully when you know how to adapt them. If you've come to yoga teaching from fitness, academics, broadcasting, or any profession where you were trained to fill space and hold attention, this episode will help you identify the habits you're carrying and give you concrete steps to shift from performing to witnessing. Listen now! RSVP for the open house—we meet at noon EDT on Saturday, April 18. I'll send a replay to all registrants after the event! Register here: Find Your Teaching Voice Live + 200YTT Open House Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there! For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials: InstagramFacebookThreadsBlueskyPinterestAnd come explore my mentorship program, my Yoga Class Prep Station membership, continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs, and my many books for yoga teachers. It's all at sagerou...

    18 min

  7. FEB 24

    74. When It's NOT Your Choice: Losing a Class You Didn't Choose to Leave

    Classes end in a variety of ways. Last episode, we talked about choosing to drop a class on your own terms. But what happens when the decision isn't yours? Maybe the studio cut your class. Maybe an illness or injury forced you to step away. Maybe life circumstances made it impossible to keep showing up. This is a different kind of loss—and it deserves its own conversation. I'm coming at this from both sides: over 20 years as a yoga teacher and 15 years as a yoga studio owner. I've had classes that didn't work out, and I've been on the other side of that conversation too. Studio ownership is hard, y'all. In this episode, I'm walking through the different scenarios, validating the emotions that come with each one, offering reframes that might help, and sharing practical steps for moving forward. I'm also getting honest about what studio ownership looks like from the inside—because understanding the other perspective can take some of the sting away. Listen now! RSVP for the open house—we meet at noon EDT on Saturday, April 18. I'll send a replay to all registrants after the event! Register here: Find Your Teaching Voice Live + 200YTT Open House Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there! For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials: InstagramFacebookThreadsBlueskyPinterestAnd come explore my mentorship program, my Yoga Class Prep Station membership, continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs, and my many books for yoga teachers. It's all at sagerou...

    16 min

  8. FEB 17

    73. When to Drop a Class: How to Know It's Time to Walk Away

    I recently dropped a class I'd been teaching for nearly 23 years. Monday nights at 6 p.m.—since the literal day when the studio opened in 2004. Walking away from that class was one of the most bittersweet decisions I've ever made. In this episode, I'm sharing the full story of how I came to that decision, along with the signs that it might be time for you to let go of a class: declining numbers, a gut sense that the chapter is complete, burnout, the math not adding up, or a change in your life circumstances. I'm also sharing practical advice for walking away with grace—how to calculate your real hourly rate, how and when to tell your students (including the approach my friend Lisa recommended that worked beautifully), and what to do about the class after you leave. Whether you've been teaching a class for two months or two decades, the process is the same: pay attention to the signs, trust your gut, and give yourself permission to make a change. Listen now! RSVP for the free theming workshop on April 9 at 2 p.m. EDT—I'll send the replay if you can't make it live: Theming Your Yoga Classes without Overthinking It RSVP for the open house—we meet at noon EDT on Saturday, April 18. I'll send a replay to all registrants after the event! Register here: Find Your Teaching Voice Live + 200YTT Open House Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there! For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials: InstagramFacebookThreadsBlueskyPinterestAnd come explore my mentorship program, my Yoga Class Prep Station membership, continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs, and my many books for yoga teachers. It's all at sagerou...

    22 min
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About

Yoga Teacher Confidential is your backstage pass to the unspoken truths of being a yoga teacher. Sage Rountree, PhD, E-RYT500, dives into the real challenges and rewards of teaching yoga, offering expert advice and secrets to help you build confidence, connect with your students, and teach with authenticity. Sage draws on her two decades of experience teaching yoga, owning and running a studio, mentoring yoga teachers, and directing yoga teacher trainings to share practical insights you can use right away. You'll also hear advice from her books, including Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses, The Art of Yoga Sequencing, and The Professional Yoga Teacher's Handbook. Yoga Off the Mat is coming out in July 2026. Whether you’re navigating imposter syndrome, mastering classroom presence, or refining your skills to teach specialized niches like athletes, this podcast empowers you to lead your classes with clarity, grace, and ease.

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