Best Yoga Tutorial Podcasts (2025)

1
Yoga and Artificial Intelligence w/ Jules Mitchell, MS 1:19:45

1+ y ago1:19:45

1:19:45

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by Jules Mitchell, MS to discuss yoga and artificial intelligence (AI). Points of discussion include: What is AI? How do we commonly interact with AI in today’s world? What would an AI for yoga look like on a practical level? What was Jules’ experience like consulti…

1
Wellness Myths in the Yoga World 1:29:59

1+ y ago1:29:59

1:29:59

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by Dr. Jessica Steier and Dr. Andrea Love (co-founders of the Unbiased Science Podcast) to discuss wellness myths in the yoga world. Jessica Steier, DrPH, PMP is a public health scientist and data scientist, and Andrea Love, PhD is an immunologist and microbiologist…

1
The Top 7 Most Misused Movement Terms 1:29:11

1+ y ago1:29:11

1:29:11

Jenni and Travis discuss the top 7 most misused movement terms in yoga. Why did each of these movement terms make the list? How are their common uses in the yoga world unhelpful? How can we update our movement-based yoga language to be more in line with movement science? Jenni and Travis are also offering a free *written guide* to the top 7 most mi…

1
What Yogis Should Know About Cardio 1:35:55

1+ y ago1:35:55

1:35:55

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by special guest Alec Blenis to discuss what yogis should know about cardio. Alec Blenis is a hybrid athlete, strength and conditioning coach, and science nerd. He holds a B.S. in physics from Georgia Tech and is a former professional obstacle course racer and ultra…

1
Yoga Myths About the Knees 1:07:53

2y ago1:07:53

1:07:53

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss yoga myths about the knees. Points of discussion include: Will running wear out your knees? What is a systematic review with meta analysis? Should we avoid locking our knees in yoga? Are knee pops and clicks bad? Are open chain knee extension exercises bad? What’s the …

1
ABCs of the Knees: Anatomy, Biomechanics, & Cueing 1:10:12

2y ago1:10:12

1:10:12

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the anatomy, biomechanics, and cueing of the knees. Points of discussion include: What is the structure of the knee joint? What are the ligaments of the knee? Are quadriceps-targeted exercises the only way to strengthen the knee? Is the knee joint only a hinge joint? W…

1
What is a Yoga Teacher's Scope of Practice? 1:36:39

2y ago1:36:39

1:36:39

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by the amazing Catherine Wilkinson to discuss a yoga teacher’s scope of practice. Catherine Wilkinson is the founder of Wellness Connection Yoga School, where she also serves as the course designer and lead trainer for their 200hr and 500hr yoga teacher trainings (o…

1
Fascia Myths & Fascia Facts Part 2: Yin Yoga, Myofascial Release, & More 1:16:11

2y ago1:16:11

1:16:11

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the topic of fascia in part 2 of a 2-part series. This second episode of this 2-part series focuses on the questions: 1) Does Yin Yoga target fascia? 2) Does myofascial release work? (Part 1 of this series focused on the questions: What is fascia? And: Can we train fas…

1
Fascia Myths & Fascia Facts Part 1: Can We Train Fascia? 1:29:06

2y ago1:29:06

1:29:06

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the topic of fascia in part 1 of a 2-part series. This first episode focuses on the questions: 1) What is fascia? 2) Can we specifically train fascia through active movement? (Part 2 of this series focuses on the questions: Does Yin Yoga target fascia? And: Does myofas…

1
The Great Wild Thing Debate 1:20:30

2y ago1:20:30

1:20:30

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss wild thing – a yoga pose that many yoga practitioners have strong opinions about! Jenni and Travis discuss the anatomy and biomechanics of wild thing, as well as a controversial kerfuffle that happened in the yoga community surrounding this yoga pose a few years ago. P…

1
Can Stretching Make You Strong? w/ Greg Nuckols 2:12:28

2y ago2:12:28

2:12:28

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by Greg Nuckols to discuss whether stretching can make you strong. Greg has an M.A. in exercise and sports science and is the co-founder of Stronger by Science and MacroFactor (the best nutrition app on the market). He’s held three all-time world records in powerlif…

1
The ABCs of Hip Rotation 1:21:55

2y ago1:21:55

1:21:55

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the anatomy, biomechanics, and cueing of hip rotation. Points of discussion include: A brief intro to hip joint anatomy Open vs. closed chain hip rotation What is the average ROM of hip external & internal rotation? What are hip anteversion and retroversion? What does …

1
Should We Always Listen to Our Body? 1:24:40

2y ago1:24:40

1:24:40

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss what research suggests about whether we should truly “always listen to our body”. Points of discussion include: A review of interoception Do yoga & mindfulness practices actually improve interoception? What’s the connection between interoception and anxiety? Does what …

1
Are Some Muscles Magical? 1:23:24

2y ago1:23:24

1:23:24

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the phenomenon of “magic muscles”: the tendency in the yoga, fitness, and rehab worlds to treat some muscles as more important or more special than other muscles. Points of discussion include: What is a magic muscle? Muscle-based approaches in strength training & bodyb…

1
What Yoga Teachers Should Know About Breathing Physiology 1:30:24

2y ago1:30:24

1:30:24

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by special guest Joe Miller, MS to discuss the physiology of breathing. Joe Miller has been teaching yoga since 2000, and he has a master’s degree in applied physiology from Columbia University. He teaches anatomy and physiology in yoga teacher trainings nationally …

1
Nasal vs. Mouth Breathing: Does It Matter? 1:37:57

2y ago1:37:57

1:37:57

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss what scientific research suggests about nasal vs. mouth breathing. In addition to nasal vs. mouth breathing as a general topic, Jenni and Travis also take a closer look at the Buteyko Breathing Method, as well as and 2 popular books on breathing: Breath: The New Scienc…

1
What's the Deal With Complementary & Alternative Medicine? 1:33:11

2+ y ago1:33:11

1:33:11

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by the knowledgeable science educator Jonathan Jarry, MS to discuss complementary and alternative medicine. Jonathan Jarry is a science communicator for McGill University’s Office for Science and Society. He has a master’s degree in molecular biology, and he brings …

1
Yoga Alignment Rules That Don’t Make Sense 1:35:43

2+ y ago1:35:43

1:35:43

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss a selection of yoga alignment cues that don't make sense! These cues all have one thing in common: they are each used inconsistently across similar (or the same) positions. By examining these carefully-chosen examples, we gain insight into whether or not these cues are…

1
Myths About Women & Strength Training w/ Claire Zai, MS 1:35:22

2+ y ago1:35:22

1:35:22

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by the knowledgeable and inspiring Claire Zai, a strength coach with Barbell Medicine and a competitive powerlifter with her bachelor’s degree in physiology & neuroscience and her master’s degree in physiology with a focus on biomechanics. They discuss myths and evi…

1
The ABCs of Down Dog: Anatomy, Biomechanics, & Cueing 1:31:35

2+ y ago1:31:35

1:31:35

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the anatomy, biomechanics, and cueing of the yoga asana downward facing dog (adho mukha svanasana). Points of discussion include: The anatomy and joint positions of down dog The biomechanical effects that down dog has on the body Should we externally rotate our shoulde…

1
Should We Stop Teaching Yoga for Low Back Pain? 1:26:48

2+ y ago1:26:48

1:26:48

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by the legendary Paul Ingraham, owner and operator of www.PainScience.com, to discuss the connection between yoga and low back pain. Points of discussion include: How and why pain is weird What’s the difference between acute, chronic, and persistent pain? When back …

1
Which Yoga Educators Should I Trust? 1:36:26

2+ y ago1:36:26

1:36:26

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss helpful tips for how to discern whether or not to trust a source of information in the yoga, fitness, and rehab worlds. Points of discussion include: Concrete tips for how to think more scientifically Jenni and Travis’ personal experiences with being taught misinformat…

1
Is Rounding Your Back Dangerous? w/ Dr. Sam Spinelli 1:37:28

2+ y ago1:37:28

1:37:28

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by the knowledgeable Dr. Sam Spinelli to discuss all things lumbar flexion! Sam is a doctor of physical therapy (DPT), a certified strength & conditioning specialist (CSCS), co-founder of E3 Rehab, and co-founder of Citizen Athletics. He does a fantastic job bringin…

1
ABCs of the Shoulder: Anatomy, Biomechanics, & Cueing in Yoga 1:24:45

2+ y ago1:24:45

1:24:45

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss all things shoulders! Points of discussion include: The anatomy and biomechanics of the shoulder joint complex Common micromanaging shoulder cues we hear in the yoga, movement, & fitness worlds The biomechanics of how to strengthen the shoulders Does yoga really streng…

1
All Things Hamstrings: Cramps, "Yoga Butt", Flexibility, Strength, & More 1:28:43

2+ y ago1:28:43

1:28:43

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss all things hamstrings! Points of discussion include: The anatomy of the hamstrings muscles The biomechanics of how to strengthen the hamstrings Does yoga strengthen the hamstrings? What’s the connection between hamstring strengthening and hamstring flexibility? What is…

1
Posture is Overrated w/ Todd Hargrove 1:28:08

2+ y ago1:28:08

1:28:08

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by Todd Hargrove to discuss the controversial topic of posture and alignment in the yoga, movement, and fitness worlds. Todd is a Feldenkrais practitioner, Rolfer, former attorney, author of the books A Guide to Better Movement and Playing With Movement, and more. P…

1
Interoception, Emotions, Pain, & Yoga 1:29:41

2+ y ago1:29:41

1:29:41

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the fascinating and hugely relevant topic of interoception and its connection to yoga, mindfulness practices, emotion, pain, and more. Points of discussion include: Pain science and interoception science are intimately related The hugely integral role that interoceptio…

1
Does Yoga Count as Exercise? 1:34:18

2+ y ago1:34:18

1:34:18

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss whether yoga can be considered “exercise” – and why this is a much more complex and nuanced question than it might appear to be on the surface! Points of discussion include: Is a yoga practice challenging enough to be considered “exercise” by exercise science definitio…

1
The Connection Between Strength Training & Range of Motion w/ Greg Nuckols 1:35:10

2+ y ago1:35:10

1:35:10

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by Greg Nuckols to discuss the connection between strength training and range of motion. Greg has an M.A. in exercise and sports science and is the co-founder of Stronger by Science, MASS (a monthly research review on strength sports), and MacroFactor (a nutrition a…

1
The Surprising Science of Asymmetry, Injury, & Yoga 1:27:52

3y ago1:27:52

1:27:52

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the topic of asymmetry in yoga, rehab, and fitness contexts. Points of discussion include: The nature of the major asymmetry that exists in Travis’ own body Asymmetries with regard to body alignment What is a leg length discrepancy? How is a leg length discrepancy meas…

1
Chair Pose: Knees Over Toes and Other Hot-Topic Woes 1:26:44

3y ago1:26:44

1:26:44

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss chair pose (utkatasana), squats (malasana), and the common alignment questions and confusions that arise about these poses. Points of discussion include: The anatomy and biomechanics of chair pose The differences and similarities between yoga’s chair pose and the stren…

1
Language, Fear, & Science in the Yoga Studio w/ Matthew Huy, MSc 1:36:40

3y ago1:36:40

1:36:40

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by Matthew Huy, MSc to discuss his recent dissertation: “Language, Fear, and Science in the Yoga Studio”. Matthew is a longtime yoga teacher and an anatomy and physiology teacher in yoga teacher trainings worldwide. He also holds a master’s degree in Exercise Scienc…

1
Pigeon Pose: Friend or Foe? 1:27:11

3y ago1:27:11

1:27:11

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the ins and outs of pigeon pose. Points of discussion include: A description of the anatomy and biomechanics of pigeon The different variations of pigeon pose and their unique effects on the body Is pigeon pose risky for the front knee? The relationship between pigeon …

1
Stop Micromanaging Your Yoga Students! 1:25:13

3y ago1:25:13

1:25:13

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the topic of micromanaging in yoga and movement classes. Points of discussion include: What does “micromanaging” mean in a yoga or movement context? Do we see micromanaging tendencies in other movement fields, such as personal training, physical therapy, or somatics-ba…

1
What’s the Best Way to Teach Yoga? Visual, Verbal, & Kinesthetic Cueing 1:08:13

3y ago1:08:13

1:08:13

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss verbal, visual, and kinesthetic cueing in yoga and movement teaching. Using the tool of movement science, they examine what scientific evidence suggests about how these various teaching tools can best be utilized in a yoga/movement setting to optimize learning. Points …

1
Are Headstand & Shoulder Stand the King & Queen of Yoga Poses? 1:25:27

3y ago1:25:27

1:25:27

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the widely varying viewpoints on headstand and shoulder stand in the yoga world. On the one hand, these two inversions are often proclaimed to be the “king and queen of yoga poses” and are therefore treated as almost essential yoga poses. On the other hand, there’s a g…

1
The Truth About Polyvagal Theory w/ Dr. Laura Baehr 1:28:49

3y ago1:28:49

1:28:49

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the nervous system and take a science-based look at the popular polyvagal theory with Dr. Laura Baehr, PT, DPT, and PhD candidate in Rehabilitation Sciences. Points of discussion include: A brief primer on nervous system structure and function The relationship between …

1
The Glutes: Peachy Keen or Not All They Seem? 1:10:39

3y ago1:10:39

1:10:39

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the glutes and the many beliefs and claims about this area of the body we tend to hear in the yoga, fitness, and therapeutic worlds. Points of discussion include: A brief overview of the functional anatomy of the glutes Should we relax or contract our glutes in backben…

1
Is Restorative Yoga Truly De-Stressing? 1:06:46

3y ago1:06:46

1:06:46

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss a controversial study that found that stretching was more de-stressing than restorative yoga. Could this assertion possibly be true? Points of discussion include: The temptation to make definitive conclusions based on the results of a single study What is the “stress r…

1
Hot Yoga, Cold Yoga, & The Science of Body Temperature 1:14:00

3y ago1:14:00

1:14:00

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss how hot yoga and cold yoga affect the body and the eye-opening and geeky science of body temperature! Points of discussion include: How does temperature affect our bodies in general, and what role does it play when we’re moving our bodies in yoga or any other movement …

1
You Can't Go Wrong Getting Strong... Or Can You? w/ Adam Meakins 1:10:12

3y ago1:10:12

1:10:12

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the many nuanced connections between strength and pain with Adam Meakins, a brilliant and influential physiotherapist and strength and conditioning coach. Points of discussion include: What is strength, and what parameters need to be met in order for an activity to be …

1
Do We Store Emotions in Our Hips? 1:06:35

3y ago1:06:35

1:06:35

In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen dive into the topic of whether or not we store emotions in our hips (or in our body in general). Points of discussion include: Is this claim accurate? What’s the explanation for why and how emotions are stored in our hips or in our body, and does this explanat…

1
Is Chaturanga a Shoulder-Shredder? 1:11:18

3+ y ago1:11:18

1:11:18

In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen dive into the topic of chaturanga, or yoga’s push-up-like asana. Points of discussion include: The anatomy & biomechanics of chaturanga The differences between chaturanga and a typical push-up you’d find in the fitness world Why chaturanga is actually a much m…

1
Can We Prevent Yoga Injuries? 1:04:26

3+ y ago1:04:26

1:04:26

In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the hot topic of how to prevent yoga injuries. Travis is a recognized expert in the field of injury prevention, having researched and written his dissertation on the topic, as well as creating a masterclass on injury prevention for Physio Network. His …

1
Is Ashtanga a Cult? And the Value of Strength 1:14:09

3+ y ago1:14:09

1:14:09

In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen cover a ton of ground regarding yoga, strength, and movement, including these hot-button topics (and more!): Is Ashtanga Yoga a cult? Are repetitive movement activities a bad idea? 4 distinct phases that a movement science-based yogi might go through on their …

1
Stretching Myths and Stretching Facts w/ Greg Lehman 58:10

3+ y ago58:10

58:10

In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the science of stretching with one of their mentors and biggest inspirations, Greg Lehman, BKin, MSc, DC, MScPT. As is the norm with this podcast, an abundance of common myths about this topic are highlighted and busted. We hope this discussion helps i…

1
The Truth About Core Training 1:02:20

3+ y ago1:02:20

1:02:20

The core is a multifaceted and somewhat controversial topic in the yoga, movement, and fitness worlds. In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen dive into the topic of the core, busting many myths about this region of the body along the way! Points of discussion include: What is the core? What is the …

1
Is Yoga Functional Movement? 1:00:57

3+ y ago1:00:57

1:00:57

In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the confusing and not-well-defined term of “functional movement” and whether this term should be used to describe yoga. Topics covered in this episode include: What does the term functional movement mean? How is the term functional movement commonly us…

1
What’s the Best Way to Sequence a Yoga Class? 59:11

3+ y ago59:11

59:11

This episode might change the way you think about yoga sequencing! In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen have a thorough, nuanced discussion about yoga sequencing. Using a movement science lens, they cover what yoga sequencing is, why it matters, some common approaches to sequencing, and they incl…

1
Stability: Clearing Up a Confusing Term! 49:29

3+ y ago49:29

49:29

Learn all about the term “stability” as it applies to the human body and movement! Stability is a buzz term in the yoga, movement, and fitness worlds today, and it’s often used in multiple different ways to mean different things, which can make for a confusing and not well-understood concept. In this episode, yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercis…

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