Marsha Banks-Harold is a yoga therapist who specializes in working with people impacted by trauma and/or living with special needs. In this inspiring conversation, she describes her journey from overworked engineer to yoga teacher and eventually a yoga therapist, studio owner, and founder of a non-profit. We dive into the differences between yoga t…

What does it mean to take the seat of the teacher? Shawna Emerick is an experienced yoga teacher who finds herself feeling like a beginner again as she takes on a new mindfulness meditation certification program. In this relatable discussion, we talk about the very real discomfort that comes with teaching yoga - and how the fact that it never fully…

In this episode, Nikki chats with Dr. Libby Hinsley about how to get started strength training with hypermobility if you have a history or fear of pain and injury. Topics covered Essential strategies for starting strength training safely if you're frequently battling pain, fatigue, or post-exercise flare-ups. Common misconceptions about alignment a…

Yoga Alliance standards have changed again! In this episode, Kathy Humphrys describes the evolution and impact of Yoga Alliance standards, particularly the recent changes in training requirements. She also provides practical advice for yoga teachers aiming to become registered trainers with Yoga Alliance and shares strategies for successfully creat…

If you have a bendy neck, this one's for you! For this week's episode of Zebra Talks, Libby has a fascinating conversation with Taylor Goldberg, a chiropractor turned virtual hypermobility coach. Taylor shares a bit about her personal journey with hypermobility and her shift to a virtual coaching model, and then helps us understand all things upper…

If you’re an anatomy nerd eager to share your enthusiasm for the human body with your students, you’ll love the insider tips and best practices we share in this conversation. Listen in to hear about the balance between clarity and accuracy, the importance of knowing your audience, and the potential pros and cons of incorporating anatomical concepts…

In this episode of Zebra Talks, Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes Lisa Sherman, a licensed acupuncturist with expertise in functional medicine and molecular biology, to discuss digestive issues among people with hypermobility syndromes. They delve into the prevalence of gastrointestinal problems like dysmotility, microbial dysbiosis, and structural droopi…

Why is learning anatomy so hard for yoga teachers? In this episode, we discuss the importance of becoming fluent in basic anatomy to accurately speak about the body in your yoga classes. We know anatomy can feel like a foreign language - that’s because it is! But fear not, we have the secret sauce to make it all stick. From our own adventures with …

In this episode, Nikki chats with Dr. Mike T. Nelson to explore the intersection of heart rate variability (HRV) and navigating dysautonomia exercise intolerance. Topics covered: Understanding HRV: Learn what heart rate variability is and how it can gauge your readiness to exercise and your recovery capacity. Wearable Tech Insights: Delve into how …

In this episode of Zebra Talks, Libby welcomes biomechanics expert Jules Mitchell to discuss the science of stretching and connective tissue behavior, particularly in the context of hypermobility syndromes. Jules provides insights from her extensive research and professional experience, addressing common misconceptions about stretching, the adaptiv…

This bonus episode is a peek behind the curtain of 'Retreat Roadmap'. Listen to hear about each course module, plus a description of the time-saving resources that are included. I'll also explain your options for getting additional live group and one-to-one support. If you've been eyeing Retreat Roadmap and want an inside scoop on what to expect in…

In this Zebra Talks episode, host Dr. Libby Hinsley interviews Alanna Trzcinski, host of the Endo Battery Podcast and president of EndoVillage. The episode delves into Alanna's journey with endometriosis, advocacy work, and the surprising intersections with hypermobility syndromes. Alanna sheds light on the challenges of living with both conditions…

This episode of Zebra Talks features a discussion with Naomi Bauer, a Doctor of Physical Therapy with personal and professional experience in treating dysautonomia and Long COVID. Hosted by Dr. Libby Hinsley, they explore the challenges and management strategies for those living with hypermobility syndromes, focusing on the overlap between long COV…

Advance planning can make the difference between filling all rooms and canceling due to a lack of enrollment. In this episode, I chat with my Retreat Roadmap Collaborator, Lily Dwyer Begg, about all the benefits of giving yourself (and your students) plenty of lead time when planning a retreat. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:02 What changed when Lily incre…

In this episode of the Zebra Talks podcast, host Libby Hinsley interviews Megan Beach Gomes, a specialized pelvic health physical therapist focusing on pelvic pain and perinatal care. She discusses her journey into specializing in pelvic health and the importance of physical therapy for pregnant and postpartum individuals, especially those dealing …

In this episode of Zebra Talks, host Dr. Libby Hinsley discusses the intersection of hypermobility syndromes and gender affirming care with Dr. Laura Ross, a pelvic health physical therapist and sex counselor. Dr. Ross, based in Decatur, Georgia, shares her journey and passion for providing inclusive care for all genders, focusing on pelvic pain, s…

Yoga retreats allow you to share yoga free from the distractions of daily life - while often earning far more than your usual weekly classes. There are four basic types of retreats to consider: day, camping, local, and international. In this episode, we cover the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is right for you. Packed with personal …

In this episode of Zebra Talks, host Dr. Libby Hinsley delves into the complexities of pelvic health in individuals with hypermobility syndromes with special guest Beth Kemper. Beth is a seasoned physical therapist with dual certification in Women's Health and Pelvic Health. She discusses the prevalence of hypermobility among her pelvic PT patients…

This episode of Zebra Talks features Dr. Libby Hinsley, physical therapist and author, hosting Emily Rich, an occupational therapist with a focus on treating Ehlers Danlos syndromes, dysautonomia, and related conditions. The discussion begins with Emily sharing her personal journey with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and her motivation for spec…

Teaching large groups can be intimidating! But it’s also fantastic for improving your teaching skills and boosting your confidence. This episode focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities involved in teaching large yoga groups. Learn to embrace the challenges of large-group instruction and develop your ability to offer high-quality instruct…

Over the past decade, there has been a welcome push towards a more inclusive approach to yoga. But what does that look like on a practical level? Jivana Heyman has been at the center of the accessible yoga movement as the founder of the Accessible Yoga Project and the author of The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga, Best Practices for Sharing Yoga…

Series classes deepen your relationship with your students, helps them commit to their practice, and provides financial stability for you as the teacher. Nyk Danu, a certified yoga therapist and business mentor, shares her insights on creating a sustainable yoga teaching business through a registered series. Listen in to hear practical advice on se…

Yoga is for everyone, but when people of varied physical abilities show up in the same class it can be difficult to meet all their needs at the same time. In this episode, Mado and Libby offer a framework for understanding why your students might struggle with a particular asana and how to offer variations that provide a similar experience to peopl…

This episode deep dives into the world of hypermobility with physical therapist Dr. Melissa Koehl. During this episode, Nikki and Melissa discuss navigating pain, exercise, and the healthcare system as a hypermobile human. Topics covered: The complex reasons why hypermobile humans often deal with joint pain, soreness and fatigue. Strength versus st…

Laura reached out for help to increase enrollment in her online classes. Despite her success in drawing people to her global retreats, she struggles to fill her online series and workshops. In this conversation, we discuss strategies to improve sign-ups for online offerings. Some of the ideas we consider include positioning online classes as 'exten…

Johanna is a new yoga teacher who struggles to lead her yoga class without physically practicing along with her students. Mado helps her unpack why she wants to develop this skill and provides simple strategies to build her ability to cue without practicing along with the class. Along the way, they explore internal vs external motivation and learni…

In this episode, Nikki chats with Travis Pollen, PhD Health & Rehabilitation Sciences about how to critically assess scientific and research claims in the social media and online space. They discuss: The limitations of research and how it doesn't always hold up when applied to real life The problem is cherry picking or only selecting a single study…

Transitioning from in-person classes to online can shake up every aspect of your teaching. When Lily Dwyer Begg dove headfirst into this process, she found greater clarity in her voice and a blossoming creative potential in her teaching. In this episode, Lily shares advice for the art of teaching yoga online including demonstration, verbal cues, cl…

In this episode, Nikki chats with crainosacral therapist Robyn Scherr about her lived and professional experience navigating fitness in a hypermobile body. They discuss: Common misconceptions around hypermobility, exercise, and injury Why doing less when starting a new exercise program will often get you better results How stress affects exercise t…

Learn the nuts and bolts of setting up an online yoga studio. Despite describing herself as a 'Luddite', Lily started teaching online when in-person classes shut down during COVID. She found that online teaching allowed her to teach fewer classes, increase her income, and boost her creativity. In this episode, she shares practical advice on optimiz…

In this edition of Zebra Talks, Libby welcomes Blair Voyvodic, the developer of an innovative product called the Body Braid. Blair, a former physician with a background in biophysics, shares the story of his career shift from academic research to providing person-focused service, leading to his work in a small village in Canada. Blair's work was in…

Ever been told that hypermobile people shouldn’t practice yoga? Yoga is not bad for bendy people, but there are different considerations for people with hypermobile joints. Dr. Libby Hinsley, author of Yoga for Bendy People joins us to debunk some myths and talk about the ways that yoga is amazing for bendy people. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Hypermobility…

For this episode, Libby welcomes Savita Sandhu (Savvy) onto the Zebra Talks Podcast to discuss the impact of hypermobility syndromes on nutrition and daily living. They dive deep into topics like MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), gut health, hydration, blood sugar regulation, and the role of nutrients in managing symptoms of hypermobility. Savi…

Have you heard of “nocebic” language? Learn the way our brains react to expectations, why it’s important to notice fear based language and how to transform your words to empower your students. Episode Highlights: How to help your students feel confident and inspired to be in charge of their bodies The importance of looking for what’s right instead …

In the episode, host Dr. Libby Hinsley discusses the intersection of neurodivergence and hypermobility with guest Iris Warchall, a physical therapist and an autistic self-advocate. They delve into the importance of recognizing the diversity of neurocognitive functioning styles in healthcare settings. Iris shares her insight into how she became awar…

Learn how to incorporate self-massage into your own yoga practice and your yoga classes to build awareness, familiarize yourself with sensation and guide your nervous system toward relaxation. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: What you need to know before bringing self-massage into your classes Sequencing and how to teach a class or workshop with therapy balls R…

In this episode of Nikki interviews her friend Rachel Zwass about her journey into strength training and some of the surprising insights Rachel has gained since she started in February of 2023. They discuss: Rachel's initial apprehensions about starting and perceptions of strength training as boring How Rachel progressed from lighter weights to mor…

Mado and Dr. Libby Hinsley, physical therapist and yoga therapist, address questions for yoga teachers who are curious about anatomy and biomechanics and how they apply to specific poses. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: The best approach for learning anatomy How to craft a class that is helpful for the variety of bodies that might show up The benefits and purp…

The episode of Zebra Talks features a conversation with Trina Altman, an experienced yoga and pilates practitioner and teacher with training in modern movement science. Trina speaks about her own experiences with hypermobility and the benefits of strength training, addressing the misconceptions about this form of exercise and how it can benefit tho…

In this episode, Nikki chats with behavior change expert Dr. Karin Nordin about why behavior change is so challenging and what you can do to make the changes you want through a compassionate and evidence based approach. They discuss: Where motivation comes from and what to do when you aren't feeling motivated What it means to have compassion and wh…

Collaborating with other yoga teachers can be inspiring and fun - but it can also be a big disaster. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a collaboration successful, when you should partner with someone on a project, and how to choose the right person to collaborate with. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: A discussion of imposter syndrome, comparison, and …

In this episode of Zebra Talks, I get to chat with Jess Gregory, an Australian disability advocate living with hEDS. Through her work through Delicate Little Petal, Jess gives voice to those living with chronic health conditions such as hEDS that aren't well understood by the medical community. In this conversation, she shares insights about the un…

Dr. Libby Hinsley returns to the podcast to talk about joint hypermobility, how yoga affects bendy people differently from people with a more average range of motion, and how to best support those with hypermobile bodies in your yoga classes. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Hallmarks of hypermobility Patterns in injured yogis and yoga teachers Things to pay at…

In this week's episode of Zebra Talks, we will get into the "itchy" part of the terrible trifecta that so often impacts people with hypermobility syndromes. Lisa Sherman is back to take us on a deep dive into the world of mast cells: what they are, what they do, and why so many bendy people struggle with the multi-system affects of some seriously u…

Learn the significance of the psoas muscle and how yoga teachers can most effectively work with it in their classes. EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: 5 Things You Should Know About The Psoas Major - Free Download Libby Hinsley Anatomy Bites Follow Libby on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt LINKS AND RESOURCES: Follow YTR on Instagram @yoga.teacher.resource Join …

For this episode of Zebra Talks, I got to chat with Jeannie DiBon about the unique needs of the bendy body when it comes to exercise. Jeannie's contributions to the hypermobility community have been huge for me and many other bendy people the world over, so we are fortunate to have her with us on Zebra Talks! Some highlights of this episode include…

Investigate some of the common myths and misconceptions people have about anatomy and yoga. Episode Highlights: The myth of alignment and what is actually normal or average Benefits and limitations of alignment-based yoga Why doing a posture correctly according to formulas is not safe for everyone The myth of safety and the fragility of the human b…

How do you bridge the gap between being qualified to teach yoga and teaching with confidence? Yoga teacher trainings are a deep dive into the practice and pedagogy of yoga, yet many graduates are thrown for a loop once they actually start teaching. In this episode, Sheri Fisher shares the five qualities that yoga teachers need to cultivate on their…

In this episode, Libby talks with Victoria Daylor from the Norris Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina, where she and a team of researchers have identified candidate genes that may explain many cases of hypermobile EDS. Since their research is currently in the peer review process, Victoria can’t spill the beans. But she sheds light on wh…

Inversions inspire strong feelings. We love them, hate them, or we love/hate them - but how well do we understand them? While inversions are usually thought to be the domain of physically adept yoga practitioners, Kat Heagberg Rebar, author of Yoga Inversions, believes they can benefit anyone who wants a shift in perspective. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: De…