Dear Humans,

Izzy shares her personal journey through a challenging year marked by a car accident, emotional trauma, and healing. She reflects on the lessons learned about suffering, resilience, and the importance of balancing light and dark in life and yoga practice. Additionally, she discusses her upcoming yoga retreat in Portugal and the significance of reconnecting with inner wisdom.00:00 - Reflections on a Challenging Year10:17 - The Impact of Trauma and Suffering20:29 - Navigating Darkness and Light29:58 - The Journey of Healing and Growth32:13 - Planning a Transformative Yoga RetreatCome join us in Portugal! Learn more and use code HEART for a 10% discount on the entire retreat: https://www.yogahumans.com/portugalretreatInterested in trying out OSEA? Using this link and code YH10 for a listener discount! https://bit.ly/3Nb7dPa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yogahumans.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit yogahumans.substack.comDear Humans,If you’ve been following along with me on Instagram, then you’ve probably seen me reflect on the challenges of this past year in the aftermath of the car accident I was in this January. I suffered a pretty serious concussion during the accident, which prevented me from doing inversions (head below heart) for over a month. That month felt lik…

There are some yoga teachers whose presence stays with you. Even if you only cross paths with them occasionally, you remember how it feels to be in the room with them.For me, Lauren Lewis has always been one of those people.In this episode, Lauren and I talk about the long arc of becoming a yoga teacher. The early days when you feel like you’re spinning a hundred plates at once. The awkwardness of standing in front of a room and wondering if you belong there at all. The slow process of building confidence, finding your voice, and eventually learning how to get out of your own way.If you listen, please leave a comment and share what nuggets of wisdom you’re taking away from the episode! Liking, commenting, and sharing this episode with others really supports the project. Thank you.Meet Lauren LewisOSEA is a skincare company with values that are easy to stand behind. Plus, their products are lovely. Try OSEA using code YH10 for 10% off. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yogahumans.substack.com/subscribe

In this special Teacher Teatime Chat, Izzy and Nico sit down for a wide-ranging, heartfelt conversation about what it means to be a yoga teacher right now. Together, they reflect on dharma, suffering, yoga philosophy, and the lived reality of teaching in modern studios — from Sanskrit and namaste debates to mentorship, community-building, and staying connected to your own practice. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yogahumans.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit yogahumans.substack.comWhat I Read in Yoga This Month is an offering for my paid subscribers. Today I’ve provided three readings and reflections that you might consider sharing with your yoga class as we enter a new calendar year.But, this approach strays from the typical “resolution” creation and dives into what it means to really create sankalpa or intention in the yogic path. Spoiler alert: It’s different than the western approach.I hope this helps you reflect on your own approach to intention setting and how you might share these ideas with your students!As always, if you like what you hear, or it sparks something for you, I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

In this warm and honest conversation, Izzy talks with yoga teacher and creator Charlotte Muller (@breathe_strength) about teaching with heart, humor, and truly good sequencing. Charlotte shares how her early health journey and the loss of her mom shaped her path, how she found her teaching voice, and why humor and creativity matter in yoga. They also dive into foreshadowing, sustainable teaching, and building real community with other teachers.Timestamps:0:00–14:21 — Background14:21–21:35 — Creative Sequencing21:35–30:15 — Humor, Voice & Presence30:15–37:00 — Memorizing Sequences37:00–41:00 — Foreshadowing41:00–46:00 — Creative Process46:00–53:00 — Collaboration & Friendship53:00–End — Balance & Closing Thoughts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yogahumans.substack.com/subscribe

Poet James A. Pearson joins me for a deeply human conversation about courage, creativity, and the art of paying attention. We talk about the seasons of life—how autumn asks us to let go, how the “mud season” teaches patience, and how trust and faith carry us through our own winters.Find James at https://jamesapearson.com/ and be sure to buy his beautiful book The Wilderness That Bears Your Name This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yogahumans.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit yogahumans.substack.comDear Humans,I’ve been teaching this sequence over the past week and I’m absolutely loving it! I wanted to share it with you in this live format, so that you could practice with me. This is a 30 minute class, where we focus on fluid and flowing movements, exploring circles and cycles. It’s juicy, it’s powerful, and it’s a perfect reminder to let go. I wi…

In this episode of Dear Humans, Izzy is joined by guest, friend, and fellow yoga teacher Sydney McCowan (formerly Sydney Clemens!). Listen in for a deeply insightful conversation that moves from the internal world of intuition to the transformative power of community. They begin by exploring the practice of listening to that inner voice—how loud it can be, and why it’s essential to trust our gut feelings.The discussion naturally flows into the magic of yoga retreats, highlighting their upcoming Portugal retreat as a powerful container for this kind of inner work. They delve into the nuances of being a modern yoga student and teacher, covering everything from balancing a personal practice with teaching, the discipline of home practice, and the profound importance of inclusive language and permission-giving in class, highlighting Sydney’s upcoming workshop: Cueing with Confidence. Izzy and Sydney share their philosophies on creating classes where students feel empowered, seen, and able to explore movement in a way that feels authentic to them.This episode is a must-listen for any yoga student or teacher looking to deepen their practice, trust themselves more fully, and understand how a retreat can be a catalyst for profound change. A special reminder: the tiered pricing with a 20% discount for the Portugal retreat ends on October 10th!Meet your guest“I’m Sydney (she/her), a yoga teacher based in Washburn, Wisconsin. I’m passionate about creating inclusive and nourishing spaces for people to connect with themselves. I teach in local studios, work with middle and high school students, and lead international retreats. Ultimately my goal as your yoga teacher is to guide you back to the sensations in your own body.My teaching blends vinyasa, intuitive movement, and somatic practices with the intention of helping students tune into their own experience and move in a way that feels true to them.In addition to yoga, I study and share practices rooted in menstrual health and cyclical wisdom. I studied with and have a deep appreciation for my Menstruality Training with the Red School based in London in 2023.I love offering tools that support people in reconnecting with the deep intelligence of their bodies. I live along the south shore of Lake Superior, where I recharge through cold swims, forest hikes, and foraging mushrooms. I’d love to connect with you. In person or online.”Join us in PortugalMove. Breathe. Return to you.This retreat is for anyone craving a shift. Not just rest—but reconnection. Reconnection to body, mind, and spirit, but also to community. Through daily yoga, guided meditation, intuitive movement, and deep conversation, we’ll explore what it means to come home to your body, your purpose, and your own inner rhythm.✨ A pristine escape in Northern Portugal✨ Movement practices in the sun-drenched studio✨ Daily meditation and communal silence✨ Rituals and ceremonies to help us deepen our connections✨ Spacious rooms. Good food. Good humans.QUESTIONS? Check our FAQ page or send us an email at [email protected]—remember we are offering 20% off at the Root Pricing level with the code “Root” until October 10th! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yogahumans.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit yogahumans.substack.comDear Humans,I wasn’t able to schedule a live class with you this July, but here’s a 30 minute recorded class that I hope you’ll take when the time is right! I was called to move slowly today, finding juicy movements that worked us into the inner and outer hips, hamstrings, and shoulders. Think one-part slow vinyasa class and one-part restorative class. …

In this episode of Dear Humans, Izzy and Nico dive into the creative heart of teaching yoga. What begins as a story of online connection—two yoga teachers meeting through Substack—unfolds into a rich conversation about the practices, inspirations, and inner work that shape their teaching.They reflect on:* How creativity shows up in their sequencing, language, and presence* Why writing, like movement, is a tool for clarity and connection* The pressures of originality in yoga—and why it's okay (and necessary) to borrow, adapt, and be influenced* The impact of dance, personal practice, and embodied experimentation in their approach to teaching* How creative ruts and self-doubt can be openings for deeper authenticity* Building a Substack page as a form of devotion to the craft and communityAt its core, this episode is a love letter to creative process: imperfect, evolving, and rooted in the body. Whether you’re a yoga teacher, writer, or someone seeking inspiration, Izzy and Nico offer a tender, candid exploration of what it means to live your practice out loud.Meet your hostsNico Hurley is a yoga instructor based in Bozeman, Montana, whose work is rooted in mindful movement, creativity, and the power of presence. Her teaching invites people to connect—within themselves, with others, and with the natural world through breath, stillness, and intentional movement. Nico is currently deepening her exploration of breathwork and meditation, and she’s passionate about creating spaces where both solitude and community are honored. A lover of the outdoors and a believer in the healing power of connection, Nico brings warmth, curiosity, and grounded insight to everything she shares.Izzy Martens is a senior yoga teacher and the creator of Yoga Humans, an online community and home to her bestselling Substack, What I Taught in Yoga This Week—a resource dedicated to supporting and inspiring new yoga teachers. A Colorado native and graduate of Colorado State University, Izzy previously worked in leadership development and is a certified executive facilitator through Georgetown University’s Institute for Transformational Leadership. She is the co-author of Holding Space: A Guide to Mindful Facilitation. Izzy is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing at CSU. Known for her athletic, creative, and empowering classes, Izzy blends the dynamic traditions of Vinyasa, Rocket, and Power yoga with mindfulness, storytelling, and an unwavering reverence for the practice. Her sequences are imaginative and ever-evolving—designed to honor where students are while gently testing the strength of the body and mind. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yogahumans.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit yogahumans.substack.comDear Humans,Thank you for practicing with me live tonight! That was so much fun! Here is the recording of our 45 minute vinyasa class, which focused on hips, powerful standing postures, and balance. As you can see at the end of the video, I accidentally muted myself and so you couldn’t hear my goodbye 😂. But I told you that I really, truly appreciate y…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit yogahumans.substack.comDear Humans,Thank you for practicing with me this morning! That was so fun! If you missed the live session, here is a recording of the class. This is a 30 minute all levels vinyasa class. We start with a slow centering moment, a guiding poem, and some gentle opening movements. We then move into a warm-up flow and a main flow. The class ends with child’s…

This episode takes a deep dive into Izzy’s transformative 5-day retreat in the Arctic Circle with Rachel Brathen (Yoga Girl) and 31 other women. From staying in an ice hotel to dog sledding and snowmobiling, the retreat was filled with bucket-list experiences. However, the most impactful moments came from the emotional and spiritual release through dynamic meditation, prayer meditation, and connecting with other women. Izzy reflects on the power of collective energy, the shared human experience of love and hardship, and the importance of retreats as a way to reset and reconnect with what truly matters.Listeners will gain insight into the importance of self-care, especially for those who hold space for others, like yoga teachers. Izzy emphasizes the need to fill our own cups so we can continue to shine our light outward. She also shares a heartfelt message about the beauty of the world, even amidst hardship, and encourages listeners to find moments of connection and joy in their daily lives.Perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed, seeking inspiration, or looking to reconnect with their inner self, this episode is a celebration of growth, resilience, and the power of collective energy.Subscribe to Yoga Humans on Substack for more reflections, yoga sequences, and inspiration. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yogahumans.substack.com/subscribe

Dear humans,In lieu of our usual newsletter this week, I am sharing a very special guided intention setting ceremony, to help you usher in the new year. All you need to participate is some time (about 50 minutes), some quiet space, and something to write with. However, I’m also inviting you to make this ceremony special: grab some candles, some blankets, maybe a few sacred objects. Give yourself the gift of reflection, celebration, and intention setting as the year draws to a close.So, as you’re ready, set up your space and let’s dive in. This ceremony is an important part of my year and I hope you’ll find the same sense of peace and alignment in it as I do. Wishing you nothing but love, light, and peace as you step into the future, my friends. Sending love,IzzyIzzy Martensauthor, yoga teacher, sequence enthusiastyogahumans.substack.com | @yoga.humans | @martensizzyWhat I Taught in Yoga This Week is a reader-supported publication. In January, prices for paid subscriptions will increase, so consider subscribing before the end of the year to lock in your price! the poem I read at the end of the ceremony, by the talented Rupi Kaur This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yogahumans.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode, Izzy shares the winding journey of how Yoga Humans came to life. Starting with the inspiration drawn from life changes, a move to Washington, DC, and a shared dream with her husband, Kyle, this story weaves through their shared vision of breaking away from the 9-to-5 grind. From their first brainstorming retreat to building a resource for new yoga teachers and eventually transitioning to a thriving Substack community, the episode highlights the power of vision, manifestation, and trusting the process.Listeners will gain insight into the importance of patience, adaptability, and small, consistent actions in building creative and fulfilling lives. Izzy also reflects on the unexpected turns of their journey, the beauty of laying groundwork that flourishes over time, and the lessons learned from aligning life with personal values.Perfect for creatives, dreamers, and anyone seeking inspiration to pursue their own unique path, this episode celebrates growth, perseverance, and the joy of building a life rooted in passion and authenticity.Subscribe to Yoga Humans on Substack for more reflections, yoga sequences, and inspiration. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yogahumans.substack.com/subscribe

Something overcame me and I made a podcast! I hope you enjoy it, dear humans. —In this spontaneous debut episode, Izzy reflects on the opportunity to create a podcast and the inspiration behind it. She shares her admiration for one of her favorite yoga mentors, Rachel Brathen (also known as Yoga Girl), and the impact Rachel’s podcast, From the Heart, has had on her journey.Tune in as Izzy talks about the magic of feeling connected through the digital space, even when we don’t truly “know” the people on the other side of our screens. This episode is an invitation to explore connection, inspiration, and the beauty of creating something new.Izzy dives into the importance of rest. She reflects on a recent experience of being sick, which felt like a burden but also provided a much-needed pause. Izzy shares how this time of rest helped her recharge and rediscover the joy of simply slowing down—something we often forget to appreciate in our busy lives.Izzy also discusses her ongoing practice of noticing and appreciating the magic in everyday life. From finding what nourishes you to soaking in moments of wonder, she shares how this mindful approach carries her through her yoga and meditation practice—even when she doesn’t make it to the mat.Mentioned in this Episode:* Rachel Brathen (Yoga Girl)* From the Heart Podcast* Aaron RoseSubscribe to Yoga Humans on Substack for more reflections, yoga sequences, and inspiration.✨ “In The Right Light, At The Right Time. Everything Is Extraordinary.” ―Aaron Rose This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yogahumans.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit yogahumans.substack.comDear Humans,Well, I’ve been toying with it and thinking about it, and I finally did it! I filmed a yoga class for you. During this 30 minute vinyasa flow, we’ll move through the two standing sequences that I’m going to share with you in What I Taught in Yoga This Week tomorrow in the weekly newsletter. This is an opportunity for you to experience the fl…