Ep 270 Jason Crandell – Teach the Class You Wish You Were In

In this richly detailed episode of the Keen on Yoga Podcast, host Adam interviews Jason Crandell, a revered yoga teacher, mentor, and co-host of the Yoga Land podcast. Crandell shares his unconventional journey into yoga—starting as a punk rock skateboarder with a philosophy degree who initially resisted yoga, only to be drawn in by its subtle, lasting effects on his nervous system and sense of self. He challenges the idea that yoga asana must directly correlate with Patanjali’s sutras, instead framing asana as a 'special interest' and a powerful tool for self-regulation through dynamic movement and embodied awareness. Crandell emphasizes that yoga’s core purpose is not just spiritual or philosophical, but physiological: cultivating homeostasis and nervous system balance. He advocates for a balanced approach that integrates yoga with resistance training and other movement modalities, arguing that strength and flexibility can coexist and even enhance each other. He also discusses the importance of teaching the class you wish you were in—authenticity over perfection—and offers wisdom on navigating imposter syndrome, criticism, and the evolving role of the modern yoga teacher. Crandell’s insights are grounded in both personal experience and a deep respect for the science of movement and nervous system regulation.