The Mentor Sessions

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With amazing guests or solo, I explore the craft of teaching yoga, as its own practice. I’m seeking answers to the questions about why we teach something the way we do, how we could be more expansive and inclusive in our teaching, and how we can continue to grow and evolve in our teaching practice.I’m so glad you are here because I believe the depth that arises in teaching comes from inquiry and relationship. Join me as I offer nourishing support to help you feel more confident in your teaching and realistic strategy to help you find more clarity on your career path.Francesca Cervero (she/her) has been a full-time yoga teacher since 2005. Her teaching is inspired by her foundational training with Cyndi Lee at OM Yoga Center, the years she spent as a dancer and the subsequent years she spent in physical therapy. Her teaching is also influenced by her love of Buddhist teachings and a constant curiosity about anatomy and biomechanics. She is in private practice teaching a full schedule of 1x1 clients, mentors yoga teachers in The Science of the Private Lesson™, hosts the podcast, The Mentor Sessions: Support & Strategy for Yoga Teachers and is the founder of the adjoining community, The Mentor Sessions Sangha.

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

4;90

Presentation centered

I feel welcomed into learning in community experience Even though it's 2 people talking, I feel like I'm in the shared space I look to see if there's new episodes but can wait Years if enjoyment and hope for more
Aubmiddle

Great Content!

Francesca is putting such thoughtful content out into the yoga world. I can't wait to keep learning from her!
Cayce Clay

Unlike any other yoga teacher podcast!

This podcast has been instrumental in learning the difference between teaching private yoga lessons versus group classes. The insight Francesca shares is thoughtful, clearly grounded in years of practice, and actionable. I’ll be signing up for her Science of the Private Lesson course ASAP!! :) Thank you Francesca!!
Antonia_B

Incredible resource for yoga teachers - and anyone really

Francesca is a true mentor and guide. She leads through tricky and often difficult subjects with kindness and honesty. I gain lots of insights into the practical side of the business of yoga , yes, but most importantly I feel that I don’t get pat solutions but the tools for a nuanced way to figure out my own point of view. I always feel can trust Francesca to give me good ways of thinking about not just how I teach but also how I live yoga.
profbookwurm

Always Informative and Inspiring

I have sampled several Yoga themed podcasts and this is one of the best. The information is well researched and can be trusted. I feel I am adding to my yoga knowledge and I am very grateful.
JesalParikh

Amazing podcast for yoga teachers!

Francesca has an amazing way of offering supportive insights for yoga teachers! She compassionately discusses pressing and sometimes difficult topics within the teaching community as well as offering practical tips to help tame the chaotic world of teaching yoga. Highly recommend this podcast!
MaddieLaurel

An enormous resource for yoga teachers!

I’ve been listening to Francesca’s podcast since 2017 and every time she uploads a new episode I know it’s going to be chock-FULL of useful information. She includes really insightful conversations with experts in the industry, but my favorite episodes are the ones where she’s simply talking to her listeners and sharing about her journey, day to day life, and tips! Thank you Francesca!
MerWitte

This podcast has forever changed my teaching

I found Francesca back in 2016 when I was first beginning to develop my private teaching business in New York City. I was thrilled to find out she was starting a podcast! I have so many memories of being on the subway at 6 AM on the way to a lesson with this podcast in my ear. In my moments of difficulty - with boundaries, with burnout, with just not knowing how to help a client - and in my moments of success, this podcast has caught me and lifted me back up many, many times. Fairly certain I haven’t missed an episode. Francesca’s perspective on teaching is INVALUABLE, she invites excellent guests to speak on their perspectives, and not to mention that after hearing Francesca’s voice for so many years I really just feel like she’s my friend. This podcast is a huge reason that I’ve been successfully supporting myself off private lessons for over 5 years. I couldn’t recommend it more <3
yogi bambi

Valuable Resource for yoga teachers!!

Highly recommend. Amazing resource for yoga teachers to learn and grow.
YOGAhikes Baltimore

Geek out in teaching skills

Very supportive, inclusive, caring help for teaching yoga especially to private clients. So many good ideas and interesting guests. Looking forward to monthly enriching episodes.
Jessiejule12

Love it!

I’ve learned so much and you have great topics and guest speakers! Thank you!
home in NJ

Succinct

I really enjoy these podcasts because I can learn a lot in a short talk or interview. I don’t like it when podcasters go off on tangents or talk over the guest speaker. Francesca is concise and courteous with her guests, and I always feel inspired.
lizzzz9

Great interviews

Francesca is a really intelligent interviewer and her guests have excellent info and insight for yoga and movement teachers
🐔🐥🐸

Relevant and diverse perspectives

This is a great collection of interviews. Francesca invites the guests to share their wisdom while asking questions relevant for yoga teachers. I find this approach extremely helpful for my own practice and my teaching.
mnh.klp

loved this episode

i have been listening to a few of your podcasts and love the topics and questions you ask. i teach private yoga and have 2 clients and hope to build on this. i discovered you when you were a guest on the podcast teaching yoga with cora geroux. thank you for your knowledge and inspiration.
iliketorunandeat

Deeper Questions

After listening to loads of yoga teacher podcasts I keep coming back to Francesca. She asks the most relevant questions for yoga teachers and her discussions are knowledgeable and sincere. Her online group is very helpful, and her online classes are awesome!
ccjohnner

Thanks

Francesca cerebrospinal has been so helpful even more now during covid. To me she is keeping it relatable and not so overwhelming as to how to pivot in this world now. This real approach she takes makes me feel way more appreciated and confident and allows me then to be creative with what I have to offer. Thank you so so much Francesca. I love your kind voice and words and you have helped me more than you know🙏
Veronica Perretti

Fresh perspective on yoga

I love the way in which Francesca addresses the issues facing yoga teachers today. She approaches yoga with respect and reverence while being critical and analytical. It's truly a graceful balance she strikes and the yoga community needs that now. I always take away inspiration to stay on the path and continue showing up for my yoga students.
itsimplykc

Wealth of information!

Thank you for this podcast. As a new instructor learning how to show up for my students this podcast has so much poignant information from beautiful instructors forging the way.
bellapaul06

Inspiration

I always am full of new insight and great ideas after listening! This will always be one of my “go to” podcasts to spark some creativity and deep thinking.
Gem and a great listen!

Great listen

I love her classes and enjoy listening to the podcast
hannahtopper

A gem for lovers of thoughtful movement

The Mentor Sessions sparks self-exploration, inquiry, and accountability in my commitment to continue to evolve as a student and teacher of yoga. Francesca has a beautiful and clear style of speech and communication, and truly invites listeners to take a critical look at how we as a community of teachers can serve each other and our students in a safe and effective way.
Ocean's mama

Mentor Sessions lives up to its name

I feel nurtured, seen, heard, supported and guided by Francesca’s podcast; as well as her online classes, newsletter, blog and Facebook group. She really pulls out all the stops to support teachers. Especially if you want to be a great private yoga teacher, listen to all the episodes!
Aubree Dahlia

A must have!

Francesca has helped my practice and my students practice for years. A must listen if you’re beginning your private yoga sessions journey!
Joanna Dunn Yoga

A great podcast for yoga teachers

Specifically, I have felt less alone in my work as a “not hot, not fast-paced vinyasa” yoga teacher through listening to this podcast. I always learn something new about the ever-growing, changing face of yoga and get inspired by the content presented here. Thank you!!
yogi mama lori

Wonderful host with amazing guests

Francesca is clear and articulate herself and also brings on amazing guests in the field. Sometimes this field is broad in a really amazing way and Francesca does a great job connecting all these ideas in a thoughtful way. Super helpful ideas for me as a yoga teacher, practitioner and lifelong learner. I always find something to take into practice.
carolcollinsyoga

Thank You!

Listening to Francesca has been a great way for me to stay informed and motivated as a full time yoga teacher! She is smart, addresses current and relevant issues and is a fantastic interviewer. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
MacPacLucy

Incredibly Helpfu!

I have listened to this podcast for over a year, but am just now increasing my private student base (I primarily lead group classes). Francesca's advice, insights, and experience have helped me tremendously as I start a big campaign to attract more private clients. She is so smart and her warmth and kindness come through my headphones! Highly recommend!
Calm isn't easy

Fabulous topics

I love the variety of presenters & topics covered. I always feel so enlightened by the discussions and have often used many of the suggestions offered in the podcast. Thanks for supporting the yoga community with valuable information & insightful ideas. I highly recommend this podcast to all yoga teachers whether you teach privately or at a studio.
ilovewine89

Awesome info

I’m grateful I found this podcast. I’m a part time teacher with a full time corporate job, I don’t have a ton of time to connect with other teachers or continue learning unless I have dedicated time/space. I can listen to an episode when I walk my dog! This podcast been enlightening and unpairing. I really appreciate her guests and the variety of knowledge and experiences.
YogiPorVida

What happened to episode 58?

My friend sent me this podcast about the shoulders and yoga. It was wonderful and I sent it to a bunch of people but then it disappeared from the episode list. Where did it go? Please bring it back.
YogaFarm gal

Inspiring!

Such a great podcast - thoughtful, creative and real. Francesca covers a lot of ground, her conversations with interesting guests leave me energized and inspired. I’ve found it a great way to keep up the momentum from my YTT.
idawholesome

Hungry for a mentor

What Francesca shares is wonderfully simple, yet so transformative-just like yoga! Thank you so much for being so generous with your knowledge and experience!
GastrocRock

Great interview questions

This is a valuable resource for yoga teachers. Fracesca asks great questions.
Raquel SF Yoga

My go-to resource to fill up my well!

I've mentored closely with Francesca and I'm always super inspired by the people she interviews in this podcast. It has greatly help me fill up my well and get me thinking about different strategies in my teaching a business. Highly recommend subscribing!
AJto3

The void has been filled!

The Mentor Sessions fills the void yoga teachers felt when yearning for support, advice and inspiration. Francesca’s experience, wisdom and passion, coupled with the guests she chooses to introduce to us, are invaluable.
jopluvs2cook

An Applied Neuroscience Approach To Yoga

I absolutely loved this interview with Erin Jade. This interview made me stop to think of all the different approaches we can use to help our students in the areas affecting their balance. This was such an informative podcast. Thank you for teaching and helping me be the best for my students.
fleckfeiner

Informative and fun

Francesca’s podcast is full of the latest information about movement and yoga. I have learned so much from her and her guests.... which has led me on a journey to other modalities and ways to help my clients. She is so real and honest and makes the information accessible. I look forward to finding her email in my mailbox every Tuesday.
Kiangaj

Thank you for holding space.

Reading and listening to Octavia has been so helpful to me as a teacher. I appreciate the idea of holding space for my students and more importantly for myself. Thank you.
Mindfully Moving

Definitely worth listening to

I always learn something!
Mmmbcdyigedg

Highly recommend!

I have been teaching yoga full time for 5 years. I found Francesca’s podcast a year and a half ago and in that time, Francesca has created content and a virtual space that has helped me feel expansive, confident, and engaged in my teaching. She and her guests have brightened my teaching scope - I’ve gone on to take continuing education with a couple of them. Her solo podcasts are deliberate, invitational, and chock full of practical tips and considerations. I highly recommend Francesca’s podcast and her training!
Gigiyogi

Always enlightening and helpful !

I am an IAYT certified yoga therapist and this is my favorite podcast ! Sometimes i feel isolated and Francesca Cervero always makes me feel I’m on the right track and helps with compassionate support ! Thank you !
Jesuiskate

Lovely!

Lovely podcast! I recently transitioned to full time yoga teaching, and I find Francesca’s discussions super helpful. Keep up the awesome work Francesca!
LucieMiele

Invaluable for yoga teachers

I always learn something very valuable to incorporate into my yoga teaching and never miss an episode of Francesca’s wonderful podcast.
SClark132010

Great Resource

High caliber, accessible, critically thoughtful. I’m really glad there’s a Francesca out there in the yoga community, that she has a mic and that she’s sharing her own insights while also interviewing other really important voices.
MaryASF

Thank you Francesca!

Practical and smart advice for Yoga Teachers from a Yoga Teacher. A must for any Yoga Teacher if you wish to have more effective and enjoyable class time with your students. Time wll spent. Thanks!!
AGJelley

Such rich conversations!

I love this podcast! Francesca dives deep with her guests, as well as with her own teachings, and brings us real, applicable information and inspiration for teachers. Thanks for all you do, Francesca!
Jewels - choose movement!

Very informative and helpful

Francesca is a very smart, thorough, creative, and interesting hostess of this podcast. Thank you for taking time to share your wisdom, helpful tips, and interviewing other experts. I love teaching private yoga. You and your podcast are very inspiring and encouraging. I do not feel "alone" anymore. I love your questioning abilities. I appreciate your humble experiences. Thank you for creating a valuable community for the yoga teachers. Love, love, love what you do.
bhooten

Fantastic

Required listening for Yoga teachers.
MelodyBoza

Not JUST for Yoga teachers

As a full time private Pilates instructor (with a Yoga teaching side-hustle) I have greatly benefited from Francesca's mentorship! Her advice and council has helped to take my business to the next level, while her vulnerable and honest approach has comforted me along the way. So thrilled to see her experience and insight now available to the masses through this podcast!