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 Portugal
Move. 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 portugalreturn@gmail.com—remember we are offering 20% off at the Root Pricing level with the code “Root” until October 10th!
