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 community
At 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 hosts
Nico 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.
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