Episodes

14
Nov. 20, 2024

14: Unlocking the Power of Edible Skincare: An Ayurvedic Approach with Sonia Lloyd

I am excited to have Sonia Lloyd, the founder of Rasasara Skin Food, on the show with me today. Sonia founded her skincare company in Australia twenty years ago. She developed an interest in compounding skincare products after struggling with ultra-sensitive skin. Following the Ayurvedic model, she created a line specifically tailored for vata, pitta, and kapha skin types. In our discussion today, Sonia shares her experience as a skincare consultant and dives into how her products get made. Sh...
13
Nov. 6, 2024

13: Exercising the Ayurvedic Way as We Age

We are talking about exercise today. In this episode, I answer some of the many questions I receive about the best kinds of exercise, how much you need, and how to adapt it as you age. We explore the Ayurvedic approach to exercising and the aspects of your unique makeup that are essential to consider before starting a movement routine. I also share very openly about my journey and experiments over the last decades as an active person beginning to notice some signs of aging. Exercise in Ayurved...
12
Oct. 23, 2024

12: Embrace the Ayurvedic Path: From Conception to Postpartum Healing

I am excited to welcome DhyanaMasla as my guest on the podcast today. Dhyana is the author of Ayurveda Mama, a book about conception, pregnancy, and postpartum care. She grew up in a community deeply rooted in Yoga and Ayurveda, which you can sense through her spirit-based worldview and how she values parenthood. In this episode, we dive into her spirit-centered perspective, going beyond diet and recipes to explore how we can nourish ourselves through the transitions we experience in life. Jo...
11
Oct. 9, 2024

11: The Best Practices for a Gentle Seasonal Cleanse: Nourish Your Body Naturally

We are talking about seasonal cleansing today. In Ayurveda, practicing seasonal cleansing is essential for maintaining balance within the body throughout the year. In this episode, we break down what the cleanse entails, how it works, how to do it, and when to avoid it. You will also learn to make kitchari, the go-to dish for Ayurvedic cleanses. Links and Resources: Ayurvedic Living Community Membership If you have any questions, please email us at hello@ayurvedicliving.institute Mentioned in ...
10
Sept. 25, 2024

10: The Greatest Insights into Hormonal Balance and Women's Health

I am delighted to have Dr. Claudia Welch joining me as my guest on the podcast today. Shifting Focus on Women's Health The conversation on women's health initially focused on external factors. However, there is currently more awareness of the importance of internal nourishment and rest. Rest and nourishment are crucial for maintaining balance with all the external distractions that draw our attention outward. Nurturing inner stability creates ripples of positivity, much like the various cycles ...
9
Sept. 11, 2024

09: Ayurveda Meets AI: Simplifying Wellness & Business with Julia Geer

I am delighted to have Julia Geer joining me on the podcast today. Julia is my AI teacher. We met when she was a student at one of the Ayurveda schools where I teach, and now she offers a program to help solopreneurs like me, especially those in the wellness space, automate their businesses using AI. As the founder of The Gear Shift, Julia blends cutting-edge AI with ancient wellness practices shaped by her 20 years of experience in healthcare, where she helped commercialize the first FDA-appr...
8
Aug. 28, 2024

08: Ayurveda and Mind 2

Conversations about the mind can sometimes feel oppressive or daunting, especially as we begin exploring what goes on there. The mind is a system mostly comprised of space, filled with various elements, some good and others not. Creating positive space around you in simple and enjoyable ways will also uplift your internal spaces. So, today, in the second part of our series on Ayurveda and the mind, we focus on ways to cultivate good space. Stay tuned for practical ideas to enhance your surroun...
7
Aug. 14, 2024

07: Ayurveda and the Mind 1: Anxiety and Depression

Today, I address your questions about anxiety and depression. I am excited to explore this important and extensive topic, as Ayurveda offers a nuanced and refined perspective on mental wellness. In this discussion, I share practical and helpful strategies to guide you in considering and managing the mental landscape. You will definitely not want to miss it, so stay tuned for more! Links and Resources: Ayurvedic Living Community Membership Mentioned in this episode: Discover Practices and Per...
6
July 31, 2024

06: From Monastery to Modern Life: Rich Ray's Journey of Yoga, Meditation, and Love

Today, I am delighted to have Rich Ray, my partner of 11 years, joining me as a guest on the podcast. Rich and I had our first proper conversation at a yoga party, even though we had known each other for several years through the yoga community. Rich shared that he had spent four years living in a monastery about a decade earlier. That piqued my interest and made me want to know him better. Stay tuned to hear his fascinating story and learn about the benefits of yoga and meditation. Links and...
5
July 17, 2024

05: Circadian Rhythms for Balanced Mood, Sleep, and Digestion

Today, we are diving into circadian rhythms. Did you know that establishing a consistent daily rhythm can enhance your mood, sleep, digestion, and almost every aspect of your well-being? Striving for a healthy daily rhythm is not just a scientific endeavor. It is also a magical and mysterious experience governed by the celestial movements of cosmic entities like the sun and moon. Stay tuned to learn how aligning your daily rhythms with the cosmos can transform your life. Mentioned in this ep...
4
July 3, 2024

04: Gut Health 101: Kate Talks Toxins

In this episode, Ayurvedic practitioner Kate O'Donnell dives into the pivotal role of digestion in overall health. She explains how, according to Ayurveda, all diseases originate in the gut due to toxins, or "ama," formed from poorly digested food. Kate highlights the importance of a strong digestive fire, or "agni," to prevent toxin buildup and ensure proper nourishment. She offers practical tips on avoiding cold foods, overeating, and snacking between meals. Additionally, she touches on the im...
3
June 21, 2024

03: Yoga for Women with Emma Balnaves

In this podcast episode, Kate chats with Emma Balnaves about Shadow Yoga, a unique method developed by the guest's husband, Shandor. The conversation delves into how Shadow Yoga supports women's health through life stages like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Emma highlights the importance of harnessing female energy and adapting practices to support the body and mind during transitions, especially perimenopause. They also discuss seasonal eating and a calming evening routine focused on ground...
2
June 20, 2024

02: Hormone Health Through Ayurveda

In this episode, Kate O'Donnell, an expert in Ayurveda, delves into the Ayurvedic perspective on hormones and how to achieve balance through lifestyle and dietary changes. She explains that while Ayurveda doesn't specifically name hormones, it provides a framework to understand their qualities. Kate introduces the concept of balancing sex hormones (cool and moist) with stress hormones (hot and active) to maintain overall health. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating cooling, moistening ...
1
June 18, 2024

01: Intro to Ayurveda and Why Your Dosha Doesn't Matter So Much

In this podcast episode, Kate O'Donnell, an expert in Ayurveda, delves into the fundamentals of this traditional Indian healing system. Kate explains the importance of understanding the four aspects of life: the physical body, the mental field, the senses, and the soul. Kate also discusses the role of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space) and the three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) in maintaining bodily balance. Emphasizing the impact of seasonal changes on health, they offer prac...