The Healing Catalyst

Today, Dr. Avanti and well-being expert Tara Stiles engage in a profound conversation about the transformative power of softness in both yoga and everyday life. They challenge the societal norms that glorify strength and rigidity, highlighting how softness fosters deeper connections with the self and others, and enhances resilience and well-being. Tara shares personal experiences and her insights...

In this episode, Dr. Avanti and Feng Shui Master, Dana Claudat, explore the profound impact of spring cleaning and decluttering through a Feng Shui lens, emphasizing its benefits for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. They discuss the significance of aligning with the energy of spring to rejuvenate and clear spaces, utilizing natural elements and intentional rearrangements to enhance life...

Dr. Avanti and Dr. Tanmeet delve into the crucial topic of sleep, discussing its mechanics, the impact of light and hormones, and practical strategies for improving sleep quality. They emphasize the importance of syncing with natural light cycles, establishing a consistent bedtime routine, and managing caffeine and alcohol intake. The conversation also highlights the significance of addressing bot...

Today, Dr. Avanti is joined by Kaamna Bhojwani to discuss the often-taboo subject of sexual health, particularly from the perspective of South Asian women. Growing up in a progressive family in Bombay, Kaamna was encouraged to embrace her experiences as normal and safe, a stark contrast to the conservative upbringing common among South Asian immigrants. Kamna discusses the universal challenges and...

Today launches the "Five Questions" Series, addressing spring-related listener queries with Dr. Avanti and Madeline Reeves. They delve into the transformative power of spring, discussing the significance of aligning lifestyle and dietary habits with the season's energetic shift. They emphasize the importance of lightening the diet, incorporating warm, cooked foods, and engaging in invigorating exe...

In today’s conversation, Dr. Avanti and Ashley Carter, a Registered Dietician, delve into the profound impact of cultural nutrition, food stories, and access to healthy food options on the health of Black communities. Ashley shares her personal journey from growing up in a food desert with family health challenges to becoming a registered dietitian committed to culturally sensitive health educatio...

Founder of Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health, Christopher LeMark, joins Dr. Avanti to explore the intersection of music, mental health, and community empowerment. Drawing from his own life's adversities, including childhood trauma and mental health struggles, Christopher shares how a pivotal moment in a coffee shop led him to therapy and eventually to founding his organization. He discusses the...

Today Dr. Avanti is joined by the visionary behind Mama Glow, Latham Thomas, to explore the transformative world of maternal healthcare, particularly within marginalized communities. Latham shares her journey, deeply rooted in her childhood experiences and the communal wisdom of the women in her family, which laid the foundation for her path in doula services and maternal care. She highlights the...

Dr. Avanti and Faye McCray from Well + Good are back with part 2 of their conversation, exploring the forefront of 2024 wellness trends. Today, they focus on the evolution of sauna technologies, the importance of skin barrier health, and postpartum wellness. The duo discusses how ancient practices, like Ayurveda's Svedana, are being revitalized through modern technology to enhance health benefits,...

Today, Dr. Avanti and Faye McCray, Vice President and Head of Content at  Well + Good, delve into the 2024 wellness trends. This episode is the first of a two-part series, where they delve into four of the eight wellness trends for the upcoming year. They explore the integration of wellness amenities in real estate, reflecting a growing consumer demand for wellness-oriented living spaces. The...

Today, Dr. Avanti and Indu Arora explore the unique aspects of yoga for women, emphasizing the need for personalized practices based on individual life stages and Ayurvedic principles. They discuss the three stages of a woman's life - Kapha, Pitta, and Vata - and how yoga practices should be adapted for each. In addition, Indu highlights practices that support women during perimenopause and menopa...

Dr. Avanti kicks off the new year with a special message, sharing exciting plans for 2024 including her upcoming book 'The Longevity Formula', a new Instagram course, and the next season of the Healing Catalyst Podcast.  Resources: Listen to Dr. Avanti’s favorite episodes from last year Ep. 79: Go Deeper: Ayurveda to Support Your Immunity with Divya Alter Ep. 82: Go Deeper: Unlocking the P...

Today, Dr. Avanti shares her heartfelt reflections on a year that tested her resilience and strength. Battling breast cancer and completing her second book, "The Longevity Formula," she navigates through the complexities of healing and self-discovery. Avanti emphasizes the profound lessons learned: trusting oneself, others, and the divine. She sets her intention for 2024 to focus on the journey, n...

Founder and CEO of Fearless Foundry, Madeline Reeves, joins Dr. Avanti to discuss the concept of human-centric business, drawing from her experience in the technology industry where she felt compelled to suppress her identity. Embracing her entrepreneurial journey, Madeline discovered the value of authenticity, leading to deeper connections and more meaningful work. She shares her challenges with...

Today, Dr. Avanti is joined by Lisa Mattam, a visionary in Ayurvedic skincare. Lisa shares her pioneering journey in creating the Ayurvedic skincare brand Sahajan at a time when such a category was unheard of. She delves into the unique challenges she faced as a South Asian woman entrepreneur, navigating a path in the wellness and skincare industry. Lisa reflects on the inspiration behind Sahajan,...

Dr. Avanti welcomes the President and COO of Athletic Greens, Kat Cole. Kat takes us through her transition from the food and beverage industry as the former President and COO of FOCUS Brands to the forefront of health and wellness. She sheds light on the parallels in consumer brand strategies across these sectors and her shift to a direct-to-consumer model at AG1. Kat opens up about her personal...

Dr. Somi Javaid is a board-certified OB/GYN, leading women’s sexual health thought leader, and menopause advocate. Today, Dr. Avanti and Dr. Javaid delve into the complexities of women's sexual health. Dr. Javaid, motivated by the gaps in traditional healthcare systems, emphasizes the multifaceted nature of sexual health, including issues like satisfaction, pain, and hormonal changes during menopa...

Dr. Avanti and Dr. Tanmeet Sethi delve into the difference between forgiveness and grace, and the emotional healing that comes from them. Dr. Tanmeet unpacks how grace transcends forgiveness by allowing space for and acceptance of human imperfections, both in oneself and others. They discuss how grace facilitates a more personal and nuanced approach to dealing with hurtful situations, unlike the o...

Dr. Romie Mushtaq, neurologist and mindfulness expert, joins Dr. Avanti to discuss the critical role of hormones in brain health and the concept of the "busy brain." Dr. Romie shares her personal journey with burnout and thyroid issues, emphasizing the need for comprehensive thyroid testing, especially in women. The discussion delves into the effects of modern lifestyle factors on our circadian rh...

Today, Dr. Avanti is joined by Tara Stiles, the co-founder of Strala Yoga, best-selling author, and well-being expert who has revolutionized yoga for millions into an everyday movement that supports ease and well-being. In their conversation, they discuss the reality of how yoga is commonly taught and practiced in the West which can be trauma-inducing, and the transformative potential of trauma-in...

Today, Dr. Avanti hosts Dr. Amy Wheeler to explore polyvagal theory and its profound connections to Ayurveda and yoga. They discuss the intricate workings of the nervous system, emphasizing the importance of feeling internally safe and maintaining healthy relationships. The conversation delves deep into the three primary states of the nervous system, drawing parallels with Ayurvedic and yoga princ...

Dr. Avanti is joined by Dr. Nasha Winters, a leading figure in integrative oncology. They delve into Dr. Nasha's personal history with cancer and her 32-year journey exploring the relationship between her life story and biology. She highlights the dangers of common household items, noting that fragrances from plugins, scented candles, and dryer sheets can be more harmful than cigarettes. As their...

In today’s Ask Me Anything episode, Dr. Avanti, alongside her Director of Content, Ruth Hinkle, candidly shares her multifaceted journey through breast cancer, intertwining Western medicine and Ayurveda. Avanti delves into the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of her healing process, highlighting the crucial role of community, therapy, and Ayurvedic practices. She provides insights into t...

Today, Dr. Avanti openly shares her personal journey through cancer treatment with her integrative oncologist, Dr. Shelly Smekens. Their conversation explores integrative oncology's profound impact and nuances, providing a supportive guide on navigating your cancer journey or assisting loved ones. Dr. Shelly emphasizes the importance of considering both the "seed" (cancer) and the "soil" (the body...

In the 100th episode of The Healing Catalyst podcast, Dr. Avanti reflects on her journey over the past seven months, during which she underwent treatment for breast cancer. She emphasizes the significance of reaching this milestone and expresses gratitude to her community for their unwavering support. Throughout the episode, Avanti shares five profound lessons she's learned from one of the most ch...