Dr. Jayarajan Kodikannath, B.Sc, B.A.M.S, whom we lovingly call “Dr. J," is a world-renowned Ayurvedic doctor and the former President of NAMA (the National Ayurvedic Medical Association). An esteemed scholar, researcher, and teacher, he represents a lineage of Vaidyas from Kerala, India. As the CEO of Kerala Ayurveda Academy and Wellness Center in Northern California—where Sasha is  currently completing her doctorate—Dr. J has played a pivotal role in advancing Ayurvedic education and clinical research. His work includes leading research on Ayurvedic wellness solutions, with a recently patented herbal composition for managing metabolic syndrome disorders such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and lipid imbalances.

Dr. J is also the author of The Parent’s Complete Guide to Ayurveda: Principles, Practices, and Recipes for Happy, Healthy Kids, a practical and user-friendly resource offering over 50 Ayurvedic wellness practices for children ages 3–16. With over two decades of clinical experience, he has focused extensively on pediatric health and mental well-being.

Above all, Dr. J is a compassionate healer and educator, dedicated to sharing the consciousness-based teachings of Ayurveda across the globe. As Sasha's own teacher, he embodies the Divine Father and Ayurveda itself, guiding his students with wisdom, humility, and love.

Today, in part one of our three-part series on Ayurveda for Happy and Healthy Kids, we explore a topic close to both our hearts. We begin with Prana—the primordial life force—its role in childhood development, and its impact on cognitive health. We also discuss:

• The Ayurvedic perspective on childhood growth and development
• Common childhood imbalances and their root causes
• The role of parents in their children’s health
• The impact of stress and environmental factors on kids
• The controversial use of pharmaceuticals for behavioral challenges
• Breaking cycles of sleep deprivation for parents
• Balancing structured activities with free, unstructured playtime
• The healing power of nature and the innate healing capacity within us all

It seems fitting that Dr. J wrote a book on conscious, loving Ayurvedic parenting—because that is exactly what he offers us as his students. He doesn’t just teach Ayurveda; he embodies it, sharing from his heart rather than merely his vast knowledge. His wisdom flows effortlessly, granting all of us in his presence the blessing of Darshan—Divine sight.

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Halfway To Dead, A Midlife Spiritual Journey
Midlife is freaking hard. Let's flip the script.

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"As we close this transformative season, I find myself in deep gratitude for the journey we’ve shared. We have had so many incredible guests, and reflecting on it all fills me with appreciation for this work and the community we’ve built.

As I write this, I’m in my birthday week—this episode won’t air for another month, but I’m in a deeply reflective state. A solar eclipse is approaching, and Saturn is entering Pisces for the first time in 30 years—a profound cosmic shift and an equally significant moment in my personal Vedic chart.

In this episode, Erin and I reunite after a month to explore the theme of community and its role in personal growth. This podcast has become a bridge for meaningful connections, and the joy it brings us is immeasurable. We dive into embracing AI as a tool, my preparations for speaking at the NAMA conference in May, redefining leadership through the lens of the Divine Feminine, and why we dedicated much of this season to the foundations of subtle anatomy—the koshas and the chakras. We also explore intuition in decision-making, practices for mental clarity, and the journey of reparenting our inner child. And of course, we look ahead to the magic that awaits us in Season 7.

While we’re excited for what the future holds, we’re also pausing to stand at this summit, taking in the breathtaking view of how far we’ve come. We started this season in India. We launched our YouTube channel. We surpassed 10,000 downloads. We turned three. We welcomed two renowned Ayurveda Gurus—Dr. Ramkumar and Dr. J. We collaborated with inspiring experts across Ayurveda, Jyotish, Yoga, Bodywork, Birth work, and Entrepreneurship. Teaching this knowledge week after week, month after month, has been profoundly rewarding. We hear from listeners around the world about how this show is changing their lives, and it fuels us to keep going.

This show continues to find those who need it, and our prayer is that it always does. May we keep meeting in this space—growing, learning, and evolving together. Here’s to Season 7 and beyond. " - Sasha

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Halfway To Dead, A Midlife Spiritual Journey
Midlife is freaking hard. Let's flip the script.

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Smrita Choubey, founder of Veda Warrior, is an Indian-American entrepreneur with a unique blend of expertise in healthcare, corporate strategy, and indigenous healing systems. Smrita’s journey has taken her from the world of high finance to the forefront of holistic wellness.

A University of Chicago economics alumn and an MBA graduate from Columbia Business School, she began her career in healthcare investment banking at J.P. Morgan, where she gained firsthand insight into the challenges and conflicts within the American healthcare system. Determined to create meaningful change, she built Veda Warrior, assembling a world-class team of scientists, researchers, traditional healers, and manufacturing experts. Their mission? To craft plant-based remedies that honor ancient traditions while meeting the demands of modern life.

At the heart of Veda Warrior is a powerful vision: to challenge the profit-driven healthcare model and redefine wellness beyond just the absence of disease. True well-being, as Smrita and her team believe, is about operating at the peak of one’s human potential—where physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual peace align to create a life of purpose, joy, success, and abundance. Rooted in Ayurveda, their approach bridges the gap between time-tested wisdom and modern science, offering individuals personalized tools to take charge of their own health.

In this episode, we explore Smrita’s journey, the role of Cannabis in Ayurveda, the historical and economic forces behind Cannabis prohibition, reclaiming Feminine wisdom, the economic potential for Ayurveda, and her vision for integrative wellness. Smrita is not only the founder of Veda Warrior, she is a Veda Warrior. Championing  and teaching this wisdom science is deep within her DNA, and we are so excited to know each other and work together in this shared Dharma of bringing Ayurveda to modern life in the West. 

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Halfway To Dead, A Midlife Spiritual Journey
Midlife is freaking hard. Let's flip the script.

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Maria Alfieris is a Physical Therapist, Myofascial Master, & Reiki Virtuoso. She brings her gifts & talents of healing through Fascial Release which she has been teaching for 40 years. She offers a series of courses in Myofascial Mobilization which she incorporates into her work of understanding of emotional causation of disease & dysfunction. Her healing workshops around the world are designed to blend her knowledge & experience of physical therapy, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, energy healing, & her spiritual trainings. Through hands on techniques, she guides you toward freeing your fascia which helps you release patterns of emotional & physical pain that have been holding you back from reaching your full wellness potential. 

Fascia is a continuous web of connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, organs, and nerves throughout the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining structural integrity, movement, and communication between different systems in the body. When fascia becomes tight, restricted, or develops adhesions due to injury, stress, poor posture, or inflammation, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Today, Maria and Sasha sat down to explore her personal journey, and professional experience with integrative and functional bodywork. We don’t shy away from the spiritual aspect of healing the body, and Maria certainly does not shy away from expressing her authentic shakti energy as she shares her wisdom. We are blessed to have a teacher like her, traveling the world, integrating the healing of mind, body and spirit, and offering this knowledge to everyone who seeks freedom from chronic pain and stored trauma. 

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Halfway To Dead, A Midlife Spiritual Journey
Midlife is freaking hard. Let's flip the script.

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Kate O’Donnell is the author of four books on Ayurvedic cooking, lifestyle, and women’s health, including the bestseller The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook. With 25 years of experience studying the Vedic arts, she is an international presenter, a senior Ashtanga yoga teacher, and the founder of The Ayurvedic Living Institute—an online community space dedicated to Ayurveda education.

In today’s conversation, we dive into the inspiration behind her first bestseller and its newly revised 10th-anniversary edition. We break down what Ayurvedic cooking truly is, the role of tapas (discipline) in Ayurveda, and the ongoing Vegetarian vs. Non-Vegetarian debate. We also explore how to balance pleasure with discipline, navigate changing desires, and find harmony between rigidity and flexibility in lifestyle choices.

This conversation was a full-circle moment for Sasha, reconnecting with Kate after first crossing paths in India five years ago. We know you’ll love this discussion as much as we did.

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Halfway To Dead, A Midlife Spiritual Journey
Midlife is freaking hard. Let's flip the script.

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Addiction, from an Ayurvedic lens, is more than just a physical dependence—it’s a deep imbalance in the body, mind, and spirit. It often arises from a disconnect from one’s true self (Prakriti) and an accumulation of toxins (Ama), whether physical, emotional, or energetic. Many turn to substances in an attempt to soothe inner suffering, regulate emotions, or fill a void left by trauma or unresolved pain.

    •    Vata imbalances can manifest as anxiety, restlessness, and a pervasive sense of emptiness, driving the urge to escape through addiction.

    •    Pitta imbalances fuel intense cravings, impulsivity, and self-destructive tendencies.

    •    Kapha imbalances create stagnation, attachment, and emotional heaviness, making it harder to break free from addictive cycles.

Substance use depletes Ojas (vital essence) and Prana (life force energy), but Ayurveda offers a path to rebuild through nourishment, breathwork, meditation, and detoxification practices like Panchakarma and Rasayana (rejuvenation therapy). By restoring balance through daily routines (Dinacharya) and sattvic living, we cultivate clarity, resilience, and self-awareness—key elements in long-term healing.

Today, we're honored to sit down with Rob Loud, a yoga teacher whose journey through drug and alcohol addiction led him to a path of deep transformation. Rob describes his teaching style as embodied vinyasa, drawing wisdom from multiple yogic lineages. His passion for yoga is evident—not just in his classes, which are creative, intelligent, and dynamic—but in the way he lives his practice.

In this conversation, Rob opens up about his early struggles with addiction, the trauma that shaped him, and how rewiring his nervous system through yoga became the foundation of his recovery. We discuss how yoga not only supports sobriety but also helps navigate both daily stressors and the deeper emotional wounds that addiction often masks.

This is a raw, vulnerable conversation—one that invites us all into a deeper intimacy with ourselves, our inner child, and the universal thread that unites us: compassion for the suffering we all experience as human beings.

Rob, thank you for your wisdom, your presence, and the light you bring to your students, on and off the mat. 

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Halfway To Dead, A Midlife Spiritual Journey
Midlife is freaking hard. Let's flip the script.

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Over the past seven years, Carson Meyer has had the privilege of supporting hundreds of parents through pregnancy, birth and postpartum. As a doula she meets her clients where they’re at on their unique journey and offers resources, education and support for home or hospital birth. She helps parents navigate the many choices they have so they can feel confident, connected and empowered throughout this sacred time.  In addition to her birth work, Carson has a celebrity-favorite clean skincare line, C & The Moon. 

She believes that the way we approach birth has the potential to change the world.

A supported mother who is respected in her autonomy is not only less likely to experience birth trauma or postpartum depression but will feel better equipped to show up as a mother with all that she has to give. The imprinting that takes place for a child on the day they are born and the days and weeks that follow informs their worldview and lifelong physical health more than we may realize. 

After years of working as a doula she was shocked to learn how rare it was for doctors to talk to clients about good nutrition, emotional wellbeing, and environmental health.

The impact of a healthy lifestyle for mom and baby are well studied and she believes should be a central point of prenatal and postpartum care. In 2020 she became certified a nutrition consultant through the Oh Baby Academy so she could support her clients in feeling their best. And in 2022, she became a mother herself. She gave birth to her daughter Lou in her home in North Carolina.

Today Sasha and Carson sat down to explore her new book, Growing Together: Doula Wisdom & Holistic Practices for Pregnancy, Birth & Early Motherhood, being released by Chronicle Books on March 25. We chat about Carson’s own journey in becoming a doula and educator, understanding the roles of a Doula vs Midwife, the impact of the medicalization of childbirth, the importance of sisterhood and female friendships, and empowering women through knowledge and their own intuition. We also explore the need for slowing down in preparation for motherhood, and how to create a supportive environment for new mothers. 

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Halfway To Dead, A Midlife Spiritual Journey
Midlife is freaking hard. Let's flip the script.

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Dylan Smith is a devoted Ayurvedic Practitioner and holistic health educator, rooted in the lush Byron Bay Shire, Australia. As the founder of Vital Veda, he seamlessly blends ancient Vedic wisdom with a grounded, relatable approach, helping people unlock vibrant health through consultations, immersive courses, and his popular Vital Veda Podcast. Trained under the legendary Raju family of South India, Dylan brings authenticity and depth to his practice, making Ayurveda accessible and transformative for a global audience.

As the co-founder of One Eleven Health, an Ayurvedic health brand in Australia, Dylan also champions the daily use of rasayanas—powerful herbal longevity elixirs—to elevate nourishment beyond just organic or high-quality food. His work invites us to refine the way we care for ourselves, embracing Ayurveda’s most potent formulations for true vitality.

In this conversation, Dylan and Sasha explore the Ayurvedic principles of Vyayama (exercise)—why movement is medicine, how to honor the body’s signals, and the wisdom of exercising to Ardha Shakti (half of one’s capacity). We discuss aligning movement with our Vikruti (current state of imbalance), injury prevention and recovery, sustainable exercise practices, body image and self-perception, the vital role of oil in joint health and aging, and how consciousness plays a role in metabolizing nourishment.

May you bask in the light of this insightful, delightful deep dive on all things Ayurvedic exercise. 

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Halfway To Dead, A Midlife Spiritual Journey
Midlife is freaking hard. Let's flip the script.

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Today, Erin and Sasha dive into the beauty of the Sahasrapadma Chakra. 

“Sahasrara” means thousand and “Padma” means lotus. Together, it is referred to as the “thousand-petaled lotus.” Much like the human experience, a lotus begins its life in the depths of muddy, murky waters—our struggles, attachments, desires, and ignorance (Avidya). Just as the lotus remains rooted in the mud, we too are born into the material world, facing suffering, karmic cycles, and obstacles. As the lotus stem rises through the water, it symbolizes the seeker’s journey through self-awareness, discipline, and inner purification. The phrase represents the infinite layers of consciousness. And through our efforts in Yoga, Meditation, and Self-Inquiry, overcoming obstacles, refining the mind, and aligning with higher consciousness, we unfold one petal at a time, moving closer to Divine realization. 

Sahasrapadma Chakra is located at the crown of the head, and is the gateway to pure consciousness. When it is balanced, we experience deep inner peace, clarity, and a profound connection to universal wisdom. Life flows effortlessly, and we feel aligned with our highest purpose. 

When imbalanced or blocked, it can manifest as mental fog, chronic stress, anxiety, or depression. On a physical level, disharmony in this chakra is often linked to neurological disorders, migraines, hormonal imbalances, sleep disturbances, and even autoimmune conditions. Some may struggle with disconnection from their spiritual path, while others might experience an overwhelming sense of isolation or existential confusion.

Through meditation, pranayama, acts of surrender, nourishing ourselves with sattvic foods like coconut, almonds, and ghee, occasional fasting with fresh juices or herbal teas, and using Ayurvedic herbs such as Brahmi, Shankhpushpi, Gotu Kola, and Tulsi, we unlock the potential of this energy center. Yoga asanas like Sirsasana (headstand), Savasana (corpse pose), Vrikshasana (tree pose) and Padmasana (lotus pose) further help stimulate this center of Divine connection. 

When the lotus reaches the surface, it blossoms in the sunlight, untouched by the water below. This represents the final stage of spiritual awakening, the self-realization (moksha), where one transcends suffering, duality, and illusion (maya). The enlightened being, like a lotus, remainds in the world but is no longer affected by its turbulence. Despite its impure surroundings, the lotus remains pristine and beautiful, symbolizing that true beauty and purity arise from within, regardless of external circumstances. 

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Halfway To Dead, A Midlife Spiritual Journey
Midlife is freaking hard. Let's flip the script.

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Trent Navran is a seasoned expert in program, project, and product management, with a diverse background spanning artificial intelligence, digital health, digital marketing, and sustainability. Currently, he supports social media and communications for the Save Soil Movement, a global initiative led by Sadhguru dedicated to restoring and safeguarding agricultural soils. His work has contributed to raising unprecedented awareness for soil health, influencing government policies, and advocating for climate finance to support smallholder farmers.

Previously, Trent led health data and device strategy at Wellsmith, a health technology startup focused on empowering individuals to manage chronic diseases through AI-driven insights and lifestyle-based healthcare solutions. His expertise also includes three years in Customer Success at CognitiveScale, where they worked at the forefront of AI-driven business solutions.

With a background in Cognitive Science and Neuroscience, Trent has rich and varied experience in social entrepreneurship, management consulting, biomedical and social science research, leadership development, civic service, and musical performance. Passionate about the intersection of AI, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, he is driven to solve complex challenges through systematic and innovative approaches. 

Today, Sasha and Trent sat down to explore his journey into Vedic wisdom, the transformative power of consistent Ayurvedic and Yogic practices, the challenges of keeping said practices consistent and how to overcome those challenges, navigating the dawning of a new age of automation and AI, the role of AI in enhancing quality of life, and the power of community and collective Dharma. You will certainly feel the joy that Trent and I felt through out our conversation, as we burst with enthusiasm over the potentiality of shared Dharma in opening Ayurvedic centers, as we usher in a modern, Golden Age for wisdom sciences and holistic healing. 

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Halfway To Dead, A Midlife Spiritual Journey
Midlife is freaking hard. Let's flip the script.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

To learn more about us, please visit www.OjasOasis.com
Connect with us @ojasoasis on Instagram