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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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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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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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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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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From a 30-year career in television across the globe to facing profound personal challenges—including a cancer diagnosis and major career pivot—Geoff Rupp’s path led to the timeless wisdom of Vedic Meditation. This practice, rooted in a tradition spanning over 5,000 years, became a cornerstone of his healing and self-discovery. Fueled by an insatiable curiosity, he delved deeper into Vedic knowledge, Sattva Yoga (Himalayan Breathwork), and Jyotish (Vedic Astrology), uncovering the interconnectedness of body, mind, and cosmic influences. Now, as a teacher, guide, and lifelong student, he helps others unlock their highest potential, offering tools like meditation, breathwork, and astrology to navigate life with clarity, purpose, and transformation. 

Today, Geoff and Sasha explore how one lives in accordance with their astrology chart, the influence of planetary periods, the role of spiritual teachers or guides, practical remedies for astrological challenges, and how one can work with planetary influences, or transits, to plan important life decisions. Geoff and Sasha share a joyous exploration of this vast knowledge, and trust that it will serve you well. 

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Sasha and Erin continue the Chakra series with Agnya, meaning “Divine Permission.” This is the sixth chakra, which is considered the master chakra. It is located at the third eye, the space between the eyebrows, where the pineal and pituitary glands are, which is also where the Ida and Pingala nadis originate. The pineal and pituitary glands play crucial roles in regulating hormones, consciousness, and perception. 

The Pineal Gland is considered “the seat of the Soul.” It regulates circadian rhythms by producing melatonin which helps regulate sleep cycles, dreams, and altered states of consciousness. Associated with inner vision, intuition, and spiritual awakening, the pineal gland responds to light and darkness, mirroring the duality of perception (Maya vs. Truth). Considered the “Eye of Shiva” in yogic traditions, Agnya Chakra is linked to higher wisdom and deep meditation. Practices like Kriya Yoga, Trataka (candle gazing), and deep meditation activate the pineal gland, enhancing spiritual perception.

The Pituitary Gland is considered “The Master Gland.” It regulates hormonal balance by controlling the thyroid, adrenal glands, reproductive organs, and metabolism. It produces growth hormone, oxytocin (the love hormone), and stress hormones. It governs physical and emotional equilibrium. It also works as the bridge between the body and higher consciousness.

So when you think Pineal Gland, think Inner Vision, Allowing higher perception, deep meditation, and spiritual connection. When you think Pituitary Gland, think Master Regulator, ensuring hormonal and mental balance, helping integrate spiritual experiences into daily life.

Activating the Agnya Chakra (through Ayurvedic herbs, diet and lifestyle, breathwork, meditation, and chanting mantra such as “Om Namah Shivaya”) influences pituitary function, leading to enhanced mental clarity, intuition, and self-mastery. 

The Rudra Granthi (or knot of Shiva) gets untied here, allowing access to the inner guru (intuition, a deeper knowing, natural intelligence, a state of clarity). Rudra Granthi is the final energetic blockage that must be untied for spiritual awakening. This knot represents ego, attachment to identity, and intellectual limitations. When untied or dissolved, Shiva-consciousness, or pure awareness, arises. There is no thought here, because we transcend thought. And we can have phenomenal impact on the field, as it gives rise to genius mind and more kundalini shakti moving up. 

Agnya brings Prana to the nervous system. So when we are balanced here, we go beyond habit and the causal plane. We have access to deep self-healing and a quantum mind. We receive the energy and knowledge of the timeless dimension, a state of dynamic stillness. 

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"Before you speak, ask yourself: “Is it honest? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it the right time? Does it improve the silence?” - Sathya Sai Baba

Today, Erin and Sasha explore the 5th Chakra of speech, poetically named Vishuddha, meaning “purification of poison.” Vishuddha Chakra represents the Ether element, and the ability to turn poison into nectar - the process of purification. It is located in the throat, and is the seat of the power of the word. It brings Prana to the respiratory system. 

“The more silence behind your word, the greater the impact.” You may find, upon personal practice, that the simple elegance of Silence can be prescribed to most internal challenges. This chakra represents the quality of honest communication, turning ignorance into awareness, transmutation, choice, alchemy, infinity, receptivity, sensitivity, self-expression, “finding one’s voice,” the ability to speak from the heart, and the ability to listen from the heart. Used properly, Vishuddha makes our words nectar, not poison. All poison becomes nectar when Vishuddha is strong and stable, developed and activated. 

Our words create reality, and since they originate from thought, our thoughts create our reality. Therefore, words are not only descriptive, but creative. When Vishuddha is activated, everywhere you go, becomes better as a result of you being there. If too much noise is there, too much talking or too much thinking, Vishuddha cannot be stabilized, because the element it represents is Ether (spaciousness, emptiness). 

The bija mantra for Vishuddha is “Hum,” which means “I am.” Because on a micro-level, we are God: the creator, preserver, and destroyer. Which brings me to the story of Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean. Once upon a time, the devas (gods) and asuras (demons) were on a quest to retrieve Amrita, the sacred nectar of immortality. In doing so, they had to churn the ocean using Mount Mandara as the churning rod, and Vasuki (the serpent King) as their rope. As they churned in what appears to be the original tug of war, Divine gifts emerged, like Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and the celestial cow Kamadhenu. However, before the Amrita appeared, a deadly poison called Halahala surfaced, threatening to destroy all of existence. Terrified, the devas and asuras turned to Lord Shiva for help, and in an act of supreme selflessness, he took the poison to his mouth to prevent it from harming creation. But instead of swallowing it or spitting it out, he held it in his throat, where it turned his skin blue, earning him the name of Neelkantha (the Blue throated one). 

This moment of holding and transforming toxicity without allowing it to spread, is the symbolic origin of the Vishuddha Chakra. Just as Lord Shiva purified the deadly poison without letting it harm him, Vishuddha governs the purification of thought, word, and energy. Shiva’s restraint symbolizes conscious speech, wisdom, and the power of truth. 

The throat chakra teaches that life contains both poison (negativity, challenges) and nectar (divine wisdom). It is our ability to process, hold, and transmute energy that determines our spiritual growth. This chakra represents self-mastery, communication, and purification. Like Shiva, we must learn to hold challenges with grace, not letting toxicity consume us but instead transforming it into wisdom. When our Vishuddha Chakra is balanced, we speak with clarity, authenticity, and purpose, just as Shiva’s act saved creation. 

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Today, Erin and Sasha continue our Chakra series with Anahata, meaning “eternal unstruck sound.” Anahata is the fourth chakra, located at the heart, which is the seat of love and compassion. It is also the location of Vishnu Granthi (the knot of Vishnu). Its element is air, color is green, planet is Venus, and Ishta Devata is Lakshmi. Having neurons and brain cells, the heart holds the highest level of electromagnetic energy, inspiration, devotion, timelessness, and joy without reason. When Anahata is in a knot, there is attachment, neediness, longing, co-dependency, and a “me and mine” mentality. 

Vishnu Granthi converts once Anahata is developed and stable, and then there is an energy of immense clairvoyance, deep compassion, transcendence of fear, greater kundalini rising, experience of pleasure, and authentic connection. Lakshmi lives here, the goddess of Abundance and Prosperity. Abundance is a state, and in this state, all lack disappears. Anahata’s base value of Peace (Shanti) converts to Bliss (Ananda) and then into Compassion, which is really just pain held in love. The feeling of Grace, or knowing you are held in Love, only arises when Anahata is open and online. It is not only about having an abundance mindset of gratitude, but an abundant heart, and with the help of a strong spine; an open, ever softening heart. 

So even when we experience personal pain, grief, sorrow, and despair, it makes us better people. When we go into deeper states within our heart, pain is not our enemy. It becomes maturity and compassion. Sensitivity is not weakness, it is our superpower. We must train it, not suppress it. Let the tears come, let them flow, and be grateful for them. This allows the heart to stay safe as it expands. And remember, where there is gratitude, there is Lakshmi, abundance and prosperity. 

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Namaste from Boulder, Colorado! Today Erin and Sasha continue the exploration of the chakras with Manipura - the third of the seven chakras - which translates  as “the shining sacred jewel.” It is associated with the Fire element, the planet Mars, the color Yellow, and the “Ishta Devata” Hanuman. It is located just above the navel and below the sternum, at our solar plexus — also called the celiac plexus — which is a complex system of radiating nerves and ganglia. It is found in the pit of the stomach in front of the aorta. It is part of the sympathetic nervous system and plays an important role in the functioning of the stomach, kidneys, liver, and adrenal glands. 

This chakra brings Prana to the digestive system, also known as our second brain. From a Western perspective, this is known and expressed as the gut-brain axis (or GBA) - the network of nerves and biochemical signals that connect the brain and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It's a two-way communication system that helps maintain homeostasis. The vagus nerve is one of the main nerves that connects the brain and gut, sending signals in both directions. 

From a clinical perspective, the GBA can impact disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and memory loss. The GBA can also be linked to conditions like autism, obesity, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. 

The Manipura chakra is directly linked to our sense of self, self-esteem, sense of purpose, the seat of clear decisive action, vision, dynamic action, assertiveness, discipline, determination, passion, deepest willingness to go beyond, strong will power, courage, resilience, and vitality. When balanced, there is energy and insight, will power and and follow-through, self-reliance, vitality and health. It can only be as balanced as the first 2 chakras. When imbalanced, there is a state of self-doubt, fear, insecurity, wanting, anger, blame, victimhood, depression, and lethargy. 

Positive affirmations, yoga postures that engage the core such as bow pose, cobra pose, or revolved triangle pose, and kapalabhati pranayama (or breath of fire) help strengthen Manipura when it is weak. We also get into ways of balancing an overactive Manipura, as Pitta-type individuals are prone to over exercising, overworking, and burnout. We hope today’s conversation illuminates the ways in which we can reclaim and maintain our personal power, and that it is not as much a process of creating it, as it is discovering that which has always been there and removing what blocks us from experiencing it. 

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