Phases with Anita Goa

Discover how travel, nature, and inner reflection can lead to a deeper understanding of life and your true self.

In this deeply reflective conversation on Phases, Anita Goa speaks with Kristy Halvorsen about the extraordinary journey behind her book, The Perfect Unfolding.

Kristy shares how she left behind a conventional life as an engineer and firefighter to live nomadically in her Airstream, “Coddi,” following inner knowing, curiosity, and the call to wander.

Together, they explore the tension between certainty and the unknown, the wisdom of listening to the body and heart, and the powerful lessons that come from solitude, nature, and life’s unexpected disruptions.

Kristy opens up about moments of profound insight, including the year that broke her open, the meaning of “remembering and forgetting,” and how her journey became less about escape and more about awakening.

The conversation also touches on yoga philosophy, spiritual guides versus teachers, aging, privilege, and the importance of honoring one’s own path without waiting for permission.

Through Kristy’s stories of travel, resilience, and self-discovery, this episode invites listeners to reconsider what it means to live fully, trust the next step, and embrace their own perfect unfolding.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to Kristy Halvorsen's Journey

02:02 The Transformative Power of Travel and Wandering

03:51 The Concept of Remembering and Forgetting Our True Nature

07:07 Yoga Philosophy and Inner Connection

10:04 The Courage to Wander and Embrace the Unknown

11:59 Living Off-Grid and in Harmony with Nature

14:49 The Role of Love and Compassion in Life

18:01 Addressing Privilege and Cultural Awareness

19:52 The Power of Inner Knowing and Intuition

23:13 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

25:57 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Life's Unfolding

29:48 The Future: Roots, Regenerative Farming, and New Beginnings

resources

Stay In Touch With Kristy Halvorsen

Book: The Perfect Unfolding

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Perfect+Unfolding+Kristy+Halvorsen

Website: https://kristyhalvorsen.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/kristyhalvorsen

Facebook: https://facebook.com/kristyhalvorsen

Stay In Touch With Anita Goa:

Newsletter: http://anitagoa.com/anita/newsletter/

Website: http://www.anitagoa.com http://www.anitagoastudio.com (membership)

Anita's Instagram: https://instagram.com/anitagoawellbeing

Phases Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/thephasespodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anitagoawellbeing

self-discovery, wandering, love, travel, nature, spiritual journey, midlife, personal growth, inspiration, mindfulness

What if deeper intimacy, connection, and confidence come from within—through your own capacity for pleasure?

In this episode, I’m joined by Elana Auerbach, author of The Sure Thing, to explore pleasure as a practice and the power of taking 100% responsibility for your own pleasure in transforming your relationship with your body, your partner, and yourself.

Whether in partnership or solo, this conversation offers practical tools to feel more alive, confident, and connected. We also explore how embodiment, sensuality, and pleasure can expand into your voice, creativity, and societal impact.

Time stamps:

• 0:00 - 1:29: Introduction
• 2:07 - 3:35: Discussion on pleasure, shame, and personal responsibility.
• 4:03 - 5:46: Addressing societal shame and its impact.
• 6:55 - 18:19 Elana's personal journey and the concept of pleasure as a practice.
• 18:19 - 19:11: Benefits of regular pleasure practices and personal transformation.
• 25:11 - 27:18: Advice for those with partners not open to pleasure practices.
• 30:08 - 32:18: Sensuality as nourishment and its health benefits.
• 33:35 - 34:53: Love as a positive force and yoga practice.
• 35:20 - 37:09: Historical perspectives and starting new practices.
• 45:08 - 49:15: Elana's awakening, discussion on white privilege and societal change.
• 52:08 - 55:15: Closing thoughts

Stay In Touch With Elana + resources

Website - https://www.surethingexperiment.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/elanauerbach

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/elanauerbach

This Sure Thing Book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXYZ1234

Free Gift - https://www.surethingexperiment.com

Stay In Touch With Anita Goa:

Newsletter: http://anitagoa.com/anita/newsletter/

Website: http://www.anitagoa.com http://www.anitagoastudio.com (membership)

Anita's Instagram: https://instagram.com/anitagoawellbeing

Phases Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/thephasespodcast

Facebook

: https://www.facebook.com/anitagoawellbeing

pleasure, self-love, intimacy, personal growth, cultural conditioning, weekly practice, empowerment, sexuality, emotional health, societal change

In this insightful conversation, Deb Benfield discusses aging unapologetically, challenging societal norms around body image, ageism, and wellness culture. She shares her journey as a dietitian, the importance of relational self-awareness, and practical practices for embracing body changes with confidence and compassion.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction to the Phases Podcast and the question: What if nothing was wrong with your body at midlife?

2:00 Deb Benfield shares her journey, experiences with body image, diet culture, and wellness culture.

10:00 Exploring societal pressures, body hierarchy, whiteness, and the impact on midlife self-perception.

20:00 Discussion on ageism, internalized beliefs, neuroplasticity, and expanding perceptions of beauty.

30:00 Practices for self-awareness, body acceptance, and recognizing internal biases.

40:00 Midlife self-care, movement, strength training, and cultivating confidence and compassion.

50:00 Closing thoughts, reflections on unapologetic aging, and where to find Deb Benfield.

Stay In Touch With Deb Benfield + resources mentioned in episode

Deborah Benfield website https://www.debrabenfield.com/

Deborah Benfield on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingbodyliberation/

Deborah Benfield on Substack - https://debrabenfield.substack.com

Implicit Bias Test (Harvard) - https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/

Unapologetic Aging (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXYZ1234

Stay In Touch With Anita Goa:

Newsletter: http://anitagoa.com/anita/newsletter/

Website: http://www.anitagoa.com http://www.anitagoastudio.com (membership)

Anita's Instagram: https://instagram.com/anitagoawellbeing

Phases Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/thephasespodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anitagoawellbeing

keywords

aging, body image, ageism, wellness culture, self-acceptance, body positivity, menopause, internalized bias, health, empowerment

What if midlife isn’t a breakdown… but a breakthrough?

In this episode, Dr. Chetna Kang shares a powerful reframe of aging — one rooted in self-awareness, identity and spiritual growth.

This isn’t about “getting older.”

It’s about becoming more you than ever before.

If you’ve been questioning who you are or where you’re going… this conversation is for you.

About Dr. Chetna Kang

Dr Chetna Kang is a consultant psychiatrist, bhakti yogi and spiritual teacher whose integrative approach weaves modern medicine, psychotherapy, and ancient wisdom. She has regularly presented Thought for the Day on Radio 4's Today programme and is known for making complex ideas about the mind, identity, and spiritual wellbeing deeply human and accessible.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Is Midlife Really a Crisis… or a Wake-Up Call?

03:11 – The Truth About Midlife No One Talks About

06:21 – Why You Feel Disconnected (and What to Do)

10:49 – How to Feel Safe When Everything Is Changing

15:01 – The Hidden Damage of Social Media in Midlife

18:27 – Why Feeling Invisible Might Be Your Superpower

22:11 – The Secret to Starting Over (Without Guilt)

26:28 – What Actually Helps When You Feel Lost

30:38 – The Ego Trap Keeping You Stuck

32:12 – How to Avoid (or Get Through) a Midlife Crisis

34:51 – The 5 Things Your Mind Is Missing

38:20 – The Real Reason Aging Feels So Hard

44:54 – What Legacy Really Means (It’s Not What You Think)

45:39 – Why Thinking About Death Changes Everything

47:31 – The One Practice That Grounds You Daily

49:36 – Science vs. Spirituality… or Both?

Stay In Touch With Dr. Chetna Kang

Website - https://chetna-kang.com

Chetna's Instagram: https://instagram.com/drchetnakang

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/chetna-kang

Resources

BBC Radio 4 - Dr. Chetna Kang Talks - https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4

Spiritual Warrior Series by Bhakti Devote Swami - https://www.example.com/spiritual-warrior-series

Stay In Touch With Anita Goa:

Newsletter: http://anitagoa.com/anita/newsletter/

Website: http://www.anitagoa.com http://www.anitagoastudio.com (membership)

Anita's Instagram: https://instagram.com/anitagoawellbeing

Phases Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/thephasespodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anitagoawellbeing

In this episode of the Phases podcast, host Anita Goa speaks with Gaby Cabrera-Kimchi, a functional medicine practitioner, about the importance of thriving in life, especially for women. They discuss the five pillars of thriving health: nutrition, stress awareness, movement, rest, and connection. Gabby emphasises the need for proactive health care for women, the difference between lifespan and health span, and the importance of understanding one's biology. The conversation highlights the significance of community and purpose in enhancing health and longevity, encouraging listeners to reconnect with their values and prioritise self-care.

About Gaby Cabrera-Kimchi (MSc, INHC, AFMCP, RHC-UKIHCA)

Gaby is a certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, committed to revolutionising women’s health.

She supports women 1:1, at all stages of life, helping them reclaim their energy, balance their hormones, and live in alignment with their biology. Through the use of advanced functional testing and wearables, she helps women uncover the root causes within their own physiology and delivers highly tailored, personalised health plans for lasting results.

She also delivers specialised women’s health workshops for companies and organisations.

Stay In Touch With Gaby:

Website: https://www.wellnesswithgaby.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithgaby

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thriving in Life

03:44 The Importance of Pausing and Self-Care

06:07 Alignment with Values for Thriving

08:23 Understanding Women's Health and Longevity

09:41 The Need for Proactive Health Approaches

12:34 Myths About Aging and Health

15:12 The Five Pillars of Thriving Health

18:03 Nutrition and Functional Eating

20:35 Hydration and Its Impact on Health

34:30 The Pillars of Wellness: Water and Stress Awareness

42:11 Understanding Stress: Awareness Over Management

45:51 Movement vs. Exercise: Embracing Natural Movement

52:20 Rest and Rejuvenation: The Importance of Sleep

01:00:05 Connection and Purpose: The Blue Zone Principles

Stay In Touch With Anita Goa:

Newsletter: http://anitagoa.com/anita/newsletter/

Website: http://www.anitagoa.com http://www.anitagoastudio.com (membership)

Anita's Instagram: https://instagram.com/anitagoawellbeing

Phases Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/thephasespodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anitagoawellbeing

Keywords

thriving, women's health, health span, lifespan, proactive care, nutrition, stress awareness, movement, sleep, connection, purpose, functional medicine,

In this enlightening episode of the Phases Podcast, host Anita Goa welcomes the incredibly knowledgable and inspiring Jill Miller, creator of Yoga Tune Up and Tune Up Fitness. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of fascia, delve into the art of down-regulating the nervous system, and learn how to effectively use Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls.

Discover how Jill's journey and innovative techniques can help you unlock your body's true potential. Plus, hear Jill's personal insights on parenting and resilience, and find out what life is teaching her at the moment. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that promises to enrich your wellness journey.

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of Yoga and Personal Growth

02:11 The Birth of Yoga Tune Up

04:45 The Role of Fascia in Movement

06:51 Integrating Breath and Movement

09:12 The Journey of Self-Discovery through Yoga

11:31 Building Resilience and Community

13:54 The Science of Self-Care

16:31 The Impact of Technology on Wellness

18:52 Personal Definitions of Yoga

25:40 Understanding Fascia: The Body's Seam System

28:27 Fascia Health: Techniques for Longevity and Mobility

32:37 Integrating Therapy Balls: Timing and Techniques

38:52 The Vagus Nerve: Connection to Relaxation and Recovery

46:31 Longevity: Movement, Love, and Community

49:21 Timeless Principles of Yoga and Movement

Stay In Touch With Jill Miller:

Website: https://www.tuneupfitness.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejillmiller/?hl=en

Stay In Touch With Anita Goa:

Newsletter: http://anitagoa.com/anita/newsletter/

Website: http://www.anitagoa.com http://www.anitagoastudio.com (membership)

Anita's Instagram: https://instagram.com/anitagoawellbeing

Phases Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/thephasespodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anitagoawellbeing

Keywords

Yoga Tune Up, fascia, nervous system, Jill Miller, wellness, fitness, therapy balls

In this episode, Anita Goa host of The Phases Podcast talks with Dr. Nibodhi Haas to explore the profound teachings of Ayurveda and yoga, emphasising the importance of moment-to-moment awareness and the lessons life offers. They discuss the significance of embracing imperfection, the journey of conscious aging, and the role of Ayurveda as a blueprint for healthy living.

The conversation highlights personal experiences with Ayurveda, the importance of humour, connection in life, practical steps for incorporating Ayurvedic principles into daily routines. Ultimately, they stress the transformative power of love and gratitude in leading a radiant and thriving life.

Takeaways

Life teaches us lessons moment-to-moment.

Ayurveda and yoga provide essential frameworks for awareness.

We can experience bliss in the present, not just in the afterlife.

Embracing imperfection is key to personal growth.

Aging should be viewed as a conscious journey, not a decline.

Life is about phases, and each phase offers unique lessons.

Ayurveda serves as a personalized blueprint for health.

Self-discovery is a continuous journey influenced by our experiences.

Service to others enriches our own lives and consciousness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ayurveda and Radiant Living

02:24 Life Lessons and Awareness

04:49 The Nature of Divine Consciousness

06:54 Aging and Consciousness

09:35 Ayurveda: The Science of Life

11:57 Understanding Doshas and Individuality

14:50 Mindful Eating and Nutrition

17:16 Resources for Learning Ayurveda

28:03 The Joy of Relaxed Effort

29:02 Finding Humor in Life's Challenges

31:17 Acceptance and Non-Grasping

32:33 The Importance of Nutrition and Protein

40:50 Digestion and Hormonal Balance

49:17 Living with Purpose and Love

Stay In Touch With Dr. Nibodhi:

Website: https://www.nibodhi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.nibodhi/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nibodhi.haas.108

Podcast Awakened Living with Nibodhi: https://www.nibodhi.com/podcasts/awakened-living-with-nibodhi

Stay In Touch With Anita Goa:

Newsletter: http://anitagoa.com/anita/newsletter/

Website: http://www.anitagoa.com http://www.anitagoastudio.com (membership)

Anita's Instagram: https://instagram.com/anitagoawellbeing

Phases Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/thephasespodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anitagoawellbeing

Ayurveda, yoga, conscious aging, self-awareness, personal growth, mindfulness, spirituality, health, wellness, life lessons

In this reflective solo episode, host Anita Goa wraps up Season 3 of the Phases podcast by sharing her favourite takeaways from each episode. Anita delves into the art of listening, the power of curiosity, and the profound insights gained from her conversations with guests like Manorama, Sue Hitzmann, Jillian Pransky, Anna Taylor and Laura Khoudari.

From exploring the nervous system to understanding trauma and the beauty of aging, this episode is a heartfelt journey through the themes that have shaped the season.

Join Anita as she celebrates growth, learning and the phases of life.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction and Season Overview
• [05:00] Reflections on Listening and Interviewing
• [10:00] Insights from Manorama on Phases and Sanskrit
• [20:00] Sue Hitzmann on Fascia and Self-Care
• [30:00] Jillian Pransky on Restorative Yoga
• [40:00] Anna Taylor on Mindfulness and Compassion
• [50:00] Laura Khoudari on Trauma and Strength Training
• [60:00] Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

Stay In Touch With Anita Goa:

Newsletter: http://anitagoa.com/anita/newsletter/

WEBSITE: http://www.anitagoa.com http://www.anitagoastudio.com (membership)

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/anitagoawellbeing

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/thephasespodcast

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/anitagoawellbeing

Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0 Music promoted by Copyright Free Music - Background Music For Videos 👉 / @podcastbackgroundmusic

#PhasesPodcast #SeasonFinale #LifePhases #Curiosity #Growth

In this enlightening conversation, Laura Khoudari shares her transformative journey from chronic pain and trauma to empowerment through strength training. They discuss the critical role of the nervous system in trauma recovery and how mindful strength training can foster healing. Laura also shares where yoga fell short.

Laura emphasizes the importance of understanding trauma, the impact of cultural narratives, and the necessity of agency in the healing process. She also introduces her trauma-informed approach to strength training, highlighting the significance of listening to one's body and creating supportive conditions for effective practice. The discussion culminates in reflections on the intersection of yoga and strength training, and the evolving nature of Laura's work in the field.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Healing and Change

08:41 Strength Training as a Path to Empowerment

14:51 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

18:15 The Nervous System and Trauma Response

26:49 Navigating Personal Trauma and Boundaries

31:54 The Power of Personal Agency

34:07 Understanding Conditions for Success

36:19 Activation: The Heart of Movement

42:14 The Importance of Recovery

44:31 Embodied Strength Training: A Mindful Approach

49:11 Navigating Anxiety and Breath

51:31 Embracing Change and Personal Growth

Stay In Touch With Laura:

Website: https://www.laurakhoudari.com/

Substack: https://www.laurakhoudari.substack.com/

Stay In Touch With Anita Goa:

Newsletter: http://anitagoa.com/anita/newsletter/

WEBSITE: http://www.anitagoa.com http://www.anitagoastudio.com (membership)

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/anitagoawellbeing

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/thephasespodcast

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/anitagoawellbeing

Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0 Music promoted by Copyright Free Music - Background Music For Videos 👉 / @podcastbackgroundmusic

trauma recovery, strength training, empowerment, nervous system, healing, personal growth, agency, mindful movement, embodied strength, trauma-informed training

In this insightful episode of the Phases podcast, Anita Goa welcomes Anna Taylor, a renowned yoga teacher from London and author of Weaving Mindfulness and Compassion into Yoga Teaching to discuss the transformative power of mindfulness and compassion in yoga.

Anna shares her personal journey of navigating change, the challenges of writing from the heart, and the profound impact of self-compassion on her practice and teaching.

Together, they delve into the essence of mindfulness, the importance of being a kind visitor to oneself, and how these practices can lead to a more authentic and connected life. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for everyone.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Personal Connection

03:29Navigating Change and Uncertainty

06:03The Essence of Mindfulness in Yoga

08:14Understanding Mindfulness and Its Challenges

10:40The Interconnection of Mindfulness and Yoga

13:05Defining Mindfulness and Its Importance

15:36Mindfulness as a Path to Wisdom

16:46The Role of the Body in Mindfulness

18:41Finding Connection and Belonging through Practice

20:35The True Purpose of Yoga

22:51Compassion as a Complement to Mindfulness

26:13Understanding Pain and Suffering

28:32The Power of Compassion

31:05Self-Confidence Through Compassion

34:46Creating Safe Spaces in Yoga

36:30Navigating Difficult Phases in Practice

39:47Embracing Non-Striving in Practice

44:32Finding Balance in Movement and Stillness

47:33The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Yoga

Stay In Touch With Anna:

Website: https://www.mindbodybalance.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_mindfulyoga/#

Stay In Touch With Anita Goa:

Newsletter: http://anitagoa.com/anita/newsletter/

WEBSITE: http://www.anitagoa.com http://www.anitagoastudio.com (membership)

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/anitagoawellbeing

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/thephasespodcast

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/anitagoawellbeing

Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0 Music promoted by Copyright Free Music - Background Music For Videos 👉 / @podcastbackgroundmusic