You might not know it, but you have a second brain! New gut-brain research shows that neurons in the digestive system communicate directly with those in the brain. In this episode, we do a deep dive into the gut-brain connection and why it matters. Join us for an interview with Fred Travis, PhD, one of our era’s leading researchers in the fields of neurophysiology and meditation. In 2015, Dr. Travis co-authored a study on the three Ayurvedic dosha types and how they correspond to three...

Your digestion impacts every facet of your health—from nutrient absorption and immunity to your emotions and the appearance of your skin. Tune in to this episode with Ayurvedic coach Śankari Wegman, PhD, and learn why strong digestion is the cornerstone of good health in Ayurveda.  You’ll learn:  All about agni—your digestive fire, and how to strengthen it naturally using nutrition and herbsAbout ama (digestive toxins)—what causes them and how to avoid themAbout ojas (life essence)—why it’s a...

Could your gut health be making you feel glum? Today we have a far-reaching conversation about gut health, emotional well-being, body-positivity, and dressing to feel your best with one of the coolest celeb stylists around.  Payton Dale is a Nashville-based, rock ‘n’ roll, body-positive stylist with a decade of experience in the fashion industry. She’s also the author of Hang Up Your Hang Ups: A Radical Guide to Healing Yourself Through Personal Style. Through her business, The Payton...

Ever wonder what your brain does at night when you sleep? Turns out, it’s not just parked in neutral, waiting for you to wake up again. A good night’s sleep gives your brain a chance to perform all kinds of vital functions, including “flushing out” stress from the previous day. Join Śankari Wegman and our special guest Fred Travis, PhD, for a deep dive into the science of sleep. The author of Your Brain is a River, Not a Rock and Excellence Through Mind-Brain Development, Dr. Travis has...

Have you ever made a dramatic 180 that changed your life, career… and just about everything? Aruna Shields sure has. At the height of her career as a Bollywood star performing her own motorbike stunts, Shields took a 10-year sabbatical to study meditation and the mind. In this very special episode, the Bollywood-Queen-Turned-Spiritual-Therapist joins our host, Śankari Wegman, to share the story of her remarkable journey. The critically acclaimed star of Mr. Singh/Mrs. Mehta and other films...

Overworked, overwhelmed, and too darn busy for self-care? As mothers, we often put our partners, parents and kids first and neglect our own needs. There is wisdom in the airline adage, “Put your oxygen mask on first, before you help others!” When you tend to your own needs and wellbeing, you have more to give to your loved ones. Join Śankari Wegman as she explores natural stress-management strategies with Laurina Carroll—busy mom, Ayurvedic Wellness Consultant, Transcendental Meditation...

Let’s face it: Americans are more stressed than ever, with chronic job stress and financial concerns among their top concerns. Learn how the Transcendental Meditation technique can help you curb stress, build inner resilience, and experience greater success and contentment on the job and at home. Join Śankari Wegman for an interview with LA-based Transcendental Meditation teacher Emily Fitz Randolph. Explore the science behind the TM technique, with benefits including decreased anxiety, lower...

Join us for a deep dive into the research behind Amrit Kalash—Ayurveda’s super-antioxidant, immunity-boosting daily tonic. Hear what scientists and physicians have to say about this potent formula. To date, there are 75 different published studies on Amrit Kalash and its many benefits. From the Journal of Applied Nutrition to Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, there’s a wealth of compelling research suggesting that Amrit can help boost immunity and promote longevity. Want to know...

Ashwaganda, brahmi, turmeric, gotu kola—not sure which Ayurvedic herbs to take? As it happens, there’s ONE potent Ayurvedic rasayana (rejuvenative formula) that’s good for just about everyone, no matter your age and stage. Amrit Kalash is a complex, ancient Ayurvedic formula with a laundry list of benefits. It’s an antioxidant that’s 1000 times more potent than Vitamins C or E. It’s an immunity booster. It nourishes the brain. It’s a free radical scavenger. The list goes on. Join Shawn Diddy...

Long-Term Allergen Support: Amrit and Triphala Super Herbs 30 min. With Shawn Diddy and Śankari Wegman If you listened to our last 3 episodes in this series, you’ve learned some natural, effective Ayurvedic strategies to help ease your discomfort in the short-term through diet, lifestyle, and herbs. But what about the long haul? Is it even possible to totally eradicate airborne and digestive sensitivities? We think so! But, as with everything in Ayurveda, it all depends on your individual...

Nip Pollen in the Bud 20 min. With Shawn Diddy and Śhankari Wegman Love flowers but hate pollen? In the debut episode of our Ayurveda 101 podcast, we’re jumping right into a seasonal, mid-summer topic: pollen. The world is in bloom—and it’s sneezin’ season! Join Shawn Diddy and Śankari Wegman for an in-depth discussion about the Ayurvedic perspective on seasonal pollen sensitivities. You’ll learn: The source of seasonal sniffles (psst: it’s not actually the pollen itself—it’s your digestion...

Ease Food Sensitivities with Delicious Diet and Herbs 24 min. With Shawn Diddy and Śankari Wegman Struggling with food sensitivities? You’re not alone. Food sensitivities are very common, and they’re becoming more so with time. From the perspective of Ayurveda, food sensitivities have their origins in an imbalance in the gut, the microbiome (all the microbes in your intestines), and the doshas—the mind-body elements responsible for every aspect of your body’s functioning. Join Shawn Diddy...

The Surprising Reason You’re Sensitive to Dust and Dander 26 min. With Shawn Diddy and Śankari Wegman If you’re the kind of person who starts has dander sensitivities when you even look at a cat or dog, chances are you have an immune system that overreacts to harmless natural substances. But there’s hope. From the perspective of Ayurveda, accumulated toxins and weak digestion are often the culprits when it comes to sensitivities to common irritants like pets, dust, dander, and mold. Join...