Episode Description: In this deeply moving and profoundly insightful episode, Amy Wheeler welcomes yoga therapist, author, and pelvic health expert Cheri Dostal Ryba to share her personal story of healing, embodiment, and reclamation. Cheri’s journey touches on intergenerational trauma, family estrangement, caregiving for a parent in crisis, and the body’s remarkable wisdom in processing, protecting, and ultimately guiding us toward healing.Cheri vulnerably recounts the transformative chapter of her life that unfolded after her family returned to Wisconsin, just as her book, Pelvic Yoga Therapy for the Whole Woman, was released. Amid navigating her family’s unraveling, Cheri found herself in the heart of her own embodied healing journey — trusting the intelligence of her body, allowing grief to move through her, and reclaiming her own sense of safety, belonging, and joy.This conversation is a testament to the power of somatic practice, ancestral healing, and trusting the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signals our bodies give us, even when our minds may not yet have words for the story.Please note: This episode touches on sensitive topics, including family trauma, suicide attempts, and intergenerational wounding. While the conversation is approached with compassion and care, we advise listener discretion, particularly if you are listening with children or if these topics are personally triggering.Topics Covered:How yoga, breathwork, and mantra supported Cheri’s healing processThe wisdom of the body in revealing truth — even before the mind catches upGrieving necessary endings and choosing healthy boundaries with familyThe role of the pelvis in personal power, belonging, and embodied wholenessHow yoga therapy can support pelvic health, trauma recovery, and personal reclamationCheri’s upcoming Pelvic Yoga Book Summit – May 2-3, 2025Quotes from the Episode: "Sensitivity is the privilege and responsibility of remembering." — Toko-pa Turner "Healing is living — fiercely committing to the present moment." — Cheri Dostal RybaResources Mentioned:Book: Pelvic Yoga Therapy for the Whole Woman: A Professional Guide by Cheri Dostal RybaEvent: Pelvic Yoga Book Summit - May 2-3, 2025 (Registration opens by April 4, 2025)Book Mentioned by Amy: Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry CloudMantra Discussed: Mahā Mṛtyuñjaya Mantra – exploring its symbolism of effortless release and surrenderAbout Cheri Dostal Ryba: Cheri is a yoga therapist, pelvic health specialist, somatic educator, and author. Her work empowers individuals — particularly women — to reclaim their embodied sense of safety, pleasure, and sovereignty. Through her book, retreats, and upcoming summit, Cheri weaves together the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of healing the pelvic bowl, while honoring the whole person.Connect with Cheri: Website: www.cheridostalryba.com Pelvic Yoga Book Summit: www.cheridostalryba.com/pelvicyogabooksummit Instagram: @cheridostalrybaThe Yoga Therapy Bridge Blog: https://amywheeler.com Come join us at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) for our Signature Programs starting in Fall 2025. Master of Science in Yoga Therapy https://lnkd.in/gBSCUsMQ Are you already a licensed healthcare professional? Explore MUIH’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals.  https://lnkd.in/gbWHSjQq

Welcome to this heartfelt episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, where we dive deep into the complex terrain of grief, loss, and healing with author and Ayurvedic practitioner Sweta Vikram. In this vulnerable and profound conversation, Sweta shares her personal story of losing both her father and father-in-law within days of each other and how her yoga and Ayurveda practices carried her through the darkest moments. Together, we explore what it means to lose a father, how grief reshapes our identity, and how to gently find a way forward through daily self-care, boundaries, and spiritual practices. Whether you have experienced loss or are preparing for the inevitable grief we all face, this conversation offers a grounded, compassionate, and real-world path to healing.In this episode, you’ll learn:What it looks like to navigate profound loss and how grief can completely reshape who we are.How Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy offer practical tools for grief support, including how to manage a dysregulated nervous system.The lifelong imprint fathers leave on us—whether present, absent, or complicated—and how to honor or heal that relationship.How to recognize and shift out of grief-related stagnation (Kapha imbalance) using movement, diet, and daily rituals.Why setting boundaries is essential for healing—and how to do it without anger or resentment.What to do when grief is complicated or unresolved, especially for those who did not have a loving or supportive parent.About Sweta Vikram:Sweta Vikram is a 14-time published author, Ayurvedic practitioner, yoga therapist, and grief coach. She specializes in helping people navigate grief, loss, and trauma using the integrated wisdom of Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy. Sweta also works with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault as a trauma-informed yoga teacher.Visit her website: www.swetavikram.comExplore her latest book: The Loss That Binds Us: 108 Tips on Coping with Grief and Loss — a compassionate, accessible guide filled with real-life, simple practices to navigate grief when words are not enough.One-on-One Support: Sweta offers private Ayurvedic coaching, yoga therapy, and specialized grief coaching—details on her website.The Yoga Therapy Bridge Blog: https://amywheeler.com Come join us at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) for our Signature Programs starting in Fall 2025. Master of Science in Yoga Therapy https://lnkd.in/gBSCUsMQ Are you already a licensed healthcare professional? Explore MUIH’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals.  https://lnkd.in/gbWHSjQqConnect with Amy Wheeler:Website: www.TheOptimalState.comPodcast: The Yoga Therapy HourInstagram: @theoptimalstate Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your community. Your support helps us bring inspiring stories and valuable insights to listeners worldwide.

In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler welcomes Jenna Schissel, a yoga therapist based in Des Moines, Iowa, who brings a deeply personal and integrative perspective to the field. Jenna shares her journey of self-discovery, shaped by her experiences with social anxiety and introversion. She discusses how yoga became a natural path for inner healing, providing her with a structured way to cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and confidence.Rather than focusing on symptom management or pathology, Jenna approaches yoga therapy through the lens of salutogenesis—the process of fostering well-being rather than merely preventing or treating illness. She and Amy explore how yoga therapy facilitates whole-person healing, supporting individuals in cultivating inner stability, self-regulation, and a sense of personal agency.While Jenna also maintains a separate psychotherapy practice specializing in trauma and ketamine-assisted therapy, this conversation focuses on the role of yoga therapy in personal transformation, embodiment, and nervous system coherence, rather than trauma treatment.Key Topics Discussed in This Episode:Jenna’s Personal Journey with Yoga – How yoga provided Jenna with a framework to understand and navigate her experiences with social anxiety and introversion. She reflects on the ways that movement, breathwork, and meditation helped her shift from internal self-doubt to self-trust and connection with others.Yoga Therapy as a Path to Whole-Person Healing – Jenna and Amy discuss how yoga therapy facilitates salutogenesis, supporting individuals in building resilience, internal balance, and long-term well-being. They highlight the importance of seeing yoga therapy as a process of self-cultivation rather than symptom reduction.The Role of Self-Awareness in the Healing Process – Jenna explains how self-awareness practices, such as breath observation, mindful movement, and reflective inquiry, serve as fundamental tools in yoga therapy. These practices allow individuals to tune into their internal states and develop a more compassionate and attuned relationship with themselves.Working with the Nervous System in Yoga Therapy – The conversation explores how yoga therapy supports autonomic regulation, helping individuals transition from chronic stress patterns to a more balanced and responsive state. Jenna shares insights on how simple breath and movement techniques can be applied in daily life to foster internal steadiness.The Interplay Between Personal Practice and Professional Work – Jenna reflects on how her personal experiences inform her work as a yoga therapist. She discusses the importance of ongoing self-practice, not only for maintaining professional integrity but also for deepening her understanding of the mind-body connection.Yoga Therapy vs. Psychotherapy: Clarifying the Distinction – While Jenna also works as a psychotherapist, she explains the clear distinctions between her yoga therapy practice and her clinical work. Yoga therapy offers a non-pathologizing, strength-based approach to personal growth, while psychotherapy serves a different role in addressing clinical concerns. This conversation helps clarify how yoga therapy can complement but is not a substitute for mental health treatment.The Power of Introversion in Yoga Therapy – Jenna discusses the unique strengths that introverts bring to both yoga practice and teaching. She and Amy explore how introversion can be reframed as a gift, allowing for deeper self-reflection, insight, and meaningful connection.Connect with Jenna & AmyJenna SchisselBased in Des Moines, Iowa[Insert Jenna’s website: https://www.jennaschisseltherapist.com/Amy Wheeler & Optimal StateWebsite: www.TheOptimalState.com Come join us at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) for our Signature Programs starting in Fall 2025. Master of Science in Yoga Therapy https://lnkd.in/gBSCUsMQ Are you already a licensed healthcare professional? Explore MUIH’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals.  https://lnkd.in/gbWHSjQq

Welcome to the Yoga Therapy Hour in 2025! Host Amy Wheeler kicks off the year by diving deep into Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 1.33, which offers a framework for improving relationships and cultivating inner peace. Amy reflects on how yoga has helped her heal physically, emotionally, and in her relationships, emphasizing the transformative power of clarity, compassion, and discernment. This episode focuses on the practical application of four key principles from the sutra:Maitrī (Friendliness)Karunā (Compassion)Muditā (Appreciation and Gratitude)Upekṣā (Discernment and Non-Judgment) Amy shares personal anecdotes, insights, and strategies for applying these principles in daily life to reduce suffering, strengthen connections, and foster emotional resilience. Key Takeaways:Yoga as Relationship: Yoga is reflected in how we interact with the world. Healthy relationships are a sign of a healthy inner state.Healing Through Yoga: Amy shares her journey of overcoming physical, mental, and emotional challenges through yoga and Ayurveda.Applying Yoga Sutra 1.33: Learn how to navigate relationships by being friendly to the friendly, compassionate to the suffering, appreciative of the good, and discerning with negative influences.Discernment in Action: Understand when to step back from toxic relationships and redirect energy towards meaningful connections.Compassion vs. Empathy: Amy explains the importance of healthy boundaries in offering compassion without experiencing burnout or compassion fatigue. Special Offer:Join Amy every Monday night in 2025 for a year-long series on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and Emotional Intelligence. Each session includes asana, pranayama, yoga nidra, meditation, and a focused discussion on a sutra. Explore monthly themes and gain tools for personal growth and professional development. Details:🌟 Cost: $59 per household (75 min. class + recording) | $75 per person for CEUs (75 min. class + 15 min. discussion + Certificate of Completion)📅 Sign Up: www.theoptimalstate.comConnect with Amy:Website: www.theoptimalstate.comInstagram: @OptimalStatePodcast Patreon Community: Support the show and enjoy exclusive gifts!Start your 2025 with clarity, compassion, and connection—tune in now! 🎙✨ Come join us at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) for our Signature Programs starting in Fall 2025. Master of Science in Yoga Therapy https://lnkd.in/gBSCUsMQ Are you already a licensed healthcare professional? Explore MUIH’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals.  https://lnkd.in/gbWHSjQq

In this inspiring episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler sits down with Tracy Stonaker to explore her journey of healing and transformation through yoga and Ayurveda. Tracy shares her deeply personal story of navigating a challenging divorce, overcoming fear, and finding her inner strength through her yoga practice. She discusses the pivotal moments in her life that led her to Ayurveda and how it reshaped her relationship with food, health, and self-care.Amy and Tracy delve into the profound ways in which yoga and Ayurveda can support individuals through life's hardships, from cultivating resilience to embracing self-nourishment. Tracy also talks about her new venture, Ojas Global, a travel representation company that connects people with Ayurvedic retreats worldwide, offering transformative healing experiences in nature.If you've ever wondered how yoga and Ayurveda can help you navigate life's toughest transitions or if you're curious about experiencing an authentic Panchakarma retreat, this episode is a must-listen.Topics Covered in This Episode:Tracy's introduction to yoga and the impact of her early experiencesThe role of yoga in navigating divorce and healing from traumaUnderstanding the mind-body connection and aligning with one's inner voiceAyurveda as a personalized health system and its integration with yogaPanchakarma: The powerful Ayurvedic cleansing processTracy's journey from raw veganism to balanced nourishment through AyurvedaThe importance of small, consistent lifestyle shifts for long-term well-beingThe launch of Ojas Global and its mission to bring authentic Ayurvedic experiences to travelers worldwideThe benefits of Ayurvedic retreats and Panchakarma treatments for holistic healingGuest Bio:Tracy Stonaker is a dedicated yoga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner with a passion for holistic healing. After years of personal transformation through yoga and Ayurveda, she founded Ojas Global, a travel representation company that connects people with Ayurvedic resorts around the world. Tracy is committed to helping others experience the life-changing benefits of Ayurveda and wellness travel.Resources & Links:Learn more about Tracy’s work at www.ojasglobal.comFollow Tracy on Instagram: @ojasglobalExplore Ayurvedic education and yoga therapy programs at www.muih.eduConnect with Amy Wheeler:Website: www.TheOptimalState.comPodcast: The Yoga Therapy HourInstagram: @theoptimalstateSupport the Podcast:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your community. Your support helps us bring inspiring stories and valuable insights to listeners worldwide.

In this deeply insightful conversation, Amy Wheeler sits down with yoga therapist Mandy Henderly to explore her personal journey of healing and embodiment. Mandy shares her story of being diagnosed with a brain tumor at 13, how her nervous system responded to the medical trauma, and how yoga eventually became a key tool for reconnecting with her body and navigating mental health challenges.From discovering yoga in her teens (thanks to Madonna’s iconic Ray of Light era) to embracing a therapeutic approach with The Optimal State, Mandy's transformation speaks to the power of yoga beyond the physical. She discusses the importance of slowing down, finding stability in life’s ebbs and flows, and integrating yoga into daily life in a sustainable, non-perfectionist way.Amy and Mandy also dive into the growing loneliness epidemic, the importance of co-regulation, and why human connection will always remain essential—even as AI continues to advance.Key Topics Discussed:Recognizing and processing medical trauma as a teenagerThe role of yoga in reconnecting with the body after dissociationHow yoga therapy supports mental health and emotional well-beingThe importance of slowing down and finding sattva in daily lifeThe need for strong human connection in an increasingly digital worldYoga therapy as a path to integration, not perfectionNotable Quotes from the Episode:“When life ebbs, I flow.” — Mandy Henderly“Yoga helps me slow down and reconnect with my center. It doesn’t erase life’s ups and downs, but it allows me to move through them with more grace.”“AI can’t co-regulate with you. True healing happens in human connection.”Resources & Mentions:Mandy’s Offerings: www.MandyHenderly.comBeloved Asheville (Community Support Organization): Beloved AshevilleVira Bhava Yoga (Teacher-Owned Cooperative): Vira Bhava YogaConnect with Amy Wheeler:Website: The Optimal StatePodcast: The Yoga Therapy HourSocial Media: @TheOptimalState

Episode Summary: In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler welcomes Alex Sabbag, author of Soul Dive: My Journey Into the Deep, yoga studio owner, and soulful entrepreneur. Together, they explore the transformative power of life’s most challenging moments and the lessons learned along the way. Alex shares her powerful personal story, including how a life-altering event changed her perspective on control, surrender, and purpose.Listeners will be inspired by Alex’s honest reflections on navigating grief, embracing yoga as a practice of equanimity, and finding freedom from societal and personal expectations. This conversation touches on practical advice for yoga teachers, studio owners, and anyone seeking to live with more peace, purpose, and presence.Topics Covered in This Episode:Alex’s journey from Iowa to Chicago to California and the Midwest values that shaped herThe pivotal moment that changed Alex’s life on her 33rd birthdayNavigating the two-by-four moments in life with grace and gritThe role of yoga in building equanimity and resilience during hardshipPractical tips for yoga teachers and studio owners to balance passion with sustainabilityThe importance of cultivating a consistent personal practiceHow surrender and acceptance play a key role in finding freedomThe intersection of business and wellness: balancing profitability with authenticityResources Mentioned:Alex’s book: Soul Dive: My Journey Into the Deep – Available on Amazon and select local bookstoresAlex’s website: Soulful Alchemist – Sign up for Alex’s weekly poetic wisdom drop, Into the Deep with AlexFollow Alex on Instagram: @AlexSabagUpcoming Events:Visit Alex’s yoga studio, Soul Dive Yoga, in Palm Desert, California. Whether you’re in the area for golf, Coachella, or simply to soak up the sun, join a class in this welcoming community space.Alex’s Retreat in Sicily: August 31–September 7, 2025. Stay tuned for updates on her website for this soulful and transformative experience.Connect with Amy Wheeler:Website: The Optimal StatePodcast: The Yoga Therapy HourSocial Media: @TheOptimalState

Welcome to the Yoga Therapy Hour in 2025! Host Amy Wheeler kicks off the year by diving deep into Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 1.33, which offers a framework for improving relationships and cultivating inner peace. Amy reflects on how yoga has helped her heal physically, emotionally, and in her relationships, emphasizing the transformative power of clarity, compassion, and discernment. This episode focuses on the practical application of four key principles from the sutra:Maitrī (Friendliness)Karunā (Compassion)Muditā (Appreciation and Gratitude)Upekṣā (Discernment and Non-Judgment) Amy shares personal anecdotes, insights, and strategies for applying these principles in daily life to reduce suffering, strengthen connections, and foster emotional resilience. Key Takeaways:Yoga as Relationship: Yoga is reflected in how we interact with the world. Healthy relationships are a sign of a healthy inner state.Healing Through Yoga: Amy shares her journey of overcoming physical, mental, and emotional challenges through yoga and Ayurveda.Applying Yoga Sutra 1.33: Learn how to navigate relationships by being friendly to the friendly, compassionate to the suffering, appreciative of the good, and discerning with negative influences.Discernment in Action: Understand when to step back from toxic relationships and redirect energy towards meaningful connections.Compassion vs. Empathy: Amy explains the importance of healthy boundaries in offering compassion without experiencing burnout or compassion fatigue. Special Offer: Join Amy every Monday night in 2025 for a year-long series on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and Emotional Intelligence. Each session includes asana, pranayama, yoga nidra, meditation, and a focused discussion on a sutra. Explore monthly themes and gain tools for personal growth and professional development. Details: 🌟 Cost: $59 per household (75 min. class + recording) | $75 per person for CEUs (75 min. class + 15 min. discussion + Certificate of Completion) 📅 Sign Up: www.theoptimalstate.comConnect with Amy:Website: www.theoptimalstate.comInstagram: @OptimalStatePodcast Patreon Community: Support the show and enjoy exclusive gifts!Start your 2025 with clarity, compassion, and connection—tune in now! 🎙✨

Welcome to 2025 and an inspiring new episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour. Amy Wheeler kicks off the year with a heartfelt conversation with renowned yoga therapist, biomechanist, and movement expert, Susi Hately. As an accomplished athlete and founder of Functional Synergy, Susi shares her transformative journey from high-performance sports to a deeper understanding of the power of rest, recovery, and living in a balanced state. This episode is packed with insights on interoceptive awareness, redefining success in movement, and learning to trust your body’s wisdom. Highlights:Susi’s Journey to Yoga: From serious athletics to her first awkward yoga class, Susi reflects on how yoga became a tool for healing her chronic pain and reshaping her approach to movement.The Science of Rest: Why recovery is often misunderstood, and how proper rest can clear allostatic load, enhance performance, and improve well-being.Metrics Meet Mindfulness: Susi discusses how tools like Garmin watches and Oura rings provide actionable data for recovery and how integrating this with yoga enhances self-awareness.The Revolutionary Power of Yoga Nidra: How a consistent Yoga Nidra practice became a cornerstone of Susi’s recovery and emotional regulation process.Family Dynamics and Co-Regulation: Susi shares personal stories about navigating hypervigilance as a caregiver and how cultivating clarity shifted the energy in her home.Listening to the Body: Practical tips for tuning into subtle body signals and using interoceptive awareness as a compass for health and happiness. Conclusion: This thought-provoking discussion highlights the transformative potential of rest and recovery. Susi reminds us that living in alignment with our body’s wisdom is a revolutionary act of self-care. Whether you’re an athlete, a yoga practitioner, or someone seeking balance, her insights will inspire you to prioritize rest, embrace curiosity, and listen deeply to your body. Connect with Susi Hately:Website: www.functionalsynergy.comInstagram: @FromPainToPossibilityYouTube: Susi HatelyDon’t forget to subscribe to The Yoga Therapy Hour for more inspiring conversations and practical tools to enhance your life!Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga SeriesPolyvagal Institute Mighty AppOptimal State Mobile AppOptimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon·        Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic on www.TheOpimtalState.com·        Join us for our Monday night Yoga Therapy Clinics, specially designed to address specific health and wellness topics. The sessions are held every Monday from 4:00-5:15 PM PST and are led by Amy Wheeler, a seasoned expert in yoga therapy. This clinic provides a supportive environment where participants can explore therapeutic yoga techniques to aid in addiction recovery and overall well-being.·        For those seeking professional development, there is an option to stay after the general public class and earn Continuing Education (CE) credits. This extended session offers in-depth training and valuable insights into integrating yoga therapy with addiction treatment.

In this short and sweet solo episode, host Amy Wheeler reflects on an incredible year of The Yoga Therapy Hour as we prepare to go on winter break. Join Amy as she:Expresses Gratitude: Amy reviews some of the amazing guests we’ve had on the show in 2024, thanking them for their invaluable contributions to conversations about yoga, yoga therapy, and Ayurveda.Encourages Exploration: Didn’t catch every episode? Amy invites you to revisit the season and discover any gems you might have missed. This is the perfect time to soak in the wisdom shared throughout the year.Looks Ahead to Season 8: Starting in January 2025, The Yoga Therapy Hour is taking an exciting new direction! In Season 8, Amy is inviting YOU—our listeners—to lead the conversation. Share your personal stories of health, healing, and transformation through yoga, yoga therapy, and Ayurveda. This new season will celebrate the resilience and growth found in these practices and highlight the profound impact they’ve had on your life.✨ Wishing You Peace and Prosperity: The entire team at The Yoga Therapy Hour and The Optimal State wishes you a joyful New Year filled with health, happiness, and abundance. Thank you for being part of our community, and we’ll see you in 2025 with inspiring new stories to share!📌 Get Involved in Season 8: Have a story to share? Email Amy at amy@amywheeler.com to be a guest on the podcast.🔗 Stay Connected:Website: TheOptimalState.comInstagram: @TheOptimalStateFacebook: TheOptimalState🌟 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with friends who might benefit from the wisdom of yoga, yoga therapy, and Ayurveda.We’ll see you on the other side in 2025! Top of Form Bottom of FormAdditional Resources with Amy Wheeler:University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga SeriesPolyvagal Institute Mighty App7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal TheoryOptimal State Mobile AppOptimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon·        Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic on www.TheOpimtalState.com·        Join us for our Monday night Yoga Therapy Clinics, specially designed to address specific health and wellness topics. The sessions are held every Monday from 4:00-5:15 PM PST and are led by Amy Wheeler, a seasoned expert in yoga therapy. This clinic provides a supportive environment where participants can explore therapeutic yoga techniques to aid in addiction recovery and overall well-being.·        For those seeking professional development, there is an option to stay longer after class and earn Continuing Education (CE) credits. This extended session offers in-depth training and valuable insights into integrating yoga therapy with addiction treatment.