The Healing Catalyst

In today’s conversation, Dr. Avanti and Ashley Carter, a Registered Dietician, delve into the profound impact of cultural nutrition, food stories, and access to healthy food options on the health of Black communities. Ashley shares her personal journey from growing up in a food desert with family health challenges to becoming a registered dietitian committed to culturally sensitive health education. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and preserving cultural food traditions because they hold our stories and memories. Ashley also discusses how food culture and story affect healthier eating, highlighting the work of Eat Well Exchange in providing nutrition education, culinary classes, and food access programs tailored to community needs.Today on The Healing Catalyst:Ashley's background: food desert to a dietitianHealing through food stories & the connections between food, culture, and healthBalancing healthier choices with preserving cultural food traditionsFood deserts’ impact on marginalized communities and health outcomesEmpowering healthier choices through knowledge and debunking mythsAddressing food insecurity with local initiatives and policy changesConnect with Ashley:Instagram: @ashleyvnutrition & @eatwellexchangeWebsite: eatwellexchange.orgResources:Energy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quiz Leave a voice message for Avanti: “Ask Me Anything”Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter Connect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate and Review: The Healing Catalyst podcastWebsite: avantikumarsingh.comAvanti’s Book: The Health CatalystInstagram: @avantikumarsinghPodcast: The Healing CatalystThe Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Dr. Avanti is joined by return guest, Dr. Tanmeet Sethi to delve into the complexities of habit formation and the common pitfalls of New Year's resolutions. They explore the neuroscience behind habits,  emphasizing the role of self-compassion over self-criticism in fostering sustainable change. Their conversation highlights the importance of aligning habit formation with natural rhythms and seasons. For example, although winter is often seen as a time for new beginnings, it may be better suited for reflection and rest. They explore practical strategies for habit change, such as making the desired action easy and enjoyable, and reframe "failure" as a valuable part of the learning process.Today on The Healing Catalyst:Understanding the neuroscience of habits to change behaviorChoosing self-compassion over self-criticismAligning with natural rhythms for habit formationViewing setbacks as opportunities, not failuresUsing the power of intention for changeConnect with Dr. Tanmeet:Website: tanmeetsethimd.com Substack Article: I want to revise a chapter in my less-than-6-month-old bookBook: Joy Is My JusticeInstagram: @tanmeetsethimdQuiz: Unlock your Joy Code Listen: Ep. 37: “Why Not Me?” Reframing Suffering through GratitudeListen: Ep. 87: Transforming Suffering Into Joy with Dr. Tanmeet SethiResources:Energy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quiz Leave a voice message for Avanti: “Ask Me Anything”Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter Connect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate and Review: The Healing Catalyst podcastWebsite: avantikumarsingh.comAvanti’s Book: The Health CatalystInstagram: @avantikumarsinghPodcast: The Healing CatalystThe Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Founder of Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health, Christopher LeMark, joins Dr. Avanti to explore the intersection of music, mental health, and community empowerment. Drawing from his own life's adversities, including childhood trauma and mental health struggles, Christopher shares how a pivotal moment in a coffee shop led him to therapy and eventually to founding his organization. He discusses the power of hip-hop in opening the conversation on mental health in the black community, and how representation is crucial, especially for black men, to feel safe and understood. They address how community support, like volunteering and financial contributions, is vital for the sustainability of the organization’s mission, and how Christopher’s organization addresses not just therapy but also basic needs like food and employment.Today on The Healing Catalyst:Christopher's journey from trauma to founding Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental HealthHip-hop's role in fostering mental health conversationsThe significance of representation in mental health advocacy for black menAddressing basic needs alongside therapy for holistic mental well-beingThe role of education and human intelligence in tackling mental health challengesConnect with Christopher:Instagram: @coffeehiphopandmentalhealth Website: normalizetherapy.com, chhamh.org/cafeResources:Energy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quiz Leave a voice message for Avanti: “Ask Me Anything”Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter Connect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate and Review: The Healing Catalyst podcastWebsite: avantikumarsingh.comAvanti’s Book: The Health CatalystInstagram: @avantikumarsinghPodcast: The Healing CatalystThe Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Today Dr. Avanti is joined by the visionary behind Mama Glow, Latham Thomas, to explore the transformative world of maternal healthcare, particularly within marginalized communities. Latham shares her journey, deeply rooted in her childhood experiences and the communal wisdom of the women in her family, which laid the foundation for her path in doula services and maternal care. She highlights the disparities in maternal healthcare, emphasizing the need for a systemic overhaul that prioritizes the most marginalized. She advocates for a collaborative approach between doulas, midwives, and medical professionals to foster a more inclusive, empathetic, and effective healthcare system.Today on The Healing Catalyst:Addressing maternal healthcare disparities for black and brown womenDifferentiating roles of doulas and midwives in maternal careOvercoming barriers to accessing doula servicesImportance of continuous education for healthcare providersConnect with Latham:Instagram: @Glowmaven / @MamaGlow / @MamaGlowFoundation Website: mamaglow.comResources: Mental Health Pocket Guide / Birthing While BlackResources:Energy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quiz Leave a voice message for Avanti: “Ask Me Anything”Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter Connect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate and Review: The Healing Catalyst podcastWebsite: avantikumarsingh.comAvanti’s Book: The Health CatalystInstagram: @avantikumarsinghPodcast: The Healing CatalystThe Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Dr. Avanti and Faye McCray from Well + Good are back with part 2 of their conversation, exploring the forefront of 2024 wellness trends. Today, they focus on the evolution of sauna technologies, the importance of skin barrier health, and postpartum wellness. The duo discusses how ancient practices, like Ayurveda's Svedana, are being revitalized through modern technology to enhance health benefits, especially in detoxification and longevity. The conversation also delves into the newest in wearable technology and medical trackers such as smart tampons and the ethical and privacy issues of these products.Today on The Healing Catalyst:Advancements in sauna technologyIntegrating ancient detox practices with wellness innovationsProducts focused on strengthening the skin barrierPostpartum wellness & support for new mothersSmart tampons & medical trackers: health monitoring and privacy concernsResources:Listen: 114. Key Wellness Trends to Watch in 2024, Part 1 with Faye McCrayWell + Good 2024 Trends Report hereFollow Well + Good: @iamwellandgoodEnergy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quiz Leave a voice message for Avanti: “Ask Me Anything”Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter Connect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate and Review: The Healing Catalyst podcastWebsite: avantikumarsingh.comAvanti’s Book: The Health CatalystInstagram: @avantikumarsinghPodcast: The Healing CatalystThe Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Today, Dr. Avanti and Faye McCray, Vice President and Head of Content at  Well + Good, delve into the 2024 wellness trends. This episode is the first of a two-part series, where they delve into four of the eight wellness trends for the upcoming year. They explore the integration of wellness amenities in real estate, reflecting a growing consumer demand for wellness-oriented living spaces. Their conversation also covers the role of AI in personalizing fitness routines, emphasizing the importance of balancing technology with personal intuition and professional health advice. Additionally, they discuss the emergence of hair longevity products focused on maintaining hair health as one ages and the trend of functional comfort foods to make healthy eating more accessible and enjoyable.Today on The Healing Catalyst:The integration of wellness amenities in real estateEncouraging community & activity spaces for healthArtificial Intelligence in personalized fitnessReflecting on ways you use your wearable technologyHair longevity products and the importance of scalp healthMaking comfort foods health-focusedResources:Well + Good 2024 Trends Report hereFollow Well + Good: @iamwellandgoodEnergy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quiz Leave a voice message for Avanti: “Ask Me Anything”Get Dr. Avanti’s Bi-weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter Connect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate and Review: The Healing Catalyst podcastWebsite: avantikumarsingh.comAvanti’s Book: The Health CatalystInstagram: @avantikumarsinghPodcast: The Healing CatalystThe Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Today, Dr. Avanti and Indu Arora explore the unique aspects of yoga for women, emphasizing the need for personalized practices based on individual life stages and Ayurvedic principles. They discuss the three stages of a woman's life - Kapha, Pitta, and Vata - and how yoga practices should be adapted for each. In addition, Indu highlights practices that support women during perimenopause and menopause. Their conversation also covers the significance of timing in yoga practices, aligning them with the body's natural rhythms for optimal benefits.Today on The Healing Catalyst:Tailoring yoga practices to individual needs and life stagesUnderstanding Kapha, Pitta, and Vata stages in a woman's lifeYoga practices to support perimenopause and menopauseAligning yoga practices with the body's circadian rhythm and natural cyclesFocusing on subtle yoga practices and increasing knowledge for overall well-beingConnect with Indu:Instagram: @induaroraofficialListen: 47. Marma Therapy & Your Energy Body with Indu AroraListen: 82. Go Deeper: Unlocking the Power of Shavasana with Indu AroraYoga and Ayurveda for Menopause (3 Class Series), begins January 10: click here to learn moreLearn about Yoga Asanas, Shat Kriyas etc for dosha: Ancient Heritage Tomorrow's VisionLearn about Ayurvedic and Yoga Recipes and Practices for Dosha Balance and health: SOMA 100 Heritage Recipes for Self CareResources:Energy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quiz Leave a voice message for Avanti: “Ask Me Anything”Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter Connect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate and Review: The Healing Catalyst podcastWebsite: avantikumarsingh.comAvanti’s Book: The Health CatalystInstagram: @avantikumarsinghPodcast: The Healing CatalystThe Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Dr. Avanti kicks off the new year with a special message, sharing exciting plans for 2024 including her upcoming book 'The Longevity Formula', a new Instagram course, and the next season of the Healing Catalyst Podcast. Resources:Listen to Dr. Avanti’s favorite episodes from last yearEp. 79: Go Deeper: Ayurveda to Support Your Immunity with Divya AlterEp. 82: Go Deeper: Unlocking the Power of Shavasana with Indu AroraEp. 90: Unveiling Vulnerability: A Mother-Son Conversation on Cancer and HealingEp. 103: Beyond the Tumor: Treating the Terrain of Cancer with Dr. Nasha WintersEp. 107: Beyond Forgiveness: Exploring the Depths of Grace with Dr. Tanmeet SethiEnergy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quiz Leave a voice message for Avanti: “Ask Me Anything”Sign-up to be a member of The Healing Catalyst Collective to access resources for this episode. Connect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate and Review: The Healing Catalyst podcastWebsite: avantikumarsingh.comAvanti’s Book: The Health CatalystInstagram: @avantikumarsinghPodcast: The Healing CatalystThe Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Today, Dr. Avanti shares her heartfelt reflections on a year that tested her resilience and strength. Battling breast cancer and completing her second book, "The Longevity Formula," she navigates through the complexities of healing and self-discovery. Avanti emphasizes the profound lessons learned: trusting oneself, others, and the divine. She sets her intention for 2024 to focus on the journey, not just the destination, and adopts "yes" as her mantra, a commitment to embracing life fully.Today on The Healing Catalyst:Reflections on overcoming challengesThe importance of trusting oneself, others, and the divine2024: focus on the process and journey vs. outcomesThe mantra of saying “yes” & feeling it in your bodyResources:Listen: 83. Navigating an Unexpected DiagnosisEnergy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quiz Leave a voice message for Avanti: “Ask Me Anything”Sign-up to be a member of The Healing Catalyst Collective to access resources for this episode. Connect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate and Review: The Healing Catalyst podcastWebsite: avantikumarsingh.comAvanti’s Book: The Health CatalystInstagram: @avantikumarsinghPodcast: The Healing CatalystThe Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Founder and CEO of Fearless Foundry, Madeline Reeves, joins Dr. Avanti to discuss the concept of human-centric business, drawing from her experience in the technology industry where she felt compelled to suppress her identity. Embracing her entrepreneurial journey, Madeline discovered the value of authenticity, leading to deeper connections and more meaningful work. She shares her challenges with rapid business growth at Fearless Foundry, which led to a restructuring of her business model to align with her values and improve her mental health. Madeline also critiques the 'girl boss' culture as a patriarchal construct and advocates for a value-driven approach to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of human connection in business.Today on The Healing Catalyst:Critique of 'girl boss' and hustle cultureThe importance and impact of human-centric businessExperiences with identity suppression and inhumanityLeading with empathyHow authenticity leads to better connectionsConnect with Madeline:Instagram: @fearlessfoundry Website: fearlessfoundry.com Podcast: Finding FearlessResources:Energy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quiz Leave a voice message for Avanti: “Ask Me Anything”Sign-up to be a member of The Healing Catalyst Collective to access resources for this episode. Connect with Dr. Avanti:Subscribe, Rate and Review: The Healing Catalyst podcastWebsite: avantikumarsingh.comAvanti’s Book: The Health CatalystInstagram: @avantikumarsinghPodcast: The Healing CatalystThe Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.This show is produced by Soulfire Productions