

The Healing Catalyst
Dr. Avanti Kumar Singh
If you’ve ever felt dismissed, confused, or overwhelmed when it comes to your health — you’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep guessing.
Welcome to The Healing Catalyst Podcast, where science meets soul — and healing meets real life.
Hosted by Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh, a Western-trained physician and lifelong practitioner of Ayurveda, this podcast is your invitation to take your health into your own hands. With over two decades of experience integrating modern medicine and ancient healing traditions, Dr. Avanti is on a mission to change the way we think about health — making it more holistic, more inclusive, and more human.
Each week, you’ll hear conversations with leading experts in integrative medicine and mind-body healing — along with authors, teachers, and thought leaders — to explore what it really takes to cultivate health and longevity.
Dr. Avanti simplifies the science of the core pillars of well-being — gut microbiome, nervous system balance, hormonal regulation, and circadian rhythm — all through the lens of time-tested practices that support the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
And because women’s health is too often overlooked or misunderstood, she focuses on it here — with real, actionable guidance for navigating burnout, fertility, sexual well-being, perimenopause, and menopause with clarity and confidence.
The Healing Catalyst Podcast is your home for knowledge, tools, and inspiration to stop chasing symptoms, and start living in true health and wellbeing.
New episodes drop on Tuesdays. Follow now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — and start your journey to empowered, sustainable health.
Welcome to The Healing Catalyst Podcast, where science meets soul — and healing meets real life.
Hosted by Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh, a Western-trained physician and lifelong practitioner of Ayurveda, this podcast is your invitation to take your health into your own hands. With over two decades of experience integrating modern medicine and ancient healing traditions, Dr. Avanti is on a mission to change the way we think about health — making it more holistic, more inclusive, and more human.
Each week, you’ll hear conversations with leading experts in integrative medicine and mind-body healing — along with authors, teachers, and thought leaders — to explore what it really takes to cultivate health and longevity.
Dr. Avanti simplifies the science of the core pillars of well-being — gut microbiome, nervous system balance, hormonal regulation, and circadian rhythm — all through the lens of time-tested practices that support the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
And because women’s health is too often overlooked or misunderstood, she focuses on it here — with real, actionable guidance for navigating burnout, fertility, sexual well-being, perimenopause, and menopause with clarity and confidence.
The Healing Catalyst Podcast is your home for knowledge, tools, and inspiration to stop chasing symptoms, and start living in true health and wellbeing.
New episodes drop on Tuesdays. Follow now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — and start your journey to empowered, sustainable health.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 26, 2024 • 54min
Breaking Taboos and Bridging Cultures: A Sexual Health Conversation with Kaamna Bhojwani
Today, Dr. Avanti is joined by Kaamna Bhojwani to discuss the often-taboo subject of sexual health, particularly from the perspective of South Asian women. Growing up in a progressive family in Bombay, Kaamna was encouraged to embrace her experiences as normal and safe, a stark contrast to the conservative upbringing common among South Asian immigrants. Kamna discusses the universal challenges and cultural nuances of addressing sexual health, highlighting the importance of education, open communication, and self-exploration. Her work aims to dismantle misconceptions and empower individuals to reclaim their sexual well-being, advocating for a more informed and liberated approach to sexuality across cultures.Today on The Healing Catalyst:Breaking cultural taboos & the need for sex educationThe significance of family attitudes towards sexual healthCommon misconceptions about sexual health across different culturesReclaiming power over your sexualityEmpowerment through sexual wellnessThe importance of open communication about sexual health with partnersConnect with Kaamna:Instagram: @kaamnalive Video blogs: https://www.kaamnalive.com/videosYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/kaamnaliveRecommended book: The Soul of SexResources: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.

Mar 21, 2024 • 1h 15min
5 Questions - Embracing Spring: Diet, Cleansing, Allergy Relief, and Morning Rituals
Today launches the "Five Questions" Series, addressing spring-related listener queries with Dr. Avanti and Madeline Reeves. They delve into the transformative power of spring, discussing the significance of aligning lifestyle and dietary habits with the season's energetic shift. They emphasize the importance of lightening the diet, incorporating warm, cooked foods, and engaging in invigorating exercises to shake off winter's heaviness. The conversation also highlights the benefits of morning journaling for setting intentions and fostering self-awareness, alongside practical tips for managing seasonal allergies through Ayurvedic practices. Their conversation highlights the holistic approach to wellness, blending mindful consumption with routines that honor the body's natural rhythms.Today on The Healing Catalyst:Tips for transitioning to spring and daylight savings adjustments for sleepHow to approach Ayurvedic cleansing/digestive restSpring dietary recommendations Natural remedies, supplements, and foods for allergy reliefMindful consumption: approach coffee and other stimulants with consciousnessConnect with Madeline:Instagram: @itsmaddyreevesWebsite: fearlessfoundry.comResources:Dr. Avanti’s 3-Day Energy ResetDivya’s Ayurveda Reset Kit, 15% off with discount code AVANTI15Nasya Oil, Banyan BotanicalsGarshana Gloves, Paavani AyurvedalovesAbhyanga Oil, Banyan BotanicalsRitual Body Oil, SahajanSpices, Diaspora Co.Nasal Sinus Rinse (netipot), NeilmedHazelnut Coffee, FabulaThe Five-Minute JournalListen: 118. Ignite: Bouncing Back When January & February Fall Short - Habit Change with Dr. Avanti & Dr. TanmeetEnergy 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.

Mar 12, 2024 • 48min
Feeding the Soul: The Power of Cultural Nutrition and Food Stories with Ashley Carter, RD
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.

Mar 5, 2024 • 59min
Ignite: Bouncing Back When January & February Fall Short - Habit Change with Dr. Avanti & Dr. Tanmeet
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.

Feb 27, 2024 • 1h 6min
Hip-Hop Heals: A Conversation on Music, Mental Health, and Community with Christopher LeMark
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.

Feb 20, 2024 • 1h 6min
Transforming Maternal Care with Latham Thomas
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.

Jan 30, 2024 • 44min
Key Wellness Trends to Watch in 2024, Part 2 with Faye McCray
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.

Jan 25, 2024 • 40min
Key Wellness Trends to Watch in 2024, Part 1 with Faye McCray
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.

Jan 16, 2024 • 1h 1min
Go Deeper: Yoga Practices for Women's Life Stages with Indu Arora
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.

Jan 2, 2024 • 1min
Dr. Avanti's New Year Update
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


