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  • The Art and Science of Circling: How Real Connection Can Heal Us with Andréa Bendewald
    2025/08/05

    In this powerful episode of The Healing Catalyst, Dr. Avanti Kumar Singh welcomes Andréa (Dre) Bendewald, to explain the profound impact of women's circles on healing and connection, drawn from her two decades of facilitating these communal story-sharing experiences. Dre shares how this ancient practice is making a modern-day comeback, and why it's more essential than ever.

    The conversation explores the science behind communal experiences, such as the role of mirror neurons and the release of oxytocin, often called the “bonding hormone,” which is released during emotionally safe, connected interactions. They describe how simply being in a circle can reduce stress and support emotional regulation, just through listening. Dre describes participating in her first women's circle as a "chemical shift," that ultimately inspired her to share the practice with others.

    Dre also explains how Circling differs from therapy, the guidelines and structure that make a circle feel safe and sacred, and how this kind of presence can function as a powerful form of re-parenting, offering the emotional attunement and validation many of us missed growing up.

    If you're curious about joining a circle, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing happens in community, and that listening itself can be medicine.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
    • (11:54) The difference between Circling and traditional therapy
    • (12:20) How guidelines and structure create emotional safety in a circle
    • (17:43) The neuroscience of mirror neurons, oxytocin, and the stress-reducing power of shared empathy
    • (20:41) How Circling can serve as a form of re-parenting, helping us rewrite old emotional patterns
    • (21:55) The importance of allowing women to receive support, not just give it
    • (25:24) Why simply listening—without fixing—can be healing
    • (30:20) The medicine of storytelling as a path to connection, validation, and transformation

    This episode is your guide to understanding why presence, community, and shared storytelling are powerful tools for emotional healing—and how Circling offers a space to feel less alone and more connected to your true self.

    About Andréa Bendewald:

    Andréa Bendewald is the founder of The Art Of Circling, and host of the Circle This podcast. She spent the first half of her career as a professional actress appearing in numerous hit television shows and films such as Ellen, Seinfeld, Friends, Suddenly Susan, Two and a Half Men, Entourage, CSI Miami, Without a Trace, Good Luck Charlie, Employee of the Month, Last Man Standing, Brand New Cherry Flavor and The Morning Show.

    Today, Dre facilitates The Art of Circling: A group mindfulness practice that uses ancient ritual in a modern setting to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and enhance group productivity. Through sharing stories, deep listening and interconnected meditation, The Art of Circling empowers, heals and has transformed the lives of countless women from all over the world via in-person circles, retreats, private sessions, workshops and virtual offerings.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Circle of Stones: Woman's Journey to Herself by Judith Duerk
    • Christopher Sexton (poet)
    •  Sacred Sisters Collective
    • Sacred...
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    50 分
  • Menopause 101: The Symptoms, Myths and Solutions Every Woman Needs to Know with Dr. Jila Senemar
    2025/07/22

    In this essential episode of The Healing Catalyst, Dr. Avanti Kumar Singh is joined by OB-GYN and menopause expert Dr. Jila Senemar to break down the myths, science, and emotional realities of perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.

    Together, they discuss why so many women feel unprepared—and often misdiagnosed—during this time of life, and why hormonal changes are frequently mistaken for mental health issues or stress. Dr. Jila provides clear, clinical definitions of perimenopause and menopause, walks us through what’s happening with hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, and shares why symptoms such as anxiety, memory lapses, weight gain, and even autoimmune flare-ups are part of a much bigger picture.

    The conversation dives into the myths around hot flashes, the surprising symptoms no one talks about, and why menopause is a health milestone that affects your heart, bones, brain, and long-term vitality. Dr. Jila also shares actionable tips around movement, nutrition, mindset, and hormone therapy, making this a compassionate and science-informed guide to thriving in midlife.

    Whether you're just starting to notice changes, feeling overwhelmed by symptoms, or want to better support someone you love, this episode is the clear, grounded starting point we all need.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • (06:15) Why hormone therapy (HRT) was misunderstood for years—and what we now know
    • (10:54) Clear definitions of perimenopause, menopause, and the timeline in between
    • (27:20) How subtle symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and brain fog are hormonal—and often missed
    • (29:30) Understanding the hormonal shifts of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
    • (32:32) The surprising link between postpartum depression and menopause
    • (33:11) How menopause affects mental health—and what you can do about it
    • (35:17) Ayurvedic insights into the hormonal transition of menopause
    • (37:20) Why weight gain in midlife is tied to insulin resistance and hormonal fluctuation
    • (42:56) The role of HRT and GLP-1s in managing metabolic changes during menopause
    • (45:57) Longevity and menopause: how this transition impacts heart, brain, bone, and metabolic health
    • (48:46) How menopause can trigger or worsen autoimmune symptoms
    • (50:41) Sleep disruption: what causes it and how to improve it during perimenopause

    This episode is your guide to understanding the stages of menopause, recognizing overlooked symptoms, and making informed choices about hormones, mood, weight, and long-term health.

    About Dr. Jila Senemar:

    Dr. Jila Senemar, M.D., FACOG is the founder of JilaMD, a concierge women’s health practice focusing on perimenopause, menopause, hormone therapy, metabolic optimization, and longevity science. She is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with over 20 years of clinical experience dedicated to advancing women's health. She earned her M.D. at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed her residency and chief residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center.

    Dr. Jila has held academic roles at the University of Miami and Florida International University, and served as Associate Medical Director of OB-GYN Triage at Jackson Memorial Hospital. She is also the founder of The Miami Menopause Collective and EmpowHer Miami, two initiatives focused on education and empowerment during midlife.

    An active member of the North American Menopause Society, the Florida Obstetrics and Gynecology Society, and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Jila blends clinical excellence with a deeply compassionate, patient-centered approach. Her work is grounded in the latest research, personalized care, and a mission to help women embrace vitality through all phases of...

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    1 時間 1 分
  • Time-Restricted Eating for Diabetes, Anxiety, Sleep, and Weight Loss with Dr. Satchin Panda
    2025/07/08

    In this powerful episode of The Healing Catalyst, Dr. Avanti Kumar Singh is joined by world-renowned circadian medicine researcher Dr. Satchin Panda to explore how our daily routines—when we eat, sleep, move, and get light—can deeply impact our health. Drawing from his latest book, The Circadian Diabetes Code, Dr. Panda shares the science behind time-restricted eating and how aligning our habits with our internal clocks can help prevent and reverse chronic conditions like diabetes, support mental health, and improve sleep quality.

    They break down what “biological fasting” really means (hint: it’s not just the hours you're not eating) and why maintaining stable blood glucose levels overnight is essential for metabolic repair. Dr. Panda explains why 14 hours of overnight fasting can be a game changer, how sugar overload stresses the pancreas, and why our ability to handle glucose changes throughout the day.

    You’ll also hear about the fascinating link between circadian rhythms and GLP-1 medications, how light acts as a natural antidepressant, and why consistent sleep and meal timing can improve everything from anxiety to weight loss. Whether you're struggling with pre-diabetes, insomnia, or just want to feel more energized, this conversation offers simple, actionable steps rooted in cutting-edge science and ancient wisdom.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • (04:53) How time restricted eating can help reverse diabetes
    • (06:44) The concept of biological fasting and how it supports blood sugar balance
    • (12:23) Why your pancreas works best in the morning—and worse at night
    • (17:34) How time-restricted eating can improve sleep and mental health
    • (18:26) Dr. Panda’s assertion that your day actually starts the night before
    • (19:15) Why it is so important to stop eating three hours before bed
    • (22:19) The importance of a consistent sleep schedule for overall health
    • (23:21) The ideal daily schedule to support your circadian rhythm
    • (24:12) How getting daily sunlight can be the best antidepressant
    • (26:39) Why exercising in late afternoon can be better for athletic performance and health
    • (30:58) How time-restricted eating can protect your health even if you are a shift worker
    • (34:28) How traditional Ayurvedic practices align with circadian biology
    • (43:17) How to assess your coffee habit and if it’s really necessary
    • (50:05) Dr. Panda’s take on GLP-1 medications
    • (59:43) How time restricted eating or fasting can be your greatest cure

    This episode is your guide to improving your sleep hygiene, understanding the impact of food and sugar intake on your circadian rhythms, and simple ways you can change habits to improve your wellbeing.

    About Dr. Satchin Panda:

    Dr. Satchin Panda is a professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and one of the world’s leading experts on circadian biology. His discoveries—including the blue light sensor in our eyes that sets our internal clock—have changed the way we understand sleep, metabolism, and overall health. He pioneered the concept of time-restricted eating (TRE), and his lab continues to explore how daily rhythms impact everything from diabetes to depression. His research has earned him accolades such as the Julie Martin Mid-Career Award in Aging Research and a Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences. He is the author of The Circadian Code and The Circadian Diabetes Code.

    Connect with Dr. Satchin Panda:

    • Instagram: @satchin.panda
    • Website
    • YouTube:
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    1 時間 5 分
  • Welcome to The Healing Catalyst
    2025/07/01

    Hi, I’m Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh.

    And if you’re tired of feeling dismissed, confused, or stuck when it comes to your health, you're in the right place. Because healing isn’t just possible — it’s in your power. And it's time to take it back.

    I’m a medical doctor with over 20 years of experience and I’m also a lifelong practitioner of Ayurveda, the medicine of my ancestors. And I’ve spent my career in medicine living at the intersection of modern science and ancient wisdom, integrating both to help people heal. I believe that real healing comes from aligning with nature and the full picture of who you are — body, mind, and spirit.

    As a South Asian woman and physician, I bring a perspective that’s not often represented in the world of integrative medicine — one that values intuition as much as evidence, and honors the complexity of who you are, not just the symptoms you carry.

    I created The Healing Catalyst Podcast because we all deserve a different kind of conversation about health — one that’s honest, holistic, and rooted in both science and soul.

    On this podcast, I’m joined by the world’s leading experts, researchers, and thought leaders in integrative medicine and mind-body healing, to simplify the science and share meaningful insights around topics like the gut microbiome, nervous system regulation, hormonal balance and menopause. On this show, I’ll give you science-backed tools and practices that you can use starting today — not just theories to think about. Because my goal is to help you build daily habits to support your health…, so you can stop chasing symptoms and start living with more vitality.

    Make sure you hit follow right now to listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    I'm so glad you’re here. Now let’s get to it.

    Connect with Dr. Avanti:

    • Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcast
    • Listen to more episodes on your favorite platform
    • Watch clips and past episodes on YouTube
    • Follow Dr. Avanti on Instagram at @avantikumarsingh
    • Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter
    • Leave a voice message for Dr. Avanti
    • Explore Arvasi — Dr. Avanti’s Ayurvedic platform. Rooted in tradition. Backed by science. Personalized for you. myarvasi.com


    Resources:

    • Order Dr. Avanti’s books: The Longevity Formula, The Health Catalyst
    • Energy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quiz
    • Explore more at
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    2 分
  • How to Break Free from Chaos and Find Inner Calm with Gabby Bernstein
    2024/12/24

    Today on The Healing Catalyst, Dr. Avanti explores the transformative practice of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with Gabby Bernstein. Gabby, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, shares how IFS has helped her reconnect with her inner self, navigate emotional challenges, and heal generational trauma.

    You’ll hear about the powerful four-step process she uses to foster clarity, connection, and compassion for her inner parts—and how you can use it too. Whether you’re feeling stuck in old patterns or looking to step into the new year with more balance and ease, this conversation offers practical tools to help you unlock emotional healing and improve your overall well-being.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • What Internal Family Systems therapy is and how it works.
    • How protector and exiled parts influence your emotions and behaviors.
    • Gabby’s four-step process for self-leadership and healing.
    • The impact of generational trauma on emotional and physical health.
    • Practical ways to create clarity, connection, and compassion in daily life.


    This episode is your guide to getting unstuck, finding inner calm, and transforming your life from the inside out.


    Connect with Gabrielle Bernstein:

    • Instagram: @gabbybernstein
    • Website: https://gabbybernstein.com/
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GabrielleBernstein


    Connect with Dr. Avanti:

    • Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcast
    • Watch the episodes on YouTube
    • Listen to more episodes on your favorite platform
    • Follow Dr. Avanti on Instagram
    • Explore more at avantikumarsingh.com
    • Leave a voice message for Dr. Avanti


    Resources:

    • Pre-order Dr. Avanti’s new book: The Longevity Formula
    • 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 podcast
    • Website: avantikumarsingh.com
    • Avanti’s Book:
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    47 分
  • Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity, Part 3 with Dr. Tanmeet Sethi
    2024/12/17

    In this episode, Dr. Avanti and Dr. Tanmeet wrap up their series on the science of longevity by exploring the final three mechanisms of aging: senescent cells, stem cell exhaustion, and inflammaging. They break down how these processes drive aging and offer practical strategies to counter their effects. From the importance of detoxification and fasting to Ayurvedic practices for reducing inflammation and improving cellular health, this conversation bridges ancient wisdom and modern science. Tune in to uncover simple, actionable steps to support your body’s natural defenses and live a healthier, more vibrant life.

    Today on The Healing Catalyst:

    • Explore how senescent cells, also known as "zombie cells," disrupt cellular health and longevity.
    • Learn how movement, fasting, and lifestyle choices can mitigate stem cell exhaustion.
    • Understand how chronic low-grade inflammation, or inflammaging, impacts every mechanism of aging.
    • Discover Ayurvedic approaches to detoxification that support balance and vitality.
    • Gain practical insights into using anti-inflammatory foods and spices to nourish your gut and enhance overall health.

    Connect with Dr. Tanmeet Sethi:

    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanmeetsethimd/?hl=es
    • Website: https://www.tanmeetsethimd.com/
    • Book: https://www.tanmeetsethimd.com/joyismyjustice


    Resources:

    • Pre-order Dr. Avanti’s new book: The Longevity Formula
    • Take the Energy Fix Quiz
    • Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter


    Connect with Dr. Avanti:

    • Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcast
    • Watch the episodes on YouTube
    • Listen to more episodes on your favorite platform
    • Follow Dr. Avanti on Instagram
    • Explore more at avantikumarsingh.com
    • Leave a voice message for Dr. Avanti


    The 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.

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    46 分
  • Breaking Free from Reactive Life Syndrome with Jonathan Fields
    2024/12/13

    In this episode, Dr. Avanti sits down with Jonathan Fields, host of the acclaimed Good Life Project podcast and bestselling author, to explore how to create a life filled with purpose, connection, and vitality. Jonathan introduces the concept of "Reactive Life Syndrome" and explores how micro-practices and intentionality can help us reclaim agency in our daily lives

    Together, they discuss Jonathan’s personal 2x20 Project, which focuses on designing the next phase of life with intention and joy, and his transformative three-bucket framework—vitality, connection, and contribution—that can help you achieve more balance and greater fulfillment in your life. This conversation is packed with practical tools, micro-practices, and profound insights to help you navigate life’s transitions with greater awareness and clarity.

    Today on The Healing Catalyst:

    • How "Reactive Life Syndrome" impacts modern living and steps to overcome it.
    • The three-bucket framework: vitality, connection, and contribution for a balanced life.
    • Simple micro-practices to cultivate mindfulness and reclaim intentionality.
    • Why purpose, presence, and relationships are essential to longevity and joy.
    • Lessons from the 2x20 Project on creating a fulfilling next chapter in life.


    Connect with Jonathan Fields:

    • Instagram: @JonathanFields
    • Website: www.jonathanfields.com
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanfields1
    • Substack: https://jonathanfields.substack.com/


    Resources:

    • Pre-order Dr. Avanti’s new book: The Longevity Formula
    • Take the Energy Fix Quiz
    • Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter


    Connect with Dr. Avanti:

    • Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcast
    • Watch the episodes on YouTube
    • Listen to more episodes on your favorite platform
    • Follow Dr. Avanti on Instagram
    • Explore more at avantikumarsingh.com
    • Leave a voice message for Dr. Avanti


    The 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.

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    1 時間 1 分
  • The Magic of Spices: Unlocking Longevity Through Food with Dr. Kanchan Koya
    2024/12/06

    In this episode of The Healing Catalyst, Dr. Avanti welcomes Dr. Kanchan Koya to explore the fascinating world of spices and their powerful role in promoting health and longevity. Drawing from Ayurvedic traditions and modern science, Dr. Kanchan shares insights on how spices like turmeric, cloves, and cinnamon can reduce inflammation, boost cellular repair, and enhance overall well-being. Together, they discuss the importance of embracing diverse, plant-rich diets and the joyful art of cooking with spice blends. This episode offers practical tips to incorporate the healing power of spices into everyday meals for a longer, healthier life.

    Today on The Healing Catalyst:

    • The ancient wisdom of spices and their modern health benefits
    • How turmeric, cloves, and cinnamon support longevity and reduce inflammation
    • The role of spice blends in boosting cellular repair and gut health
    • Spices that support balanced blood sugar, boost cognitive function, and ease pain
    • Practical tips for integrating healing spices into everyday meals


    Connect with Dr. Kanchan Koya:

    • Instagram: @chiefspicemama
    • Website: https://www.spicespicebaby.com
    • Book: Spice Spice Baby Cookbook
    • YouTube: Dr. Kanchan Koya YouTube


    Resources:

    • Pre-order Dr. Avanti’s new book: The Longevity Formula
    • Take the Energy Fix Quiz
    • Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter


    Connect with Dr. Avanti:

    • Subscribe, Rate & Review The Healing Catalyst podcast
    • Watch the episodes on YouTube
    • Listen to more episodes on your favorite platform
    • Follow Dr. Avanti on Instagram
    • Explore more at avantikumarsingh.com
    • Leave a voice message for Dr. Avanti


    The 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.

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    57 分