SATYAM STORIES: HOW AYURVEDA AND YOGA HEAL US

EP. 7 - ANJALI DEVA

After a season of spotlighting inspiring healers, teachers, and mentors, host Anjali Deva finally takes a moment to share her own story—the one she intentionally left out at the beginning. In this intimate bonus episode, Anjali opens up about the journey that led her to Ayurveda, what shaped her approach to trauma-informed healing, and why she believes so deeply in the power of storytelling and human connection. She reflects on living between two worlds, the pivotal moment that changed everything fifteen years ago, and why she created both her private practice and Madhya Way, the only trauma-informed Ayurvedic training program in the country. If you've been wondering about the heart and intention behind Satyam Stories—and the practitioner who created it—this episode offers a rare glimpse into Anjali's personal path and the experiences that continue to inform her work with clients and students around the world. Whether you've been with us all season or you're just discovering the podcast, this conversation will help you understand why these stories matter and how our shared experiences can be medicine. rootedrasa.com [http://rootedrasa.com] madhyaayurveda.com [http://madhyaayurveda.com] @anjalidevaayurveda @madhyaayurveda [https://www.instagram.com/madhyaayurveda/]

EP. 6 - ERICA REY

In this conversation with Erica Rey, healing justice practitioner and Ayurvedic practitioner, we explore the powerful intersection of healing and social justice work. Born in Argentina and raised in LA as an undocumented immigrant, Erica shares how her early experiences with organizing in the immigrant rights movement led her to recognize the profound need for healing within activist spaces. We delve into her journey from teenage organizer advocating for the Federal Dream Act and DACA to becoming a certified somatic trauma therapist who bridges Ayurvedic principles with culturally relevant practices for her primarily Spanish-speaking immigrant community. Erica beautifully articulates the framework of healing justice - the understanding that healing is not possible without justice and justice is impossible without healing - and how this differs from individualized self-care culture. She shares practical examples of how healing practices like breathwork, herbal teas, and somatic processing became integrated into movement spaces, and how her current work includes leading healing justice retreats for organizers, working with rapid response teams, and maintaining a private practice rooted in ancestral traditions. The conversation touches on the interconnectedness of organizing, healing, and art-making as pathways to collective liberation and embodied wellness. @erica.a.rey [https://www.instagram.com/erica.a.rey/] ericarey.com [http://ericarey.com/]

EP. 5 - MADISON MADDEN

In this episode we sit down with Madison Madden, founder of LiveWISE and recognized Ayurvedic practitioner, who shares her profound transformation from chronic illness and pharmaceutical dependency to vibrant health through Ayurvedic medicine. Madison opens up about her journey from a young person who didn't expect to live past 30 to becoming a trauma-informed healer, exploring the sophisticated world of Ayurvedic body therapies, Panchakarma, and personalized medicine. We dive into her book "Mind, Body, Food," the concept of ahara (everything we consume), and how these ancient practices create profound healing through presence, reverence, and individualized care. This episode offers wisdom for anyone seeking to understand Ayurveda as a complete system of healing that honors our unique constitution and true nature. @livewise_madisonmadden [https://www.instagram.com/livewise_madisonmadden/] livewiseheal.com [https://livewiseheal.com/] madhyaayurveda.com/bodytherapy [https://madhyaayurveda.com/bodytherapy]

EP. 4 - AMY WHEELER

From chronic pain to discovering yoga therapy in India Amy Wheeler shares her beautiful journey of trusting life's unfolding and how yoga and Ayurveda have become integrated into every aspect of her healing work. We explore the differences between yoga, yoga therapy, and Ayurvedic yoga therapy, how the gunas (qualities) show up everywhere from cathedrals to our kitchens, and Amy's wisdom about surrendering to life's path rather than forcing outcomes. Amy also shares her approach to "stealth activism" and how we can use our healing practices to create positive change during challenging times. Her generosity of spirit and authentic approach to teaching shine through as she reminds us that we don't have to strive or push - life will lead us where we need to be. @theoptimalstate [https://www.instagram.com/theoptimalstate/] amywheeler.com [https://amywheeler.com/]

EP. 3 - TRISTAN KATZ

This conversation with Tristan was one of those profoundly enriching exchanges that reminded me why I'm so passionate about having these authentic dialogues. Tristan brought such a beautiful blend of vulnerability and wisdom, sharing their journey from journalism and politics into the intersection of yoga and equity work, particularly through their collaboration with Michelle Cassandra Johnson on creating safer spaces. What struck me most was how they talked about their experience of "otherness" leading to meaningful social change, their perspective as a trans person on authentic marketing versus transactional relationships, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining work-life balance as entrepreneurs while remembering who we are beyond our professional roles. We explored how wellness practices like yoga and Ayurveda can serve collective liberation rather than just individual transformation, discussed maintaining hope in challenging times through healing conversations, and dove into Tristan's profound insight about understanding triggers as valuable information. This conversation left me feeling grateful for the opportunity to engage in this kind of dialogue and hopeful about the work we're all doing to integrate authenticity, healing, and social justice. @tristankatzcreative [https://www.instagram.com/tristankatzcreative/] https://www.katz-creative.com/ [https://www.katz-creative.com/]