Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Changing Seasons: Ayurveda, Women’s Health, Menopause & Food as Medicine
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 81 - Your HRT Questions Answered with Jennifer Gularson. | 13 Mar 2026 | 01:06:31 | |
In today's episode Jody chats with Jennier Gularson, a physician assistant who specialises in hormone health for women in perimenopause and menopause. Jennifer is a functional medicine practitioner who spends her days helping women understand the type of HRT they may need for their symptoms. We discuss the different types of HRT, pellets, transdermal, shots and why. Some women benefit from taking HRT daily in the form of a trans dermal cream or others with busy lives may be better off with a patch that is applied several times a week. We speak about some of the side effects of HRT, like reflux and why it occurs. How HRT differs from birth control and what a compounding chemist does and how what you get from a prescription you get from your pharmacy. Jennifer talks about how she uses a compounding pharmacist for progesterone for women experiencing anxiety as it is not dumped into the system. Jennifer describes the ingredients used for bio identical hormones, soy and yam and why this type of HRT is the best choice for women. We talk about the different doshas and their approach to menopause and their HRT treatment. This is a very interesting episode for women considering HRT or who are looking for questions answered around HRT. Podcast: Instagram: Connect: | |||
| 80 - Rachel Nokes: The Magic In Mantra On The Mind. | 06 Mar 2026 | 00:49:01 | |
Today Jody welcomes Rachel Nokes, yoga teacher and Ayurvedic Lifestyle consultant to the podcast to discuss the healing powers of mantra. Rachel has been a devoted yogi for many years and initially introduction to mantra came on her first yoga training. At first she didn't warm to the practice but after being introduced to it again on another yoga teacher training she was hooked. Rachel recognised the transformative power of the practice of quieting the mind and she now incorporates mantra into all of her yoga classes. Reciting mantra can be challenging, Rachel says and one needs to practise humility and patience as we are rewiring neural pathways in the brain and often learning sounds tricky, adding sanskrit to the mix and you have a practice that requires deep devotion and commitment. Rachel is currently organising Bhakti Women's Summit which this year will be dedicated to Sacred Sound. The free online Summit will run from March 25-27, 2026 and offers the perfect opportunity for people to practice mantra and other sound practices and discover what appeals to them. Work With Rachel https://www.rayoflightyoga.com/ Bhakti Women Summit Sacred Sound March 25th-27th 2026 https://www.rayoflightyoga.com/sacredsoundsummit2026 Sanskrit Course https://the-ray-of-light-collection.teachable.com/p/sanskrit-experience-the-language-of-love https://www.rayoflightyoga.comhttps://www.instagram.com/rayoflight000/ Connect: | |||
| 79 - Yogi Cameron: Ayurveda Asks "Is This The Life You Want? | 27 Feb 2026 | 00:57:47 | |
Jody welcomes Ayurvedic practitioner Yogi Cameron to the podcast today to speak about how Ayurveda treats the person, not the symptom. He speaks about how he works with clients these days to the capacity they are able to hold and that a person with only heal if they believe healing is possible. We discuss the importance of getting to know the patient and asking the right questions, one of his favourite questions being "Is this the life you want?" Yogi Cameron describes how the ego can confuse our minds and have us questioning everything because of its need to know. The remedy for this is acceptance and curiosity in the mystery of life as nothing is truly certain or known. Cameron describes how aging happens when we are stressed and doing things that don't feel aligned with our truth and purpose. Spending time in contemplation, out in nature and in stillness are all ways to quieten the mind and get the ego out of the way. Instagram: Website: Ayurvedic Oils and Incense https://www.mytemple.love/collections/ayurvedic-skin-oils Connect: | |||
| 78 - Nature Is The Medicine with Jody Vassallo. | 20 Feb 2026 | 00:34:33 | |
Jody talks us through what it is like to experience one of her Back to Nature retreats and why she has chosen camping over luxe accommodation. The benefits of being on the land quickly help guests relax and ground, right from the moment they arrive and start setting up the tent, Jody can see the elements working to connect them into the space and ground their energy. Jody describes how she has designed these retreats to help bring people back home to themselves through reminding them of their natural connection with the elements. Doing yoga under the stars, bathing in mountain water, sunning themselves on rocks and gazing out at the trees are all ways guests find to settle their nervous systems. Having minimal access to technology Jody notices that the vata settles in the fearful anxious retreat participants and their love of creating comes alive. Connect: | |||
| 77 - The Benefits Of Breathwork with Brett Aldrich. | 13 Feb 2026 | 01:02:29 | |
Brett Aldrich joins Jody on the podcast today to discuss the benefits of breathwork for the different doshas. Brett is a yogi, breathwork teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner. She talks about how emotions are stored in the body and that breathwork can help people release those emotions. We chat about cyclical breathwork, in through the mouth and out through the mouth can create a deep awareness in the body and activate relaxation. Cyclical breathwork takes people into their parasympathetic nervous system and can regulate the nervous system. Brett speaks about how different doshas may require a specific approach to the breathwork practice and they may even require different styles of breathwork depending on what is going on in their bodies. This is a fascinating episode and will be of particular interest for yoga teachers or anyone working with clients who are emotionally disregulated. Connect: | |||
| 76 - Your Misaligned Feet May Be Creating Your Knee And Hip Issues with Kat Villain. | 06 Feb 2026 | 00:59:34 | |
Kat Villain joins Jody today to speak about all things yoga and alignment. Kat teaches Katonah Yoga, Breathwork and Spirituality and shares in detail about how we need to start with the breath to get us back into the body. Once we are in our body we can begin to see how our feet create the foundation for the rest of the body and that proper cueing for the feet can change everything. Kat describes how misalignment in the feet will show up in our hips and then ripple up through the whole body. She details how we can see where we are weighting in the feet by recognising areas of dryness and hardening and that leaning back in feet can relate to holding back in life and kidney issues and pressing forward is more about the lungs and liver and the tendency to launch into projects. This is a fascinating conversation about practising yoga, connecting with our bodies and calming our minds so we can find our way back to our deep inner truth. Website: www.katvillain.com Substack: https://katvillain.substack.com Book: https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000042588677/Kat-Villain-Yoga-as-Origami Foot Mapping: https://stan.store/kat-villain/p/foot-mapping-20 Connect: | |||
| 75 - Foot Soaking And How It May Help Hot Flushes And Tinnitus with Dr Yue Wang. | 29 Jan 2026 | 01:01:49 | |
Today Jody speaks to Dr Yue Wang, a holistic Chinese Medicine Menopause doctor about the benefits of foot soaking. Yue covers why foot soaking can benefit women with menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, tinnitus, brain fog and anxiety. She walks us through the water temperature, ingredients that can be added to the water, how long the feet need to be soaked and why foot soaking is favoured over hot baths, dry saunas and showers. Dr Yue also speaks about the importance of getting adequate sun exposure and how often women in menopause are deficient in Vitamin D and how this becomes and issue with osteoporosis. She stresses we must be aware of the type of sunscreens we are using and the ingredients that must be avoided. We talk extensively about tinnitus and vertigo, how it is related to liver stagnation and kidney deficiency issues and what women can do to treat it. Yue stresses that women must not skip breakfast and she recommends a savoury high protein breakfast over a higher carbohydrate sweet breakfast and explains why. There is so much gold in this episode and I hope you like me will give foot soaking a go and report back with the results. Instagram: Connect: | |||
| 74 - Is Your Root Canal Ruining Your Health with Dr Michelle Jorgensen. | 23 Jan 2026 | 01:02:47 | |
Today Jody is joined by Dr Michelle Jorgensen to discuss all things dental. Michelle changed the way she practised dentistry after a health crisis that she discovered was from the removal of mercury fillings. We speak about how root canal treatment leads to the infection in the tooth going deeper into the body, causing auto-immune disease and other serious health issues. Removal of the tooth is the only option Michelle stresses once the nerve is dead. Michelle talks about why flouride is no longer a viable treatment option in dentistry and how hydroxyapatite can help remineralise teeth and the ways it can be used at home. We discuss how all types of sugars create an acidic environment in the mouth and when is best to drink lemon water and why it needs to be 30 minutes away from brushing your teeth. Oil pulling is something that Michelle is a fan of but she explains that oil pulling also pulls good bacteria out of the mouth and that is not a great practice to do daily unless you have gum disease Drinks can have a huge impact on mouth and teeth health and Michelle explains why alkaline water can be doing more harm than good. This is a fascinating conversation about how to take better care of your mouth and health. I hope you get as much out of listening to Michelle talk as I did. Connect: | |||
| 73 - Dr Shivani Gupta: The Inflammation Code - Is Your Lifestyle Inflaming You? | 16 Jan 2026 | 01:03:45 | |
Dr Shivani Gupta joins Jody on Changing Seasons podcast today to talk about her new book called The Inflammation Code. Shivani describes how she grew up being treated by both western medicine and her Indian grandmother's spices cabinet. Later in life after dealing with leaky gut issues in her own life she was motivated to research the root causes of what was causing inflammation in our bodies. Shivani came to understand that sleep clears inflammation and as we age sleep is important and vital for health and longevity. We discuss how the different doshas can adjust their lifestyles to seasonal changes and different stages in life and what happens to each constitution if they don't adjust their lives accordingly. Shivani talks about how she organises her year around her Pitta dosha so that she can rest in summer because if she doesn't she is at risk of burning out come autumn. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.shivanigupta/?hl=en Website: https://shivanigupta.com/ 15% promo code: changingseasons Connect: | |||
| 72 - The Red Thread: Connecting Us To Our Female Ancestors with Tahnee Taylor. | 09 Jan 2026 | 01:28:52 | |
Today Tahnee Taylor returns to Changing Seasons podcast to discuss The Red Thread, a concept that Tahnee shared a few months back with Jody about the deep connection to our female ancestors and how it impacts our lives. We cover a lot of ground in this conversation today with Tahnee, she shares about seasons within seasons and how she is noticing a shift since turning forty and feeling she is coming out of her summer within summer and moving into the harvest time where she can sense the energy changing. Tahnee talks about how education and the obsession with the known can hinder our natural curiosity and that she uses the phrase "I wonder" from Steiner with her children to encourage them to think for themselves instead of being prescribed answers to all their questions. Connect: | |||
| 71 - Is Your Floppy Tongue Affecting How You Breathe In Your Sleep with Ronda Holman. | 02 Jan 2026 | 01:10:47 | |
Ronda Holman joins Jody today on Changing Seasons podcast to discuss why mouth breathing is impacting your sleep, your mouth health and how it can lead to severe health issues over time. We discuss mouth tape and who should use it and who should steer away from using it. Ronda explains why strengthening the 8 muscles in the tongue is essential for a good night's sleep and speaks about why floppy tongue can become such an issue as we age. Jody and Ronda look at the Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling and Nasya and why both these practices can aid in a more restful sleep. Guasha, face massage and exercises can also help in opening the muscles and fascia of the face and Ronda provides suggestions for exercises we can do at home and simple equipment people can buy online to aid in strengthening the tongue and the muscle needed to swallow. Ronda tells Jody why humming and Butyko breath are effective practices to retrain the body to breathe through the nose and improve sleep. This is a fascinating episode for anyone who lives with a snorer or is a snorer themselves and is looking for ways to stop mouth breathing. Resources: App to test your sleep for snoring Breathe Better While You Sleep - Ronda Holman https://www.remplenish.com/collections/shop-all Mouth Piece Chewing Aid Connect: | |||
| 70 - The Art of Noticing: Japan's 72 Micro-Seasons with Emily Smith. | 26 Dec 2025 | 01:12:35 | |
Today Jody welcomes Emily Smith to the Changing Seasons podcast. Emily is a documentary film maker who recently moved to Japan and has found herself reconnecting with her mothers heritage through foraging and the 72 mico seasons. Growing up in England Emily had struggled to find her place, yet always felt at home in nature, she would forage cobnuts with her father and enjoyed the freedom she felt outdoors. Two years ago on a holiday to Japan Emily discovered a house in a small village and immediately felt a deep connection to the land there. She now lives in that house with her husband and two dogs. Emily spends her days foraging and documenting Japan's 72 micro seasons that were adapted from the Chinese calendar. The first season begins in February, each season lasts roughly five days. Every morning Emily wakes early and takes her camera and dogs outside to forage and observe what is happening in her environment. Currently in the season of "cold sets in" Emily speaks about how the hard frost now appears on the ground and leaves continue to fall from trees. The practice of documenting the 72 micro seasons has allowed Emily to slow down and rediscover a childlike curiosity about the world in which she finds herself living. We speak about her love of foraging sansai (wild mountain vegetables which include warabi, butterbur fiddleheads) with her 93 year old adopted neighbour she calls grandma, her recent encounter with a serow (Japanese goat like antelope and her secret love of hornets. Connect: | |||
| 69 - Japan Reflections and the Messy Middle of Perimenopause with Jody Vassallo. | 19 Dec 2025 | 00:49:30 | |
In today's episode Jody talks about her recent food tour to Japan and how she was reminded that food can create a beautiful connection between us and the seasons. She shares how she noticed that eating the foods in season and embracing local rituals like bath in onsens calmed her nervous system and in turn meant her digestive system was free of gas, bloating or constipation. Jody goes on to discuss the frustration she is feeling at the moment around the messaging in the world around women and menopause. She speaks about how important the messy middle is as we transition from one season of life to another. Japan Food Tour 2026 Join Jody's next Japan Food Tour October 2026 https://www.jodyvassallo.com/food-yoga-tour-of-japan Connect: | |||
| 68 - Hormones Through a TCM Lens with Clara Cohen. | 12 Dec 2025 | 01:11:08 | |
Clara Cohen joins Jody today on Changing Seasons podcast to discuss hormones through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Clara talks in detail about the different ages and stages of development in men and women and how mens cycles are ruled by the sun and women's cycles by the moon and how this impacts our energy and hormones. We discuss what organ systems govern and balance our hormones and what lifestyle factors are contributing to hormone imbalance. Clara talks about endometriosis and how trauma and emotional disharmony can impact the condition. Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Acuproacademy Instagram: @acuproacademy Connect: | |||
| 67 - Dinacharya: The Daily Routine That Can Reduce Inflammation with Dr Bhaswati Bhattacharya. | 05 Dec 2025 | 01:42:42 | |
Dr Bhaswati Bhattacharya joins us on Changing Seasons podcast to discuss the power of Dinacharya, a daily Ayurvedic practice that she discovered could help treat inflammation, thyroid conditions, gut issues and auto- immune diseases. Bhaswati talks about how she works with her patients to establish daily routines that not only increase ojas but also improve self-esteem. We discuss her favourite Ayurvedic herbs, which include vijaya (cannabis), haritaki, Shativari, and Bhaswati describes how to use them. I learnt so much from this conversation and hope you will too. Where to find Dr Bhattacharya: Website: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drbhaswati Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdrbhaswati/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbhaswati/ Twitter: Connect: | |||
| 66 - Coming Home to Your Body with the Po Spirit with Lorie Dechar. | 28 Nov 2025 | 01:08:48 | |
Today we welcome Lorie Dechar acupuncturist, psychotherapist, author, teacher, poet and mentor to Changing Seasons podcast to talk about the spirits in TCM. Lorie shares how she came to understand the spirits and describes how her menopausal experience helped her to connect with them. Lorie spends time describing how the five elements are a wheel and the spirits operate more on a central axis. She speaks about how the Po spirit calls us back home to our bodies possibly through grief and loss in younger years and for a lot of us in menopause. We discuss ways we can connect to the Po through the breath, the skin, using essential oils and self massage and returning to our bodies. Website: https://anewpossibility.com/study-with-lorie-eve-dechar/ Books: The Alchemy of Inner Work Five Spirits Kijo https://anewpossibility.com/books/ Instagram: @loriedechar Connect: | |||
| 65 - Know Your Element, Know Yourself with Ashley Abbs. | 21 Nov 2025 | 01:33:16 | |
Today Jody welcomes author, acupuncturist and artist Ashley Abbs to the podcast to speak about the five different personality types in Chinese Medicine. Ashley describes in detail the occupation that each element is drawn to, the way they approach challenges or setbacks and what sends them out of balance. We discuss how each element is impacted by perimenopause and Ashley gives some helpful tips that she uses with clients to help restore balance. This is a fascinating episode for anyone who is interested in understanding more about themselves through the lens of Chinese medicine. Book: Five Element Alchemy https://www.ashleyabbs.com/5elementalchemybook Website: https://www.ashleyabbs.com/acupuncture Connect: | |||
| 64 - Stop Asking Others. Your Body Knows with Nidhi Pandya. | 14 Nov 2025 | 00:44:52 | |
In today's episode of Changing Seasons Jody welcomes Ayurvedic Practitioner, teacher and author Nidhi Pandya to speak about her new book 'Your Body Already Knows'. Nidhi shares how growing up and sharing her home with her grandfather whose life was deeply informed by Ayurvedic wisdom informed how she views health and wellness. She believes that we have become so conditioned to asking others to prescribe what is right for us that we have lost touch with the inner wisdom of the body. In her book Nidhi shares the three principles that she advocates that can help us understand and realign with our bodies - circadian rhythms, inner climate (warm and moist) and understanding the three phases of life (building, transformation and decay). I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Book: Your Body Already Knows Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_ayurvedic_life/?hl=en Website: https://www.nidhi.me/ Connect: | |||
| 63 - Jody Vassallo: Returning to Balance with Ayurveda. | 07 Nov 2025 | 00:41:50 | |
Today Jody discusses how we can balance our doshas when they go out of balance. We look at what we can do with nature, sight, sound, mantra, exercise and emotionally to help settle us. Ayurveda uses the opposite quality to help treat an imbalance so if your body is dry you will need to use moisture internally and externally to remedy that, if your body is cold eating warm cooked food will be beneficial. This is a great episode for anyone who is new to Ayurveda and looking to understand how to treat their body holistically to bring it back into balance. Connect: | |||
| 62 - Edwina Peden: The Perimenopause Summit - Navigating Perimenopause and Self-Care. | 30 Oct 2025 | 01:11:21 | |
Edwina sits down with Ayurvedic health coach and author Jody Vassallo for a candid, nourishing conversation on meeting perimenopause as a rite of passage - not a problem to “fix.” Through the lenses of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jody shares the practices, foods, and mindset shifts that cooled her hot flushes, eased anxiety, and helped her honour this season with grace. Expect practical guidance (hello, coriander–cumin–fennel tea), nervous-system care (yin yoga, Yoga Nidra, breath), and a powerful reminder to slow down, listen, and trust your body. Key takeaways:
Gentle guide: Doshas & simple supports:
Practises, recipes & tips mentioned:
Connect: | |||
| 61 - Marissa Clohesy: Conceiving and Mothering in Perimenopause. | 23 Oct 2025 | 01:11:52 | |
In today's episode Jody welcomes Marissa Clohesy. Marissa gave birth to her first child at 49 years of age through egg donorship from a kind woman who worked at a clinic where she regularly had bloods done. Following the birth of her first child had three more viable embryos that she needed to use, she explains she looks at IVF through a very scientific lens - you need a womb, an egg and sperm. The next attempt saw Marissa miscarriage and she believes it was due to her doing too much, not resting and thinking she just needed to hurry up (because she was now pushing 50). Marissa successfully conceived her second child at 51. We speak about Marissa's journey with her first child who has now been diagnosed with ADHD and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Largely unsupported in her motherly role Marissa talks about why she needs to stay active and healthy for her children and how she is determined to live to 100. Connect: | |||
| 60 - Jody Vassallo: Loneliness Through The Lens Of Ayurveda. | 17 Oct 2025 | 00:36:27 | |
Today Jody ponders how the space element relates to loneliness. In Ayurveda the elements of air and space (ether) combine to create the vata dosha. Although we can clearly see and feel the elements of air, earth, water and fire, space is a little different. Space or too much space between us and others equates to loneliness, fear of too much space leads to overshopping, overeating and clutter in our homes. We know space by feeling it. Jody touches on each of the doshas and how they may deal with feelings of loneliness and why those feelings may feel louder in menopause. Connect: | |||
| 59 - Kimberly Ann Johnson: Menopause - The Only Way Out Is Through. | 10 Oct 2025 | 01:01:18 | |
Today Jody welcomes Kimberly Ann Johnson to the Changing Seasons podcast. Kimberly is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and Sexological Bodyworker, author and postpartum advocate. We discuss how Kimberly's own postpartum journey has informed her menopause story and why she has chosen to focus on the positive changes she has seen in her body and life in menopause. She tells how at one point during menopause she went to a naturopath thinking she may need some estrogen only to be given a raft of hormones that came with strict warnings about not coming in contact with small children and animals after applying the HRT. As a sexological bodyworker Kimberly wants women to understand that sex and our relationship to it will change as we approach menopause, the way our body responds to touch during this time alters and what we enjoy may also differ. Curiosity and communication are now more important than ever she says and the drop in estrogen can mean that women are now more equipped to advocate for what they want in the bedroom. Kimberly has worked closely with Stephen Jenkinson for several years now and she speaks about how his and his wife's views on hormones, aging, dying and grieving have influenced her approach to aging and her transition to menopause. We speak about her daughter recently leaving their home and going to college and how the year leading up to this was full of grief and realisations about her relationship with her daughter. Instagram: Web: Podcast: Sex Birth Trauma with Kimberly Ann Johnson Books: The Fourth Trimester - Healing Your Body, Balancing your Emotions and Restoring your Vitality Call of the Wild - How We Heal Trauma Awaken Our Own Power Erotic Seasons (November 2026) Courses: Vulvas and the Nervous System Connect: | |||
| 58 - Sole Del Riccio-Smith & Dylan Smith: Our Conception Story. | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:57:30 | |
Today Jody is joined by Sole Del Riccio-Smith and Dylan Smith to discuss their fertility and postpartum journey. In this conversation we cover their preconception preparation and how they did 30 days of Panchakarma at home during COVID under the guidance of their Ayurvedic doctor. They both highlight how important it was for them to surrender themselves totally to the process even up to the point of waiting for their Vaidya (Dr) to say the time was right for them to start trying to conceive. Sole shares how important it was for her to have a quiet safe space to not just birth but be with her baby after the birth. In Ayurveda it is customary for the mother, father and baby to spend 42 days close to home and we learn why this is so important for the mother and baby. Dylan discusses how food is important in preconception and postpartum but in pregnancy it is important for a woman to eat a sattvic diet that brings her peace and happiness. Both Sole and Dylan highlight how essential it is to calm Vata throughout the entire preconception, fertility and postpartum journey and speak about how friends and family were an integral part of doing that by providing love and warmth to them through home-cooked meals and support. Connect: | |||
| 57 - Kimberly Ashton: Making Food Your Medicine. | 26 Sep 2025 | 01:09:27 | |
Today Jody welcomes Kimberley Ashton from Qi Food Therapy to the Changing Seasons podcast. We discuss in detail why certain foods will soothe and nourish the digestive system and other foods will aggravate and inflame it. She highlights the role of the sweet and salty flavours in our body. Kimberly explains why we need to consume good quality sweet flavoured foods to help relax and satiate the body and high and that salt is needed to strengthen the body. We have a diet culture and the reduction approach the western has around food and how we are not being satiated physically, emotionally and mentally. Our earth element which governs our digestive needs us to be eating enough food so we can feel nourished. Website: qifoodtherapy.com Connect: | |||
| 56 - Carly Merlo: The Good Oil - Understanding Ayurvedic Oils. | 19 Sep 2025 | 01:10:50 | |
Today Jody welcomes Carly Merlo, owner of Bio Veda to the podcast to discuss the A-Z of Ayurvedic oils and how different medicated oils are prized for the healing process. Ayurveda has been using oils on the body, hair and internally for thousands of years, black sesame oil or coconut oil are used as the carriers for the medicinal herbs which are warmed and then applied to the skin before bathing. Bala oil is the oil of choice of Shirodhara, a therapeutic treatment that works to calm Vata in the Body. Saffron oil is treasured by many as a transformative oil for the face, Neeli Bhringraj is a wonderful oil we use for thinning or greying hair, Anu Thailum is used to clear sinus congestion and Gum and Mouth oil is used for oil pulling to nourish and strengthen the gums and mouth. Carly speaks in detail about the many benefits of the large range of oils her company sells, she describes how to store and apply them and the oils that are best suited to the different constitutions. Dinacharya is a self care routine that Ayurveda encourages, Carly talks about tongue scraping, oil pulling, sun gazing, nasya and abyangha and how practising these routinely can benefit both our bodies and our minds. Connect with Carly & Bio Veda https://www.bioveda.com.au/?srsltid=AfmBOoo6eLoL4lbPby8hNZgiCEjChfCbRZX_eHElXTIYhzPo4rz2l2iI Work with Jody One on One Ayurvedic Consultations https://www.jodyvassallo.com/ayurveda Connect: | |||
| 55 - Jody Vassallo: How Is Your Sleep? | 12 Sep 2025 | 00:41:26 | |
Today Jody takes a close look at sleep through the lens of Ayurveda. Sleep or nidra is an integral part of your health and there are many factors that influence the quality and quantity of your sleep. The different doshas can all experience their own issues with sleep and as we age sleep can become more disturbed. Jody discusses how what you eat before bed, the time you go to sleep, the pjs you wear, the sheets you tuck into and the room you sleep in can impact the quality of your sleep. Perimenopause can play havoc on ones sleep and Jody talks about simple remedies to deal with hot flushes and night sweats, waking early morning and not being able to get back to sleep and waking up feeling heavy and sluggish. A great episode for anyone struggling with sleep. Work With Jody Book a one on one Ayurvedic Consultation with Jody https://www.jodyvassallo.com/ayurveda Connect: | |||
| 54 - Sonia Lloyd: Is Your Skin Care Aging You? | 05 Sep 2025 | 01:21:27 | |
Today Jody meets Sonia Lloyd from Rasara Skinfood about how to treat your skin using the principles of Ayurveda. After a skin flare up in her late teens Sonia tried many things unsuccessfully to treat the problem. Fast forward to today and Sonia now owns an Ayurvedic Skin & Hair Care range that is so pure you can literally eat it. In our conversation today we cover the magic healing properties of castor oil and how it is an absolute gift for the skin. We discuss the different skin problems that each of the doshas can experience and the remedies they can use to treat them. Sonia explains how you can create your own moisturizer by combining a good quality oil and water and why water is such an important ingredient in skin care. We talk about hair care, shampoo and what doshas benefit from washing their hair regularly and those who don't. So many aha moments in this episode. If you or someone you love has skin issues you won't want to miss this one. Find Sonia & Rasasara: Instagram: Connect: | |||
| 53 - Holly Davis: Respecting What We Eat. | 29 Aug 2025 | 00:57:24 | |
Today Jody welcomes whole-food chef and cookbook author Holly Davis to Changing Seasons podcast to discuss Food as Medicine. We speak about how Holly discovered macrobiotics at the age of 14 and how it continues to influence how she cooks and prepares food to this day. Holly shares about how she used to be a macrobiotic zealot and these days her approach to food is much more about respect and the nourishment and joy we can get from sharing food we have prepared with those we love. We discuss Holly's passion for fermentation and that she has more of a learn as you go attitude to cooking than being caught up in the science. Connect With Holly: https://www.foodbyhollydavis.com/ Join Jody's Japanese Food Tour October 21st - November 1st, 2025. https://www.jodyvassallo.com/food-yoga-tour-of-japan Connect: | |||
| 52 - Jody Vassallo: What Should I Eat? | 22 Aug 2025 | 00:54:29 | |
Today Jody talks about how Ayurveda looks at digestion and how we can learn what foods are best suited for the different body types and their relevant doshas. Digestive fire or agni is dependent on a range of things, the food we consumed yesterday and how it was broken down, our prana, sleep and lifestyle choices. When digestive fire it can not only impact our digestive system, it can lead to a change in our mood and our behaviour. Jody discusses the six tastes and the elements that make up each taste and how each one of the six tastes impacts the doshas. Download PDF: Ayurvedic Six Tastes Connect: | |||
| 51 - Jody Vassallo: Understanding Your Body in Perimenopause. | 15 Aug 2025 | 01:06:39 | |
In today's episode Jody touches on the common physical and emotional symptoms she sees in Perimenopause from an Ayurvedic perspective. Weight gain, anxiety, hot flashes, anger, forgetfulness, waking up between 1-3am are all ways that our bodies are trying to communicate with us to stay something is not right, something is out of balance, something needs to change and it is up to us whether we choose to listen or medicate the messages. If you are looking for help navigating your way through perimenopause book an Ayurvedic session with Jody to find out how to better understand the body your are living in. Connect: | |||
| 50 - Jody Vassallo: The Qualities of the Doshas. | 08 Aug 2025 | 00:56:29 | |
Today Jody talks about the qualities of each of the Ayurvedic Doshas and how they show up in the body, mind and emotions. She explains how Ayurveda balances disturbances in the qualities of the Doshas by treating with the opposite quality in another Dosha. For example, if your Vata is out of balance and your skin is dry you start incorporating ghee into your diet to balance the dryness. This is part one of a three part series with Jody that will cover the Doshas and provide simple ways to understand your body from an Ayurvedic perspective. Find Out What Dosha You Are With The Evaluation Chart: Interested In Starting Your Own Podcast? Connect with Sovereign Creator Connect: | |||
| 49 - Lisa FItzpatrick: Sexy Menopause. | 01 Aug 2025 | 01:00:43 | |
*Caution this conversation contains references to sexual assault. Today pelvic floor and sexual therapist Lisa Fitzpatrick returns to Changing Seasons podcast to speak to Jody about Sexy Menopause. Lisa believes it is possible for every woman to enjoy sex throughout perimenopause and beyond and describes the blocks standing in the way of women doing so. We discuss how women store tension and past trauma in the pelvic and how if it is not addressed it can lead to them experiencing pain, discomfort and lack of interest in sex during perimenopause. Lisa explains that many women have focused so much on tightening their core and pelvic floor in exercises like pilates that they now have such a tight pelvic floor it is leading to other problems. Lisa gives us a full run down on the styles of vibrators that women need to use if they are having problems with vaginal atrophy, why clitoral stimulating vibrators are not recommended for this and how overuse of vibrators can be problematic and why. We review the wide range of sexual lubricants available and the best and safest ones to use and why. Lisa also talks about silicon menstrual cups and how their use is being questioned now as it has been associated to organ prolapse. This is a comprehensive episode in which we cover so many questions women in menopause have about how to rediscover their sexuality and confidence in midlife. Web: Instagram: Book: Sexy Menopuase due February 2026 Substack: Blog: New subscribers receive 2 freebies. https://femininebodyspeaks.substack.com/ Connect: | |||
| 48 - Lucette Romy: No Greater Grief. | 25 Jul 2025 | 01:19:20 | |
Today on the podcast Jody speaks with Lucette Romy about the death of her baby boy Dash. Lucette birthed Dash at home and the birth was beautiful and without complications. However, six hours after his birth Dash's colour had not improved and after checking with their birth keeper and then their GP they finally made the decision to call paramedics. Unfortunately Dash did not survive. His body was sent away for an autopsy and Lucette describes how this was one of the hardest things for her to reconcile but how the results of the autopsy helped give her answers to the questions that had been plaguing her. Lucette talks to Jody about how Dash's passing has impacted her relationships with friends and how difficult it has been to continue living in the Northern Rivers surrounded by families with young children. She describes how challenging it has been to get back into her body after the horrible events that occured on that day and that how she still feels easily triggered by day to day events. Connecting with other women who have experienced the death of a child has been incredibly soothing for Lucette and her partner Tom. Lucette has started a podcast called Sanamama that allows other women to share their stories of child loss and has created the opportunity for these women to find comfort in a community where they can feel seen and heard. Connect with Lucette: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucetteromy/ Link Tree: Connect: | |||
| 47 - Paula Rastrick: Is It Your Nervous System Or Your Hormones? | 18 Jul 2025 | 01:25:10 | |
Today Jody speaks to Trauma Therapist Paula Rastrick about how the nervous system impacts our hormones. Paula shares her story of being prescribed HRT and the complications that arose from being over prescribed estrogen. Following this she embarked upon a journey of trying to understand how trauma and a disregulated nervous system can play havoc with a womens hormones in puberty, pregnancy and perimenopause. Paula believes that we need to learn how to stay within our Window of Tolerance by learning how to strengthen the Vagus Nerve and describes some of the practices we can do to develop vagus tone. We discuss the relationship between estrogen and progesterone and testosterone and Paula explains why high levels of cortisol can play havoc with our hormones. Paula emphasises the importance of recognising when our bodies need rest and why high intensity exercise in perimenopause can often lead to injury. We cover a lot of ground in this conversation and touch on how to stop HRT if you realise it is not working for you and the dangers of not withdrawing safely, bleeding whilst on HRT and the physical and mental health problems that can arise from having too much estogen in your system. Connect with Paula: Upcoming Book: Out late 2025 Sensitive Women: A trauma informed, neurodiverse approach to hormonal sensitivity Instagram: Website: Reference: Dr Arielle Schwartz PHD Resilience Informed Therapy Strengthening the Vagus Nerve Connect: | |||
| 46 - Shonali Sabherwal: Gut Health Is Everything. | 11 Jul 2025 | 00:46:27 | |
Today Jody speaks to Shonali Sabherwal Macrobiotic Nutritionist & Chef about the Macrobiotic and Ayurvedic approach to gut health. Shonali shares that she has attended a Panchakarma (an Ayurvedic detox protocol) once a year since she was in her 20's. She discusses what the 3 week protocol involves in Panchakarma and why anything shorter than 21 days is not recommended. We discuss how gut health can impact the skin, the hair and our brain and how these days there are so many environmental factors impacting our gut in a negative way. Get In Touch: Website: soulfoodshonali.com Instagram: @soulfoodshonali Connect: | |||
| 45 - Nicole Lange: Trauma and How It Can Impact Fertility. | 04 Jul 2025 | 01:07:35 | |
Nicole Lange is an acupuncturist who has a Masters in Chinese Medicine, she has spent her entire career focused on working with women. Today she chats with Jody about her wholistic approach to supporting women through their fertility journey. We speak about the impact trauma can have on women's fertility and how the process of trying to fall pregnant can be a traumatic experience for some women. Nicole believes that it is essential for women to understand that their bodies need to be in a relaxed environment to fall pregnant. She works closely with her clients to educate them about how to prepare for their fertility journey and then how to manage the disappointment of not conceiving and how to move forward after the fertility window comes to an end. We also talk about perimenopause and HRT in this episode. We touch on why it may be beneficial for women to start hormone replacement therapy in their forties instead of leaving until they are in menopause. Nicole describes how women in perimenopause can become YIn deficient as estrogen declines and how estrogen works as a coolant for the body.\ Connect with Nicole: https://www.lifehealinglife.com/ Connect: | |||
| 44 - Sarah Megginson: My Surrogate Journey. | 27 Jun 2025 | 01:02:24 | |
Today Sarah Megginson returns to the podcast to speak with Jody about her decision to be a surrogate for her friend Lisa Messenger. Sarah had given birth to three healthy children of her own and at the same time had watched Lisa and her partner go through many years of failed IVF attempts. One day she asked LIsa if she would be open to her being a surrogate. That was nearly two years ago and Lisa and her partner now have a healthy little boy called Hugo. Jody and Sarah speak in depth about what a woman needs to take into account if she is thinking of becoming a surrogate for a friend or a family member. We speak about the laws in Australia and how it is illegal to be paid a fee to carry another woman's child here. Sarah describes her experience of needing to change Hugo's birth certificate after the birth and the time it took for him to legally be recognised as Lisa and Steven's children. In this conversation we cover the IVF process and how the surrogacy journey took around 2 years from start to finish. Links: Purchase The Book - The Power of Two https://publishing.hardiegrant.com/en-au/books/the-power-of-two-by-lisa-messenger/9780645869019 Connect: | |||
| 43 - How the Changing Seasons Impact Us with Jody Vassallo. | 20 Jun 2025 | 00:44:00 | |
In today's episode Jody explores how the changing seasons of the year impact each of the different Doshas. Ayurveda says that we need to protect our bodies around the junctions of the seasons and we discuss how Vata types need to take extra care in the transition from Summer to Autumn. Kapha from Winter into Spring and pitta from Spring into Summer. Jody then discusses the different seasons of life - Kapha 0-18yrs, Pitta 18-45 yrs and Kapha 45-death and speaks about how each of these life seasons impacts the constitutions. Connect: | |||
| 42 - Dr Jimi Wollumbin: The Distressing State of Male Fertility. | 13 Jun 2025 | 01:28:55 | |
Today Dr Jimi Wollumbin returns to chat with Jody about the distressing state of male fertility across the globe. Jimi shares disturbing research figures on the declining rates of male fertility across all age groups of men. We speak about the negative impact that increased exposure to toxic substances in our environment is having on male sperm count, sperm motility and testosterone levels. A man with low testerone will struggle with how they interact with women and also how they see themselves. JImi stresses that we have had the role of testosterone in the male body all wrong, for years it was believed that increased testosterone led to aggression in men and now those findings have been debunked and we are realising that men and boys need testosterone for both their physical and mental health. Jimi highlights the mental health crisis facing men of all ages and how that matters when it comes to fertility. This conversation is important listening for everyone, as men struggle to be understood by women and find their place in the world. We touch on Jimi's new online course The Unwounded Warrior that is designed to help men reconnect with their physical and soulful vitality as a man. This course will empower men and deepen their understanding of men's health, wellness and wisdom. How to connect with Dr Jimi: Registrations - The Unwounded Warrior Instagram: @drjimiwollumbin Website & Newsletter: Connect: | |||
| 41 - Psychological Characteristics Of The Doshas. | 06 Jun 2025 | 00:43:44 | |
Today Jody is speaking about the psychological characteristics of the Ayurvedic constitutions (doshas) Vata, Pitta, Kapha. The intention of this episode is to help listeners understand why they behave in the way they do. Jody talks about how the different elements - air, space, fire, water and earth can impact how we live our lives, make the choices we make and find it difficult to break out of unhealthy patterns. Each constitution has its strengths and challenges and often people can take the characteristics of their constitution personally and tell themselves there is something wrong with them that needs fixing. After many years working with Ayurvedic clients Jody has come to see that by helping clients understand their innate nature she can support them to make sustainable desired changes. Understanding themselves through the lens of Ayurveda allows people to have more compassion for themselves about perhaps some tasks are harder to start, why time is so difficult to manage, why they are so impatient with themselves and why letting go of unhealthy relationships is more difficult for some people. Connect: | |||
| 40 - Jody Vassallo: Babies Aren't Made By Wishing. | 30 May 2025 | 00:45:41 | |
Today Jody speaks about her personal failed fertility journey. After realising in her mid-forties that she may not meet the man of her dreams and have a family she embarked on a solo mission to have a child. She chose to start with sperm donorship. Approaching male friends first to see if they may be open to donation, after coming to a dead end there she moved onto the internet and interviewed many doctors before finding an anaesthetist who agreed to help her. Failing there she ended up in a fertility clinic where she tried IUI then IVF. Jody talks vulnerably about how difficult she found the whole IVF process and the surprise she felt about the effects the hormones had on her relationship with her body. After several years of failed attempts Jody came to the realisation that becoming a mother would not be a reality for her this time around. She reveals how she dealt with the grief and isolation she experienced following this. Connect: | |||
| 39 - Lola Berry: So you want to freeze your embryos? You may need your therapist on speed dial. | 23 May 2025 | 00:52:27 | |
Today Jody talks to nutritionist, actor and presenter Lola Berry about her and her partner Matt's decision to freeze her embryos instead of eggs. Their choice to delay having a family came after Lola chose to leave her life in Australia to pursue her dream career in acting and presenting in Los Angeles. Lola is honest and totally open about the IVF process, the harvesting of the egg and the agonising days after the eggs are fertilised where Lola discovered that not all embryos will survive or be considered viable for freezing. Mental health was something Lola was vigilant about throughout the entire egg cultivation process and she stresses that she believes anyone embarking on the IVF journey would benefit from the support of a mental health professional. Lola highlights how valuable her good friends were during the process, they listened and gave her information she needed. She talks about how she felt she made a mistake sharing her process in real time on social media as it put her in a situation where she was dealing with other people's experiences when she needed to be focused on her own. Anyone who is considering freezing their eggs would benefit from the step by step description that Lola offers in this episode. She shares vulnerably and authentically about the parts she found difficult and the pieces that caught her by surprise and how she at times needed emergency appointments with her therapists to cope with the choice she had made. How to connect with Lola: Instagram: @yummololaberry Podcast: Fearlessly Failing Connect: | |||
| 38 - Catie Gett: My Experience with HRT (Part 2). | 16 May 2025 | 01:01:45 | |
Today Catie Gett returns to discuss her ongoing experience with HRT. Catie speaks about how HRT is not a fix all and that women need to monitor its efficacy and communicate their symptoms with their doctor. Up until now Catie has been using patches and she is considering changing to a hormone cream or Mirena as she is starting to experience a return in her anxiety. We cover plenty of ground in this conversation, revisiting how essential it is to monitor our exposure to stress in perimenopause as it can impact the adrenals ability to produce estrogen and progesterone if we don't, Catie highlights the joy that she has found in perimenopause from being able to focus on herself and pull back from needing to take care of everyone else. This is a wonderful episode for anyone who is considering HRT and is wanting to hear from a naturopath with lived experience of navigating the path. Connect with Catie: Website: Connect: | |||
| 37 - Improve Your Agni And Heal Your Digestion And Hormones with Myra Lewin. | 09 May 2025 | 00:58:28 | |
Today Jody speaks with Myra Lewin, founder of Hale Pule about the power of Agni (digestive fire) and how by healing our digestion we can bring our hormones into balance and also change our bodies. We cover many topics in this episode starting with our dosha and the difference between our Prakriti (constitution) and Vikriti (imbalance) and how important it is to be aware of how our bodies are feeling everyday, after we eat, move and exercise. Myra speaks about overeating and the negative impact it had on her own health which eventually led to a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis that she has now healed from by strengthening her agni and improving her digestive system. We speak about the Food Lists and how they can lead to disordered eating and people not listening to their bodies. Recently protein has become a focus in women's diets and Myra explains why this can be problematic and how it can elevate Pitta (fire) in the body. So many great takeaways for everyone in this episode and plenty of inspiration to nourish your digestive system by eating the right food for the season in the appropriate quantities to help optimise your health. Instagram: Podcast Everyday Ayurveda and Yoga at Hale Pule Website: Connect: | |||
| 36 - Using Ayurveda to Find Calm & Beauty in Menopause with Christina Covington. | 02 May 2025 | 01:02:24 | |
Today Jody speaks to Ayurvedic Practitioner Christina Covington about how we can use Ayurveda to find beauty in the menopausal journey. We discuss the importance and value in having a regular self care routine (Dinacharya) and how the practice of Abyhanga (self-massage) can bring calming and softening to the body and spirit. Christina describes a gentle morning practice that women can do to welcome in the elements and emphasizes the importance of slowing down and letting go of old ways of doing life. Website: https://www.embodyedayurveda.com/ 10 Day Re-alignment & Ama (toxin) cleanse - Book Here May 11th-20th, 2025 Connect: | |||
| 35 - Why Tending To Our Fascia Is So Vital To Our Health with Brooke McPoyle. | 24 Apr 2025 | 01:02:45 | |
Today Jody speaks with Brooke McPoyle about the body's scaffolding system - the fascia. We talk about what it is, it's role in the body and why keeping it hydrated is so important as we age. Brooke describes her experience with Plantar Fasciitis and how often prescribed treatments are not working on the problem area. Emotions are stored in the fascia and we highlight how breath and song can help greatly in relieving the body of stress and tension. Brooke challenges the current treatment for injury - R.I.C.E and argues why it is outdated and unsuitable for healing. She highlights the benefits of yin yoga and why it is an excellent way of working with the fascia. This is a fascinating episode with so many aha moments. Links: Instagram: Website Courses: Connect: | |||
| 34 - Is it Perimenopause or Hashimoto’s or Both? With Libby Munro. | 18 Apr 2025 | 01:09:19 | |
Today Jody interviews Libby Munro, a nutritionist who specialises in the auto immune disease Hashimoto’s, thyroid and gut health. Libby describes the symptoms of Hashi’s – hair loss, moon face, brain fog, temperature regulation, insomnia, muscle and bone loss and talks about the crossover with symptoms of perimenopause. We speak about the treatment options for women living with Hashi’s and how stress needs to be addressed as cortisol is a major trigger for the disease. Libby encourages all women with Hashi’s to ensure they are consuming adequate protein for their body weight and gives recommendations for suitable protein powders. Gluten is not advised for those with Hashi’s as it suppressed thyroid function and Libby also suggests women monitor the way their body reacts to dairy and sugar. Fibre plays an important role in gut health and we discuss how women in perimenopause with Hashi’s can benefit from increasing fibre as their digestive system is impact as hormones change in this stage of life. Links: www.libbymunronutrition.com.au Courses: Heal my Hashi’s Power & Peace Positive menopause Join the waitlist or book a consultation here: https://www.libbymunronutrition.com.au/specialisedtreatment Join the Heal my Hashis community! If you purchase the Heal my Hashis protocol you will have automatic access to the member's portal - with the option to upgrade to the Premium member's lounge. https://protocol.libbymunronutrition.com.au/heal-my-hashis Connect: | |||
| 33 - What Menopause Does to Women's Wealth with Sarah Megginson & Simone Clarke. | 11 Apr 2025 | 01:05:12 | |
Today Jody speaks with Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert and Simone Clarke from UN CEO United Nations Women Australia. Sarah and Simone are two of the authors of the State of Women's Wealth Report 2025. They report the menopause can mean an average hit of $40,000 to a women's superannuation balance. We discuss ways that women can reduce this impact by contributing more to superannuation in the years leading up to menopause and how we should all be encouraging our daughters to be more mindful about investing in their future at a younger age. Women 50+ are the fastest growing demographic experiencing homelessness in Australia and the fastest growing single person household. These women can be driven into these circumstances through divorce, needing to stop work to care for aging parents, illness, lack of superannuation, working part time or working casually. We highlight the need for women to address financial problems as they arise instead of burying their heads in the sand. We talk about where women can go for support and the type of support that is available to them. This is an episode every woman needs to listen to, no matter what age you are. Links: https://www.finder.com.au/insights/state-of-womens-wealth-report-2025 State Of Women's Health Report https://www.finder.com.au/finder-au/wp-uploads/2025/04/Finder-State-Of-Womens-Wealth-Report-2025.pdf Connect: | |||
| 32 - We Are Addicted to Yang with Dr. Anny Fodor. | 04 Apr 2025 | 01:16:39 | |
Today Jody speaks with Dr Anny Fodor about women's approach to perimenopause and how we need less not more in our lives. Anny discusses the importance of slowing down, listening in and disconnecting from all of the noise of the outside world. Anny talks about the benefits of Qi Gong in supporting the joints and the bones and how she has a vision of every household prioritising touch as a way of supporting our systems. Website: https://www.annybodywellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annybodywellness/?hl=en Connect: | |||