The How to Take Care of Yourself Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Have you ever felt like something was off in your body, but no one could explain why? Like you’ve been chasing answers, only to be told, “Everything looks fine.” 😤

Enter Ayurveda. 🌿

In this episode, Dr. Anusha Sehgal, a classically trained Ayurvedic physician, breaks down the logical system behind Ayurveda—and why it provides answers when modern medicine falls short. She shares:

✨ How Ayurveda helps you decode your body’s unique signals

✨ Why your routine matters more than trendy health hacks

✨ The biggest mistake people make with self-care (and how to fix it)

✨ Why dry brushing, oil massage & food choices should be tailored to your body—not just copied from the internet

✨ The truth about when to eat (hint: your body already knows!)

💡 If you've ever been frustrated by generic health advice, this episode will change the way you see your body forever.

Episode Chapters:

📌 (00:00) – Welcome & Meet Dr. Anusha Sehgal
📌 (03:00) – How Ayurveda “pulls you in” (why dabbling never works)
📌 (06:45) – The logic behind Ayurveda: What makes itso effective?
📌 (10:30) – Why one-size-fits-all health advicenever works
📌 (14:00) – Are you ignoring your hunger? The danger of delaying meals
📌 (18:20) – Dry brushing vs. oil massage: Which one doyou need?
📌 (22:10) – The power of routine: Why your bodycraves predictability
📌 (26:40) – “Ayurveda Cool”: Why going to bed early is thereal flex
📌 (30:15) – The Ayurvedic morning routine (it’s simpler than you think)
📌 (34:50) – No one is immune to getting sick—how Ayurvedic pros handle it
📌 (39:00) – The biggest lesson Dr. Anusha learned from food this year
📌 (45:00) – Final thoughts: How to use Ayurveda in daily life

📢 CALL TO ACTION:

✨ Want to work with Dr. Anusha? Check her out at https://www.bostonayurvedainc.com/

✨ Looking to take your health into your own hands with Ayurveda? Work with me! www.veronicawolffcasey.com

✨ Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe & leave a review—it helps so much!

Episode Overview

In this episode of the How to Take Care of Yourself Podcast, we have a segment called Conversations with Kevin, in whichI sit down with my husband, Kevin Casey, for an honest and heartfelt discussion about spiritual growth, manifestation, and navigating life’s challenges with presence and patience. We dive into his journey—from early interests in the paranormal and mythology to deep dives into meditation, yoga, and personal transformation.

Kevin shares how his understanding of spirituality evolved over time, from seeking "enlightenment" to realizing that the real work lies in self-examination, daily commitment, and embracing the messiness of life. We also discuss relationships, personal blind spots, and the lessons learned from practicing self-awareness and showing up fully in love and life.

This episode is packed with real talk, personal stories, and a whole lot of wisdom on the path to self-discovery and growth.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How childhood influences shape our spiritual journey

The intersection of mythology, Star Wars, and spirituality 🌌

Why manifestation isn't just about "thinking positive"—it requires action

The importance of doing the inner work before finding a healthy relationship

How yoga and meditation can be powerful tools for self-awareness

Facing your own bullsh!t and the challenges of personal growth

The pitfalls of spiritual materialism and how to stay grounded in practice

Resources & Mentions:

Joseph Campbell’s work on mythology and storytelling

Ram Dass and the journey from the mind to the heart

The Bhagavad Gita and its impact on spiritual understanding

The importance of finding the right yoga and meditation practice

Mel Robbins’ episode on Manifestation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-wONyk3RV0

Listen & Subscribe

Don't miss out on future episodes—hit that subscribe button and join me every other week for more conversations that blend ancient wisdom with modern science.

👉 Subscribe now: https://www.veronicawolffcasey.com/podcast

👉 Join my newsletter for exclusive content:https://www.veronicawolffcasey.com/newsletter

Work With Me

Ready to take your self-care and wellness journey to the next level? Whether you're looking to improve your health with Ayurvedic wisdom, dive deeper into yoga, or find balance in your busy life, I’ve got you covered.

🔗 Explore my offerings here: https://www.veronicawolffcasey.com/appointments

Join the Conversation

What resonated with you the most from this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's keep this conversation going!

🎧 Tune in now and start crafting a life worth living.

And hey—if no one's told you yet today, I love you, and I’m convinced of your capacity to continue crafting a life worth living.

#SelfDiscovery #SpiritualGrowth #Manifestation #PersonalDevelopment #HealthyRelationships #PodcastLife #HowToTakeCareOfYourself #MindBodyConnection #Ayurveda #YogaJourney

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Kevin's Journey

05:17 Musical Beginnings and Dedication

08:06 Exploring Spirituality: Early Influences

10:51 The Shift from New Age to Practical Spirituality

13:38 Meditation and the Realities of Spiritual Practice

16:36 The Role of Ram Dass and Eastern Philosophy

19:16 Yoga: A Deeper Understanding

22:20 The Search for Meaning and Personal Experiences

25:11 Commitment to Spiritual Growth

28:16 Facing Challenges on the Spiritual Path

39:03 Family Gatherings and Spiritual Reflection

40:09 The Importance of Self-Work in Relationships

42:01 Navigating Grief and Spiritual Practices

48:35 The Ongoing Journey of Spiritual Practice

49:14 The Illusion of Enlightenment

52:09 The Dangers of Spiritual Distractions

53:09 Kevin's Magical Journey

54:42 Finding Balance in Relationships

01:00:23 The Journey to Love and Self-Discovery

01:09:54 Manifestation and the Role of Patience

Welcome back to The How to Take Care of Yourself Podcast! This week, we’re thrilled to bring you an inspiring conversation with Jean-Francois, a former ICU nurse turned Ayurvedic Health Counselor, whose incredible journey will touch your heart and empower your spirit. 🌿💜

In This Episode we Dive Into:

Jean-Francois’s 20+ year career in nursing and how it shaped his passion for caregiving.

• His transformative experience discovering Ayurveda and how it filled a gap he felt in conventional medicine.

• The vital importance of self-care for caregivers, and why prioritizing your own well-being is key to helping others.

• The differences and synergies between Ayurveda and allopathic medicine, including how Ayurveda supports chronic conditions like diabetes and Parkinson’s.

• Practical insights on creating space, saying “no,” and finding balance in the chaos of daily life.

• How Jean-Francois’s Ayurvedic practice, Hands on Heart Ayurveda, is empowering caregivers to thrive while caring for their loved ones.

Episode Highlights

💡 “Food is memory.” Jean-Francois shares the deep connection between food, memory, and self-care, including a sweet story about rice pudding.

💡 “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” Learn why taking care of yourself is the most powerful way to show up for others.

💡 Space and sound. Discover the role of creating spaciousness—in life and in health—and why it’s crucial for true well-being.

Resources:

• Hands on Heart Ayurveda – Jean-Francois’s website and Ayurvedic practice. www.handsonheartayurveda.com 

• Connect with Jean-Francois on Instagram: @hands.on.heart.ayurveda

• Veronica’s Rice Pudding Recipe: https://www.veronicawolffcasey.com/recipes/coconut-rice-pudding

Work with Me:

Ready to take your health and self-care to the next level? Here’s how I can support you:

🌟 Ayurvedic Health Coaching – Personalized guidance rooted in Ayurvedic principles to help you create balance, improve digestion, and thrive in your daily life.

🌟 Workshops & Programs – From seasonal resets to workshops that align ancient wisdom with modern living, I’ve got you covered.

🌟 Private Yoga Classes – Experience the power of Ayurvedic Iyengar-style yoga tailored to your body and needs.

👉 Learn more and book your session: https://www.veronicawolffcasey.com/appointments

Newsletter:

Want exclusive content, actionable tips, and behind-the-scenes updates from the How to Take Care of Yourself Podcast? Join the HTTCOY newsletter community!

📧 Sign up here: https://www.veronicawolffcasey.com/newsletter

You’ll be the first to know about new episodes, recipes, special events, and more. Plus, I’ll send you free tools to help you keep crafting a life worth living.

Loved this episode? Share your thoughts by leaving a review, subscribing, and sharing it with someone who could use a little self-care inspiration. Together, we can spread the message of empowerment and holistic wellness. 💜

Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode! Hit subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite platform.

And as always, in case no one has told you today, I love you, and I am convinced of your capacity to continue crafting a life worth living.

Thanks for listening! Until next time, take care of yourself—you’re worth it.

00:00 Introduction and Background of Jean-Francois

11:55 The Journey to Becoming a Death Doula

22:16 Transitioning from Conventional Medicine to Ayurveda

27:24 Integrating Ayurveda with Conventional Healthcare

29:01 Quality of Life vs. Longevity

29:41 Prioritizing Self-Care

35:01 Finding Space in a Busy City

39:56 Ayurveda and Caregiving

45:23 The Importance of Space and Breath

46:55 Food as Memory and Experience

The Only Diet Tips You’ll Ever Need (According to Ayurveda)

Welcome to this special bonus episode of the How to Take Care of Yourself Podcast! With New Year’s resolutions in full swing, diet advice is everywhere—and most of it’s overwhelming and contradictory. So, I’m cutting through the noise to bring you practical, timeless tips rooted in Ayurveda to help you create a sustainable, nourishing relationship with food.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why “one-size-fits-all” diets don’t work and how to honor your body’s unique needs.

• The concept of Agni (digestive fire)—what it is, why it matters, and how to keep it burning bright.

• How to sync your meals with seasonal rhythms for optimal health.

• The importance of eating mindfully and the game-changing "burp" cue.

• Why smoothies and raw salads might not be the health foods you think they are.

• Simple, delicious meal ideas to ground and nourish you in winter.

This episode is packed with actionable tips, personal stories (hello, Master Cleanse fail), and ancient Ayurvedic wisdom—perfect for starting 2025 off on the right foot!

What You’ll Learn:

• The key to building and honoring hunger and satiety cues.

• How regular mealtimes and simple, seasonally appropriate meals can transform your health.

• Why consistency beats perfection in Ayurvedic eating habits.

• Practical ways to incorporate Ayurvedic principles into a modern lifestyle.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Episode 2: Ayurveda 101

• Learn more about Agni Hotra (fire ceremony) and its significance here.

• Connect with Veronica via email: veronica@veronicawolffcasey.com

Your Action Step:Pick one tip from today’s episode—whether it’s eating at the same time every day, listening for your satiety cue, or warming up your meals—and start implementing it this week. Small changes lead to big shifts over time!

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.

• Follow me on Instagram for more Ayurvedic inspiration: @theveronicawolffcasey

Thank You for Listening!I’m so grateful you’re here! If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who’s ready to make 2025 their year of nourishment and balance.

And if you haven’t already, please leave a review—it helps more people find this podcast and join our community of self-care seekers.

In case no one’s told you today, I love you and I believe in your capacity to create a life worth living.

With gratitude and fiery Agni,Veronica Wolff-CaseyHost, How to Take Care of Yourself Podcast

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ayurveda and Diet Tips

03:15 Veronica's Experience with the Master Cleanse

05:37 Understanding Agni: The Digestive Fire

10:21 Honoring Hunger and Satiety Cues

17:29 The Importance of Simplicity in Diet

23:18 Navigating Food Choices and Industry Influence

27:55 Rethinking Yogurt and Raw Foods

30:14 Why Smoothies Should be Avoided

34:05 Seasonal Eating

38:02 Mindful Eating Practices

44:26 Intermittent Fasting and Ayurvedic Wisdom

Summary:

In this enlightening conversation, Veronica Wolff-Casey speaks with Larissa Hall Carlson, a luminary in the Ayurveda and yoga world. They explore Larissa's journey into Ayurveda, the importance of mindful eating, and daily rituals that support a healthy lifestyle. Larissa shares insights on navigating perimenopause and menopause, the connection between food and well-being, and the power of community in fostering health. The discussion also highlights the upcoming courses Larissa is offering, focusing on libido and self-care practices, emphasizing the significance of simplicity and commitment in achieving wellness.

Takeaways:

• Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health and well-being.

• Mindful eating is crucial for proper digestion and overall health.

• Daily rituals and habits can significantly impact one's health.

• Simplicity in lifestyle choices can lead to better health outcomes.

• Navigating perimenopause and menopause requires support and understanding.

• Food choices directly affect our physical and mental well-being.

• Community support enhances the journey of self-care and health.

• Commitment and discipline are essential for lasting change.

• Everything in life can be viewed through an Ayurvedic lens.

• Living in harmony with nature is a core principle of Ayurveda.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Ayurveda and Larissa's Journey

14:17 Mindful Eating: The Key to Digestion

25:21 Behavior Change and Ayurveda: A Holistic Approach

33:13 Supporting Women Through Menopause and Libido

38:55 The Importance of Open Conversations in Ayurveda

44:53 Navigating Hormonal Transitions: Perimenopause and Andropause

52:17 Boosting Libido: Practical Strategies and Self-Care

01:01:14 Personal Stories: The Power of Experience

01:10:49 Savoring Life: Embracing Change and Playfulness

Resources:

*Sattvic Sensuality: Wholesome Libido Boosting with Ayurveda 

A transformational and educational 6-week Ayurvedic program to mindfully eliminate libido-crashing habits and delightedly boost libido-enhancing ones.

January 23 - February 27, 2025

Thursdays 5-7pm ET on Zoom (and recorded for on demand)

SAVE $300 with code SATTVABOOST (register by 1/2/25 to save)

https://larissahallcarlson.thinkific.com/courses/sattvicsensuality

*FREE libido-boosting ebook download:

https://larissahallcarlson.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/reignite-intimacy-28-days

*Masterclass on Ojas

January 9, 2025 on Zoom:  Details coming soon

Ayurveda Consultations and Larissa's Events:

https://larissacarlson.com/

FREE pranayama and meditation audio practices on Insight Timer:

https://insig.ht/hyOSNHKTtPb?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=live_stream_share

Welcome to The How to Take Care of Yourself Podcast! In this episode, your host Veronica Wolff Casey dives into the ancient yet timeless world of Ayurveda — no fluff, no wellness buzzwords, just the juicy, life-changing basics.

What the heck is Ayurveda, anyway? Veronica breaks it down in plain, relatable language, explaining how this ancient system of natural medicine from India can help you live in harmony with yourself and the world around you. You’ll learn about the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether), the concept of doshas, and why Ayurveda is basically your owner's manual for life.

Discover why balancing these elements is essential for your health and how even small shifts can make a huge impact. Veronica shares her top Ayurvedic tips you can try today, including morning tongue scraping, drinking warm water, eating your biggest meal at lunch, and getting to bed before 10 p.m. — plus a special bonus tip!

This episode is your first step toward understanding and embracing Ayurveda in a way that’s practical, empowering, and rooted in ancient wisdom (no trendy fads here!). Tune in, learn, and start transforming how you care for yourself.

Sign up for the 90 Day Life Reset Challenge HERE

Sign up for the New Year, New You Workshop HERE

The tongue scrapers I use

In this debut episode, I’m flipping the script as my brilliant friend and fellow Ayurvedic practitioner, Mona Warner, takes the reins to interview me! We’re diving deep into my origin story—how I discovered Ayurveda, why I fell in love with it, and the passion driving my work today.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the twists, turns, and transformative moments that shaped my mission to empower others through ancient wisdom and modern science. Tune in and get to know the heart behind the podcast! 🌿✨

Check out my work at www.veronicawolffcasey.com

Check out Mona at www.monawarner.com

In this episode of How to Take Care of Yourself, I sit down with my best friend and Ayurvedic powerhouse Dr. Mona L. Warner. Mona is an Ayurvedic Doctor, Yoga Therapist, and Teacher Trainer who has been studying and teaching for decades.

We talk about:

• Her journey from yoga to Ayurveda

• How simple daily habits create profound health transformations

• The power of useful vs. not useful instead of labeling things as good or bad

• The three pillars of Ayurveda and why they’re the foundation of well-being

• How to actually stick to self-care practices (even when you don’t feel like it)

• Why seeking satisfaction is more important than chasing happiness

• And so much more!

This is an episode for anyone looking to start, deepen, or refine their Ayurvedic practice—whether you're totally new or have been dabbling for years.

Resources & Links:

🌿 Get Mona’s Book: Ayurveda’s Three Pillars of Health   (https://a.co/d/i8whjFc)

🧘‍♀️ Join Mona’s Ayurveda Foundations Program (Starts March 19!):monawarner.com

📖 Read More About Mona’s Work:monawarner.com

Want to Work with Me?

💜 Join the Spring Renewal Program: Early Bird Ends March 10th, we start March 22nd! https://veronica-wolff-casey.heymarvelous.com/product/82849

💜 Book a 1:1 Ayurvedic Consultation: www.veronicawolffcasey.com

Stay Connected!

📩 Subscribe to My Newsletter:Sign Up Here (https://www.veronicawolffcasey.com/newsletter)

📲 Follow Me on Instagram:@veronicawolffcasey

🎙 Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple Podcasts |Spotify |YouTube

If you loved this episode, please leave a review and share it with a friend who needs to hear it! 💜

In case no one's told you today—I love you, and I am convinced of your capacity to continue crafting a life worth living.

📌 Episode Summary:

Feeling overwhelmed? Anxious? You’re not alone. Modern life bombards us with input—news, notifications, noise, and non-stop stimulation. But here’s the thing: everything we take in must be digested—just like food. And when we consume too much (whether it’s social media, stressful news, or just an overload of sensory input), it leads to mental indigestion—aka anxiety, brain fog, and fatigue.

In this episode, I break down how to take control of your nervous system and reclaim your peace using Ayurveda, breathwork, and mindful consumption. We'll cover:

✔️ How sensory overload contributes to anxiety (and what to do about it)

✔️ The real reason phone addiction fuels stress—and how to break the cycle

✔️ Simple but powerful breathwork practices to calm anxiety fast

✔️ How to use food, daily rituals, and sleep to build long-term resilience

✔️ The role of clutter and digital detoxing in mental clarity

✔️ How to set boundaries, say no, and protect your energy

🛑 This episode is a must-listen if you:

✅ Feel overstimulated, scattered, or exhausted by too much input

✅ Struggle with phone addiction and want to feel less dependent on technology

✅ Want concrete tools to reduce stress and feel more grounded every day

✅ Are ready to create a calm, stable, and anxiety-free environment for yourself

✨ This is your permission slip to slow down, take a deep breath, and reclaim your energy. Let’s dive in.

🎥 Bonus Resources & Guided Breathwork Videos

🌀 Box Breathing Video:https://youtu.be/nqoZ5itrN3c

🌬️ Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) Video: https://youtu.be/Rk4Zo7G1JbM

📢 Call to Action: Get Involved!

✅ Found this episode helpful? Share it with a friend who struggles with anxiety.

✅ Hit subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes!

✅ Leave a review—it helps others find this podcast!

✅ Connect with me on Instagram @TheVeronicaWolffCasey and let me know what resonated most with you!

📢 Ready to Work with Me?

If you’re ready to go deeper in your healing journey and want personalized support, you can book a 1:1 appointment with me at 👉 www.veronicawolffcasey.com. Let’s get you feeling your best—mind, body, and spirit.

🌿 Join the Spring Renewal Program (SRP) Waitlist!

Doors open soon for my Spring Renewal Program (SRP)—a 3-month journey to reset your health, build sustainable habits, and step into spring feeling energized and aligned.

✨ Waitlist pricing is available for a limited time! Sign up now to get early access and exclusive savings.

👉 Join the waitlist here: www.veronicawolffcasey.com/srp-waitlist

💜 In case no one has told you today—I love you, and I am convinced of your capacity to continue crafting a life worth living.

📖 Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Why This Topic Matters

05:12 Sensory Overload & Mental Digestion

12:40 The Dark Side of Phone Addiction

22:15 Breathwork as an Instant Anxiety Reset

32:30 Rituals to Ground & Calm the Mind

41:50 Food & Anxiety: Nourishing the Nervous System

48:20 How Clutter Contributes to Overwhelm

53:40 Deep Rest & the Role of Sleep

59:15 Setting Boundaries & Saying No

1:05:20 The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Reframing Anxiety

1:10:50 Final Thoughts & Next Steps