In this insightful and inspiring episode, Anju, a seasoned Singapore expat and successful women entrepreneur, interviews Cheryl MacDonald, the founder of YogaBellies. The conversation delves into Cheryl's journey with YogaBellies, its impact on women's wellness, and the lessons learned along the way.

The podcast begins with Anju introducing Cheryl, highlighting her achievements with YogaBellies, a yoga brand focusing on women's health and well-being. Cheryl's warm and engaging demeanor sets the tone for a conversation filled with personal anecdotes and professional insights.

Cheryl shares the story behind the inception of YogaBellies, explaining how her personal experiences and challenges as a woman inspired her to create a yoga practice tailored for women at different stages of their lives. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and nurturing space for women, be it during pregnancy, postnatal, or in general wellness.

Anju, with her background as an expat and entrepreneur in Singapore, relates to Cheryl’s journey and steers the conversation towards the challenges and triumphs of building a brand that resonates with women globally. Cheryl candidly discusses the initial hurdles, the learning curve involved in growing a business, and the gratification of seeing YogaBellies become an international community.

A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to discussing how YogaBellies has adapted to different cultural contexts, especially in places like Singapore. Cheryl talks about the universality of women’s wellness needs and the ways in which YogaBellies caters to diverse groups while respecting cultural sensitivities.

The conversation also touches on Cheryl's approach to holistic wellness, blending yoga with aspects of nutrition, mental health, and community support. She shares her philosophy of empowering women to take charge of their health and well-being, and the role of YogaBellies in facilitating this empowerment.

Anju and Cheryl further discuss the future of YogaBellies, with Cheryl revealing her plans for new programs and her vision for the brand's expansion. She also offers advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of passion, resilience, and authenticity in building a meaningful business.

The podcast wraps up with Cheryl reflecting on her personal growth through YogaBellies and expressing gratitude for the community she has built. Anju commends Cheryl for her contributions to women's wellness and ends the episode with a few thoughtful remarks on the power of women supporting women.

This episode stands out for its blend of personal storytelling and professional wisdom, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in women’s wellness, entrepreneurship, or the global yoga community. Cheryl MacDonald’s experience with YogaBellies provides inspiration and guidance for listeners from all walks of life.

In this captivating and harmonious episode, listeners are invited to immerse themselves in a 40-minute yoga flow designed to align with the energy of the waxing gibbous moon. The podcast, is crafted with a deep understanding of both yoga and lunar cycles, creating a unique and spiritually enriching experience.

The episode opens with an introduction to the waxing gibbous moon phase, explaining its significance in various cultural and spiritual traditions. The host emphasizes the moon phase's association with growth, refinement, and preparation for fullness, drawing parallels to personal development and self-awareness. The tone is introspective, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journey as they move through the practice.

The 40-minute flow is thoughtfully curated to mirror the themes of the waxing gibbous moon. It begins with grounding and centering exercises, encouraging listeners to connect with their breath and set intentions for the practice. The sequence progressively builds in intensity, reflecting the building energy of the moon phase. Key elements of the flow include:

1. Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar): To energize and warm up the body.
2. Standing Poses: Such as Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II) and Triangle Pose (Trikonasana), to foster strength and stability.
3. Balancing Poses: Like Tree Pose (Vrksasana), to cultivate focus and inner balance.
4. Hip Openers: Such as Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana), to release tension and promote emotional release.
5. Gentle Twists and Forward Folds: To encourage introspection and calm the mind.
6. Savasana: A closing relaxation pose, allowing for integration and reflection.

Throughout the flow, the host provides clear, mindful guidance, ensuring the sequence is accessible to practitioners of various levels. There's a strong emphasis on the synchronization of movement and breath, encouraging a meditative state that resonates with the lunar energy.

Interwoven with the physical practice, the host shares insights about harnessing the waxing gibbous moon's energy in everyday life. They discuss the importance of nurturing projects, refining goals, and preparing for the culmination of efforts, mirroring the moon's journey towards fullness.

The podcast concludes with a brief meditation, grounding the experience and bringing closure to the practice. The host leaves the listeners with reflective questions, encouraging them to carry the lessons learned on the mat into their daily lives.

This episode stands out for its unique blend of yoga practice and lunar spirituality, offering listeners a deeply immersive experience that goes beyond physical exercise. The "40-Minute Waxing Gibbous Moon Flow" is ideal for those seeking to align their yoga practice with the natural rhythms of the moon and deepen their spiritual connection.

In this nurturing and informative episode, Cheryl MacDonald, the founder of YogaBellies, presents a 10-minute yoga sequence specifically designed for pregnant women, focusing on relieving tension in the neck and shoulders. Cheryl, recognized for her expertise in prenatal yoga, creates a safe and supportive space for expectant mothers to connect with their bodies and their growing babies.

The podcast begins with Cheryl discussing the physical changes and challenges that occur during pregnancy, particularly the strain on the neck and shoulders. She empathizes with the discomforts expectant mothers often experience and highlights the importance of gentle, targeted exercise to alleviate these symptoms.

Cheryl then leads listeners through a 10-minute yoga sequence. Her guidance is detailed and mindful of the special needs of pregnancy. The sequence includes the following poses:

1. Neck Rolls: Gentle circular movements to release tension in the neck area.
2. Seated Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): Modified for a seated position, this stretch helps in easing the stiffness in the neck and shoulders.
3. Eagle Arms (Garudasana Arms): A seated pose that targets the deep release of shoulder tension.
4. Child's Pose (Balasana) with Shoulder Variation: A comforting pose that combines overall relaxation with a focus on the shoulders.
5. Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana): This gentle forward bend aids in opening the shoulders and relieving neck tension.

Throughout the sequence, Cheryl emphasizes the importance of moving with care and listening to one's body. She provides modifications for each pose, ensuring that the practice is accessible and comfortable for all stages of pregnancy.

In addition to the physical poses, Cheryl incorporates breathing techniques and mindfulness practices, emphasizing their role in reducing stress and enhancing the emotional well-being of expectant mothers.

The podcast concludes with Cheryl offering words of encouragement and reminding listeners of the importance of self-care during pregnancy. She advocates for regular, gentle movement as a way to maintain physical health and to create a positive connection with the pregnancy journey.

This episode serves as a valuable resource for pregnant women seeking relief from neck and shoulder discomfort. Cheryl MacDonald's expert guidance and compassionate approach make the podcast not only a practical guide for prenatal yoga but also a source of support and empowerment for expectant mothers.