Opening Paragraph

In this solo episode, Amy Wheeler invites listeners into a conversation about the intersection of childhood religion and the lifelong path of yoga therapy. What happens when the grace-filled teachings of Lutheran Christianity (insert your belief structure here) meet the depth and systematization of Indian philosophy? Can we honor both? Amy explores her own journey—from growing up in a progressive Christian household to becoming a devoted student and teacher of Yoga—unpacking how these spiritual lineages can coexist with humility, respect, and a shared intention to reduce suffering. This episode encourages us all to ask: Can different belief systems lead us toward the same inner peace? And more importantly, can we stay grounded in ethical yoga practice while honoring both source and seeker?

In This Episode, Amy Discusses:

• Her upbringing as a Lutheran minister’s daughter and how values like grace, compassion, and service shaped her early views on faith and spirituality.
• The transformative moment of discovering Yoga philosophy, particularly the structure and clarity of Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra and the Bhagavad Gītā.
• Navigating cultural appreciation vs. cultural appropriation—especially as a Western Yoga Therapist working with ancient Indian teachings.
• Can someone be a Yoga Therapist and maintain their original religious identity? Amy dives into the conversation about pluralism, integrity, and therapeutic intention.
• Iśvara as a formless universal presence, and whether one’s version of “God,” “Allah,” “Jesus,” or “Buddha” can reflect the same sattvic qualities in a yoga-based healing context.

Amy reminds us that being a yoga therapist is not about spiritual perfection or ideological purity—it’s about long-term dedication to learning, humility, and reducing human suffering. Whether your spiritual background includes religion, atheism, or a mix of philosophies, the invitation is to stay with the practice, keep questioning, and deepen your connection to the wholeness of yoga without abandoning your roots. As she says, “Maybe the real question is whether what you believe is helping you be a better, kinder human being.”

Amy Wheeler's Contact Info:

Website: www.TheOptimalState.com

Email: amy@amywheeler.com

Instagram: @optimalstate

YouTube: Optimal State with Amy Wheeler

LinkedIn: Amy Wheeler PhD

Interested in Studying Yoga Therapy or Ayurveda?

Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at Maryland University of Integrative Health

A rigorous, accredited program rooted in both ancient wisdom and modern integrative health. https://muih.edu/academics/yoga-therapy/master-of-science-in-yoga-therapy/

Therapeutic Yoga for Licensed Health Care Providers (LHCPs)

Learn how to ethically and effectively integrate yoga into your existing healthcare profession. https://muih.edu/academics/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices/

Integrative Ayurvedic Wellness Program

Study the sister science to yoga through the lens of modern wellness, offering tools for nutrition,

Episode Summary:

In this compelling episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler sits down with Alyssa Morales, a yoga therapist and registered nurse based in Rochester, NY. Alyssa shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming an eating disorder and how yoga became the catalyst for profound healing and self-empowerment. She also discusses how she mindfully integrates her background in nursing with her yoga therapy practice, offering a unique and holistic approach to care. This episode explores the power of perception, self-exploration, and the intersection of yoga and Western healthcare in the healing process.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Alyssa's personal healing journey through yoga and how it reshaped her understanding of recovery.
• The distinction between her nursing and yoga therapy roles, and how she balances both within her practice.
• How yoga therapy empowered her to shift deeply ingrained perceptions and create sustainable change.
• The concept of eating disorders as a “disease of perception” and how yoga facilitates a shift in self-awareness.
• The role of bottom-up versus top-down approaches in healing and why integrating both can be transformative.
• How yoga therapy fosters reconnection in relationships and allows for deeper engagement with life.

Connect with Alyssa Morales:

Instagram: @Alyssa_YTSOL

Resources & Links:

• Read more about yoga therapy and healing at The Yoga Therapy Bridge Blog: www.amywheeler.com
• Join Amy’s Monday Night Yoga Therapy Classes: www.TheOptimalState.com
• Explore the Optimal State Mobile App for Yoga Therapy & Lifestyle Support: www.OptimalStateApp.com

Maryland University of Integrative Health- Expand Your Knowledge in Yoga Therapy & Ayurveda:

• Master of Science in Yoga Therapy: Explore the Program

Are you already a licensed healthcare professional? Check out MUIH’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals: Learn More

• Interested in Ayurveda? Try our Post-Baccalaureate Ayurveda Certification Program at MUIH: Discover More

Episode Description:

In this deeply moving and profoundly insightful episode, Amy Wheeler welcomes yoga therapist, author, and pelvic health expert Cheri Dostal Ryba to share her personal story of healing, embodiment, and reclamation. Cheri’s journey touches on intergenerational trauma, family estrangement, caregiving for a parent in crisis, and the body’s remarkable wisdom in processing, protecting, and ultimately guiding us toward healing.

Cheri vulnerably recounts the transformative chapter of her life that unfolded after her family returned to Wisconsin, just as her book, Pelvic Yoga Therapy for the Whole Woman, was released. Amid navigating her family’s unraveling, Cheri found herself in the heart of her own embodied healing journey — trusting the intelligence of her body, allowing grief to move through her, and reclaiming her own sense of safety, belonging, and joy.

This conversation is a testament to the power of somatic practice, ancestral healing, and trusting the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signals our bodies give us, even when our minds may not yet have words for the story.

Please note: This episode touches on sensitive topics, including family trauma, suicide attempts, and intergenerational wounding. While the conversation is approached with compassion and care, we advise listener discretion, particularly if you are listening with children or if these topics are personally triggering.

Topics Covered:

• How yoga, breathwork, and mantra supported Cheri’s healing process
• The wisdom of the body in revealing truth — even before the mind catches up
• Grieving necessary endings and choosing healthy boundaries with family
• The role of the pelvis in personal power, belonging, and embodied wholeness
• How yoga therapy can support pelvic health, trauma recovery, and personal reclamation
• Cheri’s upcoming Pelvic Yoga Book Summit – May 2-3, 2025

Quotes from the Episode:

"Sensitivity is the privilege and responsibility of remembering." — Toko-pa Turner

"Healing is living — fiercely committing to the present moment." — Cheri Dostal Ryba

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Pelvic Yoga Therapy for the Whole Woman: A Professional Guide by Cheri Dostal Ryba
• Event: Pelvic Yoga Book Summit - May 2-3, 2025 (Registration opens by April 4, 2025)
• Book Mentioned by Amy: Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud
• Mantra Discussed: Mahā Mṛtyuñjaya Mantra – exploring its symbolism of effortless release and surrender

About Cheri Dostal Ryba:

Cheri is a yoga therapist, pelvic health specialist, somatic educator, and author. Her work empowers individuals — particularly women — to reclaim their embodied sense of safety, pleasure, and sovereignty. Through her book, retreats, and upcoming summit, Cheri weaves together the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of healing the pelvic bowl, while honoring the whole person.

Connect with Cheri:

Website: www.cheridostalryba.com

Pelvic Yoga Book Summit: www.cheridostalryba.com/pelvicyogabooksummit

Instagram: @cheridostalryba

The Yoga Therapy Bridge Blog:

https://amywheeler.com

Come join us at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) for our Signature Programs starting in Fall 2025.

Master of Science in Yoga Therapy

https://lnkd.in/gBSCUsMQ

Are you already a licensed healthcare professional?

Explore MUIH’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals. https://lnkd.in/gbWHSjQq

Welcome to this heartfelt episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, where we dive deep into the complex terrain of grief, loss, and healing with author and Ayurvedic practitioner Sweta Vikram. In this vulnerable and profound conversation, Sweta shares her personal story of losing both her father and father-in-law within days of each other and how her yoga and Ayurveda practices carried her through the darkest moments. Together, we explore what it means to lose a father, how grief reshapes our identity, and how to gently find a way forward through daily self-care, boundaries, and spiritual practices. Whether you have experienced loss or are preparing for the inevitable grief we all face, this conversation offers a grounded, compassionate, and real-world path to healing.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What it looks like to navigate profound loss and how grief can completely reshape who we are.
• How Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy offer practical tools for grief support, including how to manage a dysregulated nervous system.
• The lifelong imprint fathers leave on us—whether present, absent, or complicated—and how to honor or heal that relationship.
• How to recognize and shift out of grief-related stagnation (Kapha imbalance) using movement, diet, and daily rituals.
• Why setting boundaries is essential for healing—and how to do it without anger or resentment.
• What to do when grief is complicated or unresolved, especially for those who did not have a loving or supportive parent.

About Sweta Vikram:

Sweta Vikram is a 14-time published author, Ayurvedic practitioner, yoga therapist, and grief coach. She specializes in helping people navigate grief, loss, and trauma using the integrated wisdom of Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy. Sweta also works with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault as a trauma-informed yoga teacher.

Visit her website: www.swetavikram.com

Explore her latest book:

The Loss That Binds Us: 108 Tips on Coping with Grief and Loss — a compassionate, accessible guide filled with real-life, simple practices to navigate grief when words are not enough.

One-on-One Support: Sweta offers private Ayurvedic coaching, yoga therapy, and specialized grief coaching—details on her website.

The Yoga Therapy Bridge Blog:

https://amywheeler.com

Come join us at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) for our Signature Programs starting in Fall 2025.

Master of Science in Yoga Therapy

https://lnkd.in/gBSCUsMQ

Are you already a licensed healthcare professional? Explore MUIH’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals. https://lnkd.in/gbWHSjQq

Connect with Amy Wheeler:

• Website: www.TheOptimalState.com
• Podcast: The Yoga Therapy Hour
• Instagram: @theoptimalstate

Support the Podcast:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your community. Your support helps us bring inspiring stories and valuable insights to listeners worldwide.

In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler welcomes Jenna Schissel, a yoga therapist based in Des Moines, Iowa, who brings a deeply personal and integrative perspective to the field. Jenna shares her journey of self-discovery, shaped by her experiences with social anxiety and introversion. She discusses how yoga became a natural path for inner healing, providing her with a structured way to cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and confidence.

Rather than focusing on symptom management or pathology, Jenna approaches yoga therapy through the lens of salutogenesis—the process of fostering well-being rather than merely preventing or treating illness. She and Amy explore how yoga therapy facilitates whole-person healing, supporting individuals in cultivating inner stability, self-regulation, and a sense of personal agency.

While Jenna also maintains a separate psychotherapy practice specializing in trauma and ketamine-assisted therapy, this conversation focuses on the role of yoga therapy in personal transformation, embodiment, and nervous system coherence, rather than trauma treatment.

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode:

• Jenna’s Personal Journey with Yoga – How yoga provided Jenna with a framework to understand and navigate her experiences with social anxiety and introversion. She reflects on the ways that movement, breathwork, and meditation helped her shift from internal self-doubt to self-trust and connection with others.
• Yoga Therapy as a Path to Whole-Person Healing – Jenna and Amy discuss how yoga therapy facilitates salutogenesis, supporting individuals in building resilience, internal balance, and long-term well-being. They highlight the importance of seeing yoga therapy as a process of self-cultivation rather than symptom reduction.
• The Role of Self-Awareness in the Healing Process – Jenna explains how self-awareness practices, such as breath observation, mindful movement, and reflective inquiry, serve as fundamental tools in yoga therapy. These practices allow individuals to tune into their internal states and develop a more compassionate and attuned relationship with themselves.
• Working with the Nervous System in Yoga Therapy – The conversation explores how yoga therapy supports autonomic regulation, helping individuals transition from chronic stress patterns to a more balanced and responsive state. Jenna shares insights on how simple breath and movement techniques can be applied in daily life to foster internal steadiness.
• The Interplay Between Personal Practice and Professional Work – Jenna reflects on how her personal experiences inform her work as a yoga therapist. She discusses the importance of ongoing self-practice, not only for maintaining professional integrity but also for deepening her understanding of the mind-body connection.
• Yoga Therapy vs. Psychotherapy: Clarifying the Distinction – While Jenna also works as a psychotherapist, she explains the clear distinctions between her yoga therapy practice and her clinical work. Yoga therapy offers a non-pathologizing, strength-based approach to personal growth, while psychotherapy serves a different role in addressing clinical concerns. This conversation helps clarify how yoga therapy can complement but is not a substitute for mental health treatment.
• The Power of Introversion in Yoga Therapy – Jenna discusses the unique strengths that introverts bring to both yoga practice and teaching. She and Amy explore how introversion can be reframed as a gift, allowing for deeper self-reflection, insight, and meaningful connection.

Connect with Jenna & Amy

• Jenna Schissel
• Based in Des Moines, Iowa
• [Insert Jenna’s website: https://www.jennaschisseltherapist.com/
• Amy Wheeler & Optimal State
• Website: www.TheOptimalState.com

Come join us at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) for our Signature Programs starting in Fall 2025.

Master of Science in Yoga Therapy

https://lnkd.in/gBSCUsMQ

Are you already a licensed healthcare professional? Explore MUIH’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals. https://lnkd.in/gbWHSjQq

Welcome to the Yoga Therapy Hour in 2025! Host Amy Wheeler kicks off the year by diving deep into Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 1.33, which offers a framework for improving relationships and cultivating inner peace. Amy reflects on how yoga has helped her heal physically, emotionally, and in her relationships, emphasizing the transformative power of clarity, compassion, and discernment.

This episode focuses on the practical application of four key principles from the sutra:

• Maitrī (Friendliness)
• Karunā (Compassion)
• Muditā (Appreciation and Gratitude)
• Upekṣā (Discernment and Non-Judgment)

Amy shares personal anecdotes, insights, and strategies for applying these principles in daily life to reduce suffering, strengthen connections, and foster emotional resilience.

Key Takeaways:

1. Yoga as Relationship: Yoga is reflected in how we interact with the world. Healthy relationships are a sign of a healthy inner state.
2. Healing Through Yoga: Amy shares her journey of overcoming physical, mental, and emotional challenges through yoga and Ayurveda.
3. Applying Yoga Sutra 1.33: Learn how to navigate relationships by being friendly to the friendly, compassionate to the suffering, appreciative of the good, and discerning with negative influences.
4. Discernment in Action: Understand when to step back from toxic relationships and redirect energy towards meaningful connections.
5. Compassion vs. Empathy: Amy explains the importance of healthy boundaries in offering compassion without experiencing burnout or compassion fatigue.

Special Offer:

Join Amy every Monday night in 2025 for a year-long series on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and Emotional Intelligence. Each session includes asana, pranayama, yoga nidra, meditation, and a focused discussion on a sutra. Explore monthly themes and gain tools for personal growth and professional development.

Details:

🌟 Cost: $59 per household (75 min. class + recording) | $75 per person for CEUs (75 min. class + 15 min. discussion + Certificate of Completion)

📅 Sign Up: www.theoptimalstate.com

Connect with Amy:

• Website: www.theoptimalstate.com
• Instagram: @OptimalState
• Podcast Patreon Community: Support the show and enjoy exclusive gifts!

Start your 2025 with clarity, compassion, and connection—tune in now! 🎙✨

Come join us at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) for our Signature Programs starting in Fall 2025.

Master of Science in Yoga Therapy

https://lnkd.in/gBSCUsMQ

Are you already a licensed healthcare professional? Explore MUIH’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals. https://lnkd.in/gbWHSjQq

In this inspiring episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler sits down with Tracy Stonaker to explore her journey of healing and transformation through yoga and Ayurveda. Tracy shares her deeply personal story of navigating a challenging divorce, overcoming fear, and finding her inner strength through her yoga practice. She discusses the pivotal moments in her life that led her to Ayurveda and how it reshaped her relationship with food, health, and self-care.

Amy and Tracy delve into the profound ways in which yoga and Ayurveda can support individuals through life's hardships, from cultivating resilience to embracing self-nourishment. Tracy also talks about her new venture, Ojas Global, a travel representation company that connects people with Ayurvedic retreats worldwide, offering transformative healing experiences in nature.

If you've ever wondered how yoga and Ayurveda can help you navigate life's toughest transitions or if you're curious about experiencing an authentic Panchakarma retreat, this episode is a must-listen.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Tracy's introduction to yoga and the impact of her early experiences
• The role of yoga in navigating divorce and healing from trauma
• Understanding the mind-body connection and aligning with one's inner voice
• Ayurveda as a personalized health system and its integration with yoga
• Panchakarma: The powerful Ayurvedic cleansing process
• Tracy's journey from raw veganism to balanced nourishment through Ayurveda
• The importance of small, consistent lifestyle shifts for long-term well-being
• The launch of Ojas Global and its mission to bring authentic Ayurvedic experiences to travelers worldwide
• The benefits of Ayurvedic retreats and Panchakarma treatments for holistic healing

Guest Bio:

Tracy Stonaker is a dedicated yoga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner with a passion for holistic healing. After years of personal transformation through yoga and Ayurveda, she founded Ojas Global, a travel representation company that connects people with Ayurvedic resorts around the world. Tracy is committed to helping others experience the life-changing benefits of Ayurveda and wellness travel.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Tracy’s work at www.ojasglobal.com
• Follow Tracy on Instagram: @ojasglobal
• Explore Ayurvedic education and yoga therapy programs at www.muih.edu

Connect with Amy Wheeler:

• Website: www.TheOptimalState.com
• Podcast: The Yoga Therapy Hour
• Instagram: @theoptimalstate

Support the Podcast:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your community. Your support helps us bring inspiring stories and valuable insights to listeners worldwide.

In this deeply insightful conversation, Amy Wheeler sits down with yoga therapist Mandy Henderly to explore her personal journey of healing and embodiment. Mandy shares her story of being diagnosed with a brain tumor at 13, how her nervous system responded to the medical trauma, and how yoga eventually became a key tool for reconnecting with her body and navigating mental health challenges.

From discovering yoga in her teens (thanks to Madonna’s iconic Ray of Light era) to embracing a therapeutic approach with The Optimal State, Mandy's transformation speaks to the power of yoga beyond the physical. She discusses the importance of slowing down, finding stability in life’s ebbs and flows, and integrating yoga into daily life in a sustainable, non-perfectionist way.

Amy and Mandy also dive into the growing loneliness epidemic, the importance of co-regulation, and why human connection will always remain essential—even as AI continues to advance.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Recognizing and processing medical trauma as a teenager
• The role of yoga in reconnecting with the body after dissociation
• How yoga therapy supports mental health and emotional well-being
• The importance of slowing down and finding sattva in daily life
• The need for strong human connection in an increasingly digital world
• Yoga therapy as a path to integration, not perfection

Notable Quotes from the Episode:

• “When life ebbs, I flow.” — Mandy Henderly
• “Yoga helps me slow down and reconnect with my center. It doesn’t erase life’s ups and downs, but it allows me to move through them with more grace.”
• “AI can’t co-regulate with you. True healing happens in human connection.”

Resources & Mentions:

• Mandy’s Offerings: www.MandyHenderly.com
• Beloved Asheville (Community Support Organization): Beloved Asheville
• Vira Bhava Yoga (Teacher-Owned Cooperative): Vira Bhava Yoga

Connect with Amy Wheeler:

• Website: The Optimal State
• Podcast: The Yoga Therapy Hour
• Social Media: @TheOptimalState