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

Episode Summary:

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler welcomes Alex Sabbag, author of Soul Dive: My Journey Into the Deep, yoga studio owner, and soulful entrepreneur. Together, they explore the transformative power of life’s most challenging moments and the lessons learned along the way. Alex shares her powerful personal story, including how a life-altering event changed her perspective on control, surrender, and purpose.

Listeners will be inspired by Alex’s honest reflections on navigating grief, embracing yoga as a practice of equanimity, and finding freedom from societal and personal expectations. This conversation touches on practical advice for yoga teachers, studio owners, and anyone seeking to live with more peace, purpose, and presence.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Alex’s journey from Iowa to Chicago to California and the Midwest values that shaped her
• The pivotal moment that changed Alex’s life on her 33rd birthday
• Navigating the two-by-four moments in life with grace and grit
• The role of yoga in building equanimity and resilience during hardship
• Practical tips for yoga teachers and studio owners to balance passion with sustainability
• The importance of cultivating a consistent personal practice
• How surrender and acceptance play a key role in finding freedom
• The intersection of business and wellness: balancing profitability with authenticity

Resources Mentioned:

• Alex’s book: Soul Dive: My Journey Into the Deep – Available on Amazon and select local bookstores
• Alex’s website: Soulful Alchemist – Sign up for Alex’s weekly poetic wisdom drop, Into the Deep with Alex
• Follow Alex on Instagram: @AlexSabag

Upcoming Events:

• Visit Alex’s yoga studio, Soul Dive Yoga, in Palm Desert, California. Whether you’re in the area for golf, Coachella, or simply to soak up the sun, join a class in this welcoming community space.
• Alex’s Retreat in Sicily: August 31–September 7, 2025. Stay tuned for updates on her website for this soulful and transformative experience.

Connect with Amy Wheeler:

• Website: The Optimal State
• Podcast: The Yoga Therapy Hour

Social Media: @TheOptimalState