Soma Says

Root Cause Wellness: Beyond Conventional Healthcare

In this insightful episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal sits down with Kristen Blake, a functional nutritionist and women’s wellness coach dedicated to helping women heal from the inside out.
Kristen shares the personal health struggles that led her to build Kristen Blake Wellness, and walks listeners through her root-cause approach—a method that integrates personalized nutrition, targeted lifestyle changes, and nervous system support to address the deeper imbalances driving symptoms.
Together, Soma and Kristen explore the foundations of women’s metabolic and hormonal health:• the connection between gut health and hormone balance,• how blood sugar impacts mood, energy, and midlife weight changes,• the role of functional lab testing,• the effects of chronic stress on metabolism, and• how to break free from diet culture and rebuild a nurturing relationship with food.
They also highlight the importance of collaborative care between nutritionists and physicians to support women through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.
This conversation is a must-listen for any woman navigating midlife who wants to feel energized, balanced, and deeply supported in her body.
⏱️ Timeline
00:00 — Introduction and Disclaimer00:52 — Meet Kristen Blake: A Journey to Wellness01:31 — Kristen’s Personal Health Struggles02:22 — Discovering the Power of Nutrition03:31 — From Personal Healing to Professional Practice05:09 — The Importance of Root Cause Wellness12:19 — Functional Lab Testing Explained15:12 — Gut Health and Hormone Balance18:50 — Reframing Food and Diet Culture21:17 — Balancing Blood Sugar for Better Health22:02 — Building Trust with Patients23:31 — Overcoming Limiting Beliefs25:08 — The Impact of Stress on Women’s Health28:31 — Morning Routines for Better Health30:34 — Collaborative Care for Women’s Health31:31 — Debunking Nutrition and Hormone Myths34:34 — Embracing Aging and Healthspan39:22 — What’s Next for Kristen Blake Wellness
🔗 Connect with Kristen Blake
🌐 Website: https://www.kristenblakewellness.com📸 Instagram: @kristenblakewellness💼 Coaching & Programs: Available via her website
🔗 Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal
🌐 Website: https://www.somamandalmd.com🏥 Medical Director of Women’s Health — Hackensack Meridian Health, JSUMC📚 Midlife Masala — available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo & BookBub🎧 Soma Says Podcast — Apple Podcasts & YouTube (@SomaSays)📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsomamandalmd💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/somamandalmd
⭐ Support the Podcast
If this episode helped you understand your body, hormones, or health habits more deeply, please follow, subscribe, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps more women discover science-based, compassionate guidance for thriving in midlife.

Decoding Your Soul’s Blueprint: A Conversation with Karen Curry Parker

In this illuminating episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal is joined by Karen Curry Parker, founder of Quantum Human Design™, bestselling author, and pioneer in the field of energy psychology.
Together, they explore how Quantum Human Design can help women decode their soul’s blueprint—providing unprecedented clarity, direction, and self-understanding, especially during midlife transitions. Karen breaks down the key differences between traditional Human Design and her upgraded Quantum system, explaining how energetic alignment affects everything from mood and resilience to physiology and hormone balance.
The conversation dives into the deeper stories that shape our identity, the impact of living out of alignment, and how midlife—particularly perimenopause and menopause—can become a powerful awakening decade rather than a crisis.
Listeners will learn how to use Human Design insights to make aligned decisions, transform old narratives, regulate emotional energy, and step into a more authentic, empowered version of themselves.
This episode is rich with wisdom, compassion, and practical tools for anyone seeking meaning, healing, and clarity during one of the most transformative chapters of life.
⏱️ Timeline
00:00 — Introduction and Disclaimer00:52 — Meet Karen Curry Parker: Pioneer in Energy Psychology01:39 — Understanding Quantum Human Design03:31 — The Complexity of Human Stories04:50 — Midlife Reflections and Human Design11:09 — The Power of Cosmic Blueprints17:18 — Physiological Impact of Living Out of Alignment25:21 — Understanding the Chiron Return25:32 — Core Wounds and Personal Growth26:22 — Control and Self-Regulation27:34 — The Awakening Decade for Women30:33 — Caregiving and Emotional Burnout33:49 — Navigating Perimenopause with Human Design36:20 — Incorporating Quantum Human Design39:25 — Personal Transformation and Self-Care45:25 — Reframing Life Through the Hero’s Journey48:14 — The Power of Wellbeing and Community49:34 — Conclusion and Contact Information
🔗 Connect with Karen Curry Parker
🌐 Website: https://www.quantumhumandesign.com📘 Books: Available through her website and major retailers🎧 Podcast: Quantum Revolution📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karencurryparkerofficial/?hl=en💼 LinkedIn: Karen Curry Parker
🔗 Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal
🌐 Website: https://www.somamandalmd.com🏥 (incoming) Medical Director of Women’s Health — Hackensack Meridian Health, JSUMC📚 Book: Midlife Masala— Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo & BookBub🎧 Listen to Soma Says: Apple Podcasts,  & YouTube (@SomaSays)📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsomamandalmd💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/somamandalmd

Beyond Kegels: Breaking Myths and Building Pelvic Strength

In this empowering episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal is joined by Maryellen Reider, co-founder of Yarlap, an FDA-cleared pelvic floor strengthening device designed to help women regain confidence, control, and comfort in their daily lives.
Together, they dive deep into the often-ignored world of pelvic floor health, breaking through stigma and silence surrounding urinary incontinence—an issue that affects millions of midlife, postpartum, and athletic women.
Maryellen shares the origin story of Yarlap, the science behind correctly performed Kegels, and why so many women unknowingly perform pelvic contractions incorrectly. She sheds light on the rigorous process of FDA clearance, user customization, contraindications, and the powerful success stories of women who have transformed their quality of life with the device.
The conversation highlights the profound connection between pelvic health, hormones, menopause, postpartum recovery, and overall well-being. Dr. Soma and Maryellen underscore the importance of early intervention, proper resources, and evidence-based tools to support women at every life stage.
Whether you're navigating postpartum changes, the hormonal shifts of menopause, or simply curious about pelvic wellness, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and hope.
⏱️ Timeline
00:00 — Introduction and Disclaimer00:52 — Meet Maryellen Reider: Co-Founder of Yarlap01:12 — Understanding Pelvic Health and Incontinence02:25 — The Creation of Yarlap: A Family Affair03:44 — Challenges and Misconceptions in Pelvic Health05:00 — The Importance of FDA Clearance07:30 — How Yarlap Works: Bridging the Gap in Pelvic Health11:57 — User Experience and Customization17:14 — Contraindications and Postpartum Use18:48 — Personal Stories and Successes20:31 — Breaking the Silence on Postpartum Incontinence21:20 — Menopause and Postpartum: A Shared Struggle21:32 — The Role of Athletes and Active Women22:00 — Modern Approaches to Incontinence Treatment23:46 — The Importance of Pelvic Floor Exercises24:58 — Success Stories: Real Women, Real Results26:03 — Integrating Yarlap into Daily Life26:53 — Empowering Women with Knowledge and Tools27:37 — Navigating Insurance and Financial Options28:10 — Heartwarming Patient Stories34:09 — Final Thoughts and Encouragement
🔗 Connect with Maryellen Reider & Yarlap
🌐 Website: https://yarlap.com📸 Instagram: @yarlap📘 Facebook: Yarlap🛍️ Shop Yarlap: https://yarlap.com/products/the-yarlap-kegel-exercise-kit-system
🔗 Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal
🌐 Website: https://www.somamandalmd.com🏥 (incoming) Medical Director of Women’s Health — Hackensack Meridian Health, Jersey Shore University Medical Center📚 Book: Midlife Masala— Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, & BookBub🎧 Listen to Soma Says: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube (@SomaSays)📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsomamandalmd💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/somamandalmd
⭐ Support the Podcast
If this conversation encouraged you or helped you better understand your pelvic health, please follow, share, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps more women access empowering conversations about their bodies and their well-being.

The Coherent Body: Reconnecting Through Somatic Practices

In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal is joined by Sue Choi, founder of The Coherent Body, a somatic awareness and nervous system healing practice that helps women rebuild resilience, presence, and inner stability.
Sue shares her powerful personal journey—from living with chronic depression to discovering the healing potential of yoga, martial arts, and mindfulness-based somatic work. She explains how her method evolved into a trauma-informed, integrative approach that teaches women how to reconnect with the wisdom of their bodies.
Together, Soma and Sue explore the science and art of coherence, how posture and sensory integration shape emotional regulation, and why somatic awareness is essential for navigating hormonal transitions, chronic stress, and midlife change.
Listeners will learn practical tools to regulate the nervous system, cultivate presence, and complement traditional therapy or medical care with body-based practices that promote deep, sustainable healing.
A must-listen for women seeking calm, clarity, and embodied confidence—especially during perimenopause, menopause, or life transitions that demand resilience.
⏱️ Timeline
00:00 — Introduction to Sue Choi and The Coherent Body00:39 — Sue’s Personal Journey and Professional Development02:41 — Understanding Coherence in Body and Mind03:30 — Practical Techniques for Somatic Awareness11:49 — Addressing Women’s Health and Hormonal Transitions17:41 — Integrating Somatic Practices with Traditional Therapy19:42 — Approaches to Trauma and Healing22:16 — Incorporating Somatic Concepts in Clinical Practice43:12 — Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions
🔗 Connect with Sue Choi
🌐 Website: https://www.coherentbody.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coherent_body/?hl=en
🔗 Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal
🌐 Website: https://www.somamandalmd.com🏥 (incoming) Medical Director of Women’s Health, Hackensack Meridian Health – Jersey Shore University Medical Center📚 Book: Midlife Masala Available on: • Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Kobo • BookBub🎧 Listen to Soma Says: • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soma-says/id1752337105 • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaSays/videos📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsomamandalmd💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/somamandalmd
⭐ Support the Podcast
If this conversation inspired you, please follow, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps more women discover the tools and insights they need to thrive in midlife and beyond.

Decoding the Mental Prison: Are Your Defenses Also Your Downfall?

In this powerful episode of Soma Says, host Dr. Soma Mandal sits down with Michelle Smith, LPC, LMHC, LCMHC, a trauma-informed psychotherapist who helps women move from survival mode to self-trust.
Michelle shares her personal journey into psychotherapy and unpacks the deep connection between the brain, body, and emotional healing. Together, they explore what it truly means to heal from the inside out—addressing the impact of trauma on the brain, the difference between coping and healing, and how self-compassion, mindfulness, and body awareness can transform mental health.
Listeners will walk away with practical tools for grounding, understanding the nervous system, and recognizing that real healing begins when we stop trying to “fix” ourselves and start listening to our inner wisdom.
This conversation offers insight, hope, and clarity for anyone navigating anxiety, burnout, or emotional overwhelm—especially during the midlife transition.
Timeline
00:00 Introduction to Michelle Smith and Her Work00:40 Michelle’s Journey into Psychotherapy01:22 The Mind-Body Connection in Therapy02:00 Healing from the Inside Out03:07 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact04:39 Identifying and Rewiring Hidden Patterns05:30 Coping vs. Healing08:12 The Role of the Nervous System in Emotional Regulation09:29 Building Safety and Awareness in Therapy10:38 Mindfulness and Body-Based Awareness11:49 Addressing Perfectionism and Guilt14:42 Returning to the Authentic Self16:03 Common Myths About Mental Health and Trauma17:04 Favorite Grounding Techniques18:10 Finding the Right Therapist for Trauma and Anxiety19:15 Integrating Evidence-Based Practices with Intuitive Tools20:20 The Role of AI in Therapy23:38 Human Resilience and the Power of Therapy26:22 Advice for Those Feeling Stuck in Their Healing Journey27:44 Inspiring Patient Journeys and the Importance of Self-Care31:48 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Connect with Michelle Smith
🌐 Website: www.michellesmithlmhc.com📲 Instagram: @michellesmithlmhc💼 LinkedIn: Michelle Smith, LMHC
Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal
🌐 Website: www.somamandalmd.com🏥 Upcoming Medical Director of Women’s Health, Hackensack Meridian Health – Jersey Shore University Medical Center📚 Book: Midlife Masala — available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and BookBub🎧 Listen to Soma Says on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube @SomaSays📲 Instagram: @drsomamandalmd💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Soma Mandal, MD
Support the Podcast
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Soma Says on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps more women discover empowering, science-based conversations on healing, resilience, and thriving through midlife.

Breaking the Chains: How Subconscious Therapy is Rapidly Changing Lives

In this powerful episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal shares exciting news about her new role as Medical Director of Women’s Health at Hackensack Meridian Health. She’s then joined by special guest Krishna Avalon, a subconscious reprogramming expert who blends acupuncture, somatic healing, and subconscious therapy to help clients move through emotional blocks and accelerate healing.
Together, they explore the transformative power of the subconscious mind, including techniques like Psych-K and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Krishna shares how the pandemic reshaped her purpose, and why aligning the conscious and subconscious mind is key to lasting growth. If you’ve ever felt stuck, anxious, or disconnected from your inner voice, this conversation offers science-backed tools and spiritual insight to help you come home to yourself.
💫 Whether you're a woman in midlife, navigating burnout, or seeking clarity in the chaos, this episode is a must-listen.
🧠 Episode Breakdown00:00 — Exciting New Role Announcement01:18 — Introduction to Krishna Avalon01:42 — Krishna's Journey into Healing04:26 — Understanding the Subconscious Mind07:39 — Exploring Psych-K and IFS17:41 — Balancing Science and Spirituality23:19 — Daily Practices for Subconscious Awareness27:22 — Personal Stories of Transformation35:59 — Final Thoughts and Contact Information
🔗 Connect with Krishna AvalonWebsite: https://www.krishnaavalon.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/krishnaavalon/
✨ Work with Krishna: Learn more about subconscious reprogramming, 1:1 sessions, and free tools at her website.
👩‍⚕️ Connect with Dr. Soma MandalWebsite: www.somamandalmd.comInstagram: @drsomamandalmdYouTube: Soma SaysPodcast: Soma Says – available on all platforms
🎧 Subscribe, rate & share this episode with someone who's ready for their next transformation.

Why Thermal Imaging Might Be Your Best Ally with Dr. Robert Kane

In this episode of Soma Says, host Dr. Soma Mandal, newly appointed Medical Director of Women’s Health at Hackensack Meridian Health, shares exciting updates about her new role at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and the mission to advance comprehensive, compassionate women’s care.
Joining Dr. Soma is Dr. Robert Kane, CEO of Kane Thermal Imaging, for a fascinating look into how thermal imaging technology is transforming medicine. Together, they explore the science behind this non-invasive diagnostic tool and its diverse applications — from early breast cancer detection and chronic pain management to sports performance and hormonal health.
Dr. Kane explains how thermal imaging captures subtle temperature changes to identify inflammation, vascular issues, and physiological patterns before they become disease, highlighting its potential as a complementary tool to traditional diagnostics.
This conversation sheds light on the future of functional imaging, AI integration, and women’s health innovation — offering listeners a glimpse into how technology can bridge prevention, precision, and empowerment in modern medicine.
Timeline
00:00 Exciting New Role Announcement01:32 Introduction to Dr. Robert Kane and Thermal Imaging02:48 The Science Behind Thermal Imaging05:17 Thermal Imaging in Breast Cancer Detection08:03 Thermal Imaging for Pain and Other Conditions13:28 Challenges and Adoption of Thermal Imaging17:24 Future of Thermal Imaging and AI17:58 Non-Medical Uses of Thermal Imaging18:59 Training and Certification in Thermal Imaging30:23 Thermal Imaging in Sports and Diabetes34:55 Thermal Imaging in Menopause and Hormone Therapy37:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Connect with Dr. Robert Kane
🌐 Website: www.kanethermalimaging.com
Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal
🌐 Website: www.somamandalmd.com🏥 Learn more about her upcoming work at Hackensack Meridian Health – Jersey Shore University Medical Center📚 Book: Midlife Masala — available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo🎧 Listen to Soma Says on Apple Podcasts,  and YouTube at @SomaSays📲 Instagram: @drsomamandalmd💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Soma Mandal, MD

Breaking Free from the Insecurity Industry: The Verdura Method

In this inspiring episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal welcomes Lisa Axelrad Schultz, founder of The Verdura Method, to discuss how women can break free from the trillion-dollar insecurity industry and reconnect with their innate vitality.
Lisa shares her fascinating journey from the beauty and wellness industries to creating the Verdura Method, a transformative approach that empowers women to embrace their bodies, nourish themselves holistically, and reject unrealistic beauty standards. Together, Soma and Lisa explore the intersection of nutrition, mindset, and self-image, the impact of social media on self-esteem, and the myths women internalize about aging and health.
This conversation is an invitation to reimagine wellness — not as punishment or perfection, but as freedom, confidence, and self-acceptance.
Timeline
00:00 Exciting Career Announcement01:32 Introducing Lisa Axelrad Schultz and the Verdura Method02:20 The Importance of Holistic Nutrition04:11 Challenges of Diet and Beauty Culture07:05 Empowering Women to Embrace Themselves10:17 Debunking Myths About Aging and Health16:55 The Role of Supplements in Women's Health20:10 Building a Business and Overcoming Insecurities20:31 Growing Up in the Magazine Culture21:04 Evolution of My Training Methodology21:39 The Wedding Trainer: My First Business Venture22:27 Shifting Focus to Sustainable Nutrition23:38 The Role of Scales and Medications in Weight Management26:44 Understanding BMI and Body Changes Over Time28:31 Modeling Confidence and Healthy Habits for the Next Generation31:19 Addressing Body Image and Self-Acceptance34:55 The Bloom Workshop: Overcoming Obstacles and Self-Sabotage36:32 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Lisa Schulz and The Verdura Method
Connect with Lisa Axelrad Schultz
🌐 Website: www.verduramethod.com📲 Instagram: @itslisaschultz🎥 TikTok: @itslisaschultz💼 LinkedIn: Lisa Axelrad Schulz
Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal
🌐 Website: www.somamandalmd.com📚 Book: Midlife Masala — available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and BookBub🎧 Listen to Soma Says on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube at @SomaSaysPodcast📲 Instagram: @drsomamandalmd💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Soma Mandal, MD
Support the Podcast
If this episode inspired you to rethink beauty, confidence, or wellness, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Soma Says on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps more women find empowering, science-backed, and soulful conversations on midlife health and self-care.

The Prayer of Freedom: Transformative Healing with Beatty Carmichael

In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal sits down with Beatty Carmichael, creator of The Prayer of Freedom, a transformative spiritual practice designed to help people release fear, stress, and emotional pain.
With a background in business and a family rooted in medicine, Beatty has devoted his life to helping others experience mental, emotional, and spiritual healing through the power of faith and forgiveness. He shares remarkable stories of people who have found freedom from chronic pain, addiction, and relational conflict using this simple yet profound prayer technique.
Dr. Soma and Beatty explore how forgiveness impacts physical health, what science says about the burden of unresolved emotions, and how spiritual practices can complement traditional medicine. Whether you’re a person of faith or simply searching for peace, this episode offers hope, healing, and practical wisdom for the heart and mind.
Timeline
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer00:57 Meet Beatty Carmichael: Journey to Healing02:15 Defining Healing: A Spiritual Perspective03:46 Real-Life Healing Stories09:02 The Gift of Healing and Its Evolution11:10 Teaching The Prayer of Freedom13:28 Understanding Spiritual Healing26:48 Forgiveness and Breaking Unhealthy Ties29:34 Understanding Forgiveness and Its Challenges30:57 The Science Behind Unforgiveness32:02 Spiritual Healing and Real-Life Examples33:41 Daily Prayer of Freedom for Stress Relief35:48 A Practical Guide to Spiritual Healing37:58 Addressing Skepticism and Non-Religious Perspectives40:28 Live Demonstration of Spiritual Healing46:50 Integrating Spiritual Healing with Traditional Medicine49:42 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Connect with Beatty Carmichael
🌐 Website: www.theprayeroffreedom.com📘 Book: The Prayer of Freedom – available on Amazon🎧 Learn more about Beatty’s teachings and upcoming events on his website.
Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal
🌐 Website: www.somamandalmd.com📚 Book: Midlife Masala — available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and BookBub🎧 Listen to Soma Says on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube at @SomaSays📲 Instagram: @drsomamandalmd💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Soma Mandal, MD
Support the Podcast
If this episode moved you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Every review helps Soma Says reach more listeners seeking wisdom, healing, and empowerment through every stage of life.
 

Why Menopause Medicine Needs a Makeover/ with Claire Snowdon- Darling

In this episode of Soma Says, host Dr. Soma Mandal sits down with Claire Snowdon-Darling, founder of The College of Functional Wellness, to unpack the truth about women’s health and hormone balance.
Claire shares her personal journey from health struggles to becoming one of the UK’s leading voices in menopause care. Together, they explore the root causes of hormonal imbalance—the adrenals, blood sugar, and digestion—and how these key systems shape everything from mood to metabolism.
The conversation dives deep into the differences in menopause care between the UK and the US, the essential role of stress management and nutrition, and the often misunderstood condition of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). Claire also explains how kinesiology and functional wellness can help women—and healthcare practitioners—support the body as it moves through the profound transformation of menopause.
This episode is an empowering listen for anyone seeking clarity, confidence, and holistic insight on the midlife journey.
Timeline
00:00 Introduction to Claire Snowdon-Darling00:25 Comparing Menopause Care: UK vs US01:50 Claire’s Personal Health Journey04:54 Founding The College of Functional Wellness09:10 Understanding Premature Ovarian Insufficiency17:34 The Functional Wellness Approach21:54 The Importance of Stress and Diet40:05 Kinesiology and Hormone Health45:20 Final Thoughts and Advice
Connect with Claire Snowdon-Darling
🌐 Website: www.clairesnowdon-darling.com📲 Instagram: @clairesnowdondarlingofficial💼 LinkedIn: Claire Snowdon-Darling
Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal
🌐 Website: www.somamandalmd.com📚 Book: Midlife Masala — available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and BookBub🎧 Listen to the Soma Says Podcast on Apple Podcasts,  and YouTube at @SomaSays📲 Instagram: @drsomamandalmd💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Soma Mandal, MD
Support the Podcast
If today’s episode inspired you or taught you something new about women’s health, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Soma Says on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps more women find the clarity, community, and confidence they deserve through every stage of life.