Soma Says

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.

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.

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

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.

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.
 

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.

In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma sits down with Dr. Krystal Couture, DPT, LAc., a holistic physical therapist and acupuncturist, to shine light on an often-overlooked topic: pelvic floor health.
Krystal explains what pelvic floor dysfunction really is, the common symptoms women (and men) experience, and the surprising emotional and physical causes behind it. Together, they explore how holistic practices—like acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, and breathwork—can be combined with traditional physical therapy for a deeper, more integrative approach.
Listeners will learn practical tools like pelvic breathing exercises, hear myths about pelvic floor health get debunked, and discover why open conversations and proper education are essential to breaking the taboo around this vital part of our health.
Whether you’re navigating postpartum changes, perimenopause, or simply curious about strengthening your pelvic health, this episode will leave you with both knowledge and empowerment.
Timeline
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:52 Meet Dr. Krystal Couture
02:02 Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
03:04 Pelvic Floor Symptoms and Causes
06:38 Pelvic Floor Breathing Exercise
11:26 Combining Acupuncture and Physical Therapy
15:01 Breaking the Taboo Around Pelvic Health
20:46 Holistic Treatment Approaches
34:20 Men’s Pelvic Health and Other Specialties
36:18 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Resources & Links
🌐 Learn more about Dr. Krystal Couture: www.krystal-couture.com📲 Follow Krystal on social media:
Instagram: @krystalcouture
Facebook: Krystal Couture
🌐 Connect with Dr. Soma: www.somamandalmd.com📚 Dr. Soma’s book Midlife Masala — available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and BookBub
Support the Podcast
If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review for Soma Says on Apple Podcasts. Reviews also help more women discover these important conversations. And after you read Midlife Masala, don’t forget to leave a review for the book too!

In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma sits down with Carolyn Zaumeyer, founder of LowTE Florida and a nationally recognized Nurse Practitioner who has spent over 20 years transforming lives through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).
Carolyn shares her personal journey into hormone therapy and the patient-first philosophy that defines her practice. Together, they unpack common hormone-related challenges—low energy, mood swings, weight gain, and sleep issues—while clarifying the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones.
This conversation dives into the myths and misinformation surrounding hormone therapy, the importance of individualized dosing, and Carolyn’s success stories with patients from across the globe. They also explore how hormone therapy can alleviate menopause symptoms, improve quality of life, and empower women to embrace midlife as a season of strength and renewal.
If you’ve ever wondered whether hormone therapy could be right for you—or if you’re simply curious about how to feel more energized, focused, and vibrant—this episode will leave you informed and inspired.
Episode Timeline
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:52 Meet Carolyn Zaumeyer: Hormone Therapy Expert
02:11 Carolyn's Journey into Hormone Therapy
05:33 The Rise of LowTE Florida
06:42 Understanding Hormone Pellets
07:26 Patient Consultation Process
09:36 Global Reach and Patient Success Stories
17:05 Bioidentical vs. Synthetic Hormones
17:43 Addressing Myths and Misinformation
22:58 Open Access to Hormone Therapy
23:20 Testosterone Therapy Success Stories
23:48 Challenges in Patient-Doctor Communication
25:16 Choosing the Right Hormone Practitioner
26:39 Debunking Hormone Therapy Myths
28:32 Additional Services Offered by the Clinic
31:02 Addressing Sleep Issues in Midlife
35:19 Rapid Fire Questions on Menopause Myths
38:32 Importance of Cardiovascular Screening
41:02 Conclusion and Contact Information
Resources & Links
🌐 Learn more about Carolyn’s work: LowTE Florida📖 Explore Carolyn’s book and additional resources on hormone therapy🌐 Connect with Dr. Soma: www.somamandalmd.com📚 Dr. Soma’s book Midlife Masala — available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and BookBub
Support the Podcast
If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review for Soma Says on Apple Podcasts.  You can also watch the Youtube version. And after you read Midlife Masala, don’t forget to leave a review for the book, too—your words help more women discover the tools they need to thrive in midlife and beyond.

Welcome to Season Three of Soma Says! In this powerful episode, Dr. Soma Mandal sits down with Briana Bass, founder of The Wellness Institute in Dallas and board-certified clinical sexologist, to explore how midlife can become a masterclass in health, connection, and self-discovery.
Brianna shares her journey from corporate burnout to mental health advocate, offering evidence-based, practical strategies for navigating perimenopause, menopause, and the pressures facing high-achieving women. Together, they break down the myths of sex therapy, discuss the “pie of life” approach to wellness, and reveal the eight forms of intimacy that sustain relationships beyond the bedroom.
Key topics include:
How to reclaim your sense of self during life transitions
The truth about intimacy, body image, and emotional connection
Red flags and green flags in modern relationships
Overcoming loneliness and building community
Dating app fatigue and authentic connection in the digital age
Why therapy is for everyone—not just for crisis
Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical advice, or a fresh perspective on relationships and wellness, this episode will leave you empowered to make meaningful changes—one conversation at a time.
00:00 – Disclaimer & IntroductionDr. Soma Mandal opens the episode with a medical disclaimer and welcomes listeners to Season Three of Soma Says.
00:53 – Meet the Guest: Briana BassIntroduction to Briana Bass, founder of The Wellness Institute, and her unique approach to mental health and sexology.
02:24 – Briana’s Journey: From Corporate Burnout to TherapyBrianna shares her transition from the corporate world to becoming a clinical sexologist and mental health advocate.
04:22 – Redefining Intimacy & Identity in MidlifeDiscussion on intimacy, trauma, and helping clients reconnect with themselves, especially during perimenopause and menopause.
06:01 – The “Pie of Life” Approach to WellnessBrianna explains her holistic framework for lifestyle, community, and self-care, and how it impacts mental and sexual health.
10:27 – Body Image, Shame, and Self-WorthAddressing body changes, societal messaging, and how to break the cycle of shame and guilt.
13:10 – Debunking Myths About Sex TherapyBrianna clarifies what sex therapy really is, common misconceptions, and the importance of emotional safety in relationships.
16:30 – Taboos and Communication BarriersWhy sex is still taboo, even in intimate relationships, and how to foster open communication.
19:30 – Red Flags, Green Flags, and Relationship PatternsHow to spot healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics, with advice for both singles and couples.
24:00 – Dating App Fatigue & Authentic ConnectionExploring the impact of dating apps, self-worth, and how to seek meaningful relationships in the digital age.
27:00 – The Eight Forms of IntimacyBrianna introduces the eight forms of intimacy that sustain relationships beyond the bedroom.
29:30 – Therapy as Prevention, Not Just CrisisWhy therapy is valuable for everyone, not just those in crisis.
31:00 – Connect with Briana BassWhere to find Brianna online, her preference for in-person therapy, and closing thoughts.
32:57 – Outro & Call to ActionDr. Soma wraps up the episode, encouraging listeners to like, share, and review the podcast.
Connect with Brianna Bass:Website: brianabass.orgInstagram: @brianabasstherapy
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and review Soma Says. Remember, it’s always ladies first—let’s make a difference together!
 
📖 Get Dr. Soma’s Book: Midlife MasalaAvailable wherever books are sold:
🌐 Amazon
📚 Barnes & Noble
📱 Kobo
⭐ BookBub
Or download the Thinkific companion resource directly from my website: www.somamandalmd.com
🔗 Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal🌐 Website: www.somamandalmd.com📸 Instagram: @drsomamandalmd👥 LinkedIn: Dr. Soma Mandal▶️ YouTube: Soma Says Podcast
🙌 Support the Show & the Book
Subscribe to Soma Says wherever you listen to podcasts.
Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review to help more women discover these important conversations.
After reading Midlife Masala, please leave a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Goodreads — your feedback makes a huge difference!

Episode Description:In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal takes an in-depth look at the significant yet under-recognized threat of heart disease in South Asian women. She explains the genetic predispositions, metabolic risk factors, and cultural influences that make this demographic particularly vulnerable.
Along with uncovering why symptoms are often dismissed, Dr. Soma shares actionable prevention strategies and outlines the key health screenings every South Asian woman should consider.
Tune in to gain knowledge that could save your life—or the life of a woman you love. And don’t forget to download the special Thinkific resource on heart health and explore Dr. Soma’s new book, Midlife Masala, for more empowering insights.
Episode Timeline:
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:52 Welcome to Soma Says
01:01 The Silent Threat of Heart Disease in South Asian Women
02:23 Understanding the Genetic and Cultural Factors
06:41 The Importance of Early Detection and Screening
10:11 Cultural Barriers and Stigma
13:05 Advocating for Your Health: Essential Tests
16:57 Effective Prevention Strategies
19:53 A Patient’s Story: The Power of Advocacy
21:03 Conclusion and Resources
📖 Get Dr. Soma’s Book: Midlife MasalaAvailable wherever books are sold:
🌐 Amazon
📚 Barnes & Noble
📱 Kobo
⭐ BookBub
Or download the Thinkific companion resource directly from my website: www.somamandalmd.com
🔗 Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal🌐 Website: www.somamandalmd.com📸 Instagram: @drsomamandalmd👥 LinkedIn: Dr. Soma Mandal▶️ YouTube: Soma Says Podcast
🙌 Support the Show & the Book
Subscribe to Soma Says wherever you listen to podcasts.
Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review to help more women discover these important conversations.
After reading Midlife Masala, please leave a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Goodreads — your feedback makes a huge difference!