In this episode, Rabbi Miriam Berger discusses how the Torah remains a beacon of wisdom for modern times. She recounts the profound story of Jews in a concentration camp who, amidst profound darkness, lit a single Hanukkah candle, a symbol of hope. What lessons can we draw from their unwavering faith during times of severe hardship?

Rabbi Berger also sheds light on the Torah’s rich traditions, showing how dietary laws are foundational in strengthening community ties and elaborating on Shabbat’s crucial role in disconnecting from the relentless pace of digital life. This creates space for reflection and rejuvenation with loved ones.

Join us for a conversation that connects historical scripture with urgent issues of the present day, offering a unique perspective on how to lead a purposeful life grounded in compassion and justice.

What does it mean to live with truth, righteousness, and a sense of responsibility toward the world? The Avesta, the sacred text of Zoroastrianism, offers answers that are just as meaningful today as they were thousands of years ago. But how do these ancient teachings apply to modern life?

In this episode, Dr Ramiyar Karanjia—scholar, author, and Principal of the Dadar Athornan Institute—joins us to break down the deeper messages of the Avesta. He explains what “good thoughts, good words, good deeds” truly means beyond its well-known phrase, the role of fire as a bridge between the physical and the divine, and why Zoroastrianism places such importance on protecting nature.

We also get into the hidden world, the power of the mind in spiritual practice, and the system of preserving the Avesta through memory long before it was written down.

More than 1,400 years ago, a man sat in quiet reflection in a cave in Mecca. What he experienced changed the course of history. The words revealed to him became the Quran—a book that continues to shape lives, inspire reflection, and spark debate. But how does a text from so long ago remain relevant today?

In this episode, we speak with Dr Zafarul Islam Khan—scholar, journalist, and translator—who spent over a decade working on a new English translation of the Quran. He takes us through the deeper messages of the text, its themes, and the responsibility that comes with understanding it.

What does the Quran say about justice and accountability? How does it guide personal and societal choices? And why do so many people, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, continue to turn to it for answers?

What if a deck of cards could guide you through life’s most pressing questions? In this episode of Wellness Curated, Anshu Bahanda is joined by Tarot expert Alice Mastroleo and holistic coach Manya Upadhyay to highlight the surprising ways Tarot can bring clarity and purpose.

Tarot has been a trusted tool for centuries—whether helping someone rebuild their life after a setback or offering unexpected glimpses into what lies ahead. Alice and Manya share intriguing moments from their own experiences, like how a single card gave someone the courage to launch a business they never thought possible.

Far from superstition, Tarot offers a unique way to connect with yourself and find the answers already within you. If you’ve ever been curious about how this ancient practice works, or how it continues to empower people in today’s world, this conversation will leave you looking at Tarot in a whole new way.

Can the energy in your home influence your health, relationships, or even your success? In this episode of Wellness Curated, Anshu Bahanda sits down with Master Edgar Lok Tin Yung, a 39th-generation Feng Shui master, and Marianne Gordon, a certified Feng Shui consultant, to discuss the ancient practice of Feng Shui and its relevance today.

You’ll hear fascinating insights about how the placement of a door, the direction of a bed, or even the flow of air and light can create shifts in your life. From improving well-being to helping with challenges like fertility and stress, Feng Shui reveals the surprising ways our environment impacts us.

But it’s not just about furniture or decorations—this episode goes deeper into how Feng Shui connects us with the energy of the spaces we inhabit. Along the way, you’ll hear real-life stories and practical advice, all while clearing up misconceptions about what this practice truly is.

Imagine this: ancient traditions that can read the secrets of the earth, offering glimpses into the unseen forces shaping our lives. In this episode of Wellness Curated, Anshu Bahanda sits down with Dr Ayodeji Ogunnaike, a scholar who’s spent years studying African and Afro-diasporic religions, to talk about geomancy—a mystical practice that feels like it’s straight out of another world.

Dr Ogunnaike shares stories that will leave you in awe, like diviners who can predict someone’s destiny without being told a thing, or how these age-old practices reveal cosmic patterns that guide us in ways we might never have imagined. But it’s not all ancient history—it’s deeply connected to the chaos of today. They also talk about how geomancy connects us to something greater than ourselves, offering a sense of balance and calm when life feels overwhelming.

Can a 3,000-year-old book still make sense in today’s world? In this episode of Wellness Curated, host Anshu Bahanda explores the fascinating world of the I Ching, also called the Book of Changes. Joining her are Erik Schön, author of The Art of Change, and Sandra Constantine, a Chinese metaphysics expert, who shares how this ancient text offers guidance for life’s ups and downs.

Erik explains how the I Ching’s wisdom helps us rethink the idea of change—not as something to fear but as a natural part of life. Sandra connects the dots between the I Ching and other Chinese traditions, showing how it provides both insights and direction for making decisions.

The conversation brings the I Ching to life with a story about a 19th-century Chinese artist, offering a glimpse into how its teachings can be used to make sense of life’s turning points. From starting new chapters to understanding the deeper “why” behind our choices, this episode is all about how old ideas can still feel fresh.

In this engaging episode of Wellness Curated, host Anshu Bahanda takes us on a journey into the world of Jewish mysticism, focusing on the Kabbalah. With special guests Dr Hyman Shipper, a neurologist fascinated by the link between science and ancient wisdom, and Gahl Eden Sasson, an author who combines Kabbalah, astrology, and psychology, the discussion offers an intriguing look into a tradition often shrouded in mystery.

The episode sheds light on Kabbalistic concepts that go beyond religion, touching on how they can enrich our understanding of life and well-being. Dr Shipper shares fascinating insights into the unexpected connections between Kabbalah and modern physics, while Gahl Sasson explores how the idea of oneness and interconnectedness can help us see life differently. They unpack timeless ideas like panentheism and interinclusion, leaving us with plenty to think about without getting too deep into the complexities.

In this insightful episode of Wellness Curated, host Anshu Bahanda expertly navigates the complex and often misunderstood world of astrology, drawing upon the expertise of Liz Norman and Dr. Sundeep Kochar to bridge the gap between Western and Vedic traditions.  The episode reveals astrology as a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth.

The conversation seamlessly flows into practical applications, exploring the impact of moon cycles and planetary transits on our well-being. Intriguingly, the discussion expands beyond pure astrology to encompass complementary healing modalities, such as homoeopathy and Bach flower remedies, highlighting astrology’s potential as a holistic guide to self-care.  This unexpected connection underscores astrology’s capacity to inform a more comprehensive approach to wellness.

In this episode of Wellness Curated, host Anshu Bahanda sits down with two remarkable shamanic practitioners, Kuauhtli Vasquez and Julie Kramer, for an insightful conversation about the ancient art of shamanic healing. Kuauhtli, a peyote shaman deeply rooted in Mexican traditions, shares his experiences using ceremonies and rituals to help people heal, move energy, and connect with the natural world. He explains how plants like peyote play a vital role in supporting mental and emotional well-being, particularly when it comes to overcoming trauma.

Julie, who has been practising shamanism since 2000, introduces the practice of soul retrieval, where a shaman helps someone recover lost parts of their spirit that may have fragmented during traumatic events. She discusses how reconnecting with these missing pieces can restore a sense of wholeness and balance. Julie also shares her thoughts on working with helping spirits and the role they play in guiding shamanic practitioners.

In this episode of Wellness Curated, Anshu Bahanda talks with Darren Rose and Jasmine Modi, two experienced Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) experts. Darren, based in the UK, and Jasmine, practising for over 27 years in India, share how TCM can help with everything from stress and fertility to pain and overall balance.

They open up about their personal experiences with TCM, explaining key concepts like Yin, Yang, and Chi. The conversation shows how these ancient practices still work today, offering natural ways to improve health without the side effects of modern treatments.

If you’re interested in exploring TCM’s natural methods, curious about acupuncture and herbal medicine, or want to learn how these traditions fit into modern life, this episode has a lot to offer. Tune in for a simple and practical look at how TCM can support your well-being.

In this episode of Wellness Curated, host Anshu Bahanda talks with Dr Safina Anees, a consulting physician and specialist in Unani medicine, who is also an expert in cupping therapy, psychotherapy, and holistic treatments for chronic illnesses, as well as counselling on stress, fertility, and ageing. Unani medicine is an ancient system that started in Greece and grew through Arab and Persian cultures before becoming a part of Indian traditional medicine. Today, it is used to help balance the body’s four humours—blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile—through natural methods like herbs, diet changes, and therapies.

Dr Anees explains how Unani medicine can treat many health issues, including digestive problems, mental health concerns, and even serious conditions like kidney failure. She shares real stories of patients who have improved their health using this approach. The episode also gives listeners practical tips on how to make small changes in their daily lives, like adding certain foods and herbs, to improve their well-being.

This episode is for anyone interested in natural healing, seeking ways to manage chronic health issues, or curious about the role of ancient medicine in modern life. Dr Anees’ passion for Unani medicine shines as she explains how it helps keep the body in balance through natural remedies. Join us to explore how this simple yet powerful system can support your overall health and well-being.

In this episode of Wellness Curated, Anshu explores the rich traditions of African herbal medicine with KhadiYah Preciado, an expert in African-based herbalism and the founder of Yah’s Apothecary— a renowned holistic herb school and store. KhadiYah is passionate about empowering others with the tools to care for themselves and their families.

In the episode, KhadiYah shares her personal journey of overcoming a decade of menstrual and hormonal issues through the healing power of herbs. Her story unfolds in a conversation that goes deep into the cultural roots of natural healing and how these age-old practices are thriving today. Her approach highlights the importance of intuition, ritual, and the powerful connection between physical and spiritual health. 

Whether you’re intrigued by ancient healing practices, want to explore natural remedies, or are curious about the link between nature, spirit, and health, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration. Learn how these traditional methods are being revitalised for today’s world, bridging the gap between wellness, culture, and spirituality.

In this episode of my series ‘Healing Traditions from Across Cultures’, we sit down with Dr Dimple Jangda, a renowned Ayurvedic expert who takes us through the fascinating world of Ayurveda, where age-old wisdom meets modern wellness. As the founder of Prana Healthcare Centre in Mumbai and a bestselling author of the book Heal Your Gut, Mind & Emotions: 5 Steps to Reset Your Health with Ayurveda and Food Chemistry, Dr Jangda shares her insights on integrating Ayurvedic principles into our daily lives.

In this conversation, we talk about how to use Ayurvedic principles in daily life to help with everyday health problems and boost overall well-being. We discuss key concepts like inflammation, detoxification, and syncing with nature’s rhythms, and how a personalised approach can address our unique needs, making it easier than ever to find balance and health. 

Get ready to hear some amazing stories about how Ayurveda has successfully managed chronic conditions. Whether you’re curious about alternative medicine or looking to enhance your wellness routine, this episode will expand your understanding of how Ayurveda can work alongside modern healthcare. Learn how this ancient practice can help you achieve harmony in body, mind, and spirit, and find out about specific herbs and practices that can bring lasting vitality.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation that combines traditional wisdom with today’s health trends. By the end of this episode, you’ll be inspired to explore how Ayurveda can refresh your health and enrich your life.

Imagine a world where the remedies for our health issues lie not in a pharmacy, but in the roots, leaves, and flowers beneath our feet. In this episode of my new series— Healing traditions from across cultures, we venture deep into the mystical forests of Arunachal Pradesh, nestled in the eastern Himalayas, where nature’s ancient wisdom thrives. Our guide on this journey is none other than Dr Yanung Jamoh Lego, a 2024 Padma Shri awardee and a revered herbalist who has dedicated her life to preserving and practising the traditional healing methods of her ancestors.

Yanung’s incredible story begins with her own battle against numerous health challenges. When modern medicine failed her, she turned to the herbal knowledge passed down through generations in her family. Not only did she heal herself, but she also became a beacon of hope for her community, using the potent herbs of the region to treat ailments ranging from respiratory issues to stress.

In this episode, we discuss fascinating herbal traditions of Arunachal Pradesh. As Yanung speaks, you’ll be transported into a world where nature is revered as the ultimate healer, and where each plant holds a story, a history, and a divine connection. Whether you’re a believer in natural remedies or just curious about this ancient knowledge, this episode will leave you inspired and amazed at the healing power of nature.

Tune in to find out all about the secrets of Arunachal Pradesh’s herbal treasures, and learn how these time-honoured traditions could hold the key to better health and well-being for us all.

Host Anshu Bahanda takes you on an enlightening journey in the latest episode of Wellness Curated as she talks about the mystical world of Sufism and its teachings on achieving inner peace. Guest speaker Manjari Chaturvedi is a cultural academic and exponent of Sufi Kathak. She discusses various practices of modern-day Sufis that include meditation, poetry, dance, and music. 

Discover the story of the cracked pot that teaches us about self-acceptance and finding the divine within our imperfections. Ms. Chaturvedi shares her insights into Sufi practices such as Zikr, Sama, and contemplation, offering a deeper understanding of how these can help anyone find tranquility and purpose in life. Whether you’re a longtime follower of Sufi teachings or just beginning to explore spiritual traditions, this episode promises to enrich your journey towards inner peace.