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Episode 20
Clearing Stress Through Bodywork with Dave Claing
In this episode, we sit down with bodyworker extraordinaire Dave Claing, who has helped everyone from NHL players to marathoners and triathletes move and feel their best. Dave has an uncanny ability to zero in on the spots that need attention—helping the body “take out the trash” so movement becomes smoother, freer, and more efficient. He reminds us that bodywork isn’t a luxury—it’s a key part of staying healthy, mobile, and pain-free. This conversation will change the way you think about self-care and recovery.
Episode 19
You Grow, Girl with Angela Chen
In this Büddhi Babble episode, Amanda and Karolina chat with Angela Chen, a self-taught gardener who turned a 6’×3’ balcony into a thriving food garden—and now stewards a generous front-yard plot that feeds her block. Angela breaks down how she learned from YouTube and “volunteer” plants, why soil health beats fancy gear, her genius compost-pot method (no smells, no pests), and what to plant for winter gardens in warm climates. We cover starting small, saving seeds, spacing and sun, low-cost setup (cardboard + mulch FTW), pest sanity, and the mental health magic of growing what you eat.
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Episode 18
Lifelong Strong with Vera Ross
Vera Ross is a certified personal trainer, FlowLIFT instructor, and Certified Health Education Specialist with a Master’s in Public Health. She works with women navigating peri/menopause and focuses on behavior change over quick fixes. In this conversation, Vera breaks down what actually changes in menopause (drops in estrogen and testosterone, rising risk of sarcopenia and bone loss) and explains why progressive strength training is a proven, behavior-based way to protect muscle, bone density, and independence as we age. She offers a realistic weekly framework: 2 days of strength, 4–5 days of cardio (moderate or short high-intensity), and regular mobility/stretching (yoga, FlowLIFT, or focused mobility work). We also dig into common misconceptions (“heavy weights make you bulky”), signs your routine isn’t working (constant fatigue, chronic soreness, dread), the immediate mental health payoff of consistent movement, and how FlowLIFT’s multi-planar, core-heavy sequences improve coordination, mobility, and injury resilience—while strength training boosts performance in FlowLIFT. Vera closes with pragmatic advice: find a coach, follow a plan, and commit for at least six months.
Episode 17
The Pelvic Floor Scoop with Embody Physical Therapy
In this Buddhi Babble episode, we chat with Ivy and Macy of Empower Physical Therapy (San Diego) about why pelvic health matters at every stage—pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause. They explain how pelvic floor therapy can help with urinary leakage, painful sex, constipation, back/hip pain, and prolapse, and why it’s about more than Kegels. You’ll hear how breathwork, posture, and functional movement support the core and pelvic floor, what to expect in an assessment, and why a yearly pelvic floor checkup should be as routine as your OB-GYN visit. 🎧 Tune in to learn how pelvic floor therapy can restore strength and confidence at any age.
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Episode 16
50 Years of Meditation with Michael DeFrancisco
For over 50 years, meditation teacher Michael DeFrancisco has been guiding students toward calm, clarity, and resilience through an effortless, practical approach. In this Buddhi Babble episode, Michael shares how a chance encounter with spiritual texts in the 1970s led him to study with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and dedicate his life to teaching meditation. We discuss why meditation is more than stress relief, how it helps with anxiety, anger, and daily pressures, and why his philosophy—“sit down and shut up”—cuts through the noise of modern wellness culture. Whether you’re curious about how to start meditating, interested in the science behind it, or want to hear stories from five decades of practice, this conversation offers timeless wisdom and practical tools for anyone seeking a calmer, more grounded life.
Episode 15
Smile Files with Dr. Sarah Winter
Dental health is about so much more than a pretty smile—it’s directly tied to your heart, brain, and overall wellbeing. In this episode of Buddhi Babble, hosts Amanda and Carolina sit down with Dr. Sarah Winter, one of La Jolla’s top dentists, to uncover the truth about flossing, gum disease, whitening, veneers, and the surprising connections between oral health and conditions like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and even fertility. From the best toothbrushes and toothpastes to mouth taping, tongue scraping, and early orthodontics for kids, Dr. Winter shares expert advice you can use daily to protect your teeth, gums, and long-term health. If you’ve ever wondered whether bleeding gums are “normal” (they’re not!) or if veneers really require shaving down teeth (they don’t!), this episode will change the way you think about dental care.
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Episode 14
Real Talk Aesthetics with Dr. Zoe Rafaat of PRFCT
Stanford-trained anesthesiologist turned aesthetic medicine expert Dr. Zoe Rafat joins hosts Amanda and Carolina to break down what really works in modern aesthetics. From the must-have skincare actives in your 20s and 30s to the difference between Botox and filler, Dr. Zoe shares her natural-first philosophy, how she built her La Jolla practice, and the in-office treatments that deliver lasting results: microneedling with PRP/exosomes, Sculptra, thread lifts, AquaGold, and more. She also talks about her fragrance-free skincare line and her new Her Wellness program for perimenopause and menopause. If you want to understand today’s most effective treatments—and how to keep results subtle and natural—this episode is your guide.
Episode 13
Strong Minds, Strong Women wh Dr. Cambra Finch
In this episode of Büddhi Babble, Amanda and Carolina interview Dr. Cambra Finch, OBGYN and women’s health expert, about the powerful role yoga plays in pregnancy and beyond. Dr. Finch explains how prenatal yoga builds strength, breath control, and resilience for labor, while also supporting mental health and reducing stress hormones. She shares evidence-based insights on safe modifications, postpartum recovery, and why community and self-care are essential for new mothers. Whether you’re expecting, postpartum, or simply curious about women’s health, this episode offers compassionate, practical guidance from an expert you can trust.
Episode 12
Fascia Therapy
In this episode of Büddhi Babble, Carolina and Amanda interview Tamara René, fascia therapist and founder of Fit Fine Fascia. Tamara explains what fascia really is—our body’s connective tissue web—and how adhesions can cause pain, stiffness, cellulite, and premature aging. She shares her unique approach that combines posture correction, fascia therapy, lymphatic treatments, hydration, and nutrition to restore tissue health and beauty from the inside out. From the science of cellular hydration and collagen to practical self-care rituals, Tamara reveals how women can “keep up, not catch up” with their bodies through every stage of life.
Episode 11
Heart Health 101
In this episode of Büddhi Babble, Amanda and Carolina sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Epstein, Integrative Cardiologist at Scripps in La Jolla, to explore how lifestyle, mindset, and evidence-based medicine can prevent—and even reverse—heart disease. Dr. Epstein explains why the Mediterranean diet, exercise, stress reduction, and personalized risk assessments are as powerful as prescription drugs, how integrative cardiology blends the best of traditional and holistic approaches, and why prevention at any age matters. From cholesterol myths to yoga’s impact on the nervous system, this conversation is packed with practical tools for living with a stronger, healthier heart.
Episode 10
All Your Prenatal Questions Answered
All pregnancies are not created equal. Women have a variety of experiences during pregnancy, labor and after the baby is born. We sat down with longtime büddhi babe and OBGYN Catherine Dieffenbach to get her insight on all the different things women go through when they have a baby. We discuss the benefits of yoga and meditation as well as several other topics that you won't want to miss!
Episode 9
Bryan Kest, American Yogi
In this episode of Büddhi Babble, Amanda and Carolina sit down with Bryan Kest—pioneer of Power Yoga and author of Autobiography of an American Yogi. Bryan shares how yoga philosophy can be simple yet transformative, why challenges are our greatest teachers, and how meditation, parenthood, and decades of teaching shaped his outlook on life. From raw and hilarious classroom stories to deep reflections on trust, resilience, and compassion, Bryan’s wisdom will inspire both yoga teachers and students to embrace the benevolent qualities of the mind and live with more peace.
Episode 8
The Teacher Training Experience
In this episode of Büddhi Babble, Amanda and Carolina dive into the world of yoga teacher training—sharing their own stories, lessons from decades of teaching, and candid reflections on what it really takes to guide others. They’re joined by graduates Kathleen Rafat, Sheila Ferguson, and Alison Berg, who offer inspiring perspectives on training at different stages of life. From deepening personal practice and overcoming self-doubt to building community and stepping into teaching, this episode explores how yoga teacher training can transform not just your practice, but your entire outlook on life.
Episode 7
She's Not Crazy, It's Menopause
Beyond the Hot Flash: Carolina and Amanda host a candid conversation with San Diego OB-GYN Dr. Vaale Gafori, tackling the often-misunderstood territories of perimenopause and menopause. As women navigating their 40s and 50s face dramatic hormonal shifts, Dr. Gafori cuts through the confusion with practical wisdom on identifying subtle symptoms, evaluating treatment options (both medical and holistic), and implementing targeted lifestyle modifications. This essential episode delivers the information women desperately need but rarely receive about navigating this significant life transition with confidence, control, and even grace. Consider this your roadmap to understanding what's happening in your body and reclaiming your wellbeing during this inevitable but manageable chapter.
Episode 6
The Longevity Formula
In this Büddhi Babble episode, Amanda and Carolina talk with Dr. Elizabeth Epstein—a board-certified Internal Medicine physician, Integrative Cardiology fellow, and certified FlowLIFT & yoga instructor—about the most powerful interventions for heart health and longevity. She breaks down the science behind exercise (aerobic, strength, steps, and VO₂ fitness), why consistency beats everything, and how comprehensive training like FlowLIFT supports bone density, balance, mobility, metabolic health, and mental well-being at every age.
Episode 5
Keep Boutique Fitness Thriving
In this lively Büddhi Babble episode, Amanda & Carolina sit down with Leida, owner of Edge Cycle, and Jessica, owner of Pilates Plus La Jolla, to talk about the realities of running boutique fitness studios in downtown La Jolla. Together, these women unpack the rewards and challenges of business ownership, the post-pandemic shifts in fitness habits, and how platforms like ClassPass have changed the industry. From creative marketing and community building to staying inspired as leaders, this conversation is packed with insight, humor, and heartfelt honesty about what it takes to keep local studios thriving. Whether you’re a fellow instructor, entrepreneur, or loyal student, this one will remind you why supporting small, women-owned fitness spaces matters more than ever.
Episode 4
The FlowLIFT Fitness Difference
This episode of Büddhi Babble dives into the heart-pumping story behind Flow Lift, the signature workout created by Amanda McCarroll and Carolina Vivas. The two discuss how Flow Lift evolved from yoga sequencing into a revolutionary, music-driven sculpt class that builds strength, endurance, and mobility—all in 45 minutes. Joined by longtime student Cynthia Ziegler and teacher Farah, the conversation explores why this workout is as mentally transformative as it is physically empowering. Whether you’re a dedicated yogi, a fitness enthusiast, or someone simply craving motivation, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and a deeper look into the Büddhi Moves philosophy that keeps women strong, grounded, and ageless.
Episode 3
Yoga and Dudes
Breaking the Gender Barrier: Carolina and Amanda host an honest conversation with three men at different points on the yoga spectrum—Sam, who's never stepped foot on a mat but desperately needs the practice; Hany (Carolina's husband), who attends sporadically; and Brandon, a dedicated daily practitioner. Together they unpack the hesitations, misconceptions, and discoveries that shape men's relationship with yoga, revealing insights that challenge the gender imbalance in studios nationwide.
Episode 2
Covid & Group Fitness
Amanda and Carolina connect with two longtime büddhi yoga students for an insightful conversation about how the pandemic reshaped their fitness routines and their relationship with in-person group classes, exploring the mixed emotions of returning to studio spaces after adapting to home workouts.
Episode 1
büddhi Origins
Carolina and Amanda dive into their evolution in yoga and fitness, discussing how they established their studio, expanded into the digital space, and developed the innovative FlowLIFT workout method that's transforming how people approach movement and strength training.
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