Subscribe: Amazon | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
In this episode:
Why do you feel stuck no matter how hard you try? Could an overwhelmed nervous system be keeping you from the peace, joy, and abundance you want?
Julie Ryan welcomes bestselling author, meditation teacher, and With Intention From Cassandra podcast host Cassandra Bodzak for a revealing conversation about nervous system dysregulation, burnout, manifestation, and the surprising ways chronic stress can shape our lives.
Cassandra explains why positive thinking and working harder aren’t always enough when the body is stuck in survival mode. She shares her personal journey from feeling lost and overwhelmed to discovering meditation, faith, and intentional living—and explores why some people become so accustomed to stress that peace feels unfamiliar.
Julie and Cassandra also discuss the connection between intuition and the body’s signals, why women often lose touch with what brings them joy, and how food, meditation, and self-care can support emotional well-being. Cassandra introduces her practical Food Detective Method and a simple body-wisdom meditation designed to help people reconnect with themselves.
What if the secret to moving forward isn’t trying harder—but finally learning to work with yourself instead of against yourself?
Guest Biography:
Cassandra Bodzak is a mindfulness author, holistic wellness coach, and actress known for helping soul-led women design lives that support their energy, purpose, and expansion. She helps women create a ‘foundation for expansion’ by tuning into their body’s wisdom and intuition to nourish, move and take care of their body for radiant health. Cassandra studied Lifestyle Medicine & Nutrition and Wellness Coaching through Harvard Medical School and is certified as a HHC through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Her approach bridges science and spirit, grounding metaphysical tools in sustainable, embodied practices. You may have seen her on ABC’s The Taste with Anthony Bourdain as the “happy, healthy living guru,” or featured in collaborations with SHAPE, Teen Vogue, Eating Well, Huffington Post, Thrive, Fabletics, Lululemon, and SoulCycle.
📣Cassandra’s Website:
➡️https://cassandrabodzak.com/
Episode Chapters:
(0:01:47) Is Your Nervous System Blocking Abundance?
(0:04:54) When Chronic Stress Becomes Your Normal
(0:07:30) Cassandra’s Breaking Point: Crying Over Cookie Dough
(0:13:11) Why So Many Women Feel Behind in Life
(0:15:10) Saturn Return and Life’s Unexpected Turning Points
(0:22:47) Julie’s Four-Letter Advice for Moving On
(0:28:08) Signs You’ve Lost Touch With Your Body
(0:33:30) Why So Many People Have Forgotten What Brings Them Joy
(0:36:01) Comparison, Social Media and Finding Your Own Balance
(0:40:44) Can You Become Accustomed to Stress and Struggle?
(0:46:49) Three Foundations of Well-Being: Food, Meditation and Self-Care
(0:49:47) How to Find the Right Way of Eating for Your Body
(0:59:51) The Food Detective Method: Understanding Your Body’s Signals
(1:02:31) A Simple Meditation to Reconnect With Your Body
(1:04:26) Food, Gratitude and the Power of Intention
(1:06:09) Why Do We Incarnate?
Episode Transcript
More helpful information:
🌟Enroll in Julie’s Training Courses
➡️ https://askjulieryan.com/training
🗓️Book your private appointment with Julie!
➡️ https://askjulieryan.com/calendar
🌟Download the Ask Julie Ryan® App
➡️https://askjulieryan.com/app
✏️Contact Julie!
➡️ https://askjulieryan.com/ask-Julie
📣Sponsors & Recommendations