Here is where you get in touch. Work with me, share your experience or requests > this is how to reach me. Love, - Sara

Recorded at 1:26 AM from the car after a delayed flight home, this raw and unfiltered episode offers a glimpse into the messy, beautiful reality of expectations versus experiences.

Fresh from two weeks away—first sailing with my lover for a complete nervous system reset, then attending a yoga retreat in Greece—I share how my quest for relaxation led me somewhere completely unexpected. The retreat, focused on embodied flow and Greek mythology, literally took us into Pluto's Cave where Persephone descended to the underworld. While the facilitators were phenomenal, I found myself struggling with an unexpected challenge: holding back my own abundant joy to make space for the pain and suffering others were processing.

As someone accustomed to creating and holding space for others professionally, I unconsciously slipped into facilitator mode instead of fully participating. When another attendee commented on how quiet I was, it struck me deeply—this wasn't my natural state at all. Had I dimmed my light too much? Where's the balance between holding space and taking space?

Perhaps most surprising was discovering how much I missed home. Having spent most of my life comfortable with leaving and traveling independently, I've recently created a true home with my partner that pulls me back with unexpected force. This new foundation has transformed my relationship with travel in ways I never anticipated.

Though the retreat didn't deliver the nurturing experience I'd sought, it offered different medicine—revealing shadows and aspects of myself that might otherwise have remained hidden. Sometimes we need to visit those underworld places, stir the pot, and sit with discomfort before we can fully celebrate being alive. What are you discovering about yourself in unexpected places? How do you balance making space for both joy and pain?

Here is where you get in touch. Work with me, share your experience or requests > this is how to reach me. Love, - Sara

Happy 10th episode, Salty Bake Club! To celebrate this milestone, I've baked us a cake and served up something different - a raw, unfiltered look at the woman behind the microphone.

When I launched this podcast, I wasn't sure anyone would listen. I simply knew I needed a space where I wouldn't be confined to the boxes people put me in - not just the yogi, the baker, or the traveler. This is my happy place where I can be both fire and doubt, where truth gets messy and is always sprinkled with salt.

Today's episode, "The Truth Is," reveals what's behind the curtain. I share how frustrating it feels to be put in boxes and my strong urge to shatter those limitations. I open up about the loneliness of building a yoga community where most people only show up when it's easy or free.

Perhaps most vulnerable is my admission about the risks I take speaking my truth on topics like Palestine and patriarchy, knowing there could be real consequences. And despite talking about vulnerability regularly, I confess that it feels physically awful - like standing outside my body with a racing heart - a sensation that practice doesn't eliminate.

I also explore my complicated relationship with capitalism's idea of success, the unseen discipline required to teach yoga without diminishing sacred teachings, and my ongoing journey to surrender control when life inevitably changes my plans.

This episode is messier, softer, and maybe even more authentically me. I invite you to join this ripple effect by sharing your own truths - not the Instagram-worthy ones, but those you hold close to your chest. DM me or use #saltytruth, and I might read them in future episodes. After all, we're just getting started.

Here is where you get in touch. Work with me, share your experience or requests > this is how to reach me. Love, - Sara

Compassion over comprehension. These words echo throughout this deeply moving conversation with my dear friend Ilav about staying engaged with the humanitarian crisis in Palestine when it's easier to look away.

"I cannot not look," Ilav repeats throughout our discussion, describing how she channels the pain of witnessing suffering into action. As the daughter of political refugees from Iraq, she shares her lifelong connection to Palestine and why she feels compelled to keep her heart open despite the emotional toll.

We explore what those of us in positions of privilege can actually do to help. From boycotting specific brands (McDonald's, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, SodaStream) to following journalists reporting from Gaza, there are concrete actions we can all take. Ilav recommends trustworthy Instagram accounts that provide verified information about which companies to avoid and how to get involved in meaningful ways. I have linked all the resources we discussed for you by the end of this text.

Perhaps most poignant is our discussion about teaching children about difficult realities. Ilav shares how she approaches these conversations with her five-year-old son, gradually introducing concepts while emphasizing love and unity rather than hate. "We need more love, we don't need more hate," she reminds us, highlighting that many Jewish people stand in solidarity with Palestinians.

We also challenge the "good vibes only" culture that has permeated wellness spaces. True connection comes from being willing to engage with hard topics and staying present for uncomfortable conversations—whether in our personal relationships or our relationship with the wider world.

As we conclude, we remind listeners that our shared humanity transcends borders and identities. "Until the people in Gaza aren't free, none of us is free," Ilav says, emphasizing that compassion doesn't require complete comprehension of a complex situation.

I'd love to hear how this episode resonates with you—share your thoughts and join this crucial conversation.

HERE ARE ALL RESOURCES AND ACCOUNTS WE SHARED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The App we talked about is called Boycat - It shows you which brands support this war in going on and HOW they are involved in it. They also show suggestions of alternative Brands that you could use instead.
• Instagram Accounts Ilaf suggests:
  • JEWISHVOICEFORPEACE https://www.instagram.com/jewishvoiceforpeace?igsh=cWN0a2tyeTJ5Zmtx
  • MORTAZ_AZAIZA https://www.instagram.com/motaz_azaiza?igsh=dTFhdjJsN2ZweDRn
  • ART_OF_RIOT https://www.instagram.com/art_of_riot?igsh=aHNqb2oybDc0cjZ4
  • WIZARD_BISAN1 https://www.instagram.com/wizard_bisan1?igsh=MWh4bDdwZzhqODl5dw==
  • HIND KHOUDARY https://www.instagram.com/hindkhoudary?igsh=MWdtdGx3ZDQ5bTg4bg==