Relish with Alyssia Sheikh
Relish with Alyssia Sheikh

Where soul meets science, and mindfulness meets everyday life.<br />What if joy wasn’t something you had to earn—what if it was something you could practice?<br />On Relish, mindfulness teacher and neuroscience nerd Alyssia Sheikh helps you unlearn old patterns, reconnect with your truth, and build the kind of self-trust that doesn’t disappear when life gets hard.<br />This is personal transformation for people who are tired of binaries and quick fixes—who want something deeper.<br />Each episode blends research, reflection, and real-life tools to help you live with more presence, authenticity, and delight.<br />New episodes every week—with bonus drops to keep you nourished in between.<br />Follow the show and share it with someone who needs it!<br /><a href="https://instagram.com/alyssiasheikh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a> (@alyssiasheikh)<a href="https://instagram.com/relishpodcast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a> (@relishpodcast)<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZxTHv4_G9RUqefQtIXorig" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a><a href="https://tiktok.com/@alyssiasheikh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TikTok</a><a href="https://alyssiasheikh.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Website</a>

Perfectionism isn’t the problem—the belief that you’re broken is. In this episode, Alyssia offers a simple but radical reframe: wholeness isn’t something you earn. It’s something you remember. A grounding reminder for anyone stuck in self-improvement mode.Show Notes: Episode 46Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
What happens when you reach the pinnacle of success — and still don’t feel enough?In this intimate conversation, Olympic medalist Caroline Burckle joins Alyssia Sheikh to explore identity, shame, and the exhausting hamster wheel of achievement. Together, they unpack performance-based self-worth, the fear of being misunderstood, and what it truly means to love yourself beyond what you accomplish.Show Notes: Episode 45Connect with Caroline!Website: carolineburckle.comInstagram: @caroburckleTikTok: @caroburckleInstagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
I’m a guest on the Hoffman Podcast this week and would love for you to check it out. Click here to listen!Do you explain your feelings instead of actually feeling them? In this episode, Alyssia explores rationalizing as a common coping strategy—and why understanding emotions doesn’t help them move through the body. A gentle reframe for anyone who lives in their head.Show Notes: Episode 44Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
→ Download the Courageous Conversations Container WorkbookHard conversations aren’t hard because we don’t have the right words—they’re hard because they activate our nervous systems. In this episode, Alyssia shares a mindful, compassionate framework for repair that helps you speak honestly, take responsibility for your reactions, and stay connected to what actually matters.Show Notes: Episode 43Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Ever wanted to do something but simply didn’t have the capacity? In this episode, Alyssia explains Spoon Theory—a powerful metaphor for understanding limited, variable energy—and how it can help reduce shame, support boundaries, and build self-compassion.Show Notes: Episode 42Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Fear can feel urgent and overwhelming—but that doesn’t always mean you’re in danger. In this episode, Alyssia explains the difference between fear and real threat, how your nervous system confuses the two, and a simple embodied way to come back to presence when fear takes over.Show Notes: Episode 41Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
This guided mindfulness meditation helps you rewire your self-talk in real time. Using the breath as an anchor, you’ll practice noticing the tone you use with yourself when your mind wanders—and gently shifting from harshness to kindness. A simple, powerful practice to soften the inner critic and build self-trust.Show Notes: Episode 40bInstagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
→ Try the Rewire Your Self-Talk Meditation – Dessert!The way you talk to yourself isn’t just reflecting your mood—it’s shaping your nervous system, your attention, and your capacity to stay present when life gets hard. In this episode, Alyssia explores how language reinforces shame or creates space for relief, and shares practical shifts (plus a companion Dessert meditation) to soften your inner tone.Show Notes: Episode 40Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
That famous line — “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” — is often read as a call to achieve more. In this episode, Alyssia rereads Mary Oliver’s Summer Day and offers a different interpretation: not a demand to do more, but an invitation to be here.Show Notes: Episode 39Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
→ Download the free somatic checklist for intuition vs. anxietyHave you ever thought you were following your intuition—only to realize later it was actually anxiety? In this episode, Alyssia breaks down the difference between intuition and fear, and shares a simple, embodied way to tell which voice you’re listening to so you can build real self-trust.Show Notes: Episode 38Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
→ Sign up to work with me in my new program!→ Try the Shame Processing & Reflection VisualizationIn the final episode of the Shame Series, Alyssia explores Reclamation: what shame is often protecting, what lies beneath it, and how healing isn’t about fixing yourself — but coming home to truth, wholeness, and authenticity.Show Notes: Episode 37Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
→ Try the Shame Processing & Reflection VisualizationWhy does shame feel so personal — like it is you, not something you’re experiencing? In Part 2 of the Shame Series, Alyssia explores how shame fuses with identity, the role of ego and self-concept, and how mindfulness creates space without bypassing pain.Show Notes: Episode 36Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Shame doesn’t feel like an emotion — it feels like the truth about who you are. In Part 1 of this three-part series, Alyssia explores how shame forms, why it feels so convincing in the body and brain, and how to begin recognizing it without turning it into another self-fixing project.Show Notes: Episode 35Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
→ If you enjoy Relish, we appreciate you helping us out by taking 1 minute to vote for us for the Taste Awards!This guided contemplative practice invites you to gently reflect on mortality—not to create fear, but to clarify what matters most. Through breath, sensation, and guided reflection, this practice helps you reconnect with presence, meaning, and appreciation for life. Best practiced when grounded and emotionally resourced.Show Notes: Dessert Practice: Remembering You’ll DieInstagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
→ Try the Death Contemplation Meditation – Dessert!→ If you enjoy Relish, we appreciate you helping us out by taking 1 minute to vote for us for the Taste Awards!Most of us avoid thinking about death—but remembering that our time is limited may be one of the most powerful ways to feel more alive. In this episode, Alyssia explores how contemplating death can deepen presence, clarify what matters, and help you live with more meaning and less regret.Show Notes: Episode 34Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Ever notice how easy it is to connect by complaining, gossiping, or focusing on what’s wrong? In this episode, Alyssia explores why bonding through negativity feels so satisfying, how the nervous system uses it as a shortcut to safety, and the hidden cost it has on trust, energy, and intimacy. Learn how to shift from “common enemy intimacy” to deeper, more authentic connection.Watch the video of this episode: https://youtu.be/AhG9td6Vnp0Show Notes: Episode 33Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your effort or circumstances—but a quiet belief about who you are? In this reflective Quick Bite, Alyssia shares the parable of the eagle who believed it was a chicken and explores how conditioning shapes identity, limits possibility, and keeps us grounded when we were meant to soar.Watch the video of this episode: https://youtu.be/IV7MO0Eq0TEShow Notes: Episode 32Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Manifestation isn’t magic—and it’s not about visualizing a future you don’t believe is possible. In this episode, Alyssia reframes manifestation as a practice of presence, identity, and nervous-system safety. Learn how subconscious beliefs shape action, why future-focused manifestation keeps people stuck in scarcity, and how grounded, embodied presence actually creates change.Show Notes: Episode 31Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
This gentle guided meditation supports you in releasing the grip of control and softening into presence. Through breath, body awareness, and grounding imagery, you’ll explore what surrender feels like—not as giving up, but as being supported. A calming practice to return to trust, ease, and safety in the moment.Show Notes: Episode 30Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
→ Don’t forget to try the Releasing Control meditation – Dessert!Surrender is often misunderstood as giving up—but real surrender is an active, powerful choice. In this Quick Bite, Alyssia reframes surrender as releasing resistance, loosening control, and partnering with life’s unfolding. Learn the difference between surrender and submission, why control blocks joy, and how openness creates freedom and meaning.Show Notes: Episode 30Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
→ Download the free packet of Emotions & Needs ListsMost people think boundaries are something you say or enforce—but they actually begin much earlier. In this episode, Alyssia breaks down the simple domino effect behind boundaries: emotions → needs → boundaries. Learn how emotional literacy makes boundaries clearer, easier to set, and easier to hold—without guilt, burnout, or self-abandonment.Show Notes: Episode 29Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Many people come to personal growth looking for a map—clear steps, rules, or a proven path. But what if there is no map? In this reflective Quick Bite, Alyssia explores what it means to be a truth seeker, why following someone else’s path keeps us stuck, and how learning to trust your inner compass leads to real freedom, alignment, and joy.Show Notes: Episode 28Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
This guided dessert meditation introduces the R.A.I.S.E. Method—a gentle, embodied mindfulness practice to support moments of self-judgment, shame, or inner criticism. Through awareness, curiosity, and softness, you’ll learn how to stop the “second arrow” and meet yourself with compassion instead of control.Show Notes: RAISE Dessert PracticeInstagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
→ Don’t forget to try the RAISE meditation – Dessert!If you’ve ever thought “What’s wrong with me?”, this episode is for you. Alyssia explores how self-judgment is not a flaw—but a protective brain response that quietly hijacks your nervous system. Learn how judgment fuels shame, why it makes change harder, and how mindfulness helps you stop firing the “second arrow.” Includes a practical framework and a companion meditation.Show Notes: Episode 27Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
If your resolutions fall apart by February, it’s not a discipline problem—it’s neuroscience. In this episode, Alyssia breaks down why resolutions fail, how to shift from expectations to aspirations, and how to set goals your nervous system can actually sustain. Includes her HUMAN Method, research-backed insights, and a free 2026 goal-setting workbook.→ Download the Free Goal Setting WorkbookShow Notes: Episode 26Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Before you set any 2026 goals, pause. This episode guides you through a meaningful, embodied year-end reflection—one that helps you see your year clearly, soften negativity bias, honor who you became, and reconnect with what truly matters. Includes a free downloadable reflection workbook.→ Download the Free Year-End Reflection Workbook Show Notes: Episode 25Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Sometimes you don’t need another tool, fix, or insight—you need a reminder of your inherent worth. In this Quick Bite, Alyssia shares Mary Oliver’s iconic poem Wild Geese and reflects on its timeless invitations: letting yourself be human, trusting the “soft animal” of your body, releasing perfection, and remembering your belonging. A gentle breath of grounding in a season that can feel heavy.Show Notes: Episode 24Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
The most important relationship in your life isn’t with your partner, kids, friends, or family—it’s the one you have with yourself. In this episode, Alyssia Sheikh breaks down what it means to build a healthy, trusting, compassionate relationship with you. Learn how to listen inward, repair disconnection, build self-trust, and reconnect with the part of you that always knows the way.Show Notes: Episode 23→ Try the ESP Framework Check-In MeditationInstagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Most people think they need more confidence—but confidence isn’t actually the problem. In this Quick Bite, Alyssia Sheikh breaks down the real reason you don’t feel confident and why chasing confidence keeps you stuck. Learn the shift that creates true steadiness and how to move through the unknown with clarity and alignment.Show Notes: Episode 22→ Get 25% off Unshakeable Course→ Get 25% off a 1:1 Self-Trust SessionInstagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Writing a gratitude list isn’t enough—you have to feel it. In this Thanksgiving-week special, Alyssia Sheikh breaks down the neuroscience of gratitude: how it shifts your brain, calms your nervous system, and helps you savor what’s good (even during family holidays). Includes a guided practice, a 1–1–1 connection ritual, and tools for navigating tricky dynamics with presence and boundaries.Show Notes: Episode 21→ Download the 1-1-1 Gratitude Practice!Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).The Hoffman Process Instagram
Most of us spend our lives trying to fix what's “wrong” with us. But the science of strengths, neuroscience, and personal transformation suggest a different path. In this entrée episode, Alyssia Sheikh shares how to flip your 80/20—shifting away from self-criticism and into strength-based, joyful living. Learn how your brain reinforces what you focus on, why “fixing mode” keeps you stuck, and how to build a life powered by what’s already right with you.Show Notes: Episode 20→ APPLY for the Power of Becoming In-Person Retreat! https://powerofbecoming.com/Corey Campbell, Leadership & Executive Coach & Speaker https://www.akamaitraining.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-campbell-95b35323/ Relevant episodes:Tools, Not Rules (Ep 12)Beyond Binary: Fixed vs Fluid Mode (Ep 5)Practicing Imperfectionism (Ep 13)When Expectation Steals Your Joy (Ep 19)Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Ever reach a goal and feel… nothing? You’re not broken—expectation is. In this episode, Alyssia Sheikh unpacks how expectation traps us in suffering and what to cultivate instead: aspiration. You’ll learn the neuroscience, mindfulness, and embodiment tools that help you shift from gripping for outcomes to trusting your own becoming.Show Notes: Episode 19→ APPLY for the Power of Becoming In-Person Retreat! https://powerofbecoming.com/Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Learn more about The Power of Becoming, my upcoming retreat! https://powerofbecoming.com/Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
This guided mindfulness of sound meditation invites you to anchor awareness in what you hear instead of the breath. By opening to the full field of sound—both pleasant and unpleasant—you’ll strengthen presence, curiosity, and non-judgment. Research shows mindfulness of sound can calm the nervous system and increase sensory awareness. Take 10 minutes to listen deeply and return to now.Show Notes: Dessert Practice: Mindfulness of Sound MeditationInstagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Ever say, “I fell off the bandwagon”? This short episode offers a gentle reframe: you’re not lost—you’ve simply disconnected. In this Quick Bite, Alyssia Sheikh shares how a small shift in language can help you break all-or-nothing thinking, release shame, and reconnect with yourself in any moment—plus a bonus “dessert” meditation to help you begin again.Show Notes: Episode 18Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Learn more about The Power of Becoming, my upcoming retreat! https://powerofbecoming.com/Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Learn more about The Power of Becoming, my upcoming retreat! https://powerofbecoming.com/Ever felt “off” but couldn’t explain why? In this entrée episode, Alyssia Sheikh explores the science and wisdom of emotion—what feelings really are, how your brain constructs them, and why learning to feel is the key to self-trust. Grounded in neuroscience, mindfulness, and embodiment, this episode will change the way you relate to your inner world.Show Notes: Episode 17Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
We all want the lotus—the joy, the light, the ease—but often try to skip the mud that makes it bloom. In this Quick Bite, Alyssia Sheikh shares how leaning into life’s messiness expands our capacity for meaning and joy. Inspired by the Buddhist metaphor No Mud, No Lotus and backed by positive-psychology research, this short reflection will help you see your challenges as fertile ground for growth.Show Notes: Episode 16Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Most people dread Mondays—but what if it became your favorite day? In this Quick Bite, Alyssia Sheikh shares how she flipped her mindset using the fresh start effect—a psychological principle showing that new beginnings boost motivation. Learn how to use Mondays (or any moment) as a cue to release last week’s weight and begin again, with presence and possibility.Show Notes: Episode 15Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
This guided mindfulness of breathing practice offers a simple yet profound way to return to presence. By gently anchoring awareness on the breath, you’ll train the capacity to notice when the mind wanders and practice bringing it back—again and again—with kindness. Research shows this basic meditation improves focus, reduces stress, and supports emotional regulation. Take 10 minutes to pause, breathe, and just be.Show Notes: Dessert Practice: Basic Mindfulness of Breathing MeditationInstagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Have you ever tried to “be mindful,” only to forget two minutes later? You’re not broken—that’s actually the practice. In this Quick Bite of Relish, Alyssia Sheikh explains why the original word for mindfulness, sati, also means “to remember.” You’ll learn how mindfulness is less about staying perfectly present and more about remembering—again and again—to return to the moment, and to who you really are.Show Notes: Episode 14Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Perfectionism might sound like a strength—but research shows it’s one of the biggest barriers to joy, creativity, and authentic growth. In this entrée episode, Alyssia Sheikh explores the roots of perfectionism, why our brains crave control, and how to practice imperfectionism instead. Learn how to let go of shame, reframe mistakes, and return to presence—with practical tools, compassion, and a bit of humor.Show Notes: Episode 13Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Do your morning rituals or self-care practices ever start to feel like chores? In this Quick Bite, Alyssia introduces a freeing mindset shift: tools, not rules. Learn how to stop turning your growth practices into perfectionistic “shoulds,” use the right tools when you need them, and return to the point of it all—to be fully present for your life.Show Notes: Episode 12Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with AlyssiaThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Settle in for a gentle loving-kindness (metta) practice—an ancient meditation for cultivating warmth, goodwill, and an open heart. We’ll offer simple phrases of well-wishing to a sequence of recipients (benefactor, self, friend, neutral person, difficult person, all beings). Go at your own pace, adapt the wording so it feels sincere, and let the intention—not perfection—lead. A regular Metta practice can increase positive emotion, support emotional regulation, and nurture a steady, compassionate presence.See Show Notes for full breakdown of the practice: Loving-Kindness Meditation (Mettā)Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with Alyssia → https://alyssiasheikh.com/self-trust-session
Why do hard conversations feel like danger in your body—and why does it feel safer to “pick a side”? In this long-form entrée, Alyssia unpacks the neuroscience of polarization and ego, explaining how networks like the Default Mode Network, salience and prefrontal systems wire us for “me/us vs. you/them”—and how mindfulness, compassion, and loving-kindness can retrain that wiring. You’ll learn the Regulate → Relate → Reason sequence, the practice of Sacred Neutrality (conviction plus openness), and embodied tools to stay regulated without abandoning your values. Includes science, stories, and practical scripts for real conversations.Show Notes: Episode 11 - The Neuroscience of PolarizationTry today's Dessert meditation.Note that the other mindfulness meditation “dessert” I mentioned is not yet live and will be released next week on the podcast; if you want access early, you can access it here.Relevant previous episodes to listen to first:Compassion in ActionBeyond Binary: Fixed vs FluidInstagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokEmail me: alyssia@alyssiasheikh.comCall our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬Book a Self-Trust Session with Alyssia → https://alyssiasheikh.com/self-trust-session
What if compassion isn’t just soft or sentimental—but a skill that strengthens your nervous system and your boundaries? In this episode of Relish, Alyssia Sheikh explores the science and practice of compassion and self-compassion, drawing distinctions from empathy, sharing embodied practices, and unpacking Kristin Neff’s research on both tender and fierce self-compassion. You’ll walk away with tools you can use right away, from hands-on-heart to compassionate journaling, to meet yourself with kindness and resilience. Show Notes: Episode 10 (See show notes link for all resources mentioned in this episode)Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokKristin Neff – Self-Compassion (Official Website), University of Texas at Austin(Resource hub with practices, guided meditations, and research from the pioneer of self-compassion.) https://self-compassion.orgBuild Your Self-Trust → https://alyssiasheikh.com/unshakeableBook a Self-Trust Session with Alyssia → https://alyssiasheikh.com/self-trust-sessionDownload my free Self-Compassion Break Meditation → https://www.alyssiasheikh.com/self-compassion-break-meditationThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Most people think self-doubt means they can’t trust themselves. But what if it’s actually proof you already know what’s true? In this Quick Bite of Relish, Alyssia Sheikh reframes self-trust as a skill you can practice and self-doubt as a signal—not a stop sign. You’ll learn how to discern intuition from fear, why doubt often shows up right before meaningful change, and how to strengthen your ability to follow your own inner knowing.Show Notes: Episode 9Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokUnshakeable Self-Trust course → https://alyssiasheikh.com/unshakeableFree visualization to Meet Your Light → https://www.alyssiasheikh.com/meet-your-light-meditationThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Ever wonder why you’ve read the books, taken the courses, and listened to the pods—yet your life still feels the same? This episode explains why information isn’t transformation—and how embodiment (mindful, in-the-body presence) is what actually rewires patterns. You’ll learn what embodiment is, how interoception (the brain’s sensing of internal signals) and regions like the insula and somatosensory cortex support it, and how it connects to your BE → DO → HAVE reality. Includes a brief experiential practice and practical ways to bring embodiment into everyday moments.Show Notes: Why Real Change Isn’t Sticking: The Neuroscience of Embodiment - EntreéListen first: Ep 7 – Get Off the Hamster Wheel of Doing (BE → DO → HAVE)Related: Ep 3 – From Reacting to Responding (BLIPS)Dessert: BLIPS Guided PracticeInstagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Ever feel trapped on the hamster wheel of “doing more” but never quite feeling enough? In this Quick Bite episode of Relish, Alyssia Sheikh introduces the powerful BE · DO · HAVE framework, a life-changing reframe that flips the script on success and fulfillment. Instead of chasing accomplishments to finally feel whole, you’ll learn how starting with being—your authentic, present self—naturally shapes what you do and what you have. A short and potent reminder to step off the cycle of striving and start savoring your life right now.Show Notes: Get Off the Hamster Wheel of Doing - Quick BiteInstagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
What if the very patterns you’ve been trying to “fix” aren’t flaws, but proof that your brain is doing exactly what it was designed to do? In this episode of Relish, Alyssia Sheikh explores the neuroscience of survival, predictive processing, and brain networks—and why they make you human, not broken. You’ll discover how to reframe your patterns with compassion, honor both spirit and conditioning, and embrace wholeness as you already are.Show Notes: You’re Not Broken—You’re Wired: The Neuroscience of Being Human - EntreéMentioned:Lisa Feldman Barrett – How Emotions Are Made / Body Budgeting → https://lisafeldmanbarrett.comDr. Sarah McKay – Neuroscience Educator → https://drsarahmckay.comConnect:Instagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Do you ever catch yourself thinking in “black or white”—always or never, good or bad? In this Quick Bite, Alyssia Sheikh introduces the idea of Fixed Mode vs. Fluid Mode, and how shifting from rigidity into flow can open you to more freedom, curiosity, and presence.Show Notes: Beyond Binary: Fixed vs Fluid Mode in Mindfulness & Growth - Quick BiteInstagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Transformation isn’t just a before-and-after—it’s what happens in-between. In this quick bite, Alyssia reminds us that real change unfolds gradually, in ordinary moments. If you’ve ever chased a goal and still felt empty, this is your invitation to slow down and savor the path you're on.Show Notes: Transformation Needs TransitionInstagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
If you haven't yet, start by listening to Episode 3 before you try this Dessert Practice:Episode 3 (Apple Podcasts)Episode 3 (Spotify)This is a short guided practice to help you pause, reset, and respond—rather than react. Use this 5-step BLIPS ritual before meetings, conversations, or anytime you want to reconnect with presence and intention.Show Notes: Dessert Practice: BLIPS of Awareness for Intentional LivingInstagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Ever found yourself reacting on autopilot—then regretting it later? In this episode, Alyssia breaks down how mindfulness helps us shift from unconscious reactivity to intentional responsiveness. You’ll learn the 5-step BLIPS framework to bring more presence into everyday transitions—and get a short meditation to help you practice it now!Click here to listen to the BLIPS meditation.Show Notes: From Reacting to RespondingInstagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Why do we treat joy like a reward instead of our natural state? In this episode, Alyssia challenges the idea that joy must be earned—and shows how play, presence, and meaning can reconnect us to the kind of joy that actually heals. Includes science, philosophy, and a powerful journaling tool to rediscover what lights you up.Show Notes: Joy Is Your BirthrightHoffman Institute Foundation WebsiteThe Hoffman PodcastGet the Joy-Mapping Journaling PromptsInstagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Are you stuck on the hamster wheel of self-improvement? In this first episode of Relish, Alyssia Sheikh shares the powerful shift that helped her stop chasing “healed and perfect”—and start savoring her beautifully messy, meaningful life. If you’re hungry for more joy, presence, and self-trust, you’re in the right place.Show Notes: What It Means to Relish Your LifeInstagram (@alyssiasheikh)Instagram (@relishpodcast)YouTubeWebsite & NewsletterTikTokThe Hoffman Institute (I am a Hoffman Process teacher. This podcast is not affiliated with the Hoffman Institute Foundation).
Welcome to Relish with Alyssia Sheikh, a podcast about savoring life. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and reflective practices, I explore how mindfulness, joy, and authenticity can help us relish the human experience—in all its mess and magic. Each episode is an invitation to slow down, get curious, and come home to yourself. I hope you'll join me!