Phases of Embodiment

Laura Potter
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Mental Health

Phases of Embodiment is a podcast for women who want to reconnect with their bodies, understand their menstrual cycles, and embrace each season of life. Hosted by Laura Potter, Menstrual Cycle Coach and Restorative Yoga Teacher, each episode offers reflections and practical insights to inspire new perspectives and help you feel more at home in your body. Through solo episodes and interviews with experts, we explore menstrual cycle awareness, hormones, mindfulness, creativity, yoga, and the transformative power of rest. We also look at the social, cultural, and policy frameworks that impact our lives. Whether you are navigating menstruation, fertility, motherhood, perimenopause, or simply seeking a deeper connection with your body, this podcast invites you to embrace cyclical living through every phase of life. Here, we practice self-compassion, soften the inner critic, challenge the status quo, and honor the wisdom and power of our bodies. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app to catch every episode. For coaching, resources, and more, visit: phasesofembodiment.com

  1. 1d ago

    BEST OF: Advice to Our Younger Selves

    In this final episode of season 2, Laura reflects on the creation of 20 episodes of Phases of Embodiment and shares the advice that she and her guests would give their younger selves. Grab a tissue, a cup of tea, and enjoy! Let us know what resonates the most for you in the comments 3 Guests (in order of appearance) Samantha Jo Dr. Emily Schmitt, PT, DPT, PCES Elisa Marian Soto Méndez Kelsie Rockefeller, E-RYT500, YACEP, IAYTT Megan Williams, LCSW Diana S. Alberti, RD, CDN, RYT Dr. Alicia Newsome Áine Rock Charlene Cross, LCSW Alex Riley YOUR HOST: Laura Potter, Certified Menstrual Cycle Coach and Restorative Yoga Teacher My Website Instagram Work with Me: Book a Discovery Call Yoga People Oneonta Schedule Thanks for listening to Phases of Embodiment!

  2. Oct 2

    Letting Go of Perfectionism to Create Sustainable Habits with Alex Riley

    In this episode, Laura sits down with holistic nutritionist, Alex Riley, to explore a more sustainable approach to women’s health through movement, nutrition, regeneration, and self-awareness. They talk about building small habits that actually fit into busy lives, navigating hormonal and postpartum changes, and letting go of the perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking that can make health feel overwhelming. Alex also shares from her own experience with body image, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and the identity shifts that come with motherhood. Together, they discuss how to better understand your body, advocate for your hormonal health, and approach your well-being with more patience, self-compassion, and trust. *** CW: Mentions of Disordered Eating - TIMESTAMP: 13:00-18:34*** RESOURCE: The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) ABOUT: Alex Riley is a Holistic Nutritionist with advanced training in Functional Medicine. She supports women through nutrition, hormones, pregnancy, postpartum, and major life transitions, helping fill the gap between knowing what to do and actually being able to do it. Her work focuses on the “how”, creating realistic rhythms that fit into real life, so women can feel more at home in their bodies, confident in their health, and more like themselves. @alexrileywellness https://alexrileywellness.com/ MENTIONED ON THE SHOW Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön Dr. Kristin Neff (Self-Compassion) Internal Family Systems (IFS) YOUR HOST: Laura Potter, Certified Menstrual Cycle Coach and Restorative Yoga Teacher My Website Instagram Work with Me: Book a Discovery Call Yoga People Oneonta Schedule

    Letting Go of Perfectionism to Create Sustainable Habits with Alex Riley

  3. Sep 18

    Why Athletes Need to Track Their Menstrual Cycles

    In this episode, Laura Potter explores why menstrual cycle awareness matters for athletes and how tracking your cycle can help you better understand your body, support recovery, and recognize when something may be off. She breaks down the four phases of the menstrual cycle and discusses hormonal changes, fueling, overtraining, stress, rest, and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). She also shares why coaches and parents have an important role to play in creating more open conversations around menstrual health. Whether you’re a female athlete, coach, parent, or someone who wants to better understand your cycle, this episode will give you practical insight into what to track, what to look for, and why your menstrual cycle is an important part of your overall health. This episode is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. CW: Mentions of Disordered Eating Timestamp: 18:10-24:45 Mentioned on the show: 📞 988 988lifeline.org The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Rural Minds: Eating Disorders Eating Disorder Screening Test Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) Project REDs The Well HQ (Dr. Emma Ross, Baz Moffat, and Dr. Bella Smith) Stacy T. Sims, PhD Dawn Scott LOCAL COMMUNITY SURVEY YOUR HOST: Laura Potter, Certified Menstrual Cycle Coach and Restorative Yoga Teacher My Website Instagram Work with Me: Book a Discovery Call Yoga People Oneonta Schedule

  4. Sep 4

    GUIDED MEDITATION: For Presence During Seasonal Transitions

    In this episode, Laura Potter guides a calming meditation designed to help listeners pause, relax, and prioritize their well-being during a transitional season. Perfect for those feeling overwhelmed or in need of a moment of self-care. Music Credit: Unwind by Chris Collins indiemusicbox.com keywords meditation, self-care, relaxation, mindfulness, September, transition, well-being, stress relief, yoga, mental health key topics The importance of taking intentional pauses during busy seasonsHow to create a supportive environment for meditationThe role of self-care in mental health and well-beingSimple practices to incorporate into daily routinesThe ripple effect of self-care on community and relationships YOUR HOST: Laura Potter, Certified Menstrual Cycle Coach and Restorative Yoga Teacher My Website Instagram Work with Me: Book a Discovery Call Yoga People Oneonta Schedule HELP OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY (CATSKILLS): LOCAL COMMUNITY SURVEY MENSTRUAL PRODUCT DRIVE (ONEONTA, NY)

  5. Aug 28

    Summer Cycle Check-In (Mainly a Dolly Parton Tribute)

    This solo episode of Phases of Embodiment is part menstrual cycle check-in, part seasonal check-in...but mostly this is a Dolly Parton tribute. Dolly Parton left her earthly body this week and as one of my heroes, I had to create an episode that honored what her life and work meant to me.  This episode also focuses on the value of Menstrual Cycle Awareness and cycle charting, and I give you practical considerations for including these in your own life. I also share a bit about my summer, my flower gardens and wedding planning! Enjoy!  Mentioned on The Show: Menstrual Cycle Coaching FREE Discovery Call Dolly's Imagination Library Period.org LOCAL COMMUNITY SURVEY MENSTRUAL PRODUCT DRIVE (ONEONTA, NY) YOUR HOST: Laura Potter, Certified Menstrual Cycle Coach and Restorative Yoga Teacher My Website Instagram Work with Me: Book a Discovery Call Yoga People Oneonta Schedule

  6. Aug 21

    Beyond the Stigma of Postpartum and Maternal Mental Health with Charlene Cross, LCSW

    In this episode of Phases of Embodiment, Laura talks with Charlene Cross, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Cross Connects, about perinatal and postpartum mental health and what it means to truly support mothers. Charlene shares what led her to this work and her perspective on the mental health challenges that can arise during pregnancy and well after birth. Laura and Charlene also talk about recent high-profile cases that have brought maternal mental health into the news and the conversations that have followed. They discuss postpartum mental health, stigma, trauma, and the ways we can better support mothers through greater awareness, community, and access to care. *** Content warning: This episode includes discussion of postpartum mental health, maternal mental health crises, trauma, and recent high-profile cases involving maternal mental health. Please take care while listening and skip or pause the episode if these topics feel difficult or activating for you. HOTLINE: 1-833-852-6262 (1-833-TLC-MAMA) ABOUT Charlene Cross, LCSW, is the founder and owner of Cross Connects, a mental health practice based in the Catskill Mountains that oversees nine licensed providers across New York State and serves over 315 clients. With over a decade of experience managing medical and psychiatric care in hospital systems, community family and children's services, geriatric care, and private practice management, Charlene transitioned to establishing her own practice. Following the birth of her second child, her personal experiences with the gaps and stigmas surrounding postpartum care inspired her to specialize in women's health and perinatal services. She is currently pursuing advanced certifications in sex therapy, hormonal shifts, and eating disorders to further expand her practice's specialized care. Charlene's Mental Health Practice Site: CrossConnects.Org Charlene's Psychology Today link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/charlene-cross-windham-ny/1595484 Charlene's PSI (Postpartum support international directory link) https://psidirectory.com/listing/perinatal-mental-health-provider.html MENTIONED ON THE SHOW Postpartum Support Institute https://postpartum.net/  Postpartum Support institute Directory https://psidirectory.com/ Maternity Mental Health Hotline https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline In Exploring Mental Health Providers:  Psychologytoday.com Erin's Law Webpage:  https://www.erinslaw.org/ YOUR HOST: Laura Potter My Website Instagram

    Beyond the Stigma of Postpartum and Maternal Mental Health with Charlene Cross, LCSW

  7. Aug 14

    Discovering the Benefits of Restorative Yoga and the Art of Deep Relaxation

    In this solo episode of Phases of Embodiment, Laura Potter explores restorative yoga as a practice of conscious rest, deep relaxation, and healing. She shares what sets restorative yoga apart from movement-based yoga, why props and comfort are at the heart of the practice, and how creating space to truly rest can support the nervous system and overall well-being. Laura also shares her personal journey with restorative yoga and offers simple, practical guidance for creating a supportive practice at home using everyday items. Whether you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, or simply craving more space to slow down and rest, this episode is an invitation to soften, turn inward, and reconnect with your body. In this episode, Laura explores: What restorative yoga is and how it differs from movement-based yogaWhy props, comfort, and support are central to the practiceThe difference between sleep and conscious restHow restorative yoga supports the nervous system and overall wellbeingThe physical, mental, and emotional benefits of deep relaxationLaura’s personal journey with restorative yoga and the four conditions for calmHow to create a restorative practice at home using simple household items MENTIONED ON THE SHOW Judith Hanson Lasater www.judithhansonlasater.com www.restorativeyogateachers.com My ListingBook a Private 1:1 or Group Restorative Yoga Class with Me!B. K. S. Iyengar Parvati Magazine Article Dr. Alicia Newsome Episode Cello Music: The Wong Janice Garth Stevenson Horizon Reverie Cellomano Timer/Meditation App: Insight Timer YOUR HOST: Laura Potter, Certified Menstrual Cycle Coach and Restorative Yoga Teacher My Website Instagram Work with Me: Book a Discovery Call Yoga People Oneonta Schedule

  8. Aug 7

    Midlife Awakening: Choosing a Life of Pleasure, Creativity, and Authenticity with Áine Rock

    In this episode of Phases of Embodiment, Áine Rock shares her journey of motherhood and midlife transformation, including the inspiration behind her book Blow Up Your Life: The Wild Art of Wanting More. She reflects on the process of birthing creative projects, shedding old identities, and embracing the desires and wisdom that emerge through different seasons of life. Together, Áine and Laura explore how midlife and perimenopause can become powerful invitations to reconnect with ourselves, reclaim desire and pleasure, and step into deeper self-trust. They discuss healing the mother wound, shifting generational patterns, and using embodiment practices to reconnect with the body, creativity, and inner wisdom. ABOUT Áine Rock is a writer, speaker, and somatic guide who helps women reclaim their pleasure, truth, and personal power after leaving behind lives that looked successful but felt misaligned. Her debut memoir, Blow Up Your Life: The Wild Art of Wanting More (Rise Books / Simon & Schuster), is out now. www.ainerock.com/blowupyourlife www.sofanyawellness.com  MENTIONED ON THE SHOW Untamed by Glennon Doyle YOUR HOST: Laura Potter, Certified Menstrual Cycle Coach and Restorative Yoga Teacher My Website Instagram Work with Me: Book a Discovery Call

    Midlife Awakening: Choosing a Life of Pleasure, Creativity, and Authenticity with Áine Rock
See All (21)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Phases of Embodiment is a podcast for women who want to reconnect with their bodies, understand their menstrual cycles, and embrace each season of life. Hosted by Laura Potter, Menstrual Cycle Coach and Restorative Yoga Teacher, each episode offers reflections and practical insights to inspire new perspectives and help you feel more at home in your body. Through solo episodes and interviews with experts, we explore menstrual cycle awareness, hormones, mindfulness, creativity, yoga, and the transformative power of rest. We also look at the social, cultural, and policy frameworks that impact our lives. Whether you are navigating menstruation, fertility, motherhood, perimenopause, or simply seeking a deeper connection with your body, this podcast invites you to embrace cyclical living through every phase of life. Here, we practice self-compassion, soften the inner critic, challenge the status quo, and honor the wisdom and power of our bodies. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app to catch every episode. For coaching, resources, and more, visit: phasesofembodiment.com

Information

  • Creator
    Laura Potter
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Laura Potter