From Catholic Roots to Bhakti Yoga: Finding Spiritual Connection Beyond Tradition with Stephanie Sato

In this episode, host Ashleigh Bodell reconnects with her freshman college roommate and longtime friend, Stephanie Sato. Stephanie, now a yoga center owner, life coach, mom, and spiritual seeker, joins Ashleigh to share her unique spiritual journey—one that started in a traditional Catholic upbringing and led her into the world of bhakti yoga, Eastern philosophy, and personal transformation.

Together, Ashleigh and Stephanie dive into what it means to carve your own path in spirituality, the importance of honoring personal beliefs, and how to find meaning when your journey diverges from family and societal expectations. Stephanie opens up about discovering deeper spiritual connections in nature, meeting Vaishnava monks at university, exploring karma and reincarnation, and ultimately finding alignment in her own practice. The conversation also touches on the challenges—both personal and familial—of stepping away from familiar religious structures in search of something more authentic.

Along the way, Ashleigh and Stephanie discuss the intersections between different spiritual and religious traditions, the power of rituals (from crystals to grape juice!), and how to create nourishing practices in everyday life. They reflect on motherhood, the importance of self-care, and embracing the evolving nature of spiritual identity.

Key Moments: 

07:51 "College Encounter with Vaishnava Monks"

12:17 Reincarnation Resonates Beyond Beliefs

18:09 Explaining God to a Child

21:27 Intersecting Rituals Across Beliefs

29:32 Hypocrisy in Religious Behavior

34:54 "Changing Work Life Mindset"

40:16 The Power of Listening

42:41 "Nourish Yourself to Aid Others"

51:54 Balancing Work, Family, and Solitude

About the guest : 

Stephanie Sato grew up in a Catholic family, attending church every Sunday and Catholic schools throughout her childhood. Later in life, Stephanie found herself placed together with a roommate who was also vegetarian—a rare and welcome synchronicity that made her feel grateful and understood. This meaningful connection deeply resonated with Stephanie’s belief in finding her own path and appreciating the unique ways that people can find each other and support one another’s journeys.

How to connect Stephanie :  https://www.instagram.com/vrin_spin

Meet Ashleigh Bodell – your guide to the mystical and the magical on the Big Crystal Energy Podcast.

By day, she's a dedicated orthopedic physician assistant, but by night, she dives deep into the metaphysical, exploring crystals, energy work, and the unseen forces that shape our world. From childhood fascinations with witches and faeries to a transformative rediscovery of crystals, Ashleigh’s journey bridges science and spirituality, the practical and the mystical. A mom, a wife, and a seeker, she brings a relatable, no-fluff approach to exploring the “spooky and kooky” side of life. Through Big Crystal Energy, she creates a space where the magical and the mundane coexist—because we don’t have to choose between our careers, families, and the call of the unknown.

Tune in as she uncovers wisdom from crystal healers, spiritual coaches, and magic makers—inviting you to embrace your own big crystal energy.

Connect Ashleigh : 

https://www.instagram.com/bigcrystalenergypodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/mystical.mama.ash

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments.
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