PODCAST · health
Unbalanced AF
by Cheryl Van Sciver + Jenna Kelly
Welcome to Unbalanced AF, where we pull back the curtain on what real balance looks like—spoiler: it’s nothing like Instagram.We run Balanced Planet Yoga, but life? It’s far from balanced. I’ve lived through three divorces, rebuilt my life more times than I can count, and finally found love in a way I never expected. My life has been anything but balanced, and honestly? That’s what makes it interesting. And then there’s Jenna—my daughter and partner in unbalanced crime. A veteran, mom of three, and survivor of her own WTF-is-this-life?! moments.Life is chaos. Let’s talk about it.
Episodes
-
The Ache of Separation
The Longing Knows the Way Home What if the ache you keep trying to fix is not evidence that something is wrong—but a message worth listening to? Inspired by the opening image of Rumi’s Masnavi, this meditation explores the reed cut from the reed bed: separated from its source, hollowed by the...
-
Doubt Isn't A Detour
Doubt is clever. It doesn't announce itself as an obstacle — it shows up dressed as reasonable questions. Is this working? Am I doing it right? Does any of this even matter? It sounds like discernment. It isn't. Samshaya — the third antaraya — doesn't lead toward clarity. It circles. It feeds...
-
The Path Has Obstacles
You didn't fall off the path. The obstacle is the path. Sutra 1.30 is the moment Patanjali gets brutally honest. He's just described the heights of practice — samadhi, pure consciousness, the whole luminous picture — and then he stops and says: here's what's coming for you. Nine obstacles. The...
-
Smriti: The Memories You Can't Stop Replaying
Your brain is a highlight reel you didn't ask for. The cringeworthy thing you said in 2019. The relationship that wrecked you. The version of yourself you keep trying to get back to. This is smriti — the fifth vritti — and it's running your life more than you realize. In this 7-minute meditation,...
-
You Came Back (That Counts)
Maybe you showed up every day this week. Maybe you didn’t. Either way—you’re here now. And that counts more than you think. This meditation is a reset, not a recap. A moment to notice what shifted, what didn’t, and what it felt like to actually pause in the middle of your life. No gold stars. No...
-
Stop Stealing From Your Own Life
You’re not stealing wallets. But you are stealing moments. In this meditation, we explore Asteya—the practice of non-stealing—and flip it on its head. Because the real theft isn’t out there… it’s the constant pull away from right now. The scrolling. The comparing. The rushing ahead. The subtle...
-
Protect Your Energy (No, Seriously)
This one isn’t about doing less. It’s about wasting less. In today’s meditation, we’re working with brahmacharya—not the outdated, panic-inducing version, but the real one: the right use of your energy. Where it goes. Who gets it. What quietly drains it… and what actually gives it back. Because...
-
Breathe, Bestie
Life is loud. Your brain has a group chat. And somehow you’re expected to be calm, productive, emotionally mature, and hydrated. Nope. Not today. In this 7-minute guided meditation, it’s just Jenna helping you do the simplest thing that changes everything: breathe without trying to “get it…
more -
Meditate - Thanksgiving Edition
This week on Unbalanced AF, we’re offering you something a little softer, a little steadier, and honestly… a little necessary. Because Thanksgiving isn’t just about gratitude — it’s about family dynamics, travel chaos, emotional booby traps, old stories resurfacing, and someone inevitably…
more -
Yoga School For Real Life
We didn’t go to yoga school to learn how to teach. We went because nothing else was working. In this episode, we get honest about what really happens inside a 200-hour yoga teacher training — the kind that shifts how you live, not just how you move. We share what pulled us there in the first…
more -
Where the Unbalanced AF Have We Been?
We’re back, baby. After six months of real life doing what it does best—throwing curveballs, detours, and existential side quests—Cheryl and Jenna return to the mic a little wiser, a little scrappier, and still totally Unbalanced AF. In this episode, we unpack where we’ve been, what we’ve…
more -
Running on Fumes? Same.
7-Minute Meditation to Refuel Without Forcing It You know those mornings when your eyes open and you’re already done? Like, before coffee, before emails, before even thinking about being productive — you’re running on fumes. This isn’t about pretending you’re fine or powering through with fake...
-
Wake Up, You're In It
Episode Description: This meditation is a pattern interrupt—for when you’re running on autopilot, saying “I’m fine” before you’ve even checked in with what's happening on the inside. It’s for those moments when life feels like a blur and you need something real to land in. No fluff. No…
more -
Wait...How Did I Get Here?
You know that feeling when you look up mid-scroll or mid-life and think: How did I get here...and....What am I even doing right now? Yeah. This one’s for that. This 7-minute meditation doesn’t try to fix the spiral — it meets it. With breath, with space, and with the radical permission to not…
more -
Woke up Messy, Stayed Mindful
Whether you're wide awake or barely hanging on, this meditation is a soft place to land. We’re not here to conquer the day just yet — we’re here to meet it. To notice what’s here, without needing to fix it. To remember that the day will come soon enough — but this moment is already here. Your…
more -
Autopilot Is Canceled
Whether you’re lying down, sitting up, or still curled up in bed—there’s nothing more you need to do right now than listen. This short, grounding meditation is an invitation and a gentle commitment: to live today in a way that when you look back, there’s at least one moment you didn’t miss....
-
Meditate: Hype You
This isn’t toxic positivity. It’s a loving, low-key pep talk for when your inner critic gets loud and your energy runs low. In this guided meditation, we trade pressure for presence — and give your nervous system a reason to exhale. Whether you’re doubting your worth or just need someone [you] in...
-
Is There Anybody In There?
In this episode of Unbalanced AF, we’re tapping into the kind of wisdom that doesn’t come from overthinking or Googling—it comes from that quiet, deeper part of you that knows exactly what to do, even when you’re too busy questioning everything. You know that voice? The one that’s always been...
-
Yoga Nidra: Now Where Did I Put That Anchor?
In this episode of Unbalanced AF, we’re setting sail to rediscover what’s been missing—your anchor. You know, that unshakable, steady point inside of you that somehow gets lost in the shuffle of life’s chaotic waves. It’s time to bring it back. This Yoga Nidra session will take you on a grounding...
-
Practice, Not Perfection
In this episode of Unbalanced AF, we’re diving into a meditation that’s all about letting go of the pressure to be perfect and embracing the messy, beautiful process of practice. Spoiler alert: it’s not about getting it right. It’s about showing up, being real, and trusting that the doing is…
more -
Jenna + Kait: The Teen Whisperers [sorta]
In this episode of Unbalanced AF, Jenna and Kait are serving up the real talk on navigating the teen world—and spoiler alert: it’s messy, chaotic, and occasionally hilarious. And sometimes, it requires your fort-making skills using whatever props you’ve got lying around. They spill the tea on how...
-
Check Your Ego at the Mat: The Wobbly Truth About Balance (Part 1)
Ever stood on one leg in yoga and wondered why your body suddenly has the coordination of a toddler? Spoiler alert: it’s not just your abs slacking off. In this episode, Cheryl and Jenna dive deep into the real reasons behind your mat-top wobbles, from inner ear shenanigans and the subtle art of...
-
This is Not a Detour
This one is for the part of you that’s tired of performing—tired of fixing, improving, striving. In this short guided meditation, we practice the radical act of being with ourselves, just as we are. No pressure. No proving. Just breath. Just presence. Together, we’ll explore how the smallest...
-
Breath Don't Lie
What if every quiet moment was silently shaping who you're becoming? In this episode, Cheryl guides you through a meditation designed to awaken your awareness to the invisible ways you train for life—through the gentle rhythm of breath, the stillness of inquiry, and the grace of presence. There's...
-
Field Trip Energy
No one packed snacks, someone forgot the permission slip, and the bus smells weird. Welcome to adulthood. We’re just doing a headcount. Not to make sure you didn’t wander off—but to check in on the humans behind the roles, the routines, the “I’m fine”s. Because lately, it feels like we’re all...
-
Yoga Nidra: Lie Down, Wake Up
Feeling fried? Cool. Same. This guided Yoga Nidra isn’t just a nap with a spiritual soundtrack. It’s a legit reset button—an ancient practice designed to drop you below the noise, the pressure, and the endless to-do lists. In this offering, Cheryl Van Sciver—yoga teacher, co-founder of Balanced...
-
Okay, Let’s Try That Again
Ever set an intention, then get absolutely steamrolled by the day? Same. This short and grounding meditation is a soft landing for your nervous system—a way to slow down, reset, and come back to yourself. No perfection required. Just presence. If you've been caught in urgency or overwhelm, this...
-
Don't Just Do Something, Sit There
Before you plan, respond, or reach for what’s next—this 7-minute morning meditation invites you to simply land. To come back to the steady, quiet place underneath the noise. This is a grounding practice for the in-between moments, when clarity is beginning to emerge but you’re not quite ready to...
-
Clear Enough to Choose
When you’ve taken time to slow down, to notice what’s really happening beneath the surface, a quiet kind of clarity begins to emerge. This meditation invites you to meet that clarity—not with pressure or urgency, but with presence. What are you ready to carry forward? What are you ready to…
more -
Peace, Lies, and Other Delusions
We kick things off with love bombs for our BPY community—because yes, we really did cram two studios into one and somehow thrived. (Mostly. There were snacks. And maybe some tears.) Then we dive into the juicy stuff: Are you lying to yourself in the name of keeping the peace? Saying "I'm fine"…
more -
Who Said That?
Sometimes the loudest forces in our lives are the quietest ones—thoughts, beliefs, and emotional patterns running in the background, shaping how we move through the world without us even realizing it. This meditation invites you to pause, tune in, and gently question the internal voices…
more -
Hard Place, Soft Heart
When the world feels like a hard place, it can be tempting to shut down, numb out, or toughen up just to get through it. But in this morning meditation, we explore a different way. This practice invites you to soften—not as a sign of surrender, but as an act of strength. You’ll release tension,...
-
A Quiet Revolution
In a world that demands constant action, urgency, and control, it can feel almost radical to soften. This meditation invites you to do just that—not as a way to escape responsibility, but as a way to meet this moment with steadiness, clarity, and presence. Through gentle breath and awareness,...
-
And Pivot
We start this one hungry—literally. Join us for a classic sideways rant about forgetting to eat, hyperfocusing to the point of vanishing, and the sheer terror of stepping away when you're "in the flow." (Spoiler: you won’t actually lose your genius if you pause for lunch.) We get into the…
more -
Held by Presence
What if you didn’t have to hold it all together?What if this moment could hold you? In this soft and spacious meditation, you’re invited to lay it all down—the tension, the noise, the striving—and return to what’s always been beneath it: the quiet hum of being. Breathe gently. Soften completely....
-
You Are Not Separate
✨ Expanding Presence: You are Not Separate ✨ This guided meditation invites you to go beyond the boundaries of your thoughts, emotions, and physical form—to soften into something much bigger: the space around you, your connection to everything, and the infinite awareness that holds it all. In…
more -
Strong-ish
What’s the Price of Being the Strong One? In this episode of Unbalanced AF, Cheryl and Jenna—two tired, type-A, firstborns—dig into the emotional toll of always being the capable one—the one who shows up, holds it all together, and still finds time to plant-based meal prep like a boss (or order...
-
Pure Presence
In a world that keeps us stuck in our heads—analyzing, planning, reacting—true presence isn’t about managing thoughts. It’s about feeling fully alive in this moment. This guided meditation invites you to shift out of the mind and into the body, connecting with the two ancient rhythms always with...
-
Bend Your Knees
You know the drill—tight hamstrings, stubborn ego, and that one teacher always yelling, "Bend your knees!" But what if that cue isn’t just about your down dog? In this episode, we dive into samskaras—our deep-seated patterns—and how what we do on the mat is exactly what we carry off of it. From...
-
The Changing Seasons of Emotion
7-Minute Guided Insight Meditation: The Changing Seasons of Emotion Just like the seasons shift from winter’s stillness to spring’s renewal, our emotions are always moving—arriving, staying for a time, and eventually passing. This short yet powerful meditation invites you to observe your…
more -
Most Challenging Moment Last 24 HRS
🎙️ Episode 1: "Most Challenging Moment in the Last 24 Hours?" Welcome to the Unbalanced AF podcast! Be patient with us as we come online—this first raw and unfiltered episode, recorded straight from the floor of our studio office, is a true window into the messiness of beginnings. In this…
more -
Releasing + Merging
Releasing & Merging: Becoming the Flow We’ve been working with the imagery of the river and the leaves—watching thoughts drift by, learning to let them go. But what happens when we stop observing and start becoming the river itself? Today’s Meditation: Releasing the Leaves and Merging with the...
-
Observing the Flow of the Mind
Deepening Awareness: Observing the Flow of the Mind Thoughts come and go like leaves on a river—some drifting by unnoticed, others catching on rocks, swirling, pulling our attention. But what if we could simply watch them, without force, without control? Today’s Meditation: Deepening Awareness…
more -
Flowing through Resistance
Monday Meditation: Flowing Through Resistance Mondays come with their own kind of resistance—the weight of expectations, to-do lists, and the urge to push forward when we may not feel ready. But what if we approached Monday differently? What if, instead of resisting, we allowed ourselves to flow?...
-
Trusting Your Inner Messages
For the past few years, we’ve held a 7-minute morning meditation as a daily anchor for our community, Balanced Planet Yoga. It’s a space to pause, breathe, and center before the day begins—whether you’re rolling out of bed or already deep into your morning routine. These sessions are designed to…
more -
Accepting the Flow of Now
Working with the Breath: Flowing with the River Each morning, we come together in meditation—not to force a perfect stillness, but to learn how to flow with what is. Like a river, the breath moves energy through the body, bringing in fresh life—prana—and carrying away what we no longer need. This...
-
Letting Go with the River
Why Letting Go is Essential Here’s a compelling description for Day 2 Guided Meditation: Letting Go with the River, incorporating the importance of releasing stress and trusting the flow of life: Life moves fast, and our minds are constantly holding on— to worries, past experiences, and the…
more -
River of Breath
Why a Morning Meditation Practice Matters How you start your morning sets the tone for your entire day. A consistent morning ritual creates stability, reduces stress, and helps cultivate presence before the chaos begins. Science tells us that connection is one of the most important factors for a...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Unbalanced AF, where we pull back the curtain on what real balance looks like—spoiler: it’s nothing like Instagram.We run Balanced Planet Yoga, but life? It’s far from balanced. I’ve lived through three divorces, rebuilt my life more times than I can count, and finally found love in a way I never expected. My life has been anything but balanced, and honestly? That’s what makes it interesting. And then there’s Jenna—my daughter and partner in unbalanced crime. A veteran, mom of three, and survivor of her own WTF-is-this-life?! moments.Life is chaos. Let’s talk about it.
HOSTED BY
Cheryl Van Sciver + Jenna Kelly
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Unbalanced AF have?
Unbalanced AF currently has 48 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Unbalanced AF about?
Welcome to Unbalanced AF, where we pull back the curtain on what real balance looks like—spoiler: it’s nothing like Instagram.We run Balanced Planet Yoga, but life? It’s far from balanced. I’ve lived through three divorces, rebuilt my life more times than I can count, and finally found love in a...
How often does Unbalanced AF release new episodes?
Unbalanced AF has 48 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Unbalanced AF?
You can listen to Unbalanced AF on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Unbalanced AF?
Unbalanced AF is created and hosted by Cheryl Van Sciver + Jenna Kelly.
URL copied to clipboard!