Circle This

The Art and Science of Circling: How Real Connection Can Heal Us with Dr. Avanti

Circle This

Show Notes

In this powerful episode of The Healing Catalyst, Dr. Avanti Kumar Singh welcomes Dre, to explain the profound impact of women's circles on healing and connection, drawn from her two decades of facilitating these communal story-sharing experiences. Dre shares how this ancient practice is making a modern-day comeback, and why it's more essential than ever.

The conversation explores the science behind communal experiences, such as the role of mirror neurons and the release of oxytocin, often called the "bonding hormone," which is released during emotionally safe, connected interactions. They describe how simply being in a circle can reduce stress and support emotional regulation, just through listening. Dre describes participating in her first women's circle as a "chemical shift," that ultimately inspired her to share the practice with others.

Dre also explains how Circling differs from therapy, the guidelines and structure that make a circle feel safe and sacred, and how this kind of presence can function as a powerful form of re-parenting, offering the emotional attunement and validation many of us missed growing up.

If you're curious about joining a circle, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing happens in community, and that listening itself can be medicine.

The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Order Dr. Avanti's books: The Longevity Formula, The Health Catalyst Energy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quiz Explore more at avantikumarsingh.com

--

Stay connected with the Circle This team: @andreabendewald @circlethispodcast @emkratter @goodmessmedia @talkwithtrace
 For sponsorship inquiries, email: [email protected]

More from Circle This

Sep 29, 2026

What changes when we stop trying to be the most impressive person in the room and start taking care of the room itself?

Sep 15, 2026

After taking August off, Dre and Em are back and ready for the newness of a new cycle of the school year to begin.

Jul 28, 2026

What if the experiences that shaped you—even the painful ones—weren't detours at all, but preparation for the life you're here to live? This episode will leave you thinking differently about your past, your purpose, and the healing power of genuine human connection.

Jul 14, 2026

In this episode, actress, author, therapist, and addiction specialist Rosa Blasi joins Dre for an honest conversation about intuition, reinvention, accountability, grief, and the courage to trust yourself.

Jun 30, 2026

Davide De Pierro has become one of the internet's most thoughtful voices on love, heartbreak, and modern relationships as he willing asks questions many of us quietly carry.

See all episodes →