Meet Sonia Azad
Sonia Azad is a two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist turned wellness entrepreneur. After nearly two decades in television news, Sonia pivoted her career to focus on yoga, meditation, and health education. Today, she leads international retreats, corporate wellness events, and shares her expertise through her Azad Wellness Collective.
From Newsroom to Wellness
Sonia Azad began her career as a journalist, reporting internationally and covering major events such as the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster, the Ebola crisis in Dallas, and the medical aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. She holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Texas, along with a Master of Journalism and a Master of Legal Studies from Northwestern University. Certified as an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500) with over 1,200 hours of training, Sonia is well-versed in Yin, Vinyasa, and other modalities. She is the founder of the Azad Wellness Collective, a national health and wellness contributor for Merit Street Media, and a retreat leader passionate about helping others live freely and authentically.
Years in Journalism
Covered major national and international stories before pivoting to wellness.
Emmy Awards
Recognized for excellence in broadcast reporting and storytelling.
Training Hours
Advanced yoga and meditation training across multiple disciplines.
Meditations
Trained in 23 different lineages of meditation.
The Shift with Sonia Azad
Sonia’s podcast explores the power of transformation and authentic living. Through candid conversations with experts and changemakers, she uncovers practical insights on wellness, personal growth, and breaking free from limiting routines.
Upcoming Retreats
Rest + Receive
October 15-19 2005
Montevalle Resort & Spa
Hosted by Sonia Azad
Palmaïa - House of Aïa
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Led by Zoë Kors
At “Rest & Receive,” Sonia Azad guides you through a transformative retreat designed to calm your mind, restore your energy, and reconnect with your true self. Through a blend of gentle yoga, meditation, breathwork, spa therapies, and mindful practices, each experience nurtures your body, quiets your nervous system, and equips you with tools to carry balance, clarity, and inner peace into daily life.
Five Fast Facts
A snapshot of the incredible Sonia Azad:
Emmy Award Winner
Honored twice for outstanding reporting, including her special Passage to India.
Global Reporter
Covered stories from Paris to India, with a focus on international human experiences.
Experienced Yoga Teacher
E-RYT 500 with over 1,200 hours of advanced training.
Wellness Entrepreneur
Founder of the Azad Wellness Collective, blending media, health, and mindfulness.
Inspired by Freedom
“Azad” means “free” in Persian — a reflection of her mission to help others live authentically.