HCA Talks Health

Kenneth Schlenker worked on product and data at Google, contributing to Google Maps, YouTube and Google Ads. He now runs Opal, an app that helps people manage screen time and stay focused. His earlier work was about keeping people engaged on their devices. At the time, that was the goal. But he’s since seen the downside. These systems are designed to keep people on their phones for longer, whether they enjoy it or not. On average, we spend around 5 hours a day on our phones. People are finding it harder to stay present in real-life interactions and to focus on one task. The patterns are starting to look a lot like addiction. He sees this as a wider issue, not just a matter of willpower. Opal is his response to that. It adds small barriers to make phone use more intentional and easier to control. In this episode, you will discover: This episode offers Health Coaches a powerful framework for helping clients navigate the "attention economy" by shifting the focus from guilt to structural change. By understanding that these digital systems are specifically engineered to override self-discipline, you can better support your clients in implementing "intentional friction" to protect their mental wellbeing and productivity. This shift from relying on willpower to redefining one's identity allows clients to move beyond passive consumption and rediscover the value of presence, rest, and focused living. 🌐 For more information on Opal, Kenneth’s screen time app, visit https://opalapp.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to HCA Talks Health 00:54 – From Google to Opal: Building systems for engagement vs. focus 02:14 – How the "Attention Economy" and autoplay keep users hooked 03:55 – Is it addiction? The impact of smartphones on sleep and attention 05:52 – The trillion-dollar business model behind capturing your attention 06:58 – Understanding "Sentiment of Regret" and compulsive phone use 08:22 – The data: Why we spend over 5 hours a day on our phones 09:22 – The Mental Health Crisis: Linking smartphones to depression and anxiety 10:52 – Digital Distraction Tools: Infinite scroll, stories, and notifications 11:58 – The future of engagement: How AI creates intimate digital relationships 14:47 – Why willpower fails and the need for "Intentional Friction" 15:47 – How the Opal app works: Breathwork, puzzles, and self-awareness 16:48 – The Impact: Saving 300 million hours of screen time 17:40 – Managing attention as a fundamental life skill for 2026 19:11 – Behavior Change: Why consistency beats intensity 19:42 – Changing Identity: How to reframe your relationship with technology 21:44 – Kenneth’s personal struggle with attention and his daily routine 24:55 – Step one for Health Coaches: Building awareness without guilt 25:21 – The #1 Takeaway: Stop blaming yourself—it's the system, not your willpower Connect with Health Coaches Academy: 📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy 🌿 Explore a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com 🔔 Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!

In this episode of HCA Talks Health, host Zena Le Roux sits down with Nicole Askwith Williams, an award-winning educator and the founder of the Women's Wellbeing Club. Nicole shares her personal transformation from an 11-year corporate career in finance to becoming a dedicated Women's Health Coach, a shift sparked by her own long-term struggle with undiagnosed hormonal symptoms. We explore how to better align our daily lives with female physiology and how Nicole empowers women to thrive by working in harmony with their natural biological rhythms. In this episode, you’ll discover: - The importance of filtering online health trends to find evidence-backed advice - Why tailoring your nutrition and exercise to suit your specific life stage is so important - The simple, science-backed habits that can help regulate your hormones and boost daily energy - Why trusting your intuition is the most important first step in reclaiming your physical and mental wellbeing. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Nicole Askwith Williams and the Women's Wellbeing Club 01:00 – Nicole’s journey from teenage hormonal struggles to the corporate world 03:00 – Transitioning from the fitness industry to a deeper focus on hormonal health 05:00 – Defining holistic life coaching: moving beyond exercise and nutrition to work-life balance 07:00 – How Nicole educates organisations on supporting women in the workplace 08:00 – Implementing bespoke, small-habit changes for long-term health behavioural shifts 11:00 – The reality of misdiagnosis and the "insane" level of health misinformation online 13:00 – Debunking the "hormone balancing" movement and discussing lifestyle triggers 17:00 – The importance of evidence-based advice and proper coaching qualifications 21:00 – Overview of one-to-one coaching and group support programmes available 24:00 – Closing thoughts on trusting your intuition and taking the power to change your life Ultimately, Nicole reminds us that if something doesn't feel right within your body or your mind, you possess the absolute power to change it. By moving away from "one-size-fits-all" trends and towards evidence-based, individualised care, women can move from feeling unsupported to feeling empowered. Whether you are a Health Coach looking to better support your clients or an individual ready to take action on your health, this episode serves as a vital reminder to trust your intuition and take that first step towards a more vibrant version of yourself. To learn more about Nicole’s education initiatives, visit the Women’s Wellbeing Club: www.thewomenswellbeingclub.com Connect with Health Coaches Academy: 📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy 🌿 Explore a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com

In this episode of HCA Talks Health, Zena Le Roux sits down with Fred Ford, a motivational speaker and author of the international bestseller Think and Grow Thin. After struggling with his weight for three decades and reaching a peak of 350.2 pounds, Fred underwent a life-altering transformation at age 61. He shares how health coaches can help their clients move beyond the "weight loss rollercoaster" by facilitating a fundamental shift in identity rather than just focusing on restrictive behaviours. By applying proven success principles to health (ultimately losing 130 pounds without the use of drugs or surgery) Fred provides a ground-breaking roadmap for coaches to help their clients achieve lasting resilience and transformation from the inside out. In this episode, you will discover: Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction to Fred Ford 0:59 – Fred's 30-year weight loss journey and identity struggle 2:40 – The turning point: The Disney World incident and a prayer for change 6:10 – The "Think and Grow Thin" method: Using index cards and Bob Proctor’s theories 8:44 – How coaching groups led to an international bestselling book 11:06 – Why 99% of diets fail and the importance of identity change 16:18 – The power of visualization: Thinking in pictures to create reality 20:01 – Daily habits, consistency, and the "silver bullet" 24:03 – Overcoming ongoing challenges and "mastery" 27:34 – Why it is never too late to start, regardless of age 30:51 – How life has changed: Energy, spirituality, and the "Avatar moment" 38:35 – How Fred supports others through workshops and coaching 41:41 – The key takeaway: The three steps to success To find out more about Fred’s book Think and Grow Thin, visit www.authorfredford.com. Fred’s story is a powerful testament to the idea that "imagined reality is reality". By replacing self-loathing with a commitment to daily consistency, he proved that even at 61, it is possible to "emancipate" yourself from a lifetime of struggle. His journey from being unable to fit on a rollercoaster ride to walking miles in the snow serves as a roadmap for anyone looking to transform their life from the inside out. Connect with Health Coaches Academy: 📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy 🌿 Explore a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com 🔔 Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our channel and leave a review!

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jaz Robbins, a clinical professor of psychology, licensed psychologist, and board-certified holistic nutritionist, to explore the powerful intersection of nutritional psychology and mental health. Dr. Jaz shares her unique journey of combining her background in food science with her clinical psychology practice to address the "food-mood connection." She explains how our nervous system functions like a traffic light and how chronic anxiety can keep us stuck in a "yellow light" state of fight-or-flight, draining our body's resources. Dr. Jaz breaks down the science of the enteric nervous system, a.k.a. our "second brain" in the gut, and provides practical, low-pressure strategies for health coaches and individuals to recalibrate their wellbeing through intentional, baby-step dietary changes. In this episode, you will discover: In this episode, you will discover: - How to identify if your nervous system is stuck in a state of chronic stress - The biological link between your gut microbiome and emotional regulation - Why common habits like caffeine and alcohol can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety - How to correctly pair proteins and carbohydrates to boost serotonin production - Practical coaching techniques to help clients build confidence through small, achievable wins Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to HCA Talks Health 01:00 – Dr. Jaz’s journey: Combining psychology and nutrition 03:00 – What is Nutritional Psychology? 07:55 – The Traffic Light Analogy: Understanding your nervous system 10:45 – The Second Brain: Gut health and the microbiome 12:00 – Taking baby steps toward lifelong change 15:30 – Common mistakes: The impact of caffeine and alcohol 16:20 – Why sleep is the foundation for nutritional interventions 19:40 – The hidden dangers of highly processed "health" foods 23:20 – When "healthy" exercise backfires: High-intensity vs. slow-paced 26:50 – Feeding the gut: The power of fermented foods and fibre 30:30 – The science of Tryptophan and Carbohydrates 38:50 – Behavioural Activation: How to stop overwhelming clients 41:30 – Creating intentional "homework" for sustainable habits 52:15 – The "Slow to Rise" and "Slow to Rest" daily transitions 55:30 – How to connect with Dr. Jaz Robbins 56:40 – Final Tip: Self-compassion and "drawing a line in the sand" This episode is an insightful listen for Health Coaches, wellness professionals, and anyone who may experience anxiety. It is also perfect for those looking to understand the biological roots of mental wellbeing and seeking compassionate, manageable ways to support their nervous system through the power of nutrition. To connect with Dr. Jaz Robbins, visit her website 🌐www.drjazrobbins.com or follow her on Instagram: @drjazrobbins Connect with Health Coaches Academy: 📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy 🌿 Explore a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com 🔔 Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our channel and leave a review!

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Louise Oliver, an NHS GP, Functional Breathing Practitioner and therapeutic Life Coach, to talk about the profound impact of breathing efficiency on our physical and mental wellbeing. Louise shares her personal journey of how correcting her own breathing patterns resolved her snoring, transformed her sleep and increased her capacity to handle stress. She explains that many of us have lost the ability to breathe "as nature intended" due to modern lifestyles, leading to a host of hidden health issues. Tune in to discover: Louise’s approach reminds us that breathing is a free, accessible tool that can improve everything from brain fog and exercise recovery to hormonal balance and chronic pain. 🌐 Visit Dr Louise Oliver’s Website: www.drlouiseolivertherapeuticlifecoaching.com 💤 Louise only recommends MyoTape, as it is a safe, non-restrictive solution (available globally, including on Takealot). Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to HCA Talks Health 00:54 – Louise’s story: How breathing changed her life and stopped her snoring 02:08 – What it means to breathe "as nature intended" 03:10 – The dangers of mouth breathing and the benefits of the nose 05:31 – Why 50% of people may be breathing inefficiently 06:21 – How hormones (menopause, pregnancy) impact your breath 08:00 – The impact of "sucking in your stomach" on the diaphragm 11:58 – The difference between breathing efficiency and traditional breathwork 17:09 – The 3 dimensions: Breathe Light, Breathe Low and Breathe Slow 18:13 – Demonstration: How posture and mouth breathing trigger stress 22:38 – Over-breathing and how to recalibrate your body 25:05 – Breathing at night: The glymphatic system and brain detox 27:40 – Mouth taping: Benefits and safety considerations (MyoTape) 32:38 – Advice for Health Coaches: How to observe client breathing 35:58 – Surprising health links: From brain fog to improved smell and thyroid health 40:02 – The #1 Tip: The correct tongue position for an open airway 🌱 More from the Health Coaches Academy Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy Discover a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com 🎙️Subscribe and Review If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to our channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more Health Coaches who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health - see you in two weeks!

Ever feel like you’re rushing through life, trying to build healthy habits but never quite finding a rhythm that truly sticks? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we’re joined by Mediterranean lifestyle expert and author Olivia Malonda to explore a way of living that goes far beyond food. Rooted in tradition and supported by modern science, the Mediterranean lifestyle offers a practical, sustainable approach to developing healthy habits that support long-term wellbeing, stronger relationships, and a more balanced life, wherever you live. Tune in to discover: - Simple, practical ways to build healthy habits inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle, even with a busy schedule - A fresh perspective on health and longevity grounded in both cultural wisdom and research - Tools to bring more balance, connection, and joy into your everyday routine Whether you’re navigating conflicting health advice or simply craving a slower, more meaningful way of living, this episode offers a refreshing, human approach to wellbeing, helping you create healthy habits that last. 🔔 Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and leave a review! Connect with Health Coaches Academy: 📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy 🌿 Explore a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com

Do we have to accept pain as we get older? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we speak with Stacey Roberts - a registered nurse, musculoskeletal specialist, pelvic and sexual health physiotherapist, and functional medicine expert, about practical ways to live pain-free, regain movement, and feel more in control of your health. Stacey is also the author of The Pain-Free Formula: Solving the Puzzle of Muscle and Joint Pain Without Surgery, Drugs, or Injections, bringing evidence-based strategies and real-life insights to the conversation. She shares her own experience of sudden knee pain and how it inspired her to help others live pain-free, without immediately turning to surgery or medication. Stacey explains why pain isn’t just a mechanical issue, and how your brain, hormones, diet, stress, and lifestyle all play a role. Tune in to discover: Stacey’s approach reminds us that pain doesn’t have to control our lives and that small, mindful changes can make a huge difference. 📚 Read Stacey’s book: The Pain-Free Formula on Amazon 🌐 Visit New You Health & Wellness: newyouhealthandwellness.com 🎧 Tune in to The Pain-Free Formula Podcast on iTunes Connect with Health Coaches Academy: 📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy 🌿 Explore a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com 🔔 Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more aspiring health coaches and people seeking guidance on their weight loss journey. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health - see you in two weeks!

"There’s nothing as fulfilling as helping somebody feel better and giving them the tools to help themselves." Are you curious about health coaching and how it could change lives for others and for yourself? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, Zena le Roux sits down with Elsa Wye, HCA Graduate and Ambassador, to explore her journey from the world of corporate to an exciting career in health and wellbeing. Elsa shares the pivotal moments that inspired her to become a Health and Wellness Coach, from her own health experiences to her family’s journey, and how these shaped her passion for supporting others. Hear how Elsa combines one-to-one coaching, corporate wellbeing programmes, and a free local menopause support group to create real, lasting impact. She shares practical tips for anyone thinking about a career in health coaching, and how curiosity, life experience, and small, achievable steps can make a big difference. Connect with Elsa: Website: elsaywellbeing.co.uk Instagram: @ElsaWHealthCoach LinkedIn: Elsa Wye Connect with Health Coaches Academy: 📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy 🌿 Explore a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com 🔔 Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more aspiring health coaches and people seeking guidance on their weight loss journey. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health — see you in two weeks!

Looking to feel stronger, more energised, and confident in your body, even as life gets busier and things change? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we explore a refreshingly realistic approach to health and fitness, one that isn’t about chasing six-packs or punishing workouts, but about building strength that supports your life. Our guest, Josh Wood, is a TEDx speaker, educator, and fitness expert whose journey has taken him from powerlifting and combat sports to guiding people through the wilderness, and now coaching everyday adults toward sustainable strength. After becoming a parent, Josh rethought how he trains, recovers, and builds fitness into real life and shares the simple shifts that make a lasting difference. 🎧 What you’ll learn in this episode: Whether you’re a parent, juggling a busy schedule, or simply looking for a practical way to improve your health and fitness, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you start moving in the right direction today. 📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy 🌿 Discover a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching If you have a passion for health and wellbeing and would like to explore how to become a Health Coach, visit: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com 🔔 Subscribe & Review If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to our channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more Health Coaches who need these insights. To have podcasts and resources like this sent directly to your inbox, subscribe to the HCA Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/2nrmtus6 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health! See you in two weeks!

What happens when life hits rock bottom and how do you rebuild health, happiness, and purpose? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we speak with Edward Harpin, owner and course director of The Tree, which was recently named one of the top 20 retreats in the world by The Times! Edward shares how he rebuilt his life after hitting rock bottom, the simple practices that helped him heal, and the mindset changes that helped him find purpose. He also talks about his book Waking Up in the World and why he wanted to make sure he didn’t leave life with his “music still inside him.” 🎧 Tune in to discover: - How to spot when your life isn’t working and make real changes - Everyday tools for resilience and managing tough emotions - How short daily mindfulness can change the way you think - Turning hard times into opportunities to grow - Why it’s so important to share your unique gifts with the world A practical, honest conversation for anyone wanting more clarity, balance, and purpose in life. 📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy 🌿 Explore a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com 🔔 Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more aspiring health coaches and people seeking guidance on their weight loss journey. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health - see you in two weeks!

What does it really take to reclaim your gut health and live symptom-free from conditions like colitis? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we’re joined by Chris Robert, Gut Health Coach and HCA Graduate, who shares his powerful journey of healing from ulcerative colitis and how it inspired him to launch The Gut Coach. 🎧 Tune in to discover: Chris’s healing journey from severe symptoms to recovery The role of diet, stress management, and lifestyle in gut health How mindset shifts accelerate recovery and resilience The holistic coaching strategies Chris uses with clients ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction & Chris’s background 1:00 – Early gut health struggles and colitis diagnosis 4:00 – Medical support & initial treatments 7:00 – Life after diagnosis and the turning point 10:00 – Root causes: antibiotics, stress, poor diet 11:00 – Research into diet, mindfulness & lifestyle 14:00 – Final pieces of the puzzle: exercise & joy 15:00 – Transitioning off medication 18:00 – Chris’s coaching approach & client results 21:00 – Long-term lifestyle changes for gut health 24:00 – Reframing mindset for healing 27:00 – Building The Gut Coach practice 30:00 – Advice for anyone struggling with gut health Whether you’re a Health Coach, wellness practitioner, or simply interested in gut health, this episode will inspire you with practical strategies and hope for recovery. 🔗 Discover more: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com/health-wellness-podcast 🌟 More from The Health Coaches Academy Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy If you have a passion for health and wellbeing and would like to discover a new, rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching, we invite you to visit our website: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com 🎙 Subscribe and Review If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to our YouTube Channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more Health Coaches who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health — see you in two weeks!

Have you ever reached the point of burnout where you just can’t keep going the way you have been? That’s exactly what happened to Michelle Niemeyer, who went from thriving in a demanding legal career to realising that her health and happiness were paying the price. In this episode of HCA Talks Health, Michelle shares how a major health scare became the wake-up call that changed everything. She left the corporate world behind and retrained as a Certified Health Coach, creating a framework she now calls The Art of Bending Time - a practical approach to building a good life without burning out. Michelle talks about what it really took to turn things around, the research that shaped her method, and how we can all create more energy, focus, and joy by being intentional with how we spend our time. She also explains why chasing “work-life balance” can actually make burnout worse, and what to aim for instead. 🎧 What you’ll learn in this episode: The Art of Bending Time Click here If you’ve ever struggled with burnout or felt like there’s never enough time, this conversation will help you rethink what’s possible. It’s an inspiring, down-to-earth look at how slowing down and getting clear can actually help you move forward faster. 📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy 🌿 Discover a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: If you’re passionate about health and wellbeing and want to explore becoming a health coach, visit www.healthcoachesacademy.com. 🔔 Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review! It really helps us reach more listeners who are ready to overcome burnout and build a healthier, more balanced life. 🎙

Have you ever struggled with weight loss and realised the hardest part wasn’t just physical, but emotional? True transformation isn’t about quick fixes or extreme diets, it’s about mindset, purpose, and self-connection. In this episode of HCA Talks Health, HCA graduate and Health Coach Victoria Boxall-Hunt shares her honest journey with weight loss. She opens up about the emotional and spiritual lessons she learned, how she discovered her deeper “why,” and how that clarity completely transformed not just her health, but her outlook on life. This conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration for anyone looking to create lasting change. 🎧 What you’ll learn in this episode: Whether you’re just starting your weight loss journey or looking for tools to support others, this episode is full of actionable tips, real-life lessons, and inspiration to help you create meaningful, lasting change. 📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy 🌿 Explore a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com 🔔 Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more aspiring health coaches and people seeking guidance on their weight loss journey. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health — see you in two weeks!

Would you like to turn your love of health and wellness into a career that actually excites you? Imagine creating luxury wellness retreats in stunning destinations, experiences so memorable that people travel the world just to be part of them… In this episode of HCA Talks Health, professional Health & Wellness Coach Sheree-Ann shares her journey of building a rewarding wellness career. She opens up about prioritising her own wellbeing, overcoming a limiting money mindset, and transforming her expertise into retreats that leave a lasting impact. This honest conversation includes the highs, the lows, and practical tips for anyone dreaming of a wellness-focussed business. 🎧 What you’ll learn in this episode: Whether you’re just starting out or looking to develop your existing wellness career, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical guidance, and actionable tips to help you create a life and business you truly love. 📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy 🌿 Discover a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching If you have a passion for health and wellbeing and would like to explore how to become a health coach, visit: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com 🔔 Subscribe & Review If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to our YouTube Channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more health coaches who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health! See you in two weeks!

Ever feel like you’re running on autopilot, just ticking things off the to-do list without really enjoying life? In this episode, Liz – a Health and Wellness Coach, Motivational Speaker, and HCA Ambassador – shares how small but meaningful shifts can help you find more balance, energy, and joy in everyday life. We explore Liz’s personal journey from feeling stuck in routine to building a life that feels purposeful and fulfilling. She explains her role as a Health and Wellness Coach and how coaching can guide you towards making space for what truly matters. From the power of movement (including Liz’s love of dance!) to reconnecting with your own sense of purpose, this conversation is full of practical tips for anyone who wants to feel more motivated and alive. Whether you’re curious about health and wellness coaching or simply looking for ways to make positive changes, Liz’s story offers encouragement and simple steps you can begin today. Topics covered in this episode: 🌿 More from The Health Coaches Academy Follow HCA on Instagram 👉 @healthcoachesacademy Discover a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com 🎙 Subscribe & Review If you loved this episode, please subscribe to our channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more health coaches with these life-changing insights. Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health! See you in two weeks!

What really is pain and why doesn’t pain management always work the way we expect? In this episode, Dr. Deepak Ravindran, consultant in pain medicine and author of The Pain-Free Mindset, shares insights from over two decades of helping people live beyond chronic pain. We explore why pain isn’t always caused by structural damage in the body, and how the brain plays a powerful role in deciding when we feel it. Dr. Ravindran explains why conventional pain management approaches like scans and medications can fall short, and introduces practical ways to think differently about recovery. From the body’s built-in alarm system that detects potential threats, to the influence of stress, trauma, and mindset, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what pain really means and how Health Coaches, clinicians, and individuals alike can reframe their approach to pain management. Topics covered in this episode: - Why pain is not always linked to structural damage in the body - How the brain influences when (and why) we feel pain - The limits of scans and medications in pain management - Understanding the body’s internal warning system - The role of stress, trauma, and mindset in chronic pain - How health coaches and clinicians can support better recovery - Insights from The Pain-Free Mindset and trauma-informed care 🌿 More from The Health Coaches Academy Follow HCA on Instagram 👉 @healthcoachesacademy Discover a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com 🎙 Subscribe & Review If you loved this episode, please subscribe to our channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more health coaches with these life-changing insights. Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health! See you in two weeks!

Feeling stuck in burnout, exhausted, and unheard? You’re not alone. In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we’re joined by Debi Mason — Certified Health & Wellness Coach and mentor at both HCA and Health Coaches Hub. Debi shares her powerful journey from severe health struggles in a high-stress corporate role to reclaiming her energy, freedom, and purpose through health coaching. 🎧 Tune in to discover: The warning signs of burnout she ignored before her body crashed Why being “unheard” delayed her healing The key steps she took to restore her health and shift her mindset How reconnecting with herself brought clarity and resilience Why her guiding principle became: “How will this nourish me?” Debi now helps others break free from burnout and create a healthier, more fulfilling life — proving that it’s possible to turn exhaustion into empowerment. 🔗 Explore more HCA Talks Health episodes: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com/health-wellness-podcast ✅ Timestamps 0:00 Welcome & introduction to Debi Mason 1:00 Debi’s corporate career & silent health struggles 2:00 Success at UGG Europe while living on adrenaline 3:00 Ignoring symptoms: migraines, pain & poor sleep 4:00 Productivity vs. health decline — running on adrenaline 5:00 Why it was so hard to stop & seek change 6:00 Seeing multiple specialists but missing the root cause 7:30 The turning point: moving back to South Africa 9:00 Total body crash — when adrenaline wears off 10:00 First steps toward healing with a functional nutritionist 12:00 Discovering the power of food & functional medicine 13:30 Food intolerances, histamine issues & personalised nutrition 15:00 Whole foods, balanced eating & tailored supplements 16:30 Keeping a detailed food & symptom diary 18:00 Reconnecting with the body after years of “body deafness” 19:00 Six months to improvement, years to full recovery 20:00 Food changed my life — inspiring a career shift 21:30 Finding Health Coaches Academy & training as a coach 23:00 Starting a second career & stepping into her purpose 25:00 A day in the life of a thriving health coach 27:00 Nourishing body, mind & spirit daily 29:00 Impact on clients, families & communities 31:00 How to connect with Debi & her coaching work 32:00 Final thoughts — health is our greatest asset 🌟 More from The Health Coaches Academy Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy If you have a passion for health and wellbeing and would like to discover a new, rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching, we invite you to visit our website: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com 🎙 Subscribe and Review If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to our YouTube Channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more Health Coaches who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health — see you in two weeks!

What does effective eating disorder therapy really look like in practice? Have you ever struggled with your relationship with food, or wondered how to support someone caught in the cycle of disordered eating? In this episode of HCA Talks Health, counsellor Harriet Frew shares her journey of recovery from bulimia, her insights into eating disorder therapy, and how she now works to help others heal. Harriet discusses her current therapeutic approach, her experience with intuitive eating, and the way her relationship with food has evolved. For anyone struggling personally, she shares practical ways to begin breaking free from disordered eating patterns. This conversation is also invaluable for Health Coaches and those considering a career in health coaching with guidance on how to approach disordered eating with sensitivity, compassion, and awareness. 🔑 Topics covered: 🌿 More from The Health Coaches Academy Follow HCA on Instagram 👉 @healthcoachesacademy Discover a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com 🎙 Subscribe & Review If you loved this episode, please subscribe to our channel and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more health coaches with these life-changing insights. Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health! See you in two weeks!

What if preparing for surgery involved more than just the operation itself? Discover how Lifestyle Medicine and whole-person healing can transform surgical recovery and improve long-term health. In this episode of HCA Talks Health, Dr. Sunil Kumar - a Specialist Anesthesiologist, Lifestyle Medicine Physician, Author, and Master Health Coach, explains why focusing on the whole person, not just the procedure, is key to better surgical outcomes. With over 30 years of medical experience, Dr. Kumar highlights the power of “prehabilitation”: optimising mindset, nutrition, and lifestyle to support physical and mental wellness before surgery. Whether you’re exploring Lifestyle Medicine, integrative health, or simply want to understand how lifestyle choices impact healing, this episode reveals practical strategies to boost recovery, reduce complications, and promote lasting wellbeing. If you have a passion for health and wellbeing and would like to discover a new, rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching, we invite you to visit our website: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to our Podcast and leave a review - your support helps us reach more Health Coaches who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health! See you in two weeks!

Are you a healthcare professional feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or questioning how long you can keep going? Burnout in medicine is real and you're not alone. In this podcast episode, Dr Emma Presern shares her personal story of burnout and recovery, and how self-care could hold the key to transforming healthcare from the inside out. Dr Emma Presern is a GP locum, Lifestyle Medic, and the founder of Rebellious Health. She joins us on HCA Talks Health to discuss the growing burnout crisis in healthcare and why it’s not just acceptable but essential for clinicians to prioritise their own wellbeing. This episode is for doctors, nurses and any healthcare professional struggling with the weight of constant giving. Dr Presern talks about what led her to the edge of burnout, the warning signs she missed, and the mindset shifts and recovery techniques that helped her rebuild a more sustainable, human-centred approach to care. 🎧 Tune in to explore: ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00: Introduction 0:45: What is Rebellious Health? 3:00: The current healthcare system and why it is leading to burnout for many 7:40: Dr Emma’s own health journey and personal experience of burnout in healthcare 15:00: Simple strategies to recover from burnout in the workplace 18:55: How Rebellious Health is helping other healthcare professionals to prevent burnout and reconnect with themselves and their practice 22:40: Why a system-wide change is needed more than ever in healthcare and what that could look like 28:30: Final thoughts and further resources For more information on Rebellious Health, visit: www.rebelliousmedic.com If you have a passion for health and wellbeing and would like to discover a new, rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching, we invite you to visit our website: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to our Podcast and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more Health Coaches who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health! See you in two weeks!