The Truth About Mental Health, AI & Health Coaching with Steve Peralta | HCA Talks Health

The Truth About Mental Health, AI & Health Coaching with Steve Peralta | HCA Talks Health

Interested in the impact health coaching can make in the lives of others?  📖 Download our Healthy Futures Magazine → https://tinyurl.com/healthyfuturesmag  📗 Download our Careers Guide → https://tinyurl.com/careersguidehca  💻 Register for one of our Introductory Webinars → https://tinyurl.com/hcafreewebinar  Can AI support mental health without replacing human connection? In this episode, Zena speaks with Steve Peralta, co-founder and former Chief Wellbeing Officer of Unmind, a workplace mental health platform supporting over 2 million employees globally. Steve opens up about his own catastrophic breakdown in 2024, what healing really looks like, and why true flourishing has nothing to do with self-optimisation. He also shares a refreshingly honest take on AI in mental health and coaching, what it can genuinely support, and where human presence remains irreplaceable. In this episode, you will discover: - Why a proactive, preventative approach to mental health beats simply treating problems - How managers can shape our wellbeing even more than therapists - What genuinely helps when nothing else seems to work - Where AI can support your mental health and coaching, and where it simply can't - Why human presence remains irreplaceable for Health Coaches - How true flourishing comes from becoming whole, not from self-optimisation Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Steve Peralta 01:00 - Overview of the Unmind platform 03:00 - Strategies for proactive workplace mental health 06:00 - Has mental health gotten worse over time? 07:00 - Steve's personal story and breakdown 11:00 - What actually helps when you're really struggling 14:00 - AI and mental health, what it is and isn't 20:00 - Should Health Coaches use AI in practice? 23:00 - Will AI replace coaches? 25:00 - What really helps people heal 31:00 - Where to find Steve 32:00 - Steve's one key takeaway for listeners Honest, grounded, and deeply human, this conversation is a must-listen for Health Coaches, offering rich insight into what truly supports healing, how to hold space for clients with real presence, and why human connection remains at the heart of lasting change, even in a world of AI. Connect with us: 📸  Instagram → https://tinyurl.com/hca-instagram  👨‍💻  LinkedIn → https://tinyurl.com/hca-s-linkedin  👍 Facebook → https://tinyurl.com/facebook-hca  🌐 Website → https://tinyurl.com/healthcoachesacademy

Exploring Health Coaching: A Career That Changes Lives | Elsa Wye | HCA Talks Health

"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. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Corporate background & discovering yoga 02:00 Personal health crisis & family experiences 03:00 Transition into wellbeing & coaching 04:00 Current work: one-to-one, corporate & community 05:00 How opportunities in corporate wellbeing began 06:00 Building work through conversations & networking 07:00 Creating a menopause support group 08:00 Structure of the support group & guest speakers 09:00 Keeping support accessible & community-focused 10:00 Balancing paid work & giving back 11:00 Sustainability, boundaries & self-care as a coach 12:00 Challenges in corporate wellbeing 13:00 Supporting individuals vs organisations 14:00 Working with managers & leaders 15:00 Creating impact through small, achievable steps 16:00 Behaviour change: making it simple & sustainable 17:00 Expectations vs reality after HCA training 18:00 One-to-one coaching & client transformation 19:00 Fulfilment in helping others feel better 20:00 Finding alignment & purpose in your career 21:00 Advice for aspiring Health Coaches 22:00 Following curiosity & gaining experience 23:00 The importance of listening & connection 24:00 Where to find Elsa 25:00 Final message: start small & take action 26:00 Closing Connect with Elsa:  Website: elsaywellbeing.co.uk [https://www.elsaywellbeing.co.uk/]Instagram: @ElsaWHealthCoach [https://www.instagram.com/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!

Fat Loss, Strength and Longevity After 40 with Personal Trainer, Jason Nelson | HCA Talks Health

In this episode, we’re joined by Jason Nelson, a personal trainer, former bodybuilder and founder of Body Image, a fat loss and longevity practice built around systems rather than quick fixes. Jason works primarily with people over 40, helping them preserve strength, metabolic health and cognitive function so they can build bodies that support the life they want to live now and for decades to come. Jason shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped his work, from watching his mother battle Alzheimer’s to navigating intense stress during his own bodybuilding journey and discovering just how powerfully stress can disrupt metabolism, body composition and long-term health. We talk about why getting leaner after 40 requires a different approach, why weight loss alone is too narrow a goal, and why strength, recovery, sleep and muscle preservation matter so much more as we age. In this episode, you will discover: - Why stress can block fat loss and recovery - Why sleep matters more after 40 - How muscle supports long-term health - Why “eat less, move more” can backfire - How simple systems make habits easier - Why GLP-1s and peptides should support, not replace, strong foundations This conversation is a powerful reminder that healthy ageing is about much more than the number on the scale. It’s about building strength, resilience and vitality in a way that supports a long, capable and meaningful life. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Jason Nelson and his work 00:01 – Jason’s personal why and prevention focus 00:03 – Why stress matters more after 40 00:04 – Sleep, recovery and overall health 00:05 – How stress affected Jason’s metabolism 00:06 – Stress management through planning and structure 00:08 – Meal prep, systems and simplification 00:09 – Why Jason focuses on people over 40 00:10 – Why longevity matters beyond weight loss 00:12 – Strength, muscle and bone health after 40 00:14 – Why nutrient density matters 00:16 – Digestion, training intensity and muscle preservation 00:18 – Why recovery becomes more important with age 00:19 – Common mistakes people make in their 40s 00:21 – Closing the gap between knowledge and action 00:24 – Jason’s view on GLP-1s and peptides 00:28 – Muscle loss and strength on GLP-1s 00:32 – How Jason coaches clients one-to-one 00:35 – A simple starting roadmap for change 00:38 – Why basics done consistently matter most 00:39 – Jason’s message: your best health is ahead 00:40 – How biological age can improve in months 00:41 – Final thoughts on longevity and healthy ageing 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 and leave a review!

Find Balance in a Busy World with Mediterranean Healthy Habits | Olivia Malonda | HCA Talks Health

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. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:00 What inspired Olivia’s passion for Mediterranean living 02:00 From recipes to a 28-day lifestyle challenge 03:00 Preventing chronic disease through lifestyle 04:00 Mediterranean values: community & connection 05:00 Hospitality, gratitude & simple pleasures 06:00 Savoring life vs efficiency 07:00 Making Mediterranean habits practical 08:00 Time management & prioritising health 09:00 Building habits into daily routines 10:00 Sharing meals & daily structure 11:00 Perspective, gratitude & natural movement 12:00 What happens when we lose these values 13:00 Screens, stress & modern lifestyle challenges 14:00 Building healthy habits from a young age 15:00 The problem with quick-fix health trends 16:00 Sustainable habits vs short-term results 17:00 Prevention vs cure mindset 18:00 The role of coaching in behaviour change 19:00 Simple Mediterranean recipe example 20:00 Nutrition, balance & meal structure 21:00 Where to find Olivia & her work 22:00 Final message: health, balance & simplicity 🔔 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

Health Coaching as a Whole-Person Approach to Health with Izabella Natrins | HCA Talks Health

In this episode, we’re joined by Izabella Natrins, CEO of the UK & International Health Coaching Association (UKIHCA), a health research psychologist, registered Health Coach, trained chef and author of The Real Food Solution. With nearly 40 years across nursing, research, corporate leadership and coaching, Izabella brings a rare depth of insight to the conversation about why health coaching places the person, not the problem, at the very heart of lasting change. Izabella shares her path from corporate life to chef training in Ireland, where she learned that food and health "start in the soil", and explains why clients are the real experts in their own lives. We talk about behaviour change, the importance of professional standards in a largely unregulated space, and our lost connection to real food and cooking. In this episode, you will discover: - Why health coaching focuses on behaviour change and self-empowerment rather than delivering treatment - How a whole-person approach weaves together our biological, psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing - What truly separates a well-trained, accredited Health Coach from the "Instagram health coach" crowd - How holding space for the messy, non-linear reality of health helps clients thrive - How reconnecting with real food and cooking can become a quiet act of self-care - Izabella reminds us that health isn’t about chasing perfection, but about reconnecting with what makes us human and taking the lead on a life that truly flourishes. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & welcome 00:01 – Izabella's background & career journey 00:03 – From corporate life to chef training at Ballymaloe 00:04 – Launching a cookery school and stepping into health coaching 00:07 – The mission & vision of UKIHCA 00:09 – Why health coaching matters 00:13 – Self-empowerment vs empowerment 00:14 – Anecdote: the client who already had the answers 00:16 – The future role of Health Coaches 00:20 – Accreditation & what sets a trained coach apart 00:25 – The challenges facing Health Coaches 00:27 – The "Take the Lead On Your Health" campaign 00:31 – Anecdote: scrapping the intake form 00:37 – Defining whole person health 00:41 – Food, cooking & "The Real Food Solution" 00:45 – IPM Conference: "Unprocessed: Taking Back our Plates" 00:49 – How Izabella's definition of health has evolved 00:53 – Personal reflections on ageing, movement & creativity 00:56 – What's for dinner: the yuk sung recipe 01:01 – Where to find UKIHCA 01:03 – Closing message: health is deeply human 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  nd leave a review!