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

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!

Reclaiming Gut Health | Chris Robert on Healing Colitis & Coaching Others | HCA Talks Health

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!

A Root-Cause Approach to Scoliosis Management with Dr. Mark Morningstar | HCA Talks Health

In this episode of HCA Talks Health, Zena Le Roux interviews Dr. Mark Morningstar, a leading expert in scoliosis care and integrative medicine. Dr. Morningstar shares his transformative journey from frustration with patients seeking quick fixes to finding purpose in working with children with scoliosis and their dedicated families. He dives into the root-cause approach to scoliosis management, exploring how factors like hormones, digestion, and nutrient status impact spinal health. Dr. Morningstar also highlights practical, evidence-based strategies to manage scoliosis conservatively, reduce the need for surgery, and support long-term back health. In this episode, you will discover: - Why a root-cause approach is essential for scoliosis management. - How hormones, digestion, and nutrient status influence spinal health and bone density. - The importance of early intervention and proactive care for scoliosis. - Practical lifestyle habits to support a stronger, more resilient back. - The role of health coaches in empowering patients to take an active role in their care. For Health Coaches, this episode offers invaluable insights into supporting clients with scoliosis through a holistic, proactive approach. Dr. Morningstar’s expertise provides a roadmap for addressing the root causes of scoliosis, empowering clients to manage or even prevent progression while improving overall wellbeing. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of spinal health and integrative care. 🌐 To learn more about Dr. Mark Morningstar and his work, visit www.scoliosispractice.com [http://www.scoliosispractice.com/].  Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Welcome with Zena Le Roux and Dr. Mark Morningstar 01:00 – Dr. Morningstar’s journey: From ethical dilemmas to specialising in scoliosis care 04:00 – Early success stories: The role of parents and proactive scoliosis management 06:00 – Root causes of scoliosis: Hormonal, digestive, and genetic factors 09:00 – Importance of early intervention and addressing long-term neglect in adults 12:00 – Lifestyle factors: Physical activity, anti-inflammatory diets, and neurotransmitter testing 16:00 – Shifts in patient attitudes: Financial pressures and proactive health care 18:00 – Integrative care: Individualised testing for gut and hormone health 22:00 – Dr. Morningstar’s personal health practices and family lifestyle 23:00 – Misconceptions and evidence-based conservative treatments for scoliosis 27:00 – When surgery is necessary: Medical reasons versus cosmetic purposes 31:00 – Early detection advice: Symptoms, x-rays, and proactive care 33:00 – Resources for scoliosis care: Back Genius network and Dr. Morningstar’s practice 34:00 – Final thoughts: Leaving no stone unturned in scoliosis care   📸 Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy 🌿 Explore a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com 🔔 Subscribe & Review

A GP's Journey through Burnout and Becoming a Health Coach with Dr Jane Sehgal | HCA Talks Health

In this episode of HCA Talks Health, Zena Le Roux interviews Dr Jane Seghal, an NHS GP who shares her powerful journey from the high-pressure environment of the medical field to her current role as a Health Coach. Dr Seghal provides a candid look at the personal and professional challenges—including a demanding training system and significant family health crises—that eventually led to her own experience with burnout. Now working as a health practitioner and coach, she discusses the importance of workplace wellbeing and why "your health is your wealth". In this episode, you will discover: - Burnout is often a result of sustained, "creeping" pressure rather than a single event. - Recognising the professional and personal importance of being told "it’s okay to not be okay". - Navigating high-pressure environments (like the NHS) where systemic demands can erode team empathy and individual compassion. - Identifying how severe mental burnout can frequently present as physical symptoms. - Challenging the "power through" mentality. - Emphasising that a practitioner’s health is their greatest wealth. For a Health Practitioner or Health Coach, tuning into this episode offers a vital roadmap for navigating the high-pressure demands of the industry without sacrificing personal wellbeing. Dr Jane Seghal’s powerful transition from a burnt-out NHS GP to a balanced Coach provides essential insights into identifying the early "creeping" signs of exhaustion before they manifest as physical illness. By understanding the systemic pressures that erode compassion, listeners will feel empowered to establish healthier boundaries and move from a reactive to a proactive model of care. This shift not only protects the practitioner but creates a ripple effect of authentic, empathetic support that deeply enhances client outcomes. Ultimately, this conversation proves that a professional life built on health is the foundation for truly sustainable healing. 🌐 To learn more about how Dr Jane can help you, visit www.betterhealthwithdrjane.com.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to HCA Talks Health with Dr Jane Seghal 00:19 – Jane’s journey: From chemistry degree to medical school  03:09 – Early years: Music scholarships and childhood aspirations  04:52 – The transition from medical student to junior doctor  06:36 – GP training and the impact of personal challenges  08:09 – Systemic barriers to flexible and part-time working  11:23 – Family health crisis: Navigating a husband’s brain surgeries  13:22 – "It broke me": The cumulative toll of stress and lack of compassion  16:55 – Physical warning signs: Severe back pain and the road to burnout  18:03 – Maggie’s Cancer Centre: Receiving the "power of permission" to rest  20:21 – Six months off: The reality of recovery and reflection  20:46 – Hindsight and wisdom: What she would have done differently  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!

A Health Coach’s Guide to Managing Client Screen Time & Mental Wellbeing | 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: * Modern apps are engineered as "engagement factories" that monetise your time by selling it to advertisers. * Digital addiction isn't a failure of willpower; it’s the result of systems designed specifically to defeat human self-discipline. * Excessive screen time is a primary driver of the current global mental health and productivity crisis. * Using tools to create "friction"—like breathwork or puzzles before opening an app—helps break compulsive cycles and reclaim focus. * Long-term change comes from reframing your identity rather than relying on short-term diets or restrictions. 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!