Body and Beyond

By Alice Jane and Gina NixonHealth & Fitness

Body and Beyond episodes

November 03, 202553 They Said She Couldn’t. She Proved Them Wrong: Renee’s Home VBAC Story
In this deeply personal and empowering episode of The Body and Beyond podcast, Renee Sahyoun opens up about her fertility and birth journey from a year-long path to conceive Bella through IUI, to achieving a powerful vaginal birth after a previous C-section (VBAC) at home. Joined by Gina Nixon and Alice Jane, Renee shares how she navigated fear, hospital pressure, and outdated medical narratives to reclaim trust in her body and make informed, autonomous choices throughout pregnancy and birth.

She reflects on the contrast between her first pregnancy with Elias and her second, highlighting the supportive role of her private midwife and the importance of having a birth team that truly respects her birth plan. This episode explores what it means to birth outside traditional systems, informed consent, and how resilience, trust, and self-belief can transform the birth experience into one of healing and encouragement for all expecting mothers.

Key Topics Covered:
Conception and Fertility: Renee’s 12-month fertility journey and decision to pursue IUI after natural conception challenges.
From Trauma to Trust: Processing her previous C-section with Elias and the emotional work needed to prepare for a new birth story.
Breaking Free from the System: The hidden constraints of hospital “VBAC support” and the reality of risk labeling.
Finding the Right Midwife: How Renee’s private midwife became her advocate, guide, and grounding presence.
Informed Autonomy: The research, self-trust, and mindset shifts that helped Renee to make her own pregnancy decisions.
Choosing Home Birth: Why a home setting offered the peace, safety, and freedom Renee needed for her dream birth.
Facing Fear and Pressure: The persistence of hospital “fear-mongering” and how Renee learned to hold her ground.
The Birth of Bella: A raw, powerful story of endurance, surrender, and rediscovering strength through a long posterior labor.
Healing and Recovery: A gentle postpartum period, natural recovery, and the emotional “high” of an undisturbed birth.
The Bigger Conversation: Understanding hospital motives, reframing “fetal distress,” and reclaiming personal sovereignty in birth.

Resources Mentioned:
Birthing Instincts Podcast
The Birth Rebellion Podcast

Hosts:
Gina Nixon ⁠⁠⁠⁠@ginanixon__⁠
Alice Jane ⁠⁠⁠⁠@aliceejane⁠
⁠@transformed_women_coaching ⁠
⁠@⁠⁠beyond_the_cravings⁠
Join our Body and Beyond community here on Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/groups/bodyandbeyond.community⁠
⁠@bodyandbeyond_podcast⁠

Guest: Renee Sahyoun ⁠@renee_sahyoun

The Seed Cycle
Use the code: BODYANDBEYOND to get 15% off store-wide, including your first month subscription.
1 hr 9 min
July 28, 202552 Healing Hormones & Reclaiming Power — with Tris Alexander
Tris Alexander is a clinical nutritionist who supports women in balancing hormones, healing from conditions like PCOS, and reclaiming their energy through a holistic lens.
In this conversation, Tris shares her healing journey and the tools she now uses with clients, from food and lifestyle shifts to essential oils and castor oil packs. Her grounded, practical approach empowers women to understand their cycles, support their bodies naturally, and build deeper self-trust along the way.

Expect to learn:
How Tris reversed her PCOS symptoms through holistic health
The importance of menstrual cycle awareness in overall wellness
Why understanding your physiology changes your psychology
How essential oils can support hormonal and emotional wellbeing
What makes a high-quality oil effective (and what to avoid)
The surprising power of castor oil packs for detox and cycle support
Why knowledge is one of the most powerful tools in healing

Hosts:
Gina Nixon ⁠⁠⁠@ginanixon__
Alice Jane ⁠⁠⁠@aliceejane
@transformed_women_coaching
@beyond_the_cravings
Join our Body and Beyond community here on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/bodyandbeyond.community
@bodyandbeyond_podcast

Guest: Tris Alexandra @trisalexandranutrition
www.trisalexandranutrition.com

The Seed Cycle
Use the code: BODYANDBEYOND to get 15% off store-wide, including your first month subscription.
45 min
July 03, 202551 Triggered? Here's How to Heal & Reconnect — with Monique Carmela
Monique Carmela is a relationship coach who helps women and couples deepen intimacy by healing emotional wounds and reconnecting through the body.
Monique is someone we both admire deeply for her grounded presence, her insight into relational dynamics, and her ability to hold space for real transformation. In this conversation, we explore what it truly takes to create conscious, connected relationships — especially when triggers, past wounds, and high emotions are in the mix.
Expect to learn:
Why slowing down is essential for safety and intimacy
How childhood wounds show up in adult relationships
The role of embodiment in healing trauma (without needing to relive it)
Why emotional triggers aren’t problems — they’re invitations
The difference between reaction and response in conflict
Why self-responsibility is the secret to a deeper connection
And how clear communication (outside the heat of the moment) sets relationships up to thrive

Hosts:
Gina Nixon ⁠⁠⁠@ginanixon__
Alice Jane ⁠⁠⁠@aliceejane
Join our Body and Beyond community here on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/bodyandbeyond.community⁠

Guest:
Monique Carmela @moniquecarmela.love
https://www.moniquecarmela.com/

The Seed Cycle
Use the code: BODYANDBEYOND to get 15% off store-wide, including your first month subscription
53 min
January 13, 202550 The next chapter, Life Transitions
In this episode, Alice and Gina have a fun, heart-to-heart catch-up and update on the last few months!
They talk about: Gina’s new chapter of motherhood and birth story, Alice opens up about going through a separation and new chapter as a single woman after 7 years, the level one BSFT Immersion that Alice attended and the Transformed Women Photo shoot day!
It’s a laid-back and uplifting convo about life, growth, and the power of community.
Key Takeaways:
Alice and Gina kick off the episode with updates and a warm welcome to season two.

They discuss the new season’s themes, including personal growth and community support.

Motherhood’s Journey: Gina shares her experiences with low-tox living and how it benefits her family.

Birth and Beyond: Insights into the importance of continuity of care during childbirth and the need for nutrition and self-care in postpartum recovery.

Growth After Breakups: Alice opens up about her recent breakup and the following personal growth.

Supportive Spaces: They discuss the significance of creating a supportive living environment for new starts.

Immersion Impact: Gina and Alice talk about transformative experiences from the BSFT Immersion and Alice’s key take-aways around self trust.

Transformed Women Photoshoot day: Gina’s experience as a new mum and embracing and capturing this new stage of life.

Community Connections: Celebrating the individual journeys of the powerful women at Transformed Women photoshoot day. The power of community and sharing stories of building confidence and self-acceptance.
Chapters Overview:
00:00 Welcome to Body and Beyond Podcast
01:01 Season Two Kickoff and Personal Updates
02:12 Motherhood Reflections
04:40 Birth Story Insights and Continuity of Care
12:36 Postpartum Recovery and Health
13:03 Alice's Breakup and Personal Growth
20:10 New Beginnings and Living Space
20:40 BSFT Immersion Experience
30:17 Self-Discovery and Personal Growth The importance of self-awareness and growth through immersion events is highlighted.
39:07 Empowerment Through Community and Beautiful Transformed Women Photo Shoots
Exciting News!
Registration is now open for the 2025 Transformed Women’s Photo Shoot Day! Celebrate your 2025 health journey and feel empowered in a supportive and fun environment at the end of 2025.
Sign up through the links below:
Linktree for all info
Registration Form
Follow @transformed_women_coaching on Instagram
BSFT IMMERSION
Expressions of interest are now open for the March 2025 BSFT Immersion, tickets will go on sale very soon.
Visit https://bsftimmersion.scoreapp.com to learn more and register your interest
Or email Gina here:
[email protected]
46 min
December 16, 202449 Educating the Next Generation: Jacinta Dubojski on Bullying, Domestic Violence and Healing
In this episode of Body and Beyond podcast, Jacinta Dubojski shares her journey of overcoming bullying, low self-esteem, and domestic violence, and now uses her experiences to inspire others. Through talks at schools and colleges, she helps young women build confidence and practice self-love. Jacinta explains the connection between childhood bullying and being in abusive relationships later in life, stressing the importance of seeking help and healing from past traumas.
She also shares tips on handling online bullying, encouraging people not to take it personally and to focus on their mental health. Jacinta talks about the challenges of leaving an abusive relationship and the strength it takes to ask for support.
Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of self-love, speaking up for yourself, and surrounding yourself with positive influences. Her story shows the power of building confidence, standing up to bullying and abuse, and creating a healthy and supportive environment for growth.
Takeaways
Seeking professional help is crucial for healing from past traumas.

Childhood bullying can contribute to entering abusive relationships later in life.

Building confidence and self-love is essential for overcoming the negative effects of bullying.

Prioritizing mental health and seeking support is important for overall well-being.

Handling online bullying involves recognizing the hurt and insecurity behind the bully's behavior and choosing how to respond. Self-esteem is a journey that requires continuous work and self-acceptance.

Surrounding oneself with positive influences and supportive people is crucial for building self-esteem.

Speaking up against bullying and domestic violence can be challenging, but seeking support from trusted individuals can provide strength and empowerment.

The impact of our environment, including social media and the people we spend time with, can greatly influence our self-esteem.

Leaving an abusive relationship requires courage and support, and it is important to reach out to trusted individuals for help.

Building self-esteem involves practicing self-love, accepting oneself, and challenging negative self-talk.

The journey of building self-esteem is unique for everyone, and it is important to be patient and kind to oneself throughout the process.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jacinta Dibosky's Story
06:41 Seeking Help and Rising Above Trauma
13:29 The Importance of Prioritizing Mental Health and Seeking Support
35:21 Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences
43:10 The Impact of Environment on Self-Esteem
50:26 The Unique Journey of Building Self-Esteem
Body and Beyond is a podcast sparking discussion on all things health, mindset, fitness, goals, and motivation!
We strive to help you to boost your confidence, to take the lead in your own life, to back yourself, and to step into your full potential.
Follow us here on Instagram: @bodyandbeyond_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow us here on Facebook: ⁠⁠bodyandbeyond.podcast
Hosts:
Gina Nixon ⁠⁠⁠@ginanixon__
Alice Jane ⁠⁠⁠@aliceejane ⁠⁠⁠
Join our Body and Beyond community here on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bodyandbeyond.community
Guest:
Jacinta Dubojski @just.anothergirl_
www.justanothergirlproject.com.au
The Seed Cycle
Use the code: BODYANDBEYOND to get 15% off storewide including off your first month subscription.
52 min
September 17, 202448 The Radiance Formula with Sally Grant
In this episode of the Body and Beyond Podcast, we have the incredible Sally Grant, a dermal clinician who shares her journey in the skin industry and shifts towards a holistic approach to skin health.
Sally emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying causes of skin conditions and working with clients to achieve long-term outcomes.
She also dives into:
-The role of gut health, hydration, and environmental toxins in skin health.
-Insights on ingredients to avoid in skincare products
-Sun protection
Sally encourages individuals struggling with their skin to seek guidance from professionals who take a holistic approach and to build a support team for their overall well-being.
Connect with Sally: @sallygrant_dermalclinician_
https://sallygrantholisticskinhealth.com.au/
Book an appointment:
https://www.hermatters.com.au/appointments
Sally is a Dermal Clinician who believes in a realistic and holistic approach to skin health and wellness.
With over 15 years of experience, Sally understands skin concerns can be accompanied by vulnerability, her aim is to offer the most compassionate care possible while educating you on the why behind what she is suggesting for you.
Before setting up the skin wellness studio, Sally spent a large part of her career working alongside a plastic surgeon and a team of skin cancer doctors in a busy clinic.
This role saw her supporting patients on their surgical journey as well as helping patients to manage inflammatory skin conditions and often used laser and light therapies to help patients achieve an outcome with their skin.
Today Sally has a special interest in holistic health and the root cause of skin issues. It's not only about what topical applications are right for your skin but also about the impact overall health, wellness, and stress can have on your skin.
She believes in lowering the toxic load on your body to allow vitality and wellness.
Takeaways
Understanding the underlying causes of skin conditions is crucial for achieving long-term outcomes.

Gut health, hydration, and environmental toxins play a significant role in skin health.

Avoiding harmful ingredients in skincare products is important for skin nourishment.

Using sun protection with caution and considering alternative methods of sun protection, such as hats and seeking shade.

Building a support team of professionals who take a holistic approach can be beneficial for overall well-being.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:27 Taking a Holistic Approach to Skin Health
08:23 The Role of Gut Health and Hydration in Skin Health
10:18 Common Skin Issues and the Importance of Bowel Movements
23:14 Choosing Skincare Products with Nourishing Ingredients
33:37 Sun Protection: Using with Caution
38:48 Building a Support Team for Overall Well-being
Body and Beyond is a podcast sparking discussion on all things health, mindset, fitness, goals, and motivation!
We strive to help you to boost your confidence, to take the lead in your own life, to back yourself, and to step into your full potential.
Follow us here on Instagram: @bodyandbeyond_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us here on Facebook: ⁠⁠bodyandbeyond.podcast
Hosts:
Gina Nixon ⁠⁠⁠@ginanixon__
Alice Jane ⁠⁠⁠@aliceejane ⁠⁠⁠
Join our Body and Beyond community here on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bodyandbeyond.community
The Seed Cycle
Use the code: BODYANDBEYOND to get 15% off store wide including off your first month subscription
43 min
July 18, 202447 The Seductive Trap of Ultra-Processed Foods and Their Impact on Binge Eating
In this episode, Gina and Alice discuss the topic of ultra-processed foods and their impact on our relationship with food. They define ultra-processed foods as foods that are
significantly altered from their original form and contain added ingredients such as sugar, fat, salt, artificial flavors, or preservatives. They highlight the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in today's culture, with the US and UK consuming up to 60% of their caloric intake from these foods. They discuss the reasons behind the rise of ultra-processed foods, including convenience, longer shelf life, cost-effectiveness, and aggressive marketing campaigns.

They also explore the role of ultra-processed foods in disrupting our natural hunger and fullness cues, as well as the importance of mindful eating and balanced meals
in improving our relationship with food.

Reference: Ultra-Processed People: Why Do We
All Eat Stuff That Isn’t Food … and Why Can’t We Stop? by Chris van Tulleken

Takeaways
Ultra-processed foods are significantly altered from their original form and contain added ingredients.

The US and UK consume up to 60% of their caloric intake from ultra-processed foods.

The rise of ultra-processed foods is driven by convenience, longer shelf life, cost-effectiveness, and aggressive marketing campaigns.

Ultra-processed foods disrupt our natural hunger and fullness cues, leading to overeating.

Mindful eating and balanced meals can improve our relationship with food.

Preparation and prioritizing nourishing meals are key to making better food choices.

Avoiding restriction and focusing on abundance of good food can help avoid overeating.

Choosing savory breakfasts over sweet ones can lead to better satiety and food relationships.

Body and Beyond is a podcast sparking discussion on all things health, mindset, fitness, goals, and motivation!

We strive to help you to boost your confidence, to take the lead in your own life, to back yourself, and to step into your full potential.

Follow us here on Instagram: @bodyandbeyond_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us here on Facebook: ⁠⁠bodyandbeyond.podcast ⁠⁠

Hosts:
Gina Nixon ⁠⁠⁠@ginanixon__
Alice Jane ⁠⁠⁠@aliceejane ⁠⁠⁠

Join our Body and Beyond community here on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bodyandbeyond.community

The Seed Cycle
Use the code: BODYANDBEYOND to get 15% off store wide including off your first month subscription.
27 min
May 27, 202446 Transforming Birth Experiences - The Power of Personalised and Informed Care with Jacinta and Talia from Avenir Life Midwifery
Episode #46 we've got the lovely Jacinta Reid and Talia Buckley from Avenir Life Midwifery as our guests on the Body and Beyond Podcast!

Jacinta and Talia chat about their journey into midwifery and the importance of personalised and informed care during the birthing process. They stress the need for women to be educated and empowered to make choices that align with their preferences and values. They highlight the drawbacks of the hospital system, such as unnecessary interventions and lack of individualised care. The convo also touches on topics like induction, continuous monitoring, and the concept of fetal distress.

Overall, the goal is to support women in having positive and empowering birth experiences. We talked about pregnancy and childbirth, addressing common fears and myths. We stressed making informed choices, like home birth and consistent midwifery care. We discussed labour's challenges and the empowering experience of birth. Lastly, we touched on routine procedures and the need for informed consent.

Takeaways
Personalised and informed care is crucial during the birthing process.

Women should be educated and empowered to make choices that align with their preferences and values.

The hospital system often lacks individualised care and relies on unnecessary interventions.

Induction, continuous monitoring, and the concept of fetal distress should be approached with caution and informed decision-making. Trust your body's ability to birth your baby and seek out the right care providers who believe in your ability as well.

Educate yourself and make informed choices about interventions and procedures during pregnancy and childbirth.

The transition phase of labour can be intense and uncomfortable, but it is a transformative experience that leads to the birth of your baby.

Routine procedures after birth, such as delayed cord clamping and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact, can be discussed and chosen based on your preferences.

Informed consent is crucial in all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, including routine procedures and interventions.

Body and Beyond is a podcast sparking discussion on all things health, mindset, fitness, goals, and motivation!
We strive to help you to boost your confidence, to take the lead in your own life, to back yourself, and to step into your full potential.
Follow us here on Instagram: @bodyandbeyond_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us here on Facebook: ⁠⁠bodyandbeyond.podcast ⁠⁠

Hosts:
Gina Nixon ⁠⁠⁠@ginanixon__⁠⁠⁠⁠
Alice Jane ⁠⁠⁠@aliceejane ⁠⁠⁠

Guest:
Avenir Life Midwifery @avenir_life_midwifery
Website: www.avenirlifemidwifery.com.au

Join our Body and Beyond community here on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bodyandbeyond.community

The Seed Cycle
Use the code: BODYANDBEYOND to get 15% off store wide including off your first month subscription.
1 hr 12 min
April 01, 202445 Renee Sahyoun - Part 2. Low Tox Parenting
Episode #45 we have Part 2 of Renee Sahyoun's Story
Today in Episode 45 of the Body and Beyond Podcast we discuss:
Addressing underlying issues with a more holistic approach to healthcare by integrating both conventional medicine and alternative methods.

Her personal experiences with stress and health issues in a high-stress world

The importance of physical environment and the direct positive impact moving had on the family’s health

The concept of a "toxic bucket" and the importance of choosing battles wisely in maintaining health.

How to focus on making gradual changes at home to reduce toxicity.

The challenges of navigating children's parties for parents

Concerns about young girls' skincare habits influenced by social media trends are discussed, highlighting the potential dangers of using skincare products containing harmful toxins, as reported by skincare professionals.

The importance of considering factors like food quality, lifestyle habits, and overall health in weight management.

The benefits of early morning workouts, how it can help establish a consistent sleep schedule and minimize disruptions from daily activities, especially for parents with young children.

How she reflects on their journey towards low-tox living, particularly in relation to household products and baby care items.

Sahyoun shares their evolving perspective on coaching clients, expressing frustration with influencers who promote unhealthy eating habits under the guise of balance.
Body and Beyond is a podcast sparking discussion on all things health, mindset, fitness, goals and motivation!
We strive to help you to boost your confidence, to take the lead in your own life, to back yourself and to step into your full potential.
Follow us here on Instagram:
@bodyandbeyond_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow us here on Facebook: ⁠⁠bodyandbeyond.podcast ⁠⁠

Hosts:
Gina Nixon ⁠⁠⁠@ginanixon__⁠⁠⁠⁠
Alice Jane ⁠⁠⁠@aliceejane ⁠⁠⁠

Guest:
Renee Sahyoun renee_sahyoun
Website: https://liftwithsquad.com/
Join our Body and Beyond community here on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bodyandbeyond.community

The Seed Cycle
Use the code: BODYANDBEYOND to get 15% off store wide including off your first month subscription.
1 hr 1 min
March 01, 2024 44 From Cancer Patient Survivor to Female Strength Coach: Renee Sahyoun's Story
Episode #44 (part one) we have the lovely Renee Sahyoun as our guest on the Body and Beyond Podcast!
Renee, the head at LWS, dedicates her time to coaching and training. With 15 years of coaching experience, she has trained thousands of women through her expertise. Her primary passion lies in providing women with physical strength to face life's challenges, including pregnancy, motherhood, and injuries. Renowned for her precision in lifting techniques, she takes pride in instructing women on proper form to prevent injuries and unlock their full potential. While her training predominantly revolves around weightlifting, she also emphasizes the significance of cardiovascular fitness. Renee firmly believes you should enjoy the results of your labour and work hard to achieve both physical and emotional well-being.
Today on Episode 44 of the Body and Beyond Podcast we discuss:
• Renee's journey from childhood cancer survivor to holistic approach to health and well-being
• Despite facing challenges such as a cancer diagnosis, a chaotic home life, and struggles with body image and mental health experiences, to her transition to fitness and advocacy for balanced wellness, have shaped her into a compassionate advocate for women's health.
• Her emotional journey of parenthood—from conception to pregnancy problems and labour
• Her experience of feeling anxious and uncertain about the future, compounded by the lack of familial support due to COVID-19 restrictions.
• How she sought support from healthcare professionals and mental health resources to address her trauma and anxiety, recognizing the importance of seeking help when needed.
• Renee highlights the importance of reassessing lifestyle choices and surroundings to promote well-being.

Body and Beyond is a podcast sparking discussion on all things health, mindset, fitness, goals and motivation!
We strive to help you to boost your confidence, to take the lead in your own life, to back yourself and to step into your full potential.
Follow us here on Instagram:
⁠⁠⁠@bodyandbeyond_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow us here on Facebook: ⁠⁠bodyandbeyond.podcast ⁠⁠
Hosts:
Gina Nixon ⁠⁠⁠@ginanixon__⁠⁠⁠⁠
Alice Jane ⁠⁠⁠@aliceejane ⁠⁠⁠
Guest:
Renee Sahyoun renee_sahyoun
Website: https://liftwithsquad.com/
Join our Body and Beyond community here on Facebook:
⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/bodyandbeyond.community

The Seed Cycle
Use the code: BODYANDBEYOND to get 15% off store wide including off your first month subscription.

1 hr

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