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

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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

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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


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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, 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:

• The predictable pattern of temporary weight loss and gain
• Why identifying as a "one percenter" from day one is the key to permanent success
• The power of visualisation, using mental imagery to "think and grow thin" 
• Looking at daily habits for health resilience and goal achievement
• Navigating the daily temptation to quit and the importance of recommitting to your goals every single morning
• Fred's three-step strategy for goal achievement

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

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 What if understanding neurodiversity could transform your approach to leadership, teamwork, and everyday relationships?

In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we’re joined by Kelly Bristow, a Chartered Coaching and Business Psychologist, who blends professional expertise with personal experience to shed light on the realities of living and working with neurodiversity.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

What neurodiversity really means in personal and professional life

Practical strategies to support neurodiverse colleagues and clients

How to create inclusive environments that embrace unique strengths

Stories of resilience and self-advocacy from neurodiverse individuals

The role of Health Coaches in supporting wellbeing and self-confidence

Whether you’re a leader, coach, or someone exploring your own neurodiverse identity, this episode offers practical insights and compassionate strategies for building supportive, inclusive environments.

🔗 Discover more: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction & Kelly’s background
1:00 – From teaching psychology to ADHD diagnosis
2:30 – Self-discovery and late diagnosis journey
4:00 – Defining neurodiversity & neurodivergence
6:00 – ADHD beyond stereotypes: focus, hyperactivity & strengths
8:00 – Dopamine, creativity, and energy as advantages
10:00 – Challenges: executive dysfunction & everyday struggles
12:00 – Workplace inclusion & flexible working
14:00 – Job crafting: playing to strengths
16:00 – Breaking stigma & psychological safety at work
18:00 – Why coaches need awareness of neurodiversity
20:00 – Coaching challenges: habits, routines & barriers
22:00 – Creating safe spaces & adapting coaching methods
24:00 – Practical adjustments: breaks, fidgets & session design
26:00 – Coaching approaches: strategy, identity & advocacy
28:00 – Client outcomes: promotions, life changes & confidence
30:00 – Finding Kelly online & her current work
31:00 – Final thoughts: respect lived experiences & language

🌟 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

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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! 

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 stimulants 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 Introduction
01:00 Dr Jaz’s background & clinical experience
02:30 Anxiety, stress & modern lifestyle
04:00 The gut-brain connection
05:30 Nutritional deficiencies & mental health
07:00 Blood sugar balance & anxiety
08:30 Caffeine, alcohol & anxiety triggers
10:00 The role of the nervous system
11:30 Practical nutrition strategies for anxiety
13:00 Supporting clients with small changes
14:30 Supplements & when to consider them
16:00 Sleep, lifestyle & recovery
17:30 Hormones & anxiety
19:00 Working with clients holistically
20:30 Common mistakes in managing anxiety
22:00 Creating sustainable habits
23:30 Advice for Health Coaches
25:00 Final thoughts & key takeaways
26:00 Closing

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

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Can improving your sleep truly transform your health and performance?

In this episode of HCA Talks Health, host Zena le Roux sits down with Giles Watkins, seasoned coach, mentor, and author of Positive Sleep – A Holistic Approach to Resolve Sleep Issues and Transform Your Life.

With over 30 years of global business experience, Giles shares his journey from sleep struggles to holistic solutions — and why better sleep can be life-changing.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

Why “positive sleep” matters more than focusing on the negatives

The hidden cognitive impacts of poor sleep (and how they mirror being intoxicated)

The link between sleep, leadership, and emotional intelligence

Practical tips like body scanning, regular sleep rhythms & magnesium
Why small shifts in sleep habits can transform both health and business

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction & Giles’ background
01:00 – Why Positive Sleep? Reframing the conversation
03:00 – What happens when we don’t sleep enough
05:00 – How poor sleep affects memory, emotions & leadership
07:00 – The four areas leaders struggle with when sleep-deprived
10:00 – Napping research: short vs. full sleep cycles
12:00 – Personal sleep struggles & corporate burnout
14:00 – Why leaders need perspective & empathy for teams
17:00 – How sleep affects emotional regulation & engagement
19:00 – Corporate culture, stress & listening to employees
21:00 – Sleep deprivation vs. drink driving risks
23:00 – Holistic sleep strategies: body scanning, rhythm & magnesium
28:00 – The role of calm, mindfulness & winding down
31:00 – Technology, anxiety & sleep trackers
33:00 – Suppressed emotions, conditioning & sleep disruption
36:00 – Human “doings” vs. human “beings”: importance of rest
37:00 – How Giles supports individuals with sleep issues
39:00 – Coaching, layering small changes & success rate
40:00 – Final thoughts: a good night’s sleep changes everything

Whether you’re a Health Coach, wellness practitioner, or simply looking to sleep better, this episode will inspire you with practical, science-based insights.

🔗 Discover more: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com/health-wellness-podcast

🌟 More from The Health Coaches Academy

Follow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademy
Passionate about wellbeing? Start a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching → https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com

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Your support helps us reach more Health Coaches who need these insights. 

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:

• The nose as a filter and how it connects directly to our brain's emotional centres
• 24/7 breathing efficiency as part of our unconscious breathing patterns vs. breathwork
• The “light, low, slow” framework to induce a relaxation response and move out of a chronic stress state
• How diaphragmatic breathing assists in removing toxins during sleep
• How to correctly position the tongue and improve your airway health

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!

Why are so many women today feeling drained, struggling with mood swings, or finding it hard to feel their best — no matter what they try? The missing link may not be willpower, but nourishment. 

In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we’re joined by Jodi Duval, Naturopathic Physician and founder of Revital Health, who has over 15 years’ experience in women’s health. Jodi unpacks why so many women are undernourished — from hormonal imbalances and nutrient deficiencies to lifestyle pressures and emotional depletion. She also shares practical strategies to restore balance, improve energy, and create sustainable wellbeing. 

🎧 Tune in to discover: 

• The difference between being undernourished and underfed
• How hormonal cycles impact nutrition, cravings, and energy
• Common deficiencies women face (iron, vitamin D, and more)
• The role of emotional and energetic nourishment in health
• Why women often undereat, overexercise, and feel guilt around food
• Practical steps to reset the body’s “set point” for lasting balance
• Plus much more

Whether you’re navigating your own health journey or supporting clients as a coach, this episode will give you powerful insights into how women can reclaim energy, nourishment, and confidence.
 
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
1:20 Why women today are undernourished
5:00 Nutritional vs emotional nourishment
9:40 How hormonal cycles affect energy and food needs
13:00 Signs and symptoms of deficiencies
17:20 The role of lifestyle, stress, and self-care
20:00 Strategies for resetting the body’s “set point”
24:00 Jodi’s holistic approach to testing and treatment
27:00 Simple daily non-negotiables for women’s health
28:00 Final thoughts & how to connect with Jodi

🌱 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!